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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.    )

 

 

Filed by the Registrant  ☒                                Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  ☐

Check the appropriate box:

 

☒		Preliminary Proxy Statement
☐		Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
☐		Definitive Proxy Statement
☐		Definitive Additional Materials
☐		Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

 

ENERGIZER HOLDINGS, INC.

(Name of the Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

☒		No fee required.
☐		Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
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		3.		Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
		4.		Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
		5.		Total fee paid:
☐		Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
☐		Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
		1.		Amount Previously Paid:
		2.		Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
		3.		Filing Party:

 

 

 

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PRELIMINARY COPY

 

 

 

ENERGIZER HOLDINGS, INC.

533 Maryville University Drive

St. Louis, Missouri 63141

Dear Shareholder:

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Energizer Holdings, Inc., to be held at 8:00 a.m. Central Time on Monday, January 30, 2017, at Energizer World Headquarters, 533 Maryville University Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63141.

In connection with the Annual Meeting, we have prepared a Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, a Proxy Statement, and our 2016 Annual Report. On or about December 13, 2016, we began mailing to our shareholders these materials or a Notice of Availability of Proxy Materials containing instructions on how to access these materials online.

We encourage you to read the Proxy Statement and vote your shares. You may vote over the Internet, as well as by telephone, or, if you received or requested to receive printed proxy materials, by signing, dating and returning the proxy card enclosed with the proxy materials as soon as possible in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please bring the 2017 Annual Meeting Admission Ticket and proof of identification (such as a driver’s license or other photo identification).

Thank you for your investment in Energizer!

 

ALAN R. HOSKINS

Chief Executive Officer

December 13, 2016

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ENERGIZER HOLDINGS, INC.

533 Maryville University Drive

St. Louis, Missouri 63141

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

To the Shareholders:

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Energizer Holdings, Inc. will be held at 8:00 a.m. Central Time on Monday, January 30, 2017 at Energizer World Headquarters, 533 Maryville University Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63141.

The purpose of the meeting is:

 

1)	to elect two directors to serve three-year terms ending at the Annual Meeting held in 2020, or until their respective successors are elected and qualified;

 

2)	to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2017;

 

3)	to cast an advisory vote on executive compensation;

 

4)

to vote to amend and restate the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to provide for the declassification of the Company’s Board of Directors. If approved, the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation will provide that (i) commencing with the class of directors standing for election at the Company’s 2018 Annual Meeting, directors will stand for election for one year terms; (ii) directors who were elected prior to the 2018 Annual Meeting will continue to hold office until the ends of the terms for which they were elected and until their successors are elected and qualified; and (iii) beginning with the Company’s 2020 Annual Meeting, and at each annual meeting thereafter, all directors will stand for election for a one year term;

and to act upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting.

Important Notice Regarding the Internet Availability of Proxy Materials for the 2017 Annual Meeting. We are mailing to many of our shareholders a notice of availability over the Internet of the proxy materials, rather than mailing the proxy materials. The notice of availability contains instructions on how to access our proxy materials on the Internet, as well as instructions on obtaining a paper copy. All shareholders who do not receive such a notice of availability, and any shareholders who request to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials, will receive a full set of paper proxy materials by U.S. mail. This process will reduce our costs to print and distribute our proxy materials.

You may vote if you are a shareholder of record on November 30, 2016. It is important that your shares be represented and voted at the Annual Meeting. Please vote in one of the following ways:

 

•

USE THE FOLLOWING TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER: 1-866-894-0537, using the identification number indicated on the notice of availability or proxy card mailed to you;

 

•

VISIT www.cstproxyvote.com to vote via the Internet, using the identification number indicated on the notice of availability or proxy card mailed to you;

 

•

MARK, SIGN, DATE AND PROMPTLY RETURN the proxy card in the postage-paid envelope if you received or requested a paper copy of the proxy materials; OR

 

•

VOTE BY WRITTEN BALLOT at the Annual Meeting.

This Notice, the Proxy Statement, and the Company’s 2016 Annual Report to Shareholders have also been posted at www.cstproxy.com/energizer/2016.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

Benjamin J. Angelette

Deputy General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

December 13, 2016

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

		Page
2016 Proxy Summary			i
Proxy Statement—Voting Procedures			1
Item 1. Election of Directors			4
Information about Nominees and other Directors			5
The Board of Directors and Energizer’s Corporate Governance			10
Standing Committees and Meetings			10
Corporate Governance, Risk Oversight and Director Independence			11
Director Compensation			18
Item 2. Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditor			21
Audit Committee Report			22
Executive Compensation			24
Compensation Discussion and Analysis			24
Compensation Policies and Practices as They Relate to Risk Management			39
Nominating and Executive Compensation Committee Report			39
Equity Compensation Plan Information			40
Summary Compensation Table			41
Grants of Plan-Based Awards			43
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End			44
Option Exercises and Stock Vested			47
Pension Benefits			48
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation			49
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control			52
Item 3. Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation			57
Item  4. Proposal to Amend and Restate the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to Provide for the Declassification of the Board of Directors			58
Stock Ownership Information			60
Additional Information			63
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions			63
Other Business			64
Delivery of Documents			64
Shareholder Proposals for 2018 Annual Meeting			65
Appendix A—Proposed Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation			A-1

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Energizer Holdings, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement    (i)

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(ii)    Energizer Holdings, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement

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Energizer Holdings, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement    (iii)

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PROXY STATEMENT—VOTING PROCEDURES

 

 

Energizer Holdings, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement    1

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PROXY STATEMENT—VOTING PROCEDURES

 

 

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PROXY STATEMENT—VOTING PROCEDURES

 

 

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ITEM 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Our Board of Directors currently consists of ten members and is divided into three classes, with each class consisting of three members other than the class up for re-election at the 2019 Annual Meeting, which has four members. The terms of service of the classes expire at successive annual meetings. Having reached the Board retirement age, John R. Roberts will not stand for re-election at the 2017 Annual Meeting.

Our Board has approved a proposal for shareholder approval at the 2017 Annual Meeting to amend and restate the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company in order to provide for the staged declassification of our Board of Directors. For more information regarding this proposal, see “Item 4. Proposal to Amend and Restate the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to Provide for the Declassification of the Board of Directors” below.

Two directors will be elected at the 2017 Annual Meeting to serve for a three-year term expiring at our Annual Meeting in 2020. The Board has nominated Cynthia J. Brinkley and John E. Klein for election as directors at this meeting. Each nominee is currently serving as a director and has consented to serve for the three-year term. Each nominee elected as a director will continue in office until his or her successor has been elected and qualified.

We do not know of any reason why any of the nominees for director named herein would be unable to serve; however, if any nominee is unable to serve as a director at the time of the Annual Meeting, your proxy may be voted for the election of another person the Board may nominate in his place, unless you indicate otherwise.

Vote Required.    The affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote is required for the election of each director.

 

 

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INFORMATION ABOUT NOMINEES AND OTHER DIRECTORS

Please review the following information about the nominees and other directors continuing in office. The ages shown are as of December 31, 2016.

 

		CYNTHIA J. BRINKLEY, Director since 2015, Age 57 (Standing for election at this meeting for a term expiring in 2020)   Ms. Brinkley is Executive Vice President, Global Corporate Development for Centene Corporation, a government services managed care company. Prior to joining Centene in 2014, Ms. Brinkley was Vice President of Global Human Resources for General Motors from 2011 to 2013. Prior to GM, she was Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Chief Diversity Officer for AT&T from 2008 to 2011. Ms. Brinkley worked for SBC Communications from 1986 to 2008, lastly as President of SBC / AT&T Missouri, when SBC Communications acquired AT&T.   Ms. Brinkley brings significant experience in communications and human resources as well as extensive experience as a senior executive at Fortune 10 and Fortune 200 companies to our Board of Directors and provides the Board with a unique perspective on high-profile issues facing our core businesses.
		JOHN E. KLEIN, Director since 2015, Age 71 (Standing for election at this meeting for a term expiring in 2020)   Mr. Klein served as President of Randolph College from 2007 to 2013. Previously, Mr. Klein served as Executive Vice Chancellor for Administration, Washington University in St. Louis from 2004 to 2007. From 1985 to 2003, Mr. Klein served as President and Chief Executive Officer, Bunge North America, Inc. Prior to his appointment as CEO, he served in various senior executive positions for Bunge North America, and earlier in his career, in a variety of positions internationally for Bunge, Ltd.   Mr. Klein earned a law degree and practiced law in New York City for several years before joining Bunge Ltd. He is also a Director of the American University in Paris and a former director of Embrex, Inc. and Edgewell Personal Care Company (Edgewell), our former parent company. He has also obtained significant administrative experience in the field of higher education. He brings the benefits of his diverse legal, international, operational and administrative background and experience to our Board.

 

Energizer Holdings, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement    5

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INFORMATION ABOUT NOMINEES AND OTHER DIRECTORS

 

		J. PATRICK MULCAHY, Director since 2015, Age 72 (Continuing in office—term expiring in 2019)   Mr. Mulcahy has served as Chairman of Energizer’s Board of Directors since July 2015 and served as Chairman of the Board of Edgewell, our former parent company, from 2007-2015. He served as Vice Chairman of the Board of our former parent company from January 2005 to January 2007, and prior to that time served as Chief Executive Officer of our former parent company from 2000 to 2005, and as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Eveready Battery Company, Inc. from 1987 until his retirement in 2005. He is a former director of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc., Solutia, Inc. and Hanesbrands Inc.   Mr. Mulcahy has over 40 years of experience in consumer products industries, including almost 20 years as chief executive of Energizer’s battery business. He is very knowledgeable about the dynamics of our business and the categories in which we compete. His experience with the complex financial and operational issues of consumer products businesses brings critical financial, operational and strategic expertise to our Board of Directors.
		ALAN R. HOSKINS, Director since 2015, Age 55 (Continuing in office—term expiring in 2019)   Mr. Hoskins has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Energizer Holdings, Inc. since July 2015. Prior to his current position, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer, Energizer Household Products of Edgewell, our former parent company, a position he held since April 2012. Mr. Hoskins held several leadership positions including Vice President, Asia-Pacific, Africa and Middle East from 2008 to 2011, Vice President, North America Household Products Division from 2005 to 2008, Vice President, Sales and Trade Marketing from 1999 to 2005, and Director, Brand Marketing from 1996 to 1999. He started his career at Union Carbide in 1983 following several years in the retailer, wholesaler and broker industry.   Mr. Hoskins is very knowledgeable about the dynamics of our business and the categories in which we compete. His experience with the complex financial and operational issues of consumer products businesses brings critical financial, operational and strategic expertise to our Board of Directors.

 

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INFORMATION ABOUT NOMINEES AND OTHER DIRECTORS

 

		KEVIN J. HUNT, Director since 2015, Age 65 (Continuing in office—term expiring in 2019)   Mr. Hunt served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc., a private-brand food and food service products company, from January 2012 to January 2013 upon its acquisition by ConAgra Foods, Inc. Mr. Hunt previously served as Co-Chief Executive Officer and President of Ralcorp Holdings from 2003 to 2011 and Corporate Vice President from 1995 to 2003. Prior to joining Ralcorp Holdings, he was Director of Strategic Planning for Ralston Purina and before that he was employed in various roles in international and domestic markets and general management by American Home Products Corporation. Mr. Hunt serves as a director of the Clearwater Paper Corporation. He also serves on the advisory Board of the Vi-Jon Company, owned by Berkshire Partners and served as a senior advisor to Treehouse Foods on the acquisition and integration of the ConAgra Private Brands business. He is a former director of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc.   As a former CEO and President of a NYSE-listed company, Mr. Hunt brings his considerable experience to our Board and the committees thereof on which he serves.
		PATRICK J. MOORE, Director since 2015, Age 62 (Continuing in office—term expiring in 2019)   Mr. Moore is President and Chief Executive Officer of PJM Advisors, LLC, a private equity investment and advisory firm. Prior to PJM, Mr. Moore served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation, a leader in integrated containerboard and corrugated package products and paper recycling, from 2002 to 2011 upon its acquisition by RockTenn Company. During his 24 year tenure at Smurfit, Mr. Moore also served as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President—Treasurer and General Manager of the Company’s Industrial Packaging division. Smurfit filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2009 and emerged in June 2010. Mr. Moore previously held positions in corporate lending, international banking and corporate administration at Continental Bank in Chicago. He serves on the North American Review Board of American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc. and on the Board of Archer Daniels Midland Company. He is a former director of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc., Exelis, Inc. and Rentech, Inc.   Mr. Moore’s experience and financial expertise contribute to the oversight of overall financial performance and reporting by our Board as well as operational and strategic oversight.

 

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INFORMATION ABOUT NOMINEES AND OTHER DIRECTORS

 

		BILL G. ARMSTRONG, Director since 2015, Age 68 (Continuing in office—term expiring in 2018)   Mr. Armstrong is a private equity investor and a former director of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc. and Edgewell, our former parent company.   From 2001 to 2004, Mr. Armstrong served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Cargill Animal Nutrition. Prior to his employment with Cargill, Mr. Armstrong served as Chief Operating Officer of Agribrands International, Inc., an international agricultural products business, and as Executive Vice President of Operations of the international agricultural products business of Ralston Purina Company. He also served as managing director of Ralston’s Philippine operations, and during his tenure there, was a director of the American Chamber of Commerce.   As a result of Mr. Armstrong’s international and operational background, as well as his extensive experience with corporate transactions, he provides a global perspective to the Board, which has become increasingly important as our international operations represent a significant portion of our annual sales.
		JAMES C. JOHNSON, Director since 2015, Age 64 (Continuing in office—term expiring in 2018)   Mr. Johnson served as General Counsel of Loop Capital Markets LLC, a financial services firm, from November 2010 until his retirement in January 2014. From 1998 to 2009, Mr. Johnson served in a number of positions at The Boeing Company, an aerospace and defense firm, including Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Assistant General Counsel from 2003 until 2007, and Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, Commercial Airplanes from 2007 to his retirement in March 2009. He is also a director of Ameren Corporation, Hanesbrands Inc. and Edgewell.   As a former General Counsel of a financial services firm and a former Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Assistant General Counsel of an aerospace and defense firm, Mr. Johnson provides our board with extensive executive management and leadership experience, as well as strong legal, compliance, risk management, corporate governance and compensation skills.

 

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INFORMATION ABOUT NOMINEES AND OTHER DIRECTORS

 

		W. PATRICK MCGINNIS, Director since 2015, Age 69 (Continuing in office—term expiring in 2018)   Mr. McGinnis is Chairman of Nestlé Purina PetCare Company. Mr. McGinnis served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, a pet foods company, from 2001 through January 1, 2015. From 1980 to 1999, he served in various roles of increasing responsibility at Ralston Purina Company, including President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. McGinnis serves on the Board of Caleres, Inc. and is a former director of Edgewell, our former parent company.   Mr. McGinnis has over forty years of experience in consumer products industries, including almost twenty years as chief executive of the Purina pet food business. As a result, he has expertise with respect to marketing and other commercial issues, competitive challenges, and long-term strategic planning, as well as valuable perspectives with respect to potential acquisitions of consumer products businesses that make him an invaluable member of our Board.
		JOHN R. ROBERTS, Director since 2015, Age 75 (Not standing for re-election—term expires as of the 2017 annual meeting)   Mr. Roberts served as Executive Director of Civic Progress St. Louis from 2001 to 2006 and served as a Managing Partner of Mid-South Region at Arthur Andersen LLP from 1993 to 1998. He serves as a Director of Centene Corporation. Mr. Roberts is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and formerly served on the Board of Regions Financial Corporation and Edgewell, our former parent company.   Mr. Roberts brought many years of experience as an audit partner at Arthur Andersen to our Board. His extensive knowledge of financial accounting, accounting principles, and financial reporting rules and regulations, and his experience in evaluating financial results and generally overseeing the financial reporting process of large public companies from an independent auditor’s perspective, provided invaluable expertise to our Board. His service as a board member and audit committee chair for other public companies reinforced the knowledge and insight that he provided to our Board.   Having reached the Board retirement age, Mr. Roberts will not stand for re-election at the 2017 Annual Meeting. The Company is grateful for his invaluable contributions and service during his tenure on our Board.

 

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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ENERGIZER’S CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

STANDING COMMITTEES AND MEETINGS

 

Board Member

Board

Audit

Nominating and Executive Compensation

Finance and Oversight

Bill G. Armstrong

ü

ü

ü

Cynthia J. Brinkley

ü

ü

Alan R. Hoskins

ü

ü

Kevin J. Hunt

ü

ü

ü

James C. Johnson

ü

ü*

John E. Klein

ü

ü

ü

W. Patrick McGinnis

ü

ü*

Patrick J. Moore

ü

ü

J. Patrick Mulcahy

ü*

ü

John R. Roberts

ü

ü*

Meetings held in fiscal year 2016

7

5

7

4

 

*	Chairperson

 

 

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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ENERGIZER’S CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

 

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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ENERGIZER’S CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

 

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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ENERGIZER’S CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

 

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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ENERGIZER’S CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

 

Risk Management

 

 

 

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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ENERGIZER’S CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

 

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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ENERGIZER’S CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

 

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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ENERGIZER’S CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

 

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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ENERGIZER’S CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

 

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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ENERGIZER’S CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

 

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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ENERGIZER’S CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE

 

Name (1)		Fees Earned or  Paid in Cash (1)				Stock Awards  (2)				Option Awards  (3)				Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation				Change in Pension  Value and Non- Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings				All Other Compensation  (4)(5)				Total
J.P. Mulcahy			$201,500				$110,034				$0				$0				$0				$0				$311,534
B.G. Armstrong			$103,000				$110,034				$0				$0				$0				$0				$213,034
C.J. Brinkley			$103,000				$110,034				$0				$0				$0				$0				$213,034
K.J. Hunt			$103,000				$110,034				$0				$0				$0				$0				$213,034
J.C. Johnson			$123,000				$110,034				$0				$0				$0				$0				$233,034
J.E. Klein			$101,500				$110,034				$0				$0				$0				$0				$211,534
W.P. McGinnis			$121,500				$110,034				$0				$0				$0				$0				$231,534
P.J. Moore			$101,500				$110,034				$0				$0				$0				$0				$211,534
J.R. Roberts			$121,500				$110,034				$0				$0				$0				$0				$231,534

 

 

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ITEM 2. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR

Our Audit Committee, in accordance with authority granted in its charter by the Board, appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) as independent auditor for the current fiscal year. PwC has served as our independent auditor since our Spin-Off from our former parent company, and served as our former parent company’s independent auditor for every fiscal year since 2000. PwC has begun certain work related to the 2017 audit as approved by the Audit Committee. Information on independent auditor fees for the last two fiscal years is set forth below. The Board and the Audit Committee believe that the retention of PwC to serve as independent auditor is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. In making this determination, the Board and the Audit Committee considered a number of factors, including:

 

•

Audit Committee members’ assessment of PwC’s performance;

 

•

Management’s assessment of PwC’s performance;

 

•

PwC’s independence and integrity;

 

•

PwC’s fees and the quality of services provided to the Company; and

 

•

PwC’s global capabilities and knowledge of our global operations.

A representative of PwC will be present at the 2017 Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement, if desired, as well as to respond to appropriate questions.

Although NYSE listing standards require that the Audit Committee be directly responsible for selecting and retaining the independent auditor, we are providing shareholders with the means to express their views on this issue. Although this vote will not be binding, in the event the shareholders fail to ratify the appointment of PwC, the Audit Committee will reconsider its appointment. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent auditing firm at any time during the year if the Audit Committee determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.

Vote Required. The affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote is required for ratification.

 

Fees Paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP(1)

(in thousands)

 

		FY 15				FY 16
Audit Fees		$	1,373			$	3,964
Audit-Related Fees			14				18
Tax Fees:
Tax Compliance/preparation			76				21
Other Tax Services			195				276
Total Tax Fees			271				297
All Other Fees			0				0
Total Fees		$	1,658			$	4,279

 

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(1)

For fiscal year 2015, the fees reflected above represent those fees paid by Energizer after the Spin-Off from our former parent company. The total fees for audit and audit related matters of Energizer were $3,540 for the total fiscal year 2015, inclusive of those fees paid by our former parent company prior to separation.

 

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors consists entirely of non-employee directors that are independent, as defined in Section 303A.02 of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual.

The Audit Committee is responsible for the duties set forth in its charter, but is not responsible for preparing the financial statements, implementing or assessing internal controls or auditing the financial statements. Management is responsible for the Company’s internal controls and the financial reporting process. The independent accountants are responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (the “PCAOB”) and issuing a report thereon. The Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes.

As part of its oversight of the Company’s financial statements, the Committee reviews and discusses with both management and the Company’s independent registered public accountants, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”), all annual and quarterly financial statements prior to their issuance. With respect to the Company’s audited financial statements for the Company’s fiscal year

 

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ended September 30, 2016, management of the Company has represented to the Committee that the financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Committee has reviewed and discussed those financial statements with management and PwC, including a discussion of critical accounting policies, the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles followed, the reasonableness of significant judgments reflected in such financial statements and clarity of disclosures in the financial statements. The Audit Committee has also discussed with PwC the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 16, as adopted by the PCAOB.

In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities for reviewing the services performed by Energizer’s independent registered public accountants, the Audit Committee retains sole authority to select, evaluate and replace the outside auditors, discusses with the independent registered public accountants the overall scope of the annual audit and the proposed audit fees, and annually evaluates the qualifications, performance and independence of the independent registered public accountants and its lead audit partner. Annually the Audit Committee oversees a process to assess the performance of the auditor and utilizes the results of that assessment when considering their reappointment. The Committee also annually discusses PwC’s internal quality review process and the PCAOB’s inspection report on PwC, as well as the results of any internal quality reviews or PCAOB inspections of key engagement team members. In accordance with SEC rules, lead audit partners are subject to rotation requirements to limit the number of consecutive years an individual partner may provide service to the Company. For lead and concurring partners, the maximum number of consecutive years of service is five years. The process for selection of the Company’s lead audit partner pursuant to this rotation policy involves a meeting between the Chair of the Audit Committee and the candidate for the role, as well as discussion by the full Committee and with management.    

The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures from PwC required by PCAOB Rule 3526 (Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence), as modified or supplemented, and has discussed the independence of PwC with members of that firm. In doing so, the Committee considered whether the non-audit services provided by PwC were compatible with its independence. In fiscal 2016, the Audit Committee met five times with the internal auditors and PwC, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examination, the evaluations of the Company’s internal controls and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting.

In addition, the Audit Committee reviewed key initiatives and programs aimed at maintaining the effectiveness of the Company’s internal and disclosure control structure. As part of this process, the Committee continued to monitor the scope and adequacy of the Company’s internal auditing program, reviewing internal audit department staffing levels and steps taken to maintain the effectiveness of internal procedures and controls.

Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Company’s Board of Directors that the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for that year and has selected PwC as the Company’s independent registered public accountants for fiscal year 2017, subject to shareholder ratification.

 

		John R. Roberts—Chairman				John E. Klein
		Bill G. Armstrong				Patrick J. Moore

No portion of this Audit Committee Report shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the Exchange Act, or through any general statement incorporating by reference in its entirety the Proxy Statement in which this report appears, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates this report or a portion of it by reference. In addition, this report shall not be deemed to be filed under either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following narratives and tables discuss the compensation paid in fiscal 2016 to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and our other three most highly compensated executive officers, whom we refer to collectively as our “named executive officers” or “NEOs”. Our named executive officers for fiscal 2016 were:

 

•

Alan R. Hoskins, Chief Executive Officer;

•

Brian K. Hamm, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;

•

Mark S. LaVigne, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer;

•

Gregory T. Kinder, Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer; and

•

Emily K. Boss, Vice President and General Counsel.

Our named executive officers were determined based on the compensation earned during the 2016 fiscal year, as shown in the 2016 “Summary Compensation Table” below.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Overview

Energizer Holdings, Inc. (“Energizer”), through its operating subsidiaries, is one of the world’s largest manufacturers, marketers and distributors of household batteries, specialty batteries and lighting products, and a leading designer and marketer of automotive fragrance and appearance products.

On July 1, 2015, Energizer completed the legal separation from our former parent company, Edgewell Personal Care Company (“Edgewell” or “former parent company”), via a tax free spin-off (the “Spin-Off”). Under the terms of the Spin-Off, Edgewell common shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 16, 2015, the record date for the distribution, received one share in Energizer for each share of Edgewell common stock they held. Edgewell completed the distribution of Energizer common stock to its shareholders on July 1, 2015, the distribution date.

Energizer now operates as an independent, publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol “ENR.”

In fiscal 2016, our Nominating and Executive Compensation Committee (the “NECC” or the “committee”) took into consideration the unique circumstances arising from the Company’s emergence as a stand-alone operating company in structuring appropriate compensation that would best balance the goals of incenting, retaining and attracting highly talented executives while maintaining a “pay for performance” culture.

Energizer is committed to building compensation programs that align our business strategy with our shareholders’ interests. Our compensation guiding principles are to structure executive compensation that is:

 

•

Simple;

•

Aligned; and

•

Balanced.

Our primary compensation strategy is “Pay for Performance,” which drives a culture of accountability and productivity. Underlying all of our decisions regarding compensation is our commitment to delivering consistent and sustainable operating results and earnings to our shareholders. We strongly

 

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believe that our performance-based compensation programs which incentivize the attainment of Energizer’s short- and long-term financial objectives are the most effective approach to delivering on that commitment.

 

This “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” explains and analyzes compensation awarded to or earned by our named executive officers during fiscal 2016. This “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” should be read in conjunction with the tabular disclosures below.

 

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Key Elements of Executive Compensation in Fiscal 2016

The elements of our executive compensation program in 2016 as well as the purpose of each item are shown in the following table:

Executive Compensation Elements

 

Compensation Element		Description		Reason
Base Salary		Annual fixed salaries, payable in cash to the executive officers as follows:   •Mr. Hoskins - $927,000   •Mr. Hamm - $540,750   •Mr. LaVigne - $540,750   •Mr. Kinder - $418,000   •Ms. Boss - $412,000		Helps attract and retain key individuals. Part of Energizer’s balanced approach to executive compensation.
Cash Bonus		Bonuses are payable in cash upon achievement of pre-determined company-wide metrics:   •adjusted free cash flow (25%)   •adjusted net sales (25%)   •adjusted SG&A % sales (25%)   •adjusted operating profit (25%)		Promotes achievement of company-wide performance goals. The targets were chosen based on Energizer’s business plan for fiscal 2016 and these metrics represent the critical drivers of our business.
Equity Awards		Restricted stock equivalent awards with a three-year vesting period awarded to each of the named executive officers.   •70% of the award is performance-based and vests based only upon achievement of pre-determined performance targets of two metrics:   ¡   cumulative adjusted earnings per share; and   ¡   cumulative free cash flow as a percentage of adjusted net sales.   •30% of the award vests on the third anniversary of the grant if the recipient remains employed with the Company.		Awards create a strong alignment with shareholder interests and reward long-term value creation.

 

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Compensation Element		Description		Reason
Supplemental Retirement Plans		Executives participate in the qualified defined contribution retirement plans available for all employees, as well as non-qualified supplemental defined contribution retirement plans that extend similar participation in retirement benefits otherwise limited by federal statute.		Ensures that the executives receive the same relative value compared to other employees who are not subject to these limits.
Executive Severance Plan and Change of Control Agreements		Executive Severance Plan and Change of Control Agreements provide certain benefits upon the termination of employment.		Standardizes the executive severance process and retains key executives. Allows executives to make decisions focusing on the interests of shareholders while using a “double trigger” (a change of control plus termination) to avoid a windfall.
Perquisites		A limited number of perquisites are available for our executive officers. The primary perquisite consists of the financial planning program, which provides reimbursement for a percentage of the costs of qualifying financial planning, legal, and tax preparation services.		Provide other benefits competitive with the compensation peer group and encourage executives to proactively manage their financial wellness.

Key Changes to Executive Compensation

In fiscal 2016, the NECC took several important actions regarding executive compensation, described below.

Adoption of annual bonus program and long-term equity incentive award metrics

The annual bonus program adopted by the NECC for fiscal 2016 included four performance metrics:

 

•

Adjusted Free Cash Flow (25%). Free Cash Flow measures the cash generated by our business. We believe that our investors highly value our ability to generate free cash flow. As a result, maximizing free cash flow is our top financial objective and this metric encourages delivery on sales goals and cost targets as well as prudent management of capital expenditures and working capital.

 

•

Adjusted Net Sales (25%). Net Sales measures revenue and encourages development of consumer-relevant innovations and in-store execution to drive product sales.

 

•

Adjusted Selling, General & Administrative Expense as a percentage of Net Sales (SG&A % Sales) (25%). The SG&A % Sales metric measures the overhead costs that we incur as a percentage of sales and encourages tight cost controls, both through our zero-based budgeting efforts and a variable cost structure.

 

•

Adjusted Operating Profit (25%). Operating profit measures underlying business profit and encourages selling products, generating strong gross margins and maintaining tight cost controls.

 

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The long-term equity incentive awards granted in November 2015 by the NECC included two performance metrics:

 

•

Cumulative Adjusted Earnings per Share (50%). Adjusted Earnings per Share measures our adjusted earnings divided by the number of diluted shares outstanding. This metric aligns management with shareholders through a shared focus on the earnings that accrue to an investor in our common stock.

 

•

Cumulative Free Cash Flow as a percentage of Adjusted Net Sales (FCF % Sales) (50%). The FCF % Sales metric measures the cash we generate as a percentage of adjusted sales. Given the importance that our investors place on free cash flow generation, we included a Free Cash Flow metric in both our annual bonus program and long-term incentive plan. The Free Cash Flow metric in the annual bonus program measures absolute free cash flow delivered by our business, and FCF % Sales in our long-term equity incentive program measures free cash flow relative to net sales and encourages a sustained focus on maximizing cash flow over the long term.

The NECC develops targets for the annual bonus program and the long-term equity incentive awards to align executive compensation with the achievement of Energizer’s strategic goals as well as the short- and long-term financial objectives that we have communicated to our shareholders.

 

Changes to executive benefits and corporate policies in fiscal 2016

 

•

Effective September 2016, consistent with our principle of “aligned,” the NECC adopted an amendment to our Insider Trading Policy to prohibit purchasing Energizer securities on margin, holding Energizer securities in a margin account or pledging Energizer securities as collateral.

Objectives of Energizer’s Compensation Philosophy

The key objective of our compensation philosophy is to reward management based on their success in increasing our shareholder value. With a focus on achieving this overarching goal, our overall executive compensation program is designed to provide a compensation package that enables us to attract and retain highly talented executives and maintain a performance-oriented culture.

 

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Pay for Performance

Our goal is to instill a “pay for performance” culture throughout our operations, with total compensation opportunities targeted near the 50th percentile of our peer group. However, because a majority of our compensation is performance-based, actual cash compensation paid to our named executive officers could vary from that paid to executive officers in our peer group, based on achievement of performance targets.

In fiscal 2016, a significant portion of targeted compensation for our named executive officers was variable—not fixed—compensation, rewarding the named executive officers for the achievement of outstanding and sustained performance, which builds shareholder value. Target compensation consisted of the annual cash bonus and equity awards granted by the NECC. We believe this compensation structure offers high potential rewards for superior performance, and significantly lower compensation for results below target.

In November 2015, our NECC approved the mix of total fiscal year 2016 target compensation (comprised of base salary, annual cash bonus and equity-based incentive compensation) for our NEOs as shown below:

 

 

Competitive Total Compensation Package

Our executive officers are highly experienced, with average industry experience of over 20 years. Because of management’s level of experience and successful track record, as well as the value of maintaining continuity in senior executive positions, we view retention of key executives as important to the ongoing success of our operations. Consequently, we:

 

•

target total compensation packages near the 50th percentile of our peer group of companies to help retain key executives and remain competitive in attracting new employees; and

 

•

establish long-term vesting periods for time-based equity-based awards, to provide additional retention incentives.

Alignment with Shareholder Interests

In order to align the interests of our executive officers with those of our shareholders, we use a combination of equity-based incentives, stock ownership guidelines, and “pay for performance” compensation models. A significant portion of our executive officers’ compensation package consists of equity grants. By tying a significant portion of the officers’ personal wealth to the performance of our common stock, it aligns our officers’ interests with those of our shareholders. In addition, our compensation programs use short- and long-term performance metrics that incentivize the

 

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achievement of critical operational, financial and strategic goals for the Company. We strongly believe that such performance-based compensation drives the attainment of our corporate financial goals and aligns our executive officer compensation with the interests of our shareholders.

Compensation Benchmarking

At the Spin-Off on July 1, 2015, Mercer, the compensation consultant for the NECC, with input from the committee, developed a customized peer group of 16 companies based on a variety of criteria, including consumer products businesses, businesses with a strong brand focus, competitors for executive talent, and similarly-sized businesses in terms of revenues, employees, geographic scale and breadth of distribution channels.

Mercer used that peer group data to provide a market comparison for our executive compensation program as an input to the determination of compensation of our named executive officers for fiscal 2016. Total compensation opportunities were targeted at the 50th percentile of our peer group for comparable positions. The market comparison was made for each key component of compensation, including base pay, target annual bonus, target total cash compensation and grant-date value of long-term incentives. Mercer also analyzed the aggregate equity utilization as compared to the peer group. In addition, Mercer reviewed the terms of our change-in-control program for our executives for consistency with market practices.

The peer group used by Mercer, and approved by the NECC, for its review of fiscal 2016 compensation consisted of the following companies. The industries in which the companies are engaged are noted: (1) household products; (2) personal care; (3) food and beverage; and (4) apparel.

 

Jarden Corporation (1)		Church & Dwight Inc. (1)(2)		Snyders-Lance Inc. (3)
Newell Rubbermaid (1)		The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (1)		Central Garden & Pet Co. (1)
The Clorox Company (1)		Tupperware Brands Corporation (1)		Revlon Inc. (2)
Hanesbrands Inc. (4)		Monster Beverage Corporation (3)		Helen Of Troy Ltd (2)
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (1)		Post Holdings, Inc. (3)
Hasbro Inc. (1)		Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (3)

The following table provides an overview of how we compared to our peer group companies based on revenue for the most recent reported fiscal year and number of employees as of September 2016.

 

(dollars in millions)		Revenue				Employees
75th Percentile		$	4,951				13,625
50th Percentile		$	3,210				7,104
25th Percentile		$	2,191				4,850
Energizer		$	1,634				4,800

Elements of Compensation

Base Pay

In November 2015, we benchmarked our executives’ base pay against our peer group. We benchmark salaries, as well as other components of our executive compensation, annually as a guide to setting compensation for key positions, including the named executive officers, in the context of prevailing market practices. Our management and the NECC believe that an important benchmark for base salaries is the 50th percentile for the peer group, but also that it is important to consider the interplay of all of the benchmarked components of total compensation as well as the individual’s performance.

 

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At the beginning of each fiscal year, the NECC establishes the salaries of the executive officers (other than the chief executive officer) with recommendations from the chief executive officer. These recommendations are based on an assessment of the individual’s responsibilities, experience and individual performance. The salary of the chief executive officer is set by the NECC, with input with respect to prevailing market practices from the committee’s compensation consultant. The NECC uses this information, along with its analysis of the performance and contributions of the chief executive officer against performance goals, to determine an appropriate salary.

In November 2015, as part of its annual review, the NECC evaluated the base salaries of the named executive officers and set the base salaries of the named executive officers for fiscal 2016 as follows: Mr. Hoskins—$927,000; Mr. LaVigne—$540,750; Mr. Hamm—$540,750; Mr. Kinder—$418,000 and Ms. Boss—$412,000.

Incentive Programs

In November 2015, the NECC approved an incentive compensation structure for our key executives, consisting of an annual performance program, paid in cash, and a three-year performance program, through the grant of restricted stock equivalents. Consistent with the requirements for performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, awards to officers under our annual performance program are made under the terms of our shareholder-approved executive officer bonus plan, and the three-year performance awards are granted under the terms of our shareholder-approved 2015 Equity Incentive Plan.

Cash Bonus Program

The cash bonuses to Energizer’s key executives, including our named executive officers, were based on a percentage of the executive’s annual salary, and adjusted based on performance against certain metrics determined by the NECC. Our 2016 annual bonus program was designed to measure performance against four metrics:

 

•

Adjusted Net Sales (25% of the named executive officer’s bonus target);

 

•

Adjusted SG&A as a Percentage of Net Sales (25% of the named executive officer’s bonus target);

 

•

Adjusted Operating Profit (25% of the named executive officer’s bonus target); and

 

•

Adjusted Free Cash Flow (25% of the named executive officer’s bonus target).

The performance goals for each metric were set at the beginning of the fiscal year. Each officer was assigned individual bonus targets based upon individual performance and prevailing market practice information provided by the compensation consultant to the NECC. For fiscal 2016, the following bonus targets, defined as a percentage of the individual’s base pay, were assigned to our named executive officers:

 

•

Mr. Hoskins - 100%

 

•

Mr. LaVigne - 80%

 

•

Mr. Hamm - 80%

 

•

Mr. Kinder - 60%

 

•

Ms. Boss - 60%

The named executive officers received overall bonus payouts based 100% on the company performance metrics described below, and there was no individual performance component or non-performance-based component of the payout.

 

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The payouts under the Cash Bonus Program were made by us in November 2016 following certification of the results by the NECC.

These payouts were based on outcomes under the following performance metrics:

Adjusted Net Sales

Adjusted Net Sales means net sales as reported by Energizer, subject to adjustment for certain limited matters, including the effects of acquisitions, divestitures, extraordinary transactions such as mergers or spin-offs, and variations in the exchange rate between foreign currencies and budget exchange rate.

The threshold, target and stretch achievement levels, and the percent payout at each level, were as follows:

 

FY16 Cash Bonus Plan Metrics   (25% of Bonus Target)		Threshold   50% Payout		Target   100% Payout		Stretch   200% Payout
Adjusted Net Sales		$1,479.70 million		$1,557.60 million		$1,596.50 million

Bonuses indicated increase proportionately in 1/10th of 1% increments for final results between the goals indicated with maximum bonus at stretch. No bonuses tied to performance are paid for results below the Threshold goal.

The NECC considered whether to exercise negative discretion when determining the achievement of targets, and determined that no negative discretion should be exercised. The Adjusted Net Sales of the Company in fiscal 2016 were $1,610.4 million which made the amount of the awards payable under the annual bonus plan 200% of target.

Adjusted SG&A as a Percentage of Net Sales

Adjusted SG&A as a Percentage of Net Sales (SG&A % Sales) means selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales, subject to adjustment for certain limited matters, including the effects of acquisitions, divestitures, extraordinary transactions such as mergers or spin-offs, and variations in the exchange rate between foreign currencies and budget exchange rate.

The threshold, target and stretch achievement levels, and the percent payout at each level, were as follows:

 

FY16 Cash Bonus Plan Metrics   (25% of Bonus Target)		Threshold   50% Payout		Target   100% Payout		Stretch   200% Payout
Adjusted SG&A % Sales		21.30%		20.30%		19.80%

Bonuses indicated increase proportionately in 1/10th of 1% increments for final results between the goals indicated with maximum bonus at stretch. No bonuses tied to performance are paid for results below the Threshold goal.

The NECC considered whether to exercise negative discretion when determining the achievement of targets, and determined that no negative discretion should be exercised. The Adjusted SG&A % Sales of the Company in fiscal 2016 were 20.6% which made the amount of the awards payable under the annual bonus plan 84.6% of target.

Adjusted Operating Profit

Adjusted Operating Profit means gross profit less spend associated with A&P, R&D, SG&A, and amortization expense, subject to adjustment for certain limited matters, including the effects of

 

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acquisitions, divestitures, extraordinary dividends, stock splits or stock dividends, recapitalizations, extraordinary transactions such as mergers or spin-offs, reorganizations, unusual or non-recurring non-cash accounting impacts, costs associated with restructurings, and variations in the exchange rate between foreign currencies and budget exchange rate.

The threshold, target and stretch achievement levels, and the percent payout at each level, were as follows:

 

FY16 Cash Bonus Plan Metrics   (25% of bonus target)		Threshold   50% Payout		Target   100% Payout		Stretch   200% Payout
Adjusted Operating Profit		$206.70 million		$229.70 million		$241.20 million

Bonuses indicated increase proportionately in 1/10th of 1% increments for final results between the goals indicated with maximum bonus at stretch. No bonuses tied to performance are paid for results below the Threshold goal.

The NECC considered whether to exercise negative discretion when determining the achievement of targets, and determined that no negative discretion should be exercised. The Adjusted Operating Profit of the Company in fiscal 2016 was $256.3 million which made the amount of the awards payable under the annual bonus plan 200% of target.

Adjusted Free Cash Flow

Adjusted Free Cash Flow means net earnings plus depreciation and amortization plus share based payments plus changes in working capital plus changes in other assets and liabilities minus capital expenditures, subject to adjustment for certain limited matters, including the effects of acquisitions, divestitures, or recapitalizations, extraordinary transactions such as mergers or spin-offs, reorganizations, unusual or non-recurring non-cash accounting impacts, and costs associated with events such as plant closings, sales of facilities or operations, and business restructurings.

Working capital is measured at the beginning and the end of the relevant performance period, and consists of (i) accounts receivables less the portion of accrued liabilities representing trade allowance, (ii) inventories, and (iii) accounts payable.

The threshold, target and stretch achievement levels, and the percent payout at each level, were as follows:

 

FY16 Cash Bonus Plan Metrics   (25% of bonus target)		Threshold   50% Payout		Target   100% Payout		Stretch   200% Payout
Adjusted Free Cash Flow		$130.80 million		$145.30 million		$159.80 million

Bonuses indicated increase proportionately in 1/10th of 1% increments for final results between the goals indicated with maximum bonus at stretch. No bonuses tied to performance are paid for results below the Threshold goal.

The NECC considered whether to exercise negative discretion when determining the achievement of targets, and determined that no negative discretion should be exercised. The Adjusted Free Cash Flow of the Company in fiscal 2016 was $184.7 million which made the amount of the awards payable under the annual bonus plan 200% of target.

 

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Equity Awards

Our 2015 Equity Incentive Plan authorizes the NECC to grant various types of equity awards. The NECC grants to key executives primarily restricted stock equivalent awards, with achievement of Company performance targets over three years as a condition to vesting of the majority of the award, and continued employment with the Company over the same period as a condition to vesting of the remainder of the award. See “Executive Compensation—Potential Payments Upon Termination of Change in Control.” In November 2015, the NECC awarded three-year incentive awards with a performance-based component constituting approximately 70% of the restricted stock equivalents vesting at target achievement and a time-vesting component constituting approximately 30% of the award value at target of the award.

Timing and Procedures for Grants in Fiscal 2016

Other than in exceptional cases, such as promotions or new hires, long-term incentive awards are granted in the first quarter of the fiscal year (October through December), at the time when salary levels and bonus programs for the new fiscal year are also determined.

The size of equity awards for our named executive officers granted in November 2015 was based in part upon benchmarked data from our peer group provided by Mercer, as compensation consultant to the NECC, valued on the date of grant. The size of awards also reflected other factors, such as officers’ individual performance, current dilution rates, and the market run-rate for equity grants among our peer group. The number of restricted stock equivalents awarded in November 2015 was based on the corresponding grant date value of the restricted stock equivalents. The restricted stock equivalent awards are stock-settled at the end of the three-year period, when they convert into unrestricted shares of our common stock if and to the extent that the vesting requirements are met. The number of restricted stock equivalents granted to each named executive officer is shown in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table.”

Our chief executive officer makes a recommendation to the NECC for the number of restricted stock equivalents to be granted to each named executive officer (other than the chief executive officer), based on market data as well as the roles, responsibilities and individual performance of each officer. With respect to awards to the chief executive officer, Mercer provides a range of potential awards to the NECC based on market comparisons. However, the NECC considers alternatives and determines the award considering the competitive posture, our company’s performance, returns to shareholders and experience and effectiveness of the chief executive officer’s leadership, as well as the input from Mercer.

Performance Awards

In November 2015, the NECC granted long-term equity incentive awards to our executive officers. These awards potentially vest in November 2018 based on the achievement of two performance metrics:

 

•

Cumulative Adjusted Earnings per Share (50%)

 

•

Cumulative Free Cash Flow as a percentage of Adjusted Net Sales (50%)

The number of units granted to each named executive officer is shown in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table.” No vesting of performance based long-term incentive awards occurs for results below the Threshold goal.

 

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Cumulative Adjusted Earnings per Share

Adjusted Cumulative Earnings per Share means the cumulative “Diluted earnings per share” (determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) as publicly reported by Energizer over the three year performance period, subject to adjustment for certain limited matters, including the effects of acquisitions, divestitures, extraordinary dividends, stock splits or stock dividends, recapitalizations, extraordinary transactions such as mergers or spin-offs, reorganizations, unusual or non-recurring non-cash accounting impacts, and costs associated with events such as plant closings, sales of facilities or operations, and business restructurings.

Cumulative Free Cash Flow as a Percentage of Adjusted Net Sales

Cumulative Free Cash Flow as a Percentage of Adjusted Net Sales (FCF % Sales) means free cash flow, defined as net earnings plus depreciation and amortization plus share based payments plus changes in working capital plus changes in other assets and liabilities minus capital expenditures, as a percentage of net sales, subject to adjustment for certain limited matters, including the effects of acquisitions, divestitures, or recapitalizations, extraordinary transactions such as mergers or spin-offs, reorganizations, unusual or non-recurring non-cash accounting impacts, and costs associated with events such as plant closings, sales of facilities or operations, and business restructurings.

Working capital is measured at the beginning and the end of the relevant performance period, and consists of (i) accounts receivables less the portion of accrued liabilities representing trade allowance, (ii) inventories, and (iii) accounts payable.

Executive Savings Investment Plan

On July 1, 2015, we adopted an executive savings investment plan, our excess 401(k) plan, in which certain executive officers, including our named executive officers, participate. Under the plan, amounts that would be contributed, either by an executive or by the Company on the executive’s behalf, to the Company’s qualified defined contribution plan (the “401(k) plan”) but for limitations imposed by the IRS, will be credited to the non-qualified defined contribution executive savings investment plan. Details of the executive savings investment plan, including the contributions, earnings, and year-end balances, are set forth in the “Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Table.”

According to market data provided by Mercer, these types of benefits are generally offered by our peer group described above, often with enhanced benefit formulas which we do not provide.

Deferred Compensation Plan

Our employees do not have the opportunity to defer portions of their salary and bonus compensation under the terms of our deferred compensation plan that provides certain benefits to our directors, or to invest in the Energizer common stock unit fund within the deferred compensation plan. However, certain executives who were employed at our former parent company prior to the Spin-Off had their account balances under our former parent company’s deferred compensation plan transferred to our deferred compensation plan. Details of the deferred compensation program, including the contributions, earnings, and year-end balances, are set forth in the “Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Table.”

Severance and Other Benefits Following a Change of Control

We have not entered into employment agreements with our executives. However, our NECC approved an executive severance plan and change of control agreements with each of our executive officers, as discussed under “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control” to align with the market practice of utilizing pre-defined termination programs for NEOs.

 

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The change of control agreements are designed to provide executives with increased security in the event of a change of control. The NECC annually reviews the cost and the terms of the agreements with input provided by Mercer. We believe that the retention value provided by the agreements, and the benefit to us when the executive is provided the opportunity to focus on the interests of shareholders and not the executive’s own personal financial interests, outweighs the potential cost, given that:

 

•

such protections are common among companies of our size, and allow us to offer a competitive compensation package;

 

•

Mercer has advised that the aggregate projected cost of the agreements is at the lower end of prevailing practice;

 

•

such costs will only be triggered if the new controlling entity involuntarily terminates the impacted executives, or the executives resign for good reason, during the protected period;

 

•

the agreements include non-compete and non-solicitation covenants binding on the executives, which can provide significant benefit to the new controlling entity; and

 

•

the individuals with the agreements are carefully selected by the Board of Directors, and we believe they are critical to the process of evaluating or negotiating a potential change of control transaction or in the operation of our business during the negotiations or integration process, so that their retention would be critical to the success of any such transaction.

We do not permit tax gross-up payments relating to severance payments for change of control employment agreements entered into with our executive officers.

A description of the projected cost, if a change of control were to have occurred on the last day of fiscal 2016 and all of the named executive officers were terminated on that date, is provided under “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control.”

Perquisites

We offer a limited number of perquisites for our executive officers. The primary perquisite or executive benefit consists of the executive financial planning program, which provides reimbursement for 80% of the costs incurred for qualifying financial planning, legal, and tax preparation services up to a maximum of $8,000 in the first calendar year and $6,000 in subsequent calendar years. This benefit partially offsets costs incurred by our executive officers in connection with their regulatory compliance obligations as public company executives. We regularly review the benefits provided to our executives and make appropriate modifications based on peer group analysis and the committee’s evaluation of the retentive value of these benefits.

Stock Ownership Requirements

Our stock ownership guidelines provide that the chief executive officer must maintain ownership of our common stock with a value of at least five times his base salary, and other executive officers must maintain common stock ownership with a value of at least three times their base salaries. Newly appointed executive officers are required to retain at least fifty percent (50%) of vesting restricted stock until they become compliant and are given a period of five years to attain full compliance with the guidelines.

For purposes of this determination, stock ownership includes shares of our common stock which are owned directly or by family members residing with the executive or by family trusts, as well as vested options, vested and deferred restricted stock equivalents and unvested restricted stock equivalents (other than stock equivalents subject to achievement of performance targets). As of September 30, 2016, each of our named executive officers was in compliance with the guidelines.

 

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Trading in Energizer Stock

Under our insider trading policy, directors, officers and employees or their designees are prohibited from engaging in speculative trading, hedging or pledging transactions in Energizer securities, including prohibitions on:

 

•

investing or trading in market-traded options on Energizer securities—i.e., puts and calls; or

 

•

purchasing financial instruments (including prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, and exchange funds) that are designed to profit from, hedge or offset any change in the market value of equity securities (1) granted to the director, officer or employee by Energizer as part of the compensation of the employee or member of the Board of Directors; or (2) held, directly or indirectly, by the director, officer or employee; or

 

•

purchasing Energizer securities on margin, pledging Energizer securities, or holding Energizer securities in margin accounts; or

 

•

engaging in “short-sales” of Energizer securities—i.e., selling Energizer stock not owned at the time of the sale; or

 

•

speculating on relatively short-term price movements of Energizer securities—i.e., engage in a purchase and sale of Energizer stock within a short period of time.

The policy prohibits the transfer of funds into or out of Energizer stock equivalent funds in Energizer’s benefit plans while in possession or aware of material non-public information, or engaging in any other transaction involving Energizer securities, including pledging, that suggests the misuse of information that is unavailable to the general public.

Tax Deductibility Limits on Executive Compensation

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations adopted thereunder limit the deductibility of non-qualifying compensation in excess of $1,000,000 paid to covered employees. However, these regulations exempt qualifying performance-based compensation from the deduction limit if certain requirements are met. The NECC’s policy is to maximize the tax deductibility of executive compensation without compromising the essential framework of the existing total compensation program. The NECC may elect to forgo deductibility for federal income tax purposes if such action is, in the opinion of the NECC, necessary or appropriate to further the goals of the Company’s executive compensation program, or otherwise is in the Company’s best interests.

Results of 2016 Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation

At our 2016 Annual Meeting of shareholders, we asked our shareholders to vote to approve, on an advisory basis, our fiscal year 2015 compensation paid to our named executive officers, commonly referred to as a “say-on-pay” vote. Our shareholders overwhelmingly approved compensation to our named executive officers, with over 96% of votes cast in favor of our say-on-pay resolution. We value this positive endorsement by our shareholders of our executive compensation policies and believe that the outcome signals our shareholders’ support of our compensation program. As a result, we continued our overall approach to compensation for fiscal 2016 by aligning pay with achievement of short- and long-term financial and strategic objectives, while providing a competitive level of compensation which is needed to recruit, retain and motivate talented executives. We value the opinions of our shareholders and will continue to consider the results from this year’s and future advisory votes on executive compensation, as well as feedback received throughout the year, when making compensation decisions for our named executive officers.

 

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Implementation of the Compensation Program

Our Board of Directors has delegated authority to the NECC to approve all compensation and benefits for our executive officers. The NECC sets executive salaries and bonuses, reviews executive benefit programs, including change of control severance agreements, and grants cash bonus awards to our executive officers under our cash bonus program, as well as equity awards to executives under our 2015 Equity Incentive Plan.

To assist the NECC in evaluating our executive and director compensation programs on a competitive market basis, the committee has directly retained an outside consultant, Mercer, which is asked to:

 

•

provide comparative market data for our peer group (and other companies, as needed) with respect to the compensation of the named executive officers and the directors;

 

•

analyze our compensation and benefit programs relative to our peer group; and

 

•

advise the committee on trends in compensation and governance practices and on management proposals with respect to executive compensation.

The NECC has reviewed the independence of Mercer and has determined that Mercer has no conflicts of interest. In particular:

 

•

services provided to the Company by Mercer do not constitute a meaningful percentage of Mercer’s total revenues;

 

•

the committee has sole authority to retain or replace Mercer in its role as its consultant; and

 

•

the committee regularly reviews the performance and independence of Mercer.

During fiscal 2016, the aggregate fees paid to Mercer for services related to executive compensation were approximately $161,842. In fiscal 2016, Mercer and its Marsh & McLennan affiliates were also retained by our management to provide services unrelated to executive compensation, including providing advice regarding our global pension programs in the areas of compliance, administration and funding and global compensation consulting and benchmarking below the Executive Officer level. The aggregate fees paid for those other services in fiscal 2016 were approximately $1,761,258. The NECC and the board did not review or approve the other services provided to management by Mercer and its Marsh & McLennan affiliates, as those services were approved by our management in the normal course of business.

We have been advised by Mercer that the reporting relationship and compensation of the Mercer consultants who perform executive compensation consulting services for the NECC is separate from, and is not determined by reference to, Mercer’s or Marsh & McLennan’s other lines of business or their other work for us.

A representative of Mercer attends committee meetings and serves as a resource to the NECC on executive and director compensation matters. Additionally, to encourage independent review and discussion of executive compensation matters, the committee meets with Mercer in executive session.

 

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COMPENSATION POLICIES AND PRACTICES AS THEY RELATE TO RISK MANAGEMENT

As stated above under “Corporate Governance, Risk Oversight and Director Independence—Determining Executive Compensation” as part of its responsibilities, the Nominating and Executive Compensation Committee annually reviews the Company’s compensation policies and practices for all employees, including executive officers, to determine whether, in its judgment, our compensation programs encourage risk-taking likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. In particular, there are several design features of those programs that the committee believes reduces the likelihood of excessive risk-taking:

 

•

the executive compensation program design provides a balanced mix of cash and equity, annual and longer-term incentives;

 

•

for the executive compensation program, maximum payout levels for bonuses and performance awards are capped;

 

•

multiple performance metrics are utilized to determine payouts under short-term and long-term incentive programs;

 

•

the Company does not grant stock options on a regular basis;

 

•

executive officers are subject to share ownership and retention guidelines;

 

•

the company has adopted anti-hedging and anti-pledging policies; and

 

•

the company has adopted a clawback policy related to incentive compensation earned by our named executive officers.

The committee determined that, for all employees, the Company’s compensation programs do not encourage excessive risk and instead encourage behavior that supports sustainable value creation.

NOMINATING AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The Nominating and Executive Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors consists entirely of non-employee directors that are independent under the NYSE listing standards. The Committee has reviewed and discussed the Company’s Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management. Based on these reviews and discussions, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.

 

James C. Johnson—Chairman Cynthia J. Brinkley		Bill G. Armstrong Kevin J. Hunt

No portion of this Nominating and Executive Compensation Committee Report shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or through any general statement incorporating by reference in its entirety the Proxy Statement in which this report appears, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates this report or a portion of it by reference. In addition, this report shall not be deemed to be filed under either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

 

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EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table gives information about the Company’s common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under all of the Company’s existing compensation plans as of September 30, 2016:

 

Plan Category		(1) Number of Securities to be Issued upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights				(2) Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights		(3) Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (1), and as Noted Below)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders			1,666,966			N/A			5,749,928
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders			None			N/A			None
Total			1,666,966			N/A			5,749,928

 

 

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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

Name and Principal Position		Year				Salary				Bonus (1)				Stock Awards (2)				Option Awards				Non-Equity Incentive Plan Comp. (1)(3)				Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Comp.  Earnings (4)				All Other Compensation (5)				Total
Alan R. Hoskins			2016			$	923,625				$0			$	3,600,024				$0			$	1,586,561			$	68,875			$	125,028			$	6,304,113
President & Chief			2015			$	650,007				$0			$	7,825,107				$0			$	789,660			$	68,371			$	67,616			$	9,400,761
Executive Officer			2014			$	458,350				$0			$	830,001				$0			$	613,425			$	155,681			$	65,710			$	2,123,167
Brian K. Hamm			2016			$	539,438				$0			$	1,312,501				$0			$	740,395				5,248			$	59,466			$	2,657,048
Executive Vice President &			2015			$	367,503				$0			$	2,911,288				$0			$	611,647			$	5,836			$	46,869			$	3,943,143
Chief Financial Officer			2014			$	300,633				$0			$	363,209				$0			$	299,650			$	26,724			$	39,930			$	1,030,146
Mark S. LaVigne			2016			$	539,438				$0			$	1,312,501				$0			$	740,395				4,327			$	67,802			$	2,664,463
Executive Vice President			2015			$	461,246				$0			$	3,633,178				$0			$	1,070,905			$	4,811			$	63,037			$	5,233,177
& Chief Operating Officer			2014			$	436,665				$0			$	778,159				$0			$	446,858			$	32,540			$	56,881			$	1,751,103
Gregory T. Kinder			2016			$	416,250				$0			$	900,006				$0			$	429,244				882			$	41,656			$	1,788,038
Executive Vice President &			2015			$	375,182				$0			$	1,325,781				$0			$	614,538			$	980			$	20,569			$	2,337,050
Chief Supply Chain Officer
Emily K. Boss			2016			$	411,000				$0			$	500,057				$0			$	423,083			$	149			$	37,502			$	1,371,791
Vice President & General Counsel			2015			$	295,000				$0			$	1,275,806				$0			$	578,918			$	166			$	32,052			$	2,181,942

 

 

 

 

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GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

Awards to the named executive officers, and to other key executives, were made in fiscal 2016 under two separate plans or programs:

 

•

potential cash awards under our annual cash bonus program, dependent upon achievement of performance measures established at the beginning of the fiscal year, as described in more detail in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Incentive Programs—Fiscal 2016 Bonus Program”; and

 

•

three-year restricted stock equivalent awards under the terms of our equity incentive plan, which include a performance component and a time-vesting component, as described in more detail in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Incentive Programs—Equity Awards.”

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS TABLE

 

												Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards ($)												Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards (#)
Name		Type of Award		Grant Date				Committee Action Date				Threshold				Target				Maximum				Threshold				Target				Maximum				All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock(#)				All Other Option Awards: Number of Shares Underlying Options (#)				Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($/Sh)				Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards(4)
A.R. Hoskins		Bonus: Annl.Perf.(1)			11/16/15				11/16/15				$463,500				$ 927,000				$ 1,854,000				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
		Perf. Award(2)			11/16/15				11/16/15				—				—				—				33,744				67,488				134,976								—				—				$2,520,002
		Perf. Awd.: Time Based(3)			11/16/15				11/16/15				—				—				—				—				—				—				28,924				—				—				$1,080,022
B.K. Hamm		Bonus: Annl.Perf.(1)			11/16/15				11/16/15				$216,300				$432,600				$865,200				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
		Perf. Award(2)			11/16/15				11/16/15				—				—				—				12,303				24,605				49,210				—				—				—				$918,751
		Perf. Awd.: Time Based(3)			11/16/15				11/16/15				—				—				—				—				—				—				10,545				—				—				$393,750
M.S. LaVigne		Bonus: Annl.Perf.(1)			11/16/15				11/16/15				$216,300				$432,600				$865,200				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
		Perf. Award(2)			11/16/15				11/16/15				—				—				—				12,303				24,605				49,210				—				—				—				$918,751
		Perf. Awd: Time Based(3)			11/16/15				11/16/15				—				—				—				—				—				—				10,545				—				—				$393,750
G.T. Kinder		Bonus: Annl.Perf.(1)			11/16/15				11/16/15				$125,400				$250,800				$501,600				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
		Perf. Award(2)			11/16/15				11/16/15				—				—				—				8,436				16,872				33,744				—				—				—				$630,000
		Perf. Awd. Time Based(3)			11/16/15				11/16/15				—				—				—				—				—				—				7,231				—				—				$270,006
E.K. Boss		Bonus: Annl.Perf.(1)			11/16/15				11/16/15				$123,600				$247,200				$494,400				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
		Perf. Award(2)			11/16/15				11/16/15				—				—				—				4,687				9,374				18,748				—				—				—				$350,025
		Perf. Awd.: Time Based(3)			11/16/15				11/16/15				—				—				—				—				—				—				4,018				—				—				$150,032

 

 

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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR END

 

 

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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR END

The following table and footnotes set forth information regarding outstanding restricted stock equivalent awards as of September 30, 2016 for the named executive officers. The market value of shares that have not vested was determined by multiplying $49.96, the closing market price of the Company’s stock on September 30, 2016, the last trading day of fiscal 2016, by the number of shares.

 

		Stock Awards (1)
Name		Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#)				Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)				Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#)(2)				Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($)
A. R. Hoskins			242,742(3)			$	12,127,390				67,488	(8)		$	3,371,700
B. K. Hamm			92,359(4)			$	4,614,256				24,605	(9)		$	1,229,266
M. S. LaVigne			126,170(5)			$	6,303,453				24,605	(10)		$	1,229,266
G. T. Kinder			52,721(6)			$	2,633,941				16,872	(11)		$	842,925
E. K. Boss			44,360(7)			$	2,216,226				9,374	(12)		$	468,325

 

 

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OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

 

		Stock Awards
Name		Number of Shares           Acquired on Vesting           (1)					Value Realized on       Vesting ($)
A. R. Hoskins				57,233				$	2,731,176
B. K. Hamm				22,107				$	1,047,024
M. S. LaVigne				31,385				$	1,447,245
G. T. Kinder				12,899				$	583,920
E. K. Boss				5,589				$	281,797

 

(1)	In fiscal 2016, the time-based restricted stock equivalents granted to each of the officers by our former parent company in fiscal 2013 vested in accordance with the terms of the awards.

 

In fiscal 2016, 20% of the time-based restricted stock equivalents granted to each of the officers at the time of our Spin-Off from our former parent company vested in accordance with the terms of the awards.

 

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PENSION BENEFITS

Energizer established a new retirement plan that acquired the assets and assumed the liabilities of our former parent’s plans in connection with the Spin-Off. Prior to January 1, 2014, our former parent company’s retirement plan covered essentially all U.S. employees of Energizer after they became eligible. As of December 31, 2013, which is the end of the first quarter of our former parent company’s fiscal 2014, the plans were frozen and future retirement service benefits are no longer accrued under this retirement program. The freeze includes both the qualified and non-qualified plans.

The Retirement Accumulation Account that was effective from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2013, included the future retirement benefits of the participants in our former parent company’s qualified defined benefit pension plan, including the named executive officers, which were determined in accordance with a retirement accumulation formula. The participants received monthly credits equal to 6% of their eligible benefit earnings for each month, which amounts were credited with monthly interest equal to the 30-year Treasury rate that is reset annually. Certain older, longer-tenured participants, including the named executive officers with age and years of service totaling at least 60 but not more than 74 as of December 31, 2009, received an additional monthly credit equal to 2% of eligible benefit earnings. Participants receive credit for years of service with our former parent company. Other older, longer-tenured participants with age and years of service totaling 75 or more as of December 31, 2009 received an additional monthly credit equal to 4% of their eligible benefit earnings. These transition credits were available to eligible plan participants through 2013 (or, if earlier, their termination of employment with the Company).

The defined benefit plan has used the following other benefit calculation formulas, all of which have been frozen as of the end of calendar year 2009:

 

•

Pension Equity (PEP) benefit formula. Under PEP, an executive is entitled to a benefit (payable in lump sum or as a monthly annuity) based on five-year average annual earnings, which were multiplied by “pension equity credits” earned with years of service. The benefit was subject to a three year vesting period. PEP was applied to Mr. Hoskins and Mr. Hamm.

 

•

PensionPlus Match Account (PPMA). The PPMA generally provided a 325% match under our retirement plan to those participants who made an after-tax contribution of 1% of their annual earnings to our 401(k) plan. To the extent an officer’s PPMA benefit was unavailable due to the IRC limits, the benefit was restored under our excess savings investment plan and not the pension restoration plan for executives. The benefit was generally subject to a three-year vesting requirement. The PPMA benefit was available through the end of the calendar year 2009 for Mr. Hoskins and Mr. Hamm.

 

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PENSION BENEFITS TABLE

 

Name		Plan Name		Number of Years Credited Service (1)				Present Value of Accumulated Benefit ($)(2)				Payments During Last Fiscal Year ($)
A.R. Hoskins		Energizer Retirement Plan			31			$	1,040,260			$	0
		Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan			30			$	1,224,548			$	0
B.K. Hamm		Energizer Retirement Plan			6			$	135,603			$	0
		Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan			6			$	54,961			$	0
M.S. LaVigne		Energizer Retirement Plan			4			$	79,386			$	0
		Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan			4			$	77,733			$	0
G.T. Kinder		Energizer Retirement Plan			.5			$	26,176			$	0
		Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan			.5			$	5,827			$	0
E.K. Boss		Energizer Retirement Plan			.25			$	5,414			$	0

 

 

NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

We have adopted several plans or arrangements that provide for the deferral of compensation on a basis that is not tax-qualified.

 

 

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NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION TABLE

 

Name		Plan		Executive Contributions in Last FY ($)(1)				Registrant Contributions in Last FY ($)(2)				Aggregate Earnings in Last FY ($)(3)				Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distributions ($)				Aggregate Balance at Last FYE ($)(4)
A.R. Hoskins		Def’d Comp. Plan		$	0			$	0			$	145,915			$	5,514			$	4,390,065
		Exec. S.I.P.		$	102,797			$	105,927			$	55,307			$	0			$	925,574
		Total		$	102,797			$	105,927			$	201,222			$	5,514			$	5,315,639
B.K. Hamm		Def’d Comp. Plan		$	0			$	0			$	17,732			$	284,073			$	462,506
		Exec. S.I.P.		$	109,119			$	35,345			$	34,905			$	0			$	362,344
		Total		$	109,119			$	35,345			$	52,637			$	284,073			$	824,850
M.S. LaVigne		Def’d Comp. Plan		$	0			$	0			$	17,169			$	2,842			$	516,193
		Exec. S.I.P.		$	133,159			$	46,256			$	90,451			$	0			$	829,782
		Total		$	133,159			$	46,256			$	107,620			$	2,842			$	1,345,975
G.T. Kinder		Def’d Comp. Plan		$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0
		Exec. S.I.P.		$	40,187			$	26,585			$	10,332			$	0			$	134,313
		Total		$	40,187			$	26,585			$	10,332			$	0			$	134,313
E.K. Boss		Def’d Comp. Plan		$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0			$	0
		Exec. S.I.P.		$	46,028			$	18,903			$	10,921			$	0			$	139,163
		Total		$	46,028			$	18,903			$	10,921			$	0			$	139,163

 

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL

We have not entered into general employment agreements with any of our named executive officers. We have adopted an executive severance plan providing for certain benefits in connection with a qualifying termination, as described below. We have also entered into change of control employment agreements with our named executive officers and certain of our other key employees which provide for severance compensation, acceleration of vesting and a lump sum payout in lieu of a continuation of benefits upon qualified termination of employment following a change of control. Additionally, equity awards under our Equity Incentive Plan, including awards previously granted by our former parent company that have been converted into equity awards that relate to Energizer’s common stock, provide for acceleration of vesting of certain awards in the event of certain terminations of employment.

The information below reflects the value of acceleration or incremental compensation which each officer would receive upon the termination of his or her employment or upon a change in control. Because the value of awards and incremental compensation depend on several factors, actual amounts can only be determined at the time of the event.

The information is based on the following assumptions:

 

•

the event of termination (death, permanent disability, involuntary termination without cause, or voluntary termination), or a change of control of the Company, occurred on September 30, 2016, the last day of our fiscal year;

 

•

the market value of our common stock on that date was $49.96 (the actual closing price on September 30, 2016); and

 

•

each of the officers were terminated on that date.

The information does not reflect benefits that are provided under our plans or arrangements that do not discriminate in favor of executive officers and are available generally to all salaried employees—such as amounts accrued under our 401(k) plan, accumulated and vested benefits under our retirement plans (including our pension restoration plan and executive savings investment plan), health, welfare and disability benefits, and accrued vacation pay.

The information below also does not include amounts under our deferred compensation plan or executive savings investment plan that would be paid, as described in the “Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Table,’’ except to the extent that an officer is entitled to an accelerated benefit as a result of the termination.

Executive Severance Plan

On July 1, 2015, we adopted an executive severance plan which provides benefits to our senior executives, including each of the named executive officers, in the event of a “qualifying termination” as defined in the plan, which means an involuntary termination without “cause” or a voluntary termination as a result of “good reason.” Post-termination benefits for the senior executives consist of:

 

•

A lump sum payment of one or two times his or her annual base salary at the time of the qualifying termination, which will be two times for Messrs. Hoskins, Hamm and LaVigne and one times for Mr. Kinder and Ms. Boss;

 

•

For each of the named executive officers, a pro-rata bonus payment based on the number of days during the bonus year the participant was employed and the amount of annual bonus which the participant would have received if he or she had remained employed, based on actual Company performance; and

 

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•

outplacement services for up to 12 months.

The payment of benefits under the plan is conditioned upon the executive executing a general release in favor of the Company, as well as confidentiality, non-solicitation, non-disparagement and non-competition obligations. In addition, no benefits will be paid to the extent duplicative of benefits under a change in control or similar agreement with the Company.

Death, Disability or Termination of Employment (Other than Upon a Change of Control)

Upon an officer’s death, permanent disability, involuntary termination other than for cause (defined as termination for gross misconduct), and, in some cases, retirement, the following plans or programs provide for acceleration of certain awards. Awards are accelerated for retirement after attainment of age 55 with 10 years of service (including service with our former parent companies) if granted 12 or more months prior to retirement date. No awards are accelerated upon other voluntary termination or involuntary termination for cause. Performance awards vesting upon retirement are paid when results for the Performance Period are met.

 

		Involuntary Termination		Death		Disability		Retirement After Age 55 with 10 years of service
Three-year restricted stock awards granted 11/6/13		Forfeited		Accelerated		Accelerated		Pro Rata       Vesting
Two-year restricted stock awards granted 11/13/14		Forfeited		Accelerated		Accelerated		Pro Rata       Vesting
Five-year restricted stock awards granted 7/8/15		Pro Rata Vesting		Accelerated		Accelerated		Pro Rata       Vesting
Three-year performance awards granted 11/6/13 (converted to time-based restricted stock awards at target)		Forfeited		Accelerated		Pro Rata Vesting		Pro Rata       Vesting
Three-year restricted stock awards granted 11/16/15		Forfeited		Accelerated		Accelerated		Pro Rata       Vesting
Three-year performance awards granted 11/16/15		Forfeited		Accelerated		Pro Rata Vesting		Pro Rata       Vesting

Upon termination of employment for any reason, vested account balances in our deferred compensation plan are paid out in cash to the participant in either a lump sum, or over a five or ten year period, commencing six months from the date of termination as previously elected by the participant.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The value of awards which would be accelerated for our named executive officers upon death, disability or retirement as of September 30, 2016 is shown in the following chart. The value of accelerated restricted stock equivalents reflects a stock price of $49.96, the closing market price of the Company’s stock on September 30, 2016. Stock market changes since September 30, 2016 are not reflected in these valuations.

 

Officer Termination Events		Accelerated Restricted Stock Equivalent Awards *
A.R. Hoskins: 1		$	15,949,981
A.R. Hoskins: 2		$	13,319,596
A.R. Hoskins: 3		$	518,249
A.R. Hoskins: 4		$	3,170,114
B.K. Hamm: 1		$	6,015,427
B.K. Hamm: 2		$	5,095,817
B.K. Hamm: 3		$	188,946
M.S. LaVigne: 1		$	7,767,646
M.S. LaVigne: 2		$	6,831,994
M.S. LaVigne: 3		$	212,698
G.T. Kinder: 1		$	3,580,970
G.T. Kinder: 2		$	2,945,969
G.T. Kinder: 3		$	71,979
E.K. Boss: 1		$	2,767,481
E.K. Boss: 2		$	2,412,447
E.K. Boss: 3		$	71,979

Termination Events:

1—Death;

2—Permanent disability;

3—Involuntary termination of employment other than for cause; and

4—Retirement following attainment of age 55 with 10 years of service, 12 months after date of grant.

*—The value of accelerated restricted stock equivalents in the chart above is calculated based on the number of stock equivalents that will vest in accordance with the termination provisions of the agreements valued at $49.96, the closing market price of the Company’s stock on September 30, 2016. This calculation differs from the calculation of accelerated vesting for purposes of Code Section 280G and 4999 as reported in the “Estimated Payments and Benefits” table below.

If the Executive is terminated for one of the following events,

•

an involuntary termination of an employee’s employment without Cause; or

•

a voluntary termination of employment by an employee as a result of Good Reason,

 

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the following payments will be made in accordance with the Executive Severance Plan:

 

Name

Lump Sum Severance Payment

Outplacement Services

Pro-Rata Bonus Payment

A.R. Hoskins

Two Times Base Salary

Up to 12 months

Determined by multiplying the amount the Executive would have received for the year of termination based upon actual Company performance by a fraction, the numerator is the days in the bonus year during which the Executive was employed and the denominator is the days in the bonus year.

B.K. Hamm

Two Times Base Salary

M.S. LaVigne

Two Times Base Salary

G.T. Kinder

One Times Base Salary

E.K. Boss

One Times Base Salary

No benefit will be paid to an employee under the Plan to the extent that benefits would otherwise be paid to the employee under the terms of a Change in Control Employment Agreement (or other similar agreement).

Change of Control of the Company

Our change of control employment agreements with each of the named executive officers have terms of two or three years from July 1, 2015, subject to certain automatic renewal provisions. For Messrs. Hoskins, Hamm and LaVigne, the term is three years. For Mr. Kinder and for Ms. Boss, the term is two years. The agreement provides that the officer will receive severance compensation in the event of certain termination events (as provided in the agreement), other than for cause, death or disability, or within specified periods following a change in control of the Company, as such terms are defined in the agreement.

Under the agreements, a change of control is generally defined as an acquisition of more than 50% of the total voting power of the company, a person beneficially owning more than 20% of the total voting power of the company, or an unapproved change in the majority of the Board.

Under the agreements, upon a change of control, each officer will receive a pro rata annual bonus for the portion of the year occurring prior to a change of control. If the officer is terminated under the termination events defined in the agreement within specified periods of the change of control, the severance compensation payable under the agreement consists of:

 

•

a payment equal to a multiple of the officer’s annual base salary and target bonus (defined as the most recent five-year actual bonus percentages multiplied by the greater of base salary at either termination or change of control), which will be three times in the case of Messrs. Hoskins, Hamm and LaVigne and two times in the case of Mr. Kinder and Ms. Boss;

 

•

a pro rata portion of the officer’s target annual bonus for the year of termination; and

 

•

a lump-sum payment intended to assist with health and welfare benefits for a period of time post-termination.

Following termination of employment, each officer is bound by a one-year covenant not to compete, a one-year non-solicitation covenant, and a covenant of confidentiality. No severance payments under the agreements would be made in the event that an officer’s termination is voluntary (other than for good reason), is due to death, disability or normal retirement, or is for cause. Under the agreements, in the event that it is determined that a “golden parachute” excise tax is due under the IRC, we will reduce the aggregate amount of the payments payable to an amount such that no such excise tax will be paid if the resulting amount would be greater than the after-tax amount if the payments were not so reduced.

 

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The agreements also provide that upon a change of control, outstanding equity awards held by each officer will accelerate and vest in accordance with the terms of the awards, even if the awards have a higher threshold for a “change of control.” Our equity awards generally define a “change of control” as an acquisition of 50% or more of the outstanding shares of our common stock. The terms of our outstanding equity awards vary as to the portion of the unvested award that will accelerate and vest upon a change of control, as indicated below:

 

Three-year performance awards granted 11/6/13 (converted to time-based at target)		100% of the converted stock equivalents will vest upon change of control
Three-year time based awards granted 11/6/13		100% vest upon change of control
Two-year time based awards granted 11/13/14		100% vest upon change of control
Five-year time based awards granted 7/8/15		100% vest upon change of control
Three-year time based awards granted 11/16/15		100% vest upon change of control
Three-year performance awards granted 11/16/15		The greater of (i) the number of stock equivalents granted at target or (ii) the amount of target performance stock equivalents which would have vested had the performance period ended on the date the change of control occurs

Payments of cash would be made in a lump sum no sooner than six months following termination of employment, and benefits would be provided for a three- or two-year period following termination, or if such continuation of benefits would not be possible under our benefit programs, the value of such benefits would also be paid in lump sum no sooner than six months following termination.

Estimated Payments and Benefits

Based on the assumptions set out above, the following chart sets forth estimated payments to our named executive officers upon termination following a change of control. If a change of control occurs but their employment is not terminated, the agreements provide a more limited value. The value of accelerated restricted stock equivalents and performance awards reflects a stock price of $49.96 (the closing price of our common stock on September 30, 2016). Stock market declines and vesting and forfeitures of unvested restricted stock equivalents since September 30, 2016 are not reflected in these valuations. Upon a change of control, retirement benefits under the executive savings investment plan vest to the extent not already vested.

 

Name		Cash Severance				Retirement Benefits				Restricted Stock Equivalent Awards				Benefits				Total
A.R. Hoskins		$	6,719,653			$	0			$	15,899,697			$	34,737			$	22,654,087
B.K. Hamm		$	3,202,507			$	0			$	5,997,091			$	45,613			$	9,245,211
M.S. LaVigne		$	3,462,747			$	0			$	7,747,005			$	29,458			$	11,239,210
G.T. Kinder		$	1,713,336			$	11,463			$	3,574,025			$	30,409			$	5,329,233
E.K. Boss		$	1,616,171			$	10,874			$	2,760,536			$	19,041			$	4,406,622

 

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ITEM 3. ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

As required by Section 14A of the Exchange Act, we are asking our shareholders to provide non-binding advisory approval of the compensation of our named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC. We encourage shareholders to review the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” for details regarding our executive compensation programs.

This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our named executive officers and the philosophy, policies and practices that we use. We believe that following the Spin-Off, we have made key decisions to facilitate our transition to a public company and to ensure management’s interests are aligned with our shareholders’ interests. Our compensation programs are designed to enable and reinforce our Company’s overall business strategy by aligning pay with achievement of short and long term financial and strategic objectives, while providing a competitive level of compensation which is needed to recruit, retain and motivate talented executives critical to our success. In particular, we believe that our compensation guiding principles—simple, aligned and balanced—provide us with a framework for compensation that best incentivizes management performance.

The Board believes the Company’s overall compensation process effectively implements its compensation philosophy and achieves its goals. Accordingly, the Board recommends a vote FOR the adoption of the following advisory resolution, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting:

RESOLVED, that the shareholders of Energizer approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables and the accompanying footnotes and narratives.

Vote Required. The affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote is required for approval of the executive compensation.

 

Because the vote is advisory, it will not be binding on us. Hence, the Board and the NECC will review the voting results and carefully consider the outcome of the vote when making future decision regarding executive compensation.

 

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ITEM 4. PROPOSAL TO AMEND AND RESTATE THE COMPANY’S AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO PROVIDE FOR THE DECLASSIFICATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board has approved, and recommends that the Company’s shareholders approve, an amendment and restatement of the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the “Articles of Incorporation”) to provide for the phased-in implementation of annual elections for all directors and the resulting phased-in elimination of the classified Board structure. The proposed amendment and restatement would revise Article Four of the Articles of Incorporation. The full text of the proposed amendment and restatement of the Articles of Incorporation is set forth in Appendix A to this proxy statement (proposed new text is underlined twice and proposed deleted text is crossed out) (hereinafter referred to as the “Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation”).

Background

Our current classified Board structure has been in place since we became a public company in 2015. The Articles of Incorporation provide that the Board shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible. Directors in each class are elected every three years to three year terms, with the term of one class expiring at each annual meeting.

Our Board is committed to adopting governance practices that the Board believes are the most beneficial to the Company and its shareholders. At the time of our Spin-Off from our former parent company in 2015, the Board believed that a classified board structure was an important piece of the Company’s governance structure in order to promote continuity and stability, and was in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. The Board also believed that the classified board structure has enhanced the independence of our directors from both management and shareholder special interests and protected the Company against unfair or abusive takeover practices through a period of significant volatility in the immediate aftermath of the Spin-Off.

At the same time, the Board recognizes that many investors view classified boards as having the effect of reducing the accountability of directors to shareholders because classified boards limit the ability of shareholders to evaluate and elect all directors on an annual basis. As a result, at the time of our Spin-Off, the Board committed that, at our 2017 annual meeting, the first annual meeting after our first full fiscal year as an independent company, we would propose to shareholders an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation that will provide for the staged declassification of the Board of Directors.

Proposed Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation

If the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation are approved, then commencing with the class of directors standing for election at the Company’s 2018 Annual Meeting, directors will stand for election for one year terms. The term of office for each director elected at the 2018 Annual Meeting and thereafter will expire at the next succeeding annual meeting of shareholders and when his or her successor is elected and qualified or upon his or her earlier death, resignation or other cause for removal. The approval of the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation would not shorten the terms to which our shareholders have previously elected directors. Thus, directors elected at the 2016 Annual Meeting will continue to have terms that expire at the 2019 Annual Meeting and directors elected under Item 1 at this Annual Meeting will have terms that expire at the 2020 Annual Meeting. If the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation are approved, then commencing with our 2020 Annual Meeting, and at each successive meeting thereafter, our entire Board of Directors would stand for election for a one year term, and there would no longer be any class designation for directors. If there is a vacancy in the Board at or following the 2017 Annual Meeting, because the number of directors is increased or otherwise, any director elected to fill such vacancy would hold office for a term expiring at the next annual meeting. If the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation are not approved, then the Board will remain classified.

 

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This general description of the proposed changes to the Articles of Incorporation is qualified in its entirety by reference to the proposed Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation set forth in Appendix A to this proxy statement. If the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation are approved by the shareholders, then the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation will become effective upon their filing with the Missouri Secretary of State. The Board also has adopted a corresponding amendment and restatement to our Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”) which will become effective only if the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation are approved by the shareholders. If the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation are not approved by the shareholders, then the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws will remain unchanged and the Board will remain classified.

Vote Required. The affirmative vote of two-thirds of the holders of record of outstanding shares of common stock of the Company then entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is required to amend and restate the Articles of Incorporation.

 

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STOCK OWNERSHIP INFORMATION

Five Percent Owners of Common Stock. The following table shows, as of November 16, 2016, the holdings of the Company’s common stock by any entity or person known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock:

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner		Amount and Nature of       Beneficial  Ownership		Percent of Class        Outstanding(1)
J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. 270 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017		5,094,923(2)		8.2%
BlackRock, Inc. 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022		4,737,319(3)		7.7%
The London Company 1800 Bayberry Court, Suite 301, Richmond, VA 23226		4,342,026(4)		7.0%
The Vanguard Group 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355		4,294,182(5)		6.9%

 

 

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STOCK OWNERSHIP INFORMATION

 

Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers. The table below contains information regarding beneficial common stock ownership of directors and executive officers as of November 16, 2016. It does not reflect any changes in ownership that may have occurred after that date. In general, “beneficial ownership” includes those shares a director or executive officer has the power to vote or transfer, as well as shares owned by immediate family members that reside with the director or officer. Unless otherwise indicated, directors and executive officers named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares set forth in the table and none of the stock included in the table is pledged. The table also indicates shares that may be obtained within 60 days upon the exercise of options, or upon the conversion of vested stock equivalents into shares of common stock.

 

Directors And Executive Officers		Shares Beneficially Owned				Stock Equivalents held in the Deferred Compensation Plan				% of Shares Outstanding (A) (*denotes less than 1%)
J. Patrick Mulcahy			562,250(B)(C)				95,154			1.06%
Alan R. Hoskins			85,741(C)				0			*
Bill G. Armstrong			17,407(C)				47,263			*
Cynthia J. Brinkley			3,171(C)				0			*
Kevin J. Hunt			3,171(C)				0			*
James C. Johnson			6,063(C)				173			*
John E. Klein			15,054(C)				21,568			*
W. Patrick McGinnis			24,994(C)				17,271			*
Patrick J. Moore			3,171(C)				0			*
John R. Roberts			30,643(C)				9,502			*
Brian K. Hamm			29,833(C)				0			*
Mark S. LaVigne			48,436(C)				0			*
Gregory T. Kinder			17,940(C)				0			*
Emily K. Boss			13,484(C)				0			*
All Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (15 persons)			881,960(C)				190,931			1.73%

 

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

OTHER BUSINESS

The Board knows of no business which will be presented at the 2017 Annual Meeting other than that described above. Our bylaws provide that shareholders may nominate candidates for directors or present a proposal or bring other business before an annual meeting only if they give timely written notice of the nomination or the matter to be brought not less than 90 nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the prior year’s meeting, as described under “Shareholder Proposals for 2018 Annual Meeting.”

DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS

Householding of Annual Meeting Materials. The SEC has approved a rule permitting the delivery of a single Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials, and set of Annual Reports and Proxy Statements (if paper copies of such documents have been delivered or requested), to any household at which two or more shareholders reside, unless we have received contrary instructions from one or more of the shareholders residing in such household. Each shareholder will continue to receive a separate proxy card. This procedure, referred to as “householding”, reduces the volume of duplicate information you receive, as well as our expenses. In order to take advantage of this opportunity, we will deliver only one copy of the Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials, and this Proxy Statement and related Annual Report (if paper copies of such documents have been delivered or requested) to multiple shareholders who share an address, unless we receive contrary instructions from the impacted shareholders prior to the mailing date. If you prefer to receive separate copies of our Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials, our Proxy Statement or Annual Report, either now or in the future, we will promptly deliver, upon your written or oral request submitted as set forth below, a separate copy of the Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials, Proxy Statement or Annual Report, as applicable and as requested, to any shareholder at your address to which a single copy was delivered. If you and other shareholders in your household are currently receiving multiple copies of the Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials, and this Proxy Statement and our Annual Report (if paper copies of such documents have been delivered or requested) and would like only one copy to be sent to your household, upon your written request, we will discontinue delivering multiple copies of such document(s) to your household and only deliver one copy. Notice should be given to the Corporate Secretary, Energizer Holdings, Inc., 533 Maryville University Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63141 (Tel. No. (314) 985-2000).

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2018 ANNUAL MEETING

Any proposals to be presented at the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which is expected to be held on January 29, 2018, must be received by the Company, directed to the attention of the Corporate Secretary, no later than August 15, 2017 in order to be included in the Company’s Proxy Statement and form of proxy for that meeting under Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act. Upon receipt of any proposal, the Company will determine whether or not to include the proposal in the Proxy Statement and proxy card in accordance with regulations governing the solicitation of proxies. The proposal must comply in all respects with the rules and regulations of the SEC and our bylaws.

In order for a shareholder to nominate a candidate for director under our bylaws, timely notice of the nomination must be received by us in advance of the meeting. Ordinarily, such notice must be received not less than 90, nor more than 120, days before the first anniversary of the prior year’s meeting. For the 2018 Annual Meeting, the notice would have to be received between October 2, 2017 and November 1, 2017. However, in the event that (i) no annual meeting is held in 2017 or (ii) the date of the 2018 Annual Meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after the first anniversary of the 2017 Annual Meeting, notice must be received no earlier than the 120th day prior to the date of the 2018 Annual Meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to the date of the 2018 Annual Meeting, or the seventh day following the day on which notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or on which public notice of the meeting was given. The notice of nomination must include, as to each person whom the shareholder proposes to nominate for election, information required by our bylaws, including:

 

•

the nominee’s name, age, business and residential address;

•

the nominee’s principal occupation for the previous five years;

•

the nominee’s consent to being named as a nominee and to serving on the Board;

•

the nominee’s “disclosable interests” as of the date of the notice (which information shall be supplemented by such person, if any, not later than ten days after the record date of the Annual Meeting to disclose such ownership as of the record date), which includes:

 

¡

shares of common stock; options, warrants, convertible securities, stock appreciation rights, or similar rights with respect to our common stock; any proxy, contract, arrangement, understanding, or relationship conveying a right to vote common stock;

¡

any short interest with respect to common stock;

¡

any derivative instruments held by a partnership in which the nominee has a partnership interest; and

¡

rights to any performance-related fee based on any increase or decrease in the value of common stock or any related derivative instrument; and

 

•

a description of all monetary or other material agreements, arrangements or understandings between the nominating shareholder and the nominee during the prior three years.

In addition, the nominating shareholder must provide their name and address and disclosable interests (as such term is described above). The shareholder must be present at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders at which the nomination is to be considered, and must provide a completed questionnaire regarding the nominee’s background and qualification and compliance with our corporate governance, conflict of interest, and other pertinent policies and guidelines. To assist in the evaluation of shareholder-recommended candidates, the Nominating and Executive Compensation Committee may request that the shareholder provide certain additional information required to be disclosed in the Company’s proxy statement under Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act. The shareholder nominating the candidate must also include his or her name and address, and the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned.

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

In order for a shareholder to bring other business before a shareholder meeting, timely notice must be received by the Company during the same period as director nominations described above. Such notice must include a description of the proposed business and the reasons for the proposal, the name and address of the shareholder making the proposal, any financial or other interests of the shareholder in the proposal made, and the shareholder’s disclosable interests. These requirements are separate from the requirements a shareholder must meet to have a proposal included in the Company’s Proxy Statement.

In each case, the notice must be given to the Corporate Secretary of the Company, whose address is 533 Maryville University Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63141. A copy of our bylaws will be provided without charge upon written request to the Corporate Secretary.

By order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

Benjamin J. Angelette

Deputy General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

December 13, 2016

 

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APPENDIX A—PROPOSED SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

(additions are underlined twice; deletions are struck out.)

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

ENERGIZER HOLDINGS, INC.

ARTICLE I

NAME

The name of the corporation is Energizer Holdings, Inc. (the “Corporation”).

ARTICLE II

REGISTERED OFFICE

The address, including street and number, if any, of the Corporation’s registered office in this state is 120 South Central Avenue, Clayton, Missouri 63105, and the name of its agent at such address is C T Corporation System.

ARTICLE III

AUTHORIZED SHARES

SECTION 3.1. CLASSES AND NUMBER OF SHARES.

(a) The aggregate number, class and par value of shares of capital stock that the Corporation shall have authority to issue is Three Hundred and Ten Million (310,000,000) shares of stock, consisting of:

(i) Three hundred million (300,000,000) shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share (“Common Stock”); and

(ii) Ten million (10,000,000) shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share (“Preferred Stock”).

(b) All preemptive rights of shareholders are hereby denied, so that no stock or other security of the Corporation shall carry with it, and no holder or owner of any share or shares of stock or other security or securities of the Corporation, shall have any preferential or preemptive right to acquire additional shares of stock or of any other security of the Corporation. All cumulative voting rights are hereby denied, so that no stock or other security of the Corporation shall carry with it, and no holder or owner of any share or shares of such stock or security, shall have any right to cumulative voting in the election of members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Directors”) or for any other purpose. The foregoing provisions within this paragraph are not intended to modify or prohibit any provisions of any voting trust or agreement between or among holders or owners of shares of stock or other securities of the Corporation.

(c) In addition to those general qualifications, limitations and restrictions applicable to each and every class and series of capital stock of the Corporation as a matter of law or as stated in the immediately preceding paragraph, the preferences, qualifications, limitations, restrictions, and the special correlative rights, including convertible rights, if any, in respect of the shares of each class are as set forth in the following Section 3.2 and Section 3.3.

 

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SECTION 3.2. TERMS OF PREFERRED STOCK.

(a) Subject to the requirements of the General and Business Corporation Law of Missouri, as amended from time to time (the “GBCL”), and to the provisions of these Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (these “Articles of Incorporation”), Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time by the Board of Directors as shares of one or more series. The description of shares of each series of Preferred Stock, including any preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption, shall be as set forth in these Articles of Incorporation or any amendment hereto, or in a resolution or resolutions duly adopted by the Board of Directors and, to the extent set forth in any such resolution or resolutions, such information shall be certified to the Secretary of State of Missouri and filed as required by law from time to time, prior to the issuance of any shares of such series.

(b) The Board of Directors is expressly authorized prior to issuance, by adopting resolutions providing for the issuance of, or providing for a change in the number of, shares of any particular series of Preferred Stock (but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding) and, if and to the extent from time to time required by law, by filing certification thereto with the Secretary of State of Missouri, to set or change the number of shares to be included in each series of Preferred Stock (but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding) and to set or change (in any one or more respects) the designations, preferences, conversion, relative, participating, optional or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, or terms and conditions of redemption relating to the shares of each such series. The authority of the Board of Directors with respect to each series of Preferred Stock shall include, but not be limited to, setting or changing the following:

(i) the distinctive serial designation of such series and the number of shares constituting such series (provided that the aggregate number of shares constituting all series of Preferred Stock shall not exceed the aggregate number of authorized shares set out in Section 3.1(a)(ii) of these Articles of Incorporation);

(ii) the dividend rate, if any, on shares of such series, whether and the extent to which dividends shall be cumulative or non-cumulative, the relative rights of priority, if any, of payment of any dividends, and the time at which and the terms and conditions on which any dividends shall be paid;

(iii) whether the shares of such series shall be redeemable or purchasable and, if so, the terms and conditions of such redemption or purchase, including the date or dates upon and after which such shares shall be redeemable or purchasable and the amount per share payable in case of redemption or purchase, which amount may vary under different conditions and at different redemption or purchase dates;

(iv) the obligation, if any, of the Corporation to retire shares of such series pursuant to a sinking fund and the terms and conditions of any such sinking fund;

(v) whether shares of such series shall be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of stock of any other series, class or classes, now or hereafter authorized, and, if so, the terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange, including the price or prices or the rate or rates of conversion or exchange and the terms of adjustment, if any;

(vi) whether the shares of such series shall have voting rights, in addition to the voting rights provided by law, and, if so, the terms of such voting rights;

(vii) the rights of the holders of shares of such series in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation and the relative rights of priority, if any, of such holders with respect thereto; and

 

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(viii) any other relative rights, powers, preferences, qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof relating to such series.

SECTION 3.3. TERMS OF COMMON STOCK.

(a) Voting Rights. Except as otherwise provided by the GBCL, each holder of the Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote per share of Common Stock held by such holder on all matters to be voted on by the shareholders.

(b) Dividend Rights. Subject to the express terms of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock, dividends may be declared and paid upon the Common Stock out of funds of the Corporation legally available therefor, in such amounts and at such times as the Board of Directors may determine. Funds otherwise legally available for the payment of dividends on the Common Stock shall not be restricted or reduced by reason of there being any excess of the aggregate preferential amount of any series of Preferred Stock outstanding over the aggregate par value thereof.

ARTICLE IV

DIRECTORS

SECTION 4.1. NUMBER AND CLASSIFICATION. The number of Directors to constitute the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall be fixed by or in the manner provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation. Any changes in the number of Directors shall be reported to the Missouri Secretary of State to the extent and within the time periods required by the GBCL. As of the effective date of these Articles of Incorporation, each person elected as a Director of the Corporation after the 2017 annual meeting of shareholders, whether to succeed a person whose term of office as a Director has expired or to fill any vacancy, shall be elected for a term expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders held in the year following the year of his or her election. Each Director elected at or prior to the 2017 annual meeting of shareholders shall continue to serve as a Director for the term for which he or she was elected. In each case, Directors shall hold office until their successors are elected and qualified, or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. the Directors shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as is reasonably possible, with the term of office of the first class to expire at the 2016 annual meeting of shareholders, the term of office of the second class to expire at the 2017 annual meeting of shareholders and the term of office of the third class to expire at the 2018 annual meeting of shareholders, with each Director to hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified. At each annual meeting of shareholders (i) Directors elected to succeed those Directors whose terms then expire shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of shareholders after their election, so that the term of office of only one class of Directors shall expire at each annual meeting, with each Director to hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal, and (ii) if authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors, Directors may be elected to fill any vacancy on the Board of Directors, regardless of how such vacancy shall have been created. Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever the holders of any one or more classes or series of stock of the Corporation, other than shares of Common Stock, shall have the right, voting separately by class or series, to elect Directors, then the election, term of office, filling of vacancies and other features of such directorship shall be governed by the terms of the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation or any certificate of designation thereunder applicable thereto. As used in these Articles of Incorporation, the term “entire Board of Directors” or the “entire Board” means the total number of Directors fixed by, or in accordance with, these Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Corporation.

SECTION 4.2. REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS. Subject to, and in addition to, the rights, if any, of the holders of any class of capital stock of the Corporation (other than the Common Stock) then outstanding or any limitation imposed by law, (i) any Director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be

 

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removed from office at any time prior to the expiration of his, her or their term of office only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of record of outstanding shares representing not less than two-thirds of all of the then outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation then entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors, voting together as a single class, at a special meeting of shareholders called expressly for that purpose (such vote being in addition to any required class or other vote), and (ii) any Director may be removed from office by the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors at any time prior to the expiration of his or her term of office, as provided by law, in the event that the Director fails to meet any qualifications stated in the Bylaws for election as a Director or in the event that the Director is in breach of any agreement between the Director and the Corporation relating to the Director’s service as a Director or employee of the Corporation.

SECTION 4.3. VACANCIES. Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any class of capital stock of the Corporation (other than the Common Stock) then outstanding, and except as expressly provided for in Section 4.1, any vacancies in the Board of Directors which occur for any reason, including vacancies which occur by reason of an increase in the number of Directors or the removal of a Director, shall be filled only by the Board of Directors, acting by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining Directors then in office (although less than a quorum). Any replacement Director so elected shall hold office for a term expiring at the next annual meeting of shareholders held immediately following such person being elected to fill the vacancyat which the term of office of the class to which they have been appointed expires, and until such Director’s successor is elected and qualified or until such Director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.

ARTICLE V

The duration of the Corporation is perpetual.

ARTICLE VI

PURPOSE

The Corporation is formed to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation now or hereafter may be organized under the laws of the State of Missouri.

ARTICLE VII

BYLAWS; MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS

SECTION 7.1. BYLAWS. Only a majority of the entire Board of Directors may make, amend, alter, change or repeal any provision or provisions of the Bylaws of the Corporation.

SECTION 7.2. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of shareholders may be called only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors or by the Chairman of the Board or the President of the Corporation by request for such a meeting in writing. Only such business shall be conducted, and only such proposals shall be acted upon, as are specified in the notice of any special meeting of shareholders. Shareholders shall have no right to request to call a special meeting.

SECTION 7.3. WRITTEN CONSENT OF SHAREHOLDERS. Any action that is required or that may be taken at any meeting of the shareholders may be taken without a meeting if consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all of the shareholders entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter thereof.

SECTION 7.4. ADVANCE NOTICE. Advance notice of shareholder nominations for the election of Directors and business to be brought by shareholders before any meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation shall be given in the manner provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

INDEMNIFICATION AND EXCULPATION

SECTION 8.1. ACTIONS INVOLVING DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES. The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless each person (other than a party plaintiff suing on his or her own behalf or in the right of the Corporation) who at any time is serving or has served as a Director, officer or employee of the Corporation against any claim, liability or expense incurred as a result of such service, or as a result of any other service on behalf of the Corporation while also serving as a Director, officer or employee of the Corporation, or service at the request of the Corporation (which request need not be in writing), while also serving as a Director, officer or employee of the Corporation, as a director, officer, employee, member, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, trade or industry association or other enterprise (whether incorporated or unincorporated, for-profit or not-for-profit) to the maximum extent permitted by law, unless the conduct of such person underlying the proceeding in question has been finally adjudged to have been knowingly fraudulent, deliberately dishonest or to constitute willful misconduct, or unless the Corporation is otherwise prohibited by law from providing such indemnification. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Corporation shall indemnify any such person (other than a party plaintiff suing on his or her behalf or in the right of the Corporation), who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (including, but not limited to, an action by or in the right of the Corporation) as a result of such service or any other service on behalf of the Corporation while also serving as a Director, officer or employee of the Corporation against expenses (including, without limitation, costs of investigation and attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with such action, suit or proceeding.

SECTION 8.2. MANDATORY INDEMNIFICATION.

(a) Directors, Officers and Employees. To the extent that a Director, officer or employee of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding, to which action, suit or proceeding such Director, officer or employee was or is a party by reason of such person’s service to the Corporation in such capacity, or as a result of any other service on behalf of the Corporation while also serving as a Director, officer or employee of the Corporation, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he or she shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the action, suit or proceeding, or proportionally to such claim, issue or matter therein.

(b) Agents. To the extent that an agent of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding, to which action, suit or proceeding such agent was or is a party by reason of service to the Corporation in such capacity, or as a result of any other service on behalf of the Corporation while also serving as an agent of the Corporation, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, the Corporation is not required to, but may, in its discretion, indemnify such individual against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the action, suit or proceeding, or proportionally to such claim, issue or matter therein, at the discretion of the Corporation.

SECTION 8.3. ARTICLE VIII PROVISIONS NOT EXCLUSIVE RIGHT. The indemnification provided by this Article VIII shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled, whether under the Bylaws of the Corporation or any statute, agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested Directors or otherwise, both as to action in an official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.

SECTION 8.4. INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENTS AUTHORIZED. Without limiting the other provisions of this Article VIII, the Corporation is authorized from time to time, without further action by

 

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the shareholders of the Corporation, to enter into agreements with any Director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation providing such rights of indemnification as the Corporation may deem appropriate, up to the maximum extent permitted by law. Any agreement entered into by the Corporation with a Director may be authorized by the other Directors, and such authorization shall not be invalid on the basis that different or similar agreements may have been or may thereafter be entered into with other Directors.

SECTION 8.5. STANDARD OF CONDUCT. Except as may otherwise be permitted by law, no person shall be indemnified pursuant to this Article VIII (including without limitation pursuant to any agreement entered into pursuant to Section 8.4 of these Articles of Incorporation) from or on account of such person’s conduct which is finally adjudged to have been knowingly fraudulent, deliberately dishonest or willful misconduct. The Corporation may (but need not) adopt a more restrictive standard of conduct with respect to the indemnification of any agent of the Corporation.

SECTION 8.6. INSURANCE. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of itself or any person who is or was a Director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or who is or was otherwise serving on behalf or at the request of the Corporation in any capacity against any claim, liability or expense asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability under the provisions of this Article VIII.

SECTION 8.7. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this Article VIII:

(a) Service in Representative Capacity. Any Director, officer or employee of the Corporation who shall serve as a director, officer or employee of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise of which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, is or was the owner of 20% or more of either the outstanding equity interests or the outstanding voting stock (or comparable interests) shall be deemed to be so serving at the request of the Corporation, unless the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall determine otherwise. In all other instances where any person shall serve as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise of which the Corporation is or was a stockholder or creditor, or in which it is or was otherwise interested, if it is not otherwise established that such person is or was serving as a director, officer, employee or agent at the request of the Corporation, the Board of Directors of the Corporation may determine whether such service is or was at the request of the Corporation, and it shall not be necessary to show any actual or prior request for such service.

(b) Predecessor Corporations. References to a corporation include all constituent corporations absorbed in a consolidation or merger, as well as the resulting or surviving corporation, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of a constituent corporation or is or was serving at the request of a constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Article VIII with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as he or she would if he or she had served the resulting or surviving corporation in the same capacity.

(c) Service for Employee Benefit Plan. The term “other enterprise” shall include, without limitation, employee benefit plans and voting or taking action with respect to stock or other assets therein; the term “serving at the request of the Corporation” shall include, without limitation, any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of a corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, a director, officer, employee or agent with respect to any employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; a person who acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have satisfied any standard of care required by or pursuant to this Article VIII in connection with such plan;

 

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and the term “fines” shall include, without limitation, any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an employee benefit plan and shall also include any damages (including treble damages) and any other civil penalties.

SECTION 8.8. LIABILITY OF THE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES.

(a) No Director of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a Director; provided, however, that the foregoing clause shall not apply to any liability of a Director (i) for any breach of the Director’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its shareholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in subjective good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under § 351.345 of the GBCL, or (iv) for any transaction from which the Director derived an improper personal benefit.

(b) It is the intention of the Corporation to limit the personal liability of the Directors, officers and employees of the Corporation, in their capacity as such, whether to the Corporation, its shareholders or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law. Consequently, should the GBCL or any other applicable law be amended or adopted hereafter so as to permit the elimination or limitation of such liability, the liability of the Directors and/or officers and/or employees of the Corporation shall be so eliminated or limited without the need for amendment of these Articles or for further action on the part of the shareholders of the Corporation.

SECTION 8.9. SURVIVAL; AMENDMENT.

(a) Each person who was or is a Director, officer or employee of the Corporation is a third party beneficiary to this Article VIII, shall be entitled to rely upon all of his or her indemnification rights provided or contemplated by this Article VIII as a binding contract with the Corporation, and shall be entitled to enforce against, and rely on as a binding contract with, the Corporation all of his or her indemnification rights provided or contemplated by this Article VIII. Such indemnification rights shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a Director, officer or employee, and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

(b) This Article VIII may be hereafter amended, modified or repealed as provided in Article IX of these Articles of Incorporation; provided, however, that no such amendment, modification or repeal shall (i) reduce, terminate or otherwise adversely affect any right or protection, provided in this Article VIII of any person who was or is a Director, officer or employee of the Corporation to obtain indemnification or an advance of expenses with respect to a proceeding that pertains to or arises out of any act, omission or event occurring or condition or circumstance existing prior to the Deadline Indemnification Date, or (ii) have any effect on the liability or alleged liability of any person who was or is a Director, officer or employee of the Corporation for or with respect to any act, omission or event occurring or condition or circumstance existing prior to the Deadline Indemnification Date. For purposes of this Section 8.9, the term “Deadline Indemnification Date” shall mean the later of: (1) the effective date of any amendment or repeal of this Article VIII which reduces, terminates or otherwise adversely affects the rights hereunder of any person who was or is a Director, officer or employee, (2) the expiration of such person’s then current term of office with, or service for, the Corporation (provided such person has a stated term of office or service and completes such term), or (3) the effective date such person resigns his office or terminates his service (provided such person has a stated term of office or service but resigns prior to the expiration of such term).

 

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ARTICLE IX

AMENDMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

Subject to Section 8.9 of these Articles of Incorporation, the Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in these Articles of Incorporation in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by law, and all rights and powers conferred herein on the shareholders, Directors, officers, employees or agents of the Corporation are subject to this reserved power; provided, that (in addition to any required class or other vote) the affirmative vote of the holders of record of outstanding shares representing not less than two-thirds of all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation then entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required to amend, alter, change or repeal Article IV or Article VII of these Articles of Incorporation and this Article IX, notwithstanding the fact that a lesser percentage may be specified by the laws of Missouri.

 

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PRELIMINARY COPY

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE VOTE TODAY.

Vote by Internet or Telephone – QUICK ««« EASY
IMMEDIATE – 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week or by Mail

 

ENERGIZER HOLDINGS, INC.				Voting by telephone or Internet is quick, easy and immediate. As a shareholder of Energizer Holdings, Inc., you have the option of voting your shares electronically through the Internet or on the telephone, eliminating the need to return the proxy card. Your electronic vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed, dated and returned the proxy card. Votes submitted electronically over the Internet or by telephone must be received by 7:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on January 29, 2017.
						INTERNET/MOBILE – www.cstproxyvote.com
						Use the Internet to vote your proxy. Have your proxy card available when you access the above website. Follow the prompts to vote your shares.
						PHONE – 1 (866) 894-0537   Use a touch-tone telephone to vote your proxy. Have your proxy card available when you call. Follow the voting instructions to vote your shares.
PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THE PROXY CARD IF YOU ARE VOTING ELECTRONICALLY OR BY PHONE
						MAIL – Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided.

p FOLD HERE AND SEPARATE IF ATTENDING MEETING • INSERT IN ENVELOPE PROVIDED p

 

PROXY

Please mark your votes like this

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Signature

Signature, if held jointly

Date

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Note: Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. When shares are held by joint owners, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, or corporate officer, please give title as such.

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2017 ANNUAL MEETING ADMISSION TICKET

ENERGIZER HOLDINGS, INC.

2017 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

January 30, 2017

8:00 a.m. local time

Energizer World Headquarters

533 Maryville University Drive

St. Louis, Missouri 63141

Please present this ticket and photo identification for admittance to the Annual Meeting.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:

The Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Proxy Statement

and our 2016 Annual Report are available at:

www.cstproxy.com/energizer/2016.

p FOLD HERE AND SEPARATE IF ATTENDING MEETING • INSERT IN ENVELOPE PROVIDED p

ENERGIZER HOLDINGS, INC.

PROXY

This Proxy is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on January 30, 2017

This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned Shareholder. If no direction is made, this Proxy will be voted “FOR” all nominees in Item 1, and “FOR” Items 2, 3, and 4, and in the discretion of the proxies on any other business that may properly come before the meeting. The undersigned hereby appoints Alan R. Hoskins and Emily K. Boss, or either of them, as true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, agents and proxies, with the power of substitution and revocation, to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side hereof, all the shares of the undersigned held of record on November 30, 2016, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on January 30, 2017 and any adjournments or postponement thereof.

(continued and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side)