Mixed: Acuity’s Q4 beats on EPS with AIS-fueled growth; GAAP hit by pension charge, revenue roughly in line

Verdict: Mixed. Acuity Inc. (AYI) delivered strong adjusted profits but softer GAAP results. Q4 FY2025 revenue rose 17% to $1.2 billion, while adjusted EPS of $5.20 beat expectations; GAAP EPS fell 4% to $3.61 due to a $30.9 million non‑cash pension settlement. Shares were up about 1–2% in early trading after the Oct. 1 release. (stocktitan.net)

Growth leaned on the Intelligent Spaces (AIS) segment, boosted by the QSC acquisition, while legacy lighting (ABL) was nearly flat year over year. Adjusted margins widened; GAAP margins slipped slightly on one‑offs. (stocktitan.net)

Sales: Q4 net sales were $1.2B, up 17.1% year over year (vs. $1.03B a year ago), with most of the lift coming from AIS as QSC contributions scaled. ABL revenue was $962M, up just 0.8% year over year. (stocktitan.net)

Profit and margins: Adjusted operating margin expanded to 18.6% (+130 bps). GAAP operating margin was 14.9% (−30 bps), reflecting the pension settlement; GAAP EPS was $3.61 and adjusted EPS was $5.20. Management also noted a one‑time $8.2M tax benefit. (stocktitan.net)

Segments: ABL posted $962M revenue with stronger profitability (about 20% adjusted operating margin). AIS reached $255M revenue with roughly 21% adjusted operating margin as the acquired QSC AV platform integrated into the portfolio. (stocktitan.net)

Against consensus, adjusted EPS beat (Zacks: $4.60). Revenue was approximately in line with estimates around $1.2B. (zacks.com)

Year on year, Q4 revenue rose from $1.03B and adjusted EPS rose from $4.30, but GAAP EPS declined from $3.77 due to the pension item. For the full year, net sales increased 13% to $4.3B; adjusted EPS rose to $18.01, while GAAP EPS declined to $12.53. (investors.acuityinc.com)

Recent setup: Q3 already showed momentum from QSC; the rebrand to “Acuity Inc.” in March underscores the pivot to lighting plus smart‑building and AV. (globenewswire.com)

Operating cash flow for FY2025 was $601M (down modestly year over year). The company repurchased ~$119M of stock, raised its dividend 13% to $0.17 per share, and repaid $200M of term debt while closing the QSC and M3 Innovation deals. Results are preliminary pending the annual audit. (stocktitan.net)

Guidance: No formal FY2026 outlook in the release; listen for any targets on the call.

Integration and mix: AIS growth and margins post‑QSC, and whether ABL can grow beyond flat volumes while holding margins.

One‑offs and quality of earnings: any further pension or restructuring items; sustainability of adjusted margin gains.

Macro/tariffs: demand trends in non‑residential lighting and any tariff cost pass‑throughs.

Audit wrap‑up: final audited FY2025 figures in the 10‑K. (stocktitan.net)

Q4 ended Aug. 31, 2025; reported Oct. 1, 2025. “Adjusted” excludes items such as the pension settlement.