10-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

ý ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014

OR

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition period from to                             to                             

Commission File No. 1-11288

ACTUANT CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Wisconsin	39-0168610
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

N86 W12500 WESTBROOK CROSSING

MENOMONEE FALLS, WISCONSIN 53051

Mailing address: P.O. Box 3241, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201

(Address of principal executive offices)

(262) 293-1500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

(Title of each class)	(Name of each exchange on which registered)
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.20 per share	New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by checkmark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.        YesýNoo

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15d of the Act.        YesoNoý

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.        YesýNoo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).        YesýNoo

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer	ý	Accelerated filer	o
Non-accelerated filer	o	Smaller-reporting company	o
(do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.):        Yes    o          No    ý

There were 64,969,276 shares of the Registrant’s Class A Common Stock outstanding as of September 30, 2014. The aggregate market value of the shares of Common Stock (based upon the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange on February 28, 2014) held by non-affiliates of the Registrant was approximately $2.47 billion.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on January 21, 2015 are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	PART I
Item 1.	Business	1
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	6
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	10
Item 2.	Properties	10
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	11
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	11
	PART II
Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	12
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	14
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	15
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	23
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	24
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	59
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	59
Item 9B.	Other Information	59
	PART III
Item 10.	Directors; Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	60
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	60
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	60
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	60
Item 14.	Principal Accounting Fees and Services	60
	PART IV
Item 15.	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules	61

Actuant Corporation provides free-of-charge access to our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments thereto, through our website, www.actuant.com, as soon as reasonably practical after such reports are electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS AND CAUTIONARY FACTORS

This annual report on Form 10-K contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. The terms “may,” “should,” “could,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “objective,” “plan,” “project” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. In addition to the assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with such statements, factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, general economic uncertainty, market conditions in the industrial, oil & gas, energy, power generation, infrastructure, commercial construction, truck, automotive, specialty vehicle and agriculture industries, market acceptance of existing and new products, successful integration of acquisitions and related restructuring, operating margin risk due to competitive pricing and operating efficiencies, supply chain risk, material, labor, or overhead cost increases, foreign currency risk, interest rate risk, commodity risk, the impact of geopolitical activity, litigation matters, the Company’s ability to access capital markets and other factors that may be referred to or noted in the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. We disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or any other reason.

When used herein, the terms “Actuant,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and the “Company” refer to Actuant Corporation and its subsidiaries.

PART I

Item  1.    Business

General

Actuant Corporation, headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, is a Wisconsin corporation incorporated in 1910. We are a global diversified company that designs, manufactures and distributes a broad range of industrial products and systems to various end markets. The Company is organized into three operating segments as follows: Industrial, Energy and Engineered Solutions. The Industrial segment is primarily involved in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded hydraulic and mechanical tools to the maintenance, industrial, infrastructure and production automation markets. The Energy segment provides joint integrity products and services, customized offshore vessel mooring solutions, as well as rope and cable solutions to the global oil & gas, power generation and other energy markets. The Engineered Solutions segment provides highly engineered position and motion control systems to original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”) and aftermarkets in various on and off-highway vehicle markets, as well as, a variety of other products to the industrial and agricultural markets. Financial information related to the Company's segments is included in Note 13, "Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information" in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Our long-term goal is to grow annual diluted earnings per share (“EPS”), excluding unusual or non-recurring items, faster than most multi-industry peers. We intend to leverage our market positions to generate annual core sales growth (sales growth excluding the impact of acquisitions, divestitures and foreign currency rate changes) that exceeds the annual growth rates of the gross domestic product in the geographic regions in which we operate. In addition to core sales growth, we are focused on acquiring complementary businesses. Following an acquisition, we seek to drive growth opportunities (additional cross-selling opportunities and deepen customer relationships) and cost reductions. We also focus on profit margin expansion and cash flow generation to achieve our financial objectives. Our LEAD (“Lean Enterprise Across Disciplines”) business processes utilize various continuous improvement techniques to reduce costs, improve efficiencies and drive operational excellence across all locations and functions worldwide, thereby expanding profit margins. Strong cash flow generation is achieved by maximizing returns on assets and minimizing primary working capital needs. Our LEAD efforts also support our Growth + Innovation (“G + I”) initiative, a process focused on increasing core sales growth. The cash flow that results from efficient asset management and improved profitability is used to fund strategic acquisitions, common stock repurchases and internal growth opportunities.

We believe that our targeted energy, infrastructure, food/farm productivity and natural resources/sustainability strategies provide attractive opportunities for sustainable growth, including acquisitions, geographic expansion, market share gains and new product development. Over the past two years we have taken several portfolio and capital deployment actions to better position the Company for improved future growth, including the following:

• acquisition of Viking Seatech ("Viking") in August 2013 for $235 million and subsequent sale leaseback of $41 million of rental assets,

• divestiture of the Electrical segment in December 2013, for net cash proceeds of approximately $225 million,

1

• acquisition of Hayes Industrial Ltd ("Hayes"), an Industrial segment tuck-in acquisition in May 2014, for $31 million, and

• divested a manpower consulting product line of Viking and the recreational vehicle (RV) product line of the Engineered Solutions segment during fiscal 2014, for total gross proceeds of $37 million.

Description of Business Segments

Industrial

The Industrial segment is a leading global supplier of branded hydraulic and mechanical tools to a broad array of end markets, including general maintenance and repair, industrial, oil & gas, mining, infrastructure and production automation. Its primary products include high-force hydraulic tools, highly engineered heavy lifting solutions, workholding (production automation) solutions and concrete stressing components and systems. Our hydraulic and mechanical tools are marketed primarily through the Enerpac, Simplex, Precision-Hayes and Milwaukee Cylinder brand names.

Our high-force hydraulic and mechanical tools, including cylinders, pumps, valves, specialty tools and presses are designed to allow users to apply controlled force and motion to increase productivity, reduce labor costs and make work safer and easier to perform. These hydraulic tools operate at very high pressures of approximately 5,000 to 12,000 pounds per square inch and are generally sold by a diverse group of industrial and specialty fluid power distributors to customers in the infrastructure, mining, steel mill, cement, rail, oil & gas, power generation and general maintenance industries. Examples of industrial distributors include W.W. Grainger, Applied Industrial Technologies, MSC, Blackwoods and Industrial Air Tool.

In addition to providing a comprehensive line of industrial tools, the segment also provides high-force hydraulic systems (integrated solutions) to meet customer specific requirements for safe and precise control of movement and positioning. These customized solutions, which combine hydraulics, steel fabrication and electronic controls with engineering and application knowledge, are typically utilized in major infrastructure projects (bridges, stadiums, tunnels and offshore platforms) for heavy lifting, launching & skidding or synchronous lifting applications.

The Industrial segment has leveraged production and engineering capabilities to also offer a broad range of workholding products (work supports, swing cylinders and system components) that are marketed through distributors to the automotive, machine tool and fixture design markets. In addition, the segment designs, manufactures and distributes concrete tensioning products (chucks and wedges, stressing jacks and anchors) under the Precision-Hayes brand name which are used by concrete tensioning system designers, fabricators and installers for the residential and commercial construction, bridge, infrastructure and mining markets.

Energy

The Energy segment provides products and services to the global energy markets, where safety, reliability, up-time and productivity are key value drivers. Products include joint integrity tools and connectors for oil & gas and power generation installations and high performance ropes, cables and umbilicals. In addition to these products, the Energy segment also provides mooring systems and joint integrity tools under rental arrangements, as well as technical manpower solutions. The products and services of the Energy segment are distributed and marketed under various brand names (principally Hydratight, Cortland and Viking SeaTech) to OEMs, maintenance and service organizations and energy producers in emerging and developed countries.

Joint integrity products include hydraulic torque wrenches, bolt tensioners, portable machining equipment and subsea connectors, which are either sold or rented to asset owners, service providers and end users. These products are used in the maintenance of bolted joints on oil rigs and platforms, wind turbines, refineries and pipelines, petrochemical installations, as well as fossil fuel and nuclear power plants to reduce customer downtime and provide increased safety and reliability. Hydratight also provides manpower services where our highly trained technicians perform bolting, machining and joint integrity work for customers. Our joint integrity business operates to world class safety standards while delivering products and services through a localized infrastructure of rental and maintenance depots. Service, product sales and rental revenue each generate approximately one-third of our joint integrity sales. This business maintains strong relationships with a variety of customers such as Statoil, Petrobras, BP p.l.c., Bechtel and Tig Tesco Intl.

The Energy segment also develops highly-engineered rope and cable solutions that maximize performance, safety and efficiency for customers in various markets including oil & gas, heavy marine, subsea, ROV and seismic. With its global design and manufacturing capabilities, the Cortland business is able to provide customized synthetic ropes, heavy lift slings, specialized mooring, rigging and towing systems, electro-optical-mechanical cables and umbilicals to customers, including customers such as Sercel, Expro, General Electric and Halliburton. These products are utilized in critical applications, often deployed in harsh operating conditions (sub-sea oil & gas production, maintenance and exploration) and are required to meet

2

robust safety standards. Additional custom designed products are also sold into a variety of other niche markets including mining, medical, security, aerospace and defense.

In addition, the Energy segment provides customers with a comprehensive range of marine mooring equipment and associated services (survey, inspection, design and installation) to meet the demands of offshore energy assets.  Our Viking business delivers efficient and safe mooring solutions in the harshest environments to customers involved in offshore oil & gas exploration, drilling and FPSO projects, offshore construction and renewable energy projects.  These marine products (including slings, chain, anchors, fittings and buoys), innovative solutions and services increase customer uptime and ensure safe operations. Viking services customers globally, including Statoil, Chevron and BP p.l.c., with, a major presence in the North Sea (U.K. and Norway) and Australia.

Engineered Solutions

The Engineered Solutions segment is a leading global designer and assembler of customized position and motion control systems and other industrial products to various vehicle and other niche markets. This segment focuses on providing technical and highly engineered products, including actuation systems, mechanical power transmission products, engine air flow management systems, human to machine interface ("HMI") solutions and other rugged electronic instrumentation. Products in the Engineered Solutions segment are primarily marketed directly to OEMs through a technical sales organization. Within this segment, engineering capabilities, technical service, quality and established customer relationships are key competitive advantages.

Approximately one-half of this segment’s revenue comes from the Vehicle Systems product line (Power-Packer and Gits brands), with sales to the truck, automotive, off-highway and specialty vehicle markets. Products include hydraulic cab-tilt and latching systems which are sold to global heavy duty truck OEMs such as Volvo, Iveco, Scania, Paccar-DAF, FAW and CNHTC and automotive electro-hydraulic convertible top latching and actuation systems. The automotive convertible top actuation systems are utilized on both retractable soft and hard top vehicles manufactured by OEMs such as Daimler, Volkswagen, Renault, Peugeot, BMW, Volvo and Nissan. Our diesel engine air flow solutions, such as exhaust gas recirculation (“EGR”) systems and air flow actuators, are used by diesel engine and turbocharger manufacturers to reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency and increase horsepower. Primary end markets include heavy duty truck and off-highway equipment serving customers such as Caterpillar, Cummins, Honeywell and Borg Warner. We also sell actuation systems to a variety of specialty vehicle customers, principally in the defense and off-highway markets.

The broad range of products, technologies and engineered solutions of Weasler Engineering, maximatecc, Elliott Manufacturing and Sanlo comprise the Other product line within the segment. Products include severe-duty electronic instrumentation (including displays and clusters, machine controls and sensors), HMI solutions and power transmission products (highly engineered power transmission components including drive shafts, torque limiters, gearboxes, torsional dampers and flexible shafts). These products are sold to a variety of niche markets including agricultural implement, lawn & turf, construction, forestry, industrial, aerospace, material handling and security.

International Business

Our products and services are generally available globally, with our principal markets outside the United States being Europe and Asia. In fiscal 2014 we derived 41% of our net sales from the United States, 39% from Europe and the Middle East, 15% from Asia and 5% from other geographic areas. We have operations around the world and this geographic diversity allows us to draw on the skills of a global workforce, provides flexibility to our operations, allows us to drive economies of scale, provides revenue streams that may help offset economic trends that are specific to individual countries and offers us an opportunity to access new markets. In addition, we believe that our future growth depends, in part, on our ability to develop products and sales opportunities that successfully target developing countries. Although international operations are subject to certain risks, we continue to believe that a global presence is key to maintaining strong relationships with many of our global customers. Financial information related to the Company's geographic areas is included in Note 10, "Income Taxes" and Note 13, "Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information" in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Product Development and Engineering

We conduct research and development activities to develop new products, enhance the functionality, effectiveness, ease of use and reliability of our existing products and expand the applications for our products. We believe that our engineering and research & development efforts have been key drivers of our success in the marketplace. Our advanced design and engineering capabilities contribute to the development of innovative and highly engineered products, maintain our technological leadership in each segment and enhance our ability to provide customers with unique and customized solutions and products. While much research and development activity supports improvements to existing products, our engineering staff engages in research for new products and product enhancements. We anticipate that we will continue to make significant expenditures for research and

3

development as we seek to provide innovative products to maintain and improve our competitive position. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred, and were $20 million, $21 million and $17 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We also incur significant costs in connection with fulfilling custom orders and developing unique solutions for unique customer needs, which are not included in these research and development expense totals.

Through our advanced proprietary processes, with approximately 380 patents, we create products that satisfy specific customer needs and make tasks easier and more efficient for customers. No individual patent or trademark is believed to be of such importance that its termination would have a material adverse effect on our business.

Competition

The markets for all of our products are highly competitive. We provide a diverse and broad range of industrial products and systems to numerous global end markets, many of which are highly fragmented. Although we face larger competitors in several served markets, much of our competition is comprised of smaller companies that often lack the global footprint or financial resources to serve global customers. We compete for business principally on the basis of customer service, product quality and availability, engineering, research and development expertise, and price. In addition, we believe that our competitive cost structure, strategic global sourcing capabilities and global distribution support our competitive position.

Manufacturing and Operations

While we do have extensive manufacturing capabilities including machining, stamping, injection molding and fabrication, our manufacturing primarily consists of light assembly of components we source from a network of global suppliers. We have implemented single piece flow methodology in most of our manufacturing plants, which reduces inventory levels, lowers “re-work” costs and shortens lead times to customers. Components are built to our highly engineered specifications by a variety of suppliers, including those in low cost countries such as China, Turkey, India and Mexico. We have built strong relationships with our key suppliers and, while we single source certain of our components, in most cases there are several qualified alternative sources.

Raw Material Costs and Inflation

We source a wide variety of materials and components from a network of global suppliers. These items are typically available from numerous suppliers. Raw materials that go into the components we source, such as steel and plastic resin, are subject to price fluctuations, which could have a negative impact on our results. We strive to offset such cost inflation with price increases to customers and by driving operational cost reductions.

No meaningful measures of inflation are available because we have significant operations in countries with diverse rates of inflation and currency rate movements. However, we believe that the overall rate of inflation in recent years has been relatively low and has not had a significant effect on our results of operations, after factoring in price increases and other manufacturing cost reductions.

Order Backlogs and Seasonality

Our Industrial and Energy segments have relatively short order-to-ship cycles, while our OEM oriented Engineered Solutions segment has a longer cycle, and therefore typically has a larger backlog. We had order backlogs of $246 million and $209 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Substantially all orders are expected to be filled within twelve months. While we typically enjoy a stronger second half of our fiscal year, our consolidated sales are not subject to significant seasonal fluctuations.

Sales Percentages by Fiscal Quarter

	2014		2013
Quarter 1 (September-November)	24	%	24	%
Quarter 2 (December - February)	23	%	23	%
Quarter 3 (March - May)	27	%	27	%
Quarter 4 (June- August)	26	%	26	%
	100	%	100	%

4

Employees

At August 31, 2014, we employed approximately 5,800 individuals. Our employees are not subject to collective bargaining agreements, with the exception of approximately 400 U.S. production employees, as well as certain international employees covered by government mandated collective labor agreements. We believe we have a good working relationship with our employees.

Environmental Matters

Our operations, like those of most industrial businesses, are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, including those regulating discharges of hazardous materials into the air and water, the storage and disposal of such materials and the clean-up of soil and groundwater contamination. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental regulations. Compliance with these laws has and will require expenditures on an ongoing basis. However, environmental expenditures over the last three years have not been material. Soil and groundwater contamination has been identified at a few facilities that we operate or formerly owned or operated. We are also a party to certain state and local environmental matters, have provided environmental indemnifications for certain divested businesses and retain responsibility for certain potential environmental liabilities. For further information, see Note 14, “Contingencies and Litigation” in the notes to consolidated financial statements.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

The names, ages and positions of all of the executive officers of the Company as of October 15, 2014 are listed below.

Name	Age	Position
Mark E. Goldstein	58	Chief Executive Officer
Sheri R. Grissom	50	Executive Vice President—Global Human Resources
Brian K. Kobylinski	48	Executive Vice President—Energy Segment
Andrew G. Lampereur	51	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Roger A. Roundhouse	49	Executive Vice President—Engineered Solutions Segment
David (Mark) Sefcik	50	Executive Vice President—Industrial Segment
Theodore C. Wozniak	56	Executive Vice President—Business Development

Mark E. Goldstein, Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Goldstein joined Actuant in 2001 as President of the former Gardner Bender business and was promoted to Executive Vice President, Tools & Supplies in January 2003 before being named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2007. He was named President in August 2013 and Chief Executive Officer in 2014. Prior to joining Actuant, Mr. Goldstein held various executive positions (sales, marketing, operations) of increasing responsibility during a 22-year career with The Stanley Works, ending as President, North American Hand Tools and President, Door Systems.  Mr. Goldstein is also a director at Pall Corporation.

Sheri R. Grissom, Executive Vice President—Global Human Resources. Ms. Grissom joined Actuant in 2011, from Johnson Controls, where she was Vice President of Human Resources for the Service, Energy Solution and Global Workplace Solutions business. Prior to that, Ms. Grissom held human resource leadership positions with several leading global organizations including Johns Manville, McKechnie Group and General Electric. Ms. Grissom brings over 20 years of global human resources experience to Actuant.

Brian K. Kobylinski, Executive Vice President—Energy Segment. Mr. Kobylinski joined the Company in 1993 and progressed through a number of management roles within the former Electrical Segment. He became Vice President of Business Development for Actuant in 2002 and was named Global Business Leader, Hydratight in 2005. From 2007 to 2013, he was the Industrial and Energy Segment Leader and currently serves as the Energy Segment Leader. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Kobylinski was employed by Fort Howard Corporation and Federated Insurance.

Andrew G. Lampereur, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Lampereur joined the Company in 1993 as Corporate Controller, a position he held until 1996 when he was appointed Vice President of Finance for the former Gardner Bender business. In 1998, Mr. Lampereur was appointed Vice President, General Manager for Gardner Bender. He was appointed to his present position in August 2000. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Lampereur held a number of financial management positions at Terex Corporation. Mr. Lampereur is currently a director of Generac Holdings Inc and was a director of Robbins & Myers, Inc. from 2005 through 2013.

5

Roger A. Roundhouse, Executive Vice President—Engineered Solutions Segment. Mr. Roundhouse joined the Company in 2014, from General Cable, where he most recently held the position of Senior Vice President and General Manager Utility Products. Mr. Roundhouse brings extensive automotive, industrial and OEM capabilities, as well as over 20 years of experience with mergers & acquisitions and global operations.

David (Mark) Sefcik, Executive Vice President—Industrial Segment. Mr. Sefcik was promoted to Executive Vice President - Industrial Segment in 2013, after serving as Enerpac business leader since joining Actuant in 2008. Prior to that Mr. Sefcik held various roles of increasing responsibility at Husco International, including most recently Executive Vice President.

Theodore C. Wozniak, Executive Vice President—Business Development. Mr. Wozniak joined Actuant in 2006 in his current position. Prior to joining Actuant, Mr. Wozniak held senior investment banking positions at Wachovia Securities, most recently as Managing Director of the Industrial Growth Corporate Finance Group. Mr. Wozniak was employed by Wachovia Securities for ten years. Prior to that, Mr. Wozniak held various investment banking positions at First Chicago Capital Markets and Riggs National Corporation.

Item  1A.    Risk Factors

The risks and uncertainties described below are those that we have identified as material, but are not the only risks and uncertainties facing us. If any of the events contemplated by the following risks actually occurs, then our business, financial condition, or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial also may adversely impact our business.

General economic uncertainty and overall challenging end market conditions could impact our ability to grow our business and adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our businesses and operating results have been, and will continue to be, affected by worldwide economic conditions. The level of demand for our products depends, in part, on the general economic conditions that exist in our served end markets. A substantial portion of our revenues are derived from customers in cyclical industries (vehicles, industrial, oil & gas) that typically are adversely affected by downward economic cycles. As global economic uncertainty continues, our customers may experience deterioration of their businesses, which may delay or lengthen sales cycles. Unforeseen events may also require additional restructuring costs. Although we expect that the related cost savings and realization of efficiencies will offset the restructuring related costs over time, we may not achieve the net benefits. Like most industrial companies, our sensitivity to economic cycles may have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

Our growth strategy includes strategic acquisitions. We may not be able to consummate future acquisitions or successfully integrate recent and future acquisitions.

A significant portion of our growth has come from strategic acquisitions of businesses. We plan to continue making acquisitions to enhance our global market position and broaden our product offerings. Our ability to successfully execute acquisitions will be impacted by a number of factors, including the availability of financing on terms acceptable to us, our ability to identify acquisition candidates that meet our valuation parameters and increased competition for acquisitions. The process of integrating acquired businesses into our existing operations may result in unforeseen operating difficulties and may require additional financial resources and attention from management that would otherwise be available for the ongoing development or expansion of our existing operations. Failure to effectively execute our acquisition strategy or successfully integrate the acquired businesses could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

We may not be able to realize the anticipated benefits from acquired companies.

We may not be able to realize the anticipated benefits from acquired companies. Achieving those benefits depends on the timely, efficient and successful execution of a number of post-acquisition events, including integrating the acquired business into the Company. Factors that could affect our ability to achieve these benefits include:

• difficulties in integrating and managing personnel, financial reporting and other systems used by the acquired businesses;

• the failure of acquired businesses to perform in accordance with our expectations;

• failure to achieve anticipated synergies between our business units and the business units of acquired businesses;

• the loss of customers of acquired businesses; or

• the loss of key managers of acquired businesses.

6

If acquired businesses do not operate as we anticipate, it could materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, acquired businesses may operate in niche markets in which we have little or no experience. In such instances, we will be highly dependent on existing managers and employees to manage those businesses, and the loss of any key managers or employees of the acquired business could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.

The indemnification provisions of acquisition agreements by which we have acquired companies may not fully protect us and may result in unexpected liabilities.

Certain of the acquisition agreements from past acquisitions require the former owners to indemnify us against certain liabilities related to the operation of each of their companies before we acquired it. In most of these agreements, however, the liability of the former owners is limited in amount and duration and certain former owners may not be able to meet their indemnification responsibilities. These indemnification provisions may not fully protect us, and as a result we may face unexpected liabilities that adversely affect our profitability and financial position.

Our goodwill and other intangible assets represent a substantial amount of our total assets.

Our total assets reflect substantial intangible assets, primarily goodwill. At August 31, 2014, goodwill and other intangible assets totaled $1,108 million, or about 60% of our total assets. The goodwill results from our acquisitions, representing the excess of cost over the fair value of the net tangible and other identifiable intangible assets we have acquired. We assess annually whether there has been impairment in the value of our goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets. If future operating performance at one or more of our reporting units were to fall significantly below current levels, we could be required to recognize a non-cash charge to operating earnings for goodwill or other intangible asset impairment. Any significant goodwill or intangible asset impairment could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations. Refer to "Critical Accounting Policies" for further discussion on goodwill and intangible asset impairments.

Divestitures and discontinued operations could negatively impact our business, and retained liabilities from businesses that we sell could adversely affect our financial results.

As part of our portfolio management process, the Company reviews its operations for businesses which may no longer be aligned with its strategic initiatives and long-term objectives. During fiscal 2014, we divested our Electrical Segment and two product lines. Divestitures pose risks and challenges that could negatively impact our business, including required separation or carve-out activities and costs, disputes with buyers or potential impairment charges. We may also dispose of a business at a price or on terms that are less than we had previously anticipated. After reaching an agreement with a buyer for the disposition of a business, we are also subject to satisfaction of pre-closing conditions, as well as necessary regulatory and governmental approvals on acceptable terms, which may prevent us from completing a transaction. Dispositions may also involve continued financial involvement, as we may be required to retain responsibility for, or agree to indemnify buyers against contingent liabilities related to a businesses sold, such as lawsuits, tax liabilities, product liability claims or environmental matters. Under these types of arrangements, performance by the divested businesses or other conditions outside our control could affect our future financial results.

If we fail to develop new products or our customers do not accept the new products we develop, our business could be adversely affected.

Our ability to develop new products based on innovation can affect our competitive position and often requires the investment of significant resources. Difficulties or delays in research, development, production or commercialization of new products or failure to gain market acceptance of new products and technologies may reduce future sales and adversely affect our competitive position. We continue to invest in the development and marketing of new products through our G + I process. There can be no assurance that we will have sufficient resources to make such investments, that we will be able to make the technological advances necessary to maintain competitive advantages or that we can recover major research and development expenses. If we fail to make innovations, launch products with quality problems or the market does not accept our new products, then our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity could be adversely affected. A lack of successful new product developments may also cause customers to buy from a competitor or may cause us to have to reduce prices to compete.

Our indebtedness could harm our operating flexibility and competitive position.

We have incurred, and may in the future incur, significant indebtedness in connection with acquisitions. We have, and will continue to have, a substantial amount of debt which requires interest and principal payments. Our level of debt and the

7

limitations imposed on us by our debt agreements could adversely affect our operating flexibility and put us at a competitive disadvantage.

Our ability to make scheduled principal and interest payments, refinance our indebtedness and satisfy our other debt and lease obligations will depend upon our future operating performance and credit market conditions, which could be affected by factors beyond our control. In addition, there can be no assurance that future borrowings or equity financings will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all, for the payment or refinancing of our indebtedness. If we are unable to service our indebtedness, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely affected.

Our failure to comply with the financial and other covenants in our debt agreements would adversely affect us.

Our senior credit agreement and our other debt agreement contain financial and other restrictive covenants. These covenants could adversely affect us by limiting our financial and operating flexibility as well as our ability to plan for and react to market conditions and to meet our capital needs. Our failure to comply with these covenants could result in events of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in us being required to repay indebtedness before its due date, and we may not have the financial resources or be able to arrange alternative financing to do so. Borrowings under our senior credit facility are secured by most domestic personal property assets and are guaranteed by most of our domestic subsidiaries and by a pledge of the stock of most of our domestic subsidiaries and certain foreign subsidiaries. If borrowings under our senior credit facility were declared or became due and payable immediately as the result of an event of default and we were unable to repay or refinance those borrowings, the lenders could foreclose on the pledged assets and stock. Any event that requires us to repay any of our debt before it is due could require us to borrow additional amounts at unfavorable borrowing terms, cause a significant reduction in our liquidity and impair our ability to pay amounts due on our indebtedness. Moreover, if we are required to repay any of our debt before it becomes due, we may be unable to borrow additional amounts or otherwise obtain the cash necessary to repay that debt, when due, which could seriously harm our business.

Our ability to execute our share repurchase program depends, in part, on our results of operations, liquidity and changes in the trading price of our Class A Common Stock.

The stock markets in general have experienced substantial price and trading fluctuations, which have resulted in volatility in the market prices of securities that often are unrelated or disproportionate to changes in operating performance. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our Class A common stock. Price volatility over a given period may also cause the average price at which we repurchase our own common stock to exceed the stock’s price at a given point in time. In addition, significant changes in the trading price of our Class A common stock and our ability to access capital on terms favorable to us could impact our ability to repurchase shares of our common stock. Despite significant share repurchases in fiscal 2014, the timing and amount of future repurchases is dependent on cash flows from operations and available liquidity, the amount of capital deployed for acquisitions and the market price of our common stock.

Our businesses operate in highly competitive markets, so we may be forced to cut prices or incur additional costs.

Our businesses generally face substantial competition in each of their respective markets. We may lose market share in certain businesses or be forced to reduce prices or incur increased costs. We compete on the basis of product design, quality, availability, performance, customer service and price. Present or future competitors may have greater financial, technical or other resources which could put us at a competitive disadvantage.

Our international operations pose currency and other risks.

We continue to focus on penetrating global markets as part of our overall growth strategy and expect sales from and into foreign markets to continue to represent a significant portion of our revenue. In addition, many of our manufacturing operations and suppliers are located outside the United States. Our international operations present special risks, primarily from currency exchange rate fluctuations, exposure to local economic and political conditions, export and import restrictions, controls on repatriation of cash and exposure to local political conditions. In particular, our results of operations have been significantly affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, especially the Euro and British pound. In addition, there have been several proposals to reform international taxation rules in the United States. We earn a substantial portion of our income from international operations and therefore changes to United States international tax rules may have a material adverse effect on future results of operations or liquidity. To the extent that we expand our international presence, these risks may increase.

Geopolitical unrest and terrorist activities may cause the economic conditions in the U.S. or abroad to deteriorate, which could harm our business.

Terrorist attacks against targets in the U.S. or abroad, rumors or threats of war, other geopolitical activity or trade disruptions may impact our operations or cause general economic conditions in the U.S. and abroad to deteriorate. A prolonged

8

economic slowdown or recession in the U.S. or in other areas of the world could reduce the demand for our products and, therefore, negatively affect our future sales. Any of these events could have a significant impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Large or rapid increases in the costs of raw materials or substantial decreases in their availability could adversely affect our operations.

The primary raw materials that are used in our products include steel, plastic resin, brass, steel wire and rubber. Most of our suppliers are not currently parties to long-term contracts with us. Consequently, we are vulnerable to fluctuations in prices of such raw materials. If market prices for certain materials such as steel or plastic resin rise, it could have a negative effect on our operating results and ability to manufacture our respective products on a timely basis. Factors such as supply and demand, freight costs and transportation availability, inventory levels, the level of imports and general economic conditions may affect the prices of raw materials that we need. If we experience a significant increase in raw material prices, or if we are unable to pass along increases in raw material prices to our customers, our results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, an increasing portion of our products are sourced from low cost regions. Changes in export laws, taxes and disruptions in transportation routes could adversely impact our results of operations.

Regulatory and legal developments including changes to United States taxation rules, health care reform, conflict mineral supply chain compliance and governmental climate change initiatives could negatively affect our financial performance.

Our operations and the markets we compete in are subject to numerous federal, state, local and foreign governmental laws and regulations. Existing laws and regulations may be revised or reinterpreted and new laws and regulations, including with respect to taxation, health care reform, conflict minerals compliance and governmental climate change initiatives, may be adopted or become applicable to us or customers. These regulations are complex, change frequently and have tended to become more stringent over time. We cannot predict the form any such new laws or regulations will take or the impact any of these laws and regulations will have on our business or operations. Any significant change in any of these regulations could reduce demand for our products or increase our cost of producing these products.

Due to our global operations, we are subject to many laws governing international relations, including those that prohibit improper payments to government officials and commercial customers, and restrict where we can do business, what information or products we can supply to certain countries and what information we can provide to a non-U.S. government, including but not limited to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.S. Export Administration Act. Violations of these laws, which are complex, may result in criminal penalties or sanctions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Environmental laws and regulations may result in additional costs.

We are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations governing public and worker health and safety. Any violations of these laws by us could cause us to incur unanticipated liabilities that could harm our operating results. Pursuant to such laws, governmental authorities have required us to contribute to the cost of investigating or remediating certain matters at current or previously owned and operated sites. In addition, we provided environmental indemnities in connection with the sale of certain businesses and product lines. Liability as an owner or operator, or as an arranger for the treatment or disposal of hazardous substances, can be joint and several and can be imposed without regard to fault. There is a risk that our costs relating to these matters could be greater than what we currently expect or exceed our insurance coverage, or that additional remediation and compliance obligations could arise which require us to make material expenditures. In particular, more stringent environmental laws, unanticipated remediation requirements or the discovery of previously unknown conditions could materially harm our financial condition and operating results. We are also required to comply with various environmental laws and maintain permits, some of which are subject to discretionary renewal from time to time, for many of our businesses, and our business operations could be restricted if we are unable to renew existing permits or to obtain any additional permits that we may require.

Any loss of key personnel and the inability to attract and retain qualified employees could have a material adverse impact on our operations.

We are dependent on the continued services of key executives such as our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and executives in charge of our segments. We currently do not have employment agreements with most of these or other officers. The departure of key personnel without adequate replacement could severely disrupt our business operations. Additionally, we need qualified managers and skilled employees with technical and manufacturing industry experience to operate our businesses successfully. From time to time there may be shortages of skilled labor which may make it more

9

difficult and expensive for us to attract and retain qualified employees. If we are unable to attract and retain qualified individuals or our costs to do so increase significantly, our operations would be materially adversely affected.

Our operations are highly dependent on information technology infrastructure and failures could significantly affect our business.

We depend heavily on our information technology ("IT") systems and infrastructure in order to achieve our business objectives. If we experience a significant problem that impairs this infrastructure, such as a computer virus, cyber attack, a problem with the functioning of an important IT application or an intentional disruption of our IT systems by a third party, the resulting disruptions could impede our ability to record or process orders, manufacture and ship in a timely manner or otherwise carry on our business in the ordinary course. Our information systems could also be penetrated by outside parties intent on extracting information, corrupting information or disrupting business processes. Such unauthorized access could disrupt our business and could result in the loss of assets. Any such events could cause us to lose customers or revenue and could require us to incur significant expense to eliminate these problems and address related security concerns.

We are subject to litigation, including product liability and warranty claims that may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We are, from time to time, a party to litigation that arises in the normal course of our business operations, including product warranty and liability claims, contract disputes and environmental, asbestos, employment and other litigation matters. We face an inherent business risk of exposure to product liability and warranty claims in the event that the use of our products is alleged to have resulted in injury or other damage. While we currently maintain general liability and product liability insurance coverage in amounts that we believe are adequate, we may not be able to maintain this insurance on acceptable terms and the insurance may not provide sufficient coverage against potential liabilities that may arise. Any claims brought against us, with or without merit, may have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations as a result of potential adverse outcomes, the expenses associated with defending such claims, the diversion of our management's resources and time and the potential adverse effect to our business reputation.

If our intellectual property protection is inadequate, others may be able to use our technologies and tradenames and thereby reduce our ability to compete, which could have a material adverse effect on us, our financial condition and results of operations.

We regard much of the technology underlying our services and products and the trademarks under which we market our products as proprietary. The steps we take to protect our proprietary technology may be inadequate to prevent misappropriation of our technology, or third parties may independently develop similar technology. We rely on a combination of patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws, employee and third-party non-disclosure agreements and other contracts to establish and protect our technology and other intellectual property rights. The agreements may be breached or terminated, and we may not have adequate remedies for any breach, and existing trade secrets, patent and copyright law afford us limited protection. Policing unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult. A third party could copy or otherwise obtain and use our products or technology without authorization. Litigation may be necessary for us to defend against claims of infringement or to protect our intellectual property rights and could result in substantial cost to us and diversion of our efforts. Further, we might not prevail in such litigation which could harm our business.

Our products could infringe on the intellectual property of others, which may cause us to engage in costly litigation and, if we are not successful, could cause us to pay substantial damages and prohibit us from selling our products.

Third parties may assert infringement or other intellectual property claims against us based on their patents or other intellectual property claims, and we may have to pay substantial damages, possibly including treble damages, if it is ultimately determined that our products infringe. We may have to obtain a license to sell our products if it is determined that our products infringe upon another party’s intellectual property. We might be prohibited from selling our products before we obtain a license, which, if available at all, may require us to pay substantial royalties. Even if infringement claims against us are without merit, defending these types of lawsuits takes significant time, may be expensive and may divert management attention from other business concerns.

Item  1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

10

Item  2.    Properties

As of August 31, 2014, the Company operated the following facilities (square footage in thousands):

	Number of Locations			Square Footage
		Distribution / Sales / Admin
	Manufacturing		Total	Owned	Leased	Total
Industrial	9	11	20	667	1,015	1,682
Energy	12	30	42	40	1,107	1,147
Engineered Solutions	16	5	21	157	636	793
Corporate and other	1	4	5	128	353	481
	38	50	88	992	3,111	4,103

We consider our facilities suitable and adequate for the purposes for which they are used and do not anticipate difficulty in renewing existing leases as they expire or in finding alternative facilities. Our largest facilities are located in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Mexico, Turkey and China. We also maintain a presence in Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Norway, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates. See Note 8 “Leases” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for information with respect to our lease commitments. We also have one idle facility which is available for sale or sublease and remain a guarantor on four facility leases related to businesses that were previously divested or former manufacturing locations.

Item  3.    Legal Proceedings

We are a party to various legal proceedings that have arisen in the normal course of business, including product liability, environmental, labor and patent claims.

We have recorded reserves for estimated losses based on the specific circumstances of each case. Such reserves are recorded when it is probable that a loss has been incurred as of the balance sheet date and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In our opinion, the resolution of these contingencies is not likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operation or cash flows. For further information refer to Note 14, “Contingencies and Litigation” in the notes to consolidated financial statements.

Item  4.    Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

11

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company’s Class A common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ATU. At September 30, 2014, there were 1,432 shareholders of record of Actuant Corporation Class A common stock. The high and low sales prices of the common stock were as follows for the previous two fiscal years:

Fiscal Year	Period	High		Low
2014	June 1, 2014 to August 31, 2014	$	36.74	$	31.74
	March 1, 2014 to May 31, 2014	35.86		32.37
	December 1, 2013 to February 28, 2014	39.09		32.22
	September 1, 2013 to November 30, 2013	39.84		35.31
2013	June 1, 2013 to August 31, 2013	$	37.22	$	31.18
	March 1, 2013 to May 31, 2013	34.61		29.16
	December 1, 2012 to February 29, 2013	31.77		26.20
	September 1, 2012 to November 30, 2012	31.33		25.38

Dividends

In fiscal 2014, the Company declared a dividend of $0.04 per common share payable on October 15, 2014 to shareholders of record on September 30, 2014. In fiscal 2013, the Company declared a dividend of $0.04 per common share payable on October 15, 2013 to shareholders of record on September 30, 2013.

Share Repurchases

The Company's Board of Directors authorized two separate authorizations (September 2011 and March 2014) to repurchase up to seven million shares each of the Company’s outstanding common stock. As summarized in the following table, as of October 1, 2014 all fourteen million shares under these two authorizations had been repurchased, with $447 million of total capital deployed, over three fiscal years. The Board of Directors authorized a new (third) stock repurchase program to acquire up to seven million additional shares of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock on October 1, 2014.

Period	Shares Repurchased	Average Price Paid per Share
Fiscal 2012	2,658,751	$	23.70
Fiscal 2013	1,324,762	31.55
Fiscal 2014	8,211,846	34.52
Fiscal 2015 (September 1 - October 1)	1,804,641	32.58
	14,000,000	$	31.93

A summary of fourth quarter fiscal 2014 share repurchases is as follows:

Period	Shares Repurchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program
June 1 to June 30, 2014	506,772	$	34.78	4,313,241
July 1 to July 31, 2014	1,167,900	33.31		3,145,341
August 1 to August 31, 2014	1,340,700	32.78		1,804,641
	3,015,372	$	33.32

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

The information required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K is provided under Item 12, Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters, which is incorporated herein by reference.

12

Performance Graph:

The graph below compares the cumulative 5-year total return of Actuant Corporation’s common stock with the cumulative total returns of the S&P 500 index and the Dow Jones US Diversified Industrials index. The graph tracks the performance of a $100 investment in our common stock and in each of the indexes (with the reinvestment of all dividends) from August 31, 2009 to August 31, 2014.

Copyright(c) 2013 S&P, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.

Copyright(c) 2013 Dow Jones & Co. All rights reserved.

	8/09		8/10		8/11		8/12		8/13		8/14
Actuant Corporation	$	100.00	$	140.63	$	142.73	$	200.28	$	254.74	$	240.80
S&P 500	100.00		104.91		124.32		146.70		174.13		218.10
Dow Jones US Diversified Industrials	100.00		108.66		125.90		159.63		193.98		231.56

The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

13

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data

The following selected historical financial data have been derived from the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The data should be read in conjunction with these financial statements and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014			2013		2012		2011		2010
	(in millions, except per share data)
Statement of Earnings Data(1)(2):
Net sales	$	1,400		$	1,280	$	1,277	$	1,159	$	927
Gross profit	547			507		512		465		353
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	332			294		285		270		232
Gain on product line divestiture	(13		)	—		—		—		—
Amortization of intangible assets	25			23		22		22		19
Operating profit	203			190		205		173		102
Earnings from continuing operations	141			148		125		110		56
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	1.95		$	1.98	$	1.68	$	1.49	$	0.78
Cash dividends per share declared	0.04			0.04		0.04		0.04		0.04
Diluted weighted average common shares	72,486			74,580		74,940		75,305		74,209
Balance Sheet Data (at end of period)(2):
Cash	$	109		$	104	$	68	$	44	$	40
Assets	1,857			2,119		2,007		2,063		1,622
Debt	390			515		398		525		367
Net debt	281			411		330		481		327

 _______________________

(1) Operating results are from continuing operations and exclude the financial results of previously divested businesses reported as discontinued operations (Electrical segment).

(2) We have completed various acquisitions that impact the comparability of the selected financial data. The results of operations for these acquisitions are included in our financial results for the period subsequent to their acquisition date. The following table summarizes the significant acquisitions that were completed during the last five fiscal years (amounts in millions):

Acquisition	Segment	Date Completed	Sales (a)		Purchase Price
Hayes Industries, Ltd.	Industrial	May 2014	$	25	$	31
Viking SeaTech	Energy	August 2013	90		235
CrossControl AB	Engineered Solutions	July 2012	40		41
Turotest Medidores Ltda	Engineered Solutions	March 2012	13		8
Jeyco Pty Ltd	Energy	February 2012	20		21
Weasler Engineering, Inc.	Engineered Solutions	June 2011	85		153
Selantic	Energy	June 2010	10		17
Biach Industries	Energy	April 2010	5		8
Hydrospex	Industrial	April 2010	25		15
Team Hydrotec	Industrial	April 2010	5		5

 _______________________

(a)Represents approximate annual sales at the time of the completion of the transaction.

14

Item 7.     Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Background

As discussed in Item 1, “Business,” we are a global diversified company that manufactures a broad range of industrial products and systems and are organized into three reportable segments, Industrial, Energy and Engineered Solutions. The Industrial segment is primarily involved in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded hydraulic and mechanical tools to the maintenance, industrial, infrastructure and production automation markets. The Energy segment provides joint integrity products and services, customized offshore vessel mooring solutions, as well as rope and cable solutions to the global oil & gas, power generation and energy markets. The Engineered Solutions segment provides highly engineered position and motion control systems to OEMs in various vehicle markets, as well as a variety of other products to the industrial and agricultural markets.

Our business model, which is intended to create shareholder value, emphasizes cash flow generation.  The model starts with core sales growth - through customer intimacy, new products, emerging market penetration and other aspects of our LEAD Growth + Innovation process. We further increase sales and profits through acquisitions and reinvestment in our businesses, including capital expenditures. The acquisitions add new capabilities, technologies, customers and geographic presence to make our businesses stronger. Finally, LEAD operational excellence processes including effective product sourcing, acquisition integration or leadership development are utilized to improve profitability and drive cash flow. When executed successfully, these steps lead to strong earnings and cash flow generation that we reinvest back into the business.

Our businesses provide a vast array of products and services across multiple customers and geographies which results in significant diversification. The long-term sales growth and profitability of our segments will depend not only on improved demand in end markets and the overall economic environment, but also on our ability to identify, consummate and integrate strategic acquisitions, develop and market innovative new products, expand our business activity geographically and continuously improve operational excellence. We remain focused on maintaining our financial strength by adjusting our cost structure to reflect changes in demand levels and by proactively managing working capital and cash flow generation. Our priorities during fiscal 2015 include a continued focus on operational excellence, cash flow generation and growth initiatives (new product development, market share gains, geographic expansion and strategic acquisitions).

Historical Financial Data (in millions)

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014					2013					2012
Statements of Earnings Data:
Net sales	$	1,400		100	%	$	1,280		100	%	$	1,277		100	%
Cost of products sold	853			61	%	773			60	%	765			60	%
Gross profit	547			39	%	507			40	%	512			40	%
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	332			24	%	294			23	%	285			22	%
Gain on product line divestiture	(13		)	(1	)%	—			0	%	—			0	%
Amortization of intangible assets	25			2	%	23			2	%	22			2	%
Operating profit	203			15	%	190			15	%	205			16	%
Financing costs, net	25			2	%	25			2	%	30			2	%
Debt refinancing costs	—			0	%	—			0	%	17			1	%
Other expense, net	4			0	%	2			0	%	3			0	%
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax	174			12	%	163			13	%	155			12	%
Income tax expense	33			2	%	15			1	%	30			2	%
Earnings from continuing operations	141			10	%	148			12	%	125			10	%
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	22			2	%	(118		)	(9	)%	(38		)	(3	)%
Net earnings	$	163		12	%	$	30		2	%	$	87		7	%
Other Financial Data:
Depreciation	$	35				$	26				$	25
Capital expenditures	42					24					23

15

Consolidated net sales increased by $120 million from $1,280 million in fiscal 2013 to $1,400 million in fiscal 2014. Excluding the incremental $80 million of sales from acquisition and divestiture activity (Viking, Hayes and RV) and the $10 million favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes, fiscal 2014 consolidated core sales grew 3%. Consolidated operating profit for fiscal 2014 was $203 million, compared to $190 million and $205 million for fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively. In addition to the impact of economic conditions, the comparability of results between periods is impacted by acquisitions, divestitures, sales levels (operating leverage), product mix, variable incentive compensation expense and the timing and amount of restructuring costs and related benefits. Refer to Note 13, “Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding segment revenues, operating profits and assets.

Segment Results

Industrial Segment

The Industrial segment continues to focus on expanding integrated solutions, penetrating underserved vertical markets, introducing new products and generating sales in fast growing regions. Despite tepid economic conditions globally, we believe the Industrial segment will generate 3-5% core sales growth during the next twelve months, driven by new product introductions, pricing and slightly improved end market conditions. The following table sets forth a summary of Industrial segment results for the three most recent fiscal years (in millions):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Net Sales	$	414		$	423		$	419
Operating Profit	120			118			115
Operating Profit %	29.1		%	27.8		%	27.4		%

Fiscal 2014 compared to Fiscal 2013

Fiscal 2014 Industrial segment net sales decreased by $9 million (2%) to $414 million. Excluding $8 million of sales from the recent Hayes acquisition and the $1 million favorable impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, fiscal 2014 core sales declined 4%. This decline was the result of lower global Integrated Solutions activity (cautious spending by customers in infrastructure and heavy-lift markets), while shipments of industrial tool and other product lines collectively were flat year-over-year.  Despite lower sales, operating profit margins improved in fiscal 2014 due to continued productivity improvements, stringent cost controls and favorable sales mix.

Fiscal 2013 compared to Fiscal 2012

Fiscal 2013 Industrial segment net sales increased by $4 million (1%) to $423 million. Higher global integrated solutions sales and market share gains contributed to the modest core growth in a time of global economic weakness. Operating profit was $118 million in 2013, compared to $115 million in fiscal 2012, a $3 million (2%) increase. Operating profit and related margins improved in fiscal 2013 due to slightly higher sales and lower incentive compensation expense, which were somewhat offset by unfavorable product mix.

Energy Segment

Each of our three businesses within the Energy Segment generated growth during the second half of fiscal 2014, the result of strong demand for umbilical and synthetic ropes, increased North American maintenance activity by asset owners and favorable market conditions in offshore oil & gas (Asia Pacific region).  The Energy segment continues to focus on expanding its presence in the global energy markets and successfully integrating the Viking acquisition.  Increased worldwide demand for energy and improved demand in non-energy markets (defense, marine and aerospace) are expected to result in 4-6% core sales growth in fiscal 2015. The following table sets forth a summary of Energy segment results for the three most recent fiscal years (in millions):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Net Sales	$	462		$	363		$	349
Operating Profit	56			63			62
Operating Profit %	12.2		%	17.4		%	17.8		%

16

Fiscal 2014 compared to Fiscal 2013

Fiscal 2014 Energy segment net sales increased by $99 million (27%) to $462 million, with the majority due to the acquisition of Viking in late fiscal 2013. Excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates (which favorably impacted sales comparison by $4 million) and the $77 million of sales from Viking, core sales increased 5%. This growth was driven by increased activity in the energy, seismic exploration and defense markets. Despite robust sales activity in the Asia Pacific region, Viking encountered headwinds in the North Sea due to reduced drilling activity and investment levels in the second half of fiscal 2014. Operating profit margin declined in fiscal 2014 primarily due to unfavorable product and acquisition mix.

Fiscal 2013 compared to Fiscal 2012

Energy segment net sales for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013 increased $14 million (4%) to $363 million from $349 million in the prior year. Excluding a $12 million sales benefit from acquisitions and the $3 million unfavorable impact of foreign currency rate changes, year-over-year core sales grew 2% in fiscal 2013 reflecting modest overall market growth. Energy segment operating profit was $63 million in fiscal 2013 compared to $62 million in fiscal 2012, primarily due to increased sales.

Engineered Solutions Segment

The Engineered Solutions segment generated 6% core sales growth in fiscal 2014, benefiting from increased demand in both agricultural and heavy duty truck end markets globally. Other end markets including construction equipment, mining and defense were headwinds due to weak demand. The segment continues to focus on the commercialization of new products and the completion of restructuring initiatives aimed at simplifying the business and improving future profit margins.  We expect the Engineered Solutions segment to generate 2-4% core sales growth in fiscal 2015. The following table sets forth a summary of Engineered Solutions segment results for the three most recent fiscal years (in millions):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Net Sales	$	524		$	494		$	508
Operating Profit	55			40			61
Operating Profit %	10.6		%	8.2		%	12.0		%

Fiscal 2014 compared to Fiscal 2013

Fiscal 2014 Engineered Solutions net sales increased $30 million (6%) to $524 million versus the comparable prior year period. This growth resulted from strong European and China heavy-duty truck sales, along with increased agricultural sales (inclusive of new product introductions), which offset continued weak demand from off highway equipment, defense and construction equipment OEM's. Despite higher sales levels, operating profit margins (excluding the $14 million gain on the RV divestiture) declined slightly, the result of inefficiencies and costs associated with facility consolidations and $2 million of incremental restructuring costs.

Fiscal 2013 compared to Fiscal 2012

Net sales in the Engineered Solutions segment decreased $14 million (3%) from fiscal 2012 to $494 million in fiscal 2013. Excluding the benefit of $36 million of sales from acquired business and the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates (which unfavorably impacted sales by $2 million), core sales declined 10% from the prior year. The core sales decline was broad based across most served end markets and geographies and primarily reflected challenging economic conditions and OEM inventory destocking in the heavy-duty truck and off-highway markets. Engineered Solutions segment operating profit declined to $40 million during fiscal 2013 compared to $61 million in the prior year, primarily due to the impact of lower volumes, unfavorable sales mix and $2 million of restructuring costs.

Financing Costs, Net

Since all debt is considered to be for general corporate purposes, we do not allocate financing costs to our segments. Net financing costs were $25 million for both fiscal 2014 and 2013 and $30 million for fiscal 2012. The reduction in interest expense in fiscal 2013 reflects the conversion of our 2% Convertible Notes into common stock, as well as the benefit of lower interest rates following the refinancing of our Senior Notes in the third quarter of fiscal 2012.

17

Income Tax Expense

Our income tax expense is impacted by a number of factors, including the amount of taxable earnings derived in foreign jurisdictions with tax rates that are higher or lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate, state tax rates in the jurisdictions where we do business, tax minimization planning and our ability to utilize various tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards to reduce income tax expense. Income tax expense also includes the impact of provision to tax return adjustments, changes in valuation allowances and reserve requirements for unrecognized tax benefits. The effective income tax rate from continuing operations is as follows:

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Effective income tax rate	18.7	%	9.4	%	19.0	%

The lower effective tax rate (relative to the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate) is the result of the benefits from tax minimization planning, the utilization of tax net operating losses, favorable changes in tax laws, increased foreign tax credit utilization and favorable discrete items.  Fiscal 2014 includes a net $11 million income tax benefit from a change in income tax accounting method and a reduction in the reserve for uncertain tax positions (as a result of the lapsing of non-U.S. income tax statues of limitations) which were somewhat offset by $11 million of incremental income taxes on the RV divestiture.  Fiscal 2013 included a $7 million net reversal of tax reserves established in prior years and an $11 million adjustment to properly state deferred tax balances related to equity compensation programs, while fiscal 2012 income tax expense included a $6 million discrete income tax benefit resulting from debt refinancing.  See Note 10, “Income Taxes” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

Discontinued Operations

We divested our former Electrical segment in December 2013 to focus on our businesses that are tied to targeted energy, infrastructure, food/farm productivity and natural resources/sustainability secular demand. The former Electrical segment designed, manufactured and distributed a broad range of electrical products to the retail DIY, wholesale, OEM, solar, utility and marine markets. During fiscal 2012 we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $62 million related to one of the Electrical segment's reporting units (Mastervolt). We recorded an additional $159 million impairment charge in fiscal 2013, due to our decision to divest the entire Electrical segment. The ultimate divestiture resulted in a pre-tax gain on disposal of $34 million (see Note 3, "Discontinued Operations and Divestitures" in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion). The results of operations for the Electrical segment have been reported as discontinued operations for all periods and are summarized in the following table (in millions):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Net sales	$	72		$	286		$	329
Operating profit (loss) (1)	(5		)	34			28
Impairment charge	—			(159		)	(62		)
Net gain on disposal	34			—			—
Income tax benefit (expense)	(7		)	7			(4		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	22		$	(118	)	$	(38	)

(1) The operating loss in fiscal 2014 includes the operating results of the Electrical segment through the divestiture date of December 13, 2013, certain divestiture costs and a $3 million non-cash charge for the accelerated vesting of equity compensation.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At August 31, 2014, cash and cash equivalents is comprised of $78 million of cash held by foreign subsidiaries and $31 million held by U.S. subsidiaries. In order to avoid unfavorable income tax consequences, we periodically utilize safe harbor provisions to make temporary short-term intercompany advances from our foreign subsidiaries to our U.S. parent. We have not, nor do we anticipate the need to, repatriate funds to the U.S. to satisfy domestic liquidity needs arising in the ordinary course of business.

We believe that the successful execution of our business model will result in continued strong cash flow generation, which will allow us to reinvest in the business, fund future growth opportunities and stock repurchases, ultimately increasing long-term shareholder value. The following table summarizes the cash flow attributable to operating, investing and financing activities (in millions):

18

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	125		$	194		$	182
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	262			(253		)	(83		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(381		)	99			(72		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(1		)	(4		)	(3		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	$	5		$	36		$	24

Cash flows from operating activities during fiscal 2014 were lower than the prior year, primarily the result of reduced cash earnings, increased working capital and higher income tax payments. Operating cash flows, $289 million of proceeds from the sale of businesses and a $41 million sale leaseback of Viking rental assets funded the repurchase of approximately 8 million shares ($284 million) of the Company’s common stock, the $30 million purchase price of the Hayes acquisition and the repayment of $125 million of revolver borrowings.

Cash flows from operating activities in fiscal 2013 were robust at $194 million, benefiting from strong earnings and working capital management. Investing activities during fiscal 2013 included $24 million of net capital expenditures and the receipt of $5 million in proceeds related to the divestiture of the Nielsen Sessions business. Existing cash, borrowings under the revolving credit facility and operating cash flows funded the $235 million purchase price of the Viking acquisition, and the repurchase of approximately 1.3 million shares of the Company's common stock ($42 million).

Cash flows from operating activities in fiscal 2012 were $182 million, the result of strong cash earnings and effective working capital management, which were partially offset by the use of $30 million in the debt refinancing. This net operating cash flow and the proceeds from the debt refinancing funded $63 million of share repurchases, $69 million of business acquisitions and the repayment of revolving credit facility borrowings. Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment (which included the sale-leaseback of certain equipment and the sale of a vacant facility) were $9 million, while capital expenditures totaled $23 million.

Primary Working Capital Management

We use primary working capital (“PWC”) as a percentage of sales as a key indicator of working capital management effectiveness. We define this metric as the sum of net accounts receivable and net inventory less accounts payable, divided by the past three month's sales annualized. The following table shows the components of the metric (amounts in millions):

	August 31, 2014					August 31, 2013
	$			PWC %		$			PWC %
Accounts receivable, net	$	227		16	%	$	219		16	%
Inventory, net	163			12	%	143			10	%
Accounts payable	(146		)	(10	)%	(154		)	(11	)%
Net primary working capital	$	244		18	%	$	208		15	%

The increase in primary working capital in fiscal 2014 primarily reflects foreign currency rate changes and increased inventory levels to support long-term customer contracts and higher safety stock levels during plant consolidations and potential supply chain disruptions resulting from a threatened longshoremen strike.

Liquidity

Our Senior Credit Facility, which matures on July 18, 2018, includes a $600 million revolving credit facility, a $90 million term loan and a $350 million expansion option. Quarterly principal payments of $1 million begin on the term loan on September 30, 2014, increasing to $2 million per quarter beginning on September 30, 2015, with the remaining principal due at maturity. At August 31, 2014, we had $109 million of cash and cash equivalents and $593 million of available and unused capacity on the revolver. We believe that the availability under the Senior Credit Facility, combined with our existing cash on hand and anticipated operating cash flows will be adequate to meet operating, debt service, stock buyback, acquisition funding and capital expenditure requirements for the foreseeable future. See Note 5, “Debt” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

19

Seasonality and Working Capital

We have met our working capital and capital expenditure requirements through a combination of operating cash flow and revolver availability under our Senior Credit Facility. Although there are modest seasonal factors within certain of our businesses, on a consolidated basis, we do not experience material changes in seasonal working capital or capital resource requirements.

Our receivables are derived from a diverse customer base in a number of industries, with our largest single customer generating approximately 2% of fiscal 2014 net sales.

Capital Expenditures

The majority of our manufacturing activities consist of the assembly of components which are sourced from a variety of vendors. As a result, we believe that our capital expenditure requirements are not as extensive as other industrial companies given the assembly nature of our operations. Capital expenditures were $42 million, $24 million and $23 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase in capital expenditures in fiscal 2014 relates to the purchase of additional mooring assets in the Energy segment due to robust growth in the Asia Pacific region. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2015 are expected to be $30 to $40 million, but could vary from that depending on business performance, growth opportunities and the amount of assets we lease instead of purchase.

Commitments and Contingencies

Given our desire to allocate cash flow and revolver availability to fund growth initiatives, we typically lease much of our operating equipment and facilities. We lease certain facilities, computers, equipment and vehicles under various operating lease agreements, generally over periods ranging from one to twenty years. Under most arrangements, we pay the property taxes, insurance, maintenance and expenses related to the leased property. Many of the leases include provisions that enable us to renew the lease based upon fair value rental rates on the date of expiration of the initial lease. See Note 8, “Leases” in the notes to consolidated financial statements and the “Contractual Obligations” table for further information.

We are contingently liable for certain lease payments under leases of businesses that we previously divested or spun-off. Some of these businesses were subsequently sold to third parties. If any of these businesses do not fulfill their future lease payment obligations under the leases, we could be liable for such leases. The present value of future minimum lease payments for these leases was $21 million at August 31, 2014 (including $14 million related to the former Electrical segment). As of August 31, 2014, future minimum lease payments on previously divested or spun-off business were as follows: $4 million in fiscal 2015; $3 million in fiscal 2016; $2 million in fiscal 2017; $2 million in fiscal 2018; $2 million in fiscal 2019 and $7 million in aggregate thereafter.

We had outstanding letters of credit totaling $14 million and $11 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, the majority of which secure self-insured workers compensation liabilities.

Contractual Obligations

The timing of payments due under our contractual commitments is as follows (in millions):

	Payments Due
	2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		Thereafter		Total
Long-term debt (principal)	$	5	$	9	$	9	$	67	$	—	$	300	$	390
Interest on long-term debt	18		18		18		18		17		47		136
Operating leases	32		29		26		21		18		45		171
Deferred acquisition purchase price	—		—		2		1		—		—		3
	$	55	$	56	$	55	$	107	$	35	$	392	$	700

Our contractual obligations generally relate to amounts due under contracts with third party service providers. These contracts are primarily for real estate leases, information technology services (including software and hardware support services and leases) and telecommunications services. Only those obligations that are not cancelable are included in the table.

We routinely issue purchase orders to numerous vendors for inventory and other supplies. These purchase orders are generally cancelable with reasonable notice to the vendor, and are therefore excluded from this table.

We have long-term obligations related to our deferred compensation, pension and postretirement plans that are excluded from this table, summarized in Note 9, “Employee Benefit Plans” in the notes to consolidated financial statements.

20

As discussed in Note 10, “Income Taxes” in the notes to consolidated financial statements, we have unrecognized tax benefits of $32 million at August 31, 2014. The liability for unrecognized tax benefits was not included in the table of contractual obligations because the timing of the potential settlements of these uncertain tax positions cannot be reasonably estimated.

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following policies are considered by management to be the most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements and the uncertainties that could impact our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Revenue recognition: We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectibility of the sales price is reasonably assured. For product sales, delivery does not occur until the passage of title and risk of loss have transferred to the customer (generally when products are shipped). Revenue from service and rental contracts are recognized when the services are provided or ratably over the contract term. We record allowances for discounts, product returns and customer incentives at the time of sale as a reduction of revenue as such allowances can be reliably estimated based on historical experience and known trends. We also offer warranty on our products and accrue for warranty claims at the time of sale based upon the length of the warranty period, historical warranty cost trends and any other related information.

Inventories:  Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost is determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for a portion of U.S. owned inventory (approximately 21% of total inventories at both August 31, 2014 and 2013). The first-in, first-out or average cost method is used for all other inventories. If the LIFO method were not used, the inventory balance would be higher than the amount in the consolidated balance sheet by approximately $6 million at both August 31, 2014 and 2013. We perform an analysis of the historical sales usage of the individual inventory items on hand and a reserve is recorded to adjust inventory cost to market value. The inventory valuation assumptions used are based on historical experience. We believe that such estimates are made based on consistent and appropriate methods; however, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets:

Annual Impairment Review, Estimates and Sensitivity: The purchase price allocation for acquired businesses typically results in recording goodwill and other intangible assets, which are a significant portion of our total assets. On an annual basis, or more frequently if triggering events occur, we compare the estimated fair value of our reporting units to the carrying value to determine if a potential goodwill impairment exists. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss, is recorded for the difference between the implied fair value and the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill. The estimated fair value represents the amount we believe a reporting unit could be bought or sold for in a current transaction between willing parties on an arms-length basis.

In estimating the fair value, we generally use a discounted cash flow model, which is dependent on a number of assumptions including estimated future revenues and expenses, weighted average cost of capital, capital expenditures and other variables. The expected future revenue growth rates and operating profit margins are determined after taking into consideration our historical revenue growth rates and earnings levels, our assessment of future market potential and our expectations of future business performance. Under the discounted cash flow approach, the fair value is calculated as the sum of the projected discounted cash flows over a discrete seven year period plus an estimated terminal value. In certain circumstances we also review a market approach in which a trading multiple is applied to a forecasted EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) of the reporting unit to arrive at the estimated fair value.

Our fourth quarter fiscal 2014 impairment calculations included one reporting unit (Viking) that had an estimated fair value that exceeded its carrying value by 21%. The carrying value of this recently acquired reporting unit was $193 million at August 31, 2014, including $87 million of goodwill. Key financial assumptions utilized to determine the fair value of the reporting unit included modest sales growth (including 3.5% in the terminal year) and an 11.7% discount rate. The estimated future cash flows assumed improved profitability (relative to actual fiscal 2014 results) - driven by savings and efficiencies from completed restructuring actions, increased asset utilization and improved operating leverage on higher sales levels. The assumptions that have the most significant impact on the determination of the fair value of the reporting unit are the discount rate and sales growth rates. A 100 basis point increase in the discount rate results in a decrease to the estimated fair value by approximately 7%, while a reduction in the terminal year sales growth rate assumption by 100 basis points would decrease the estimated fair value by approximately 13%. The August 31, 2014 estimated fair value of each of the remaining six reporting units exceeded the carrying value (expressed as a percentage of the carrying value) in excess of 30%.

21

A considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests, principally in determining the fair value of each reporting unit and the indefinite lived intangible assets. While we believe our judgments and assumptions are reasonable, different assumptions could change the estimated fair values and, therefore, impairment charges could be required. Negative industry or economic trends, disruptions to the Company's business, loss of significant customers, inability to effectively integrate acquired businesses, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in the use of the assets or in entity structure and divestitures may adversely impact the assumptions used in the valuations and ultimately result in future impairment charges.

Long-Lived Assets: Indefinite lived intangible assets are also subject to annual impairment testing. On an annual basis, the fair value of the indefinite lived assets, based on a relief of royalty income approach, are evaluated to determine if an impairment charge is required.

We also review long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. If such indicators are present, we perform undiscounted operating cash flow analyses to determine if an impairment exists. If an impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated based on fair value.

Business Combinations and Purchase Accounting: We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting, and accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the acquired business are recorded at their respective fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value is recorded as goodwill. Assigning fair market values to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of an acquisition requires knowledge of current market values, and the values of assets in use, and often requires the application of judgment regarding estimates and assumptions. While the ultimate responsibility resides with management, for material acquisitions we retain the services of certified valuation specialists to assist with assigning estimated values to certain acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including intangible assets and tangible long-lived assets. Acquired intangible assets, excluding goodwill, are valued using a discounted cash flow methodology based on future cash flows specific to the type of intangible asset purchased. This methodology incorporates various estimates and assumptions, the most significant being projected revenue growth rates, earnings margins, and forecasted cash flows based on the discount rate and terminal growth rate.

Employee Benefit Plans: We provide a variety of benefits to employees and former employees, including in some cases, pensions and postretirement health care. Plan assets and obligations are recorded based on a August 31 measurement date utilizing various actuarial assumptions such as discount rates, assumed rates of return on plan assets and health care cost trend rates. We determine the discount rate assumptions by referencing high-quality long-term bond rates that are matched to the duration of our benefit obligations, with appropriate consideration of local market factors, participant demographics and benefit payment forecasts. At August 31, 2014 and 2013, the weighted-average discount rate on domestic benefit plans was 4.15% and 4.90%, respectively. In estimating the expected return on plan assets, we consider historical returns, forward-looking considerations, inflation assumptions and the asset allocation strategy in investing such assets. Domestic benefit plan assets consist primarily of participating units in mutual funds, index funds and bond funds. The expected return on domestic benefit plan assets was 7.50% and 7.65% at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. A 25 basis point change in the assumptions for the discount rate or expected return on plan assets would not materially change fiscal 2015 domestic benefit plan expense.

We review actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and make modifications based on current rates and trends when appropriate. As required by U.S. GAAP, the effects of any modifications are recorded currently or amortized over future periods. Based on information provided by independent actuaries and other relevant sources, we believe that the assumptions used are reasonable; however, changes in these assumptions could impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See Note 9, “Employee Benefit Plans” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

Income Taxes:   Judgment is required to determine the annual effective income tax rate, deferred tax assets and liabilities, reserves for unrecognized tax benefits and any valuation allowances recorded against net deferred tax assets. Our effective income tax rate is based on annual income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Our annual effective income tax rate includes the impact of discrete income tax matters including adjustments to reserves for uncertain tax positions and the benefits of various income tax planning activities.  Tax regulations require items to be included in our tax returns at different times than the items are reflected in our financial statements. As a result, the effective income tax rate in our financial statements differs from that reported in our tax returns. Some of these differences are permanent, such as expenses that are not deductible on our tax return, and some are temporary differences, such as amortization and depreciation expense.

Temporary differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  We establish valuation allowances for our deferred tax assets when the amount of expected future taxable income is not likely to support the utilization of the entire deduction or credit. Relevant factors in determining the realizability of deferred tax assets include future

22

taxable income, the expected timing of the reversal of temporary differences, tax planning strategies and the expiration dates of the various tax attributes.

Use of Estimates:   We record reserves, asset write-downs or allowances for customer rebates, returns and discounts, doubtful accounts, inventory, incurred but not reported medical claims, environmental matters, warranty claims, workers compensation claims, product and non-product litigation and incentive compensation. These reserves require the use of estimates and judgment. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. We believe that such estimates are made on a consistent basis and with appropriate assumptions and methods. However, actual results may differ from these estimates.

Item  7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates and, to a lesser extent, commodities. To reduce such risks, we selectively use financial instruments and other proactive management techniques. All hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to clearly defined policies and procedures, which strictly prohibit the use of financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. A discussion of our accounting policies for derivative financial instruments is included within Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Foreign Currency Risk—We maintain operations in the U.S. and various foreign countries. Our non-U.S. operations, the largest of which are located in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Mexico and China, have foreign currency risk relating to receipts from customers, payments to suppliers and intercompany transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Under certain conditions, we enter into hedging transactions, primarily forward foreign currency swaps, that enable us to mitigate the potential adverse impact of foreign currency exchange rate risk (see Note 7, “Derivatives” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for further information). We do not engage in trading or other speculative activities with these transactions, as established policies require that these hedging transactions relate to specific currency exposures.

The strengthening of the U.S. dollar could also result in unfavorable translation effects on our results of operations and financial position as the results of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars. To illustrate the potential impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on the translation of our results of operations, annual sales and operating profit were remeasured assuming a ten percent reduction in foreign exchange rates compared with the U.S. dollar. Under this assumption, annual sales and operating profit would have been $79 million and $11 million lower, respectively, for the twelve months ended August 31, 2014. This sensitivity analysis assumed that each exchange rate would change in the same direction relative to the U.S. dollar and excludes the potential effects that changes in foreign currency exchange rates may have on actual sales or price levels. Similarly, a ten percent decline in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar on our August 31, 2014 financial position would result in a $79 million reduction to equity (accumulated other comprehensive loss), as a result of non U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities being translated into U.S. dollars, our reporting currency.

Interest Rate Risk—We have earnings exposure related to interest rate changes on any outstanding floating rate debt that is indexed off of LIBOR interest rates. We periodically utilize interest rate swap agreements to manage overall financing costs and interest rate risk. As discussed in Note 5, “Debt” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, at August 31, 2011 we were a party to interest rate swap agreements that converted $100 million of floating rate debt to a fixed rate of interest. These swaps were terminated during fiscal 2012 as part of the debt refinancing transaction. A 25 basis point increase or decrease in the applicable interest rates on our variable rate debt as of August 31, 2014 would result in a corresponding change in financing costs of $0.7 million on an annual basis.

Commodity Risk—We source a wide variety of materials and components from a network of global suppliers. While such materials are typically available from numerous suppliers, commodity raw materials, such as steel and plastic resin are subject to price fluctuations, which could have a negative impact on our results. We strive to pass along such commodity price increases to customers to avoid profit margin erosion and utilize LEAD initiatives to further mitigate the impact of commodity raw material price fluctuations as improved efficiencies across all locations are achieved.

23

Item 8.        Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

	Page
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	25
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012	26
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012	27
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 2014 and 2013	28
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012	29
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended August  31, 2014, 2013 and 2012	30
Notes to consolidated financial statements	31
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	58

All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not required or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

24

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Actuant Corporation:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Actuant Corporation and its subsidiaries at August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2014 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying indexpresents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated 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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included 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. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

As described in “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting,” management has excluded Hayes Industries Ltd. ("Hayes") from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2014 because the business was acquired by the Company in a purchase business combination on May 23, 2014. We have also excluded Hayes from our audit of internal control over financial reporting. Hayes is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company whose total assets and revenues represent approximately 2% and less than 1% respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended August 31, 2014.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

October 27, 2014

25

ACTUANT CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Net sales	$	1,399,862		$	1,279,742		$	1,276,521
Cost of products sold	852,990			772,792			765,061
Gross profit	546,872			506,950			511,460
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	332,093			293,866			284,920
Gain on product line divestiture	(13,495		)	—			—
Amortization of intangible assets	25,166			22,939			22,026
Operating profit	203,108			190,145			204,514
Financing costs, net	25,045			24,837			29,561
Debt refinancing costs	—			—			16,830
Other expense, net	4,037			2,359			3,493
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax	174,026			162,949			154,630
Income tax expense	32,573			15,372			29,354
Earnings from continuing operations	141,453			147,577			125,276
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	22,120			(117,529		)	(37,986		)
Net earnings	$	163,573		$	30,048		$	87,290
Earnings from continuing operations per share:
Basic	$	1.99		$	2.02		$	1.79
Diluted	$	1.95		$	1.98		$	1.68
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	2.31		$	0.41		$	1.25
Diluted	$	2.26		$	0.40		$	1.17
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	70,942			72,979			70,099
Diluted	72,486			74,580			74,940

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

26

ACTUANT CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands)

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Net earnings	$	163,573		$	30,048		$	87,290
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3,344			(2,918		)	(48,571		)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans	(3,159		)	3,927			(6,175		)
Cash flow hedges	67			(197		)	2,953
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	252			812			(51,793		)
Comprehensive income	$	163,825		$	30,860		$	35,497

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

27

ACTUANT CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

	August 31,
	2014			2013
A S S E T S
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	109,012		$	103,986
Accounts receivable, net	227,008			219,075
Inventories, net	162,620			142,549
Deferred income taxes	11,050			18,796
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	33,300			28,228
Assets of discontinued operations	—			272,606
Total current assets	542,990			785,240
Property, plant and equipment
Land, buildings, and improvements	52,989			52,669
Machinery and equipment	281,763			305,200
Gross property, plant and equipment	334,752			357,869
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(165,651		)	(156,373		)
Property, plant and equipment, net	169,101			201,496
Goodwill	742,770			734,952
Other intangibles, net	365,177			376,692
Other long-term assets	36,841			20,952
Total assets	$	1,856,879		$	2,119,332
L I A B I L I T I E S  A N D  S H A R E H O L D E R S’  E Q U I T Y
Current liabilities
Trade accounts payable	$	145,798		$	154,049
Accrued compensation and benefits	52,964			43,800
Current maturities of debt	4,500			—
Income taxes payable	38,347			14,014
Other current liabilities	57,512			56,899
Liabilities of discontinued operations	—			53,080
Total current liabilities	299,121			321,842
Long-term debt	385,500			515,000
Deferred income taxes	96,970			115,865
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	15,699			20,698
Other long-term liabilities	57,878			65,660
Total liabilities	855,168			1,039,065
Shareholders’ equity
Class A common stock, $0.20 par value per share, authorized 168,000,000 shares, issued 78,480,780 and 77,001,144 shares, respectively	15,695			15,399
Additional paid-in capital	93,449			49,758
Treasury stock, at cost, 12,195,359 shares and 3,983,513 shares, respectively	(388,627		)	(104,915		)
Retained earnings	1,349,602			1,188,685
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(68,408		)	(68,660		)
Stock held in trust	(4,083		)	(3,124		)
Deferred compensation liability	4,083			3,124
Total shareholders’ equity	1,001,711			1,080,267
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	1,856,879		$	2,119,332

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

28

ACTUANT CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Operating activities
Net earnings	$	163,573		$	30,048		$	87,290
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided by operating activities:
Non-cash items:
Depreciation and amortization	60,635			53,902			54,263
Net gain on disposal of businesses	(29,152		)	—			—
Stock-based compensation expense	17,115			13,440			13,346
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes	40			(44,265		)	(10,524		)
Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs	1,829			1,940			1,990
Impairment charges	—			158,817			62,464
Non-cash debt refinancing costs	—			—			2,254
Other non-cash adjustments	(168		)	328			—
Changes in components of working capital and other:
Accounts receivable	1,336			(10,925		)	(12,310		)
Inventories	(21,915		)	13,714			11,532
Prepaid expenses and other assets	4,276			(4,603		)	(2,164		)
Trade accounts payable	(19,832		)	(9,279		)	5,902
Income taxes payable	(46,133		)	594			(17,903		)
Accrued compensation and benefits	11,779			(14,256		)	(6,292		)
Other accrued liabilities	(18,149		)	4,334			(7,519		)
Cash provided by operating activities	125,234			193,789			182,329
Investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	44,274			1,621			8,501
Proceeds from sale of businesses	289,590			4,854			—
Capital expenditures	(41,857		)	(23,668		)	(22,740		)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(30,500		)	(235,489		)	(69,309		)
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	261,507			(252,682		)	(83,548		)
Financing activities
Net borrowings (repayments) on revolver	(125,000		)	125,000			(58,167		)
Principal repayments on term loans	—			(7,500		)	(2,500		)
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes	—			—			(102		)
Proceeds from issuance of 5.625% Senior Notes	—			—			300,000
Redemption of 6.875% Senior Notes	—			—			(250,000		)
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	(1,585		)	(5,378		)	(958		)
Debt issuance costs	—			(2,035		)	(5,490		)
Purchase of treasury shares	(283,712		)	(41,832		)	(63,083		)
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	32,224			33,261			10,913
Cash dividend	(2,919		)	(2,911		)	(2,748		)
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(380,992		)	98,605			(72,135		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(723		)	(3,910		)	(2,683		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	5,026			35,802			23,963
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	103,986			68,184			44,221
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	$	109,012		$	103,986		$	68,184

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

29

ACTUANT CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands)

	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital			Treasury Stock			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Stock Held in Trust			Deferred Compensation Liability		Total Shareholders’ Equity
	Issued Shares	Amount
Balance at August 31, 2011	68,657	$	13,731	$	(154,231	)	$	—		$	1,077,192		$	(17,679	)	$	(2,137	)	$	2,137	$	919,013
Net earnings	—	—		—			—			87,290			—			—			—		87,290
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	—	—		—			—			—			(51,793		)	—			—		(51,793		)
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other	277	55		5,530			—			—			—			—			—		5,585
Conversion of 2% Convertible Notes	5,962	1,192		133,757			—			—			—			—			—		134,949
Restricted stock awards	17	3		(3		)	—			—			—			—			—		—
Cash dividend ($0.04 per share)	—	—		—			—			(2,918		)	—			—			—		(2,918		)
Treasury stock repurchases	—	—		—			(63,083		)	—			—			—			—		(63,083		)
Stock based compensation expense	—	—		13,346			—			—			—			—			—		13,346
Stock option exercises	580	116		6,434			—			—			—			—			—		6,550
Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises	—	—		2,349			—			—			—			—			—		2,349
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust	26	5		543			—			—			—			(552		)	552		548
Balance at August 31, 2012	75,519	15,102		7,725			(63,083		)	1,161,564			(69,472		)	(2,689		)	2,689		1,051,836
Net earnings	—	—		—			—			30,048			—			—			—		30,048
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	—	—		—			—			—			812			—			—		812
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other	21	5		592			—			—			—			—			—		597
Restricted stock awards	169	34		(34		)	—			—			—			—			—		—
Cash dividend ($0.04 per share)	—	—		—			—			(2,927		)	—			—			—		(2,927		)
Treasury stock repurchases	—	—		—			(41,832		)	—			—			—			—		(41,832		)
Stock based compensation expense	—	—		13,440			—			—			—			—			—		13,440
Stock option exercises	1,276	255		24,585			—			—			—			—			—		24,840
Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises	—	—		2,954			—			—			—			—			—		2,954
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust	16	3		496			—			—			—			(435		)	435		499
Balance at August 31, 2013	77,001	15,399		49,758			(104,915		)	1,188,685			(68,660		)	(3,124		)	3,124		1,080,267
Net earnings	—	—		—			—			163,573			—			—			—		163,573
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	—	—		—			—			—			252			—			—		252
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other	16	3		550			—			—			—			—			—		553
Restricted stock awards	389	78		(78		)	—			—			—			—			—		—
Cash dividend ($0.04 per share)	—	—		—			—			(2,656		)	—			—			—		(2,656		)
Treasury stock repurchases	—	—		—			(283,712		)	—			—			—			—		(283,712		)
Stock based compensation expense	—	—		17,115			—			—			—			—			—		17,115
Stock option exercises	1,065	213		21,782			—			—			—			—			—		21,995
Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises	—	—		3,937			—			—			—			—			—		3,937
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust	10	2		385			—			—			—			(959		)	959		387
Balance at August 31, 2014	78,481	$	15,695	$	93,449		$	(388,627	)	$	1,349,602		$	(68,408	)	$	(4,083	)	$	4,083	$	1,001,711

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

30

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations:    Actuant Corporation (“Actuant” or the “Company”) is a global manufacturer of a broad range of industrial products and systems, organized into three reportable segments. The Industrial segment is primarily involved in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded hydraulic and mechanical tools to the maintenance, industrial, infrastructure and production automation markets. The Energy segment provides joint integrity products and services, customized offshore vessel mooring solutions, as well as rope and cable solutions to the global oil & gas, power generation and other energy markets. The Engineered Solutions segment provides highly engineered position and motion control systems to OEMs in various vehicle markets, as well as a variety of other products to the industrial and agricultural markets.

Consolidation and Presentation:    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Actuant consolidates companies in which it owns or controls more than fifty percent of the voting shares. The results of companies acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated financial statements from the effective date of acquisition or until the date of divestiture. All intercompany balances, transactions and profits have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

Cash Equivalents:    The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents.

Inventories:    Inventories are comprised of material, direct labor and manufacturing overhead, and are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost is determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for a portion of the U.S. owned inventory (approximately 21% of total inventories in both 2014 and 2013). The first-in, first-out or average cost methods are used for all other inventories. If the LIFO method were not used, inventory balances would be higher than the amounts in the consolidated balance sheets by $5.7 million and $5.8 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The nature of the Company’s products is such that they generally have a very short production cycle. Consequently, the amount of work-in-process at any point in time is minimal. In addition, many parts or components are ultimately either sold individually or assembled with other parts making a distinction between raw materials and finished goods impractical to determine. Other locations maintain and manage their inventories using a job cost system where the distinction of categories of inventory by state of completion is also not available. As a result of these factors, it is neither practical nor cost effective to segregate the amounts of raw materials, work-in-process or finished goods inventories at the respective balance sheet dates, as segregation would only be possible as the result of physical inventories which are taken at dates different from the balance sheet dates.

Property, Plant and Equipment:    Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from ten to forty years for buildings and improvements and two to fifteen years for machinery and equipment. Equipment includes assets (marine mooring equipment and joint integrity tools) which are rented to customers and asset owners in the Energy segment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the related asset or the term of the lease, whichever is shorter.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Other intangible assets with definite lives, consisting primarily of purchased customer relationships, patents, trademarks and non-compete agreements, are amortized over periods from two to twenty-five years. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization, but are subject to annual impairment testing.

The Company’s goodwill is tested for impairment annually, at August 31, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. The Company performs impairment reviews for its reporting units using a fair value method based on management’s judgments and assumptions. In estimating the fair value, the Company utilizes a discounted cash flow model, which is dependent on a number of assumptions including estimated future revenues and expenses, weighted average cost of capital, capital expenditures and other variables. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit is compared to the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the goodwill is potentially impaired and the Company then determines the implied fair value of goodwill, which is compared to the carrying value to determine if impairment exists. Indefinite lived intangible assets are also subject to an annual impairment test. On an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired, the fair value of the indefinite lived intangible assets are evaluated by the Company to determine if an impairment charge is required. A considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests, principally in determining the fair value of each reporting unit and the indefinite lived intangible assets.

31

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

While management believes the judgments and assumptions were reasonable; different assumptions or adverse market developments could change the estimated fair values, and therefore, impairment charges could be required.

Product Warranty Costs:    The Company generally offers its customers a warranty on products sold, although warranty periods may vary by product type and application. The reserve for future warranty claims is based on historical claim rates and current warranty cost experience. The following is a reconciliation of the changes in product warranty reserves for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

	2014			2013
Beginning balance	$	7,413		$	12,869
Warranty reserves of acquired businesses	44			981
Product line divestiture	(699		)	—
Provision for warranties	2,769			7,907
Warranty payments and costs incurred	(5,477		)	(11,616		)
Discontinued operations reclassification	—			(3,107		)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	6			379
Ending balance	$	4,056		$	7,413

Revenue Recognition:    The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectibility of the sales price is reasonably assured. For product sales, delivery does not occur until the passage of title and risk of loss have transferred to the customer (generally when products are shipped). Revenue from services and rental contracts are recognized when the services are provided or ratably over the contract term. Customer sales are recorded net of allowances for returns and discounts, which are recognized as a deduction from sales at the time of sale. The Company commits to one-time or on-going trade discounts and promotions with customers that require the Company to estimate and accrue the ultimate costs of such programs. The Company maintains an accrual at the end of each period for the earned, but unpaid costs related to the programs. The Company generally does not require collateral or other security for receivables and provides for an allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical experience and a review of its existing receivables. Accounts Receivable are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $6.0 million and $3.7 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Costs:    The Company records costs associated with shipping its products in cost of products sold.

Research and Development Costs:    Research and development costs consist primarily of an allocation of overall engineering and development resources and are expensed as incurred. Such costs incurred in the development of new products or significant improvements to existing products were $20.0 million, $21.0 million and $17.1 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company also incurs significant costs in connection with fulfilling custom orders and developing solutions for unique customer needs which are not included in these research and development expense totals.

Other Income/Expense:    Other income and expense primarily consists of foreign exchange transaction losses of $4.2 million, $2.7 million and $3.9 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Financing Costs:    Financing costs represent interest expense, financing fees and amortization of debt issuance costs, net of interest income.

Income Taxes:The provision for income taxes includes federal, state, local and non-U.S. taxes on income. Tax credits,

primarily for non-U.S. earnings, are recognized as a reduction of the provision for income taxes in the year in which they are

available for U.S. tax purposes. Deferred taxes are provided on temporary differences between assets and liabilities for financial

and tax reporting purposes as measured by enacted tax rates expected to apply when temporary differences are settled or

realized. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of those benefits is considered to be more likely than

not. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets for which realization is not more likely than not of being

realized. The Company has not provided for any residual U.S. income taxes on unremitted earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries as

such earnings are intended to be indefinitely reinvested. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized

tax benefits in income tax expense.

Foreign Currency Translation:    The financial statements of the Company’s foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and an appropriate weighted average

32

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

exchange rate for each applicable period for revenues and expenses. Translation adjustments are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of shareholders' equity caption “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.”

Use of Estimates:    The Company has recorded reserves, assets write downs or allowances for customer rebates, returns and discounts, doubtful accounts, inventory, incurred but not reported medical claims, environmental matters, warranty claims, workers compensation claims, product and non-product litigation and incentive compensation. These reserves require the use of estimates and judgment. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company believes that such estimates are made with consistent and appropriate assumptions. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

New Accounting Pronouncements: In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which includes amendments that change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and requires additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Under ASU 2014-09, an entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. It also requires more detailed disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard.

Note 2.    Acquisitions

The Company completed several business acquisitions during the last three years. All of the acquisitions resulted in the recognition of goodwill in the Company’s consolidated financial statements because the purchase prices reflect the future earnings and cash flow potential of these companies, as well as the complementary strategic fit and resulting synergies these businesses bring to existing operations. The Company incurred acquisition transaction costs of $0.5 million, $3.7 million and $1.4 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to various business acquisition activities.

The Company makes an initial allocation of the purchase price, at the date of acquisition, based upon its understanding of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities. The Company obtains this information during due diligence and through other sources. If additional information is obtained about these assets and liabilities within the measurement period (not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition), through asset appraisals and learning more about the newly acquired business, the Company will refine its estimates of fair value and adjust the purchase price allocation. During fiscal 2014, goodwill related to prior year acquisitions decreased by $0.8 million, the net result of purchase accounting adjustments to the fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities.

Fiscal 2014

The Company acquired Hayes Industries Ltd. ("Hayes") on May 23, 2014 for $30.5 million plus up to $4.0 million of potential contingent consideration (based on operating results). This Industrial segment acquisition is headquartered in Sugarland, Texas and maintains a leading position in the concrete tensioning market. Its products include patented encapsulated anchor systems, wedges and customized extruded cables. The preliminary purchase price allocation resulted in the recognition of $17.5 million of goodwill (which is deductible for tax purposes) and $10.6 million of intangible assets, including $5.0 million of patents, $3.3 million of customer relationships, $2.0 million of tradenames and $0.3 million for non-compete agreements.

Fiscal 2013

The Company acquired Viking SeaTech (“Viking”) for $235.5 million on August 27, 2013. Viking expands the Energy segment's geographic presence, technologies and services provided to the global energy market. Headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland, Viking is a support specialist providing a comprehensive range of marine mooring equipment and services to the offshore oil & gas industry. Viking serves customers globally with primary markets in the North Sea (U.K. and Norway) and Australia. The majority of Viking's revenue is derived from offshore vessel mooring solutions which include design, rental, installation and inspection. Viking also provides survey and other marine services to offshore operators, drillers and energy asset owners. The purchase price allocation for this acquisition resulted in the recognition of $86.9 million of goodwill (which

33

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

is not deductible for tax purposes) and $65.4 million of intangible assets, including $40.5 million of customer relationships and $24.9 million of tradenames.

Fiscal 2012

During fiscal 2012, the Company completed two maximatecc tuck-in acquisitions to expand the geographic presence, product offerings and technologies of the Engineered Solutions segment. On July 20, 2012 the Company completed the acquisition of the stock of CrossControl AB (“CrossControl”) for $40.6 million of cash. CrossControl, headquartered in Sweden, provides advanced electronic solutions for human-machine interaction, vehicle control and mobile connectivity in critical environments. On March 28, 2012 the Company acquired the stock of Turotest Medidores Ltda (“Turotest”) for $8.1 million of cash and $5.3 million of deferred purchase price. Turotest, headquartered in Brazil, designs and manufactures instrument panels and gauges serving the Brazilian agriculture and industrial markets.

In addition, on February 10, 2012 the Company completed the acquisition of the stock of Jeyco Pty Ltd (“Jeyco”) for $20.7 million of cash. This Cortland (Energy segment) tuck-in acquisition, designs and provides specialized mooring, rigging and towing systems and services to the offshore oil & gas industry in Australia and other international markets. Additionally, Jeyco’s products are used in a variety of applications for other markets including cyclone mooring and marine, defense and mining tow systems.

The combined purchase price allocation for all three fiscal 2012 acquisitions resulted in the recognition of $40.1 million of goodwill (which is not deductible for tax purposes) and $32.8 million of intangible assets, including $24.2 million of customer relationships, $5.7 million of tradenames, $2.2 million of technologies and $0.7 million of non-compete agreements.

The following unaudited pro forma results of operations of the Company give effect to all acquisitions completed in the last three years as though the transactions and related financing activities had occurred on September 1, 2011 (in thousands, except per share amounts).

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Net sales
As reported	$	1,399,862	$	1,279,742	$	1,276,521
Pro forma	1,419,915		1,390,251		1,439,493
Earnings from continuing operations
As reported	$	141,453	$	147,577	$	125,276
Pro forma	142,589		154,371		134,430
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
As reported	$	1.99	$	2.02	$	1.79
Pro forma	2.01		2.12		1.92
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
As reported	$	1.95	$	1.98	$	1.68
Pro forma	1.97		2.07		1.80

Note 3.    Discontinued Operations and Divestitures

On June 13, 2014, the Company completed the divestiture of its Recreational Vehicle ("RV") business for $36.5 million in cash. This product line divestiture resulted in a $13.5 million pre-tax gain on sale ($2.8 million net of tax). The results of the RV business (which had sales of $22 million in fiscal 2014) are not material to the consolidated financial results and are included in continuing operations.

34

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The former Electrical segment designed, manufactured and distributed a broad range of electrical products to the retail DIY, wholesale, OEM, solar, utility and marine markets. On December 13, 2013, the Company completed the sale of the Electrical segment for net cash proceeds of $252.4 million, which resulted in a pre-tax gain on disposal of $34.5 million ($26.3 million net of tax). The following table summarizes the results of the Electrical segment which is reported as a discontinued operation for each of the last three fiscal years (in thousands):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Net sales	$	72,139		$	286,308		$	328,821
Operating profit (loss) (1)	(4,873		)	34,536			28,148
Impairment charge	—			(159,104		)	(62,464		)
Gain on disposal	34,459			—			—
Income tax benefit (expense)	(7,466		)	7,039			(3,670		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	22,120		$	(117,529	)	$	(37,986	)

(1) The operating loss in fiscal 2014 includes the operating results of the Electrical segment through the sale date of December 13, 2013, certain divestiture costs and a $3.1 million non-cash charge for the accelerated vesting of equity compensation.

During fiscal 2013, the Company committed to a plan to divest the former Electrical segment due to its decision to focus on businesses that are tied to targeted energy, infrastructure, food/farm productivity and natural resources/sustainability secular demand. As a result, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge in fiscal 2013 of $159.1 million, including a write-down of $137.8 million of goodwill and $21.3 million of indefinite lived intangible assets (tradenames). The impairment charge represented the excess of the net book value of the assets held for sale over the estimated fair value, less selling costs.

During fiscal 2012, the Company recognized a $62.5 million non-cash impairment charge related to the goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets of the Electrical segment's Mastervolt business. The impairment charge consisted of the write-down of $36.6 million of goodwill and $25.9 million of indefinite lived intangible assets (tradenames).

Note 4.    Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations. Goodwill is not subject to amortization and is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. Impairment tests are performed by the Company annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):

	Industrial		Energy			Electrical			Engineered Solutions			Total
Balance as of August 31, 2012	$	81,404	$	259,521		$	213,870		$	311,617		$	866,412
Business acquired (Viking)	—		87,734			—			—			87,734
Purchase accounting adjustments	—		117			—			(100		)	17
Impairment charge	—		—			(137,804		)	—			(137,804		)
Reclassification of discontinued operations	—		—			(76,877		)	—			(76,877		)
Divestiture of Nielsen Sessions business	—		—			—			(2,556		)	(2,556		)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	1,207		(5,469		)	811			1,477			(1,974		)
Balance as of August 31, 2013	82,611		341,903			—			310,438			734,952
Business acquired (Hayes)	17,536		—			—			—			17,536
Purchase accounting adjustments	—		(835		)	—			—			(835		)
Divestiture of RV business	—		—			—			(17,843		)	(17,843		)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	119		9,559			—			(718		)	8,960
Balance as of August 31, 2014	$	100,266	$	350,627		$	—		$	291,877		$	742,770

35

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of the Company’s intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):

	Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	August 31, 2014						August 31, 2013
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value
Amortizable intangible assets:
Customer relationships	15	$	325,164	$	117,706	$	207,458	$	318,143	$	95,215	$	222,928
Patents	10	31,678		17,494		14,184		30,564		18,747		11,817
Trademarks and tradenames	17	23,241		6,201		17,040		24,088		7,356		16,732
Non-compete agreements and other	4	7,373		6,783		590		7,034		6,458		576
Indefinite lived intangible assets:
Tradenames	N/A	125,905		—		125,905		124,639		—		124,639
		$	513,361	$	148,184	$	365,177	$	504,468	$	127,776	$	376,692

Changes in the gross carrying value of intangible assets result from foreign currency exchange rate changes, business acquisitions, divestitures and impairment charges. Amortization expense for future years is estimated to be: $25.6 million in each of fiscal years 2015 and 2016, $24.9 million in fiscal 2017, $24.1 million in fiscal 2018, $23.9 million in fiscal 2019 and $115.2 million in aggregate thereafter. The future amortization expense amounts represent estimates, which may change based on future acquisitions, foreign currency exchange rates and other factors.

Note 5.    Debt

The following is a summary of the Company’s long-term indebtedness (in thousands):

	August 31,
	2014			2013
Senior Credit Facility
Revolver	$	—		$	125,000
Term Loan	90,000			90,000
	90,000			215,000
5.625% Senior Notes	300,000			300,000
Total Senior Indebtedness	390,000			515,000
Less: current maturities of long-term debt	(4,500		)	—
Total long-term debt, less current maturities	$	385,500		$	515,000

The Company’s Senior Credit Facility, which matures on July 18, 2018, provides a $600.0 million revolving credit facility, a $90.0 million term loan and a $350.0 million expansion option, subject to certain conditions. Borrowings are subject to a pricing grid, which can result in increases or decreases to the borrowing spread, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio, ranging from 1.00% to 2.50% in the case of loans bearing interest at LIBOR and from 0.00% to 1.50% in the case of loans bearing interest at the base rate. As of August 31, 2014, the borrowing spread on LIBOR based borrowings was 1.25% (aggregating to approximately 1.44%). In addition, a non-use fee is payable quarterly on the average unused credit line under the revolver ranging from 0.15% to 0.40% per annum. As of August 31, 2014, the available and unused credit line under the revolver was $593.2 million. Quarterly term loan principal payments of $1.1 million begin on September 30, 2014, increase to $2.3 million per quarter on September 30, 2015, with the remaining principal due at maturity. The Senior Credit Facility, which is secured by substantially all of the Company’s domestic personal property assets, also contains customary limits and restrictions concerning investments, sales of assets, liens on assets, dividends and other payments. The two financial covenants included in the Senior Credit Facility agreement are a maximum leverage ratio of 3.75:1 and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.50:1. The Company was in compliance with its financial covenants at August 31, 2014.

On April 16, 2012, the Company issued $300.0 million of 5.625% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “Senior Notes”). The Senior Notes require no principal installments prior to their June 15, 2022 maturity, require semiannual interest payments in December and June of each year and contain certain financial and non-financial covenants. The Senior Notes include a call feature that allows the Company to repurchase them anytime on or after June 15, 2017 at stated redemption prices (ranging

36

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

from 100.0% to 102.8%), plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company utilized the net proceeds from this issuance to fund the repurchase of all its then-outstanding $250 million6.875% Senior Notes due 2017 at a cost of 104%, or $260.4 million.

In November 2003, the Company issued $150.0 million of Senior Subordinated Convertible Debentures due November 15, 2023 (the “2% Convertible Notes”). In March 2012, the Company called all of the remaining $117.6 million of 2% Convertible Notes outstanding for cash at par. As a result of the call notice, substantially all of the holders of the 2% Convertible Notes converted them into newly issued shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (resulting in the issuance of 5,951,440 shares of common stock), while the remaining $0.1 million of 2% Convertible Notes were repurchased for cash. As a result of the 2% Convertible Notes being redeemed for the Company’s common stock, $15.6 million of the related prior income tax benefit was recaptured and repaid in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.

In fiscal 2011, the Company entered into interest rate swap contracts that had a total notional value of $100.0 million and maturity dates of March 23, 2016. The interest rate swap contracts paid the Company variable interest at the three month LIBOR rate, while the Company paid the counterparties a fixed interest rate of approximately 2.06%. These interest rate swap contracts were entered into to synthetically convert $100.0 million of the Senior Credit Facility variable rate borrowings into fixed rate debt. The Company terminated the interest rate swap contracts on April 3, 2012, which resulted in a cash payment to the counterparty of $4.1 million, in full settlement of the fair value of the contracts.

In connection with the debt refinancing activities, during the year ended August 31, 2012, the Company recognized a $16.8 million pre-tax debt refinancing charge, which included $10.4 million of tender premium paid to holders of the 6.875% Senior Notes, a $2.3 million write-off of deferred financing costs and debt discount and a $4.1 million charge related to the termination of the interest rate swap agreements. The related tax benefit on the debt refinancing charge was $6.3 million.

The Company made cash interest payments of $21.0 million, $21.0 million and $26.0 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Note 6.    Fair Value Measurements

The Company assesses the inputs used to measure the fair value of financial assets and liabilities using a three-tier hierarchy. Level 1 inputs include quoted prices for identical instruments and are the most observable. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and observable inputs such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity rates and yield curves. Level 3 inputs are not observable in the market and include management’s own judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The following financial assets and liabilities, measured at fair value, are included in the consolidated balance sheet (in thousands):

	August 31,
	2014			2013
Level 1 Valuation:
Cash equivalents	$	1,207		$	1,092
Investments	2,118			1,793
Level 2 Valuation:
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(966	)	$	143

At August 31, 2013, the assets and liabilities of the Electrical segment are classified as discontinued operations and therefore are valued at fair value, less cost to sell. In determining the fair value of the Electrical segment the Company utilized generally accepted valuation techniques, which required the Company to make assumptions and apply judgment to estimate macro economic factors, industry and market trends and the future profitability of current business strategies. These represent Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

The fair value of the Company’s cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and its variable rate long-term debt approximated book value at August 31, 2014 and 2013 due to their short-term nature and the fact that the interest rates approximated year-end market rates. The fair value of the Company’s outstanding $300.0 million of 5.625% Senior Notes was $315.8 million and $300.8 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The fair value of the Senior Notes was based on quoted inactive market prices and are therefore classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.

37

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 7. Derivatives

All derivatives are recognized in the balance sheet at their estimated fair value. On the date the Company enters into a derivative contract, it designates the derivative as a hedge of a recognized asset or liability (fair value hedge) or a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge). The Company does not enter into derivatives for speculative purposes. Changes in the value of fair value hedges and non-designated hedges are recorded in earnings along with the gain or loss on the hedged asset or liability, while changes in the value of cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows. The fair value of outstanding foreign currency derivatives was a liability of $1.0 million at August 31, 2014 and an asset of $0.1 million at August 31, 2013, respectively.

The Company is exposed to market risk for changes in foreign currency exchange rates due to the global nature of its operations. In order to manage this risk the Company has hedged portions of its forecasted inventory purchases and other cash flows that are denominated in non-functional currencies (cash flow hedges). The U.S. dollar equivalent notional value of these foreign currency forward contracts was $1.0 million and $9.7 million, at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The Company also utilizes forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce the exchange rate risk associated with recognized non-functional currency balances. The effects of changes in exchange rates are reflected concurrently in earnings for both the fair value of the foreign currency exchange contracts and the related non-functional currency asset or liability. The U.S. dollar equivalent notional value of these short duration foreign currency forward contracts was $219.9 million and $383.6 million, at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Net foreign currency losses related to these derivative instruments were $13.6 million for the year ended August 31, 2014 while the prior year included a gain of $0.8 million, which offset foreign currency gains/losses from the related revaluation on non-functional currency assets and liabilities (included in other income/expense in the consolidated statement of earnings).

Note 8.    Leases

The Company leases certain facilities, computers, equipment and vehicles under various lease agreements generally over periods of one to twenty years. Under most arrangements, the Company pays the property taxes, insurance, maintenance and expenses related to the leased property. Many of the leases include provisions that enable the Company to renew the lease based upon fair value rental rates on the date of expiration of the initial lease.

As of August 31, 2014, future obligations under non-cancelable operating leases (related to continuing operations) were as follows: $32.1 million in fiscal 2015; $28.7 million in fiscal 2016; $25.5 million in fiscal 2017; $21.3 million in fiscal 2018; $18.0 million in fiscal 2019; and $45.3 million in aggregate thereafter. Total related rental expense under operating leases was $31.6 million, $26.0 million and $24.2 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In fiscal 2014, the Company completed the sale leaseback (seven year term) of certain rental assets of the Viking business for proceeds of $41 million.

As discussed in Note 14, “Contingencies and Litigation” the Company remains contingently liable for lease payments under leases of businesses that it previously divested or spun off.

38

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 9.    Employee Benefit Plans

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The Company has several defined benefit pension plans which cover certain existing and former employees of domestic businesses it acquired, that were entitled to those benefits prior to acquisition, or existing and former employees of foreign businesses. Most of the U.S. defined benefit pension plans are frozen, and as a result, the majority of the plan participants no longer earn additional benefits. The following table provides detail of changes in the projected benefit obligations, the fair value of plan assets and the funded status of the Company’s U.S. defined benefit pension plans as of the August 31 measurement date (in thousands):

	2014			2013
Reconciliation of benefit obligations:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	45,046		$	50,870
Adjustment	—			(280		)
Interest cost	2,146			1,928
Actuarial (gain) loss	3,769			(4,983		)
Benefits paid	(3,416		)	(2,489		)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	47,545		$	45,046
Reconciliation of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	34,054		$	33,695
Actual return on plan assets	5,180			2,252
Company contributions	8,824			596
Benefits paid from plan assets	(3,416		)	(2,489		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	44,642			34,054
Funded status of the plans (underfunded)	$	(2,903	)	$	(10,992	)

The following table provides detail on the Company’s net periodic benefit costs (in thousands):

	Year ended August 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Interest cost	$	2,146		$	1,928		$	2,162
Expected return on assets	(2,959		)	(2,468		)	(2,471		)
Amortization of actuarial loss	667			878			675
Net benefit cost (income)	$	(146	)	$	338		$	366

At August 31, 2014 and 2013, $12.6 million and $12.0 million, respectively, of pension plan actuarial losses, which have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost, were included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes. During fiscal 2015, $0.5 million of these actuarial losses are expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost.

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine U.S. pension plan obligations as of August 31 and weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended August 31 are as follows:

	2014		2013		2012
Assumptions for benefit obligations:
Discount rate	4.15	%	4.90	%	3.90	%
Assumptions for net periodic benefit cost:
Discount rate	4.90	%	3.90	%	5.00	%
Expected return on plan assets	7.65	%	7.75	%	7.90	%

The Company employs a total return on investment approach for its pension plan assets whereby a mix of equity and fixed income investments are used to maximize the long-term return for plan assets, at a prudent level of risk. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed income investments. Within the equity allocation, a blend of growth and value investments are maintained in a variety of market capitalizations and diversified between U.S. and non-U.S. stocks. The Company’s targeted asset allocation as a percentage of total plan assets is 60% - 80% in equity securities, with the remainder invested in fixed income securities and cash. Cash balances are maintained at levels adequate to meet near-term plan

39

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

expenses and benefit payments. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis. At August 31, 2014, Company’s overall expected long-term rate of return for assets in U.S. pension plans was 7.50%. The expected long-term rate of return is based on the portfolio as a whole and not on the sum of the returns on individual asset categories. The target return is based on historical returns adjusted to reflect the current view of the long-term investment market.

The fair value of all U.S. pension plan assets are determined based on quoted market prices and therefore all plan assets are determined based on Level 1 inputs, except for fixed income securities which are valued based on Level 2 inputs, as defined in Note 6, “Fair Value Measurements.” The U.S. pension plan investment allocations by asset category were as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014		%		2013		%
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	—	%	$	348	1.0	%
Fixed income securities:
Corporate bonds	9,749		21.8		8,741		25.7
Mutual funds	4,474		10.0		3,464		10.2
	14,223		31.8		12,205		35.9
Equity securities:
Mutual funds	30,419		68.2		21,501		63.1
Total plan assets	$	44,642	100.0	%	$	34,054	100.0	%

Projected benefit payments from plan assets to participants in the Company’s U.S. pension plans are approximately $2.7 million per year for fiscal 2015 through 2019 and $15.0 million in aggregate for the following five years.

Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The Company has several non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans which cover certain existing and former employees of businesses outside the U.S. Most of the non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans continue to earn additional benefits. The funded status of these plans is summarized as follows (in thousands):

	August 31,
	2014			2013
Benefit obligation	$	18,599		$	12,912
Fair value of plan assets	10,312			7,790
Funded status of plans (underfunded)	$	(8,287	)	$	(5,122	)

Net periodic benefit cost for these non-U.S. plans was $1.3 million, $0.8 million and $0.5 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The weighted average discount rate utilized for determining the benefit obligation at August 31, 2014 and 2013 was 3.2% and 4.3%, respectively. The plan assets of these non-U.S. pension plans consist primarily of participating units in fixed income securities and insurance contracts. The Company’s overall expected long-term rate of return on these investments is 4.6%. During fiscal 2015, the Company anticipates contributing $0.9 million in aggregate to these pension plans.

Other Postretirement Health Benefit Plans

The Company provides other postretirement health benefits (“OPEB”) to certain existing and former employees of domestic businesses it acquired, who were entitled to such benefits prior to acquisition. These unfunded plans had a benefit obligation of $3.1 million and $2.9 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These obligations are determined utilizing assumptions consistent with those used for U.S. pension plans and a health care cost trend rate of 8.0%, trending downward to 5.0% by the year 2022, and remaining level thereafter. Net periodic benefit costs for the other postretirement benefits was a benefit of approximately $0.2 million for each of the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Benefit payments from the plan are funded through participant contributions and Company contributions, which are projected to be $0.3 million in fiscal 2015.

40

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Defined Contribution Benefit Plans

The Company maintains a 401(k) Plan for substantially all full time U.S. employees (the “401(k) Plan”). Under plan provisions, the Company either funds cash or issues new shares of Class A common stock for its contributions. Amounts are allocated to accounts set aside for each employee’s retirement. Employees generally may contribute up to 50% of their compensation to individual accounts within the 401(k) Plan. While contributions vary, the Company generally makes core contributions to employee accounts equal to 3% of each employee’s eligible annual cash compensation, subject to IRS limitations. The Company also maintains a Restoration Plan that allows eligible highly compensated employees (as defined by the Internal Revenue Code) to receive a core contribution as if no IRS limits were in place. Company contributions to the Restoration Plan are made in the form of Actuant common stock and are contributed into each eligible participant’s Deferred Compensation Plan account. In addition, the Company matches approximately 25% of each employee’s contribution up to 6% of the employee’s eligible compensation. Expense recognized related to the 401(k) plan totaled approximately $4.5 million, $4.5 million and $5.1 million for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

In addition to the 401(k) Plan the Company sponsors a nonqualified supplemental executive retirement plan (“the SERP Plan”). The unfunded SERP Plan covers certain executive employees and has a benefit accrual formula based on age and years of service (with Company contributions ranging from 3% to 6% of eligible wages). This unfunded plan had a benefit obligation of $2.0 million and $1.7 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Expense recognized in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 for the SERP Plan was $0.4 million, $0.6 million, and $0.7 million respectively.

Deferred Compensation Plan

The Company maintains a deferred compensation plan to allow eligible U.S. employees to defer receipt of current cash compensation in order to provide future savings benefits. Eligibility is limited to all employees that earn compensation that exceeds certain pre-defined levels. Participants have the option to invest their deferrals in a fixed income investment, in Company common stock, or a combination of the two. The fixed income portion of the plan is unfunded, and therefore all compensation deferred under the plan is held by the Company and commingled with its general assets. Liabilities of $22.8 million and $23.2 million are included in “Other current liabilities” and “Other long-term liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, to reflect the unfunded portion of the deferred compensation liability. The Company recorded expense of $1.7 million, $1.6 million and $1.5 million for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for non-funded interest on participant deferrals in the fixed income investment option. Company common stock contributions to fund the plan are held in a rabbi trust, accounted for in a manner similar to treasury stock and are recorded at cost in “Stock held in trust” within shareholders’ equity with the corresponding deferred compensation liability also recorded within shareholders’ equity. Since no investment diversification is permitted within the trust, changes in fair value of Actuant common stock are not recognized. The shares held in the trust are included in both the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. The cost of the shares held in the trust was $2.9 million and $1.9 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Note 10.    Income Taxes

Income tax expense from continuing operations is summarized as follows (in thousands):

	Year ended August 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Currently payable:
Federal	$	23,211		$	24,809		$	22,078
Foreign	9,059			13,335			10,396
State	(657		)	902			1,534
	31,613			39,046			34,008
Deferred:
Federal	4,224			(13,514		)	(495		)
Foreign	(4,130		)	(9,942		)	(4,598		)
State	866			(218		)	439
	960			(23,674		)	(4,654		)
	$	32,573		$	15,372		$	29,354

Income tax expense from continuing operations recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings differs from the amounts computed by applying the Federal income tax rate to earnings from continuing operations before

41

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

income tax expense. A reconciliation of income taxes at the Federal statutory rate to the effective tax rate is summarized in the following table:

	Year ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Federal statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State income taxes, net of Federal effect	0.8		0.9		1.2
Net effect of foreign tax rates and credits	(10.5	)	(8.8	)	(14.6	)
NOL utilization and changes in valuation allowance	(4.1	)	(3.1	)	0.1
Tax contingency reserve	(0.7	)	(5.6	)	(2.2	)
Change in income tax accounting method, net	(5.6	)	—		—
Business (RV) divestiture	3.0		—		—
Prior period correction (1)	—		(6.5	)	—
Other items	0.8		(2.5	)	(0.5	)
Effective income tax rate	18.7	%	9.4	%	19.0	%

(1) During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company recorded a $10.6 million adjustment to properly state deferred income tax balances associated with its equity compensation programs. The correction was not material to current or previously issued financial statements.

Temporary differences and carryforwards that gave rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities include the following items (in thousands):

	August 31,
	2014			2013
Deferred income tax assets:
Operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	$	25,295		$	29,611
Compensation related liabilities	23,496			20,864
Postretirement benefits	5,082			7,731
Inventory	2,775			8,657
Book reserves and other items	12,214			12,643
Total deferred income tax assets	68,862			79,506
Valuation allowance	(12,841		)	(17,268		)
Net deferred income tax assets	56,021			62,238
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization	(124,688		)	(151,370		)
Other items	(5,728		)	(2,077		)
Deferred income tax liabilities	(130,416		)	(153,447		)
Net deferred income tax liability	$	(74,395	)	$	(91,209	)

The Company has $51.6 million of state net operating loss carryforwards, which are available to reduce future state tax liabilities. These state net operating carryforwards expire at various times through 2031. The Company also has $95.4 million of foreign loss carryforwards which are available to reduce certain future foreign tax liabilities. Approximately half of the foreign loss carryforwards are not subject to any time restrictions on their future use and the remaining expire at various times through 2024. The valuation allowance represents a reserve for net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards for which utilization is uncertain.

42

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Changes in the Company’s gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, are as follows (in thousands):

	2014			2013			2012
Beginning balance	$	18,006		$	24,608		$	26,179
Increases based on tax positions related to the current year	21,300			3,601			2,776
Increase (decrease) for tax positions taken in a prior period	—			(100		)	624
Decrease due to settlements	—			(2,581		)	(392		)
Decrease due to lapse of statute of limitations	(7,030		)	(7,522		)	(4,579		)
Ending balance	$	32,276		$	18,006		$	24,608

Substantially all of these unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate. As of August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized $2.0 million, $2.9 million and $4.5 million, respectively for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to underpayment of income taxes as a component of income tax expense. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local and foreign income tax examinations by tax authorities in our major tax jurisdictions for years before fiscal 2006. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease up to $0.5 million within the next twelve months.

The Company’s policy is to remit earnings from foreign subsidiaries only to the extent any resultant foreign income taxes are creditable in the United States. Accordingly, the Company does not currently provide for the additional United States and foreign income taxes which would become payable upon remission of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Undistributed earnings on which additional income taxes have not been provided amounted to $324.0 million at August 31, 2014. If all such undistributed earnings were remitted, an additional income tax provision of $31.0 million would have been necessary as of August 31, 2014. The percentage of incremental U.S. taxes on unremitted earnings as of August 31, 2014 was 9.4%.

Earnings before income taxes, for continuing operations, are summarized as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Domestic	$	84,854	$	67,392	$	65,685
Foreign	89,172		95,557		88,945
	$	174,026	$	162,949	$	154,630

Both domestic and foreign pre-tax earnings are impacted by changes in sales levels, acquisition and divestiture activities (see Note 2, “Acquisitions” and Note 3, “Discontinued Operations and Divestitures”), restructuring costs and the related benefits, growth investments, debt levels, interest rates and the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, fiscal 2014 domestic earnings included a $13.5 million gain on the RV divesiture, while fiscal 2012 domestic earnings include a $16.8 million debt refinancing charge.

Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds was $57.2 million, $42.1 million and $56.5 million during the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Note 11.    Capital Stock

The authorized common stock of the Company as of August 31, 2014 consisted of 168,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, $0.20 par value, of which 78,480,780 shares were issued and 66,285,421 outstanding; 1,500,000 shares of Class B common stock, $0.20 par value, none of which were issued and outstanding; and 160,000 shares of cumulative preferred stock, $1.00 par value (“preferred stock”), none of which have been issued. Holders of both classes of the Company’s common stock are entitled to dividends, as the Company’s board of directors may declare out of funds legally available, subject to any contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends or other distributions on the common stock. If the Company were to issue any of its preferred stock, no dividends could be paid or set apart for payment on shares of common stock, unless paid in common stock, until dividends on all of the issued and outstanding shares of preferred stock had been paid or set apart for payment and provision had been made for any mandatory sinking fund payments.

The Company's Board of Directors authorized two separate authorizations (September 2011 and March 2014) to repurchase up to 7,000,000 shares each of the Company’s outstanding common stock. At August 31, 2014, total shares

43

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

repurchased under these publicly announced programs were 12,195,359. As summarized in the following table, on October 1, 2014 all 14,000,000 shares under the these two authorizations had been repurchased, with $447.1 million of total capital deployed over three fiscal years.

Period	Shares Repurchased	Average Price Paid per Share
Fiscal 2012	2,658,751	$	23.70
Fiscal 2013	1,324,762	31.55
Fiscal 2014	8,211,846	34.52
Fiscal 2015 (September 1 - October 1)	1,804,641	32.58
	14,000,000	$	31.93

The Board of Directors authorized a new (third) stock repurchase program to acquire up to 7,000,000 additional shares of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock on October 1, 2014.

Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Numerator:
Net earnings	$	163,573	$	30,048	$	87,290
Plus: 2% Convertible Notes financings costs, net of taxes	—		—		425
Net earnings for diluted earnings per share	$	163,573	$	30,048	$	87,715
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	70,942		72,979		70,099
Net effect of dilutive securities—employee stock compensation plans	1,544		1,601		1,119
Net effect of 2% Convertible Notes based on the if-converted method	—		—		3,722
Weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	72,486		74,580		74,940
Basic Earnings Per Share:	$	2.31	$	0.41	$	1.25
Diluted Earnings Per Share:	$	2.26	$	0.40	$	1.17

At August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, outstanding share based awards to acquire 522,000, 619,000 and 2,582,000 shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Note 12.    Stock Plans

Stock options may be granted to key employees and directors under the Actuant Corporation 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). At August 31, 2014, 9,400,000 shares of Class A common stock were authorized for issuance under the Plan, of which 3,915,647 shares were available for future award grants. The Plan permits the Company to grant share-based awards, including stock options, restricted stock and Performance Shares to employees and directors. Options generally have a maximum term of ten years, an exercise price equal to 100% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant and generally vest 50% after three years and 100% after five years. The Company’s restricted stock grants generally have similar vesting provisions. The Performance Shares include a three-year performance period, with vesting based 50% on achievement of an absolute Free Cash Flow Conversion target and 50% on the Company’s Total Shareholder Return (TSR) relative to the S&P 600 SmallCap Industrial index. The provisions of share-based awards may vary by individual grant with respect to vesting period, dividend and voting rights, performance conditions and forfeitures.

44

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

A summary of stock option activity during fiscal 2014 is as follows:

	Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price (Per Share)		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding on September 1, 2013	4,179,551		$	23.66
Granted	211,276		35.98
Exercised	(1,076,370	)	21.16
Forfeited	(64,056	)	26.44
Outstanding on August 31, 2014	3,250,401		$	25.24	4.6	$	27.6	million
Exercisable on August 31, 2014	2,255,920		$	24.48	3.4	$	20.9	million

Intrinsic value is the difference between the market value of the stock at August 31, 2014 and the exercise price which is aggregated for all options outstanding and exercisable. A summary of the weighted-average grant-date fair value of options, total intrinsic value of options exercised, and cash receipts from options exercised is shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (per share)	$	14.46	$	10.49	$	8.73
Intrinsic value of options exercised	16,380		15,803		7,946
Cash receipts from exercise of options	21,995		24,840		6,550

A summary of restricted stock activity (including Performance Shares) during fiscal 2014 is as follows:

	Number of Shares		Weighted-Average Fair  Value at Grant Date (Per Share)
Outstanding August 31, 2013	1,594,189		$25.83
Granted	311,425		36.05
Forfeited	(98,582	)	27.36
Vested	(480,572	)	25.42
Outstanding August 31, 2014	1,326,460		28.27

As of August 31, 2014, there was $23.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based awards, including stock options and restricted stock awards/units. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.9 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 was $17.9 million and $6.2 million, respectively.

The Company generally records compensation expense (over the vesting period) for restricted stock awards based on the market value of Actuant common stock on the grant date. Stock based compensation expense is determined using a binomial pricing model for options. The fair value of Performance Shares with market vesting conditions is determined utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation model. Assumptions used to determine the fair value of each option were based upon historical data and standard industry valuation practices and methodology. The following weighted-average assumptions were used in each fiscal year:

	Fiscal Year Ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Dividend yield	0.11	%	0.14	%	0.18	%
Expected volatility	38.30	%	38.36	%	39.97	%
Risk-free rate of return	0.70	%	0.84	%	1.19	%
Expected forfeiture rate	14	%	15	%	15	%
Expected life	6.1 years		6.1 years		6.1 years

45

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 13.    Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information

The Company is a global manufacturer of a broad range of industrial products and systems and is organized into three reportable segments: Industrial, Energy and Engineered Solutions. The Industrial segment is primarily involved in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded hydraulic and mechanical tools to the maintenance, industrial, infrastructure and production automation markets. The Energy segment provides joint integrity products and services, customized offshore vessel mooring solutions, as well as rope and cable solutions to the global oil & gas, power generation and energy markets. The Engineered Solutions segment provides highly engineered position and motion control systems to OEMs in various vehicle markets, as well as a variety of other products to the industrial and agricultural markets.

The following tables summarize financial information by reportable segment and product line (in thousands):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Net Sales by Segment:
Industrial	$	413,902		$	422,620		$	419,295
Energy	462,368			363,372			349,163
Engineered Solutions	523,592			493,750			508,063
	$	1,399,862		$	1,279,742		$	1,276,521
Net Sales by Reportable Product Line:
Industrial	$	413,902		$	422,620		$	419,295
Energy	462,368			363,372			349,163
Vehicle Systems	272,201			253,073			279,549
Other	251,391			240,677			228,514
	$	1,399,862		$	1,279,742		$	1,276,521
Operating Profit (Loss):
Industrial	$	120,250		$	117,644		$	114,777
Energy	56,412			63,280			62,205
Engineered Solutions	55,430			40,328			60,851
General Corporate	(28,984		)	(31,107		)	(33,319		)
	$	203,108		$	190,145		$	204,514
Depreciation and Amortization:
Industrial	$	7,597		$	8,553		$	8,358
Energy	33,983			18,451			18,115
Engineered Solutions	17,602			16,949			15,093
General Corporate	1,453			2,145			2,030
Discontinued Operations	—			7,804			10,667
	$	60,635		$	53,902		$	54,263
Capital Expenditures:
Industrial	$	3,349		$	3,524		$	5,333
Energy	26,787			9,417			8,962
Engineered Solutions	8,763			7,001			3,463
General Corporate	2,956			867			1,905
Discontinued Operations	2			2,859			3,077
	$	41,857		$	23,668		$	22,740

46

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

	August 31,
	2014		2013
Assets:
Industrial	$	307,058	$	280,110
Energy	788,915		817,547
Engineered Solutions	643,323		652,581
General Corporate	117,583		96,488
Assets of Discontinued Operations	—		272,606
	$	1,856,879	$	2,119,332

In addition to the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, the comparability of segment and product line information is impacted by acquisition/divestiture activities, restructuring costs and related benefits. Corporate assets, which are not allocated, principally represent cash and cash equivalents, capitalized debt issuance costs and deferred income taxes.

The following tables summarize financial information from continuing operations by geographic region (in thousands):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Net Sales:
United States	$	573,590	$	549,057	$	599,831
United Kingdom	162,508		144,131		141,037
Netherlands	151,549		159,396		185,112
Australia	82,778		68,255		47,472
France	53,542		52,806		48,681
All other	375,895		306,097		254,388
	$	1,399,862	$	1,279,742	$	1,276,521
	August 31,
	2014		2013
Long-lived Assets:
United States	$	44,971	$	41,161
Norway	29,715		59,557
United Kingdom	28,364		54,136
Australia	20,431		5,104
China	19,166		19,551
All other	42,317		25,673
	$	184,964	$	205,182

The Company’s largest customer accounted for less than 3.0% of sales in each of the last three fiscal years. Export sales from domestic operations were approximately 8.3% of total net sales in each of the periods presented.

Note 14.    Contingencies and Litigation

The Company had outstanding letters of credit of $14.0 million and $10.7 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, the majority of which secure self-insured workers compensation obligations.

The Company is a party to various legal proceedings that have arisen in the normal course of its business. These legal proceedings typically include product liability, environmental, labor, patent claims and divestiture disputes. The Company has recorded reserves for loss contingencies based on the specific circumstances of each case. Such reserves are recorded when it is probable that a loss has been incurred as of the balance sheet date and can be reasonably estimated. In the opinion of management, the resolution of these contingencies will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

47

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

The Company remains contingently liable for lease payments under leases of businesses that it previously divested or spun-off, in the event that such businesses are unable to fulfill their future lease payment obligations. The discounted present value of future minimum lease payments for these leases was $20.6 million at August 31, 2014 (including $14.0 million related to the divested Electrical segment).

The Company has facilities in numerous geographic locations that are subject to a range of environmental laws and regulations. Environmental expenditures over the past three years have not been material. Management believes that such costs will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 15.    Guarantor Subsidiaries

On April 16, 2012, Actuant Corporation (the “Parent”) issued $300.0 million of 5.625% Senior Notes. All of our material domestic wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”) fully and unconditionally guarantee (except for certain customary limitations) the 5.625% Senior Notes on a joint and several basis. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the Guarantors to make distributions to the Parent. The following tables present the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of Actuant Corporation and its subsidiaries, the Guarantor and non-Guarantor entities, and the eliminations necessary to arrive at the information for the Company on a consolidated basis.

Certain assets, liabilities and expenses have not been allocated to the Guarantors and non-Guarantors and therefore are included in the Parent column in the accompanying consolidating financial statements. These items are of a corporate or consolidated nature and include, but are not limited to, tax provisions and related assets and liabilities, certain employee benefit obligations, prepaid and accrued insurance and corporate indebtedness. Intercompany activity in the consolidating financial statements primarily includes loan activity, purchases and sales of goods or services and dividends. Intercompany balances also reflect certain non-cash transactions including transfers of assets and liabilities between the Parent, Guarantor and non-Guarantor, allocation of non-cash expenses from the Parent to the Guarantors and non-Guarantors, the impact of foreign currency rate changes and non-cash intercompany dividends.

48

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(in thousands)

	Year Ended August 31, 2014
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net sales	$	195,573		$	315,715		$	888,574		$	—		$	1,399,862
Cost of products sold	57,464			219,750			575,776			—			852,990
Gross profit	138,109			95,965			312,798			—			546,872
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	96,220			44,102			191,771			—			332,093
Loss (gain) on product line divestiture	1,200			(14,695		)	—			—			(13,495		)
Amortization of intangible assets	1,272			10,520			13,374			—			25,166
Operating profit	39,417			56,038			107,653			—			203,108
Financing costs, net	25,611			3			(569		)	—			25,045
Intercompany expense (income), net	(27,601		)	5,520			22,081			—			—
Other expense (income), net	12,716			153			(8,832		)	—			4,037
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense (benefit)	28,691			50,362			94,973			—			174,026
Income tax expense (benefit)	(16,529		)	30,793			18,309			—			32,573
Net earnings before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	45,220			19,569			76,664			—			141,453
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	139,865			33,061			6,160			(179,086		)	—
Earnings from continuing operations	185,085			52,630			82,824			(179,086		)	141,453
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	(21,512		)	56,494			(12,862		)	—			22,120
Net earnings	$	163,573		$	109,124		$	69,962		$	(179,086	)	$	163,573
Comprehensive income	$	163,825		$	123,148		$	55,990		$	(179,138	)	$	163,825

49

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(in thousands)

	Year Ended August 31, 2013
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations		Consolidated
Net sales	$	196,531		$	293,884		$	789,327		$	—	$	1,279,742
Cost of products sold	65,178			201,704			505,910			—		772,792
Gross profit	131,353			92,180			283,417			—		506,950
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	69,734			59,358			164,774			—		293,866
Amortization of intangible assets	1,276			10,481			11,182			—		22,939
Operating profit	60,343			22,341			107,461			—		190,145
Financing costs, net	25,270			9			(442		)	—		24,837
Intercompany expense (income), net	(21,041		)	1,082			19,959			—		—
Other expense (income), net	(2,105		)	(571		)	5,035			—		2,359
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense (benefit)	58,219			21,821			82,909			—		162,949
Income tax expense (benefit)	(798		)	2,009			14,161			—		15,372
Net earnings before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	59,017			19,812			68,748			—		147,577
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	(26,527		)	7,822			2,173			16,532		—
Earnings from continuing operations	32,490			27,634			70,921			16,532		147,577
Loss from discontinued operations	(2,442		)	(76,634		)	(38,453		)	—		(117,529		)
Net earnings (loss)	$	30,048		$	(49,000	)	$	32,468		$	16,532	$	30,048
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	30,860		$	(48,416	)	$	31,099		$	17,317	$	30,860

50

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(in thousands)

	Year Ended August 31, 2012
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net sales	$	206,894		$	328,295		$	741,332		$	—		$	1,276,521
Cost of products sold	69,902			220,271			474,888			—			765,061
Gross profit	136,992			108,024			266,444			—			511,460
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	79,742			61,113			144,065			—			284,920
Amortization of intangible assets	1,341			10,515			10,170			—			22,026
Operating profit	55,909			36,396			112,209			—			204,514
Financing costs, net	29,983			(14		)	(408		)	—			29,561
Debt refinancing costs	16,830			—			—			—			16,830
Intercompany expense (income), net	(32,185		)	6,281			25,904			—			—
Other expense, net	1,351			1,992			150			—			3,493
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense	39,930			28,137			86,563			—			154,630
Income tax expense	6,700			4,677			17,977			—			29,354
Net earnings before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	33,230			23,460			68,586			—			125,276
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	56,407			14,373			1,649			(72,429		)	—
Earnings from continuing operations	89,637			37,833			70,235			(72,429		)	125,276
Earnings (loss) from discontinuing operations	(2,347		)	11,373			(47,012		)	—			(37,986		)
Net earnings	$	87,290		$	49,206		$	23,223		$	(72,429	)	$	87,290
Comprehensive income	$	35,497		$	24,934		$	6,064		$	(30,998	)	$	35,497

51

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

	August 31, 2014
	Parent		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Eliminations			Consolidated
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	27,931	$	3,325	$	77,756	$	—		$	109,012
Accounts receivable, net	22,811		38,511		165,686		—			227,008
Inventories, net	31,024		38,860		92,736		—			162,620
Deferred income taxes	7,503		—		3,547		—			11,050
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,871		1,057		28,372		—			33,300
Total current assets	93,140		81,753		368,097		—			542,990
Property, plant & equipment, net	9,096		22,879		137,126		—			169,101
Goodwill	44,700		280,693		417,377		—			742,770
Other intangibles, net	11,974		140,400		212,803		—			365,177
Intercompany receivable	—		678,073		622,818		(1,300,891		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	2,286,068		806,414		237,207		(3,329,689		)	—
Other long-term assets	23,432		—		13,409		—			36,841
Total assets	$	2,468,410	$	2,010,212	$	2,008,837	$	(4,630,580	)	$	1,856,879
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	$	20,014	$	25,673	$	100,111	$	—		$	145,798
Accrued compensation and benefits	15,135		3,293		34,536		—			52,964
Income taxes payable	31,582		—		6,765		—			38,347
Current maturities of debt	4,500		—		—		—			4,500
Other current liabilities	19,081		3,989		34,442		—			57,512
Total current liabilities	90,312		32,955		175,854		—			299,121
Long-term debt	385,500		—		—		—			385,500
Deferred income taxes	47,543		—		49,427		—			96,970
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	8,668		—		7,031		—			15,699
Other long-term liabilities	42,647		4,138		11,093		—			57,878
Intercompany payable	892,029		—		408,861		(1,300,890		)	—
Shareholders’ equity	1,001,711		1,973,119		1,356,571		(3,329,690		)	1,001,711
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,468,410	$	2,010,212	$	2,008,837	$	(4,630,580	)	$	1,856,879

52

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

	August 31, 2013
	Parent		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Eliminations			Consolidated
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	16,122	$	—	$	87,864	$	—		$	103,986
Accounts receivable, net	20,471		40,343		158,261		—			219,075
Inventories, net	27,343		38,948		76,258		—			142,549
Deferred income taxes	13,002		—		5,794		—			18,796
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,454		963		19,811		—			28,228
Assets of discontinued operations	—		192,129		80,477					272,606
Total current assets	84,392		272,383		428,465		—			785,240
Property, plant & equipment, net	7,050		22,801		171,645		—			201,496
Goodwill	62,543		264,502		407,907		—			734,952
Other intangibles, net	13,247		141,258		222,187		—			376,692
Intercompany receivable	—		480,633		360,620		(841,253		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	2,086,534		201,779		96,333		(2,384,646		)	—
Other long-term assets	12,654		22		8,276		—			20,952
Total assets	$	2,266,420	$	1,383,378	$	1,695,433	$	(3,225,899	)	$	2,119,332
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	$	22,194	$	30,637	$	101,218	$	—		$	154,049
Accrued compensation and benefits	13,835		2,716		27,249		—			43,800
Income taxes payable	8,135		—		5,879		—			14,014
Other current liabilities	21,268		4,630		31,001		—			56,899
Liabilities of discontinued operations	—		23,466		29,614					53,080
Total current liabilities	65,432		61,449		194,961		—			321,842
Long-term debt	515,000		—		—		—			515,000
Deferred income taxes	64,358		—		51,507		—			115,865
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	16,267		—		4,431		—			20,698
Other long-term liabilities	51,479		390		13,791		—			65,660
Intercompany payable	473,617		—		367,636		(841,253		)	—
Shareholders’ equity	1,080,267		1,321,539		1,063,107		(2,384,646		)	1,080,267
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,266,420	$	1,383,378	$	1,695,433	$	(3,225,899	)	$	2,119,332

53

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

	Year Ended August 31, 2014
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	75,924		$	(20,966	)	$	84,992		$	(14,716	)	$	125,234
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	85			484			43,705			—			44,274
Proceeds from sale of business	(4,586		)	250,748			43,428			—			289,590
Intercompany investment	—			(99,963		)	—			99,963			—
Capital expenditures	(4,498		)	(4,675		)	(32,684		)	—			(41,857		)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(30,500		)	—			—			—			(30,500		)
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(39,499		)	146,594			54,449			99,963			261,507
Financing Activities
Intercompany loan activity	354,791			(122,303		)	(232,488		)	—			—
Net repayments on revolver	(125,000		)	—			—			—			(125,000		)
Intercompany capital contribution	—			—			99,963			(99,963		)	—
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	—			—			(1,585		)	—			(1,585		)
Purchase of treasury shares	(283,712		)	—			—			—			(283,712		)
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	32,224			—			—			—			32,224
Cash dividend	(2,919		)	—			(14,716		)	14,716			(2,919		)
Cash used in financing activities	(24,616		)	(122,303		)	(148,826		)	(85,247		)	(380,992		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			(723		)	—			(723		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	11,809			3,325			(10,108		)	—			5,026
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	16,122			—			87,864			—			103,986
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	$	27,931		$	3,325		$	77,756		$	—		$	109,012

54

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

	Year Ended August 31, 2013
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations		Consolidated
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	81,597		$	26,095		$	86,097		$	—	$	193,789
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	563			206			852			—		1,621
Proceeds from sale of business	—			—			4,854			—		4,854
Capital expenditures	(2,022		)	(4,021		)	(17,625		)	—		(23,668		)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			—			(235,489		)	—		(235,489		)
Cash used in investing activities	(1,459		)	(3,815		)	(247,408		)	—		(252,682		)
Financing Activities
Net borrowings on revolver	125,000			—			—			—		125,000
Intercompany loan activity	(179,050		)	(22,371		)	201,421			—		—
Principal repayment on term loans	(7,500		)	—			—			—		(7,500		)
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	(1,350		)	—			(4,028		)	—		(5,378		)
Debt issuance costs	(2,035		)	—			—			—		(2,035		)
Purchase of treasury shares	(41,832		)	—			—			—		(41,832		)
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	33,261			—			—			—		33,261
Cash dividend	(2,911		)	—			—			—		(2,911		)
Cash provided (used in) financing activities	(76,417		)	(22,371		)	197,393			—		98,605
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			(3,910		)	—		(3,910		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	3,721			(91		)	32,172			—		35,802
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	12,401			91			55,692			—		68,184
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	$	16,122		$	—		$	87,864		$	—	$	103,986

55

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

	Year Ended August 31, 2012
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations		Consolidated
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	97,454		$	20,363		$	64,512		$	—	$	182,329
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	1,909			353			6,239			—		8,501
Capital expenditures	(5,062		)	(4,069		)	(13,609		)	—		(22,740		)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			—			(69,309		)	—		(69,309		)
Cash used in investing activities	(3,153		)	(3,716		)	(76,679		)	—		(83,548		)
Financing Activities
Net repayments on revolver	(57,990		)	—			(177		)	—		(58,167		)
Principal repayment on term loans	(2,500		)	—			—			—		(2,500		)
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes	(102		)	—			—			—		(102		)
Proceeds from issuance of 5.625% Senior Notes	300,000			—			—			—		300,000
Redemption of 6.875% Senior Notes	(250,000		)	—			—			—		(250,000		)
Intercompany loan activity	(11,482		)	(16,556		)	28,038			—		—
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	(290		)	—			(668		)	—		(958		)
Debt issuance costs	(5,490		)	—			—			—		(5,490		)
Purchase of treasury shares	(63,083		)	—			—			—		(63,083		)
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	10,913			—			—			—		10,913
Cash dividend	(2,748		)	—			—			—		(2,748		)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(82,772		)	(16,556		)	27,193			—		(72,135		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			(2,683		)	—		(2,683		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	11,529			91			12,343			—		23,963
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	872			—			43,349			—		44,221
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	$	12,401		$	91		$	55,692		$	—	$	68,184

56

ACTUANT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 16.     Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Quarterly financial data for fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 is as follows:

	Year Ended August 31, 2014
	First		Second		Third			Fourth		Total
Net sales	$	339,556	$	327,770	$	378,187		$	354,349	$	1,399,862
Gross profit	131,780		124,447		148,550			142,095		546,872
Earnings from continuing operations	33,005		22,304		50,557			35,587		141,453
Earnings from discontinued operations	3,032		19,088		—			—		22,120
Net earnings	36,037		41,392		50,557			35,587		163,573
Earnings from continuing operations per share:
Basic	$	0.45	$	0.31	$	0.72		$	0.52	$	1.99
Diluted	0.44		0.30		0.70			0.51		1.95
Earnings from discontinued operations per share:
Basic	$	0.04	$	0.26	$	—		$	—	$	0.32
Diluted	0.04		0.26		—			—		0.32
Net earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.49	$	0.57	$	0.72		$	0.52	$	2.31
Diluted	0.48		0.56		0.70			0.51		2.26
	Year Ended August 31, 2013
	First		Second		Third			Fourth		Total
Net sales	$	307,809	$	300,468	$	344,205		$	327,260	$	1,279,742
Gross profit	124,368		116,178		136,904			129,500		506,950
Earnings from continuing operations	30,551		25,834		46,077			45,115		147,577
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	5,792		2,601		(139,060		)	13,138		(117,529		)
Net earnings (loss)	36,343		28,435		(92,983		)	58,253		30,048
Earnings from continuing operations per share:
Basic	$	0.42	$	0.35	$	0.63		$	0.62	$	2.02
Diluted	0.41		0.35		0.62			0.60		1.98
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per share:
Basic	$	0.08	$	0.04	$	(1.90	)	$	0.18	$	(1.61	)
Diluted	0.08		0.03		(1.86		)	0.18		(1.58		)
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.50	$	0.39	$	(1.27	)	$	0.80	$	0.41
Diluted	0.49		0.38		(1.24		)	0.78		0.40

The sum of the quarters may not equal the total of the respective year’s earnings per share on either a basic or diluted basis due to changes in the weighted average shares outstanding during the year.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2013 the Company recognized a $170.3 million non-cash impairment charge related to the goodwill and intangible assets of the former Electrical segment (discontinued operations).  In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company re-assessed its initial estimate of fair value less selling costs for the Electrical segment and recognized an $11.2 million increase to the carrying value of the Electrical segment assets (discontinued operations). 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company recorded a $10.6 million adjustment (reduction to income tax expense) to properly state deferred income tax balances associated with its equity compensation programs. 

57

ACTUANT CORPORATION

SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(in thousands)

			Additions					Deductions
Description	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Acquisition/ (Divestiture)			Accounts Written Off Less Recoveries			Other			Balance at End of Period
Allowance for losses—Trade accounts receivable
August 31, 2014	$	3,701	$	2,447	$	440		$	(664	)	$	110		$	6,034
August 31, 2013	4,375		584		(437		)	(787		)	(34		)	3,701
August 31, 2012	7,173		107		96			(2,740		)	(261		)	4,375
Valuation allowance—Income taxes
August 31, 2014	$	17,268	$	1,243	$	(5,487	)	$	(183	)	$	—		$	12,841
August 31, 2013	8,153		4,527		5,772			(1,184		)	—			17,268
August 31, 2012	7,260		2,954		—			(2,061		)	—			8,153

58

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“the Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing, and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act, and that information is accumulated and communicated to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely discussions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the original framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s management has concluded that, as of August 31, 2014, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management has excluded certain elements of Hayes Industries Ltd. (“Hayes”) from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2014 because the business was acquired by the Company in a purchase business combination on May 23, 2014.  Subsequent to the acquisition, certain elements of Hayes internal control over financial reporting and related processes were integrated into the Company existing systems and internal control over financial reporting.  Those controls that were not integrated have been excluded from management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over finical reporting as of August 31, 2014.  Hayes is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company whose total assets and total revenues represent  2% and less than 1%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended August 31, 2014. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Company’s effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting as of August 31, 2014, as stated in their report which is included herein.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

59

PART III

Item 10. Directors; Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Information about the Company’s directors is incorporated by reference from the “Election of Directors” section of the Company’s Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on January 21, 2015 (the “2015 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement”). Information about compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is incorporated by reference from the “Other Information—Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” section in the Company’s 2015 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement. Information about the Company’s Audit Committee, including the members of the committee, and the Company’s Audit Committee financial experts, is incorporated by reference from the “Election of Directors” and “Corporate Governance Matters” sections of the Company’s 2015 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement. Information about the Company’s executive officers required by this item is contained in the discussion entitled “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part I hereof.

The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its senior executive team, including its chief executive officer, chief financial officer and corporate controller. The code of ethics is posted on the Company’s website and is available free of charge at www.actuant.com. The Company intends to satisfy the requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding disclosure of amendments to, or waivers from, provisions of its code of ethics that apply to the chief executive officer, chief financial officer or corporate controller by posting such information on the Company’s website.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the “Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance Matters” and the “Executive Compensation” sections (other than the subsection thereof entitled “Report of the Audit Committee”) of the 2015 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the “Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Executive Compensation—Equity Compensation Plan Information” sections of the 2015 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” section of the 2015 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the “Other Information—Independent Public Accountants” section of the 2015 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement.

60

PART IV

Item 15.     Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a) Documents filed as part of this report:

1.   Consolidated Financial Statements

See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” set forth in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a list of financial statements filed as part of this report.

2.   Financial Statement Schedules

See “Index to Financial Statement Schedule” set forth in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

3.   Exhibits

See “Index to Exhibits” beginning on page 64, which is incorporated herein by reference.

61

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

ACTUANT CORPORATION (Registrant)
By:	/S/     ANDREW G. LAMPEREUR
	Andrew G. Lampereur
	Executive Vice President and ChiefFinancial Officer
	(Principal Financial Officer)

Dated: October 27, 2014

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOWN ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Mark E. Goldstein and Andrew G. Lampereur, and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this report, and to file the same, with all and any other regulatory authority, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.*

62

Signature	Title
/s/     ROBERT C. ARZBAECHER	Chairman of the Board
Robert C. Arzbaecher
/s/     GURMINDER S. BEDI	Director
Gurminder S. Bedi
/s/ E. JAMES FERLAND	Director
E. James Ferland
/s/ THOMAS J. FISCHER	Director
Thomas. J. Fischer
/s/ MARK E. GOLDSTEIN	Director, Chief Executive Officer
Mark E. Goldstein
/s/ WILLIAM K. HALL	Director
William K. Hall
/s/ R. ALAN HUNTER, JR	Director
R. Alan Hunter, Jr.
/s/     ROBERT A. PETERSON	Director
Robert A. Peterson
/s/     DENNIS K. WILLIAMS	Director
Dennis K. Williams
/s/     HOLLY A. VANDEURSEN	Director
Holly A. VanDeursen
/s/     ANDREW G. LAMPEREUR	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
Andrew G. Lampereur
/s/     MATTHEW P. PAULI	Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer
Matthew P. Pauli

* Each of the above signatures is affixed as of October 27, 2014.

63

ACTUANT CORPORATION

(the “Registrant”)

(Commission File No. 1-11288)

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2014

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit	Description	Incorporated Herein By Reference To	Filed Herewith	Furnished Herewith
2.1	(a) Agreement for the Sale and Purchase of Venice Topco Limited, dated August 2, 2013, by and among HSBC Investment Bank Holdings PLC, Actuant Acquisitions Limited, Actuant Corporation and certain other parties thereto	Exhibit 2.1(a) to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013
	(b) Warranty Deed relating to the Sale and Purchase of Venice Topco Limited, by and among Actuant Acquisitions Limited and the Management Warrantors that are party thereto	Exhibit 2.1(b) to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013
	(c) Purchase Agreement between Power Products, LLC and Actuant Corporation dated October 30, 2013	Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2013
3.1	(a) Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation	Exhibit 4.9 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2001
	(b) Amendment to Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation	Exhibit 3.1(b) of the Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003
	(c) Amendment to Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation	Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2004
	(d) Amendment to Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation	Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 18, 2006
	(e) Amendment of Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation	Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on January 14, 2010
3.2	Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended	Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013

64

Exhibit	Description	Incorporated Herein By Reference To	Filed Herewith	Furnished Herewith
4.1	Indenture dated April 16, 2012 by and among Actuant Corporation, the subsidiary guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association as trustee relating to $300 million Actuant Corporation 5  5/8% Senior Notes due 2022	Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 18, 2012
4.2	Registration Rights Agreement, dated April 16, 2012, relating to $300 million of 5  5/8% Senior Notes due 2022	Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 18, 2012
4.3	Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated February 23, 2011 among Actuant Corporation, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as the agent	Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2011
4.4	Omnibus Amendment No. 1 dated September 23, 2011 among Actuant Corporation, the Lender party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as agent	Exhibit 4.9 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011.
4.5	(a) Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated July 18, 2013 among Actuant Corporation, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as the agent	Exhibit 4.5(a) to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013
	(b) First Amendment to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated August 27, 2013 among Actuant Corporation, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as the agent	Exhibit 4.5(b) to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013
10.1	Outside Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (conformed through the first amendment)	Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013
10.2	Actuant Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan (conformed through the third amendment)	Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2012
10.3	Actuant Corporation 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan	Exhibit B to the Registrant's Proxy Statement, dated December 4, 2009

65

Exhibit	Description	Incorporated Herein By Reference To	Filed Herewith	Furnished Herewith
10.4	(a) Actuant Corporation 2001 Stock Plan	Exhibit B to the Registrant's Proxy Statement, dated December 1, 2000 for the 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
	(b) First Amendment to the Actuant Corporation 2001 Stock Plan dated December 25, 2008	Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 2008
10.5	(a) Actuant Corporation 2002 Stock Plan, as amended (through third amendment)	Exhibit 10.26 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on January 20, 2006
	(b) Fourth Amendment to the Actuant Corporation 2002 Stock Plan dated November 7, 2008	Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 2008
10.6	Actuant Corporation 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan, conformed to reflect the Second Amendment thereto	Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on January 17, 2013
10.7	(a) Actuant Corporation 2001 Outside Directors’ Stock Plan	Exhibit A to the Registrant's Proxy Statement, dated December 5, 2005 for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
	(b) First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Actuant Corporation 2001 Outside Directors’ Stock Plan dated December 25, 2008	Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 2008
10.8	Actuant Corporation Long Term Incentive Plan	Exhibit 10.25 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 12, 2006
10.9	Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Officers	Exhibit 10.35 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002
10.10	(a) Form of Actuant Corporation Change in Control Agreement for Messrs. Arzbaecher, Blackmore, Goldstein, Kobylinski, Sefcik, Roundhouse, Lampereur, Scheer, Wozniak, Ms. Grissom and Ms. Roberts	Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2012
	(b) Form of Actuant Corporation Change in Control Agreement for Messrs. Axline and Boel	Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2012

66

Exhibit	Description	Incorporated Herein By Reference To	Filed Herewith	Furnished Herewith
	(c) Amendment to Actuant Corporation Change in Control Agreement for Mr. Scheer	Exhibit 10.10(c) to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013
10.11	Actuant Corporation Executive Officer Bonus Plan	Exhibit B to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy statement dated December 3, 2012
10.12*	Retention Bonus Agreement between Actuant Corporation and Mr. Scheer	Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013
10.13	Consulting Services Agreement between Actuant Corporation and Mr. Boel	Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013
10.14	Consulting Services Agreement between Actuant Corporation and Mr. Axline	Exhibit 10.14 to the Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013
10.15	(a) Form of NQSO Award (Director) under Actuant Corporation 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan	Exhibit 10.1(a) to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2014
	(b) Form of NQSO Award (Officer) under Actuant Corporation 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan	Exhibit 10.1(b) to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2014
10.16	(a) Form RSA Award (Director) under Actuant 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan	Exhibit 10.2(a) to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2014
	(b) Form of RSA Award (Officer) under Actuant Corporation 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan	Exhibit 10.2(b) to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2014
10.17	(a) Form of RSU Award (Director) under Actuant Corporation 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan	Exhibit 10.3(a) to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2014
	(b) Form of RSU Award (Officer) under Actuant Corporation 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan	Exhibit 10.3(b) to the Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2014

67

Exhibit	Description	Incorporated Herein By Reference To	Filed Herewith	Furnished Herewith
14	Code of Ethics	Exhibit 14 of the Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003
21	Subsidiaries of the Registrant		X
23	Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP		X
24	Power of Attorney		See signature page of this report
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002		X
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002		X
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002			X
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002			X
101	The following materials from the Actuant Corporation Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.		X

*Confidential treatment granted for portions of this document. Portions for which confidential treatment was granted have

been marked with three asterisks [***] and a footnote indicating "Confidential treatment requested". Material omitted has been

filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

68

EX-21

Exhibit 21

NAME OF SUBSIDIARY:	STATE/COUNTRY OF INCORPORATION:
Hydratight Angola Lda	Angola
Actuant Australia Pty. Ltd.	Australia
Hydratight (Asia Pacific) Pty. Ltd.	Australia
Jeyco (1992) Pty. Ltd.	Australia
Ricci Australia Holding, LLC	Australia
Viking SeaTech (Australia) Pty. Ltd.	Australia
Hydratight Equipamentos Servicos e Industria Ltda.	Brazil
Power Packer do Brazil Ltda.	Brazil
Turotest Medidores Ltda.	Brazil
Actuant Canada Corporation	Canada
Actuant Changchun Co. Ltd.	China
Actuant China Industries Co. Ltd.	China
Actuant China Ltd.	China
Actuant Shanghai Trading Co. Ltd.	China
Actuant Holdings, LLC	Delaware
Actuant International Holdings, Inc.	Delaware
Actuant UK Holdings, LLC	Delaware
ASCP Weasler Holdings, Inc.	Delaware
ATU Industrial Holdings LLC	Delaware
Cortland Company, Inc	Delaware
GB Tools and Supplies LLC	Delaware
Hydratight Operations, Inc.	Delaware
Maxima Holding Company Inc.	Delaware
Maxima Holdings Europe, Inc	Delaware
Maxima Technologies & Systems, LLC.	Delaware
Power Packer North America, Inc.	Delaware
Precision Sure-Lock, Inc.	Delaware
Sanlo, Inc	Delaware
Versa Technologies, Inc.	Delaware
Weasler Engineering (Europe), Inc	Delaware
Weasler Engineering, Inc	Delaware
CrossControl OY	Finland
Actuant Europe Holdings SAS	France
Actuant France Holdings SASU	France
Actuant France SAS	France
Hydratight SAS	France
Yvel SAS	France
CPS Convertible Power Systems GmbH	Germany
Enerpac GmbH	Germany
Hydratight Injectaseal Deutschland GmbH	Germany
Actuant Global Sourcing, Ltd.	Hong Kong
Actuant International Services, Ltd.	Hong Kong
Mastervolt Asia Ltd.	Hong Kong
Actuant Hungary Holding Kft.	Hungary
Actuant Hungary Kft.	Hungary
ATU Hungary Holding Kft.	Hungary

Weasler Engineering Kft.	Hungary
Actuant India Pvt. Ltd.	India
Enerpac Hydraulics (India) Pvt. Ltd.	India
Engineered Solutions LP	Indiana
PT Viking SeaTech Indonesia	Indonesia
Enerpac SpA	Italy
Applied Power Japan Ltd.	Japan
MT&S Europe, S.a.r.l.	Luxembourg
CrossControl Sdn. Bhd.	Malaysia
Actuant Mexico Holdings S. de R.L. de C.V.	Mexico
Instrumentos Stewart Warner de Mexico S.A. de C.V.	Mexico
Actuant Europe CV	Netherlands
Actuant Finance CV	Netherlands
Applied Power Europa BV	Netherlands
ATU Euro Finance BV	Netherlands
ATU Global Holdings BV	Netherlands
ATU Global Holdings CV	Netherlands
ATU Global Holdings II BV	Netherlands
ATU Global Holdings III BV	Netherlands
Enerpac BV	Netherlands
Enerpac Integrated Solutions BV	Netherlands
Hydratight BV	Netherlands
Power Packer Europa BV	Netherlands
Weasler Engineering BV	Netherlands
Actuant Investments, Inc.	Nevada
ATU M.E. Investments, LLC	Nevada
Actuant Electrical, Inc.	New York
BW Elliott Mfg. Co., LLC	New York
Actuant Norway Holdings AS	Norway
Hydratight Norge AS	Norway
Selantic AS	Norway
Viking SeaTech Group AS	Norway
Viking SeaTech Holdings AS	Norway
Viking SeaTech Norge AS	Norway
Actuant LLC	Russia
Actuant Asia Pte. Ltd.	Singapore
Enerpac Asia Pte. Ltd.	Singapore
Enerpac Integrated Solutions Pte. Ltd.	Singapore
Hydratight Pte. Ltd.	Singapore
Viking SeaTech (Singapore) Pte Ltd.	Singapore
Viking SeaTech Holdings (Singapore) Pte Ltd.	Singapore
Enerpac Africa (Pty) Ltd.	South Africa
Actuant Korea Ltd.	South Korea
Enerpac Spain, S.L.	Spain
Maxima Spain Holdings, S.L.	Spain
Maxima Technologies, S.L.	Spain
Actuant Holdings AB	Sweden
Actuant Sweden HB	Sweden
CrossCo Investment AB	Sweden
Enerpac Scandinavia AB	Sweden

maximatecc AB	Sweden
Hayes Industries, Ltd.	Texas
Hayes Specialty Machining, Ltd.	Texas
PSL Holdings, Inc.	Texas
Hydratight Ltd.	Trinidad
Ergun Hidrolik Sanayi VE Ticaret A.S.	Turkey
Actuant Acquisitions Ltd.	UK
Actuant Energy Ltd.	UK
Actuant Finance Ltd	UK
Actuant International Ltd.	UK
Actuant Ltd.	UK
Cortland Fibron BX Ltd.	UK
Cortland UK Holdings Ltd.	UK
D.L. Ricci Ltd.	UK
Energise IT Ltd.	UK
Enerpac Ltd.	UK
Hedley Purvis Group Ltd.	UK
Hedley Purvis Holdings Ltd.	UK
Hedley Purvis International Ltd.	UK
Hedley Purvis Ventures Ltd.	UK
Hydratight Ltd.	UK
Hydratight Operations, Ltd.	UK
Venice Fundco Ltd.	UK
Venice Topco Ltd.	UK
Viking Moorings Group Ltd.	UK
Viking Moorings Holdings Ltd.	UK
Viking SeaTech Ltd.	UK
Enerpac Middle East FZE	United Arab Emirates
Hydratight FZ LLC	United Arab Emirates
Hydratight FZE	United Arab Emirates
Hydratight Angola Lda	Angola
Actuant Australia Pty. Ltd.	Australia
Hydratight (Asia Pacific) Pty. Ltd.	Australia
Jeyco (1992) Pty. Ltd.	Australia
Ricci Australia Holding, LLC	Australia
Viking SeaTech (Australia) Pty. Ltd.	Australia
Hydratight Equipamentos Servicos e Industria Ltda.	Brazil
Power Packer do Brazil Ltda.	Brazil
Turotest Medidores Ltda.	Brazil
Actuant Canada Corporation	Canada
Actuant Changchun Co. Ltd.	China
Actuant China Industries Co. Ltd.	China
Actuant China Ltd.	China
Actuant Shanghai Trading Co. Ltd.	China
Actuant Holdings, LLC	Delaware
Actuant International Holdings, Inc.	Delaware
Actuant UK Holdings, LLC	Delaware

EX-23

EXHIBIT 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-179006) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333-53702, 333-53704, 333-89068, 333-102523, 333-102524, 333-112008, 333-118811, 333-131186, 333-131187, 333-156734, 333-179007, 333-186146, 333-164304 and 333-164303) of Actuant Corporation of our report dated October 27, 2014 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10‑K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

October 27, 2014

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Mark E. Goldstein, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Actuant Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluations; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting

Date: October 27, 2014

/s/ Mark E. Goldstein

Mark E. Goldstein

President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Andrew G. Lampereur, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Actuant Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting

Date: October 27, 2014

/s/ Andrew G. Lampereur

Andrew G. Lampereur

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

WRITTEN STATEMENT OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss.1350, I, the undersigned President and Chief Executive Officer of Actuant Corporation (the “Company”), hereby certify, based on my knowledge, that the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the annual period ended August 31, 2014 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the periods covered in the Report.

Date: October 27, 2014

/s/ Mark E. Goldstein

Mark E. Goldstein

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Actuant Corporation and will be retained by Actuant Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

The foregoing certification is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Form 10-K and shall not be considered filed as part of the Form 10-K.

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

WRITTEN STATEMENT OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ss.1350, I, the undersigned Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Actuant Corporation (the “Company”), hereby certify, based on my knowledge, that the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the annual period ended August 31, 2014 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the periods covered in the Report.

Date: October 27, 2014

/s/ Andrew G. Lampereur

Andrew G. Lampereur

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Actuant Corporation and will be retained by Actuant Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

The foregoing certification is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Form 10-K and shall not be considered filed as part of the Form 10-K.

XML

Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Earnings

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(in thousands)

	Year Ended August 31, 2014
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net sales	$	195,573		$	315,715		$	888,574		$	—		$	1,399,862
Cost of products sold	57,464			219,750			575,776			—			852,990
Gross profit	138,109			95,965			312,798			—			546,872
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	96,220			44,102			191,771			—			332,093
Loss (gain) on product line divestiture	1,200			(14,695		)	—			—			(13,495		)
Amortization of intangible assets	1,272			10,520			13,374			—			25,166
Operating profit	39,417			56,038			107,653			—			203,108
Financing costs, net	25,611			3			(569		)	—			25,045
Intercompany expense (income), net	(27,601		)	5,520			22,081			—			—
Other expense (income), net	12,716			153			(8,832		)	—			4,037
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense (benefit)	28,691			50,362			94,973			—			174,026
Income tax expense (benefit)	(16,529		)	30,793			18,309			—			32,573
Net earnings before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	45,220			19,569			76,664			—			141,453
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	139,865			33,061			6,160			(179,086		)	—
Earnings from continuing operations	185,085			52,630			82,824			(179,086		)	141,453
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	(21,512		)	56,494			(12,862		)	—			22,120
Net earnings	$	163,573		$	109,124		$	69,962		$	(179,086	)	$	163,573
Comprehensive income	$	163,825		$	123,148		$	55,990		$	(179,138	)	$	163,825

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(in thousands)

	Year Ended August 31, 2013
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations		Consolidated
Net sales	$	196,531		$	293,884		$	789,327		$	—	$	1,279,742
Cost of products sold	65,178			201,704			505,910			—		772,792
Gross profit	131,353			92,180			283,417			—		506,950
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	69,734			59,358			164,774			—		293,866
Amortization of intangible assets	1,276			10,481			11,182			—		22,939
Operating profit	60,343			22,341			107,461			—		190,145
Financing costs, net	25,270			9			(442		)	—		24,837
Intercompany expense (income), net	(21,041		)	1,082			19,959			—		—
Other expense (income), net	(2,105		)	(571		)	5,035			—		2,359
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense (benefit)	58,219			21,821			82,909			—		162,949
Income tax expense (benefit)	(798		)	2,009			14,161			—		15,372
Net earnings before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	59,017			19,812			68,748			—		147,577
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	(26,527		)	7,822			2,173			16,532		—
Earnings from continuing operations	32,490			27,634			70,921			16,532		147,577
Loss from discontinued operations	(2,442		)	(76,634		)	(38,453		)	—		(117,529		)
Net earnings (loss)	$	30,048		$	(49,000	)	$	32,468		$	16,532	$	30,048
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	30,860		$	(48,416	)	$	31,099		$	17,317	$	30,860

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(in thousands)

	Year Ended August 31, 2012
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net sales	$	206,894		$	328,295		$	741,332		$	—		$	1,276,521
Cost of products sold	69,902			220,271			474,888			—			765,061
Gross profit	136,992			108,024			266,444			—			511,460
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	79,742			61,113			144,065			—			284,920
Amortization of intangible assets	1,341			10,515			10,170			—			22,026
Operating profit	55,909			36,396			112,209			—			204,514
Financing costs, net	29,983			(14		)	(408		)	—			29,561
Debt refinancing costs	16,830			—			—			—			16,830
Intercompany expense (income), net	(32,185		)	6,281			25,904			—			—
Other expense, net	1,351			1,992			150			—			3,493
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense	39,930			28,137			86,563			—			154,630
Income tax expense	6,700			4,677			17,977			—			29,354
Net earnings before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	33,230			23,460			68,586			—			125,276
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	56,407			14,373			1,649			(72,429		)	—
Earnings from continuing operations	89,637			37,833			70,235			(72,429		)	125,276
Earnings (loss) from discontinuing operations	(2,347		)	11,373			(47,012		)	—			(37,986		)
Net earnings	$	87,290		$	49,206		$	23,223		$	(72,429	)	$	87,290
Comprehensive income	$	35,497		$	24,934		$	6,064		$	(30,998	)	$	35,497

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

	August 31, 2014
	Parent		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Eliminations			Consolidated
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	27,931	$	3,325	$	77,756	$	—		$	109,012
Accounts receivable, net	22,811		38,511		165,686		—			227,008
Inventories, net	31,024		38,860		92,736		—			162,620
Deferred income taxes	7,503		—		3,547		—			11,050
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,871		1,057		28,372		—			33,300
Total current assets	93,140		81,753		368,097		—			542,990
Property, plant & equipment, net	9,096		22,879		137,126		—			169,101
Goodwill	44,700		280,693		417,377		—			742,770
Other intangibles, net	11,974		140,400		212,803		—			365,177
Intercompany receivable	—		678,073		622,818		(1,300,891		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	2,286,068		806,414		237,207		(3,329,689		)	—
Other long-term assets	23,432		—		13,409		—			36,841
Total assets	$	2,468,410	$	2,010,212	$	2,008,837	$	(4,630,580	)	$	1,856,879
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	$	20,014	$	25,673	$	100,111	$	—		$	145,798
Accrued compensation and benefits	15,135		3,293		34,536		—			52,964
Income taxes payable	31,582		—		6,765		—			38,347
Current maturities of debt	4,500		—		—		—			4,500
Other current liabilities	19,081		3,989		34,442		—			57,512
Total current liabilities	90,312		32,955		175,854		—			299,121
Long-term debt	385,500		—		—		—			385,500
Deferred income taxes	47,543		—		49,427		—			96,970
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	8,668		—		7,031		—			15,699
Other long-term liabilities	42,647		4,138		11,093		—			57,878
Intercompany payable	892,029		—		408,861		(1,300,890		)	—
Shareholders’ equity	1,001,711		1,973,119		1,356,571		(3,329,690		)	1,001,711
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,468,410	$	2,010,212	$	2,008,837	$	(4,630,580	)	$	1,856,879

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

	August 31, 2013
	Parent		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Eliminations			Consolidated
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	16,122	$	—	$	87,864	$	—		$	103,986
Accounts receivable, net	20,471		40,343		158,261		—			219,075
Inventories, net	27,343		38,948		76,258		—			142,549
Deferred income taxes	13,002		—		5,794		—			18,796
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,454		963		19,811		—			28,228
Assets of discontinued operations	—		192,129		80,477					272,606
Total current assets	84,392		272,383		428,465		—			785,240
Property, plant & equipment, net	7,050		22,801		171,645		—			201,496
Goodwill	62,543		264,502		407,907		—			734,952
Other intangibles, net	13,247		141,258		222,187		—			376,692
Intercompany receivable	—		480,633		360,620		(841,253		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	2,086,534		201,779		96,333		(2,384,646		)	—
Other long-term assets	12,654		22		8,276		—			20,952
Total assets	$	2,266,420	$	1,383,378	$	1,695,433	$	(3,225,899	)	$	2,119,332
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	$	22,194	$	30,637	$	101,218	$	—		$	154,049
Accrued compensation and benefits	13,835		2,716		27,249		—			43,800
Income taxes payable	8,135		—		5,879		—			14,014
Other current liabilities	21,268		4,630		31,001		—			56,899
Liabilities of discontinued operations	—		23,466		29,614					53,080
Total current liabilities	65,432		61,449		194,961		—			321,842
Long-term debt	515,000		—		—		—			515,000
Deferred income taxes	64,358		—		51,507		—			115,865
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	16,267		—		4,431		—			20,698
Other long-term liabilities	51,479		390		13,791		—			65,660
Intercompany payable	473,617		—		367,636		(841,253		)	—
Shareholders’ equity	1,080,267		1,321,539		1,063,107		(2,384,646		)	1,080,267
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,266,420	$	1,383,378	$	1,695,433	$	(3,225,899	)	$	2,119,332

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

	Year Ended August 31, 2014
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	75,924		$	(20,966	)	$	84,992		$	(14,716	)	$	125,234
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	85			484			43,705			—			44,274
Proceeds from sale of business	(4,586		)	250,748			43,428			—			289,590
Intercompany investment	—			(99,963		)	—			99,963			—
Capital expenditures	(4,498		)	(4,675		)	(32,684		)	—			(41,857		)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(30,500		)	—			—			—			(30,500		)
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(39,499		)	146,594			54,449			99,963			261,507
Financing Activities
Intercompany loan activity	354,791			(122,303		)	(232,488		)	—			—
Net repayments on revolver	(125,000		)	—			—			—			(125,000		)
Intercompany capital contribution	—			—			99,963			(99,963		)	—
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	—			—			(1,585		)	—			(1,585		)
Purchase of treasury shares	(283,712		)	—			—			—			(283,712		)
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	32,224			—			—			—			32,224
Cash dividend	(2,919		)	—			(14,716		)	14,716			(2,919		)
Cash used in financing activities	(24,616		)	(122,303		)	(148,826		)	(85,247		)	(380,992		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			(723		)	—			(723		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	11,809			3,325			(10,108		)	—			5,026
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	16,122			—			87,864			—			103,986
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	$	27,931		$	3,325		$	77,756		$	—		$	109,012

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

	Year Ended August 31, 2013
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations		Consolidated
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	81,597		$	26,095		$	86,097		$	—	$	193,789
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	563			206			852			—		1,621
Proceeds from sale of business	—			—			4,854			—		4,854
Capital expenditures	(2,022		)	(4,021		)	(17,625		)	—		(23,668		)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			—			(235,489		)	—		(235,489		)
Cash used in investing activities	(1,459		)	(3,815		)	(247,408		)	—		(252,682		)
Financing Activities
Net borrowings on revolver	125,000			—			—			—		125,000
Intercompany loan activity	(179,050		)	(22,371		)	201,421			—		—
Principal repayment on term loans	(7,500		)	—			—			—		(7,500		)
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	(1,350		)	—			(4,028		)	—		(5,378		)
Debt issuance costs	(2,035		)	—			—			—		(2,035		)
Purchase of treasury shares	(41,832		)	—			—			—		(41,832		)
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	33,261			—			—			—		33,261
Cash dividend	(2,911		)	—			—			—		(2,911		)
Cash provided (used in) financing activities	(76,417		)	(22,371		)	197,393			—		98,605
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			(3,910		)	—		(3,910		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	3,721			(91		)	32,172			—		35,802
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	12,401			91			55,692			—		68,184
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	$	16,122		$	—		$	87,864		$	—	$	103,986

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

	Year Ended August 31, 2012
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations		Consolidated
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	97,454		$	20,363		$	64,512		$	—	$	182,329
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	1,909			353			6,239			—		8,501
Capital expenditures	(5,062		)	(4,069		)	(13,609		)	—		(22,740		)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			—			(69,309		)	—		(69,309		)
Cash used in investing activities	(3,153		)	(3,716		)	(76,679		)	—		(83,548		)
Financing Activities
Net repayments on revolver	(57,990		)	—			(177		)	—		(58,167		)
Principal repayment on term loans	(2,500		)	—			—			—		(2,500		)
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes	(102		)	—			—			—		(102		)
Proceeds from issuance of 5.625% Senior Notes	300,000			—			—			—		300,000
Redemption of 6.875% Senior Notes	(250,000		)	—			—			—		(250,000		)
Intercompany loan activity	(11,482		)	(16,556		)	28,038			—		—
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	(290		)	—			(668		)	—		(958		)
Debt issuance costs	(5,490		)	—			—			—		(5,490		)
Purchase of treasury shares	(63,083		)	—			—			—		(63,083		)
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	10,913			—			—			—		10,913
Cash dividend	(2,748		)	—			—			—		(2,748		)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(82,772		)	(16,556		)	27,193			—		(72,135		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			(2,683		)	—		(2,683		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	11,529			91			12,343			—		23,963
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	872			—			43,349			—		44,221
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	$	12,401		$	91		$	55,692		$	—	$	68,184

XML

Derivatives (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2011
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount			$ 100,000,000
Net foreign currency gains (losses)	(13,600,000)	800,000
Level 2 Valuation
Derivative [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Contracts Net Assets (Liabilities) Fair Value Disclosure	(966,000)	143,000
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	1,000,000	9,700,000
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 219,900,000	$ 383,600,000

XML

Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 734,952	$ 866,412
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired	17,536	87,734	40,100
Purchase accounting adjustments	(835)	17
Impairment charge		(137,804)
Reclassification of discontinued operations		(76,877)
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	(17,843)	(2,556)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	8,960	(1,974)
Ending Balance	742,770	734,952	866,412
Industrial
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	82,611	81,404
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired	17,536	0
Purchase accounting adjustments	0	0
Impairment charge		0
Reclassification of discontinued operations		0
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	0	0
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	119	1,207
Ending Balance	100,266	82,611
Energy
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	341,903	259,521
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired	0	87,734
Purchase accounting adjustments	(835)	117
Impairment charge		0
Reclassification of discontinued operations		0
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	0	0
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	9,559	(5,469)
Ending Balance	350,627	341,903
Electrical
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0	213,870
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired	0	0
Purchase accounting adjustments	0	0
Impairment charge		(137,804)
Reclassification of discontinued operations		(76,877)
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	0	0
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	0	811
Ending Balance	0	0
Engineered Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	310,438	311,617
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired	0	0
Purchase accounting adjustments	0	(100)
Impairment charge		0
Reclassification of discontinued operations		0
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit	(17,843)	(2,556)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	(718)	1,477
Ending Balance	$ 291,877	$ 310,438

XML

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Parenthetical) (Detail) (2% Converitble Notes, Convertible Notes)	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2003
2% Converitble Notes | Convertible Notes
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	2.00%	2.00%

XML

Leases - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Leases Disclosure [Line Items]
Due in 2015	$ 32.1
Due in 2016	28.7
Due in 2017	25.5
Due in 2018	21.3
Due in 2019	18.0
Due thereafter	45.3
Operating lease, rental expense	31.6	26.0	24.2
Minimum
Leases Disclosure [Line Items]
Lease agreements period	1 year
Maximum
Leases Disclosure [Line Items]
Lease agreements period	20 years
Viking
Leases Disclosure [Line Items]
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Lease Terms	seven year term
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Gross Proceeds	$ 41

XML

Financial Information from Continuing Operations By Geographic Region (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	May 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	May 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation	$ 0				$ 272,606				$ 0	$ 272,606
Net sales	354,349	378,187	327,770	339,556	327,260	344,205	300,468	307,809	1,399,862	1,279,742	1,276,521
Long-Lived Assets	184,964				205,182				184,964	205,182
United States
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales									573,590	549,057	599,831
Long-Lived Assets	44,971				41,161				44,971	41,161
United Kingdom
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales									162,508	144,131	141,037
Long-Lived Assets	28,364				54,136				28,364	54,136
Netherlands
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales									151,549	159,396	185,112
Norway
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	29,715				59,557				29,715	59,557
Australia
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales									82,778	68,255	47,472
Long-Lived Assets	20,431				5,104				20,431	5,104
France
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales									53,542	52,806	48,681
China
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	19,166				19,551				19,166	19,551
All other
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales									375,895	306,097	254,388
Long-Lived Assets	$ 42,317				$ 25,673				$ 42,317	$ 25,673

XML

Discontinued Operations Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	May 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Jun. 13, 2014 Recreational vehicle [Member]	Aug. 31, 2014 Recreational vehicle [Member]	Dec. 13, 2013 Electrical	Aug. 31, 2013 Electrical	Aug. 31, 2012 Mastervolt International Holding B.V.
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Date						Jun. 13, 2014		Dec. 13, 2013
Proceeds from sale of businesses			$ 289,590,000	$ 4,854,000	$ 0	$ 36,500,000		$ 252,400,000
Net gain on disposal of businesses			29,152,000	0	0	2,813,000
Loss (gain) on product line divestiture			(13,495,000)	0	0	13,495,000
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, annual revenue							22,000,000
Gain on disposal			34,459,000	0	0			34,459,000
Gain on disposal, net of tax								26,339,000
Impairment charges	(11,200,000)	170,300,000	0	158,817,000	62,464,000				159,100,000	62,500,000
Goodwill impairment				(137,804,000)					137,800,000	36,600,000
indefinite lived intangible asset (tradenames) impairment									$ 21,300,000	$ 25,900,000

XML

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Included in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

The following financial assets and liabilities, measured at fair value, are included in the consolidated balance sheet (in thousands):

	August 31,
	2014			2013
Level 1 Valuation:
Cash equivalents	$	1,207		$	1,092
Investments	2,118			1,793
Level 2 Valuation:
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(966	)	$	143

XML

Contingencies and Litigation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Discounted present value of future minimum lease payments	$ 20.6
Outstanding letters of credit	14.0	10.7
Electrical
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Discounted present value of future minimum lease payments	$ 14.0

XML

Summary of Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value of Options, Total Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised, and Cash Receipts from Options Exercised (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (per share)	$ 14.46	$ 10.49	$ 8.73
Intrinsic value gain of options exercised	$ 16,380	$ 15,803	$ 7,946
Cash receipts from exercise of options	$ 21,995	$ 24,840	$ 6,550

XML

Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest cost	$ 2,146	$ 1,928	$ 2,162
Expected return on assets	(2,959)	(2,468)	(2,471)
Amortization of actuarial loss	667	878	675
Net benefit cost (income)	$ (146)	$ 338	$ 366

XML

Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014 Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	3
Largest customer sales in fiscal year, percent	3.00%
Export sales from domestic operation, as a percentage of total net sales	8.30%

XML

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Allowance for losses -Trade accounts receivable
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 3,701	$ 4,375	$ 7,173
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	2,447	584	107
Additions Acquired/ (Divested)/ (Discontinued)	440	(437)	96
Deductions Accounts Written Off Less Recoveries	(664)	(787)	(2,740)
Other	110	(34)	(261)
Ending Balance	6,034	3,701	4,375
Valuation allowance - Income taxes
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	17,268	8,153	7,260
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	1,243	4,527	2,954
Additions Acquired/ (Divested)/ (Discontinued)	(5,487)	5,772	0
Deductions Accounts Written Off Less Recoveries	(183)	(1,184)	(2,061)
Other	0	0	0
Ending Balance	$ 12,841	$ 17,268	$ 8,153

XML

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Earnings (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	May 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	May 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 354,349	$ 378,187	$ 327,770	$ 339,556	$ 327,260	$ 344,205	$ 300,468	$ 307,809	$ 1,399,862	$ 1,279,742	$ 1,276,521
Cost of products sold									852,990	772,792	765,061
Gross profit	142,095	148,550	124,447	131,780	129,500	136,904	116,178	124,368	546,872	506,950	511,460
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses									332,093	293,866	284,920
Loss (gain) on product line divestiture									(13,495)	0	0
Amortization of intangible assets									25,166	22,939	22,026
Operating profit									203,108	190,145	204,514
Financing costs, net									25,045	24,837	29,561
Debt refinancing costs									0	0	16,830
Intercompany expense (income), net									0	0	0
Other expense (income), net									4,037	2,359	3,493
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax									174,026	162,949	154,630
Income tax expense									32,573	15,372	29,354
Net earnings before equity in earnings of subsidiaries									141,453	147,577	125,276
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries									0	0	0
Earnings from continuing operations	35,587	50,557	22,304	33,005	45,115	46,077	25,834	30,551	141,453	147,577	125,276
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	0	0	19,088	3,032	13,138	(139,060)	2,601	5,792	22,120	(117,529)	(37,986)
Net earnings	35,587	50,557	41,392	36,037	58,253	(92,983)	28,435	36,343	163,573	30,048	87,290
Comprehensive income									163,825	30,860	35,497
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									195,573	196,531	206,894
Cost of products sold									57,464	65,178	69,902
Gross profit									138,109	131,353	136,992
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses									96,220	69,734	79,742
Loss (gain) on product line divestiture									1,200
Amortization of intangible assets									1,272	1,276	1,341
Operating profit									39,417	60,343	55,909
Financing costs, net									25,611	25,270	29,983
Debt refinancing costs											16,830
Intercompany expense (income), net									(27,601)	(21,041)	(32,185)
Other expense (income), net									12,716	(2,105)	1,351
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax									28,691	58,219	39,930
Income tax expense									(16,529)	(798)	6,700
Net earnings before equity in earnings of subsidiaries									45,220	59,017	33,230
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries									139,865	(26,527)	56,407
Earnings from continuing operations									185,085	32,490	89,637
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes									(21,512)	(2,442)	(2,347)
Net earnings									163,573	30,048	87,290
Comprehensive income									163,825	30,860	35,497
Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									315,715	293,884	328,295
Cost of products sold									219,750	201,704	220,271
Gross profit									95,965	92,180	108,024
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses									44,102	59,358	61,113
Loss (gain) on product line divestiture									(14,695)
Amortization of intangible assets									10,520	10,481	10,515
Operating profit									56,038	22,341	36,396
Financing costs, net									3	9	(14)
Debt refinancing costs											0
Intercompany expense (income), net									5,520	1,082	6,281
Other expense (income), net									153	(571)	1,992
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax									50,362	21,821	28,137
Income tax expense									30,793	2,009	4,677
Net earnings before equity in earnings of subsidiaries									19,569	19,812	23,460
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries									33,061	7,822	14,373
Earnings from continuing operations									52,630	27,634	37,833
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes									56,494	(76,634)	11,373
Net earnings									109,124	(49,000)	49,206
Comprehensive income									123,148	(48,416)	24,934
Non-Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									888,574	789,327	741,332
Cost of products sold									575,776	505,910	474,888
Gross profit									312,798	283,417	266,444
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses									191,771	164,774	144,065
Loss (gain) on product line divestiture									0
Amortization of intangible assets									13,374	11,182	10,170
Operating profit									107,653	107,461	112,209
Financing costs, net									(569)	(442)	(408)
Debt refinancing costs											0
Intercompany expense (income), net									22,081	19,959	25,904
Other expense (income), net									(8,832)	5,035	150
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax									94,973	82,909	86,563
Income tax expense									18,309	14,161	17,977
Net earnings before equity in earnings of subsidiaries									76,664	68,748	68,586
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries									6,160	2,173	1,649
Earnings from continuing operations									82,824	70,921	70,235
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes									(12,862)	(38,453)	(47,012)
Net earnings									69,962	32,468	23,223
Comprehensive income									55,990	31,099	6,064
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									0	0	0
Cost of products sold									0	0	0
Gross profit									0	0	0
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses									0	0	0
Loss (gain) on product line divestiture									0
Amortization of intangible assets									0	0	0
Operating profit									0	0	0
Financing costs, net									0	0	0
Debt refinancing costs											0
Intercompany expense (income), net									0	0	0
Other expense (income), net									0	0	0
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax									0	0	0
Income tax expense									0	0	0
Net earnings before equity in earnings of subsidiaries									0	0	0
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries									(179,086)	16,532	(72,429)
Earnings from continuing operations									(179,086)	16,532	(72,429)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes									0	0	0
Net earnings									(179,086)	16,532	(72,429)
Comprehensive income									$ (179,138)	$ 17,317	$ (30,998)

XML

Summary of Financial Information by Reportable Segment and Product Line (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	May 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	May 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 354,349	$ 378,187	$ 327,770	$ 339,556	$ 327,260	$ 344,205	$ 300,468	$ 307,809	$ 1,399,862	$ 1,279,742	$ 1,276,521
Operating profit (loss)									203,108	190,145	204,514
Depreciation and amortization									60,635	53,902	54,263
Discontinued Operations									0	7,804	10,667
Capital Expenditure									41,857	23,668	22,740
Assets	1,856,879				2,119,332				1,856,879	2,119,332
Industrial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									413,902	422,620	419,295
Operating profit (loss)									120,250	117,644	114,777
Depreciation and amortization									7,597	8,553	8,358
Capital Expenditure									3,349	3,524	5,333
Assets	307,058				280,110				307,058	280,110
Energy
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									462,368	363,372	349,163
Operating profit (loss)									56,412	63,280	62,205
Depreciation and amortization									33,983	18,451	18,115
Capital Expenditure									26,787	9,417	8,962
Assets	788,915				817,547				788,915	817,547
Engineered Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									523,592	493,750	508,063
Operating profit (loss)									55,430	40,328	60,851
Depreciation and amortization									17,602	16,949	15,093
Capital Expenditure									8,763	7,001	3,463
Assets	643,323				652,581				643,323	652,581
General Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)									(28,984)	(31,107)	(33,319)
Depreciation and amortization									1,453	2,145	2,030
Capital Expenditure									2,956	867	1,905
Assets	117,583				96,488				117,583	96,488
Vehicle Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									272,201	253,073	279,549
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									251,391	240,677	228,514
Discontinued Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital Expenditure									$ 2	$ 2,859	$ 3,077

XML

Stocks Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Class A Common Stock were authorized for issuance	9,400,000
Shares available for future grants	3,915,647
Exercise price as percentage of fair market value at grant date	100.00%
Unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation for stock options and restricted stock outstanding	$ 23.5
Unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation for stock options and restricted stock outstanding, recognition period	2 years 11 months
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period	3 years
Performance Shares | Free Cash Flow Conversion Target
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	50.00%
Performance Shares | Total Shareholders Return
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	50.00%
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of shares vested	$ 17.9	$ 6.2
After Three Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	50.00%
After Five Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	100.00%
Maximum | Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options term	10 years

XML

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Quarterly financial data for fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 is as follows:

	Year Ended August 31, 2014
	First		Second		Third			Fourth		Total
Net sales	$	339,556	$	327,770	$	378,187		$	354,349	$	1,399,862
Gross profit	131,780		124,447		148,550			142,095		546,872
Earnings from continuing operations	33,005		22,304		50,557			35,587		141,453
Earnings from discontinued operations	3,032		19,088		—			—		22,120
Net earnings	36,037		41,392		50,557			35,587		163,573
Earnings from continuing operations per share:
Basic	$	0.45	$	0.31	$	0.72		$	0.52	$	1.99
Diluted	0.44		0.30		0.70			0.51		1.95
Earnings from discontinued operations per share:
Basic	$	0.04	$	0.26	$	—		$	—	$	0.32
Diluted	0.04		0.26		—			—		0.32
Net earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.49	$	0.57	$	0.72		$	0.52	$	2.31
Diluted	0.48		0.56		0.70			0.51		2.26
	Year Ended August 31, 2013
	First		Second		Third			Fourth		Total
Net sales	$	307,809	$	300,468	$	344,205		$	327,260	$	1,279,742
Gross profit	124,368		116,178		136,904			129,500		506,950
Earnings from continuing operations	30,551		25,834		46,077			45,115		147,577
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	5,792		2,601		(139,060		)	13,138		(117,529		)
Net earnings (loss)	36,343		28,435		(92,983		)	58,253		30,048
Earnings from continuing operations per share:
Basic	$	0.42	$	0.35	$	0.63		$	0.62	$	2.02
Diluted	0.41		0.35		0.62			0.60		1.98
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per share:
Basic	$	0.08	$	0.04	$	(1.90	)	$	0.18	$	(1.61	)
Diluted	0.08		0.03		(1.86		)	0.18		(1.58		)
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.50	$	0.39	$	(1.27	)	$	0.80	$	0.41
Diluted	0.49		0.38		(1.24		)	0.78		0.40

The sum of the quarters may not equal the total of the respective year’s earnings per share on either a basic or diluted basis due to changes in the weighted average shares outstanding during the year.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2013 the Company recognized a $170.3 million non-cash impairment charge related to the goodwill and intangible assets of the former Electrical segment (discontinued operations).  In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company re-assessed its initial estimate of fair value less selling costs for the Electrical segment and recognized an $11.2 million increase to the carrying value of the Electrical segment assets (discontinued operations). 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company recorded a $10.6 million adjustment (reduction to income tax expense) to properly state deferred income tax balances associated with its equity compensation programs.

XML

Long-Term Indebtedness (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Senior Indebtedness	$ 390,000	$ 515,000
Less: current maturities of long-term debt	(4,500)	0
Total long-term debt, less current maturities	385,500	515,000
Senior Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Senior Indebtedness	90,000	215,000
Senior Credit Facility | Senior Credit Facility - Revolver
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Senior Indebtedness	0	125,000
Senior Credit Facility | Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Senior Indebtedness	90,000	90,000
Senior Notes | 5.625% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Senior Indebtedness	$ 300,000	$ 300,000

XML

Reconciliation of Changes in Accrued Product Warranty (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 7,413	$ 12,869
Warranty reserves of acquired businesses	44	981
Product line divestiture	(699)	0
Provision for warranties	2,769	7,907
Warranty payments and costs incurred	(5,477)	(11,616)
Discontinued operations reclassification	0	(3,107)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	6	379
Ending balance	$ 4,056	$ 7,413

XML

Weighted-Average Assumptions (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Dividend yield	0.11%	0.14%	0.18%
Expected volatility	38.30%	38.36%	39.97%
Risk-free rate of return	0.70%	0.84%	1.19%
Expected forfeiture rate	14.18%	15.00%	15.00%
Expected life	6 years 1 month	6 years 1 month 6 days	6 years 1 month 6 days

XML

Stock Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Summary Stock option Activity

A summary of stock option activity during fiscal 2014 is as follows:

	Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price (Per Share)		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding on September 1, 2013	4,179,551		$	23.66
Granted	211,276		35.98
Exercised	(1,076,370	)	21.16
Forfeited	(64,056	)	26.44
Outstanding on August 31, 2014	3,250,401		$	25.24	4.6	$	27.6	million
Exercisable on August 31, 2014	2,255,920		$	24.48	3.4	$	20.9	million

Summary of Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Of options, Total Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised, and Cash Receipts from Options Exercised

A summary of the weighted-average grant-date fair value of options, total intrinsic value of options exercised, and cash receipts from options exercised is shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (per share)	$	14.46	$	10.49	$	8.73
Intrinsic value of options exercised	16,380		15,803		7,946
Cash receipts from exercise of options	21,995		24,840		6,550

Summary Of Restricted Stock Activity

A summary of restricted stock activity (including Performance Shares) during fiscal 2014 is as follows:

	Number of Shares		Weighted-Average Fair  Value at Grant Date (Per Share)
Outstanding August 31, 2013	1,594,189		$25.83
Granted	311,425		36.05
Forfeited	(98,582	)	27.36
Vested	(480,572	)	25.42
Outstanding August 31, 2014	1,326,460		28.27

Weighted Average Assumptions

The following weighted-average assumptions were used in each fiscal year:

	Fiscal Year Ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Dividend yield	0.11	%	0.14	%	0.18	%
Expected volatility	38.30	%	38.36	%	39.97	%
Risk-free rate of return	0.70	%	0.84	%	1.19	%
Expected forfeiture rate	14	%	15	%	15	%
Expected life	6.1 years		6.1 years		6.1 years

XML

Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Included in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Level 1 Valuation
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	$ 1,207	$ 1,092
Investments	2,118	1,793
Level 2 Valuation
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Contracts Net Assets (Liabilities) Fair Value Disclosure	$ (966)	$ 143

XML

Earnings before Income Taxes, Including both Continuing and Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 84,854	$ 67,392	$ 65,685
Foreign	89,172	95,557	88,945
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax	$ 174,026	$ 162,949	$ 154,630

XML

Funded Status of Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 44,642	$ 34,054
Non-US Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation	18,599	12,912
Fair value of plan assets	10,312	7,790
Funded status of the plans (underfunded)	$ (8,287)	$ (5,122)

XML

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Narrative (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Future amortization expense, 2015	$ 25.6
Future amortization expense, 2016	25.6
Future amortization expense, 2017	24.9
Future amortization expense, 2018	24.1
Future amortization expense, 2019	23.9
Future amortization expense, thereafter	115.2
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		$ 22.2

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Cash dividend, per share	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04

XML

Income Tax Expense from Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Currently payable:
Currently payable, Federal	$ 23,211	$ 24,809	$ 22,078
Currently payable, Foreign	9,059	13,335	10,396
Currently payable, State	(657)	902	1,534
Currently payable	31,613	39,046	34,008
Deferred:
Deferred, Federal	4,224	(13,514)	(495)
Deferred, Foreign	(4,130)	(9,942)	(4,598)
Deferred, State	866	(218)	439
Benefit for deferred income taxes	960	(23,674)	(4,654)
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 32,573	$ 15,372	$ 29,354

XML

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended			12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012 acquisition	Aug. 27, 2013 Viking	May 23, 2014 Hayes Industries	Aug. 31, 2014 Hayes Industries	Aug. 31, 2013 Engineered Solutions Entity	Jul. 20, 2012 CrossControl	Mar. 28, 2012 Turotest	Feb. 10, 2012 Jeyco	Aug. 31, 2012 Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]	Aug. 31, 2012 Customer Relationships	Aug. 27, 2013 Customer Relationships Viking	May 23, 2014 Customer Relationships Hayes Industries	Aug. 31, 2012 Non-compete Agreements	May 23, 2014 Non-compete Agreements Hayes Industries	May 23, 2014 Patents Hayes Industries	Aug. 31, 2012 Trade Names	May 23, 2014 Trade Names Hayes Industries	Aug. 27, 2013 Trade Names Viking
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transaction costs related to business acquisition activities	$ 500,000	$ 3,700,000	$ 1,400,000
Reductions in goodwill due to purchase price	835,000	(17,000)
Business Acquisition, Date of Acquisition Agreement				Aug. 27, 2013	May 23, 2014			Jul. 20, 2012	Mar. 28, 2012	Feb. 10, 2012
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	30,500,000	235,489,000	69,309,000	235,500,000	30,500,000			40,600,000	8,100,000	20,700,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High						4,000,000
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired	17,536,000	87,734,000	40,100,000	86,900,000	17,536,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill			32,800,000	65,400,000	10,550,000						2,200,000	24,200,000	40,500,000	3,300,000	700,000	250,000	5,000,000	5,700,000	2,000,000	24,900,000
Number of tuck-in acquisitions							2
Number of businesses acquired			3
Deferred purchase price for business acquisitions									$ 5,300,000

XML

Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Proforma Results of Operations

The following unaudited pro forma results of operations of the Company give effect to all acquisitions completed in the last three years as though the transactions and related financing activities had occurred on September 1, 2011 (in thousands, except per share amounts).

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Net sales
As reported	$	1,399,862	$	1,279,742	$	1,276,521
Pro forma	1,419,915		1,390,251		1,439,493
Earnings from continuing operations
As reported	$	141,453	$	147,577	$	125,276
Pro forma	142,589		154,371		134,430
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
As reported	$	1.99	$	2.02	$	1.79
Pro forma	2.01		2.12		1.92
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
As reported	$	1.95	$	1.98	$	1.68
Pro forma	1.97		2.07		1.80

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Reconciliation of Changes in Accrued Product Warranty

The following is a reconciliation of the changes in product warranty reserves for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

	2014			2013
Beginning balance	$	7,413		$	12,869
Warranty reserves of acquired businesses	44			981
Product line divestiture	(699		)	—
Provision for warranties	2,769			7,907
Warranty payments and costs incurred	(5,477		)	(11,616		)
Discontinued operations reclassification	—			(3,107		)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	6			379
Ending balance	$	4,056		$	7,413

XML

Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets and Funded Status of Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of benefit obligations:
Interest cost	$ 2,146	$ 1,928	$ 2,162
Reconciliation of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	34,054
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	44,642	34,054
U.S. defined benefit pension plans
Reconciliation of benefit obligations:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	45,046	50,870
Adjustment	0	(280)
Interest cost	2,146	1,928
Actuarial (gain) loss	3,769	(4,983)
Benefits paid	(3,416)	(2,489)
Benefit obligation at end of year	47,545	45,046
Reconciliation of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	34,054	33,695
Actual return on plan assets	5,180	2,252
Company contributions	8,824	596
Benefits paid from plan assets	(3,416)	(2,489)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	44,642	34,054
Funded status of the plans (underfunded)	$ (2,903)	$ (10,992)

XML

Proforma Results of Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	May 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	May 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Net sales, As reported	$ 354,349	$ 378,187	$ 327,770	$ 339,556	$ 327,260	$ 344,205	$ 300,468	$ 307,809	$ 1,399,862	$ 1,279,742	$ 1,276,521
Net sales, Pro forma									1,419,915	1,390,251	1,439,493
Earnings from continuing operations, As reported	35,587	50,557	22,304	33,005	45,115	46,077	25,834	30,551	141,453	147,577	125,276
Earnings from continuing operations, Pro forma									$ 142,589	$ 154,371	$ 134,430
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations, As reported	$ 0.52	$ 0.72	$ 0.31	$ 0.45	$ 0.62	$ 0.63	$ 0.35	$ 0.42	$ 1.99	$ 2.02	$ 1.79
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations, Pro forma									$ 2.01	$ 2.12	$ 1.92
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, As reported	$ 0.51	$ 0.70	$ 0.30	$ 0.44	$ 0.60	$ 0.62	$ 0.35	$ 0.41	$ 1.95	$ 1.98	$ 1.68
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, Pro forma									$ 1.97	$ 2.07	$ 1.80

XML

Discontinued Operations and Divestitures (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures

The following table summarizes the results of the Electrical segment which is reported as a discontinued operation for each of the last three fiscal years (in thousands):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Net sales	$	72,139		$	286,308		$	328,821
Operating profit (loss) (1)	(4,873		)	34,536			28,148
Impairment charge	—			(159,104		)	(62,464		)
Gain on disposal	34,459			—			—
Income tax benefit (expense)	(7,466		)	7,039			(3,670		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	22,120		$	(117,529	)	$	(37,986	)

(1) The operating loss in fiscal 2014 includes the operating results of the Electrical segment through the sale date of December 13, 2013, certain divestiture costs and a $3.1 million non-cash charge for the accelerated vesting of equity compensation.

XML

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):

	Industrial		Energy			Electrical			Engineered Solutions			Total
Balance as of August 31, 2012	$	81,404	$	259,521		$	213,870		$	311,617		$	866,412
Business acquired (Viking)	—		87,734			—			—			87,734
Purchase accounting adjustments	—		117			—			(100		)	17
Impairment charge	—		—			(137,804		)	—			(137,804		)
Reclassification of discontinued operations	—		—			(76,877		)	—			(76,877		)
Divestiture of Nielsen Sessions business	—		—			—			(2,556		)	(2,556		)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	1,207		(5,469		)	811			1,477			(1,974		)
Balance as of August 31, 2013	82,611		341,903			—			310,438			734,952
Business acquired (Hayes)	17,536		—			—			—			17,536
Purchase accounting adjustments	—		(835		)	—			—			(835		)
Divestiture of RV business	—		—			—			(17,843		)	(17,843		)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	119		9,559			—			(718		)	8,960
Balance as of August 31, 2014	$	100,266	$	350,627		$	—		$	291,877		$	742,770

Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of the Company’s intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):

	Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	August 31, 2014						August 31, 2013
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value
Amortizable intangible assets:
Customer relationships	15	$	325,164	$	117,706	$	207,458	$	318,143	$	95,215	$	222,928
Patents	10	31,678		17,494		14,184		30,564		18,747		11,817
Trademarks and tradenames	17	23,241		6,201		17,040		24,088		7,356		16,732
Non-compete agreements and other	4	7,373		6,783		590		7,034		6,458		576
Indefinite lived intangible assets:
Tradenames	N/A	125,905		—		125,905		124,639		—		124,639
		$	513,361	$	148,184	$	365,177	$	504,468	$	127,776	$	376,692

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Treasury Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Stock Held in Trust	Deferred Compensation Liability
Beginning Balance at Aug. 31, 2011	$ 919,013	$ 13,731	$ (154,231)	$ 0	$ 1,077,192	$ (17,679)	$ (2,137)	$ 2,137
Shares, Issued at Aug. 31, 2011		68,657,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	87,290				87,290
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	(51,793)					(51,793)
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other (in shares)		277,000
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other	5,585	55	5,530
Conversion of 2% Convertible Notes (in shares)		5,962,000
Conversion of 2% Convertible Notes	134,949	1,192	133,757
Restricted stock awards (in shares)		17,000
Restricted stock awards	0	3	(3)
Cash dividend ($0.04 per share)	(2,918)				(2,918)
Treasury stock repurchases	(63,083)			(63,083)
Stock based compensation expense	13,346		13,346
Stock option exercises (in shares)		580,000
Stock option exercises	6,550	116	6,434
Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises	2,349		2,349
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust	548	5	543				(552)	552
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust (in shares)		26,000
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2012	1,051,836	15,102	7,725	(63,083)	1,161,564	(69,472)	(2,689)	2,689
Shares, Issued at Aug. 31, 2012		75,519,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	30,048				30,048
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	812					812
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other (in shares)		21,000
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other	597	5	592
Restricted stock awards (in shares)		169,000
Restricted stock awards	0	34	(34)
Cash dividend ($0.04 per share)	(2,927)				(2,927)
Treasury stock repurchases	(41,832)			(41,832)
Stock based compensation expense	13,440		13,440
Stock option exercises (in shares)		1,276,000
Stock option exercises	24,840	255	24,585
Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises	2,954		2,954
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust	499	3	496				(435)	435
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust (in shares)		16,000
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2013	1,080,267	15,399	49,758	(104,915)	1,188,685	(68,660)	(3,124)	3,124
Shares, Issued at Aug. 31, 2013		77,001,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	163,573				163,573
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	252					252
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other (in shares)		16,000
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other	553	3	550
Restricted stock awards (in shares)		389,000
Restricted stock awards	0	78	(78)
Cash dividend ($0.04 per share)	(2,656)				(2,656)
Treasury stock repurchases	(283,712)			(283,712)
Stock based compensation expense	17,115		17,115
Stock option exercises (in shares)	1,076,370	1,065,000
Stock option exercises	21,995	213	21,782
Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises	3,937		3,937
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust	387	2	385				(959)	959
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust (in shares)		10,000
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2014	$ 1,001,711	$ 15,695	$ 93,449	$ (388,627)	$ 1,349,602	$ (68,408)	$ (4,083)	$ 4,083
Shares, Issued at Aug. 31, 2014		78,481,000

XML

Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Indebtedness

The following is a summary of the Company’s long-term indebtedness (in thousands):

	August 31,
	2014			2013
Senior Credit Facility
Revolver	$	—		$	125,000
Term Loan	90,000			90,000
	90,000			215,000
5.625% Senior Notes	300,000			300,000
Total Senior Indebtedness	390,000			515,000
Less: current maturities of long-term debt	(4,500		)	—
Total long-term debt, less current maturities	$	385,500		$	515,000

XML

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ 125,234	$ 193,789	$ 182,329
Investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	44,274	1,621	8,501
Proceeds from sale of businesses	289,590	4,854	0
Intercompany investment	0
Capital expenditures	(41,857)	(23,668)	(22,740)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(30,500)	(235,489)	(69,309)
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	261,507	(252,682)	(83,548)
Financing activities
Net repayments on revolver	(125,000)	125,000	(58,167)
Intercompany loan activity	0	0	0
Net repayments on revolver	0	(7,500)	(2,500)
Intercompany capital contribution	0
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes	0	0	(102)
Proceeds from issuance of 5.625% Senior Notes	0	0	300,000
Redemption of 6.875% Senior Notes	0	0	(250,000)
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	(1,585)	(5,378)	(958)
Debt issuance costs	0	(2,035)	(5,490)
Purchase of treasury shares	(283,712)	(41,832)	(63,083)
Intercompany loan activity	32,224	33,261	10,913
Cash dividend	(2,919)	(2,911)	(2,748)
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(380,992)	98,605	(72,135)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(723)	(3,910)	(2,683)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	5,026	35,802	23,963
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	103,986	68,184	44,221
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	109,012	103,986	68,184
Parent
Operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	75,924	81,597	97,454
Investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	85	563	1,909
Proceeds from sale of businesses	(4,586)	0
Intercompany investment	0
Capital expenditures	(4,498)	(2,022)	(5,062)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(30,500)	0	0
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(39,499)	(1,459)	(3,153)
Financing activities
Net repayments on revolver	(125,000)	125,000	(57,990)
Intercompany loan activity	354,791	(179,050)	(11,482)
Net repayments on revolver		(7,500)	(2,500)
Intercompany capital contribution	0
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes			(102)
Proceeds from issuance of 5.625% Senior Notes			300,000
Redemption of 6.875% Senior Notes			(250,000)
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	0	(1,350)	(290)
Debt issuance costs		(2,035)	(5,490)
Purchase of treasury shares	(283,712)	(41,832)	(63,083)
Intercompany loan activity	32,224	33,261	10,913
Cash dividend	(2,919)	(2,911)	(2,748)
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(24,616)	(76,417)	(82,772)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	11,809	3,721	11,529
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	16,122	12,401	872
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	27,931	16,122	12,401
Guarantors
Operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(20,966)	26,095	20,363
Investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	484	206	353
Proceeds from sale of businesses	250,748	0
Intercompany investment	(99,963)
Capital expenditures	(4,675)	(4,021)	(4,069)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	146,594	(3,815)	(3,716)
Financing activities
Net repayments on revolver	0	0	0
Intercompany loan activity	(122,303)	(22,371)	(16,556)
Net repayments on revolver		0	0
Intercompany capital contribution	0
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes			0
Proceeds from issuance of 5.625% Senior Notes			0
Redemption of 6.875% Senior Notes			0
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	0	0	0
Debt issuance costs		0	0
Purchase of treasury shares	0	0	0
Intercompany loan activity	0	0	0
Cash dividend	0	0	0
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(122,303)	(22,371)	(16,556)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	3,325	(91)	91
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	0	91	0
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	3,325	0	91
Non-Guarantors
Operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	84,992	86,097	64,512
Investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	43,705	852	6,239
Proceeds from sale of businesses	43,428	4,854
Intercompany investment	0
Capital expenditures	(32,684)	(17,625)	(13,609)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(235,489)	(69,309)
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	54,449	(247,408)	(76,679)
Financing activities
Net repayments on revolver	0	0	(177)
Intercompany loan activity	(232,488)	201,421	28,038
Net repayments on revolver		0	0
Intercompany capital contribution	99,963
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes			0
Proceeds from issuance of 5.625% Senior Notes			0
Redemption of 6.875% Senior Notes			0
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	(1,585)	(4,028)	(668)
Debt issuance costs		0	0
Purchase of treasury shares	0	0	0
Intercompany loan activity	0	0	0
Cash dividend	(14,716)	0	0
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(148,826)	197,393	27,193
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(723)	(3,910)	(2,683)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	(10,108)	32,172	12,343
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	87,864	55,692	43,349
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	77,756	87,864	55,692
Eliminations
Operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(14,716)	0	0
Investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	0	0	0
Proceeds from sale of businesses	0	0
Intercompany investment	99,963
Capital expenditures	0	0	0
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	99,963	0	0
Financing activities
Net repayments on revolver	0	0	0
Intercompany loan activity	0	0	0
Net repayments on revolver		0	0
Intercompany capital contribution	(99,963)
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes			0
Proceeds from issuance of 5.625% Senior Notes			0
Redemption of 6.875% Senior Notes			0
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	0	0	0
Debt issuance costs		0	0
Purchase of treasury shares	0	0	0
Intercompany loan activity	0	0	0
Cash dividend	14,716	0	0
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(85,247)	0	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data

Quarterly financial data for fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 is as follows:

	Year Ended August 31, 2014
	First		Second		Third			Fourth		Total
Net sales	$	339,556	$	327,770	$	378,187		$	354,349	$	1,399,862
Gross profit	131,780		124,447		148,550			142,095		546,872
Earnings from continuing operations	33,005		22,304		50,557			35,587		141,453
Earnings from discontinued operations	3,032		19,088		—			—		22,120
Net earnings	36,037		41,392		50,557			35,587		163,573
Earnings from continuing operations per share:
Basic	$	0.45	$	0.31	$	0.72		$	0.52	$	1.99
Diluted	0.44		0.30		0.70			0.51		1.95
Earnings from discontinued operations per share:
Basic	$	0.04	$	0.26	$	—		$	—	$	0.32
Diluted	0.04		0.26		—			—		0.32
Net earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.49	$	0.57	$	0.72		$	0.52	$	2.31
Diluted	0.48		0.56		0.70			0.51		2.26
	Year Ended August 31, 2013
	First		Second		Third			Fourth		Total
Net sales	$	307,809	$	300,468	$	344,205		$	327,260	$	1,279,742
Gross profit	124,368		116,178		136,904			129,500		506,950
Earnings from continuing operations	30,551		25,834		46,077			45,115		147,577
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	5,792		2,601		(139,060		)	13,138		(117,529		)
Net earnings (loss)	36,343		28,435		(92,983		)	58,253		30,048
Earnings from continuing operations per share:
Basic	$	0.42	$	0.35	$	0.63		$	0.62	$	2.02
Diluted	0.41		0.35		0.62			0.60		1.98
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per share:
Basic	$	0.08	$	0.04	$	(1.90	)	$	0.18	$	(1.61	)
Diluted	0.08		0.03		(1.86		)	0.18		(1.58		)
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.50	$	0.39	$	(1.27	)	$	0.80	$	0.41
Diluted	0.49		0.38		(1.24		)	0.78		0.40

XML

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (5.625% Senior Notes, Senior Notes, USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Apr. 16, 2012
5.625% Senior Notes | Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Face amount	$ 300,000,000			$ 300,000,000.0
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.625%	5.625%	5.625%	5.625%
Fair value of long-term debt	$ 315,800,000	$ 300,800,000

XML

Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Number of Stock Option Outstanding
Beginning Balance	4,179,551
Granted	211,276
Exercised	(1,076,370)
Forfeited	(64,056)
Ending Balance	3,250,401
Options exercisable at end of Period	2,255,920
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Beginning Balance	$ 23.66
Granted	$ 35.98
Exercised	$ 21.16
Forfeited	$ 26.44
Ending Balance	$ 25.24
Options exercisable at end of Period	$ 24.48
Option Outstanding weighted average remaining term	4 years 7 months 6 days
Option exercisable weighted average remaining term	3 years 5 months 8 days
Stock option, aggregate intrinsic Value	$ 27.6
Stock option, aggregate intrinsic Value	$ 20.9

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	May 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	May 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 354,349	$ 378,187	$ 327,770	$ 339,556	$ 327,260	$ 344,205	$ 300,468	$ 307,809	$ 1,399,862	$ 1,279,742	$ 1,276,521
Cost of products sold									852,990	772,792	765,061
Gross profit	142,095	148,550	124,447	131,780	129,500	136,904	116,178	124,368	546,872	506,950	511,460
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses									332,093	293,866	284,920
Loss (gain) on product line divestiture									(13,495)	0	0
Amortization of intangible assets									25,166	22,939	22,026
Financing costs, net									25,045	24,837	29,561
Debt refinancing costs									0	0	16,830
Other expense, net									4,037	2,359	3,493
Operating profit									203,108	190,145	204,514
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax									174,026	162,949	154,630
Income tax expense									32,573	15,372	29,354
Earnings from continuing operations	35,587	50,557	22,304	33,005	45,115	46,077	25,834	30,551	141,453	147,577	125,276
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	0	0	19,088	3,032	13,138	(139,060)	2,601	5,792	22,120	(117,529)	(37,986)
Net earnings	$ 35,587	$ 50,557	$ 41,392	$ 36,037	$ 58,253	$ (92,983)	$ 28,435	$ 36,343	$ 163,573	$ 30,048	$ 87,290
Earnings from continuing operations per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.52	$ 0.72	$ 0.31	$ 0.45	$ 0.62	$ 0.63	$ 0.35	$ 0.42	$ 1.99	$ 2.02	$ 1.79
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.51	$ 0.70	$ 0.30	$ 0.44	$ 0.60	$ 0.62	$ 0.35	$ 0.41	$ 1.95	$ 1.98	$ 1.68
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.52	$ 0.72	$ 0.57	$ 0.49	$ 0.80	$ (1.27)	$ 0.39	$ 0.50	$ 2.31	$ 0.41	$ 1.25
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.51	$ 0.70	$ 0.56	$ 0.48	$ 0.78	$ (1.24)	$ 0.38	$ 0.49	$ 2.26	$ 0.40	$ 1.17
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)									70,942	72,979	70,099
Diluted (in shares)									72,486	74,580	74,940

XML

Discontinued Operations Income Statement and Balance Sheet Summary (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 72,139,000		$ 286,308,000		$ 328,821,000
Operating profit (loss) (1)	(4,873,000)	[1]	34,536,000	[1]	28,148,000	[1]
Impairment charge	0		(159,104,000)		(62,464,000)
Gain on disposal	34,459,000		0		0
Income tax benefit (expense)	(7,466,000)		7,039,000		(3,670,000)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	22,120,000		(117,529,000)		(37,986,000)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Accelerated Compensation Cost	$ 3,100,000

[1] (1) The operating loss in fiscal 2014 includes the operating results of the Electrical segment through the sale date of December 13, 2013, certain divestiture costs and a $3.1 million non-cash charge for the accelerated vesting of equity compensation.

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Operating activities
Net earnings	$ 163,573	$ 30,048	$ 87,290
Non-cash items:
Depreciation and amortization	60,635	53,902	54,263
Net gain on disposal of businesses	(29,152)	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense	17,115	13,440	13,346
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes	40	(44,265)	(10,524)
Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs	1,829	1,940	1,990
Impairment charges	0	158,817	62,464
Non-cash debt refinancing costs	0	0	2,254
Other non-cash adjustments	(168)	328	0
Changes in components of working capital and other:
Accounts receivable	1,336	(10,925)	(12,310)
Inventories	(21,915)	13,714	11,532
Prepaid expenses and other assets	4,276	(4,603)	(2,164)
Trade accounts payable	(19,832)	(9,279)	5,902
Income taxes payable	(46,133)	594	(17,903)
Accrued compensation and benefits	11,779	(14,256)	(6,292)
Other accrued liabilities	(18,149)	4,334	(7,519)
Cash provided by operating activities	125,234	193,789	182,329
Investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	44,274	1,621	8,501
Proceeds from sale of businesses	289,590	4,854	0
Capital expenditures	(41,857)	(23,668)	(22,740)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(30,500)	(235,489)	(69,309)
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	261,507	(252,682)	(83,548)
Financing activities
Net borrowings (repayments) on revolver	(125,000)	125,000	(58,167)
Principal repayments on term loans	0	(7,500)	(2,500)
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes	0	0	(102)
Proceeds from issuance of 5.625% Senior Notes	0	0	300,000
Redemption of 6.875% Senior Notes	0	0	(250,000)
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	(1,585)	(5,378)	(958)
Debt issuance costs	0	(2,035)	(5,490)
Purchase of treasury shares	(283,712)	(41,832)	(63,083)
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	32,224	33,261	10,913
Cash dividend	(2,919)	(2,911)	(2,748)
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(380,992)	98,605	(72,135)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(723)	(3,910)	(2,683)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	5,026	35,802	23,963
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	103,986	68,184	44,221
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	$ 109,012	$ 103,986	$ 68,184

XML

Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Assumptions for benefit obligations:
Discount rate	4.15%	4.90%	3.90%
Assumptions for net periodic benefit cost:
Discount rate	4.90%	3.90%	5.00%
Expected return on plan assets	7.65%	7.75%	7.90%

XML

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Tax Expense from Continuing Operations

Income tax expense from continuing operations is summarized as follows (in thousands):

	Year ended August 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Currently payable:
Federal	$	23,211		$	24,809		$	22,078
Foreign	9,059			13,335			10,396
State	(657		)	902			1,534
	31,613			39,046			34,008
Deferred:
Federal	4,224			(13,514		)	(495		)
Foreign	(4,130		)	(9,942		)	(4,598		)
State	866			(218		)	439
	960			(23,674		)	(4,654		)
	$	32,573		$	15,372		$	29,354

Reconciliation of Income Taxes at Federal Statutory Rate to Effective Tax Rate

A reconciliation of income taxes at the Federal statutory rate to the effective tax rate is summarized in the following table:

	Year ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Federal statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State income taxes, net of Federal effect	0.8		0.9		1.2
Net effect of foreign tax rates and credits	(10.5	)	(8.8	)	(14.6	)
NOL utilization and changes in valuation allowance	(4.1	)	(3.1	)	0.1
Tax contingency reserve	(0.7	)	(5.6	)	(2.2	)
Change in income tax accounting method, net	(5.6	)	—		—
Business (RV) divestiture	3.0		—		—
Prior period correction (1)	—		(6.5	)	—
Other items	0.8		(2.5	)	(0.5	)
Effective income tax rate	18.7	%	9.4	%	19.0	%

(1) During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company recorded a $10.6 million adjustment to properly state deferred income tax balances associated with its equity compensation programs. The correction was not material to current or previously issued financial statements.

Temporary Differences and Carryforwards of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Temporary differences and carryforwards that gave rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities include the following items (in thousands):

	August 31,
	2014			2013
Deferred income tax assets:
Operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	$	25,295		$	29,611
Compensation related liabilities	23,496			20,864
Postretirement benefits	5,082			7,731
Inventory	2,775			8,657
Book reserves and other items	12,214			12,643
Total deferred income tax assets	68,862			79,506
Valuation allowance	(12,841		)	(17,268		)
Net deferred income tax assets	56,021			62,238
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization	(124,688		)	(151,370		)
Other items	(5,728		)	(2,077		)
Deferred income tax liabilities	(130,416		)	(153,447		)
Net deferred income tax liability	$	(74,395	)	$	(91,209	)

Changes in Gross Liability for Unrecognized Tax benefits, Excluding Interest and Penalties

Changes in the Company’s gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, are as follows (in thousands):

	2014			2013			2012
Beginning balance	$	18,006		$	24,608		$	26,179
Increases based on tax positions related to the current year	21,300			3,601			2,776
Increase (decrease) for tax positions taken in a prior period	—			(100		)	624
Decrease due to settlements	—			(2,581		)	(392		)
Decrease due to lapse of statute of limitations	(7,030		)	(7,522		)	(4,579		)
Ending balance	$	32,276		$	18,006		$	24,608

Earnings before Income Taxes, Including both Continuing and Discontinued Operations

Earnings before income taxes, for continuing operations, are summarized as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Domestic	$	84,854	$	67,392	$	65,685
Foreign	89,172		95,557		88,945
	$	174,026	$	162,949	$	154,630

XML

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013 properly state deferred income tax balances associated with its equity compensation programs	Aug. 31, 2014 Foreign Tax Authority [Member]	Aug. 31, 2014 State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Prior period reclassification adjustment				$ 10,600,000
Operating Loss Carryforward					95,400,000	51,600,000
Recognized interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	2,000,000	2,900,000	4,500,000
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	500,000
Undistributed earnings	324,000,000
Additional provision for undistributed earnings	31,000,000
Incremental U.S taxes on unremitted earnings	9.40%
Loss (gain) on product line divestiture	(13,495,000)	0	0
Debt refinancing costs	0	0	16,830,000
Income taxes, net of refunds	$ 57,200,000	$ 42,100,000	$ 56,500,000

XML

Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information

Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information

The Company is a global manufacturer of a broad range of industrial products and systems and is organized into three reportable segments: Industrial, Energy and Engineered Solutions. The Industrial segment is primarily involved in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded hydraulic and mechanical tools to the maintenance, industrial, infrastructure and production automation markets. The Energy segment provides joint integrity products and services, customized offshore vessel mooring solutions, as well as rope and cable solutions to the global oil & gas, power generation and energy markets. The Engineered Solutions segment provides highly engineered position and motion control systems to OEMs in various vehicle markets, as well as a variety of other products to the industrial and agricultural markets.

The following tables summarize financial information by reportable segment and product line (in thousands):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Net Sales by Segment:
Industrial	$	413,902		$	422,620		$	419,295
Energy	462,368			363,372			349,163
Engineered Solutions	523,592			493,750			508,063
	$	1,399,862		$	1,279,742		$	1,276,521
Net Sales by Reportable Product Line:
Industrial	$	413,902		$	422,620		$	419,295
Energy	462,368			363,372			349,163
Vehicle Systems	272,201			253,073			279,549
Other	251,391			240,677			228,514
	$	1,399,862		$	1,279,742		$	1,276,521
Operating Profit (Loss):
Industrial	$	120,250		$	117,644		$	114,777
Energy	56,412			63,280			62,205
Engineered Solutions	55,430			40,328			60,851
General Corporate	(28,984		)	(31,107		)	(33,319		)
	$	203,108		$	190,145		$	204,514
Depreciation and Amortization:
Industrial	$	7,597		$	8,553		$	8,358
Energy	33,983			18,451			18,115
Engineered Solutions	17,602			16,949			15,093
General Corporate	1,453			2,145			2,030
Discontinued Operations	—			7,804			10,667
	$	60,635		$	53,902		$	54,263
Capital Expenditures:
Industrial	$	3,349		$	3,524		$	5,333
Energy	26,787			9,417			8,962
Engineered Solutions	8,763			7,001			3,463
General Corporate	2,956			867			1,905
Discontinued Operations	2			2,859			3,077
	$	41,857		$	23,668		$	22,740

	August 31,
	2014		2013
Assets:
Industrial	$	307,058	$	280,110
Energy	788,915		817,547
Engineered Solutions	643,323		652,581
General Corporate	117,583		96,488
Assets of Discontinued Operations	—		272,606
	$	1,856,879	$	2,119,332

In addition to the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, the comparability of segment and product line information is impacted by acquisition/divestiture activities, restructuring costs and related benefits. Corporate assets, which are not allocated, principally represent cash and cash equivalents, capitalized debt issuance costs and deferred income taxes.

The following tables summarize financial information from continuing operations by geographic region (in thousands):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Net Sales:
United States	$	573,590	$	549,057	$	599,831
United Kingdom	162,508		144,131		141,037
Netherlands	151,549		159,396		185,112
Australia	82,778		68,255		47,472
France	53,542		52,806		48,681
All other	375,895		306,097		254,388
	$	1,399,862	$	1,279,742	$	1,276,521
	August 31,
	2014		2013
Long-lived Assets:
United States	$	44,971	$	41,161
Norway	29,715		59,557
United Kingdom	28,364		54,136
Australia	20,431		5,104
China	19,166		19,551
All other	42,317		25,673
	$	184,964	$	205,182

The Company’s largest customer accounted for less than 3.0% of sales in each of the last three fiscal years. Export sales from domestic operations were approximately 8.3% of total net sales in each of the periods presented.

XML

Capital Stock (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Share repurchase

As summarized in the following table, on October 1, 2014 all 14,000,000 shares under the these two authorizations had been repurchased, with $447.1 million of total capital deployed over three fiscal years.

Period	Shares Repurchased	Average Price Paid per Share
Fiscal 2012	2,658,751	$	23.70
Fiscal 2013	1,324,762	31.55
Fiscal 2014	8,211,846	34.52
Fiscal 2015 (September 1 - October 1)	1,804,641	32.58
	14,000,000	$	31.93

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Numerator:
Net earnings	$	163,573	$	30,048	$	87,290
Plus: 2% Convertible Notes financings costs, net of taxes	—		—		425
Net earnings for diluted earnings per share	$	163,573	$	30,048	$	87,715
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	70,942		72,979		70,099
Net effect of dilutive securities—employee stock compensation plans	1,544		1,601		1,119
Net effect of 2% Convertible Notes based on the if-converted method	—		—		3,722
Weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	72,486		74,580		74,940
Basic Earnings Per Share:	$	2.31	$	0.41	$	1.25
Diluted Earnings Per Share:	$	2.26	$	0.40	$	1.17

XML

Guarantor Subsidiaries

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Guarantor Subsidiaries

Guarantor Subsidiaries

On April 16, 2012, Actuant Corporation (the “Parent”) issued $300.0 million of 5.625% Senior Notes. All of our material domestic wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”) fully and unconditionally guarantee (except for certain customary limitations) the 5.625% Senior Notes on a joint and several basis. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the Guarantors to make distributions to the Parent. The following tables present the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of Actuant Corporation and its subsidiaries, the Guarantor and non-Guarantor entities, and the eliminations necessary to arrive at the information for the Company on a consolidated basis.

Certain assets, liabilities and expenses have not been allocated to the Guarantors and non-Guarantors and therefore are included in the Parent column in the accompanying consolidating financial statements. These items are of a corporate or consolidated nature and include, but are not limited to, tax provisions and related assets and liabilities, certain employee benefit obligations, prepaid and accrued insurance and corporate indebtedness. Intercompany activity in the consolidating financial statements primarily includes loan activity, purchases and sales of goods or services and dividends. Intercompany balances also reflect certain non-cash transactions including transfers of assets and liabilities between the Parent, Guarantor and non-Guarantor, allocation of non-cash expenses from the Parent to the Guarantors and non-Guarantors, the impact of foreign currency rate changes and non-cash intercompany dividends.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(in thousands)

	Year Ended August 31, 2014
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net sales	$	195,573		$	315,715		$	888,574		$	—		$	1,399,862
Cost of products sold	57,464			219,750			575,776			—			852,990
Gross profit	138,109			95,965			312,798			—			546,872
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	96,220			44,102			191,771			—			332,093
Loss (gain) on product line divestiture	1,200			(14,695		)	—			—			(13,495		)
Amortization of intangible assets	1,272			10,520			13,374			—			25,166
Operating profit	39,417			56,038			107,653			—			203,108
Financing costs, net	25,611			3			(569		)	—			25,045
Intercompany expense (income), net	(27,601		)	5,520			22,081			—			—
Other expense (income), net	12,716			153			(8,832		)	—			4,037
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense (benefit)	28,691			50,362			94,973			—			174,026
Income tax expense (benefit)	(16,529		)	30,793			18,309			—			32,573
Net earnings before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	45,220			19,569			76,664			—			141,453
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	139,865			33,061			6,160			(179,086		)	—
Earnings from continuing operations	185,085			52,630			82,824			(179,086		)	141,453
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	(21,512		)	56,494			(12,862		)	—			22,120
Net earnings	$	163,573		$	109,124		$	69,962		$	(179,086	)	$	163,573
Comprehensive income	$	163,825		$	123,148		$	55,990		$	(179,138	)	$	163,825

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(in thousands)

	Year Ended August 31, 2013
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations		Consolidated
Net sales	$	196,531		$	293,884		$	789,327		$	—	$	1,279,742
Cost of products sold	65,178			201,704			505,910			—		772,792
Gross profit	131,353			92,180			283,417			—		506,950
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	69,734			59,358			164,774			—		293,866
Amortization of intangible assets	1,276			10,481			11,182			—		22,939
Operating profit	60,343			22,341			107,461			—		190,145
Financing costs, net	25,270			9			(442		)	—		24,837
Intercompany expense (income), net	(21,041		)	1,082			19,959			—		—
Other expense (income), net	(2,105		)	(571		)	5,035			—		2,359
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense (benefit)	58,219			21,821			82,909			—		162,949
Income tax expense (benefit)	(798		)	2,009			14,161			—		15,372
Net earnings before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	59,017			19,812			68,748			—		147,577
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	(26,527		)	7,822			2,173			16,532		—
Earnings from continuing operations	32,490			27,634			70,921			16,532		147,577
Loss from discontinued operations	(2,442		)	(76,634		)	(38,453		)	—		(117,529		)
Net earnings (loss)	$	30,048		$	(49,000	)	$	32,468		$	16,532	$	30,048
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	30,860		$	(48,416	)	$	31,099		$	17,317	$	30,860

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(in thousands)

	Year Ended August 31, 2012
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net sales	$	206,894		$	328,295		$	741,332		$	—		$	1,276,521
Cost of products sold	69,902			220,271			474,888			—			765,061
Gross profit	136,992			108,024			266,444			—			511,460
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	79,742			61,113			144,065			—			284,920
Amortization of intangible assets	1,341			10,515			10,170			—			22,026
Operating profit	55,909			36,396			112,209			—			204,514
Financing costs, net	29,983			(14		)	(408		)	—			29,561
Debt refinancing costs	16,830			—			—			—			16,830
Intercompany expense (income), net	(32,185		)	6,281			25,904			—			—
Other expense, net	1,351			1,992			150			—			3,493
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense	39,930			28,137			86,563			—			154,630
Income tax expense	6,700			4,677			17,977			—			29,354
Net earnings before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	33,230			23,460			68,586			—			125,276
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	56,407			14,373			1,649			(72,429		)	—
Earnings from continuing operations	89,637			37,833			70,235			(72,429		)	125,276
Earnings (loss) from discontinuing operations	(2,347		)	11,373			(47,012		)	—			(37,986		)
Net earnings	$	87,290		$	49,206		$	23,223		$	(72,429	)	$	87,290
Comprehensive income	$	35,497		$	24,934		$	6,064		$	(30,998	)	$	35,497

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

	August 31, 2014
	Parent		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Eliminations			Consolidated
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	27,931	$	3,325	$	77,756	$	—		$	109,012
Accounts receivable, net	22,811		38,511		165,686		—			227,008
Inventories, net	31,024		38,860		92,736		—			162,620
Deferred income taxes	7,503		—		3,547		—			11,050
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,871		1,057		28,372		—			33,300
Total current assets	93,140		81,753		368,097		—			542,990
Property, plant & equipment, net	9,096		22,879		137,126		—			169,101
Goodwill	44,700		280,693		417,377		—			742,770
Other intangibles, net	11,974		140,400		212,803		—			365,177
Intercompany receivable	—		678,073		622,818		(1,300,891		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	2,286,068		806,414		237,207		(3,329,689		)	—
Other long-term assets	23,432		—		13,409		—			36,841
Total assets	$	2,468,410	$	2,010,212	$	2,008,837	$	(4,630,580	)	$	1,856,879
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	$	20,014	$	25,673	$	100,111	$	—		$	145,798
Accrued compensation and benefits	15,135		3,293		34,536		—			52,964
Income taxes payable	31,582		—		6,765		—			38,347
Current maturities of debt	4,500		—		—		—			4,500
Other current liabilities	19,081		3,989		34,442		—			57,512
Total current liabilities	90,312		32,955		175,854		—			299,121
Long-term debt	385,500		—		—		—			385,500
Deferred income taxes	47,543		—		49,427		—			96,970
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	8,668		—		7,031		—			15,699
Other long-term liabilities	42,647		4,138		11,093		—			57,878
Intercompany payable	892,029		—		408,861		(1,300,890		)	—
Shareholders’ equity	1,001,711		1,973,119		1,356,571		(3,329,690		)	1,001,711
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,468,410	$	2,010,212	$	2,008,837	$	(4,630,580	)	$	1,856,879

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

	August 31, 2013
	Parent		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Eliminations			Consolidated
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	16,122	$	—	$	87,864	$	—		$	103,986
Accounts receivable, net	20,471		40,343		158,261		—			219,075
Inventories, net	27,343		38,948		76,258		—			142,549
Deferred income taxes	13,002		—		5,794		—			18,796
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,454		963		19,811		—			28,228
Assets of discontinued operations	—		192,129		80,477					272,606
Total current assets	84,392		272,383		428,465		—			785,240
Property, plant & equipment, net	7,050		22,801		171,645		—			201,496
Goodwill	62,543		264,502		407,907		—			734,952
Other intangibles, net	13,247		141,258		222,187		—			376,692
Intercompany receivable	—		480,633		360,620		(841,253		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	2,086,534		201,779		96,333		(2,384,646		)	—
Other long-term assets	12,654		22		8,276		—			20,952
Total assets	$	2,266,420	$	1,383,378	$	1,695,433	$	(3,225,899	)	$	2,119,332
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	$	22,194	$	30,637	$	101,218	$	—		$	154,049
Accrued compensation and benefits	13,835		2,716		27,249		—			43,800
Income taxes payable	8,135		—		5,879		—			14,014
Other current liabilities	21,268		4,630		31,001		—			56,899
Liabilities of discontinued operations	—		23,466		29,614					53,080
Total current liabilities	65,432		61,449		194,961		—			321,842
Long-term debt	515,000		—		—		—			515,000
Deferred income taxes	64,358		—		51,507		—			115,865
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	16,267		—		4,431		—			20,698
Other long-term liabilities	51,479		390		13,791		—			65,660
Intercompany payable	473,617		—		367,636		(841,253		)	—
Shareholders’ equity	1,080,267		1,321,539		1,063,107		(2,384,646		)	1,080,267
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,266,420	$	1,383,378	$	1,695,433	$	(3,225,899	)	$	2,119,332

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

	Year Ended August 31, 2014
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	75,924		$	(20,966	)	$	84,992		$	(14,716	)	$	125,234
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	85			484			43,705			—			44,274
Proceeds from sale of business	(4,586		)	250,748			43,428			—			289,590
Intercompany investment	—			(99,963		)	—			99,963			—
Capital expenditures	(4,498		)	(4,675		)	(32,684		)	—			(41,857		)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(30,500		)	—			—			—			(30,500		)
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(39,499		)	146,594			54,449			99,963			261,507
Financing Activities
Intercompany loan activity	354,791			(122,303		)	(232,488		)	—			—
Net repayments on revolver	(125,000		)	—			—			—			(125,000		)
Intercompany capital contribution	—			—			99,963			(99,963		)	—
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	—			—			(1,585		)	—			(1,585		)
Purchase of treasury shares	(283,712		)	—			—			—			(283,712		)
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	32,224			—			—			—			32,224
Cash dividend	(2,919		)	—			(14,716		)	14,716			(2,919		)
Cash used in financing activities	(24,616		)	(122,303		)	(148,826		)	(85,247		)	(380,992		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			(723		)	—			(723		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	11,809			3,325			(10,108		)	—			5,026
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	16,122			—			87,864			—			103,986
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	$	27,931		$	3,325		$	77,756		$	—		$	109,012

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

	Year Ended August 31, 2013
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations		Consolidated
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	81,597		$	26,095		$	86,097		$	—	$	193,789
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	563			206			852			—		1,621
Proceeds from sale of business	—			—			4,854			—		4,854
Capital expenditures	(2,022		)	(4,021		)	(17,625		)	—		(23,668		)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			—			(235,489		)	—		(235,489		)
Cash used in investing activities	(1,459		)	(3,815		)	(247,408		)	—		(252,682		)
Financing Activities
Net borrowings on revolver	125,000			—			—			—		125,000
Intercompany loan activity	(179,050		)	(22,371		)	201,421			—		—
Principal repayment on term loans	(7,500		)	—			—			—		(7,500		)
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	(1,350		)	—			(4,028		)	—		(5,378		)
Debt issuance costs	(2,035		)	—			—			—		(2,035		)
Purchase of treasury shares	(41,832		)	—			—			—		(41,832		)
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	33,261			—			—			—		33,261
Cash dividend	(2,911		)	—			—			—		(2,911		)
Cash provided (used in) financing activities	(76,417		)	(22,371		)	197,393			—		98,605
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			(3,910		)	—		(3,910		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	3,721			(91		)	32,172			—		35,802
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	12,401			91			55,692			—		68,184
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	$	16,122		$	—		$	87,864		$	—	$	103,986

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

	Year Ended August 31, 2012
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations		Consolidated
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	97,454		$	20,363		$	64,512		$	—	$	182,329
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	1,909			353			6,239			—		8,501
Capital expenditures	(5,062		)	(4,069		)	(13,609		)	—		(22,740		)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			—			(69,309		)	—		(69,309		)
Cash used in investing activities	(3,153		)	(3,716		)	(76,679		)	—		(83,548		)
Financing Activities
Net repayments on revolver	(57,990		)	—			(177		)	—		(58,167		)
Principal repayment on term loans	(2,500		)	—			—			—		(2,500		)
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes	(102		)	—			—			—		(102		)
Proceeds from issuance of 5.625% Senior Notes	300,000			—			—			—		300,000
Redemption of 6.875% Senior Notes	(250,000		)	—			—			—		(250,000		)
Intercompany loan activity	(11,482		)	(16,556		)	28,038			—		—
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	(290		)	—			(668		)	—		(958		)
Debt issuance costs	(5,490		)	—			—			—		(5,490		)
Purchase of treasury shares	(63,083		)	—			—			—		(63,083		)
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	10,913			—			—			—		10,913
Cash dividend	(2,748		)	—			—			—		(2,748		)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(82,772		)	(16,556		)	27,193			—		(72,135		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			(2,683		)	—		(2,683		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	11,529			91			12,343			—		23,963
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	872			—			43,349			—		44,221
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	$	12,401		$	91		$	55,692		$	—	$	68,184

XML

Capital Stock - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			36 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Oct. 01, 2014	Mar. 19, 2014	Sep. 28, 2011
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Cumulative Preferred Stock, shares authorized share		160,000
Cumulative Preferred Stock, par value		$ 1.00
Cumulative Preferred Stock, issued		0
Shares authorized in buyback program						7,000,000	7,000,000
Shares repurchased		12,195,359	3,983,513
Treasury Stock Repurchased During the Fiscal Year, Shares		8,211,846	1,324,762	2,658,751
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 33	$ 35	$ 32	$ 24	$ 32
Treasury Stock, Value		$ 388,627	$ 104,915
Anti-dilutive securities-equity based compensation plans (excluded from earnings per share calculation)		522,000	619,000	2,582,000
Common Class A
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized		168,000,000	168,000,000
Common stock, par value		$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Common stock, shares issued		78,480,780	77,001,144
Common stock, shares outstanding		66,285,421
Common Class B
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized		1,500,000
Common stock, par value		$ 0.20
Common stock, shares issued		0
Common stock, shares outstanding			0
Subsequent Event [Member]
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Shares authorized in buyback program	7,000,000				7,000,000
Shares repurchased	14,000,000				14,000,000
Treasury Stock Repurchased During the Fiscal Year, Shares	1,804,641
Treasury Stock, Value	$ 447,100				$ 447,100

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical)	Aug. 31, 2012 Convertible Notes 2% Converitble Notes	Nov. 30, 2003 Convertible Notes 2% Converitble Notes	Aug. 31, 2014 Senior Notes 5.625% Senior Notes	Aug. 31, 2013 Senior Notes 5.625% Senior Notes	Aug. 31, 2012 Senior Notes 5.625% Senior Notes	Apr. 16, 2012 Senior Notes 5.625% Senior Notes	Aug. 31, 2012 Senior Notes 6.875% Senior Notes	Apr. 16, 2012 Senior Notes 6.875% Senior Notes
Debt instrument, interest rate	2.00%	2.00%	5.625%	5.625%	5.625%	5.625%	6.875%	6.875%

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 163,573	$ 30,048	$ 87,290
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3,344	(2,918)	(48,571)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans	(3,159)	3,927	(6,175)
Cash flow hedges	67	(197)	2,953
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	252	812	(51,793)
Total comprehensive income	$ 163,825	$ 30,860	$ 35,497

XML

Leases

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

Leases

The Company leases certain facilities, computers, equipment and vehicles under various lease agreements generally over periods of one to twenty years. Under most arrangements, the Company pays the property taxes, insurance, maintenance and expenses related to the leased property. Many of the leases include provisions that enable the Company to renew the lease based upon fair value rental rates on the date of expiration of the initial lease.

As of August 31, 2014, future obligations under non-cancelable operating leases (related to continuing operations) were as follows: $32.1 million in fiscal 2015; $28.7 million in fiscal 2016; $25.5 million in fiscal 2017; $21.3 million in fiscal 2018; $18.0 million in fiscal 2019; and $45.3 million in aggregate thereafter. Total related rental expense under operating leases was $31.6 million, $26.0 million and $24.2 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In fiscal 2014, the Company completed the sale leaseback (seven year term) of certain rental assets of the Viking business for proceeds of $41 million.

As discussed in Note 14, “Contingencies and Litigation” the Company remains contingently liable for lease payments under leases of businesses that it previously divested or spun off.

XML

Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Aug. 31, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	ATU
Entity Registrant Name	ACTUANT CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000006955
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		64,969,276
Entity Public Float			$ 2,468

XML

Employee Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The Company has several defined benefit pension plans which cover certain existing and former employees of domestic businesses it acquired, that were entitled to those benefits prior to acquisition, or existing and former employees of foreign businesses. Most of the U.S. defined benefit pension plans are frozen, and as a result, the majority of the plan participants no longer earn additional benefits. The following table provides detail of changes in the projected benefit obligations, the fair value of plan assets and the funded status of the Company’s U.S. defined benefit pension plans as of the August 31 measurement date (in thousands):

	2014			2013
Reconciliation of benefit obligations:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	45,046		$	50,870
Adjustment	—			(280		)
Interest cost	2,146			1,928
Actuarial (gain) loss	3,769			(4,983		)
Benefits paid	(3,416		)	(2,489		)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	47,545		$	45,046
Reconciliation of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	34,054		$	33,695
Actual return on plan assets	5,180			2,252
Company contributions	8,824			596
Benefits paid from plan assets	(3,416		)	(2,489		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	44,642			34,054
Funded status of the plans (underfunded)	$	(2,903	)	$	(10,992	)

The following table provides detail on the Company’s net periodic benefit costs (in thousands):

	Year ended August 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Interest cost	$	2,146		$	1,928		$	2,162
Expected return on assets	(2,959		)	(2,468		)	(2,471		)
Amortization of actuarial loss	667			878			675
Net benefit cost (income)	$	(146	)	$	338		$	366

At August 31, 2014 and 2013, $12.6 million and $12.0 million, respectively, of pension plan actuarial losses, which have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost, were included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes. During fiscal 2015, $0.5 million of these actuarial losses are expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost.

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine U.S. pension plan obligations as of August 31 and weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended August 31 are as follows:

	2014		2013		2012
Assumptions for benefit obligations:
Discount rate	4.15	%	4.90	%	3.90	%
Assumptions for net periodic benefit cost:
Discount rate	4.90	%	3.90	%	5.00	%
Expected return on plan assets	7.65	%	7.75	%	7.90	%

The Company employs a total return on investment approach for its pension plan assets whereby a mix of equity and fixed income investments are used to maximize the long-term return for plan assets, at a prudent level of risk. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed income investments. Within the equity allocation, a blend of growth and value investments are maintained in a variety of market capitalizations and diversified between U.S. and non-U.S. stocks. The Company’s targeted asset allocation as a percentage of total plan assets is 60% - 80% in equity securities, with the remainder invested in fixed income securities and cash. Cash balances are maintained at levels adequate to meet near-term plan expenses and benefit payments. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis. At August 31, 2014, Company’s overall expected long-term rate of return for assets in U.S. pension plans was 7.50%. The expected long-term rate of return is based on the portfolio as a whole and not on the sum of the returns on individual asset categories. The target return is based on historical returns adjusted to reflect the current view of the long-term investment market.

The fair value of all U.S. pension plan assets are determined based on quoted market prices and therefore all plan assets are determined based on Level 1 inputs, except for fixed income securities which are valued based on Level 2 inputs, as defined in Note 6, “Fair Value Measurements.” The U.S. pension plan investment allocations by asset category were as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014		%		2013		%
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	—	%	$	348	1.0	%
Fixed income securities:
Corporate bonds	9,749		21.8		8,741		25.7
Mutual funds	4,474		10.0		3,464		10.2
	14,223		31.8		12,205		35.9
Equity securities:
Mutual funds	30,419		68.2		21,501		63.1
Total plan assets	$	44,642	100.0	%	$	34,054	100.0	%

Projected benefit payments from plan assets to participants in the Company’s U.S. pension plans are approximately $2.7 million per year for fiscal 2015 through 2019 and $15.0 million in aggregate for the following five years.

Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The Company has several non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans which cover certain existing and former employees of businesses outside the U.S. Most of the non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans continue to earn additional benefits. The funded status of these plans is summarized as follows (in thousands):

	August 31,
	2014			2013
Benefit obligation	$	18,599		$	12,912
Fair value of plan assets	10,312			7,790
Funded status of plans (underfunded)	$	(8,287	)	$	(5,122	)

Net periodic benefit cost for these non-U.S. plans was $1.3 million, $0.8 million and $0.5 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The weighted average discount rate utilized for determining the benefit obligation at August 31, 2014 and 2013 was 3.2% and 4.3%, respectively. The plan assets of these non-U.S. pension plans consist primarily of participating units in fixed income securities and insurance contracts. The Company’s overall expected long-term rate of return on these investments is 4.6%. During fiscal 2015, the Company anticipates contributing $0.9 million in aggregate to these pension plans.

Other Postretirement Health Benefit Plans

The Company provides other postretirement health benefits (“OPEB”) to certain existing and former employees of domestic businesses it acquired, who were entitled to such benefits prior to acquisition. These unfunded plans had a benefit obligation of $3.1 million and $2.9 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These obligations are determined utilizing assumptions consistent with those used for U.S. pension plans and a health care cost trend rate of 8.0%, trending downward to 5.0% by the year 2022, and remaining level thereafter. Net periodic benefit costs for the other postretirement benefits was a benefit of approximately $0.2 million for each of the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Benefit payments from the plan are funded through participant contributions and Company contributions, which are projected to be $0.3 million in fiscal 2015.

Defined Contribution Benefit Plans

The Company maintains a 401(k) Plan for substantially all full time U.S. employees (the “401(k) Plan”). Under plan provisions, the Company either funds cash or issues new shares of Class A common stock for its contributions. Amounts are allocated to accounts set aside for each employee’s retirement. Employees generally may contribute up to 50% of their compensation to individual accounts within the 401(k) Plan. While contributions vary, the Company generally makes core contributions to employee accounts equal to 3% of each employee’s eligible annual cash compensation, subject to IRS limitations. The Company also maintains a Restoration Plan that allows eligible highly compensated employees (as defined by the Internal Revenue Code) to receive a core contribution as if no IRS limits were in place. Company contributions to the Restoration Plan are made in the form of Actuant common stock and are contributed into each eligible participant’s Deferred Compensation Plan account. In addition, the Company matches approximately 25% of each employee’s contribution up to 6% of the employee’s eligible compensation. Expense recognized related to the 401(k) plan totaled approximately $4.5 million, $4.5 million and $5.1 million for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

In addition to the 401(k) Plan the Company sponsors a nonqualified supplemental executive retirement plan (“the SERP Plan”). The unfunded SERP Plan covers certain executive employees and has a benefit accrual formula based on age and years of service (with Company contributions ranging from 3% to 6% of eligible wages). This unfunded plan had a benefit obligation of $2.0 million and $1.7 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Expense recognized in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 for the SERP Plan was $0.4 million, $0.6 million, and $0.7 million respectively.

Deferred Compensation Plan

The Company maintains a deferred compensation plan to allow eligible U.S. employees to defer receipt of current cash compensation in order to provide future savings benefits. Eligibility is limited to all employees that earn compensation that exceeds certain pre-defined levels. Participants have the option to invest their deferrals in a fixed income investment, in Company common stock, or a combination of the two. The fixed income portion of the plan is unfunded, and therefore all compensation deferred under the plan is held by the Company and commingled with its general assets. Liabilities of $22.8 million and $23.2 million are included in “Other current liabilities” and “Other long-term liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, to reflect the unfunded portion of the deferred compensation liability. The Company recorded expense of $1.7 million, $1.6 million and $1.5 million for the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for non-funded interest on participant deferrals in the fixed income investment option. Company common stock contributions to fund the plan are held in a rabbi trust, accounted for in a manner similar to treasury stock and are recorded at cost in “Stock held in trust” within shareholders’ equity with the corresponding deferred compensation liability also recorded within shareholders’ equity. Since no investment diversification is permitted within the trust, changes in fair value of Actuant common stock are not recognized. The shares held in the trust are included in both the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. The cost of the shares held in the trust was $2.9 million and $1.9 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

XML

Guarantor Subsidiaries - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2012 Convertible Notes 2% Converitble Notes	Nov. 30, 2003 Convertible Notes 2% Converitble Notes	Aug. 31, 2014 Senior Notes 5.625% Senior Notes	Aug. 31, 2013 Senior Notes 5.625% Senior Notes	Aug. 31, 2012 Senior Notes 5.625% Senior Notes	Apr. 16, 2012 Senior Notes 5.625% Senior Notes	Aug. 31, 2012 Senior Notes 6.875% Senior Notes	Apr. 16, 2012 Senior Notes 6.875% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 150,000,000.0	$ 300,000,000			$ 300,000,000.0		$ 250,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate	2.00%	2.00%	5.625%	5.625%	5.625%	5.625%	6.875%	6.875%

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 109,012	$ 103,986
Accounts receivable, net	227,008	219,075
Inventories, net	162,620	142,549
Deferred income taxes	11,050	18,796
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	33,300	28,228
Assets of discontinued operations	0	272,606
Total current assets	542,990	785,240
Property, plant and equipment
Land, buildings, and improvements	52,989	52,669
Machinery and equipment	281,763	305,200
Gross property, plant and equipment	334,752	357,869
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(165,651)	(156,373)
Property, plant and equipment, net	169,101	201,496
Goodwill	742,770	734,952
Other intangibles, net	365,177	376,692
Other long-term assets	36,841	20,952
Total assets	1,856,879	2,119,332
Current liabilities
Trade accounts payable	145,798	154,049
Accrued compensation and benefits	52,964	43,800
Current maturities of debt	4,500	0
Income taxes payable	38,347	14,014
Other current liabilities	57,512	56,899
Liabilities of discontinued operations	0	53,080
Total current liabilities	299,121	321,842
Long-term debt	385,500	515,000
Deferred income taxes	96,970	115,865
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	15,699	20,698
Other long-term liabilities	57,878	65,660
Total liabilities	855,168	1,039,065
Shareholders’ equity
Class A common stock, $0.20 par value per share, authorized 168,000,000 shares, issued 78,480,780 and 77,001,144 shares, respectively	15,695	15,399
Additional paid-in capital	93,449	49,758
Treasury stock, at cost, 12,195,359 shares and 3,983,513 shares, respectively	(388,627)	(104,915)
Retained earnings	1,349,602	1,188,685
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(68,408)	(68,660)
Stock held in trust	(4,083)	(3,124)
Deferred compensation liability	4,083	3,124
Total shareholders’ equity	1,001,711	1,080,267
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 1,856,879	$ 2,119,332

XML

Discontinued Operations and Divestitures

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations and Divestitures

On June 13, 2014, the Company completed the divestiture of its Recreational Vehicle ("RV") business for $36.5 million in cash. This product line divestiture resulted in a $13.5 million pre-tax gain on sale ($2.8 million net of tax). The results of the RV business (which had sales of $22 million in fiscal 2014) are not material to the consolidated financial results and are included in continuing operations.

The former Electrical segment designed, manufactured and distributed a broad range of electrical products to the retail DIY, wholesale, OEM, solar, utility and marine markets. On December 13, 2013, the Company completed the sale of the Electrical segment for net cash proceeds of $252.4 million, which resulted in a pre-tax gain on disposal of $34.5 million ($26.3 million net of tax). The following table summarizes the results of the Electrical segment which is reported as a discontinued operation for each of the last three fiscal years (in thousands):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Net sales	$	72,139		$	286,308		$	328,821
Operating profit (loss) (1)	(4,873		)	34,536			28,148
Impairment charge	—			(159,104		)	(62,464		)
Gain on disposal	34,459			—			—
Income tax benefit (expense)	(7,466		)	7,039			(3,670		)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	22,120		$	(117,529	)	$	(37,986	)

(1) The operating loss in fiscal 2014 includes the operating results of the Electrical segment through the sale date of December 13, 2013, certain divestiture costs and a $3.1 million non-cash charge for the accelerated vesting of equity compensation.

During fiscal 2013, the Company committed to a plan to divest the former Electrical segment due to its decision to focus on businesses that are tied to targeted energy, infrastructure, food/farm productivity and natural resources/sustainability secular demand. As a result, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge in fiscal 2013 of $159.1 million, including a write-down of $137.8 million of goodwill and $21.3 million of indefinite lived intangible assets (tradenames). The impairment charge represented the excess of the net book value of the assets held for sale over the estimated fair value, less selling costs.

During fiscal 2012, the Company recognized a $62.5 million non-cash impairment charge related to the goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets of the Electrical segment's Mastervolt business. The impairment charge consisted of the write-down of $36.6 million of goodwill and $25.9 million of indefinite lived intangible assets (tradenames).

XML

Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisitions

Acquisitions

The Company completed several business acquisitions during the last three years. All of the acquisitions resulted in the recognition of goodwill in the Company’s consolidated financial statements because the purchase prices reflect the future earnings and cash flow potential of these companies, as well as the complementary strategic fit and resulting synergies these businesses bring to existing operations. The Company incurred acquisition transaction costs of $0.5 million, $3.7 million and $1.4 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to various business acquisition activities.

The Company makes an initial allocation of the purchase price, at the date of acquisition, based upon its understanding of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities. The Company obtains this information during due diligence and through other sources. If additional information is obtained about these assets and liabilities within the measurement period (not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition), through asset appraisals and learning more about the newly acquired business, the Company will refine its estimates of fair value and adjust the purchase price allocation. During fiscal 2014, goodwill related to prior year acquisitions decreased by $0.8 million, the net result of purchase accounting adjustments to the fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities.

Fiscal 2014

The Company acquired Hayes Industries Ltd. ("Hayes") on May 23, 2014 for $30.5 million plus up to $4.0 million of potential contingent consideration (based on operating results). This Industrial segment acquisition is headquartered in Sugarland, Texas and maintains a leading position in the concrete tensioning market. Its products include patented encapsulated anchor systems, wedges and customized extruded cables. The preliminary purchase price allocation resulted in the recognition of $17.5 million of goodwill (which is deductible for tax purposes) and $10.6 million of intangible assets, including $5.0 million of patents, $3.3 million of customer relationships, $2.0 million of tradenames and $0.3 million for non-compete agreements.

Fiscal 2013

The Company acquired Viking SeaTech (“Viking”) for $235.5 million on August 27, 2013. Viking expands the Energy segment's geographic presence, technologies and services provided to the global energy market. Headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland, Viking is a support specialist providing a comprehensive range of marine mooring equipment and services to the offshore oil & gas industry. Viking serves customers globally with primary markets in the North Sea (U.K. and Norway) and Australia. The majority of Viking's revenue is derived from offshore vessel mooring solutions which include design, rental, installation and inspection. Viking also provides survey and other marine services to offshore operators, drillers and energy asset owners. The purchase price allocation for this acquisition resulted in the recognition of $86.9 million of goodwill (which is not deductible for tax purposes) and $65.4 million of intangible assets, including $40.5 million of customer relationships and $24.9 million of tradenames.

Fiscal 2012

During fiscal 2012, the Company completed two maximatecc tuck-in acquisitions to expand the geographic presence, product offerings and technologies of the Engineered Solutions segment. On July 20, 2012 the Company completed the acquisition of the stock of CrossControl AB (“CrossControl”) for $40.6 million of cash. CrossControl, headquartered in Sweden, provides advanced electronic solutions for human-machine interaction, vehicle control and mobile connectivity in critical environments. On March 28, 2012 the Company acquired the stock of Turotest Medidores Ltda (“Turotest”) for $8.1 million of cash and $5.3 million of deferred purchase price. Turotest, headquartered in Brazil, designs and manufactures instrument panels and gauges serving the Brazilian agriculture and industrial markets.

In addition, on February 10, 2012 the Company completed the acquisition of the stock of Jeyco Pty Ltd (“Jeyco”) for $20.7 million of cash. This Cortland (Energy segment) tuck-in acquisition, designs and provides specialized mooring, rigging and towing systems and services to the offshore oil & gas industry in Australia and other international markets. Additionally, Jeyco’s products are used in a variety of applications for other markets including cyclone mooring and marine, defense and mining tow systems.

The combined purchase price allocation for all three fiscal 2012 acquisitions resulted in the recognition of $40.1 million of goodwill (which is not deductible for tax purposes) and $32.8 million of intangible assets, including $24.2 million of customer relationships, $5.7 million of tradenames, $2.2 million of technologies and $0.7 million of non-compete agreements.

The following unaudited pro forma results of operations of the Company give effect to all acquisitions completed in the last three years as though the transactions and related financing activities had occurred on September 1, 2011 (in thousands, except per share amounts).

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Net sales
As reported	$	1,399,862	$	1,279,742	$	1,276,521
Pro forma	1,419,915		1,390,251		1,439,493
Earnings from continuing operations
As reported	$	141,453	$	147,577	$	125,276
Pro forma	142,589		154,371		134,430
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
As reported	$	1.99	$	2.02	$	1.79
Pro forma	2.01		2.12		1.92
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
As reported	$	1.95	$	1.98	$	1.68
Pro forma	1.97		2.07		1.80

XML

Contingencies and Litigation

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Contingencies and Litigation

Contingencies and Litigation

The Company had outstanding letters of credit of $14.0 million and $10.7 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, the majority of which secure self-insured workers compensation obligations.

The Company is a party to various legal proceedings that have arisen in the normal course of its business. These legal proceedings typically include product liability, environmental, labor, patent claims and divestiture disputes. The Company has recorded reserves for loss contingencies based on the specific circumstances of each case. Such reserves are recorded when it is probable that a loss has been incurred as of the balance sheet date and can be reasonably estimated. In the opinion of management, the resolution of these contingencies will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company remains contingently liable for lease payments under leases of businesses that it previously divested or spun-off, in the event that such businesses are unable to fulfill their future lease payment obligations. The discounted present value of future minimum lease payments for these leases was $20.6 million at August 31, 2014 (including $14.0 million related to the divested Electrical segment).

The Company has facilities in numerous geographic locations that are subject to a range of environmental laws and regulations. Environmental expenditures over the past three years have not been material. Management believes that such costs will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

XML

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Income tax expense from continuing operations is summarized as follows (in thousands):

	Year ended August 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Currently payable:
Federal	$	23,211		$	24,809		$	22,078
Foreign	9,059			13,335			10,396
State	(657		)	902			1,534
	31,613			39,046			34,008
Deferred:
Federal	4,224			(13,514		)	(495		)
Foreign	(4,130		)	(9,942		)	(4,598		)
State	866			(218		)	439
	960			(23,674		)	(4,654		)
	$	32,573		$	15,372		$	29,354

Income tax expense from continuing operations recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings differs from the amounts computed by applying the Federal income tax rate to earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense. A reconciliation of income taxes at the Federal statutory rate to the effective tax rate is summarized in the following table:

	Year ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Federal statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State income taxes, net of Federal effect	0.8		0.9		1.2
Net effect of foreign tax rates and credits	(10.5	)	(8.8	)	(14.6	)
NOL utilization and changes in valuation allowance	(4.1	)	(3.1	)	0.1
Tax contingency reserve	(0.7	)	(5.6	)	(2.2	)
Change in income tax accounting method, net	(5.6	)	—		—
Business (RV) divestiture	3.0		—		—
Prior period correction (1)	—		(6.5	)	—
Other items	0.8		(2.5	)	(0.5	)
Effective income tax rate	18.7	%	9.4	%	19.0	%

(1) During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company recorded a $10.6 million adjustment to properly state deferred income tax balances associated with its equity compensation programs. The correction was not material to current or previously issued financial statements.

Temporary differences and carryforwards that gave rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities include the following items (in thousands):

	August 31,
	2014			2013
Deferred income tax assets:
Operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	$	25,295		$	29,611
Compensation related liabilities	23,496			20,864
Postretirement benefits	5,082			7,731
Inventory	2,775			8,657
Book reserves and other items	12,214			12,643
Total deferred income tax assets	68,862			79,506
Valuation allowance	(12,841		)	(17,268		)
Net deferred income tax assets	56,021			62,238
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization	(124,688		)	(151,370		)
Other items	(5,728		)	(2,077		)
Deferred income tax liabilities	(130,416		)	(153,447		)
Net deferred income tax liability	$	(74,395	)	$	(91,209	)

The Company has $51.6 million of state net operating loss carryforwards, which are available to reduce future state tax liabilities. These state net operating carryforwards expire at various times through 2031. The Company also has $95.4 million of foreign loss carryforwards which are available to reduce certain future foreign tax liabilities. Approximately half of the foreign loss carryforwards are not subject to any time restrictions on their future use and the remaining expire at various times through 2024. The valuation allowance represents a reserve for net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards for which utilization is uncertain.

Changes in the Company’s gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, are as follows (in thousands):

	2014			2013			2012
Beginning balance	$	18,006		$	24,608		$	26,179
Increases based on tax positions related to the current year	21,300			3,601			2,776
Increase (decrease) for tax positions taken in a prior period	—			(100		)	624
Decrease due to settlements	—			(2,581		)	(392		)
Decrease due to lapse of statute of limitations	(7,030		)	(7,522		)	(4,579		)
Ending balance	$	32,276		$	18,006		$	24,608

Substantially all of these unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate. As of August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized $2.0 million, $2.9 million and $4.5 million, respectively for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to underpayment of income taxes as a component of income tax expense. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local and foreign income tax examinations by tax authorities in our major tax jurisdictions for years before fiscal 2006. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease up to $0.5 million within the next twelve months.

The Company’s policy is to remit earnings from foreign subsidiaries only to the extent any resultant foreign income taxes are creditable in the United States. Accordingly, the Company does not currently provide for the additional United States and foreign income taxes which would become payable upon remission of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Undistributed earnings on which additional income taxes have not been provided amounted to $324.0 million at August 31, 2014. If all such undistributed earnings were remitted, an additional income tax provision of $31.0 million would have been necessary as of August 31, 2014. The percentage of incremental U.S. taxes on unremitted earnings as of August 31, 2014 was 9.4%.

Earnings before income taxes, for continuing operations, are summarized as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Domestic	$	84,854	$	67,392	$	65,685
Foreign	89,172		95,557		88,945
	$	174,026	$	162,949	$	154,630

Both domestic and foreign pre-tax earnings are impacted by changes in sales levels, acquisition and divestiture activities (see Note 2, “Acquisitions” and Note 3, “Discontinued Operations and Divestitures”), restructuring costs and the related benefits, growth investments, debt levels, interest rates and the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, fiscal 2014 domestic earnings included a $13.5 million gain on the RV divesiture, while fiscal 2012 domestic earnings include a $16.8 million debt refinancing charge.

Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds was $57.2 million, $42.1 million and $56.5 million during the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

XML

Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	May 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	May 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 354,349	$ 378,187	$ 327,770	$ 339,556	$ 327,260	$ 344,205	$ 300,468	$ 307,809	$ 1,399,862	$ 1,279,742	$ 1,276,521
Gross profit	142,095	148,550	124,447	131,780	129,500	136,904	116,178	124,368	546,872	506,950	511,460
Earnings from continuing operations	35,587	50,557	22,304	33,005	45,115	46,077	25,834	30,551	141,453	147,577	125,276
Earnings from discontinued operations	0	0	19,088	3,032	13,138	(139,060)	2,601	5,792	22,120	(117,529)	(37,986)
Net earnings	$ 35,587	$ 50,557	$ 41,392	$ 36,037	$ 58,253	$ (92,983)	$ 28,435	$ 36,343	$ 163,573	$ 30,048	$ 87,290
Earnings from continuing operations per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.52	$ 0.72	$ 0.31	$ 0.45	$ 0.62	$ 0.63	$ 0.35	$ 0.42	$ 1.99	$ 2.02	$ 1.79
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.51	$ 0.70	$ 0.30	$ 0.44	$ 0.60	$ 0.62	$ 0.35	$ 0.41	$ 1.95	$ 1.98	$ 1.68
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per share:
Basic	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.26	$ 0.04	$ 0.18	$ (1.90)	$ 0.04	$ 0.08	$ 0.32	$ (1.61)
Diluted	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.26	$ 0.04	$ 0.18	$ (1.86)	$ 0.03	$ 0.08	$ 0.32	$ (1.58)
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.52	$ 0.72	$ 0.57	$ 0.49	$ 0.80	$ (1.27)	$ 0.39	$ 0.50	$ 2.31	$ 0.41	$ 1.25
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.51	$ 0.70	$ 0.56	$ 0.48	$ 0.78	$ (1.24)	$ 0.38	$ 0.49	$ 2.26	$ 0.40	$ 1.17

XML

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

The Company assesses the inputs used to measure the fair value of financial assets and liabilities using a three-tier hierarchy. Level 1 inputs include quoted prices for identical instruments and are the most observable. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and observable inputs such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity rates and yield curves. Level 3 inputs are not observable in the market and include management’s own judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The following financial assets and liabilities, measured at fair value, are included in the consolidated balance sheet (in thousands):

	August 31,
	2014			2013
Level 1 Valuation:
Cash equivalents	$	1,207		$	1,092
Investments	2,118			1,793
Level 2 Valuation:
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(966	)	$	143

At August 31, 2013, the assets and liabilities of the Electrical segment are classified as discontinued operations and therefore are valued at fair value, less cost to sell. In determining the fair value of the Electrical segment the Company utilized generally accepted valuation techniques, which required the Company to make assumptions and apply judgment to estimate macro economic factors, industry and market trends and the future profitability of current business strategies. These represent Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

The fair value of the Company’s cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and its variable rate long-term debt approximated book value at August 31, 2014 and 2013 due to their short-term nature and the fact that the interest rates approximated year-end market rates. The fair value of the Company’s outstanding $300.0 million of 5.625% Senior Notes was $315.8 million and $300.8 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The fair value of the Senior Notes was based on quoted inactive market prices and are therefore classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.

XML

U.S. Pension Plan Investment Allocations by Asset Category (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	$ 44,642	$ 34,054
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	100.00%	100.00%
Cash and cash equivalents | Level 1 Valuation
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	348
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	0.00%	1.00%
Fixed Income Securities | Level 2 Valuation
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	14,223	12,205
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	31.80%	35.90%
Fixed Income Securities | Corporate Bond | Level 2 Valuation
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	9,749	8,741
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	21.80%	25.70%
Fixed Income Securities | Mutual Funds | Level 2 Valuation
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	4,474	3,464
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	10.00%	10.20%
Equity Securities | Mutual Funds | Level 1 Valuation
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	$ 30,419	$ 21,501
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	68.20%	63.10%

XML

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations. Goodwill is not subject to amortization and is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. Impairment tests are performed by the Company annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):

	Industrial		Energy			Electrical			Engineered Solutions			Total
Balance as of August 31, 2012	$	81,404	$	259,521		$	213,870		$	311,617		$	866,412
Business acquired (Viking)	—		87,734			—			—			87,734
Purchase accounting adjustments	—		117			—			(100		)	17
Impairment charge	—		—			(137,804		)	—			(137,804		)
Reclassification of discontinued operations	—		—			(76,877		)	—			(76,877		)
Divestiture of Nielsen Sessions business	—		—			—			(2,556		)	(2,556		)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	1,207		(5,469		)	811			1,477			(1,974		)
Balance as of August 31, 2013	82,611		341,903			—			310,438			734,952
Business acquired (Hayes)	17,536		—			—			—			17,536
Purchase accounting adjustments	—		(835		)	—			—			(835		)
Divestiture of RV business	—		—			—			(17,843		)	(17,843		)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	119		9,559			—			(718		)	8,960
Balance as of August 31, 2014	$	100,266	$	350,627		$	—		$	291,877		$	742,770

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of the Company’s intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):

	Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	August 31, 2014						August 31, 2013
		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value
Amortizable intangible assets:
Customer relationships	15	$	325,164	$	117,706	$	207,458	$	318,143	$	95,215	$	222,928
Patents	10	31,678		17,494		14,184		30,564		18,747		11,817
Trademarks and tradenames	17	23,241		6,201		17,040		24,088		7,356		16,732
Non-compete agreements and other	4	7,373		6,783		590		7,034		6,458		576
Indefinite lived intangible assets:
Tradenames	N/A	125,905		—		125,905		124,639		—		124,639
		$	513,361	$	148,184	$	365,177	$	504,468	$	127,776	$	376,692

Changes in the gross carrying value of intangible assets result from foreign currency exchange rate changes, business acquisitions, divestitures and impairment charges. Amortization expense for future years is estimated to be: $25.6 million in each of fiscal years 2015 and 2016, $24.9 million in fiscal 2017, $24.1 million in fiscal 2018, $23.9 million in fiscal 2019 and $115.2 million in aggregate thereafter. The future amortization expense amounts represent estimates, which may change based on future acquisitions, foreign currency exchange rates and other factors.

XML

Debt

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt

Debt

The following is a summary of the Company’s long-term indebtedness (in thousands):

	August 31,
	2014			2013
Senior Credit Facility
Revolver	$	—		$	125,000
Term Loan	90,000			90,000
	90,000			215,000
5.625% Senior Notes	300,000			300,000
Total Senior Indebtedness	390,000			515,000
Less: current maturities of long-term debt	(4,500		)	—
Total long-term debt, less current maturities	$	385,500		$	515,000

The Company’s Senior Credit Facility, which matures on July 18, 2018, provides a $600.0 million revolving credit facility, a $90.0 million term loan and a $350.0 million expansion option, subject to certain conditions. Borrowings are subject to a pricing grid, which can result in increases or decreases to the borrowing spread, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio, ranging from 1.00% to 2.50% in the case of loans bearing interest at LIBOR and from 0.00% to 1.50% in the case of loans bearing interest at the base rate. As of August 31, 2014, the borrowing spread on LIBOR based borrowings was 1.25% (aggregating to approximately 1.44%). In addition, a non-use fee is payable quarterly on the average unused credit line under the revolver ranging from 0.15% to 0.40% per annum. As of August 31, 2014, the available and unused credit line under the revolver was $593.2 million. Quarterly term loan principal payments of $1.1 million begin on September 30, 2014, increase to $2.3 million per quarter on September 30, 2015, with the remaining principal due at maturity. The Senior Credit Facility, which is secured by substantially all of the Company’s domestic personal property assets, also contains customary limits and restrictions concerning investments, sales of assets, liens on assets, dividends and other payments. The two financial covenants included in the Senior Credit Facility agreement are a maximum leverage ratio of 3.75:1 and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.50:1. The Company was in compliance with its financial covenants at August 31, 2014.

On April 16, 2012, the Company issued $300.0 million of 5.625% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “Senior Notes”). The Senior Notes require no principal installments prior to their June 15, 2022 maturity, require semiannual interest payments in December and June of each year and contain certain financial and non-financial covenants. The Senior Notes include a call feature that allows the Company to repurchase them anytime on or after June 15, 2017 at stated redemption prices (ranging from 100.0% to 102.8%), plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company utilized the net proceeds from this issuance to fund the repurchase of all its then-outstanding $250 million6.875% Senior Notes due 2017 at a cost of 104%, or $260.4 million.

In November 2003, the Company issued $150.0 million of Senior Subordinated Convertible Debentures due November 15, 2023 (the “2% Convertible Notes”). In March 2012, the Company called all of the remaining $117.6 million of 2% Convertible Notes outstanding for cash at par. As a result of the call notice, substantially all of the holders of the 2% Convertible Notes converted them into newly issued shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (resulting in the issuance of 5,951,440 shares of common stock), while the remaining $0.1 million of 2% Convertible Notes were repurchased for cash. As a result of the 2% Convertible Notes being redeemed for the Company’s common stock, $15.6 million of the related prior income tax benefit was recaptured and repaid in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.

In fiscal 2011, the Company entered into interest rate swap contracts that had a total notional value of $100.0 million and maturity dates of March 23, 2016. The interest rate swap contracts paid the Company variable interest at the three month LIBOR rate, while the Company paid the counterparties a fixed interest rate of approximately 2.06%. These interest rate swap contracts were entered into to synthetically convert $100.0 million of the Senior Credit Facility variable rate borrowings into fixed rate debt. The Company terminated the interest rate swap contracts on April 3, 2012, which resulted in a cash payment to the counterparty of $4.1 million, in full settlement of the fair value of the contracts.

In connection with the debt refinancing activities, during the year ended August 31, 2012, the Company recognized a $16.8 million pre-tax debt refinancing charge, which included $10.4 million of tender premium paid to holders of the 6.875% Senior Notes, a $2.3 million write-off of deferred financing costs and debt discount and a $4.1 million charge related to the termination of the interest rate swap agreements. The related tax benefit on the debt refinancing charge was $6.3 million.

The Company made cash interest payments of $21.0 million, $21.0 million and $26.0 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

XML

Derivatives

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivatives

Derivatives

All derivatives are recognized in the balance sheet at their estimated fair value. On the date the Company enters into a derivative contract, it designates the derivative as a hedge of a recognized asset or liability (fair value hedge) or a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge). The Company does not enter into derivatives for speculative purposes. Changes in the value of fair value hedges and non-designated hedges are recorded in earnings along with the gain or loss on the hedged asset or liability, while changes in the value of cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows. The fair value of outstanding foreign currency derivatives was a liability of $1.0 million at August 31, 2014 and an asset of $0.1 million at August 31, 2013, respectively.

The Company is exposed to market risk for changes in foreign currency exchange rates due to the global nature of its operations. In order to manage this risk the Company has hedged portions of its forecasted inventory purchases and other cash flows that are denominated in non-functional currencies (cash flow hedges). The U.S. dollar equivalent notional value of these foreign currency forward contracts was $1.0 million and $9.7 million, at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The Company also utilizes forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce the exchange rate risk associated with recognized non-functional currency balances. The effects of changes in exchange rates are reflected concurrently in earnings for both the fair value of the foreign currency exchange contracts and the related non-functional currency asset or liability. The U.S. dollar equivalent notional value of these short duration foreign currency forward contracts was $219.9 million and $383.6 million, at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Net foreign currency losses related to these derivative instruments were $13.6 million for the year ended August 31, 2014 while the prior year included a gain of $0.8 million, which offset foreign currency gains/losses from the related revaluation on non-functional currency assets and liabilities (included in other income/expense in the consolidated statement of earnings).

XML

Temporary Differences and Carryforwards of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Deferred income tax assets:
Operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	$ 25,295	$ 29,611
Compensation related liabilities	23,496	20,864
Postretirement benefits	5,082	7,731
Inventory	2,775	8,657
Book reserves and other items	12,214	12,643
Total deferred income tax assets	68,862	79,506
Valuation allowance	(12,841)	(17,268)
Net deferred income tax assets	56,021	62,238
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization	(124,688)	(151,370)
Other items	(5,728)	(2,077)
Deferred income tax liabilities	(130,416)	(153,447)
Net deferred income tax liability	$ (74,395)	$ (91,209)

XML

Quarterly Financial Data - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	May 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Impairment charges	$ (11,200,000)	$ 170,300,000	$ 0	$ 158,817,000	$ 62,464,000
properly state deferred income tax balances associated with its equity compensation programs
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Prior period reclassification adjustment	$ 10,600,000

XML

Changes in Gross Liability for Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Interest and Penalties (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 18,006	$ 24,608	$ 26,179
Increases based on tax positions related to the current year	21,300	3,601	2,776
Increase (decrease) for tax positions taken in a prior period	0	(100)	624
Decrease due to settlements	0	(2,581)	(392)
Decrease due to lapse of statute of limitations	(7,030)	(7,522)	(4,579)
Ending balance	$ 32,276	$ 18,006	$ 24,608

XML

Reconciliation of Income Taxes at Federal Statutory Rate to Effective Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal statutory rate	35.00%		35.00%		35.00%
State income taxes, net of Federal effect	0.80%		0.90%		1.20%
Net effect of foreign tax rates and credits	(10.50%)		(8.80%)		(14.60%)
NOL utilization and changes in valuation allowance	(4.10%)		(3.10%)		0.10%
Tax contingency reserve	(0.70%)		(5.60%)		(2.20%)
Change in income tax accounting method, net	(5.60%)		0.00%		0.00%
Business (RV) divestiture	3.00%		0.00%		0.00%
Prior period correction (1)	0.00%	[1]	(6.50%)	[1]	0.00%	[1]
Other items	0.80%		(2.50%)		(0.50%)
Effective income tax rate	18.70%		9.40%		19.00%

[1] During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company recorded a $10.6 million adjustment to properly state deferred income tax balances associated with its equity compensation programs. The correction was not material to current or previously issued financial statements.

XML

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]

Weighted Average Assumption used to Determine Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine U.S. pension plan obligations as of August 31 and weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended August 31 are as follows:

	2014		2013		2012
Assumptions for benefit obligations:
Discount rate	4.15	%	4.90	%	3.90	%
Assumptions for net periodic benefit cost:
Discount rate	4.90	%	3.90	%	5.00	%
Expected return on plan assets	7.65	%	7.75	%	7.90	%

Pension Plans, Defined Benefit

Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]

Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets

The following table provides detail of changes in the projected benefit obligations, the fair value of plan assets and the funded status of the Company’s U.S. defined benefit pension plans as of the August 31 measurement date (in thousands):

	2014			2013
Reconciliation of benefit obligations:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	45,046		$	50,870
Adjustment	—			(280		)
Interest cost	2,146			1,928
Actuarial (gain) loss	3,769			(4,983		)
Benefits paid	(3,416		)	(2,489		)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	47,545		$	45,046
Reconciliation of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	34,054		$	33,695
Actual return on plan assets	5,180			2,252
Company contributions	8,824			596
Benefits paid from plan assets	(3,416		)	(2,489		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	44,642			34,054
Funded status of the plans (underfunded)	$	(2,903	)	$	(10,992	)

Net Periodic Benefit Costs

The following table provides detail on the Company’s net periodic benefit costs (in thousands):

	Year ended August 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Interest cost	$	2,146		$	1,928		$	2,162
Expected return on assets	(2,959		)	(2,468		)	(2,471		)
Amortization of actuarial loss	667			878			675
Net benefit cost (income)	$	(146	)	$	338		$	366

U.S. Pension Plan Investment Allocations by Asset Category

The U.S. pension plan investment allocations by asset category were as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014		%		2013		%
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	—	%	$	348	1.0	%
Fixed income securities:
Corporate bonds	9,749		21.8		8,741		25.7
Mutual funds	4,474		10.0		3,464		10.2
	14,223		31.8		12,205		35.9
Equity securities:
Mutual funds	30,419		68.2		21,501		63.1
Total plan assets	$	44,642	100.0	%	$	34,054	100.0	%

Other Pension Plans, Defined Benefit

Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]

Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets

The Company has several non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans which cover certain existing and former employees of businesses outside the U.S. Most of the non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans continue to earn additional benefits. The funded status of these plans is summarized as follows (in thousands):

	August 31,
	2014			2013
Benefit obligation	$	18,599		$	12,912
Fair value of plan assets	10,312			7,790
Funded status of plans (underfunded)	$	(8,287	)	$	(5,122	)

XML

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended								12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended									3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Apr. 03, 2012	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2014 5.625% Senior Notes Senior Notes	Aug. 31, 2013 5.625% Senior Notes Senior Notes	Aug. 31, 2012 5.625% Senior Notes Senior Notes	Apr. 16, 2012 5.625% Senior Notes Senior Notes	Aug. 31, 2012 6.875% Senior Notes Senior Notes	Apr. 16, 2012 6.875% Senior Notes Senior Notes	Apr. 30, 2012 2% Converitble Notes Convertible Notes	Mar. 31, 2012 2% Converitble Notes Convertible Notes	Aug. 31, 2013 2% Converitble Notes Convertible Notes	Aug. 31, 2012 2% Converitble Notes Convertible Notes	Nov. 30, 2003 2% Converitble Notes Convertible Notes	Apr. 16, 2012 Minimum 6.875% Senior Notes Senior Notes	Apr. 16, 2012 Maximum 6.875% Senior Notes Senior Notes	Aug. 31, 2014 Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan	Aug. 31, 2011 Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan	Aug. 31, 2014 Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan Starting on September 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014 Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan Starting on September 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014 Senior Credit Facility - Revolver	Aug. 31, 2014 Senior Credit Facility - Revolver Minimum	Aug. 31, 2014 Senior Credit Facility - Revolver Maximum	Aug. 31, 2014 Senior Credit Facility covenant	Aug. 31, 2014 Senior Credit Facility Minimum	Aug. 31, 2014 Senior Credit Facility Maximum	Aug. 31, 2014 Senior Credit Facility LIBOR	Aug. 31, 2014 Senior Credit Facility LIBOR Minimum	Aug. 31, 2014 Senior Credit Facility LIBOR Maximum	Aug. 31, 2014 Senior Credit Facility Base Rate Minimum	Aug. 31, 2014 Senior Credit Facility Base Rate Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity																			$ 90,000,000				$ 600,000,000.0
Senior credit facility expansion option, available		350,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate over variable rate																													1.25%	1.00%	2.50%	0.00%	1.50%
Debt instrument actual interest rate																										1.44%
Percentage of non-use fee, annually																								0.15%	0.40%
Unused credit line																							593,200,000
Quarterly installments, payable on term loan																					1,100,000	2,300,000
Number of financial covenants																										2
Leverage ratio																												3.75
Fixed charge coverage ratio																											3.50
Face amount						300,000,000			300,000,000.0		250,000,000					150,000,000.0
Debt instrument, interest rate						5.625%	5.625%	5.625%	5.625%	6.875%	6.875%				2.00%	2.00%
Debt Redemption Price As Percentage Of Principal											104.00%						100.00%	102.80%
Senior Notes											260,400,000
Debt conversion converted remaining instrument amount													117,600,000
Number of shares issued due to calling of convertible notes												5,951,440
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes		0	0	102,000								100,000
Prior income tax to be recaptured														15,600,000
Derivative, Notional Amount					100,000,000
Fixed interest rate of interest rate swap contracts					2.06%
Senior Credit Facility																				100,000,000
Other long term Liabilities	4,100,000
Debt refinancing costs		0	0	16,830,000						16,830,000
Tender premium										10,400,000
Write-off of deferred financing fees and debt discount										2,300,000
Loss on termination of interest rate swap agreements										4,100,000
Related tax benefit on debt refinancing charge										6,300,000
Cash interest payments		$ 21,000,000	$ 21,000,000	$ 26,000,000

XML

Stock Plans

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Stock Plans

Stock Plans

Stock options may be granted to key employees and directors under the Actuant Corporation 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). At August 31, 2014, 9,400,000 shares of Class A common stock were authorized for issuance under the Plan, of which 3,915,647 shares were available for future award grants. The Plan permits the Company to grant share-based awards, including stock options, restricted stock and Performance Shares to employees and directors. Options generally have a maximum term of ten years, an exercise price equal to 100% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant and generally vest 50% after three years and 100% after five years. The Company’s restricted stock grants generally have similar vesting provisions. The Performance Shares include a three-year performance period, with vesting based 50% on achievement of an absolute Free Cash Flow Conversion target and 50% on the Company’s Total Shareholder Return (TSR) relative to the S&P 600 SmallCap Industrial index. The provisions of share-based awards may vary by individual grant with respect to vesting period, dividend and voting rights, performance conditions and forfeitures.

A summary of stock option activity during fiscal 2014 is as follows:

	Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price (Per Share)		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding on September 1, 2013	4,179,551		$	23.66
Granted	211,276		35.98
Exercised	(1,076,370	)	21.16
Forfeited	(64,056	)	26.44
Outstanding on August 31, 2014	3,250,401		$	25.24	4.6	$	27.6	million
Exercisable on August 31, 2014	2,255,920		$	24.48	3.4	$	20.9	million

Intrinsic value is the difference between the market value of the stock at August 31, 2014 and the exercise price which is aggregated for all options outstanding and exercisable. A summary of the weighted-average grant-date fair value of options, total intrinsic value of options exercised, and cash receipts from options exercised is shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (per share)	$	14.46	$	10.49	$	8.73
Intrinsic value of options exercised	16,380		15,803		7,946
Cash receipts from exercise of options	21,995		24,840		6,550

A summary of restricted stock activity (including Performance Shares) during fiscal 2014 is as follows:

	Number of Shares		Weighted-Average Fair  Value at Grant Date (Per Share)
Outstanding August 31, 2013	1,594,189		$25.83
Granted	311,425		36.05
Forfeited	(98,582	)	27.36
Vested	(480,572	)	25.42
Outstanding August 31, 2014	1,326,460		28.27

As of August 31, 2014, there was $23.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based awards, including stock options and restricted stock awards/units. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.9 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 was $17.9 million and $6.2 million, respectively.

The Company generally records compensation expense (over the vesting period) for restricted stock awards based on the market value of Actuant common stock on the grant date. Stock based compensation expense is determined using a binomial pricing model for options. The fair value of Performance Shares with market vesting conditions is determined utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation model. Assumptions used to determine the fair value of each option were based upon historical data and standard industry valuation practices and methodology. The following weighted-average assumptions were used in each fiscal year:

	Fiscal Year Ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Dividend yield	0.11	%	0.14	%	0.18	%
Expected volatility	38.30	%	38.36	%	39.97	%
Risk-free rate of return	0.70	%	0.84	%	1.19	%
Expected forfeiture rate	14	%	15	%	15	%
Expected life	6.1 years		6.1 years		6.1 years

XML

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(in thousands)

			Additions					Deductions
Description	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses		Acquisition/ (Divestiture)			Accounts Written Off Less Recoveries			Other			Balance at End of Period
Allowance for losses—Trade accounts receivable
August 31, 2014	$	3,701	$	2,447	$	440		$	(664	)	$	110		$	6,034
August 31, 2013	4,375		584		(437		)	(787		)	(34		)	3,701
August 31, 2012	7,173		107		96			(2,740		)	(261		)	4,375
Valuation allowance—Income taxes
August 31, 2014	$	17,268	$	1,243	$	(5,487	)	$	(183	)	$	—		$	12,841
August 31, 2013	8,153		4,527		5,772			(1,184		)	—			17,268
August 31, 2012	7,260		2,954		—			(2,061		)	—			8,153

XML

Gross Carrying Value and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangibles, gross	$ 513,361	$ 504,468
Accumulated Amortization	148,184	127,776
Other intangibles, net	365,177	376,692
Trade Names
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	125,905	124,639
Customer Relationships
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	325,164	318,143
Accumulated Amortization	117,706	95,215
Net Book Value	207,458	222,928
Weighted Average Amortization Period	15 years
Patents
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	31,678	30,564
Accumulated Amortization	17,494	18,747
Net Book Value	14,184	11,817
Weighted Average Amortization Period	10 years
Trademarks and Tradenames
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	23,241	24,088
Accumulated Amortization	6,201	7,356
Net Book Value	17,040	16,732
Weighted Average Amortization Period	17 years
Non-Compete Agreements and Other
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	7,373	7,034
Accumulated Amortization	6,783	6,458
Net Book Value	$ 590	$ 576
Weighted Average Amortization Period	4 years

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014 Segment	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	3
Portion of inventory determined using last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method	21.00%	21.00%
Inventory LIFO reserve	$ 5.7	$ 5.8
Accounts Receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	6.0	3.7
Research and development costs	20.0	21.0	17.1
Foreign exchange transaction (gains)/losses	$ 4.2	$ 2.7	$ 3.9
Minimum | Buildings and improvements
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment useful life	10 years
Minimum | Machinery and equipment
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment useful life	2 years
Maximum | Buildings and improvements
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment useful life	40 years
Maximum | Machinery and equipment
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment useful life	15 years

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Treasury stock, shares	12,195,359	3,983,513
Common Class A
Common stock, par value	$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Common stock, shares authorized	168,000,000	168,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	78,480,780	77,001,144

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations:    Actuant Corporation (“Actuant” or the “Company”) is a global manufacturer of a broad range of industrial products and systems, organized into three reportable segments. The Industrial segment is primarily involved in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded hydraulic and mechanical tools to the maintenance, industrial, infrastructure and production automation markets. The Energy segment provides joint integrity products and services, customized offshore vessel mooring solutions, as well as rope and cable solutions to the global oil & gas, power generation and other energy markets. The Engineered Solutions segment provides highly engineered position and motion control systems to OEMs in various vehicle markets, as well as a variety of other products to the industrial and agricultural markets.

Consolidation and Presentation:    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Actuant consolidates companies in which it owns or controls more than fifty percent of the voting shares. The results of companies acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated financial statements from the effective date of acquisition or until the date of divestiture. All intercompany balances, transactions and profits have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

Cash Equivalents:    The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents.

Inventories:    Inventories are comprised of material, direct labor and manufacturing overhead, and are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost is determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for a portion of the U.S. owned inventory (approximately 21% of total inventories in both 2014 and 2013). The first-in, first-out or average cost methods are used for all other inventories. If the LIFO method were not used, inventory balances would be higher than the amounts in the consolidated balance sheets by $5.7 million and $5.8 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The nature of the Company’s products is such that they generally have a very short production cycle. Consequently, the amount of work-in-process at any point in time is minimal. In addition, many parts or components are ultimately either sold individually or assembled with other parts making a distinction between raw materials and finished goods impractical to determine. Other locations maintain and manage their inventories using a job cost system where the distinction of categories of inventory by state of completion is also not available. As a result of these factors, it is neither practical nor cost effective to segregate the amounts of raw materials, work-in-process or finished goods inventories at the respective balance sheet dates, as segregation would only be possible as the result of physical inventories which are taken at dates different from the balance sheet dates.

Property, Plant and Equipment:    Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from ten to forty years for buildings and improvements and two to fifteen years for machinery and equipment. Equipment includes assets (marine mooring equipment and joint integrity tools) which are rented to customers and asset owners in the Energy segment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the related asset or the term of the lease, whichever is shorter.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Other intangible assets with definite lives, consisting primarily of purchased customer relationships, patents, trademarks and non-compete agreements, are amortized over periods from two to twenty-five years. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization, but are subject to annual impairment testing.

The Company’s goodwill is tested for impairment annually, at August 31, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. The Company performs impairment reviews for its reporting units using a fair value method based on management’s judgments and assumptions. In estimating the fair value, the Company utilizes a discounted cash flow model, which is dependent on a number of assumptions including estimated future revenues and expenses, weighted average cost of capital, capital expenditures and other variables. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit is compared to the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the goodwill is potentially impaired and the Company then determines the implied fair value of goodwill, which is compared to the carrying value to determine if impairment exists. Indefinite lived intangible assets are also subject to an annual impairment test. On an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired, the fair value of the indefinite lived intangible assets are evaluated by the Company to determine if an impairment charge is required. A considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests, principally in determining the fair value of each reporting unit and the indefinite lived intangible assets. While management believes the judgments and assumptions were reasonable; different assumptions or adverse market developments could change the estimated fair values, and therefore, impairment charges could be required.

Product Warranty Costs:    The Company generally offers its customers a warranty on products sold, although warranty periods may vary by product type and application. The reserve for future warranty claims is based on historical claim rates and current warranty cost experience. The following is a reconciliation of the changes in product warranty reserves for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

	2014			2013
Beginning balance	$	7,413		$	12,869
Warranty reserves of acquired businesses	44			981
Product line divestiture	(699		)	—
Provision for warranties	2,769			7,907
Warranty payments and costs incurred	(5,477		)	(11,616		)
Discontinued operations reclassification	—			(3,107		)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	6			379
Ending balance	$	4,056		$	7,413

Revenue Recognition:    The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectibility of the sales price is reasonably assured. For product sales, delivery does not occur until the passage of title and risk of loss have transferred to the customer (generally when products are shipped). Revenue from services and rental contracts are recognized when the services are provided or ratably over the contract term. Customer sales are recorded net of allowances for returns and discounts, which are recognized as a deduction from sales at the time of sale. The Company commits to one-time or on-going trade discounts and promotions with customers that require the Company to estimate and accrue the ultimate costs of such programs. The Company maintains an accrual at the end of each period for the earned, but unpaid costs related to the programs. The Company generally does not require collateral or other security for receivables and provides for an allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical experience and a review of its existing receivables. Accounts Receivable are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $6.0 million and $3.7 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Costs:    The Company records costs associated with shipping its products in cost of products sold.

Research and Development Costs:    Research and development costs consist primarily of an allocation of overall engineering and development resources and are expensed as incurred. Such costs incurred in the development of new products or significant improvements to existing products were $20.0 million, $21.0 million and $17.1 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company also incurs significant costs in connection with fulfilling custom orders and developing solutions for unique customer needs which are not included in these research and development expense totals.

Other Income/Expense:    Other income and expense primarily consists of foreign exchange transaction losses of $4.2 million, $2.7 million and $3.9 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Financing Costs:    Financing costs represent interest expense, financing fees and amortization of debt issuance costs, net of interest income.

Income Taxes:The provision for income taxes includes federal, state, local and non-U.S. taxes on income. Tax credits,

primarily for non-U.S. earnings, are recognized as a reduction of the provision for income taxes in the year in which they are

available for U.S. tax purposes. Deferred taxes are provided on temporary differences between assets and liabilities for financial

and tax reporting purposes as measured by enacted tax rates expected to apply when temporary differences are settled or

realized. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of those benefits is considered to be more likely than

not. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets for which realization is not more likely than not of being

realized. The Company has not provided for any residual U.S. income taxes on unremitted earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries as

such earnings are intended to be indefinitely reinvested. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized

tax benefits in income tax expense.

Foreign Currency Translation:    The financial statements of the Company’s foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and an appropriate weighted average exchange rate for each applicable period for revenues and expenses. Translation adjustments are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of shareholders' equity caption “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.”

Use of Estimates:    The Company has recorded reserves, assets write downs or allowances for customer rebates, returns and discounts, doubtful accounts, inventory, incurred but not reported medical claims, environmental matters, warranty claims, workers compensation claims, product and non-product litigation and incentive compensation. These reserves require the use of estimates and judgment. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company believes that such estimates are made with consistent and appropriate assumptions. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

New Accounting Pronouncements: In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which includes amendments that change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and requires additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Under ASU 2014-09, an entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. It also requires more detailed disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard.

XML

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan actuarial gain losses, not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost	$ (12,600,000)	$ (12,000,000)
Pension plan actuarial gain losses, expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost in 2015	500,000
Net periodic benefit costs (credit)	(146,000)	338,000	366,000
Weighted average discount rate for determining benefit obligation	4.15%	4.90%	3.90%
Expense on participant deferrals in fixed income investment option	1,700,000	1,600,000	1,500,000
Cost of stock held in trust for deferred compensation plan	2,900,000	1,900,000
Other Current Liabilities and Other Long-term Liabilities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred compensation liability	22,800,000	23,200,000
U.S. defined benefit pension plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected long term rate of return for assets	7.50%
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in fiscal 2015	2,700,000
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in fiscal 2016	2,700,000
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in fiscal 2017	2,700,000
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in, fiscal 2018	2,700,000
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in, fiscal 2019	2,700,000
Amount of benefits expected to be paid fiscal 2020 through fiscal 2024	15,000,000
Benefit obligation	47,545,000	45,046,000	50,870,000
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net periodic benefit costs (credit)	(200,000)	(200,000)	(200,000)
Define benefit plan Company contributions, year 2015	300,000
Benefit obligation	3,100,000	2,900,000
Health care cost trend rate	8.00%
Health care cost trending downward rate by 2022	5.00%
Non-US Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected long term rate of return for assets	4.60%
Net periodic benefit costs (credit)	1,300,000	800,000	500,000
Weighted average discount rate for determining benefit obligation	3.20%	4.30%
Define benefit plan Company contributions, year 2015	900,000
Benefit obligation	18,599,000	12,912,000
401(k) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Maximum employee contribution to defined contribution benefit plans	50.00%
Maximum Company contribution to defined contribution benefit plans	3.00%
Employer matching contribution to employee contribution percentage	25.00%
Expense recognized related to defined contribution plan	4,500,000	4,500,000	5,100,000
401(k) [Member] | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employee contribution percentage of eligible compensation	6.00%
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation	2,000,000	1,700,000
Expense recognized related to defined contribution plan	$ 400,000	$ 600,000	$ 700,000
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contribution to defined contribution benefit plans	6.00%
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contribution to defined contribution benefit plans	3.00%
Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset allocation in equity securities minimum	60.00%
Asset allocation in equity securities maximum	80.00%

XML

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 109,012	$ 103,986	$ 68,184	$ 44,221
Accounts receivable, net	227,008	219,075
Inventories, net	162,620	142,549
Deferred income taxes	11,050	18,796
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	33,300	28,228
Assets of discontinued operations	0	272,606
Total current assets	542,990	785,240
Property, plant & equipment, net	169,101	201,496
Goodwill	742,770	734,952	866,412
Other intangibles, net	365,177	376,692
Intercompany receivable	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Other long-term assets	36,841	20,952
Total assets	1,856,879	2,119,332
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	145,798	154,049
Accrued compensation and benefits	52,964	43,800
Income taxes payable	38,347	14,014
Current maturities of debt	4,500	0
Other current liabilities	57,512	56,899
Liabilities of discontinued operations	0	53,080
Total current liabilities	299,121	321,842
Long-term debt	385,500	515,000
Deferred income taxes	96,970	115,865
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	15,699	20,698
Other long-term liabilities	57,878	65,660
Intercompany payable	0	0
Shareholders’ equity	1,001,711	1,080,267	1,051,836	919,013
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	1,856,879	2,119,332
Parent
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	27,931	16,122	12,401	872
Accounts receivable, net	22,811	20,471
Inventories, net	31,024	27,343
Deferred income taxes	7,503	13,002
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,871	7,454
Assets of discontinued operations		0
Total current assets	93,140	84,392
Property, plant & equipment, net	9,096	7,050
Goodwill	44,700	62,543
Other intangibles, net	11,974	13,247
Intercompany receivable	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	2,286,068	2,086,534
Other long-term assets	23,432	12,654
Total assets	2,468,410	2,266,420
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	20,014	22,194
Accrued compensation and benefits	15,135	13,835
Income taxes payable	31,582	8,135
Current maturities of debt	4,500
Other current liabilities	19,081	21,268
Liabilities of discontinued operations		0
Total current liabilities	90,312	65,432
Long-term debt	385,500	515,000
Deferred income taxes	47,543	64,358
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	8,668	16,267
Other long-term liabilities	42,647	51,479
Intercompany payable	892,029	473,617
Shareholders’ equity	1,001,711	1,080,267
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	2,468,410	2,266,420
Guarantors
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	3,325	0	91	0
Accounts receivable, net	38,511	40,343
Inventories, net	38,860	38,948
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,057	963
Assets of discontinued operations		192,129
Total current assets	81,753	272,383
Property, plant & equipment, net	22,879	22,801
Goodwill	280,693	264,502
Other intangibles, net	140,400	141,258
Intercompany receivable	678,073	480,633
Investment in subsidiaries	806,414	201,779
Other long-term assets	0	22
Total assets	2,010,212	1,383,378
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	25,673	30,637
Accrued compensation and benefits	3,293	2,716
Income taxes payable	0	0
Current maturities of debt	0
Other current liabilities	3,989	4,630
Liabilities of discontinued operations		23,466
Total current liabilities	32,955	61,449
Long-term debt	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	4,138	390
Intercompany payable	0	0
Shareholders’ equity	1,973,119	1,321,539
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	2,010,212	1,383,378
Non-Guarantors
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	77,756	87,864	55,692	43,349
Accounts receivable, net	165,686	158,261
Inventories, net	92,736	76,258
Deferred income taxes	3,547	5,794
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	28,372	19,811
Assets of discontinued operations		80,477
Total current assets	368,097	428,465
Property, plant & equipment, net	137,126	171,645
Goodwill	417,377	407,907
Other intangibles, net	212,803	222,187
Intercompany receivable	622,818	360,620
Investment in subsidiaries	237,207	96,333
Other long-term assets	13,409	8,276
Total assets	2,008,837	1,695,433
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	100,111	101,218
Accrued compensation and benefits	34,536	27,249
Income taxes payable	6,765	5,879
Current maturities of debt	0
Other current liabilities	34,442	31,001
Liabilities of discontinued operations		29,614
Total current liabilities	175,854	194,961
Long-term debt	0	0
Deferred income taxes	49,427	51,507
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	7,031	4,431
Other long-term liabilities	11,093	13,791
Intercompany payable	408,861	367,636
Shareholders’ equity	1,356,571	1,063,107
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	2,008,837	1,695,433
Eliminations
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories, net	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Assets of discontinued operations
Total current assets	0	0
Property, plant & equipment, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Other intangibles, net	0	0
Intercompany receivable	(1,300,891)	(841,253)
Investment in subsidiaries	(3,329,689)	(2,384,646)
Other long-term assets	0	0
Total assets	(4,630,580)	(3,225,899)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	0	0
Accrued compensation and benefits	0	0
Income taxes payable	0	0
Current maturities of debt	0
Other current liabilities	0	0
Liabilities of discontinued operations
Total current liabilities	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Intercompany payable	(1,300,890)	(841,253)
Shareholders’ equity	(3,329,690)	(2,384,646)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ (4,630,580)	$ (3,225,899)

XML

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	May 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	May 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 35,587	$ 50,557	$ 41,392	$ 36,037	$ 58,253	$ (92,983)	$ 28,435	$ 36,343	$ 163,573	$ 30,048	$ 87,290
Plus: 2% Convertible Notes financings costs, net of taxes									0	0	425
Net earnings for diluted earnings per share									$ 163,573	$ 30,048	$ 87,715
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share									70,942	72,979	70,099
Net effect of dilutive securities-employee stock compensation plans									1,544	1,601	1,119
Net effect of 2% Convertible Notes based on the if-converted method									0	0	3,722
Weighted average common and equivalent shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share									72,486	74,580	74,940
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share):	$ 0.52	$ 0.72	$ 0.57	$ 0.49	$ 0.80	$ (1.27)	$ 0.39	$ 0.50	$ 2.31	$ 0.41	$ 1.25
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share):	$ 0.51	$ 0.70	$ 0.56	$ 0.48	$ 0.78	$ (1.24)	$ 0.38	$ 0.49	$ 2.26	$ 0.40	$ 1.17

XML

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Nature of Operations

Nature of Operations:    Actuant Corporation (“Actuant” or the “Company”) is a global manufacturer of a broad range of industrial products and systems, organized into three reportable segments. The Industrial segment is primarily involved in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded hydraulic and mechanical tools to the maintenance, industrial, infrastructure and production automation markets. The Energy segment provides joint integrity products and services, customized offshore vessel mooring solutions, as well as rope and cable solutions to the global oil & gas, power generation and other energy markets. The Engineered Solutions segment provides highly engineered position and motion control systems to OEMs in various vehicle markets, as well as a variety of other products to the industrial and agricultural markets.

Consolidation and Presentation

Consolidation and Presentation:    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Actuant consolidates companies in which it owns or controls more than fifty percent of the voting shares. The results of companies acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated financial statements from the effective date of acquisition or until the date of divestiture. All intercompany balances, transactions and profits have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation

Cash Equivalents

Cash Equivalents:    The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents.

Inventories

Inventories:    Inventories are comprised of material, direct labor and manufacturing overhead, and are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost is determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for a portion of the U.S. owned inventory (approximately 21% of total inventories in both 2014 and 2013). The first-in, first-out or average cost methods are used for all other inventories. If the LIFO method were not used, inventory balances would be higher than the amounts in the consolidated balance sheets by $5.7 million and $5.8 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The nature of the Company’s products is such that they generally have a very short production cycle. Consequently, the amount of work-in-process at any point in time is minimal. In addition, many parts or components are ultimately either sold individually or assembled with other parts making a distinction between raw materials and finished goods impractical to determine. Other locations maintain and manage their inventories using a job cost system where the distinction of categories of inventory by state of completion is also not available. As a result of these factors, it is neither practical nor cost effective to segregate the amounts of raw materials, work-in-process or finished goods inventories at the respective balance sheet dates, as segregation would only be possible as the result of physical inventories which are taken at dates different from the balance sheet dates.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment:    Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from ten to forty years for buildings and improvements and two to fifteen years for machinery and equipment. Equipment includes assets (marine mooring equipment and joint integrity tools) which are rented to customers and asset owners in the Energy segment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the related asset or the term of the lease, whichever is shorter.

Impairment of Long-Lived and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Other intangible assets with definite lives, consisting primarily of purchased customer relationships, patents, trademarks and non-compete agreements, are amortized over periods from two to twenty-five years. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization, but are subject to annual impairment testing.

The Company’s goodwill is tested for impairment annually, at August 31, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. The Company performs impairment reviews for its reporting units using a fair value method based on management’s judgments and assumptions. In estimating the fair value, the Company utilizes a discounted cash flow model, which is dependent on a number of assumptions including estimated future revenues and expenses, weighted average cost of capital, capital expenditures and other variables. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit is compared to the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the goodwill is potentially impaired and the Company then determines the implied fair value of goodwill, which is compared to the carrying value to determine if impairment exists. Indefinite lived intangible assets are also subject to an annual impairment test. On an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired, the fair value of the indefinite lived intangible assets are evaluated by the Company to determine if an impairment charge is required. A considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests, principally in determining the fair value of each reporting unit and the indefinite lived intangible assets. While management believes the judgments and assumptions were reasonable; different assumptions or adverse market developments could change the estimated fair values, and therefore, impairment charges could be required.

Product Warranty Costs

Product Warranty Costs:    The Company generally offers its customers a warranty on products sold, although warranty periods may vary by product type and application. The reserve for future warranty claims is based on historical claim rates and current warranty cost experience. The following is a reconciliation of the changes in product warranty reserves for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):

	2014			2013
Beginning balance	$	7,413		$	12,869
Warranty reserves of acquired businesses	44			981
Product line divestiture	(699		)	—
Provision for warranties	2,769			7,907
Warranty payments and costs incurred	(5,477		)	(11,616		)
Discontinued operations reclassification	—			(3,107		)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	6			379
Ending balance	$	4,056		$	7,413

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition:    The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectibility of the sales price is reasonably assured. For product sales, delivery does not occur until the passage of title and risk of loss have transferred to the customer (generally when products are shipped). Revenue from services and rental contracts are recognized when the services are provided or ratably over the contract term. Customer sales are recorded net of allowances for returns and discounts, which are recognized as a deduction from sales at the time of sale. The Company commits to one-time or on-going trade discounts and promotions with customers that require the Company to estimate and accrue the ultimate costs of such programs. The Company maintains an accrual at the end of each period for the earned, but unpaid costs related to the programs. The Company generally does not require collateral or other security for receivables and provides for an allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical experience and a review of its existing receivables. Accounts Receivable are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $6.0 million and $3.7 million at August 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and Handling Costs:    The Company records costs associated with shipping its products in cost of products sold.

Research and Development Costs

Research and Development Costs:    Research and development costs consist primarily of an allocation of overall engineering and development resources and are expensed as incurred. Such costs incurred in the development of new products or significant improvements to existing products were $20.0 million, $21.0 million and $17.1 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company also incurs significant costs in connection with fulfilling custom orders and developing solutions for unique customer needs which are not included in these research and development expense totals.

Other Income/Expense

Other Income/Expense:    Other income and expense primarily consists of foreign exchange transaction losses of $4.2 million, $2.7 million and $3.9 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Financing Costs

Financing Costs:    Financing costs represent interest expense, financing fees and amortization of debt issuance costs, net of interest income.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes:The provision for income taxes includes federal, state, local and non-U.S. taxes on income. Tax credits,

primarily for non-U.S. earnings, are recognized as a reduction of the provision for income taxes in the year in which they are

available for U.S. tax purposes. Deferred taxes are provided on temporary differences between assets and liabilities for financial

and tax reporting purposes as measured by enacted tax rates expected to apply when temporary differences are settled or

realized. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of those benefits is considered to be more likely than

not. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets for which realization is not more likely than not of being

realized. The Company has not provided for any residual U.S. income taxes on unremitted earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries as

such earnings are intended to be indefinitely reinvested. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized

tax benefits in income tax expense.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation:    The financial statements of the Company’s foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and an appropriate weighted average exchange rate for each applicable period for revenues and expenses. Translation adjustments are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of shareholders' equity caption “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.”

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates:    The Company has recorded reserves, assets write downs or allowances for customer rebates, returns and discounts, doubtful accounts, inventory, incurred but not reported medical claims, environmental matters, warranty claims, workers compensation claims, product and non-product litigation and incentive compensation. These reserves require the use of estimates and judgment. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company believes that such estimates are made with consistent and appropriate assumptions. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

New Accounting Pronouncements: In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which includes amendments that change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and requires additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Under ASU 2014-09, an entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. It also requires more detailed disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard.

XML

Summary Of Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) (Restricted Stock, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock
Aggregate Number of Restricted Shares
Beginning Balance	1,594,189
Granted	311,425
Forfeited	(98,582)
Vested	(480,572)
Ending Balance	1,326,460
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date
Beginning Balance	$ 25.83
Granted	$ 36.05
Forfeited	$ 27.36
Vested	$ 25.42
Ending Balance	$ 28.27

XML

Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Summary of Financial Information by Reportable Segment and Product Line

The following tables summarize financial information by reportable segment and product line (in thousands):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Net Sales by Segment:
Industrial	$	413,902		$	422,620		$	419,295
Energy	462,368			363,372			349,163
Engineered Solutions	523,592			493,750			508,063
	$	1,399,862		$	1,279,742		$	1,276,521
Net Sales by Reportable Product Line:
Industrial	$	413,902		$	422,620		$	419,295
Energy	462,368			363,372			349,163
Vehicle Systems	272,201			253,073			279,549
Other	251,391			240,677			228,514
	$	1,399,862		$	1,279,742		$	1,276,521
Operating Profit (Loss):
Industrial	$	120,250		$	117,644		$	114,777
Energy	56,412			63,280			62,205
Engineered Solutions	55,430			40,328			60,851
General Corporate	(28,984		)	(31,107		)	(33,319		)
	$	203,108		$	190,145		$	204,514
Depreciation and Amortization:
Industrial	$	7,597		$	8,553		$	8,358
Energy	33,983			18,451			18,115
Engineered Solutions	17,602			16,949			15,093
General Corporate	1,453			2,145			2,030
Discontinued Operations	—			7,804			10,667
	$	60,635		$	53,902		$	54,263
Capital Expenditures:
Industrial	$	3,349		$	3,524		$	5,333
Energy	26,787			9,417			8,962
Engineered Solutions	8,763			7,001			3,463
General Corporate	2,956			867			1,905
Discontinued Operations	2			2,859			3,077
	$	41,857		$	23,668		$	22,740

	August 31,
	2014		2013
Assets:
Industrial	$	307,058	$	280,110
Energy	788,915		817,547
Engineered Solutions	643,323		652,581
General Corporate	117,583		96,488
Assets of Discontinued Operations	—		272,606
	$	1,856,879	$	2,119,332

Financial Information From Continuing Operations By Geographic Region

The following tables summarize financial information from continuing operations by geographic region (in thousands):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Net Sales:
United States	$	573,590	$	549,057	$	599,831
United Kingdom	162,508		144,131		141,037
Netherlands	151,549		159,396		185,112
Australia	82,778		68,255		47,472
France	53,542		52,806		48,681
All other	375,895		306,097		254,388
	$	1,399,862	$	1,279,742	$	1,276,521
	August 31,
	2014		2013
Long-lived Assets:
United States	$	44,971	$	41,161
Norway	29,715		59,557
United Kingdom	28,364		54,136
Australia	20,431		5,104
China	19,166		19,551
All other	42,317		25,673
	$	184,964	$	205,182

XML

Capital Stock

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Capital Stock

Capital Stock

The authorized common stock of the Company as of August 31, 2014 consisted of 168,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, $0.20 par value, of which 78,480,780 shares were issued and 66,285,421 outstanding; 1,500,000 shares of Class B common stock, $0.20 par value, none of which were issued and outstanding; and 160,000 shares of cumulative preferred stock, $1.00 par value (“preferred stock”), none of which have been issued. Holders of both classes of the Company’s common stock are entitled to dividends, as the Company’s board of directors may declare out of funds legally available, subject to any contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends or other distributions on the common stock. If the Company were to issue any of its preferred stock, no dividends could be paid or set apart for payment on shares of common stock, unless paid in common stock, until dividends on all of the issued and outstanding shares of preferred stock had been paid or set apart for payment and provision had been made for any mandatory sinking fund payments.

The Company's Board of Directors authorized two separate authorizations (September 2011 and March 2014) to repurchase up to 7,000,000 shares each of the Company’s outstanding common stock. At August 31, 2014, total shares repurchased under these publicly announced programs were 12,195,359. As summarized in the following table, on October 1, 2014 all 14,000,000 shares under the these two authorizations had been repurchased, with $447.1 million of total capital deployed over three fiscal years.

Period	Shares Repurchased	Average Price Paid per Share
Fiscal 2012	2,658,751	$	23.70
Fiscal 2013	1,324,762	31.55
Fiscal 2014	8,211,846	34.52
Fiscal 2015 (September 1 - October 1)	1,804,641	32.58
	14,000,000	$	31.93

The Board of Directors authorized a new (third) stock repurchase program to acquire up to 7,000,000 additional shares of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock on October 1, 2014.

Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Year Ended August 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Numerator:
Net earnings	$	163,573	$	30,048	$	87,290
Plus: 2% Convertible Notes financings costs, net of taxes	—		—		425
Net earnings for diluted earnings per share	$	163,573	$	30,048	$	87,715
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	70,942		72,979		70,099
Net effect of dilutive securities—employee stock compensation plans	1,544		1,601		1,119
Net effect of 2% Convertible Notes based on the if-converted method	—		—		3,722
Weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	72,486		74,580		74,940
Basic Earnings Per Share:	$	2.31	$	0.41	$	1.25
Diluted Earnings Per Share:	$	2.26	$	0.40	$	1.17

At August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, outstanding share based awards to acquire 522,000, 619,000 and 2,582,000 shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.