Acuity Brands (NYSE: AYI) reported Q4 EPS of $2.35, $0.32 better than the analyst estimate of $2.03. Revenue for the quarter came in at $891 million versus the consensus estimate of $828.4 million.

Neil Ashe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Acuity Brands, commented, “Our company achieved strong financial results in the fourth quarter despite the backdrop of a weak market environment associated with the COVID-19 pandemic which continues to negatively impact our end markets. We were able to manage to a 5% decline in sales while balancing a strategic investment in price and maintaining our gross profit margins. The fiscal year 2020 full-year net cash from operating activities was a record $505 million as we effectively managed our working capital in this challenging environment.”

Outlook

Mr. Ashe commented, “We continued to demonstrate the durability of our business and our ability to generate cash despite challenging market conditions. We believe the uncertainty around the economic recovery due to the COVID-19 pandemic remains and, as a result, we expect weakness in nonresidential building activity based on current construction indicators. As we look forward to fiscal 2021, we see an opportunity to leverage our expanded product portfolio in lighting, lighting controls, and intelligent buildings along with our investment in our digital transformation to expand market share.”

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