FORM 11-K
Table of Contents

 

 

FORM 11-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Mark One)

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2008

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number 001- 16583

 

 

 

A. Full title of the plans and the address of the plans, if different from that of the Issuer named below:

Acuity Brands, Inc. 401(k) Plan

Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees

Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees

Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees Covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement

 

B. Name of issuer of the securities held pursuant to the plans and the address of the Principal executive office:

Acuity Brands, Inc.

1170 Peachtree Street, NE

Suite 2400

Atlanta, Georgia 30309

 

 

 


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REQUIRED INFORMATION

The following documents are filed as part of this report:

 

1. Audited Financial Statements

Plan financial statements prepared in accordance with the financial reporting requirements of ERISA including the following:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits as of December 31, 2008 and 2007

Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits for the Year Ended December 31, 2008

Notes to Financial Statements

Supplemental Schedule

 

2. Exhibits

The following exhibit is filed with this report:

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the trustees (or other persons who administer the employee benefit plan) have duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: June 29, 2009     By:  

Acuity Brands, Inc.

Plan Administrator

      By:   /s/ Vernon J. Nagel
      Name:   Vernon J. Nagel
      Title:   Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer


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Acuity Brands, Inc.

Selected 401(k) and Retirement Plans

Audited Financial Statements and Supplemental Schedule

At December 31, 2008 and 2007 and for the year ended December 31, 2008

Contents

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   1

Audited Financial Statements

  

Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits

   2

Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits

   4

Notes to Financial Statements

   5

Supplemental Schedule

  

Schedule of Assets (Held at End of Year)

   17

Exhibit Index

   18

 


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Members of the Investment Committee

Acuity Brands, Inc. Selected 401(k) and Retirement Plans

We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits of Acuity Brands, Inc. 401(k) Plan, Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees, Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees, and Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees Covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related statements of changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2008. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plans’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Plans’ internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Plans’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits of the Plans at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the changes in the net assets available for benefits for the year ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Our audits were performed for the purpose of forming an opinion on the financial statements taken as a whole. The accompanying schedule of assets (held at end of year) as of December 31, 2008 is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the financial statements but is supplementary information required by the Department of Labor’s Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. This supplemental schedule is the responsibility of the Plans’ management. The supplemental schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audits of the financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Atlanta, Georgia

June 25, 2009


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Acuity Brands, Inc. Selected 401(k) and Retirement Plans

Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits

December 31, 2008

 

Plan

No.

    

Plan Name

   Plan Interest in
Acuity DC
Trust at Fair
Value
        Participant
Loans
        Excess
Contributions
Payable
         Net Assets
at Fair Value
        Valuation
Adjustment*
        Net Assets
Available
for
Benefits
        Plan
Interest
Percentage

in Acuity
DC Trust

033

     Acuity Brands, Inc.
    401(k) Plan
   $ 142,621,053       $ 2,246,215       $ (11,818      $ 144,855,450       $ 1,601,936       $ 146,457,386       83.5%

067

     Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc.
    401(k) Plan for Hourly
    Employees
     1,942,723         58,086         —             2,000,809         28,573         2,029,382         1.2%

069

     Holophane Division of Acuity
    Brands Lighting 401(k)
    Plan for Hourly
    Employees
     8,022,091         523,557         —             8,545,648         122,578         8,668,226         4.9%

070

     Holophane Division of Acuity
    Brands Lighting 401(k)
    Plan for Hourly
    Employees Covered by a
    Collective Bargaining
    Agreement
     16,919,245         1,007,333         —             17,926,578         378,683         18,305,261       10.4%

See accompanying notes.

 

* Represents adjustment from fair value to contract value for interest in the Acuity DC Trust relative to fully benefit responsive investment contracts.

 

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Acuity Brands, Inc. Selected 401(k) and Retirement Plans

Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits

December 31, 2007

 

Plan

No.

  

Plan Name

   Employer
Contributions
Receivable
   Participant
Contributions
Receivable
   Plan Interest in
Acuity DC
Trust at Fair
Value
   Participant
Loans
   Excess
Contributions
Payable
    Net Assets
at Fair Value
   Valuation
Adjustment*
    Net Assets
Available
for
Benefits
   Plan
Interest
Percentage

in Acuity
DC Trust

033

   Acuity Brands, Inc.
    401(k) Plan
   $ 227,227    $ 464,760    $ 199,243,805    $ 2,595,740    $ (3,731   $ 202,527,801    $ (404,908   $ 202,122,893    85.2%

067

   Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc.
    401(k) Plan for Hourly
    Employees
     479      6,144      2,588,217      103,679      —          2,698,519      (6,966     2,691,553      1.1%

069

   Holophane Division of Acuity
    Brands Lighting 401(k)
    Plan for Hourly
    Employees
     6,432      6,953      10,877,528      401,553      —          11,292,466      (28,016     11,264,450      4.8%

070

   Holophane Division of Acuity
    Brands Lighting 401(k)
    Plan for Hourly
    Employees Covered by a
    Collective Bargaining
    Agreement
     21,091      27,248      20,269,106      819,313      —          21,136,758      (100,169     21,036,589      8.9%

See accompanying notes.

 

* Represents adjustment from fair value to contract value for interest in the Acuity DC Trust relative to fully benefit responsive investment contracts.

 

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Acuity Brands, Inc. Selected 401(k) and Retirement Plans

Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits

Year Ended December 31, 2008

 

Plan

No.

    

Plan Name

   Net Assets
Available for
Benefits at
January 1,
2008
        Employer
Contributions
        Participant
Contributions
        Benefit
Payments
         Net Investment
Loss from

Acuity DC
Trust
         Net Assets
Available for
Benefits at
December 31,

2008
    

033

     Acuity Brands, Inc.
    401(k) Plan
   $ 202,122,893       $ 3,947,735       $ 10,504,357       $ (27,699,485      $ (42,418,114      $ 146,457,386   

067

     Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc.
    401(k) Plan for Hourly
    Employees
     2,691,553         25,229         390,392         (595,542        (482,250        2,029,382   

069

     Holophane Division of Acuity
    Brands Lighting 401(k)
    Plan for Hourly
    Employees
     11,264,450         283,230         309,059         (879,238        (2,309,275        8,668,226   

070

     Holophane Division of Acuity
    Brands Lighting 401(k)
    Plan for Hourly
    Employees Covered by a
    Collective Bargaining
    Agreement
     21,036,589         528,259         662,550         (1,305,122        (2,617,015        18,305,261   

See accompanying notes.

 

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Acuity Brands, Inc. Selected 401(k) and Retirement Plans

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2008

1. Description of the Plans

General

The financial position of Acuity Brands, Inc. 401(k) Plan, Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees, Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees, and Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees Covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (collectively, the “Plans”) is included in the accompanying financial statements. The assets of the Plans other than participant loans are included in the Acuity Brands, Inc. Defined Contribution Plans Master Trust (the “Acuity DC Trust”). The Plans are subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”).

Employer matching amounts are allocated in accordance with the participant’s current investment elections for elective deferrals at the time the match is funded.

Effective January 1, 2008, all plans were amended and restated. The names of three of the plans were changed at the time of restatement as follows: Acuity Lighting Group, Inc. 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees became Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees; Holophane Division of Acuity Lighting Group 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees became Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees; and Holophane Division of Acuity Lighting Group 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees Covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement became Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees Covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement. Since then, the following plan amendments have been executed:

Acuity Brands, Inc. 401(K) Plan amendment No.1 added installments as an optional form of benefit; eliminated any required minimum amount for the making of a hardship or after-tax contribution withdrawal; and allowed for in-service withdrawals from rollover contributions or upon attainment of age 59 1/ 2; and eliminated annuity optional forms of benefits. Amendment No.2 was related to post-severance compensation pursuant to the final regulations under Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) and increased the maximum percentage a participant may contribute to the Plan on a before-tax basis. Amendment No.3 clarified plan document language; no substantive changes were made to the plan.

Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. 401(K) Plan for Hourly Employees amendment No.1 added installments as an optional form of benefit; eliminated any required minimum amount for the making of a hardship or after-tax contribution withdrawal; and allowed for in-service withdrawals from rollover contributions or upon attainment of age 59 1/2. Amendment No.2 permitted members of the IBEW 613 union to participate in the Plan. Amendment No.3 was related to post-severance compensation pursuant to the final regulations under Section 415 of the Code. Amendment No.4 clarified plan document language; no substantive changes were made to the plan.

Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(K) Plan for Hourly Employees amendment No.1 permitted all Plan participants to make hardship withdrawals and eliminated any required minimum amount for the making of hardship withdrawals. Amendment No.2 was related to post-severance compensation pursuant to the final regulations under Section 415 of the Code and increased the maximum percentage a participant may contribute to the Plan on a before-tax basis. Amendment No.3 clarified plan document language; no substantive changes were made to the plan.

Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(K) Plan for Hourly Employees Covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement amendment No.1 permitted all Plan participants to make hardship withdrawals and eliminated any required minimum amount for the making of hardship withdrawals. Amendment No.2 was related to post-severance compensation pursuant to the final regulations under Section 415 of the Code. Amendment No.3 clarified plan document language ; no substantive changes were made to the plan.

Refer to the respective summary plan description or plan agreement for additional information about the Plans’ eligibility, funding, allocation, vesting, and benefit provisions.

 

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Acuity Brands, Inc. Selected 401(k) and Retirement Plans

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

1. Description of the Plans (continued)

Eligibility and Forfeitures

Each of the Plans is a defined contribution plan. The Plans cover substantially all domestic salaried, commissioned, union and non-union hourly employees of Acuity Brands, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“the Company”). Employees of certain unions who have elected not to participate in such Plans and foreign employees of the Company are not eligible to participate.

Employees have immediate eligibility upon attaining the age requirement. The Plans further provide that forfeitures of Employer contributions may be used to pay plan administrative expenses or Employer contributions.

In the event of the cessation of operation of a plant, or the discontinuance of a segment of the Company’s business, plan participants shall automatically become fully vested in Employer contributions upon termination.

Loans

Participants may borrow the lesser of 50% of their vested balance or $50,000 (reduced by the excess of the participant’s highest outstanding loan balance from the twelve months prior to the loan request). Participants agree to loan repayment terms upon endorsement of the borrowed funds. Only one outstanding general-purpose loan and one residence loan, a loan issued for the purchase of a primary residence, are permitted during a calendar year. The Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees and the Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees Covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement are the only Plans which allow for residential loans.

Loan repayments must be substantially equal in amount over the term of the loan and must be made by payroll deduction on an after-tax basis. General-purpose loans must be repaid within five years and residential loans must be repaid within ten years.

Loan repayments may be suspended, at the discretion of the Company, for a period of not more than twelve months if a participant is on unpaid leave of absence, disability, or military service. Upon return, the loan will be amortized over the initial loan repayment period.

Administration

Administration of the Plans is the responsibility of the members of the Company’s Investment Committee, which are designated by the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Acuity Brands, Inc. All administrative expenses of the Plans were paid by either the Company or plan forfeitures during the year ended December 31, 2008.

Plan Termination

Although the Company intends for the Plans to be permanent, the Plans provide the Company the right to discontinue contributions or to terminate the Plans at any time.

In the event of a plan termination, each respective participant shall be 100% vested in the balance of his/her account and his/her proportionate share of any future adjustments or forfeitures.

In October 2008, the Company announced the planned closures of the Austin, Texas and Holophane Utica, Ohio facilities. The closures are scheduled to occur in 2009. As a result, the Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees will incur a full Plan termination once both the locations are closed. The Plan termination will cause any unvested accounts to become fully vested and nonforfeitable.

In October 2008, the Company announced a staff reduction of the IBEW union employees at the Holophane Newark, Ohio facility. The staff reduction is scheduled to occur in 2009. As a result, the Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees Covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement will incur a partial Plan termination following the staff reduction. The partial plan termination will cause any unvested accounts of the IBEW employees affected by the termination to become fully vested and nonforfeitable.

Investment in Parties-In-Interest Common Stock

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the percentage of the Acuity DC Trust’s net assets invested in the common stock of Acuity Brands, Inc. was 3.5% and 3.3% respectively.

 

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Acuity Brands, Inc. Selected 401(k) and Retirement Plans

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

Funding Policy

The basis for determining participant (pre-tax) and Employer contributions is as follows:

 

Plan Name

    

Participant

Contributions

  

Employer Contributions

Acuity Brands, Inc. 401(k) Plan

     1% to 25% of compensation   

Matching contribution of 60% of the first 6% of participant compensation.

 

Supplemental contributions for employees who on December 31, 2002 were active participants in the Acuity Brands, Inc. Pension Plan, which was frozen on that date are made at the end of each plan year to eligible participants who are non-highly compensated employees and who are employed on the last day of the plan year.

 

Effective June 1, 2006, automatic enrollment was implemented for all new hires at 3% deferral.

Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees

     1% to 25% of compensation   

Plan provides that the matching contribution for hourly employees of Hydrel and Lithonia will be equal to 25% of the first 15% of a participant’s contributions.

 

Teamsters Local Union 673 – Midwest Regional Warehouse employees received an employer contribution equal to $.09 per hour worked in 2008 regardless of whether they made participant deferrals to the plan.

 

Employees at all other locations participating in the plan do not receive an employer contribution.

Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting
401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees

     1% to 25% of compensation   

Employees of Utica, Ohio hired on or after December 1, 2001 – 60% of participant contribution up to 6% of compensation.

 

Employees of Metal Optics – 50% of participant contribution up to 6% of compensation.

 

All other employees of Holophane – 33% of participant contribution up to 6% of compensation, plus a discretionary basic contribution of 5% of annual compensation.

 

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Acuity Brands, Inc. Selected 401(k) and Retirement Plans

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

Funding Policy (continued)

 

Plan Name

    

Participant

Contributions

  

Employer Contributions

Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees Covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement

    

1% to 25% of

compensation

  

IBEW Local 1853 – Effective April 1, 2003 the basic additional contribution was increased to 5% of annual compensation. Participating employees hired prior to December 16, 2001 receive match of 30% of the first 5% of compensation, plus basic 5% of annual compensation. Participating employees hired on or after December 16, 2001 receive a matching contribution of 50% of the first 6% of compensation.

 

AFGWU Local Nos. 4, 105 and 525 – Effective August 8, 2007, for participating employees hired prior to August 5, 2002, 30% of the first 6% of compensation. Additional basic contribution of 5% of annual compensation. Participating employees hired on or after August 5, 2002 receive a matching contribution of 60% of the first 6% of participant deferrals. Prior to August 8, 2007, for participating employees hired prior to August 5, 2002, 25% of the first 6% of compensation. Additional basic contribution of 5% of annual compensation. Participating employees hired on or after August 5, 2002 receive a matching contribution of 50% of the first 6% of compensation.

 

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Acuity Brands, Inc. Selected 401(k) and Retirement Plans

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Accounting

The accounts of the Plans are maintained by the trustee, Merrill Lynch National Trust Company, on the cash basis of accounting. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared using the accrual method of accounting.

Investments

The investments in the Acuity DC Trust are subject to certain administrative guidelines and limitations as to the type and amount of securities held. Fund assets are allocated to selected independent investment managers to invest under these guidelines.

Investments of the Acuity DC Trust are stated at fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). Please see Notes 3 and 8 for further discussion of fair value measurements.

The Acuity DC Trust holds investments in synthetic guaranteed investment contracts (“synthetic GICs” or “wrap contracts”) as part of the Stable Value Fund. The synthetic GICs each hold a diversified portfolio of investment contracts backed by high-quality bonds including corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, government securities, or units of collective trust funds holding corporate and government bonds. Bonds or units of collective trust funds are held in the name of the Acuity DC Trust. The synthetic GICs or wrap contracts have features that provide for variable interest crediting rates which are credited to the contract value of the contracts’ underlying holdings. As required by FSP AAG INV-1 and SOP 94-4-1, the investments in synthetic GICs deemed to be fully benefit responsive are presented at fair value on the Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits in the column Plan Interest in Acuity DC Trust. An adjustment column has also been included in the Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits so that ending value of the synthetic GICs are recorded at contract value in the Net Assets Available for Benefits.

Contract value represents contributions made under the contract, plus earnings, less member withdrawals and administrative expenses. Members may ordinarily direct the withdrawal and transfer of all or a portion of their investment at contract value. The crediting interest rate is based on a mutually agreed upon formula that resets on a monthly basis depending on the performance of the underlying investments being managed. The minimum crediting rate is 0%.

Certain events limit the ability of the Plans to transact at contract value with the issuer. These events include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) amendments to the Plan documents that materially and adversely affect the risk borne by the contract issuer, unless otherwise approved by the issuer, (2) bankruptcy of the Plans’ sponsor or other Plans’ sponsor events which cause a significant withdrawal from the Plans, or (3) the failure of the Acuity DC Trust to qualify for exemption from federal income taxes or any required prohibited transaction exemption under ERISA. Acuity Brands does not believe that the occurrence of any event limiting the Plans’ ability to transact at contract value with members is probable.

The contract issuers can only terminate the contract under very limited circumstances, such as Acuity Brands or the investment fund managers breaching any of their material obligations under the agreement, or upon completion of specified periods of time following notice periods. Acuity Brands does not believe it is likely that the contracts will be terminated.

The average yield of the Stable Value Fund based on actual earnings was approximately 4.26% and 5.00% at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The average yield credited to members reflecting all investments in the Stable Value Fund was approximately 4.19% and 4.99% at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the fair values of the underlying assets of the synthetic GICs were $55,663,879 and $55,127,633, respectively, and the values of the wrap contracts and book valuation adjustments included in the Acuity DC Trust were $2,193,854 and ($540,059).

 

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Acuity Brands, Inc. Selected 401(k) and Retirement Plans

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and the differences could be significant.

3. Acuity DC Trust

The Acuity DC Trust is a collective investment of the assets of participating employee benefit plans of the Company. Trust assets are allocated among participating plans by assigning to each plan those transactions (primarily contributions and benefit payments) which can be specifically identified and distributed among all plans, in proportion to the fair value of the assets assigned to each plan, income and expenses resulting from the collective investment of the assets of the Trust. The fair value of net assets of the Acuity DC Trust is presented below as of December 31, 2008 and 2007.

 

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Acuity Brands, Inc. Selected 401(k) and Retirement Plans

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

3. Acuity DC Trust (continued)

 

           Plans’ Percentage Interest  
     2008     Plan     Plan     Plan     Plan  
     Value     No. 033     No. 067     No. 069     No. 070  

Mutual Funds

          

Vanguard S & P 500 Index

   $ 17,713,767      89.39   1.66   3.46   5.49

American Century Equity Income

     12,526,841      88.13   0.58   5.56   5.73

T. Rowe Price Mid Cap Growth

     9,831,620      82.80   0.61   5.57   11.02

Templeton Foreign

     6,724,828      90.86   0.58   3.53   5.03

CRM Mid Cap Value

     6,495,117      91.10   0.63   3.55   4.72

Vanguard Explorer

     5,630,237      85.95   0.85   4.63   8.57

T Rowe Price Growth Stock

     5,072,491      85.48   0.90   4.65   8.97

Northern Small Cap Value

     4,622,506      90.91   0.90   4.66   3.53
                

Total Mutual Funds

     68,617,407           

Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts

          

Money Market Fund

     1,798,637      99.53   —        0.21   0.26

Corporate Bonds

     29,590      100.00   —        —        —     

Mutual Funds

     461,239      100.00   —        —        —     

Common Stocks

     2,248,116      86.68   —        1.76   11.56
                

Total Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts

     4,537,582           

Common Stock Fund

          

Acuity Brands Stock

     5,959,738      93.56   1.41   3.10   1.93
                

Total Common Stock

     5,959,738           

Common/Collective Trusts

          

Dow Jones Target Today Fund

     3,381,077      74.47   1.96   9.34   14.23

Dow Jones Target 2025 Fund

     12,702,870      91.14   1.36   2.99   4.51

Dow Jones Target 2045 Fund

     2,880,353      88.06   0.65   6.76   4.53

Dow Jones Target 2015 Fund

     3,051,405      87.78   2.22   2.98   7.02

Dow Jones Target 2035 Fund

     3,883,283      85.56   1.51   7.01   5.92

SSGA Bond Index

     7,326,376      92.84   0.92   2.96   3.28
                

Total Common/Collective Trusts

     33,225,364           

Synthetic GIC Fund

          

INVESCO Stable Value

     57,102,683      75.15   1.34   5.75   17.76
                

Total Investments

     169,442,774           

Accrued Investment Income

     3,748           

Adjustments for pending trades

     81,080           
                

Total Assets

     169,527,602           

Accrued expenses and other

     (22,490        
                

Net Assets at fair value

     169,505,112           

Valuation Adjustment

     2,131,770           
                

Net Assets of the Acuity DC Trust

   $ 171,636,882           
                

 

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Acuity Brands, Inc. Selected 401(k) and Retirement Plans

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

3. Acuity DC Trust (continued)

 

           Plans’ Percentage Interest  
     2007     Plan     Plan     Plan     Plan  
     Value     No. 033     No. 067     No. 069     No. 070  

Mutual Funds

          

Vanguard S & P 500 Index

   $ 30,780,807      89.68   1.64   3.54   5.14

American Century Equity Income

     18,360,054      89.42   0.60   5.10   4.88

T. Rowe Price Mid Cap Growth

     17,607,952      82.98   0.65   6.32   10.05

Templeton Foreign

     14,592,732      92.51   0.35   3.40   3.74

CRM Mid Cap Value

     11,969,491      92.13   0.39   3.80   3.68

Vanguard Explorer

     9,585,962      85.07   1.36   5.21   8.35

T Rowe Price Growth Stock

     8,631,258      85.24   1.15   5.16   8.45

Northern Small Cap Value

     6,675,302      90.40   0.73   5.40   3.48
                

Total Mutual Funds

     118,203,558           

Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts

          

Money Market Fund

     1,326      —        —        100.00   —     

Mutual Funds

     4,255,119      93.99   —        0.20   5.81

Common Stocks

     2,784,461      92.29   —        4.50   3.21
                

Total Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts

     7,040,906           

Common Stock Funds

          

Zep Stock Fund Frozen

     975,669      92.30   1.24   4.18   2.28

Acuity Brands Stock

     7,734,834      93.15   1.51   3.45   1.89
                

Total Common Stock

     8,710,503           

Common/Collective Trusts

          

Dow Jones Target Today Fund

     4,081,553      74.27   1.86   11.31   12.56

Dow Jones Target 2025 Fund

     18,302,162      90.84   1.79   3.01   4.36

Dow Jones Target 2045 Fund

     4,122,911      86.49   0.72   7.91   4.87

Dow Jones Target 2015 Fund

     3,845,072      88.75   1.86   3.07   6.32

Dow Jones Target 2035 Fund

     5,992,723      85.79   1.41   7.81   4.99

SSGA Bond Index

     6,081,570      92.58   0.54   3.00   3.89
                

Total Common/Collective Trusts

     42,425,991           

Synthetic GIC Fund

          

INVESCO Stable Value

     56,482,538      74.97   1.29   5.19   18.55
                

Total Investments

     232,863,496           

Accrued Investment Income

     130,726           

Adjustments for pending trades

     49,786           
                

Total Assets

     233,044,008           

Accrued expenses and other

     (65,352        
                

Net Assets at fair value

     232,978,656           

Valuation Adjustment

     (540,059        
                

Net Assets of the Acuity DC Trust

   $ 232,438,597           
                

 

12


Table of Contents

Acuity Brands, Inc. Selected 401(k) and Retirement Plans

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

3. Acuity DC Trust (continued)

The following investments are the components of the synthetic GICs:

DC Plans Master Trust Stable Value Fund

 

Contract Issuer

  

Security

   2008
Fair Value
   2008 Valuation
Adjustment
    2008 Contract
Value

103-12 Investment Entities:

          

ING Life & Annuity

   IGT INVESCO Short Term Bond    $ 6,850,624    $ 260,945      $ 7,111,569

Monumental

   IGT MxMGR Core      8,442,298      402,525        8,844,823

NATIXIS Capital Markets

   IGT INVESCO Short Term Bond      13,292,528      493,856        13,786,384

Pacific Life Insurance

   IGT MxMGR Int G/C      9,884,079      354,940        10,239,019

Rabobank Nederland

   IGT MxMGR Int G/C      10,409,175      371,814        10,780,989

State Street Bank

   IGT INVESCO Short Term Bond      6,785,175      247,690        7,032,865
                        

Subtotal

        55,663,879      2,131,770        57,795,649

Wrap Contracts

        62,084             62,084

Cash

          

State Street Bank

   Cash      1,376,720             1,376,720
                        

Total

      $ 57,102,683    $ 2,131,770      $ 59,234,453
                        
          

Contract Issuer

  

Security

   2007
Fair Value
   2007 Valuation
Adjustment
    2007 Contract
Value

103-12 Investment Entities:

          

ING Life & Annuity

   IGT INVESCO Short Term Bond    $ 7,097,505    $ (63,322   $ 7,034,183

Monumental

   IGT MxMGR Core      8,434,056      (6,566     8,427,490

NATIXIS Capital Markets

   IGT INVESCO Short Term Bond      13,334,598      (164,087     13,170,511

Rabobank Nederland

   IGT MxMGR Int G/C      9,883,703      (120,757     9,762,946

State Street Bank

   IGT INVESCO Short Term Bond      6,437,095      (55,694     6,381,401

UBS AG

   IGT MxMGR Int G/C      9,940,676      (129,633     9,811,043
                        

Subtotal

        55,127,633      (540,059     54,587,574

Wrap Contracts

                   

Cash

          

State Street Bank

   Cash      1,354,905             1,354,905
                        

Total

      $ 56,482,538    $ (540,059   $ 55,942,479
                        

Investment results of the Acuity DC Trust for the year ended December 31, 2008 are as follows:

 

Interest income

   $ 2,373,560   

Net depreciation in fair value of common stock (quoted market prices)

     (1,295,430

Net investment loss from common/collective trust funds (quoted redemption values)

     (9,040,479

Net investment loss from mutual funds (quoted market prices)

     (39,864,305
        

Investment Results

   $ (47,826,654
        

 

13


Table of Contents

Acuity Brands, Inc. Selected 401(k) and Retirement Plans

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

3. Acuity DC Trust (continued)

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, (“SFAS No. 157”), Acuity Brands determines a fair value measurement based on the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. SFAS No. 157 established a three-tiered hierarchy making a distinction between market participant assumptions based on (i) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets (Level 1), (ii) inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2), and (iii) unobservable inputs that reflect Acuity Brands’ best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability including consideration of the risk inherent in the valuation technique and the risk inherent in the inputs to the model (Level 3).

The following table presents information about the Acuity DC Trust’s assets as of December 31, 2008:

 

          Fair Value Measurements
as of December 31, 2008

Assets

   Fair Value
as of
December 31, 2008
   Quoted Market
Prices in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)

Mutual Funds

   $ 68,617,407    $ 68,617,407    $    $

Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts

     4,537,582      4,537,582          

Common Stock

     5,959,738      5,959,738          

Common/Collective Trusts

     33,225,364           33,225,364     

103-12 Investment Entities

     55,663,879           55,663,879     

Wrap Contracts

     62,084                62,084

Stable Value Fund Cash

     1,376,720      1,376,720          
               
   $ 169,442,774         
               

The table below presents a summary of changes in the fair value of the Acuity DC Trust’s Level 3 assets for the year ended December 31, 2008:

 

     Year ended
December 31, 2008
     Wrap Contracts

Balance, beginning of year

   $

Realized gains/(losses)

    

Unrealized gain relating to instruments still held at the reporting date

     62,084

Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements, net

    
      

Balance, end of year

   $ 62,084
      

 

14


Table of Contents

Acuity Brands, Inc. Selected 401(k) and Retirement Plans

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

4. Income Tax Status

The Plans have received determination letters from the Internal Revenue Service stating that the Plans are qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and therefore, the related Trust is exempt from taxation. Subsequent to these determinations by the Internal Revenue Service, the Plans were amended and/or restated. Once qualified, the Plans are required to operate in conformity with the Code to maintain their qualification. The Plan sponsor indicated that it will take the necessary steps, if any, to bring the Plans’ operations into compliance with the Code.

5. Benefits Payable

The following Plans had benefit payments that were approved for payment prior to December 31, but were not paid until subsequent to December 31:

 

Plan
No.

  

Plan Name

   2008    2007

033

   Acuity Brands, Inc. 401(k) Plan    $             —        $     111,133  

These benefit payments represent a reconciling item between the financial statements and Form 5500. An additional reconciling item is related to the difference between the carrying value of synthetic GICs in the financial statements (contract value) and Form 5500 (fair value) in the amount of $2,131,770. The Form 5500 has not yet been finalized. As such, the differences may vary. However, these differences are not expected to be material.

6. Excess Contributions Payable

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, liabilities for excess contributions for the Acuity Brands, Inc. 401(k) Plan (Plan No. 033), as defined by the Code, were $11,818 and $3,731, respectively.

7. Risks and Uncertainties

The Plans invest in various investment securities. Investment securities are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, market, and credit risks. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect participants’ account balances and the amounts reported in the statements of net assets available for benefits.

8. Fair Value Measurements

In accordance with SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, (“SFAS No. 157”), Acuity Brands determines a fair value measurement based on the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. Investments of the Acuity DC Trust, including guaranteed investment contracts (“GICs”), are stated at fair value, as determined by the trustee from quoted market prices in an active market, quoted redemption values, or as determined by the Investment Manager using generally accepted valuation procedures for GICs. Securities traded on a national exchange are valued at the last reported sales price on the last business day of the plan year; investments traded in the over-the-counter market and listed securities for which no sale was reported on the last day of the plan year are valued at the last reported bid price.

The fair value of wrap contracts is determined by calculating the present value of excess future wrap fees. When the replacement cost of a wrap contract (a re-pricing provided annually by the contract issuer) is greater than the current wrap fee, the difference is converted into the implied additional fee payment cash flows for the duration of the holding. The present value of that cash flow stream is calculated using a swap curve yield that is based on the duration of the holding and adjusted for the holding’s credit quality rating.

The following table presents information about the Plans’ assets as of December 31, 2008:

 

15


Table of Contents

Acuity Brands, Inc. Selected 401(k) and Retirement Plans

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

8. Fair Value Measurements (continued)

 

                    Fair Value Measurements
as of December 31, 2008

Plan No.

  

Plan Name

  

Assets

   Fair Value
as of
December 31, 2008
   Quoted Market
Prices in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets

(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)

033

   Acuity Brands, Inc. 401(k) Plan    Participant Loans    $ 2,246,215          $ 2,246,215
      Investment in Master Trust      142,621,053         
                     
           144,867,268         

067

   Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees    Participant Loans      58,086            58,086
      Investment in Master Trust      1,942,723         
                     
           2,000,809         

069

   Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees    Participant Loans      523,557            523,557
      Investment in Master Trust      8,022,091         
                     
           8,545,648         

070

   Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement    Participant Loans      1,007,333            1,007,333
      Investment in Master Trust      16,919,245         
                     
         $ 17,926,578         

The table below presents a summary of changes in the fair value of the Plans’ level 3 assets for the year ended December 31, 2008:

 

          Year ended December 31, 2008

Plan No.

  

                                                     Plan Name

   Balance,
Beginning of Year
   Purchases, sales,
issuances, and

settlements, net
    Balance,
End of Year

033

   Acuity Brands, Inc. 401(k) Plan    $ 2,595,740    $ (349,525   $ 2,246,215

067

   Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees      103,679      (45,593     58,086

069

   Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees      401,553      122,004        523,557

070

   Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement      819,313      188,020        1,007,333

 

16


Table of Contents

Acuity Brands, Inc.

Selected 401(k) and Retirement Plans

Schedule H, Line 4i

Schedule of Assets (Held at End of Year)

December 31, 2008

 

Plan Name

   Plan
No.
   EIN #   

Identity of Issue *

  

Description of

Investment Varying

Maturity Dates and

Interest Rates

Ranging from:

   Current
Value

Acuity Brands, Inc. 401(k) Plan

   033    58-2632672    Participant Loans   

5.00% to 9.50%

(various maturity dates)

   $ 2,246,215

Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees

   067    58-2632672    Participant Loans   

5.00% to 9.25%

(various maturity dates)

     58,086

Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees

   069    58-2632672    Participant Loans   

5.00% to 9.25%

(various maturity dates)

     523,557

Holophane Division of Acuity Brands Lighting 401(k) Plan for Hourly Employees Covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement

   070    58-2632672    Participant Loans   

5.00% to 9.25%

(various maturity dates)

     1,007,333

 

* Represents a party in interest

 

17


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

23.1    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

18