AYI - Acuity Brands, Inc.
| Previous Close | 129.89 |
| Open | 130.94 |
| Bid | 0.00 x 1100 |
| Ask | 0.00 x 1000 |
| Day's Range | 129.93 - 132.36 |
| 52 Week Range | 103.48 - 173.01 |
| Volume | 469,651 |
| Avg. Volume | 427,963 |
| Market Cap | 5.177B |
| Beta (3Y Monthly) | 1.33 |
| PE Ratio (TTM) | 14.87 |
| EPS (TTM) | 8.82 |
| Earnings Date | Apr 2, 2019 - Apr 8, 2019 |
| Forward Dividend & Yield | 0.52 (0.40%) |
| Ex-Dividend Date | 2019-01-17 |
| 1y Target Est | 144.25 |
- Markit•3 days ago
See what the IHS Markit Score report has to say about Acuity Brands Inc.
Acuity Brands Inc NYSE:AYIView full report here! Summary * Perception of the company's creditworthiness is neutral * ETFs holding this stock have seen outflows over the last one-month * Bearish sentiment is low Bearish sentimentShort interest | PositiveShort interest is low for AYI with fewer than 5% of shares on loan. The last change in the short interest score occurred more than 1 month ago and implies that there has been little change in sentiment among investors who seek to profit from falling equity prices. Money flowETF/Index ownership | NegativeETF activity is negative. Over the last one-month, outflows of investor capital in ETFs holding AYI totaled $16.95 billion. Additionally, the rate of outflows appears to be accelerating. Economic sentimentPMI by IHS Markit | NeutralAccording to the latest IHS Markit Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data, output in the Consumer Goods sector is rising. The rate of growth is weak relative to the trend shown over the past year, however. Credit worthinessCredit default swap | NeutralThe current level displays a neutral indicator. AYI credit default swap spreads are within the middle of their range for the last three years.Please send all inquiries related to the report to score@ihsmarkit.com.Charts and report PDFs will only be available for 30 days after publishing.This document has been produced for information purposes only and is not to be relied upon or as construed as investment advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, IHS Markit disclaims any responsibility or liability, whether in contract, tort (including, without limitation, negligence), equity or otherwise, for any loss or damage arising from any reliance on or the use of this material in any way. Please view the full legal disclaimer and methodology information on pages 2-3 of the full report.
- Zacks•10 days ago
Why Is Acuity Brands (AYI) Up 2% Since Last Earnings Report?
Acuity Brands (AYI) reported earnings 30 days ago. What's next for the stock? We take a look at earnings estimates for some clues.
- Simply Wall St.•10 days ago
Does Acuity Brands, Inc.’s (NYSE:AYI) Past Performance Indicate A Stronger Future?
Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card! Measuring Acuity Brands, Inc.'s (NYSE:AYI) track recordRead More...
- InvestorPlace•19 days ago
7 S&P 500 Stocks That Need a New CEO
A recent study has found that when a CEO and the board disagree about a company's strategy, the company's likely to see an improvement in performance over the long haul by firing the chief executive. What this suggests is that underperforming S&P 500 stocks can sometimes generate improved returns by simply parting ways with the CEO. With expectations incredibly high, it's becoming quite common for CEOs to leave their jobs. In 2018, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a Chicago-based outplacement service, 1,452 CEOs at companies with more than 10 employees left their jobs in 2018, 25% more than the year before. One of the reasons for better long-term stock performance from companies who make a CEO change is that the new person brought in is given long-term incentives like restricted stock units. The old management team was more likely to have greater short-term incentives like cash bonuses, reducing the desire to think bigger picture. InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips So, if you own any S&P 500 stocks that are currently underperforming, you might contact the board to press your case for a change, much like activist investors do. * 10 Stocks to Sell in February For those who aren't sure if the CEO of the company whose stock you own should be shown the door, I'll give you seven examples of S&P 500 companies where a change in leadership would do the stock some good. Source: Shutterstock ### Les Wexner, L Brands (LB) It's hard to knock a CEO who has done as much in the retail business as Les Wexner, but there comes a time when a founder needs to let go of the reigns. Founded by Wexner in Columbus, Ohio, in 1963, L Brands' (NYSE:LB) biggest brand, Victoria's Secret, has been on a downward spiral since 2016, when Wexner replaced the banner's CEO, Sharon Tunney, installing himself as its chief executive. Last July, I suggested investors consider L Brands' downtrodden stock despite the fact it was obvious that Victoria's Secret was still struggling. I just couldn't imagine the iconic retailer stepping away from L Brands until he'd righted the ship. At the time it was trading around $31. Down several dollars from last July's price, I think it's time he considers finding someone to run the entire company -- he would remain as Executive Chairman -- and not just Victoria's Secret. Same-store sales were flat in December and that was only because Bath & Body Works grew same-store sales by 11% in the all-important month on the calendar. Year to date, Victoria's Secret's seen same-store sales decline by 2%, 700 basis points higher than a year earlier. L Brands' overall business improved in 2018. It's time to make a big hire who can fill Wexner's shoes and get the stock moving higher. Source: Via LyondellBasell ### Bhavesh Patel, LyondellBasell (LYB) I've recommended LyondellBasell (NYSE:LYB) twice since 2016. The first time was in October of that year, suggesting the combination of an attractive dividend yield of more than 4% combined with free cash flow of $3.5 billion made it a very appealing stock buy. The second time was seven months later, in May 2017. My rationale continued on the previous theme of providing investors with good dividend income from the consistent generation of free cash flow. Since then, the chemical company's stock has risen about 10% but is trading well off its 52-week high of $121.14. CEO Bob Patel has been in the chief executive's role since January 2015 after spending five years in senior management roles with the company. Since being promoted to the top role, LyondellBasell stock has appreciated by 8.8% or 2.4% on an annualized basis. If not for the 4.6% dividend yield, investors would really be left holding the bag. LyondellBasell might be one of Fortune's "World's Most Admired Companies" but the CEO has done little to move the company's stock since taking over. By comparison, over the past three years, specialty chemical peers averaged an annualized total return of 16.3% according to Morningstar, more than double LyondellBasell's three-year average. * 7 High-Dividend Stocks Yielding More Than 5% (Plus a Bonus) I've recommended LYB stock twice in the past, There won't be a third time until it gets a new CEO. Source: Shutterstock ### Jim Hackett, Ford (F) You either love Ford (NYSE:F) CEO Jim Hackett or you hate him. I don't mean that in a personal way. I've never met the man. I'm sure he's perfectly nice off the clock. However, as the person directed with resurrecting Ford out of the doldrums, he's not the person that should be in the top job in my opinion -- something I've said in the past. My colleagues at InvestorPlace don't seem to be nearly as pessimistic about Ford's future under Hackett. "CEO Jim Hackett said, 'Certainly, it was a challenging year, in that we were hit by some headwinds outside of our control and, frankly, poor performance in some parts of the business,' then added 'which we have now taken action to address,'" stated James Brumley on Jan. 28, revisiting the CEOs words about the issues. "It remains to be seen how well those challenges have been addressed and how quickly the fixes will make an impact. But, the market is viewing the glass as half-full when it doesn't have to." Maybe so, but the company's Chinese operations are a mess and not likely to improve anytime soon. Yet investors are blindly willing to listen to the former Steelcase (NYSE:SCS) CEO that the problems are a thing of the past. Luke Lango went farther than Brumley a day earlier, suggesting F stock can go higher than $10 in 2019. It very well could but that doesn't mean Ford should carry on with Hackett at the helm. Not by a longshot. Source: Shutterstock ### Steven Cahillane, Kellogg (K) Is it just me or does every CEO that works in the consumer packaged goods industry seem to have time spent at Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) on their resume? That's the case for current Kellogg (NYSE:K) boss Steven Cahillane, who spent the better part of eight years at the beverage giant between 2007-2014. Cahillane joined Kellogg only 16 months ago from Nature's Bounty, a manufacturer of vitamins and supplements, so it's unlikely the board has an itchy trigger finger so soon. But for the Kellogg Foundation, which owns 20.6% of Kellogg stock, it has got to be getting impatient with the cereal maker's inability to grow its business. What has Cahillane done since taking command? He's implemented a reorganization that brings together its morning foods, snacks, and frozen foods segments under one roof, generating 80% of the company's overall revenue and providing a more customer-friendly sales force in the U.S. He's also investing in e-commerce, an area he was very familiar with as CEO of Nature's Bounty. In addition, he has put the company's cookies and fruit snacks business up for sale. They're expected to generate as much as $1.5 billion from the sale, and several industry leaders, including Ferrero, are said to be interested. Like all new CEOs, there are a lot of moving parts. The problem is they sometimes end up producing no meaningful change. In the meantime, Kellogg stock's delivered an annualized total return of less than 6% over the past decade. * 7 Stocks That Could Double in 2019 If the tide doesn't turn for the better by the middle of 2019, I'm sure the activist investors will come out of the woodwork to encourage a sale. Source: Shutterstock ### Vernon Nagel, Acuity Brands (AYI) If there's a stock that has really disappointed in recent years, it would have to be Atlanta-based commercial lighting specialist Acuity Brands (NYSE:AYI), whose shareholders have seen three consecutive years of calendar-year losses. Up a little more than 4% on a total return basis year to date, CEO Vernon Nagel has got to deliver a lot more if he wants to remain in the job he's held since 2004. Since Nagel took the top job in September 2004, AYI stock's appreciated by 521% over those 14-plus years, a testament to his leadership. However, given the average duration of an S&P 500 CEO is somewhere between 7-7.5 years, it's possible that a change at the top is all that investors need to get reenergized about the company's future. In the company's first quarter, ended Nov. 30, 2018, it generated revenues of $932.6 million, more than 10% higher than a year earlier, with an operating profit of $116.4 million, 3.2% lower than a year earlier. If not for lower taxes, Acuity's net income also would have been lower in the quarter. While the company expects to grow revenues in 2019 in the low-single-digits, it's very likely that operating margins won't get any better -- and perhaps even worse. I've been a fan of Acuity for some time. However, at 61, it's time for Nagel to pass the baton to someone younger. ### Michael Polk, Newell Brands (NWL) I happened to see a recent recommendation of Newell Brands (NYSE:NWL) stock in a January piece for the MoneyShow by George Putnam, editor of the Turnaround Letter; Putnam has been investing in distressed securities since the 1970s. "Under the capable watch of activist investor Starboard Value, which has overseen impressive changes at companies like Darden Restaurants (NYSE:DRI) and Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:AAP), Newell is divesting 35% of its operations over the next year or so while it improves the margins and cash flow from the remaining businesses," Putnam wrote on Jan. 28. "With its turnaround well-underway, we think Newell -- our top pick for conservative investors -- should have a strong 2019 performance." There's no doubting the investor pedigree of Starboard Value CEO Jeffrey Smith, nor the activist investor's ability to shake things up at underperforming companies. Smith has done well with his brand of activism. While he won't hesitate to press for changes at Newell Brands should the company's turnaround stall, Starboard cut its position in half last summer, so it's Carl Icahn that investors should be concerned about. He brokered the end of the proxy fight between Smith and the company. He also won't hesitate to push for CEO Michael Polk's ouster should the turnaround fail. * The 5 Best Dow Jones Stocks to Buy Now Newell shareholders better hope Putnam's right about the company. If not, Polk will be gone in a heartbeat, something Smith wanted to see happen early in his involvement. Seven years in as CEO, his best before date is getting closer. Source: Corey Balazowich via Flickr ### Frank Del Rio, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) Norwegian Cruise Lines (NYSE:NCLH) went public in January 2013 at $19 a share. The CEO who took the cruise line public was Kevin Sheehan. In 2014, Sheehan acquired Prestige Cruises in early 2015 for $3 billion. Shortly thereafter, Sheehan resigned, to be replaced by Prestige CEO Frank Del Rio, who has been in the top job for NCLH ever since. Speculation suggests Sheehan was not conducting himself in an appropriate manner, according to a suit filed by the CEO prior to Sheehan, Colin Veitch. If any of this is true, the company made the right call replacing Sheehan. But what about Del Rio? Well, since he took control in January 2015, NCLH stock has basically gone sideways, seriously underperforming its bigger peers Carnival (NYSE:CCL) and Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL), who've delivered a three-year annualized total return of 9.4% and 14.9% respectively -- both more than double Norwegian Cruise Lines. The cruise industry continues to do well. NCLH stock ought to be doing a lot better. Kevin Sheehan got Norwegian Cruise Lines to the starting line (IPO) -- can Frank Del Rio get it to the finish line? I have my doubts. As of this writing Will Ashworth did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. ### More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 10 Smart Money Stocks to Buy for the Rest of the Year * 10 Best Consumer Stocks to Buy in 2019 * 10 Triple-A Stocks to Buy in February Compare Brokers The post 7 S&P 500 Stocks That Need a New CEO appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- GlobeNewswire•25 days ago
Research Report Identifies TravelCenters of America, Acuity Brands, H&R Block, Zebra Technologies, Asure Software, and Central Garden & Pet with Renewed Outlook — Fundamental Analysis, Calculating Forward Movement
NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2019 -- In new independent research reports released early this morning, Market Source Research released its latest key findings for all current investors,.
- GlobeNewswire•last month
Acuity Brands Receives Multiple 2019 ControlTrends Awards
Atalnta, Jan. 16, 2019 -- ATLANTA – January 16, 2019 – Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) (“Company”) today announced that Distech Controls®, an innovation leader in energy.
- Thomson Reuters StreetEvents•last month
Edited Transcript of AYI earnings conference call or presentation 9-Jan-19 3:00pm GMT
Q1 2019 Acuity Brands Inc Earnings Call
- Simply Wall St.•last month
Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE:AYI) Earns Among The Best Returns In Its Industry
Today we'll look at Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE:AYI) and reflect on its potential as an investment. Specifically, we'll consider its Return On Capital Employed (ROCE), since that will give us Read More...
- Zacks•last month
Acuity Brands' Product Innovation Bodes Well, Costs High
Innovative lighting control solutions and energy-efficient luminaries are major growth drivers for Acuity Brands (AYI). Yet, softness in the industry and higher employee-related costs raise concerns.
Motley Fool•last monthAcuity Brands (AYI) Q1 2019 Earnings Conference Call Transcript
AYI earnings call for the period ending November 30, 2018.
- TheStreet.com•last month
Investors Seesaw on Acuity Brands Post Earnings
had some bright news in its first-quarter 2019 earnings report, as well as dark spots. Acuity's first-quarter net sales also rose by around $90 million to hit nearly $933 million. Operating profit for the quarter dropped by $3.8 million to $116.4 million, and adjusted operating profit also fell, by 1%, to $134.1 million -- that's about 14% of net sales.
- Zacks•last month
Acuity Brands' (AYI) Q1 Earnings Surpass Estimates, Up Y/Y
Acuity Brands (AYI) reports better-than-expected results in fiscal first-quarter 2019 owing to higher sales.
- MarketWatch•last month
Acuity Brands' stock jumps after profit, sales rise above expectations
Shares of Acuity Brands Inc. rallied 2.9% in premarket trade Wednesday, after the lighting and building management company reported fiscal first-quarter earnings and sales that rose above expectations. Net income for the quarter to Nov. 30 increased to $79.6 million, or $1.98 a share, from $71.5 million, or $1.70 a share, in the same period a year ago. Excluding non-recurring items, adjusted earnings per share came to $2.32, above the FactSet consensus of $2.11. Sales grew 10.7% to $932.6 million, beating the FactSet consensus of $922.6 million. "Our first quarter performance was solid despite continuing inflationary cost pressures," said Chief Executive Vernon Nagel. "We have taken several actions to address these cost issues, including price increases and productivity improvements." The company said the demand outlook for fiscal 2019 has not meaningfully changed since early October, and affirmed the North America lighting market growth outlook in the low single-digit percentage range. The stock has slipped 4.4% over the past three months through Tuesday, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average has lost 10.0%.
- Associated Press•last month
Acuity Brands: Fiscal 1Q Earnings Snapshot
On a per-share basis, the Atlanta-based company said it had net income of $1.98. Earnings, adjusted for stock option expense and amortization costs, were $2.32 per share. The results topped Wall Street ...
- GlobeNewswire•last month
Acuity Brands Reports Fiscal 2019 First Quarter Results
ATLANTA, Jan. 09, 2019 -- Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) (“Company”) today announced fiscal 2019 first quarter net sales of $932.6 million, an increase of $89.8 million, or.
- GlobeNewswire•last month
Acuity Brands’ Juno® Amps Up the Smart Home Ecosystem at CES 2019
Atlanta, Jan. 08, 2019 -- Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) announces today its Juno AI™ smart home downlight will be featured by Amazon in the Alexa Booth at CES 2019, the.
- Zacks•last month
What to Expect From Acuity Brands' (AYI) Earnings in Q1
Expansion of the customer base and the introduction of new products & solutions will aid Acuity Brands' (AYI) fiscal Q1 earnings. Yet, rising input costs & softness in the lighting industry are risks.
- GlobeNewswire•last month
Acuity Brands Declares Quarterly Dividend
Atlanta, GA, Jan. 04, 2019 -- ATLANTA, January 4, 2019 - The Board of Directors of Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI; "Company") today declared a quarterly dividend of 13 cents.
- Zacks•last month
Why Acuity Brands (AYI) Could Beat Earnings Estimates Again
Acuity Brands (AYI) has an impressive earnings surprise history and currently possesses the right combination of the two key ingredients for a likely beat in its next quarterly report.
