EL DEF 14A
Estee Lauder Companies Inc (EL)
DEF 14A
2026-09-30
For: 2026-11-17
View Original
Added on
September 30, 2026
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
☒
Definitive Proxy Statement
☐
Definitive Additional Materials
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
(Name of 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 paid previously with preliminary materials.
☐
Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a6(i)(1) and 0-11
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The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
767 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10153 |
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William P. Lauder
Chair of the Board |
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September 30, 2026
Dear Fellow Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. It will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time, where we will ask you to vote on the items set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders below. Our Annual Meeting will be held in a virtual-only meeting format via live webcast on the Internet.
Please submit your proxy online or by telephone, or request a printed copy of the proxy materials and return the completed proxy card by mail. Instructions on each of these voting methods are outlined in this Proxy Statement. Please submit your proxy as soon as possible.
Thank you for your continued support.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE PROMPTLY SUBMIT YOUR PROXY
ONLINE, BY TELEPHONE, OR MAIL.
ONLINE, BY TELEPHONE, OR MAIL.
THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10153
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10153
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time
Meeting Format:
We are holding the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2026 Annual Meeting”) in a virtual-only meeting format via live webcast on the Internet. You will not be able to attend at a physical location. Stockholders will be able to join and attend online by logging in at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2026.
Additional information is provided below, including under the heading “How can I attend the virtual-only Annual Meeting?”
ITEMS OF BUSINESS:
1.
To elect the five Class III Director Nominees named in the accompanying proxy statement as Directors to serve until the 2029 Annual Meeting of Stockholders;
2.
To ratify the Audit Committee’s appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors for the 2027 fiscal year;
3.
To provide an advisory vote to approve executive compensation; and
4.
To vote on a stockholder proposal requesting additional reporting on plastic packaging.
We also will transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the meeting.
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Zakiya Black Barnett
Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Corporate Secretary |
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New York, New York
September 30, 2026 |
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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS URGES YOU TO SUBMIT YOUR PROXY BY INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE OR BY REQUESTING A PRINTED COPY OF THE PROXY MATERIALS AND COMPLETING AND RETURNING BY MAIL THE PROXY CARD YOU RECEIVE IN RESPONSE TO YOUR REQUEST.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE 2026 ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 17, 2026: The Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2026 Annual Meeting and the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026 with certain exhibits (which constitutes the “Annual Report to Stockholders”) are available at www.proxyvote.com.
Table of Contents
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Proxy Statement Summary
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. This summary does not contain all the information that you should consider, and you should read the entire Proxy Statement before voting. This Proxy Statement and form of proxy are expected to be mailed or made available online to stockholders receiving electronic delivery on or around September 30, 2026.
2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
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Date and Time:
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Tuesday, November 17, 2026 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time
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Place:
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The Annual Meeting will be held in a virtual-only format via live webcast on the Internet: www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2026
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Record Date:
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Voting Matters
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ITEMS OF BUSINESS
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BOARD
RECOMMENDATION |
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PROXY
STATEMENT DISCLOSURE |
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1
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Election of five Class III Directors
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FOR
each Director Nominee
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Page 9
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2
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Ratification of Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Independent Auditors
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FOR
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Page 84
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3
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Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation
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FOR
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Page 86
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4
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Stockholder Proposal Requesting Additional Reporting on Plastic Packaging
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AGAINST
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Page 87
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Director Nominees
Below is information about the five Class III Director Nominees standing for election to serve until the 2029 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, reflecting committee assignments as of September 18, 2026 (the “Record Date”). Additional information about these Director Nominees and the other Directors can be found in this Proxy Statement. See “Election of Directors.”
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Nominee – Class III
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Current Position
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Committee Membership
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Stéphane de La Faverie
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President and Chief Executive Officer
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. |
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| | | Jean-Frédéric Dufour | | | President, Rolex SA | | |
Audit Committee*
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| | | Gary M. Lauder | | | Managing Director, Lauder Partners LLC | | | | | |
| | | Jane Lauder | | |
Founder and Managing Director, TAW Ventures
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| | | Matthew E. Rubel | | | Non-executive Chairman, Holley Inc. | | |
Audit Committee*
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*
Expected to serve on the Audit Committee if elected at the 2026 Annual Meeting.
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2026 Proxy Statement | 1
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Executive Compensation Highlights
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Key Compensation Matters noted in Compensation Discussion and Analysis, Summary Compensation
Table, and related tables and narratives |
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CEO Annual Compensation
for Fiscal 2026 |
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Mr. de La Faverie’s annual base salary was $1.5 million, his annual bonus opportunity was $3.0 million, and his annual equity award target opportunity was $10.0 million. These fiscal 2026 compensation amounts reflect the amounts established in connection with his promotion to President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2025 (fiscal 2025) and were not increased at the start of fiscal 2026. For additional information, see “CEO Compensation.”
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Named Executive Officers Annual Stock-Based Grants for Fiscal 2026
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The relative mix of long-term equity-based compensation for the Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”) in fiscal 2026 was 40% Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) and 60% stock options. We increased the mix of stock options from 20% in fiscal 2025 to 60% in fiscal 2026 of the total long-term incentive value, with a corresponding elimination of Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) as an element of compensation. This shift in equity mix was intended to strengthen the direct alignment between executive compensation and stockholder value creation. With stock options, executives realize value only when stockholders benefit from stock price appreciation. These awards are shown in “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2026.”
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EAIP Payouts for NEOs for Fiscal 2026
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Our NEOs achieved fiscal 2026 payout percentages under the Executive Annual Incentive Plan (“EAIP”) ranging from 134.9% to 136.8% out of a possible maximum of 175% of target bonus opportunities. Such payouts were determined by applying the payout percentages to the fiscal 2026 target bonus opportunities and are shown in the “Summary Compensation Table.”
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No Payout of Annual PSUs granted to NEOs in Fiscal 2024
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Based on the Company’s below-threshold performance over the three-year period ended June 30, 2026, the annual PSUs granted in August 2023 (fiscal 2024) resulted in no payouts to our NEOs.
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4 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10153
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10153
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 17, 2026
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 17, 2026
September 30, 2026
Annual Meeting and Voting
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” or “us”), a Delaware corporation, to be voted at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2026 Annual Meeting” or “Annual Meeting”) to be held in a virtual-only meeting format on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time, and at any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.
How can I attend the virtual-only Annual Meeting?
We are holding the Annual Meeting in a virtual-only meeting format.
If you are a registered stockholder or beneficial owner of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock holding shares at the close of business on September 18, 2026 (the “Record Date”), you may join the Annual Meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2026 and logging in with the 16-digit control number found on your proxy card, voting instruction form, or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”), as applicable. If you do not have your 16-digit control number or are not a stockholder, you will be able to register as a guest to view the live webcast by visiting the website referenced in this paragraph; however, you will not be able to vote or submit questions during the meeting. You may access the meeting by logging into www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2026 beginning at 8:45 a.m., Eastern Time, on November 17, 2026. The Annual Meeting will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time.
How can I ask a question before and during the Annual Meeting?
Stockholders of record may submit questions either before or during the meeting. If you wish to submit a question before the meeting, you may log into www.proxyvote.com using your 16-digit control number and follow the instructions to submit a question. Alternatively, if you wish to submit a question during the meeting, log into the virtual meeting platform at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2026 using your 16-digit control number and follow the instructions to submit a question.
Who may vote?
Only stockholders of record of shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. Each owner of record is entitled to one vote per share of Class A Common Stock and 10 votes per share of Class B Common Stock held as of the Record Date. As of the Record Date, there were 247,815,431 shares of Class A Common Stock and 114,507,344 shares of Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding.
Why did I receive a notice in the mail regarding the Internet availability of the proxy materials instead of a paper copy of the proxy materials?
In accordance with rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), we have elected to furnish to our stockholders this Proxy Statement and our Annual Report to Stockholders by providing access to these documents on the Internet rather than mailing printed copies. Accordingly, the Notice is being mailed to our stockholders of record and beneficial owners (other than those who previously requested printed copies or electronic delivery of our proxy materials), which directs stockholders to a website where they can access our proxy materials and view instructions on how to vote online or by telephone. If you would prefer to receive a paper copy of our proxy materials, please follow the instructions included in the Notice.
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2026 Proxy Statement | 5
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How do I cast my vote if I am a stockholder of record?
If you are a stockholder of record (which means your shares are registered directly in your name with the Company’s transfer agent, Computershare, Inc., or you have a physical stock certificate), you can submit your proxy in one of the following ways prior to the meeting, (i) over the Internet via www.proxyvote.com and follow the instructions; (ii) if you received a proxy card, you can return the proxy card via mail in the postage paid envelope provided for that purpose; (iii) by telephone; or (iv) by following the instructions provided on the Notice, and by requesting a printed copy of our proxy materials and completing and returning by mail the proxy card you receive in response to your request. During the Annual Meeting, you may vote online by following the instructions at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2026.
Whichever method you use, each valid proxy received in time will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with your instructions. To ensure that your proxy is voted, it should be received before November 17, 2026. If you submit a proxy without giving instructions, your shares will be voted as recommended by the Board of Directors.
How do I cast my vote if my shares are held in “street name?”
If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in a stock brokerage account or by a broker, bank or other nominee (i.e. in “street name”), you can submit your voting instructions prior to the meeting to your broker, bank or other nominee by following the instructions that you will receive from your broker, bank, or nominee describing the available processes for voting your shares.
Your broker must vote those shares in accordance with your voting instructions.
Important Consideration for “street name” holders: Brokers, banks, and other nominees are not permitted to vote on certain proposals and may elect not to vote on any of the proposals unless you provide voting instructions. Therefore, as a “street name” holder, if you do not provide voting instructions to your bank, broker, or other nominee, your shares may not be voted at the meeting or may be voted on only a proposal for which discretionary voting is allowed (resulting in “broker non-votes” with respect to the other proposals). Please follow the instructions provided by your broker so that your vote can be counted.
May I change my vote?
All proxies delivered pursuant to this solicitation are revocable at any time before they are exercised, at the option of the persons submitting them, by giving written notice to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at the mailing address set forth below or by submitting a later-dated proxy (either by mail, telephone, or Internet). The mailing address of our principal executive office is 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153. Alternatively, if you attend the Annual Meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2026, you may revoke your proxy and change your vote by voting online during the meeting. Attendance at the Annual Meeting alone will not revoke a proxy.
What constitutes a quorum?
The holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions, broker non-votes, and votes withheld are included in the count to determine a quorum.
What if a quorum is not represented at the Annual Meeting?
The Chair of the Board or the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the stockholders who are present in person or by proxy may adjourn the meeting whether or not a quorum is present. At a subsequent meeting at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.
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6 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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What is the vote required to approve each proposal?
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Proposal
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Vote required for approval
(Class A and Class B Common Stock, voting together) |
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Effect of
abstentions |
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Effect of broker
non-votes |
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Item 1:
Election of five Class III Directors |
| | Plurality of Votes Cast(a) | | |
Not applicable
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No effect
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Item 2:
Ratify appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors |
| | Majority of Votes Cast | | |
No effect
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No effect(b)
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Item 3:
Advisory vote to approve Executive Compensation |
| | Majority of Votes Cast(c) | | |
No effect
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No effect
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Item 4:
Stockholder proposal requesting additional reporting on plastic packaging |
| | Majority of Votes Cast | | |
No effect
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No effect
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(a)
In the election of directors (Item 1), shares present at the Annual Meeting that are not voted for a particular nominee, broker non-votes, and shares present by proxy where the stockholder withholds authority to vote for the nominee will not be counted toward the nominee’s achievement of a plurality. In accordance with our Amended and Restated Bylaws, directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast. However, at any meeting of stockholders where a director does not receive a majority of the votes cast (i.e., the number of votes cast “for” a director’s election does not exceed the number of votes cast “against” or “withheld”), that director is required to promptly submit a written resignation to the Board following certification of the stockholder vote. In deciding whether to accept or reject the resignation, the Board will, within ninety (90) days following the certification of the election results, consider relevant factors and any additional information it deems appropriate. The director whose resignation is under consideration is expected to recuse themselves from the Board’s vote. The Board will promptly and publicly disclose its decision, including, if applicable, the reason(s) for rejecting the resignation.
(b)
Because the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors (Item 2) is considered a routine matter by the NYSE, there may not be any broker non-votes with respect to this proposal. However, if there are any broker non-votes, then they will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.
(c)
The advisory vote to approve executive compensation (Item 3) is not binding on the Company. However, the Compensation Committee and the Stock Plan Subcommittee, which are responsible for designing and administering the Company’s executive compensation program, value the opinions expressed by stockholders. For additional information, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation.”
How will my shares be voted?
All proxies properly submitted pursuant to this solicitation and not revoked will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the directions given. In the election of directors (Item 1), stockholders may vote in favor of, or withhold their votes from, each nominee. For the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (Item 2); the advisory vote to approve executive compensation (Item 3); and the stockholder proposal requesting additional reporting on plastic packaging (Item 4), stockholders may vote in favor of the proposal, may vote against the proposal, or may abstain from voting. Stockholders should specify their choices on the proxy card or pursuant to the instructions thereon for submitting a proxy by telephone or through the Internet. If no specific choices are indicated, the shares represented by a properly submitted proxy will be voted:
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2026 Proxy Statement | 7
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1.
FOR the election of each nominee as director;
2.
FOR the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors;
3.
FOR the advisory vote to approve executive compensation; and
4.
AGAINST the stockholder proposal requesting additional reporting on plastic packaging.
If you have properly submitted a proxy, and other matters are properly presented at the Annual Meeting for consideration, the proxy holders appointed by the Board of Directors (the persons named in your proxy card if you are a stockholder of record) will have the discretion to vote on those matters for you.
Who will count the vote?
Representatives of Broadridge will tabulate the votes cast at our Annual Meeting, and The Carideo Group Inc. will act as the independent inspector of elections.
May I see a list of stockholders entitled to vote as of the Record Date?
In accordance with Delaware law, a list of registered stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting will be available for examination by any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the Annual Meeting during ordinary business hours at the principal offices of the Company (in the office of the Corporate Secretary of the Company, 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10153), during the ten days ending on the day before the Annual Meeting.
Can I access the Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement, and Annual Report to Stockholders on the Internet?
Our Proxy Statement, Notice, and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026 with certain exhibits (which constitutes the “Annual Report to Stockholders”) are available for stockholders at www.proxyvote.com.
These materials are also available in the “Investors” section of our website at www.elcompanies.com. Instead of receiving future copies of our Proxy Statement, Notice, and Annual Report to Stockholders by mail, stockholders can access these materials online. Opting to receive your proxy materials online helps us reduce the cost of producing and mailing these documents. You will be provided with an electronic link to access the proxy voting site. Stockholders of record can enroll at www.proxyvote.com for online access to future proxy materials. If you hold your shares in a bank or brokerage account, you also may have the opportunity to receive copies of these documents electronically. Please check the information provided in the proxy materials mailed to you by your bank or broker regarding the availability of this service.
What is “householding” and how may I obtain a separate set of proxy materials?
Householding is a procedure approved by the SEC under which multiple stockholders (of record or beneficially) who have the same address may receive only one copy of a company’s Proxy Statement, Notice, and Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless one or more of these stockholders notifies the company, broker, bank, or other intermediary, as applicable, that it wishes to receive separate copies. We do not “household” for our stockholders of record. However, if you are a beneficial owner of shares held in “street name,” your broker, bank, or other intermediary may be householding your account. If you are a street name holder, you may contact your broker, bank, or other intermediary directly if you wish (i) to receive a separate copy of the Company’s Proxy Statement, Notice, or Annual Report on Form 10-K, as applicable, now or in the future or, alternatively, (ii) to request householding if you and other stockholders at your address are receiving multiple copies. In addition, you may (i) write to the Householding Department at Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717, or (ii) phone (866) 540-7095.
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8 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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Election of Directors
(Item 1)
(Item 1)
Board of Directors
As of the Record Date (September 18, 2026), our Board of Directors (the “Board”) is comprised of 14 directors, divided into three classes with staggered three-year terms, and Class I consists of five directors, Class II consists of five directors, and Class III consists of four directors.
The stockholders elect one class of the members of the Board annually. The directors whose terms will expire at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are Charlene Barshefsky, Stéphane de La Faverie, Gary M. Lauder, and Jane Lauder. With the exception of Ambassador Barshefsky, each of these directors has been nominated for re-election as a Class III Director at the 2026 Annual Meeting, to hold office until the 2029 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement or removal. Ambassador Barshefsky was not eligible to be nominated for re-election to the Board in accordance with the retirement age for directors as provided in the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines.
In July 2026, Jennifer Hyman, a Class I Director, notified the Company that she will retire from the Board effective November 16, 2026. Jean-Frédéric Dufour and Matthew E. Rubel have been nominated by the Board to stand for election as Class III Directors at the 2026 Annual Meeting. Accordingly, the nominees for election as Class III Directors at the 2026 Annual Meeting are Mr. de La Faverie, Mr. Dufour, Mr. G. Lauder, Ms. J. Lauder, and Mr. Rubel. In the unanticipated event that one or more of the nominees is not elected by stockholders at the Annual Meeting, or is unable or declines to serve for any reason, the Board may reduce the number of directors or take action to fill any vacancy. It is expected that immediately after the Annual Meeting, Class I will consist of four directors, Class II will consist of five directors, and Class III will consist of five directors.
Lauder Family Members, including related entities, who control the Company have agreed to vote their shares in favor of four individuals as directors when they are up for election: Gary M. Lauder, Jane Lauder, William P. Lauder, and Eric L. Zinterhofer. See “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions – Lauder Family Relationships and Compensation” for the definition of “Lauder Family Members”.
The Company is grateful to Ambassador Barshefsky and Ms. Hyman for their contributions during the time each served on our Board.
Director Qualifications. Our Board consists of individuals with diverse and complementary business, leadership, and financial experience. Many of our directors bring leadership experience from major domestic and multinational companies, as well as service on the boards of other companies and organizations, which provides valuable insight into a range of business processes, challenges, and strategies. Certain directors have backgrounds in government, legal, public policy, or media, offering perspectives on issues commonly faced by public companies. The members of the Board are inquisitive and collaborative, challenging yet supportive, and demonstrate maturity and sound judgment in the performance of their duties. The Board believes that the attributes described above, together with the leadership skills and other experience of its members, some of which are described in the biographies below, provide the necessary perspective and judgment to guide the Company’s long-term strategy, monitor its execution, and provide oversight of management. No director (other than the CEO) will be nominated for election to the Board after their 74th birthday.
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2026 Proxy Statement | 9
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The Board evaluates nominees in the context of the Board as a whole, with the objective of recommending a group that can best support the success of the business and, based on the group’s diversity of experience, represent stockholder interests through the exercise of sound judgment. Such diversity of experience may be enhanced by a mix of different professional and personal backgrounds and experiences. While the Company does not have a specific policy on gender and racial diversity of the Board, we are proud to have a diverse Board. As of the Record Date, eight directors are men; six directors are women; eleven self-identify as white; one director self-identifies as Afro-Latino; and two self-identify as Asian.
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The Board recommends a vote FOR each Class III nominee as a director to hold office until the 2029 Annual Meeting. Proxies received by the Board will be so voted unless a contrary choice is specified in the proxy.
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10 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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Nominees for Election to Term Expiring 2029 (Class III)
| | Stéphane de La Faverie | | ||||||
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Director since 2025
Age 52 |
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BACKGROUND
Mr. de La Faverie has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since January 2025. From September 2022 through December 31, 2024, he was Executive Group President, overseeing many of the Company’s brands, including Estée Lauder, Jo Malone London, The Ordinary, and Le Labo. He also led global strategy for the makeup and fragrance categories. From July 2020 through August 2022, as Group President and Global Brand President, Estée Lauder and AERIN Beauty, Mr. de La Faverie oversaw a portfolio of skin care and luxury fragrance brands. Since joining the Company in January 2011, Mr. de La Faverie served in various other positions, including Global Brand President, Estée Lauder (from July 2016 to June 2020). Prior to joining the company, Mr. de La Faverie was General Manager, Giorgio Armani USA, a division of L’Oréal Paris. He also served in a number of positions at L’Oréal Group – Luxury Product Division, including with the Lancôme Global brand where his roles included the responsibility over marketing operations of fragrances and skin care (face and body) at Lancôme USA.
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QUALIFICATIONS
•
Global management and other business, consumer and luxury brand industry experience as President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as other leadership positions at the Company
•
Similar experience, including overseeing marketing operations and brand building, in leadership positions at Giorgio Armani USA and the Lancôme Global brand
•
Experience working abroad
•
Financial experience
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| | | | | | | |||
| | Jean-Frédéric Dufour | | ||||||
| |
Nominee in 2026
Age 58
Committee:
•
Expected to serve on the Audit Committee if elected at the 2026 Annual Meeting
|
| |
BACKGROUND
Mr. Dufour is Chief Executive Officer of Rolex SA (“Rolex”), a luxury company that designs, manufactures, and sells watches. Prior to joining Rolex in 2015, he was President and Chief Executive Officer, Zenith Watches at LVMH Moet Hennessy Vuitton SE from 2009 to 2014. From 2001 to 2009, Mr. Dufour was Head of Product Development, Chopard Watches and Jewelry at Chopard International SA.
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| |
QUALIFICATIONS
•
Global management, leadership, consumer, and luxury brand experience as Chief Executive Officer of Rolex SA and in prior roles including as President and CEO, Zenith Watches at LVMH and as Head of Product Development, Chopard Watches and Jewelry at Chopard
•
Luxury branding experience
•
Deep knowledge about consumers and client-experience
•
Financial experience
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2026 Proxy Statement | 11
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| | Gary M. Lauder | | ||||||
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Director since 2023
Age 64 |
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BACKGROUND
Mr. G. Lauder is the Managing Director of Lauder Partners LLC, a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm. He has been a venture capitalist since 1985, investing in over 170 private companies across diverse industries. Presently, he invests in technology companies in biomedical, law enforcement, security, and other fields. Mr. Lauder has served as a board member or observer at a number of private companies. In addition, he currently serves on the Advisory Council of the Aspen Institute Science & Society Program and on the Board of Governors of the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation.
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QUALIFICATIONS
•
Venture capital and investment experience as Managing Director of Lauder Partners LLC
•
Technology innovation and intellectual property experience
•
Board experience at ShotSpotter Inc. (renamed SoundThinking, Inc.)
•
Affiliation with non-profit organizations (Aspen Institute and Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation)
•
Financial experience
•
Lauder family stockholder and party to Stockholders’ Agreement
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| | | | | | | |||
| | Jane Lauder | | ||||||
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Director since 2009
Age 53 |
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BACKGROUND
Ms. Lauder is the Founder and Managing Director of TAW Ventures, an investment firm that focuses on consumer-facing pet brands that enhance pet health, wellness, and longevity. Prior to founding TAW Ventures in 2025, she was the former Executive Vice President, Enterprise Marketing and Chief Data Officer of the Company, and served in this role from July 2020 to December 31, 2024. Ms. Lauder was Global Brand President, Clinique from April 2014 to July 2020. She began her career with the Company in 1996 at Clinique and has served in various positions throughout the Company. Previously, she was Global President, General Manager of the Origins, Ojon, and Darphin brands from July 2010 to April 2014. She was Senior Vice President/General Manager of the Origins brand from July 2008 to July 2010, and Senior Vice President, Global Marketing for Clinique from July 2006 to July 2008. Within the past five years, Ms. Lauder served as a member of the Board of Directors of Eventbrite, Inc. She also serves on the Stanford University Board of Trustees.
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QUALIFICATIONS
•
Management, marketing, and other industry experience through leadership roles at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
•
Digital and technology experience
•
Board experience at Eventbrite, Inc.
•
Trustee of Stanford University
•
Lauder family stockholder and party to Stockholders’ Agreement
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12 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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| | Matthew E. Rubel | | ||||||
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Nominee in 2026
Age 68
Committee:
•
Expected to serve on the Audit Committee if elected at the 2026 Annual Meeting
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BACKGROUND
Mr. Rubel is the Non-executive Chairman of Holley Inc., a company that designs, manufactures, and distributes high-performance automotive aftermarket products. He has served in this role since May 2025; and prior to that as Executive Chairman from February 2023 to May 2025; and Non-executive Chairman from July 2021 to February 2023. Mr. Rubel is the former Chair of the executive board for MidOcean Partners Private Equity Consumer Group (“MidOcean”), a private investment firm. He served in this role at MidOcean from June 2020 to May 2026, having joined the firm in 2018 and previously served as Chairman, Consumer Group from 2018 to 2020. Mr. Rubel is a member of the Board of Directors of The Joint Corp. Within the past five years, he served as a director of Treehouse Foods, Inc., MidOcean’s portfolio company Image Skincare, and Luchesse Boot Company.
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QUALIFICATIONS
•
Global business and management experiences through his role at MidOcean Partners and prior leadership roles as Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) at Varsity Brands and as CEO at Collective Brands, Inc.
•
Brand strategy and marketing experience including expertise in global prestige branding, product innovation, and consumer engagement
•
Omnichannel operations with deep operational insight across DTC, e-commerce, department stores, and specialty-multi retail
•
Board experience at Holley Inc., The Joint Corp., Treehouse Foods, Inc., Collective Brands, Inc., Hudson’s Bay Company, and HSNi.
•
Financial experience
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2026 Proxy Statement | 13
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Incumbent Directors – Term Expiring 2027 (Class I)
| | Paul J. Fribourg | | ||||||
| |
Director since 2006
Age 72
Committees:
•
Audit Committee
•
Compensation Committee (Chair) and Stock Plan Subcommittee
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BACKGROUND
Mr. Fribourg is the Executive Chairman of Continental Grain Company (“Continental Grain”), an international agribusiness and investment company. He was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Continental Grain from 1997 until April 2026. Mr. Fribourg joined Continental Grain in 1976 and worked in various positions there with increasing responsibility in both the United States and Europe. He is on the boards of directors of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. and Loews Corporation. Within the past five years, Mr. Fribourg served as a director of Bunge Limited and Restaurant Brands International Inc. He is a member of the Temasek Americas Advisory Panel and the National Committee on US-China Relations. Mr. Fribourg has been a member of the Council on Foreign Relations since 1985.
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QUALIFICATIONS
•
Global management, marketing, and other business experience as Executive Chairman and former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Continental Grain Company
•
Board experience at Bunge Limited, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Loews Corporation, and Restaurant Brands International Inc.
•
Affiliation with leading business and public policy associations (Council on Foreign Relations)
•
Financial experience
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| | Arturo Nuñez | | ||||||
| |
Director since 2022
Age 59
Committees:
•
Audit Committee
•
Compensation Committee and Stock Plan Subcommittee
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BACKGROUND
Mr. Nuñez is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AIE Creative, a branding and marketing firm which he founded in 2018. From June 2021 until October 2022, he was the Chief Marketing Officer of Nu Holdings Ltd. (“Nubank”), a digital banking platform headquartered in Brazil that serves customers across Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. From 2018 to 2021, he worked at AIE Creative, and from 2014 to 2018, he was the Head of Marketing, Latin America, for Apple Inc. From 2007 to 2014, Mr. Nunez held various marketing positions at NIKE, Inc., including Global Vice President, Basketball Marketing, and from 1999 to 2007, he held various positions at the National Basketball Association (“NBA”) including Vice President, Managing Director, NBA Latin America and U.S. Hispanic. Mr. Nuñez is a member of the Board of Directors of Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
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QUALIFICATIONS
•
Global business, marketing, management, retail, and consumer brand experience in various roles at Apple Inc., NIKE, Inc., the National Basketball Association, and Nu Holdings Ltd.
•
Board experience at Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
•
Deep knowledge about consumers and consumer goods
•
Innovative technology and digital experience
•
Financial experience
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14 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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| | Barry S. Sternlicht | | ||||||
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Director since 2004
Age 65
Committee:
•
Nominating and ESG Committee
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BACKGROUND
Mr. Sternlicht is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Starwood Capital Group, a privately-held global investment firm focused on global real estate. He also serves as Chairman and CEO of Starwood Property Trust, Inc., a commercial mortgage REIT. Mr. Sternlicht is the Chairman of the Board of Starwood Real Estate Income Trust, Inc. and is founder and Chairman of Jaws Mustang Acquisition Corp. Additionally, within the past five years, he served as a director of Cano Health, Jaws Spitfire Acquisition Corp., Jaws Wildcat Acquisition Corporation, Jaws Acquisition Corp., Jaws Hurricane Acquisition Corporation, Jaws Juggernaut Acquisition Corp, and Vesper Healthcare Acquisition Corp. From 1995 through early 2005, Mr. Sternlicht was Chairman and CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. He currently serves as a member of the Business Council, and is on the board of The Robin Hood Foundation, the Dreamland Film & Performing Arts Center, and the Business Committee for the Arts of Americans for the Arts.
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QUALIFICATIONS
•
Global business, investment, real estate, financial, private equity, entrepreneurial, and consumer brand and luxury industry expertise at Starwood Capital Group, as Chairman of Starwood Property Trust, Inc., as Chairman of the Board of Starwood Real Estate Trust, Inc., and as founder and former Chief Executive of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
•
Board experience at A.S. Roma, Baccarat S.A., Tripoint Homes, Restoration Hardware, Invitation Homes, Inc., EQR, and Starwood Property Trust, Inc.
•
Financial experience
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| | Eric L. Zinterhofer | | ||||||
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Director since 2025
Age 55
Committee:
•
Compensation Committee
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BACKGROUND
Mr. Zinterhofer is a Founding Partner of Searchlight Capital Partners, L.P., a private equity firm. He serves on the Investment Committee, Operating Committee and Valuation Committee, and is jointly responsible for overseeing the Firm’s activities with the two other Founding Partners. In his capacity at Searchlight, Mr. Zinterhofer advises on a wide range of transactions, including leveraged buyouts, growth equity, recapitalizations and investments for companies. Previously, he served as a senior partner at Apollo Management, L.P. from 1998 until May 2010. Mr. Zinterhofer is Chairman of the Board of Charter Communications, Inc. Within the past five years, he served as a director of Hemisphere Media Group and Liberty Latin America Ltd.
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QUALIFICATIONS
•
Management experience at Searchlight Capital Partners, L.P.
•
Private equity, investment banking, and portfolio management experience at Searchlight Capital Partners, L.P. and Apollo Management, L.P.
•
Board experience at Charter Communications and Liberty Latin America Ltd.
•
Financial experience
•
Designee under Stockholders’ Agreement
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2026 Proxy Statement | 15
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Incumbent Directors – Term Expiring 2028 (Class II)
| | William P. Lauder | | ||||||
| |
Director since 1996
Age 66
Committee:
•
Nominating and ESG Committee
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BACKGROUND
Mr. W. Lauder is Chair of the Board of Directors of the Company. He was Executive Chairman of the Company from June 2009 through November 8, 2024, and retired from the Company on February 28, 2025. Mr. Lauder was Chief Executive Officer of the Company from March 2008 through June 2009 and President and Chief Executive Officer from July 2004 through February 2008. From January 2003 through June 2004, he was Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Lauder joined the Company in 1986 and has served in various capacities. From July 2001 through 2002, he was Group President, responsible for the worldwide business of the Clinique and Origins brands and the Company’s retail store and online operations. From 1998 to 2001, Mr. Lauder was President of Clinique Laboratories, LLC. Prior to 1998, he was President of Origins Natural Resources Inc. Within the past five years, Mr. Lauder served as a director of ICG Hypersonic Acquisition Corp. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Fresh Air Fund, as an Emeritus Trustee of the University of Pennsylvania and The Trinity School in New York City, and as a member of the boards of directors of 92NY and the Partnership for New York City. Mr. Lauder is also Co-Chairman of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
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QUALIFICATIONS
•
Global business, marketing, and consumer and luxury brand industry experience through leadership roles at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
•
Experience leading successful creative organizations with innovation programs based on research and development
•
Board experience at ICG Hypersonic Acquisition Corp., GLG Partners, Inc., and Jarden Corporation
•
An Emeritus Trustee of the University of Pennsylvania and lecturer at The Wharton School
•
Financial experience
•
Lauder family stockholder and party to Stockholders’ Agreement
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| | Annabelle Yu Long | | ||||||
| |
Director since 2025
Age 53
Committee:
•
Audit Committee
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BACKGROUND
Ms. Long is the Founding and Managing Partner of BAI Capital, a leading venture capital fund in China. She has served in her current role since 2021, and prior to that she was the Chief Executive Officer of Bertelsmann China Corporate Center and the Managing Partner of Bertelsmann Asia Investments from 2008 to 2020. Ms. Long also serves as a member of the Bertelsmann Group Management Committee. She serves on the boards of directors of Tapestry, Inc., NIO Inc., The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, and LexinFintech Holdings Ltd. Within the past five years, she also served as a member of the Board of Directors of Linmon Media Limited.
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QUALIFICATIONS
•
Global entrepreneurial, consumer product, technology, investing and management experience in her role as Managing Partner of BAI Capital, including within China
•
Board experience at Tapestry, Inc., The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, NIO Inc., Linmon Media Limited, and LexinFintech Holdings Ltd.
•
Financial experience
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16 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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| | Dana Strong, CBE | | ||||||
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Director since 2025
Age 56
Committee:
•
Nominating and ESG Committee
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BACKGROUND
Ms. Strong is Chief Executive Officer of Sky Group Limited (“Sky”), a European media and telecommunications company. Sky is the European subsidiary of Comcast Corporation (a global media and technology company). Ms. Strong serves on the Board of SkyShowtime, a joint venture between Comcast Corporation and Paramount Global. Prior to joining Sky in 2021, Ms. Strong served as President of Xfinity Consumer Services at Comcast from 2018 to 2021. Prior to joining Comcast Ms. Strong was an executive and served in various positions of increasing responsibility at Liberty Global Limited from 1999-2018. She was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2025 for services to the media industry.
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QUALIFICATIONS
•
Global executive experience across 25 years in media, technology, and telecommunications through leadership roles at Comcast and Liberty Global
•
Leadership experience of large-scale consumer-facing businesses in the U.S. and Europe
•
Strategic and operational expertise with international perspective
•
Business transformation experience
•
Board experience at Telenet Group Holding NV
•
Financial experience
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| | Jennifer Tejada | | ||||||
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Director since 2018
Age 55
Committee:
•
Nominating and ESG Committee (Chair)
|
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BACKGROUND
Ms. Tejada is Executive Chairman of the Board of PagerDuty, Inc., a digital operations management platform for businesses. She was Chief Executive Officer and Chair from 2016 through May 2026. Prior to joining PagerDuty in 2016, she was President and Chief Executive Officer of Keynote Systems Corporation, a software company specializing in digital performance analytics and web and mobile testing, from 2013 to 2015. Ms. Tejada was Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Mincom, an enterprise software company, from 2008 to 2011. She has also previously held senior positions at Merivale Group, The Procter & Gamble Company, and i2 Technologies. Within the past five years, Ms. Tejada served as a director of UiPath, Inc.
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QUALIFICATIONS
•
Management experience at PagerDuty, Inc., Keynote Systems Corporation, and Mincom
•
Digital, mobile, cyber, and software experience
•
Consumer goods experience
•
Experience working abroad
•
Board experience at PagerDuty, Inc. and UiPath, Inc.
•
Financial experience
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2026 Proxy Statement | 17
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| | Richard F. Zannino | | ||||||
| |
Director since 2010
Age 67
Lead Independent Director
Committee:
•
Audit Committee (Chair)
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BACKGROUND
Mr. Zannino is a Managing Director at the private equity firm CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC. He is a partner on the firm’s Investment Committee and co-heads the consumer retail practice. Prior to joining CCMP Capital, Mr. Zannino was an independent retail and media advisor from February 2008 to June 2009. He was Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. from February 2006 until January 2008. Mr. Zannino joined Dow Jones as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in February 2001 and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in July 2002. From 1998 to 2001, he was Executive Vice President of Liz Claiborne, Inc., where he oversaw the finance, administration, retail, fragrance, and licensing divisions. From 1993 to 1998, Mr. Zannino was with Saks Fifth Avenue, serving as Vice President and Treasurer, Senior Vice President, Finance and Merchandise Planning, and then Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Zannino is on the boards of directors of People Incorporated (formerly IAC/InterActiveCorp) and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc. Within the past five years, Mr. Zannino served as a director of Hillman Solutions Corp. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Pace University.
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QUALIFICATIONS
•
Management, media, finance, retail, and consumer brand industry experience in various positions at Dow Jones & Company, Inc., Liz Claiborne, Inc., and Saks Fifth Avenue
•
Consumer, retail, media, and private equity experience at CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC
•
Board experience at Dow Jones & Company, Inc., Francesca’s Holdings Corporation, Hillman Solutions Corp., People Incorporated (formerly IAC/InterActiveCorp), and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.
•
Trustee of Pace University
•
Financial experience
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18 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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Additional Information Regarding the Board of Directors
Stockholders’ Agreement and Lauder Family Control. All Lauder Family Members who are party to a stockholders’ agreement with the Company (the “Stockholders’ Agreement”) have agreed to vote shares beneficially owned by them for (a) William P. Lauder, Gary M. Lauder or a designee in lieu of one of them and (b) Ronald S. Lauder (or for one of his daughters), and one person, if any, designated by Mr. R. Lauder as a director of the Company. The term “Lauder Family Members” is defined below (see “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions – Lauder Family Relationships and Compensation”). Shares subject to the Stockholders’ Agreement represent approximately 82% of the voting power of the Company as of the Record Date. The respective right of each of (a) William P. Lauder and Gary M. Lauder and (b) Ronald S. Lauder (or his daughters) to designate a nominee exists only when they (including their descendants), or he (including his descendants) beneficially owns (other than by reason of the Stockholders’ Agreement) shares of Common Stock with at least 10% of the total voting power of the Company. In accordance with the Stockholders’ Agreement, William P. Lauder and Gary M. Lauder are the designees of their side of the family, and Ronald S. Lauder designated Jane Lauder and Eric L. Zinterhofer as directors. The respective right of each of (a) William P. Lauder and Gary M. Lauder and (b) Ronald S. Lauder (or one of his daughters) to be nominated will exist so long as they (including their descendants) or he (including his descendants) beneficially owns shares of Common Stock with at least 5% of the total voting power of the Company. If either William P. Lauder or Gary M. Lauder is unable to serve by reason of his death or disability, the other will have the right to designate a nominee. Similarly, in the event Ronald S. Lauder is not a member of the Board for any reason other than his death or disability, he may designate one of his daughters, Aerin Lauder or Jane Lauder, to replace him as a person to be voted a director. In the event of Ronald S. Lauder’s death or disability after he ceases to be a member of the Board, then his daughters will succeed to Mr. R. Lauder’s rights to be nominated as a director and to designate one nominee. If either daughter is unable to serve by reason of her death or disability, the other daughter will have the right to designate a nominee. In the event that a designee of (a) William P. Lauder and Gary M. Lauder or (b) Ronald S. Lauder ceases to be a member of the Board by virtue of resignation, removal, death or disability, then they or him, as the case may be, so long as they or he has the right to designate a nominee, shall designate another person to fill that vacancy. In the event none of William P. Lauder, Gary M. Lauder, and Ronald S. Lauder and his daughters are able to serve as directors by reason of death or disability, then the rights under the Stockholders’ Agreement to be a nominee and to designate a nominee will cease. The Stockholders’ Agreement contains a “sunset provision.” Under this provision, the Stockholders’ Agreement will terminate upon the occurrence of certain specified events, including the transfer of shares of Common Stock by a party to the Stockholders’ Agreement that causes all parties thereto immediately after such transaction to own beneficially in the aggregate shares having less than 10% of the total voting power of the Company.
Controlled Company Exemptions. The Lauder family has direct and indirect holdings of approximately 82% of the voting power of the Company as of the Record Date. The Company is considered a “controlled company” under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) because the Lauder family and their related entities hold more than 50% of the voting power of the Company’s outstanding voting stock. As a “controlled company,” the Company is eligible to rely on certain exemptions from the NYSE corporate governance requirements, including those related to the Board and its committees. Notwithstanding the availability of these exemptions, the Board has determined that it will be comprised of a majority of independent directors and that both the Nominating and ESG Committee and the Compensation Committee will include provisions in their respective charters consistent with the NYSE requirements for non-controlled companies. However, as permitted by the NYSE rules for “controlled companies,” our Board does not require that either the Nominating and ESG Committee or the Compensation Committee be comprised solely of independent directors. The Audit Committee is comprised solely of independent directors.
Board Committees. The Board has established the following standing committees: the Audit Committee; the Compensation Committee (which includes the Stock Plan Subcommittee); and the Nominating and ESG Committee. Each director on these committees is an independent director except for William P. Lauder, who is a member of the Nominating and ESG Committee, and Eric L. Zinterhofer, who is a member of the Compensation Committee. Each committee reports regularly to the Board and has the authority to engage its own advisors. From time to time, the Board reviews the composition of its
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2026 Proxy Statement | 19
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committees. Effective November 13, 2025, Ms. Long joined the Audit Committee and Ms. Strong joined the Nominating and ESG Committee. Mr. Dufour and Mr. Rubel are expected to serve on the Audit Committee, effective November 17, 2026, if elected at the 2026 Annual Meeting.
Committee Composition as of the Record Date
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Director
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Audit
Committee |
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Compensation
Committee |
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Nominating and
ESG Committee |
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Charlene Barshefsky†
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Paul J. Fribourg†
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Jennifer Hyman
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William P. Lauder
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Annabelle Yu Long
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Arturo Nuñez†
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Barry S. Sternlicht
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Dana Strong
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Jennifer Tejada
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Richard F. Zannino*
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Eric L. Zinterhofer
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Chair
Member
†
Also a member of the Stock Plan Subcommittee
*
Lead Independent Director
Copies of each charter adopted by the Board are available in the “Investors” section of our website, www.elcompanies.com, under “Corporate Governance.”
| |
Audit
Committee
(as of the Record Date)
|
| |
• Richard F. Zannino (Chair)
• Paul J. Fribourg
• Jennifer Hyman
|
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• Annabelle Yu Long
• Arturo Nuňez
|
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The Audit Committee, among other things, appoints the independent auditors; reviews the independence of such auditors; approves the scope of the annual audit activities of the independent auditors and the Company’s Internal Audit department; reviews audit results; reviews and discusses our financial statements with management and the independent auditors; reviews and discusses with the Board our policies for risk assessment and risk management; and is responsible for our related person transactions policy. The committee’s oversight responsibilities include matters relating to information technology, artificial intelligence risk, cybersecurity, taxes, treasury, and legal matters. The committee meets periodically with the Chief Financial Officer, the head of internal audit, and representatives of the independent auditors. The Board has determined that each of Mr. Fribourg and Mr. Zannino qualifies as an “Audit Committee Financial Expert” in accordance with SEC rules. The Board has also determined that each of Mr. Dufour and Mr. Rubel qualifies as an “Audit Committee Financial Expert” in accordance with SEC rules, if each is elected at the 2026 Annual Meeting and if each of them joins the Audit Committee.
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20 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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Compensation
Committee
(as of the Record Date)
|
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• Paul J. Fribourg (Chair)*
• Charlene Barshefsky*
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• Arturo Nuñez*
• Eric L. Zinterhofer
|
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*Also a member of the Stock Plan Subcommittee
|
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The Compensation Committee establishes and approves compensation plans and arrangements with respect to the Company’s executive officers and administers the Company’s Executive Annual Incentive Plan. The Compensation Committee also has oversight of our human capital management. The Stock Plan Subcommittee has authority over all decisions regarding awards to executive officers under our share incentive plans and authority to administer our share incentive plans under which executive officers and other employees may receive equity grants. We also have an Employee Equity Award Committee, the sole member of which is our CEO in his role as a director (Mr. de La Faverie). The purpose of this committee is to make limited grants of equity awards under the share incentive plan to employees who are not executive officers.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation. During fiscal 2026, Ambassador Barshefsky, Mr. Fribourg, Mr. Nuñez, and Mr. Zinterhofer served on the Compensation Committee. None of the directors who served on the Compensation Committee during fiscal 2026 was a current or former officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, and none had any relationship requiring disclosure under this caption pursuant to SEC rules. In addition, none of our executive officers served as a member of the compensation committee (or other committee performing similar functions) or as a director of any other entity where an executive officer of such entity served on our Compensation Committee or Board.
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Nominating and
ESG Committee
(as of the Record Date)
|
| |
• Jennifer Tejada (Chair)
• Jennifer Hyman
• William P. Lauder
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• Barry S. Sternlicht
• Dana Strong
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The Nominating and ESG Committee oversees the Company’s corporate governance matters, as well as its citizenship and sustainability initiatives. The committee also proposes candidates to fill vacancies on the Board and recommends nominees for election as directors; oversees CEO succession planning; oversees the Board’s evaluation of the CEO, in coordination with the Compensation Committee, as necessary and appropriate; reviews and makes recommendations regarding Board practices and procedures; considers corporate governance matters that may arise from time to time and reviews and recommends the compensation for service as a Board member.
Board and Board Committee Meetings; Annual Meeting Attendance; and Executive Sessions. Directors are expected to devote sufficient time to carrying out their duties and responsibilities effectively, and should be committed to serve on the Board for an extended period of time. In furtherance of the Board’s role, directors are expected to attend all scheduled Board and Board committee meetings and all meetings of stockholders. All directors may, but are not required to, attend committee meetings regardless of their membership on the committee, excluding executive sessions or where attendance at such meeting would be inappropriate, such as if conflicts of interest, confidentiality or privilege issues were to arise. In fiscal 2026, the Board of Directors met twelve times, the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee (and the Stock Plan Subcommittee) each met seven times, and the Nominating and ESG Committee met three times. The total combined attendance for all Board and committee meetings in fiscal 2026 was over 89%, and no director attended less than 75% of Board and committee meetings except for Ms. Dong (who retired from our Board effective November 12, 2025) and Lady de Rothschild (who did not stand for re-election at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on November 13, 2025). There were twelve executive sessions of non-employee directors, and one executive session of the independent directors in fiscal 2026. Directors are expected to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. All of our directors serving on the Board at the time attended our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Board Leadership Structure. Our Board is currently led by the Chair of the Board (the “Chair”), Mr. W. Lauder, and the Lead Independent Director, Mr. Zannino. As of the Record Date, our Board is comprised of 14 directors, including 13 non-management directors, of whom nine are independent
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members and four are non-independent members of the Lauder family, and one management director (our President and CEO). A majority of the directors on our Board are independent. The Chair presides over all meetings of the Board, while the Lead Independent Director presides over all executive sessions of the independent directors and executive sessions of the non-management directors. The Board considers this structure appropriate in view of the Lauder family’s significant investment in the Company. It also aligns with the Stockholders’ Agreement among certain members of the Lauder family and the Company. See “Additional Information Regarding the Board of Directors – Stockholders’ Agreement and Lauder Family Control.”
Chair of the Board. William P. Lauder is Chair of the Board (the “Chair”) (as provided in our Corporate Governance Guidelines). In his role as Chair, Mr. W. Lauder facilitates the Board operating in the best interest of the Company. He also reinforces the Company’s family heritage and serves as a visible representative of both the Lauder family and the Company with employees, governmental entities, other stakeholders, and the broader community. His duties as Chair include maintaining a strong working relationship with the CEO and supporting the development of strategy, capital management (including acquisitions and divestitures), risk management and major corporate actions to be presented to the Board. Also as provided in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the duties of the Chair role are based on the assumption that the Chair role is held by a non-independent member of the Lauder family with a Lead Independent Director in place, and a Nominating and ESG Committee comprised of a majority of independent directors. In addition, the Chair is a member of the Nominating and ESG Committee. The Chair is elected annually by the Board; can be removed by the Board; and reports to the Board. Mr. W. Lauder has been re-elected by the Board to serve as Chair of the Board.
Lead Independent Director. As provided in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, an independent director serves as our Lead Independent Director. In fiscal 2026, Mr. Zannino presided over the executive sessions of the independent directors and non-management directors on the Board. The Lead Independent Director is selected from among the independent directors annually, and serves a one-year term beginning at the Board meeting immediately following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Mr. Zannino has been re-appointed by the Board to serve as the Lead Independent Director for a one-year term beginning after the 2026 Annual Meeting.
Lauder Family Control. Our Company was founded in 1946 by Estée and Joseph Lauder, and subsequent generations of Lauders have had significant involvement in the business and management of the Company. The business was run as a private family enterprise until our initial public offering in 1995. As a publicly traded, family-controlled company, we continue to benefit from the Lauder family’s demonstrated dedication and commitment to its long-term success. The members of the Lauder family are connected to the Company not just financially through their ownership of common stock but just as fundamentally through their historical legacy of long-term family stewardship that continues today. As of the Record Date, Ronald S. Lauder (a son of Estée and Joseph Lauder) is an Executive Officer and is Chairman of Clinique Laboratories, LLC. Members of Ronald Lauder’s family including Jane Lauder (his daughter) and Eric Zinterhofer (his son-in-law and spouse of Aerin Lauder) serve on our Board of Directors and Aerin Lauder (his daughter) is the Director, Style, Luxury & Legacy, Estée Lauder. Members of Leonard A. Lauder’s (who passed away in 2025) family including William P. Lauder and Gary M. Lauder (the sons of Leonard A. Lauder), serve as Chair and as a member of our Board of Directors, respectively. Joshua Lauder (Gary Lauder’s son) and Katherine Lauder (Gary Lauder’s daughter-in-law) are employees of the Company.
Controlled Company Features including Sunset Provisions for Class B Common Stock and the Stockholders’ Agreement. As referenced above, we are a “controlled company” under the rules of the NYSE because the Lauder family and their related entities hold more than 50% of the voting power of the outstanding voting stock. We note that the controlled company structure is not uncommon in the beauty industry. Our controlled company structure includes dual class stock, a classified board, and a Stockholders’ Agreement that requires the members of the family who are party to the agreement to vote in favor of up to four director nominees designated by members of the family. In addition, we have non-independent directors on our Nominating and ESG Committee and Compensation Committee. Each of these matters is explained below.
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Dual Class Stock Structure. Under our dual class stock structure, holders of Class A Common Stock have one vote per share, and holders of Class B Common Stock (limited to members of the Lauder family and related entities) have 10 votes per share. Our Certificate of Incorporation contains a sunset provision, which provides that, if as of the record date for any meeting of stockholders of the Company, the outstanding Class B Common Stock constitutes less than 10% of the total outstanding Common Stock, each share of Class B Common Stock will automatically convert as of the record date into one share of Class A Common Stock with one vote per share. As of the Record Date for the 2026 Annual Meeting, the outstanding Class B Common Stock constituted approximately 31.6% of the total outstanding Common Stock.
Board Composition; Voting under the Stockholders’ Agreement. Our Board is divided into three classes, with each member serving for a three-year term. As explained above, Lauder Family Members who are party to the Stockholders’ Agreement have agreed to vote shares beneficially owned by them in favor of up to four individuals as directors. The Stockholders’ Agreement contains a sunset provision, pursuant to which the agreement will terminate upon the occurrence of certain specified events, including the transfer of shares of Common Stock by a party to the agreement that causes all parties thereto immediately after such transaction to own beneficially in the aggregate shares having less than 10% of the total voting power of the Company. Shares subject to the Stockholders’ Agreement represented approximately 82% of the voting power of the Company as of the Record Date for the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Committee Composition including Independent Committee Leadership; Lead Independent Director; Majority of Independent Directors. As permitted by the NYSE rules for “controlled companies” we are not required to have our Nominating and ESG Committee or Compensation Committee composed solely of independent directors. William P. Lauder, Chair of the Board, and, not an independent director, serves on our Nominating and ESG Committee, and Eric L. Zinterhofer, who is also not an independent director, serves on our Compensation Committee. We believe this committee service is appropriate because of the valuable contributions that Mr. W. Lauder and Mr. Zinterhofer make; as reflected in the biographical information above, each has extensive business, leadership and financial experience. We note that all the directors on our Audit Committee, including the Chair, are independent, as are the Chairs of our Nominating and ESG Committee and our Compensation Committee. Our Stock Plan Subcommittee, which approves all equity grants to our executive officers including the CEO, is composed solely of independent directors. In addition, our Lead Independent Director is independent. Although, as a controlled company, we are not required by the NYSE rules to have a majority of independent directors, our Board has determined that it will have a majority of independent directors. As of the Record Date, 9 of our 14 Board members (approximately 64%) are independent.
CEO Succession Planning Process. The Nominating and ESG Committee establishes policies and principles for CEO succession, and our Board reviews CEO succession plans on an ongoing basis. The Board has numerous opportunities to meet with, and assess development plans for, members of management and other potential leaders, including through formal presentations to the Board and its committees, as well as informal discussions and events. The Board has established a succession process in the event of the CEO’s death or disability.
Board Role in Risk Oversight. Our Board regularly receives reports from our CEO and other members of senior management on significant areas of risk, including strategic, operational, financial, legal and regulatory, cybersecurity, and reputational risks. However, senior management is responsible for assessing and managing the Company’s various risk exposures on a day-to-day basis. In this regard, various management functions within the Company, such as Legal, Finance, Treasury, Internal Audit, Information Technology, Global Supply Chain, Research & Development, and Environment, Health and Safety, focus on specific areas of risk within their respective functions. Management has a systemic and integrated approach to overall risk management that includes the identification of risks and mitigation plans in the strategic planning process. The Board’s role is one of oversight, assessing major risks facing the Company and reviewing options for their mitigation with management. In addition, the Audit Committee reviews and discusses with management our enterprise risk management processes and artificial intelligence risk.
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Risk in Compensation Programs. The Company has a framework for evaluating incentive plan design features that may encourage or help mitigate risk, such as a mix of compensation elements, metrics, leverage, caps, and time horizons, in order to determine whether the risks arising from our compensation programs (in addition to those applicable only to executive officers) are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. Using this framework in fiscal 2026, we concluded that our compensation programs are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The results were reviewed with senior management and the Compensation Committee.
Board Membership Criteria. The Nominating and ESG Committee works with the Board on an annual basis to determine the appropriate characteristics, skills, and experience for the Board as a whole and its individual members. All directors should possess the highest personal and professional ethics as well as an inquisitive and objective perspective, practical wisdom, and mature judgment. In evaluating the suitability of individual Board members, the Board considers a range of factors, including general understanding of marketing, finance, and other disciplines relevant to the success of a large publicly traded company in today’s business environment; understanding of the Company’s business on a technical level; and each individual’s educational and professional background. The Board evaluates each individual in the context of the Board as a whole, with the objective of recommending a group that, through a diversity of experience, supports the success of the business and, represents stockholder interests through the exercise of sound judgment. In determining whether to recommend a director for re-election, the Nominating and ESG Committee also considers the director’s past attendance at meetings and participation in and contributions to the activities of the Board.
The Board does not believe that its members should be prohibited from serving on the boards or committees of other organizations; however, each director is expected to devote the time and attention necessary to fulfill their obligations as a director of the Company. A director who serves as CEO of another public company should not serve on more than four boards of public companies, including our Board and the board of the company for which they serve as CEO. Other directors should not serve on the boards of more than five public companies, including our Board.
No director (other than the CEO) will be nominated for election to the Board after their 74th birthday; provided that for the avoidance of doubt, a director shall be permitted to serve out the remainder of their term after reaching such age.
When the need for a new director arises, the Nominating and ESG Committee identifies and evaluates one or more candidates based on the criteria described above. The evaluation is conducted using the information provided with a recommendation or that it otherwise possesses, which may be supplemented through additional inquiries, as necessary. Application of these criteria involves the exercise of judgment and cannot be measured in any mathematical or routine way. Based on its assessment of each candidate’s independence, skills, and qualifications and the criteria described above, the Nominating and ESG Committee will make recommendations regarding potential director candidates to the Board. From time to time, the Nominating and ESG Committee may engage a third-party firm to assist with identifying and evaluating potential director candidates. The Nominating and ESG Committee will evaluate stockholder-recommended candidates in the same manner as other candidates. Candidates may also be designated pursuant to the Stockholders’ Agreement. See “Additional Information Regarding the Board of Directors – Stockholders’ Agreement and Lauder Family Control.” Jean-Frédéric Dufour and Matthew E. Rubel were recommended for consideration as director candidates by non-management directors, and in accordance with the process described above, both candidates were evaluated by the Nominating and ESG Committee. At the recommendation of the Nominating and ESG Committee, both candidates were nominated by the Board to stand for election as Class III Directors at the 2026 Annual Meeting.
Board Independence Standards for Directors. To be considered “independent” for purposes of membership on the Company’s Board of Directors, the Board must determine that a director has no material relationship with the Company, including any of its subsidiaries, other than in his or her capacity as a director. For each director, the Board broadly considers all relevant facts and circumstances. In making its determination, the Board considers the following categories of relationships to be material, thus precluding a determination that a director is “independent:”
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(i)
the director is an employee of the Company, or an immediate family member of the director is an executive officer of the Company, or was so employed during the last three years.
(ii)
the director receives, or an immediate family member of the director receives, during any twelve-month period within the last three years, more than $120,000 in direct compensation from the Company, other than director and committee fees and pension or other forms of deferred compensation for prior service (provided such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service).
(iii)
(A) the director is a current partner or employee of a firm that is the Company’s internal or external auditor, (B) the director has an immediate family member who is a current partner of such a firm, (C) the director has an immediate family member who is a current employee of such a firm and personally works on the Company’s audit, or (D) the director or an immediate family member of the director was within the last three years a partner or employee of such a firm and personally worked on the Company’s audit within that time.
(iv)
the director or an immediate family member of the director is, or has been within the last three years, employed as an executive officer of another company where any of the Company’s present executive officers at the same time serves or served on that company’s compensation committee.
(v)
the director is a current employee, or an immediate family member of the director is a current executive officer, of a company that has made payments to, or received payments from, the Company for property or services in an amount which, in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of $1 million, or 2% of such other company’s consolidated gross revenues.
Additionally, the following relationships will not be considered to be “material” relationships that would impair a director’s independence:
(i)
any of the relationships described in (i) – (v) above, if such relationships occurred more than three years ago, or
(ii)
if a director is a current employee, or an immediate family member of a director is a current executive officer of another company that does business with the Company and such other company, during the current or last fiscal year, made payments to, or received payments from, the Company of less than $1 million or 2% of such other company’s consolidated gross revenues, whichever is greater.
Contributions to tax exempt organizations shall not be considered payments for purposes of these independence standards. An “immediate family member” includes a director’s spouse, parents, children, siblings, mothers- and fathers-in-law, sons- and daughters-in-law, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and anyone (other than domestic employees) who shares such person’s home.
The Board reviews at least annually whether directors meet these Director Independence Standards. The following directors have been determined by the Board to be “independent” pursuant to NYSE rules and the Company’s Independent Director Standard described above: Charlene Barshefsky, Paul J. Fribourg, Jennifer Hyman, Annabelle Yu Long, Arturo Nuñez, Barry S. Sternlicht, Dana Strong, Jennifer Tejada, and Richard F. Zannino. The Board has also determined that the new director nominees, Jean-Frédéric Dufour and Matthew E. Rubel, are “independent” as described above. In order to be considered “independent” under NYSE rules for purposes of serving on the Company’s Audit Committee or Compensation Committee, a director also may not accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the Company, other than as a director, and may not be an “affiliated person” of the Company. Audit Committee members may receive directors’ fees and fixed payments for prior service with the Company. The Board has determined that each current member of the Audit Committee (and Mr. Dufour and Mr. Rubel, if elected) and each independent member of the Compensation Committee meets these additional independence requirements.
Communications with the Board. A stockholder or any other interested party may communicate with the Board, any Committee thereof, the non-management directors as a group, or any individual director, including the Lead Independent Director, by addressing the correspondence to that individual or group, c/o Executive Vice President and General Counsel, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.,
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767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153. The General Counsel or a designated representative will review such correspondence, at their discretion, forward it to the intended recipient(s) if the content relates to the duties and responsibilities of the Board or its members. Materials deemed inappropriate or containing unsolicited advertising, or promotional content may be withheld.
Director Nominees Recommended by Stockholders. The Nominating and ESG Committee will consider stockholder recommendations of nominees in the same manner as and pursuant to the same criteria by which it considers all other nominees, except for nominations received pursuant to the Stockholders’ Agreement. Stockholders who wish to suggest qualified candidates should send their written recommendation to the Nominating and ESG Committee, c/o Executive Vice President and General Counsel, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153. The following information must accompany any such recommendation by a stockholder: (i) the name and address of the stockholder making the recommendation; (ii) the name, address, telephone number, and social security number of the proposed nominee; (iii) the class or series and number of shares of the Company that are beneficially owned by the stockholder making the recommendation; (iv) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and the candidate, and an executed written consent of the proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Company if so elected; (v) a copy of the proposed nominee’s resume and references; and (vi) an analysis of the candidate’s qualifications to serve on the Board of Directors and on each of the Board’s committees in light of the criteria for Board membership established by the Board. See “Board Membership Criteria.” For stockholders intending to nominate an individual for election as a director directly, there are specific procedures set forth in our bylaws. See “Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations for the 2027 Annual Meeting” below.
Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Conduct
The Board of Directors has developed corporate governance practices to help it fulfill its responsibilities to stockholders in providing general direction and oversight of management of the Company. These practices are set forth in the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Company also has a Code of Conduct (the “Code”) applicable to all employees, officers, and directors of the Company including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. These documents, along with any waiver of a provision of the Code granted to a senior officer or director or any material amendment to the Code, are available in the “Investors” section of the Company’s website: www.elcompanies.com under “Corporate Governance.”
Related Person Transactions Policy and Procedures
We have a written policy (the “Related Person Transactions Policy”) that sets forth procedures for the review, approval, and ratification of transactions involving “Related Persons.” Related Persons consist of any director, director nominee, executive officer, any beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company’s Common Stock, any immediate family member of such persons, and any other person deemed to be a Related Person under the rules of the SEC. Under the Related Person Transactions Policy, a “Transaction” includes any financial transaction, arrangement, or relationship (including any indebtedness or guarantee of indebtedness) or any series of similar transactions, arrangements, or relationships where the Company and a Related Person are participants. The Audit Committee is responsible for administering this policy.
When a potential Related Person Transaction is identified, our policy requires that it be promptly reported to either the General Counsel or the Corporate Secretary to review. If it is determined that such Transaction is not within the scope of the Related Person Transactions Policy, then no further action is necessary. Otherwise, the Transaction shall be presented to the Audit Committee to make an assessment and determination. If the Audit Committee determines that a Related Person Transaction is inconsistent with the interests of the Company and its stockholders, the Audit Committee shall prohibit such transaction. If the Related Person at issue is a director of the Company, or an immediate family member of a director, then such director shall not participate in the assessment or determination of the Transaction being reviewed. The information presented to the Audit Committee in connection with its assessment will include the following: (i) the Related Person’s relationship to the Company; (ii) a description of the Transaction, including the material terms, the approximate aggregate value, and the identities of other parties; (iii) the benefits of the Transaction to the Company and the Related Person; (iv) the availability of
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other sources of comparable products or services; and (v) any other relevant information. If the Audit Committee determines that the Related Person has a direct or indirect material interest in the Transaction, the Transaction shall be disclosed in the Company’s proxy statement.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Lauder Family Relationships and Compensation. Ronald S. Lauder is an Executive Officer of the Company and is Chairman of Clinique Laboratories, LLC. William P. Lauder and Gary M. Lauder are the sons of the late Mr. Leonard A. Lauder. Mr. W. Lauder and Mr. G. Lauder are both non-management Directors on our Board. Mr. W. Lauder currently serves as Chair of the Board. He previously served as Executive Chairman until November 8, 2024, and remained an employee of the Company until his retirement on February 28, 2025. Mr. R. Lauder has two daughters, Aerin Lauder and Jane Lauder. Ms. A. Lauder is the Director, Style, Luxury & Legacy, Estée Lauder (see “Agreements with Aerin Lauder” for additional information) and Ms. J. Lauder serves as a non-management Director on our Board. She previously served as a management Director and as an executive officer in the role of Executive Vice President, Enterprise Marketing and Chief Data Officer until her departure from the Company on December 31, 2024. Mr. Eric L. Zinterhofer, a son-in-law of Mr. R. Lauder and husband of Ms. A. Lauder is a non-management Director on our Board. He is not an employee of the Company. Jack Zinterhofer, a son of Ms. A. Lauder and Mr. E. Zinterhofer, was an employee of the Company from September 2024 to August 2026 in the role of Senior Presidential Associate. Katherine Lauder, the daughter-in-law of Mr. G. Lauder and Laura H. Lauder, has been an employee of the Company since September 2025 in the role of Senior Presidential Associate. Joshua Lauder, the son of Mr. G. Lauder and Ms. L. Lauder, has been an employee of the Company since September 2026 in the role of Senior Presidential Associate.
Fiscal 2026 Compensation. Ronald S. Lauder’s salary was $650,000. In addition to his salary, Mr. R. Lauder also received a bonus of $474,750. Mr. R. Lauder is entitled to participate in standard benefit plans, such as the Company’s pension and medical plans. No grants of equity-based compensation have been made to him since fiscal 2000.
Katherine Lauder’s annual base salary was $106,000, and she received a bonus of $9,355. In addition, she received a one-time sign-on bonus of $10,000. She did not receive equity-based compensation. Her compensation and benefits are consistent with the compensation and benefits for other employees at her level.
Jack Zinterhofer’s annual base salary was $97,400, and he received a bonus of $10,585. During fiscal 2026, he was on an international short-term assignment, and he received standard benefits under our Global Short-term Assignment Policy, which included relocation costs, immigration-related costs, housing and expense living allowances, and related tax costs totaling approximately $40,900 (approximately $14,200 for tax related costs will be paid in fiscal 2027). His compensation and benefits including the short-term assignment, as well as related allowances, were consistent with other employees, including similar assignments, at his level. He did not receive any equity-based compensation.
Fiscal 2027 Compensation. Ronald S. Lauder’s annual base salary is $650,000, and he has a target incentive bonus opportunity of $350,000. He is entitled to participate in standard benefit plans, such as the Company’s pension and medical plans.
Joshua Lauder’s annual base salary is $110,000, and he will receive a one-time sign-on bonus of $15,000. He is eligible for a bonus opportunity with a target amount equivalent to 10% of his annual base salary, pro-rated based on the months within the fiscal year he is employed. Mr. J. Lauder does not receive equity-based compensation. His compensation and benefits are consistent with the compensation and benefits for other employees at his level.
Katherine Lauder’s annual base salary is $108,450, and her target fiscal bonus opportunity is $8,700. She does not receive equity-based compensation. Ms. K. Lauder’s compensation and benefits are consistent with the compensation and benefits for other employees at her level.
Jack Zinterhofer was an employee of the Company through the end of August 2026 (“JZ Departure Date”). His annual base salary is $97,400, pro-rated through the JZ Departure Date. Mr. J. Zinterhofer is not eligible for a fiscal year bonus for fiscal 2027, and did not receive equity-based compensation as an
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employee of the Company. His compensation and benefits are consistent with compensation and benefits for other employees at his level.
Payments to the Leonard A. Lauder Estate (“LAL Estate”). Leonard A. Lauder was Chairman Emeritus until he passed away in June 2025. In accordance with his employment agreement, for a period of one year from the date of his death, Mr. L. Lauder’s beneficiary or legal representative was entitled to receive his base salary and the balance in his deferred compensation account. In March 2026, $1.8 million (base salary amount) and $1.17 million (deferred compensation amount) was paid to the LAL Estate.
Post-retirement Compensation – William P. Lauder. William P. Lauder retired from the Company on February 28, 2025 (“WPL Retirement Date”). In September 2025 (fiscal 2026), Mr. W. Lauder received a bonus of $1,265,250 for fiscal 2025 (reflecting pro-ration through the WPL Retirement Date).
Prior to his retirement from the Company, Mr. W. Lauder previously deferred certain compensation, and his deferred compensation account was credited with interest as of each June 30 during the deferral period, compounded annually at a rate equal to the Citibank N.A. base rate in effect in New York, New York on June 30 each year (not to exceed 9% per annum). In accordance with his employment agreement, the balance in his deferred compensation account, approximately $7.1 million was paid in September 2025. This included the balance of salary deferrals from amounts deferred on and after December 31, 2004 through fiscal 2011 as reported in the Summary Compensation Table in prior proxy statements.
As a retiree of the Company, and in connection with the Company’s senior executive retirement benefits, Mr. W. Lauder received the following payments for his healthcare benefits: (i) a payment of $21,237 (pro-rated amount from April through December 2025) for the first year of his senior executive retirement payments, the full amounts will be paid each December thereafter; and (ii) $7,600 for the annual supplemental payments which includes the payment in lieu of a medical reimbursement program that was discontinued, as well as payments in lieu of healthcare benefits (medical, prescription, and dental) (approximately $6,800 (medical) and $2,850 (dental) per year). The Company will provide such supplemental annual payments for life. Mr. W. Lauder has the opportunity to purchase up to $1,280 worth of Company products per year at no charge (“Annual Gratis”) for life. In addition, the Company pays $2,200 for the continuation of his car lease and insurance.
Mr. W. Lauder was able to elect distribution of his accumulated benefits that he received as a senior executive of the Company under The Estee Lauder Companies Retirement Growth Account Plan (the “RGA Plan”), in accordance with the plan terms. In November 2025, he received a lump sum payment of approximately $874,977, and no longer has a balance in the RGA Plan. He also had accumulated benefits under The Estee Lauder Inc. Benefits Restoration Plan (the “Restoration Plan”). Such benefits are paid out in annual installments over a five-year period, pursuant to the terms of the plan and in compliance with Section 409A. He received the first annual installment in September 2025 in the amount of approximately $1,685,684, and the second installment in September 2026 of approximately $1,754,122. The remaining balance is approximately $5,262,368. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Pension Benefits” for additional information regarding these plans.
Upon his retirement, Mr. W. Lauder’s outstanding equity awards (PSUs, RSUs, and stock options) were treated in accordance with the retirement provisions in the applicable equity award agreements. Specifically, his outstanding PSUs will continue to vest and be paid, with payment, if any, to be made at the same time such awards are paid to active executives. Similarly, his outstanding RSUs will continue to vest and be paid in accordance with the vesting schedule for each award. His unvested stock options became immediately exercisable upon his retirement and remain exercisable until the original expiration option term.
Mr. W. Lauder is compensated as a non-employee director, including for service as Chair of the Board and as a member of the Nominating and ESG Committee. See “Director Compensation” for additional information.
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Post-employment Compensation – Jane Lauder. Jane Lauder resigned from the Company on December 31, 2024. Ms. J. Lauder is able to elect distribution of her accumulated benefits that she received as a senior executive of the Company under the Company’s RGA Plan, in accordance with the plan terms. The balance, including interest, as of January 1, 2026 was approximately $485,470. She can defer payment until age 73. She also had accumulated benefits under the Restoration Plan. Such benefits are paid out in annual installments over a five-year period, pursuant to the terms of the plan and in compliance with Section 409A. In July 2025, she received the first annual installment in the amount of approximately $223,377 and the second installment in July 2026 of approximately $232,536. The remaining balance is approximately $697,609.
Ms. J. Lauder is compensated as a non-employee director. See “Director Compensation” for additional information.
Lauder Family Members. As used in this Proxy Statement, the term “Lauder Family Members” includes only the following persons: (i) the estate of Mrs. Estée Lauder; (ii) each descendant of Mrs. Estée Lauder (a “Lauder Descendant”) and their respective estates, guardians, conservators, or committees; (iii) each “Family Controlled Entity” (as defined below); and (iv) the trustees, in their respective capacities as such, of each “Family Controlled Trust” (as defined below). The term “Family Controlled Entity” means: (i) any not-for-profit corporation if at least 80% of its board of directors is composed of Lauder Descendants; (ii) any other corporation if at least 80% of the value of its outstanding equity is owned by Lauder Family Members; (iii) any partnership if at least 80% of the value of its partnership interests are owned by Lauder Family Members; and (iv) any limited liability or similar company if at least 80% of the value of the company is owned by Lauder Family Members. The term “Family Controlled Trust” includes certain trusts existing on November 16, 1995 and trusts the primary beneficiaries of which are Lauder Descendants, spouses of Lauder Descendants, and/or charitable organizations, provided that if the trust is a wholly charitable trust, at least 80% of the trustees of such trust consist of Lauder Descendants.
Registration Rights Agreement. Ronald S. Lauder, The Estée Lauder 1994 Trust, William P. Lauder, Gary M. Lauder, Aerin Lauder, Jane Lauder, the Leonard A. Lauder Estate (the “LAL Estate”), certain Family Controlled Entities and other Family Controlled Trusts, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as successor in interest to Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York as pledgee (“JPMorgan”), and the Company are parties to a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which each of the LAL Estate, Ronald S. Lauder, and JPMorgan has three demand registration rights and The Estée Lauder 1994 Trust has six demand registration rights in respect of shares of Class A Common Stock (including Class A Common Stock issued upon conversion of Class B Common Stock) held by them. Three of the demand rights granted to The Estée Lauder 1994 Trust may be used only by a pledgee of The Estée Lauder 1994 Trust’s shares of Common Stock. All the parties to the Registration Rights Agreement (other than the Company) also have an unlimited number of piggyback registration rights in respect of their shares. The rights of JPMorgan and any other pledgee of The Estée Lauder 1994 Trust under the Registration Rights Agreement will be exercisable only in the event of a default under certain loan arrangements. The LAL Estate and Ronald S. Lauder may assign their demand registration rights to Lauder Family Members. In April 2026, Mr. R. Lauder assigned all of his rights and obligations to Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer, as trustee of The RSL Shares Trust, u/a/d March 2, 2026. The Company is not required to effect more than one registration of Class A Common Stock in any consecutive twelve-month period. The piggyback registration rights allow the holders to include their shares of Class A Common Stock in any registration statement filed by the Company, subject to certain limitations. The Company is required to pay all expenses (other than underwriting discounts and commissions of the selling stockholders, taxes payable by the selling stockholders, and the fees and expenses of the selling stockholders’ counsel) in connection with any demand registrations, as well as any registrations pursuant to the exercise of piggyback rights. The Company has agreed to indemnify the selling stockholders against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933.
Stockholders’ Agreement. All Lauder Family Members who are party to the Stockholders’ Agreement have agreed to vote shares beneficially owned by them for the election, as directors of the Company, of the following individuals: (a) William P. Lauder and Gary M. Lauder (or a designee in lieu of one of them); and (b) Ronald S. Lauder (or for one of his daughters), and one person, if any, designated
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by Ronald S. Lauder. Shares subject to the Stockholders’ Agreement represent a substantial majority of the voting power of the Company as of the Record Date. See “Additional Information Regarding the Board of Directors – Stockholders’ Agreement and Lauder Family Control.”
Parties to the Stockholders’ Agreement may, without restriction under the agreement, sell their shares in a widely distributed underwritten public offering, in sales made in compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, or to other Lauder Family Members. In addition, each party to the Stockholders’ Agreement may freely donate shares in an amount not to exceed 1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock in any 90-day period. In the case of other private sales, each stockholder who is a party to the Stockholders’ Agreement (the “Offering Stockholder”) has granted to each other party (the “Offeree”) a right of first offer to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock that the Offering Stockholder intends to sell to a person (or group of persons) who is not a Lauder Family Member. Each Offeree has the opportunity to purchase the Offeree’s pro rata portion of the shares to be offered by the Offering Stockholder, as well as additional shares not purchased by other Offerees. Any shares not purchased pursuant to the right of first offer may be sold at or above 95% of the price offered to the Offerees. The Stockholders’ Agreement also includes provisions for bona fide pledges of shares of Common Stock and procedures related to such pledges. The Stockholders’ Agreement will terminate upon the occurrence of certain specified events, including the transfer of shares of Common Stock by a party to the Stockholders’ Agreement that causes all parties thereto immediately after such transaction to own beneficially in the aggregate shares having less than 10% of the total voting power of the Company.
Agreements with Aerin Lauder. Estee Lauder Inc. (“ELI”), a subsidiary of the Company, is party to (i) a creative consultant agreement with Aerin Lauder (the “Creative Consultant Agreement”) and (ii) a brand license agreement with Ms. Lauder and Aerin LLC, a limited liability company wholly owned by Ms. Lauder (the “License Agreement”).
Creative Consultant Agreement. Under the Creative Consultant Agreement, Aerin Lauder is the Director, Style, Luxury & Legacy, Estée Lauder where she continues to act as a creative consultant and spokesperson for the brand, promoting the brand through personal appearances and her social media presence. Previously, she was the Estée Lauder Ambassador, Director Creative Special Projects and the Style & Design Director, Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv. The Creative Consultant Agreement was most recently amended in fiscal 2024 to extend the term through June 30, 2027. For fiscal 2026, Ms. Lauder received approximately $680,000 for her services under the agreement. For fiscal 2027, Ms. Lauder will receive the same amount ($680,000) for such services, plus any additional amounts per day, if applicable, as described below. The Company has the right to use Ms. Lauder’s name and image to promote Estée Lauder beauty products and related makeup services of the Estée Lauder brand during the term of the Creative Consultant Agreement. Ms. Lauder has agreed to no more than 25 days of personal appearances per year to promote the brand, the Company, or its subsidiaries, after which ELI is required to pay her an additional amount per day ($29,000). No additional amount per day was paid in fiscal 2026. An office and access to an assistant are also provided to Ms. Lauder in connection with her services.
License Agreement. Under the License Agreement, Aerin LLC has granted ELI a worldwide license to use the “Aerin” trademark and “A” logo (and related marks) and Ms. Lauder’s name and image (i) exclusively in connection with “Core Beauty Products” (cosmetics, fragrances, toiletries, skin care, hair care, value sets, and beauty accessories) and (ii) non-exclusively in connection with “Non-Core Beauty Products” (cosmetics bags, tote bags, and fragranced candles). The License Agreement covers the name “Aerin” and not the name “Lauder,” for which the Company and its subsidiaries retain sole ownership. Following the expiration of the initial license term on June 30, 2017, the agreement automatically renewed for two additional 5-year periods. The first renewal period was through June 30, 2022, and the second renewal period is through June 30, 2027. The License Agreement provides for a third 5-year renewal term if ELI does not give notice of non-renewal and net sales hit certain performance targets (or if ELI cures a sales shortfall, in certain circumstances).
ELI launched AERIN Beauty in September 2012 with several products, and additional products have been introduced since then. ELI may launch additional Aerin-branded products in its reasonable commercial judgment. Ms. Lauder has agreed to provide at least ten personal appearances under the License Agreement during each fiscal year, for which she will not be compensated, and which are in
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30 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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addition to those appearances covered by the Creative Consultant Agreement. ELI will be responsible for Ms. Lauder’s reasonable travel expenses in connection with such appearances. Aerin LLC may terminate the License Agreement if an unaffiliated third party obtains more than 50% of the voting power or equity of ELI. ELI may terminate the License Agreement if control of Aerin LLC (or substantially all of its assets) is transferred to a competitor of ELI or to certain categories of retailers not engaged in prestige distribution. Either side may terminate the License Agreement for an uncured material breach.
Under the License Agreement, Aerin LLC receives the following royalties: (i) for all products other than fragrances, 4% of annual net sales up to $40 million and 5% of annual net sales in excess thereof; and (ii) for fragrances, 5% of annual net sales. For fiscal 2026, Aerin LLC was paid approximately $707,000 in royalties. Under the agreement, ELI must spend the following minimum amounts to promote Aerin-branded products: 15% of ELI’s net sales of such products each annual period (July 1 – June 30) in the remaining term of the agreement, with such requirement capped each year at 50% of Aerin LLC’s similar expenditures, either directly or through other licensees, on Aerin-branded products. Both ELI and Aerin LLC will distribute Aerin-branded products only through prestige retailers. In addition, in fiscal 2026, in connection with the License Agreement, the Company received approximately $250,000 from Aerin LLC for AERIN products provided for sale in Aerin retail locations and on Aerin LLC’s website.
Under the License Agreement, the Company has agreed to invest an additional $300,000 in the AERIN Beauty business each year during the remaining term of the License Agreement for incremental advertising and promotion. Further, the license agreement has a provision concerning a sublicense to a third party to use certain licensed intellectual property solely in connection with amenity-size licensed products. Pursuant to that provision, the Company has agreed to pay Aerin LLC 50% of any royalty obtained from the third party. There were not any such royalty payments to Aerin LLC in fiscal 2026. This agreement was terminated in February 2026.
Other Arrangements. The Company provides certain of its office space in New York to affiliates of (a) Ronald S. Lauder and (b) William P. Lauder and Gary M. Lauder, and receives payments from affiliates of those individuals in connection therewith. As used herein, the “Ronald S. Lauder Office” refers to one or more affiliates of Ronald S. Lauder that are involved in these office space and services arrangements.
The sublease for the Ronald S. Lauder Office space was renewed in March 2020 for a five-year term with an option to renew for three consecutive five-year renewal terms, and was renewed effective March 2025 for the first five-year renewal term. For fiscal 2026, the rent paid or accrued was approximately $1.06 million. The Company also has agreed to provide the Ronald S. Lauder Office with certain services, such as phone systems, payroll service, and office and administrative services. For fiscal 2026, the Company received approximately $32.7 million pursuant to such agreement. The payments received by the Company from the Ronald S. Lauder Office approximated the Company’s incremental cost of the relevant space and services. At June 30, 2026, the Ronald S. Lauder Office had deposited with the Company approximately $2.88 million to cover expenses.
The Company has similar arrangements for space and services with an affiliate of William P. Lauder and Gary M. Lauder. For fiscal 2026, the Company received payments of approximately $8.3 million from such affiliate and certain charitable organizations for office space and certain services, such as phone systems, payroll service, and office and administrative services. The payments received by the Company from such affiliate approximated the Company’s incremental cost of the relevant space and services. At June 30, 2026, such entities had approximately $1.04 million deposited with the Company to cover expenses.
From time to time, the Company charters, through a private independent management company, an aircraft (the “Aircraft”) that is owned indirectly by Chair of the Board, William P. Lauder, for certain business travel by Mr. Lauder himself and Company employees. For such use, the Company pays no more than market rates for comparable travel. During fiscal 2026, the Company paid the management company approximately $955,910 for business travel on the Aircraft. The approximate dollar value of the amount of Mr. Lauder’s interests in these transactions was $867,312.
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Certain members of the Lauder family (and entities affiliated with one or more of them) own numerous works of art that are displayed at the Company’s offices. The Company pays no fee to the owners for displaying such works, and the owners of the works pay for their maintenance. In fiscal 2026, the Company paid premiums of less than $10,000 for insurance relating to such works.
In accordance with the Company’s Related Person Transactions Policy, the Audit Committee approved the Company’s reimbursement of legal fees incurred by certain members of the Lauder family in connection with their consideration of a potential transaction involving the Company. The legal fees, which totaled approximately $1.49 million, had not been reimbursed as of June 30, 2026 and are expected to be paid by the Company at a later date. The approximate interest of the Leonard A. Lauder family (William P. Lauder and Gary M. Lauder) and the Ronald S. Lauder family (Ronald S. Lauder, Jane Lauder, Aerin Lauder, and Eric L. Zinterhofer) is $0.73 million and $0.76 million, respectively.
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Director Compensation
Director compensation intentionally remained unchanged for several years while the Company navigated challenging financial conditions. Following the conclusion of the Profit Recovery and Growth Plan and the Company’s delivery of financial forecasts, the Board determined that it was an appropriate time to realign director compensation with the market and strengthen the Company’s ability to compete with its industry peers for top Board talent. Therefore, the Board recently approved an increase in non- employee director compensation to better align it with market practices and enhance the Company’s ability to attract and retain highly qualified directors. The Board believes that competitive compensation is important to support ongoing Board refreshment and to attract candidates who bring diverse perspectives, innovative ideas and relevant expertise, including talented individuals who are earlier in their careers and for whom compensation may be a more significant consideration.
The following summary describes compensation for our non-employee directors.
Annual Cash Retainer for Board Service. Each non-employee director receives an annual cash retainer of $100,000, payable quarterly, which may be deferred as explained below.
Annual Cash Retainers for Committee and Chair Service. Each non-employee director who serves on a committee receives an additional annual cash retainer in the following amounts: $12,000 per year for service on the Audit Committee, $8,000 per year for service on the Compensation Committee (including service on the Stock Plan Subcommittee), and $8,000 per year for service on the Nominating and ESG Committee. The Chair of the Audit Committee receives an additional annual cash retainer of $25,000. The Chairs of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and ESG Committee each receive an additional annual cash retainer of $15,000. Effective November 17, 2026, the cash retainers for the committee chairs will be increased to: $45,000 for the Audit Committee Chair; $35,000 for the Compensation Committee Chair; and $30,000 for the Nominating and ESG Committee Chair. Cash retainers for committee and chair service are paid quarterly and may be deferred, as explained below.
Annual Cash Retainer for Chair of the Board. The Chair of the Board receives an additional cash retainer of $225,000, payable quarterly, which may be deferred as explained below.
Annual Cash Retainer for Lead Independent Director. The Lead Independent Director receives an additional annual cash retainer of $30,000. Effective November 17, 2026, this annual cash retainer will be increased to $50,000. Such retainer is payable quarterly, and may be deferred as explained below.
Deferral of Annual Cash Retainers. Non-employee directors may elect to defer receipt of all or part of their cash-based compensation. Specifically, pursuant to Deferred Compensation Agreements, they may defer any or all of the above-referenced annual cash retainers into either (i) stock units (accompanied by dividend equivalent rights) or (ii) an interest-bearing cash account, in each case to be paid out in a lump sum in cash as of the first business day of the calendar year following the date on which the director ceases to be a member of the Board.
Annual Stock Units Retainer for Board Service. In addition to the cash retainers described above, each non-employee director also receives a grant of stock units (accompanied by dividend equivalent rights) as an annual stock retainer, pursuant to the Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan (the “Director Share Plan”). This grant is made on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders. The number of stock units awarded is determined by dividing a dollar amount determined by the Board by the average closing price of the Class A Common Stock on the twenty trading days preceding the date of grant. The amount of this annual stock units retainer is $75,000. Effective November 17, 2026, the amount will be increased to $80,000, and the grant to occur at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will require one year of continued Board service to vest, subject to certain exceptions. Each stock unit is convertible into one share of Class A Common Stock. The shares, represented by vested stock units granted at the 2026 Annual Meeting, are distributed to the director on the first business day of the calendar year following the date the director ceases to be a member of the Board.
Annual Stock Options. In addition to the cash and stock portion of the retainer, each non-employee director receives an annual grant of options valued at no more than $100,000 on the date of grant, pursuant to the Director Share Plan. Effective November 17, 2026, the value of this grant will be valued at
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no more than $120,000. This grant is made on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders. The exercise price of the options is equal to the closing price of the Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. The options are exercisable beginning one year after the date of grant, provided that the director continues to serve as of such date. The options terminate ten years after the date of grant.
Initial Equity Grant for New Non-employee Directors. Each new non-employee director is granted stock units (accompanied by dividend equivalent rights), pursuant to the Director Share Plan, on the date of the first annual meeting of stockholders that is more than six months after such non-employee director’s initial election to the Board. The number of stock units to be awarded is determined by dividing a dollar amount determined by the Board from time to time (the fiscal 2026 amount was $300,000) by the average closing price of the Class A Common Stock on the twenty trading days preceding the date of grant; provided, however, that any new non-employee director shall not receive an initial stock unit grant for greater than 2,000 shares. To align with market practice and to eliminate the fluctuation in the dollar value of the initial stock unit grant, effective November 17, 2026, the initial stock unit grant will be based on a dollar value fixed at $200,000 and the 2,000 shares limit will be removed. Each stock unit is convertible into one share of Class A Common Stock. The shares represented by the stock units are distributed to the director on or after the first business day of the calendar year following the date on which the director ceases to be a member of the Board.
Stock Ownership Requirement. As set forth in the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board believes that in order to align the interests of directors and stockholders, directors should have a significant financial stake in the Company. Each director should own shares of the Company’s Common Stock with a value equal to or greater than five times the annual cash retainer for Board service, no later than five years after initial election to the Board. Applying this guideline, each director is required to own shares of the Company’s Common Stock with a value equal to or greater than $500,000 (i.e. $100,000 × 5). In the event that a change in the Company’s Common Stock price adversely impacts compliance with these stock ownership guidelines, the Nominating and ESG Committee may grant a waiver, an extension, or make other modifications as deemed to be necessary or appropriate. As of the Record Date, each of our directors who have been on the Board for more than five years owned shares of the Company’s Common Stock with a value in excess of $500,000.
Stock Ownership Guidelines for Non-Employee Directors
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What Counts*
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What Does Not Count
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Common Stock
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Stock Options (vested or unvested)
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Stock Units (share payout)
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Stock Units (cash payout)
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*
Common Stock or Stock Units held directly by the director or the director’s immediate family or held in entities controlled by the director or the director’s immediate family members (including trusts for the benefit of the director or immediate family members). However, any shares of Common Stock that are hedged or pledged do not count for purposes of these stock ownership guidelines.
Company Products. The Company provides directors with certain products from different brands and product categories. The Company believes that providing these products serves a business purpose by enhancing the directors’ familiarity with the Company’s business and product offerings. In addition, each non-employee director is provided with Annual Gratis; if a director chooses to take advantage of this opportunity and purchases more than $640 worth of the Company’s products, the excess is imputed as taxable income to the director. For the year ended June 30, 2026, the aggregate incremental cost to the Company for products provided to the directors was less than $10,000 per director. Non-employee directors may also purchase Company products with the same discount made available to employees of the Company.
Reimbursement of Expenses. Non-employee directors are reimbursed for their reasonable expenses (including costs of travel, food, and lodging) incurred in attending Board, committee, and stockholder meetings. Directors are also reimbursed for any other reasonable expenses relating to their service on the Board, including participating in director continuing education and Company site visits.
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Role of Compensation Consultant. The Nominating and ESG Committee engages Semler Brossy Consulting Group, LLC (“Semler Brossy”) to assess trends and developments in director compensation practices and to assist the committee in fulfilling its responsibilities related to directors compensation for their service on the Company’s Board and its committees. Semler Brossy’s work for the Nominating and ESG Committee includes a competitive benchmarking analysis of director compensation practices, referencing the same peer group used for the Company’s executive compensation analysis, as set forth in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis. The Nominating and ESG Committee determined that Semler Brossy is free of conflicts of interest.
Management Directors. Directors who are also employees of the Company receive no additional compensation for service as directors. As of the Record Date, Stéphane de La Faverie is the only employee director serving on the Company’s Board.
Non-Employee Director Compensation for Fiscal 2026
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Name
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Fees
Earned or Paid in Cash ($)(1)(2) |
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Stock
Awards ($)(3)(4) |
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Option
Awards ($)(5)(6) |
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Change in
Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($)(7) |
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All Other
Compensation ($) |
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Total
($) |
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| | | Charlene Barshefsky | | | | $ | 108,000 | | | | | $ | 70,433 | | | | | $ | 99,969 | | | | | $ | 45,148 | | | | | | — | | | | | $ | 323,550 | | | |
| | | Angela Wei Dong* | | | | | 28,000 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 28,000 | | | |
| | | Paul J. Fribourg | | | | | 135,000 | | | | | | 70,433 | | | | | | 99,969 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 305,402 | | | |
| | | Jennifer Hyman | | | | | 120,000 | | | | | | 70,433 | | | | | | 99,969 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 290,402 | | | |
| | | Gary M. Lauder | | | | | 100,000 | | | | | | 70,433 | | | | | | 99,969 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 270,402 | | | |
| | | Jane Lauder** | | | | | 100,000 | | | | | | 70,433 | | | | | | 99,969 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 270,402 | | | |
| | | William P. Lauder** | | | | | 333,000 | | | | | | 70,433 | | | | | | 99,969 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 503,402 | | | |
| | | Annabelle Yu Long | | | | | 84,000 | | | | | | 70,433 | | | | | | 99,969 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 245,402 | | | |
| | | Arturo Nuñez | | | | | 120,000 | | | | | | 70,433 | | | | | | 99,969 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 290,402 | | | |
| | | Lynn Forester de Rothschild* | | | | | 27,000 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 27,000 | | | |
| | | Barry S. Sternlicht | | | | | 108,000 | | | | | | 70,433 | | | | | | 99,969 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 278,402 | | | |
| | | Dana Strong | | | | | 81,000 | | | | | | 70,433 | | | | | | 99,969 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 251,402 | | | |
| | | Jennifer Tejada | | | | | 123,000 | | | | | | 70,433 | | | | | | 99,969 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 293,402 | | | |
| | | Richard F. Zannino | | | | | 167,000 | | | | | | 70,433 | | | | | | 99,969 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 337,402 | | | |
| | | Eric L. Zinterhofer | | | | | 108,000 | | | | | | 250,273 | | | | | | 99,969 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 458,242 | | | |
Certain amounts may be rounded to the nearest whole unit
*
Ms. Dong retired from the Board effective November 12, 2025, and Lady de Rothschild did not stand for re-election at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (November 13, 2025). See notes (2) and (4) below for information about their respective stock units payouts.
**
Ms. J. Lauder received certain compensation amounts from the Company in fiscal 2026 as a former employee and Mr. W. Lauder as a retiree of the Company, these amounts are not included in this table. See “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions – Lauder Family Relationships and Compensation” for additional information regarding fiscal 2026 payments.
(1)
These amounts represent the annual cash retainer for Board service, committee service, service as Chair of the Board, and service as Lead Independent Director. The amount shown in this column reflects the following: for Ms. Dong and Lady de Rothschild, one quarter of cash retainer payments for committee service and as a non-employee director; and for Ms. Yu Long and Ms. Strong (who were both elected to the Board at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders), three quarters of cash retainer payments for committee service and as a non-employee director.
(2)
Mr. Fribourg, Mr. Sternlicht, and Mr. Zinterhofer deferred their fiscal 2026 annual cash retainers into stock units. All earnings on the fees deferred by directors were based on the value of a hypothetical investment in shares of Class A Common Stock made at the time of the deferral, plus the accrual of dividend equivalents on dividends paid by the Company on the Class A Common Stock. As of June 30, 2026, the directors held units in respect of the
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following amounts of shares of Class A Common Stock: Mr. Fribourg, 41,650; Mr. Sternlicht, 47,597; and Mr. Zinterhofer, 1,985. Ambassador Barshefsky defers her annual cash retainers into an interest-bearing cash account. See note (7) below for information about Ambassador Barshefsky’s deferred compensation. In January 2026, Lady de Rothschild received a lump sum payout in cash of $8,246,322 (for approximately 78,216 stock units that included accrued dividend equivalents), following her departure from the Board in November 2025; this was the payout for the deferral of her annual cash retainer for her service on the Board since she joined in 2000 and included her quarterly cash retainer for fiscal 2026 in the “Fees Earned or Paid in Cash” column.
(3)
These amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the annual stock units retainer for Board service, specifically, units for 783.28 shares of Class A Common Stock granted to each director. The number of stock units awarded for the annual stock units retainer is determined by dividing a dollar amount determined by the Board (this amount was $75,000 in fiscal 2026) by the average closing price of the Class A Common Stock on the twenty trading days preceding the date of grant. The expense associated with the stock unit grants is computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standard Codification Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation (“FASB ASC Topic 718”). In addition, the amount shown for Mr. Zinterhofer also includes the aggregate grant date fair value of his initial equity grant for new non-employee directors specifically, units for 2,000 shares of Class A Common Stock which he received on November 13, 2025. The number of stock units awarded for the initial equity grant is determined by dividing a dollar amount determined by the Board from time to time ($300,000 at the time of his grant) by the average closing price of the Class A Common Stock on the twenty trading days preceding the date of grant; provided, however, that any new non-employee director shall not receive an initial stock unit grant for greater than 2,000 shares.
An annual stock units retainer grant was not made on November 13, 2025 (fiscal 2026) to Ms. Dong and Lady de Rothschild because neither was a non-employee director at that time.
(4)
These stock units convert into Class A Common Stock on or after the first business day of the calendar year following the date on which the director ceases to serve on the Board. Presented below are the aggregate number of shares of Class A Common Stock underlying annual stock unit retainers received for service as a non-employee director outstanding as of June 30, 2026, which include dividend equivalents.
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Name
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Total Number of Shares of Class A Common Stock
Underlying Stock Awards Outstanding as of June 30, 2026 |
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| | | Charlene Barshefsky | | | | | 23,675 | | | |
| | | Angela Wei Dong | | | | | —(a) | | | |
| | | Paul J. Fribourg | | | | | 14,535 | | | |
| | | Jennifer Hyman | | | | | 4,411 | | | |
| | | Gary M. Lauder | | | | | 4,428 | | | |
| | | Jane Lauder | | | | | 792 | | | |
| | | William P. Lauder | | | | | 792(b) | | | |
| | | Annabelle Yu Long | | | | | 792 | | | |
| | | Arturo Nuñez | | | | | 4,280 | | | |
| | | Lynn Forester de Rothschild | | | | | —(a) | | | |
| | | Barry S. Sternlicht | | | | | 18,716 | | | |
| | | Dana Strong | | | | | 792 | | | |
| | | Jennifer Tejada | | | | | 4,411 | | | |
| | | Richard F. Zannino | | | | | 13,693(c) | | | |
| | | Eric L. Zinterhofer | | | | | 2,815 | | | |
Certain amounts may be rounded to the nearest whole unit
(a)
In January 2026, Ms. Dong and Lady de Rothschild each received the following shares in connection with the conversion of their stock units (which included dividend equivalent rights) into shares of Class A Common Stock following their departure from the Board. Ms. Dong received 2,823 shares of Class A Common Stock and approximately 1,210 shares were withheld to satisfy taxes from a total amount of approximately 4,033 stock units, valued at approximately $430,630. Lady de Rothschild received 22,465 shares of Class A common Stock, valued at approximately $2,398,388. As a result, neither Ms. Dong nor Lady de Rothschild held any stock units at June 30, 2026.
(b)
In his prior role as Executive Chairman, Mr. W. Lauder was granted and as of June 30, 2026 held the following Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) and Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) which are not included
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in the table above. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Elements of Compensation – Long-Term Equity-Based Compensation – Annual Performance Share Units” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Elements of Compensation – Long-Term Equity-Based Compensation – Annual Restricted Stock Units” as well as the “Outstanding Equity Awards at June 30” table in prior proxy statements for additional information regarding these grants to Mr. W. Lauder.
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Grant Date
|
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Award Type
|
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Number of
Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested as of June 30, 2026 (#)(1) |
| |
Award Type
|
| |
Equity Incentive
Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#)(2) |
| | ||||||||||||
| | | 8/28/23 | | | | | RSU | | | | | | 1,855 | | | | | | PSU | | | | | | 0 | | | |
| | | 8/27/24 | | | | | RSU | | | | | | 7,495 | | | | | | PSU | | | | | | 5,621 | | | |
(1)
Annual RSUs generally vest in three equal installments approximately 14 months, 26 months, and 38 months from the date of grant.
(2)
Represents (a) the annual PSUs granted on August 28, 2023 (fiscal 2024), at an aggregate payout of 0% and (b) the threshold level of payout for the annual PSUs granted on August 27, 2024 (fiscal 2025). Payout of the fiscal 2025 annual PSUs will be made in early fiscal 2028, assuming the threshold performance criteria are achieved.
(c)
This includes 10,698 stock units held by a limited liability company owned by trusts for the benefit of members of Mr. Zannino’s family. Mr. Zannino has investment power over these stock units.
(5)
These amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the annual stock options, specifically, options to purchase 2,780 shares of Class A Common Stock granted to each director), as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For a description of the assumptions used to calculate the aggregate grant date fair value of such stock options, see Note 18 (“Stock Programs”) to our consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026. An annual stock option grant for non-employee directors was not made on November 13, 2025 (fiscal 2026) to Ms. Dong and Lady de Rothschild because neither was a non-employee director at that time.
(6)
Presented below are the aggregate number of shares of Class A Common Stock underlying stock options outstanding as of June 30, 2026 that were granted for service as a non-employee director.
| | |
Name
|
| |
Total Number of Shares of Class A Common Stock
Underlying Stock Options Outstanding as of June 30, 2026 |
| | |||
| | | Charlene Barshefsky | | | | | 24,871(a) | | | |
| | | Angela Wei Dong | | | | | 7,658 | | | |
| | | Paul J. Fribourg | | | | | 13,034 | | | |
| | | Jennifer Hyman | | | | | 13,034 | | | |
| | | Gary M. Lauder | | | | | 9,200 | | | |
| | | Jane Lauder | | | | | 2,780 | | | |
| | | William P. Lauder | | | | | 2,780(b) | | | |
| | | Annabelle Yu Long | | | | | 2,780 | | | |
| | | Arturo Nuñez | | | | | 10,438 | | | |
| | | Lynn Forester de Rothschild | | | | | 22,091 | | | |
| | | Barry S. Sternlicht | | | | | 24,871 | | | |
| | | Dana Strong | | | | | 2,780 | | | |
| | | Jennifer Tejada | | | | | 17,268 | | | |
| | | Richard F. Zannino | | | | | 24,871(c) | | | |
| | | Eric L. Zinterhofer | | | | | 2,780 | | | |
(a)
This includes 9,932 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying stock options that are held indirectly by Ambassador Barshefsky through a family trust.
(b)
Mr. W. Lauder was granted stock options as an employee of the Company and as of June 30, 2026, held options exercisable for an aggregate of 102,425 shares of Class A Common Stock having exercise
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2026 Proxy Statement | 37
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prices ranging from $92.87 to $344.06 per share and expiring on various dates between 2028 and 2034. Such options are not included in the table above.
(c)
This includes 11,837 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying stock options that are held by a limited liability company owned by trusts for the benefit of members of Mr. Zannino’s family. Mr. Zannino has investment power over these stock options.
(7)
Non-employee directors do not receive pension benefits from the Company. Some of the Company’s directors in fiscal 2026 and prior years deferred their annual cash retainers pursuant to applicable deferral agreements. Ambassador Barshefsky defers her annual cash retainers into an interest-bearing cash account. Interest is credited at the Citibank base rate in effect on the last day of the calendar year. The amount shown for Ambassador Barshefsky reflects the interest that accrued above the applicable federal rate (“AFR”) as set by the Internal Revenue Service in fiscal 2026, using the Citibank base rate and AFR at December 31, 2025.
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38 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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Ownership of Shares
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock by: (i) each person known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of either Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock; (ii) each of the Company’s directors or nominees; (iii) each of the executive officers whose names appear in the Summary Compensation Table; and (iv) all current directors and executive officers as a group. Except as set forth in the notes to the table, such beneficial ownership is as of July 31, 2026, and the business or mailing address of each 5% stockholder is 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153. As described in the notes to the table, certain named beneficial owners share voting and/or investment power with respect to certain shares of Common Stock. Consequently, such shares are shown as beneficially owned by more than one person.
| | | | | |
Class A
Common Stock(1) |
| |
Class B
Common Stock |
| |
Voting
Power† |
| | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | |
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
| |
Number(2)
|
| |
%
|
| |
Number
|
| |
%
|
| |
%
|
| | |||||||||||||||
| | | LAL Family Corporation(3)(4) | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 69,402,943 | | | | | | 60.6% | | | | | | 49.8% | | | |
| | | Ronald S. Lauder(3)(5) | | | | | 73,335 | | | | | | * | | | | | | 6,364 | | | | | | — | | | | | | * | | | |
| | | William P. Lauder(3)(6) | | | | | 116,517 | | | | | | * | | | | | | 8,515,960 | | | | | | 7.4% | | | | | | 6.1% | | | |
| | | Gary M. Lauder(3)(7) | | | | | 21,316 | | | | | | * | | | | | | 45,740 | | | | | | — | | | | | | * | | | |
| | | Aerin Lauder(3)(8) | | | | | 1,692 | | | | | | * | | | | | | 19,100,317 | | | | | | 16.6% | | | | | | 13.7% | | | |
| | | Jane Lauder(3)(9) | | | | | 59,555 | | | | | | * | | | | | | 17,436,020 | | | | | | 15.2% | | | | | | 12.5% | | | |
| | | Eric L. Zinterhofer(10) | | | | | 4,507 | | | | | | * | | | | | | 19,100,317 | | | | | | 16.6% | | | | | | 13.7% | | | |
| | | Charlene Barshefsky(11) | | | | | 125,815 | | | | | | 0.1% | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | * | | | |
| | | Paul J. Fribourg(12) | | | | | 549,089 | | | | | | 0.2% | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | * | | | |
| | | Jennifer Hyman(13) | | | | | 17,015 | | | | | | * | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | * | | | |
| | | Annabelle Yu Long(14) | | | | | 792 | | | | | | * | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | * | | | |
| | | Arturo Nuñez(15) | | | | | 11,938 | | | | | | * | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | * | | | |
| | | Barry S. Sternlicht(16) | | | | | 111,619 | | | | | | * | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | * | | | |
| | | Dana Strong(17) | | | | | 792 | | | | | | * | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | * | | | |
| | | Jennifer Tejada(18) | | | | | 20,899 | | | | | | * | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | * | | | |
| | | Richard F. Zannino(19) | | | | | 47,943 | | | | | | * | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | * | | | |
| | | Roberto Canevari(20) | | | | | 48,390 | | | | | | * | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | * | | | |
| | | Stéphane de La Faverie(21) | | | | | 92,552 | | | | | | * | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | * | | | |
| | | Jane Hertzmark Hudis(22) | | | | | 137,602 | | | | | | * | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | * | | | |
| | | Rashida La Lande(23) | | | | | 19,921 | | | | | | * | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | * | | | |
| | | Akhil Shrivastava(24) | | | | | 19,173 | | | | | | * | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | * | | | |
| | | BlackRock, Inc.(25) | | | | | 18,586,595 | | | | | | 7.5% | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1.3% | | | |
| | |
Managed Account Advisors LLC(26)
|
| | | | 18,529,374 | | | | | | 7.5% | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1.3% | | | |
| | |
Vanguard Portfolio Management(27)
|
| | | | 12,416,128 | | | | | | 5.0% | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 0.9% | | | |
| | |
All directors and executive officers as a group (22 persons)(28)
|
| | | | 1,504,560 | | | | | | 0.6% | | | | | | 40,298,594 | | | | | | 35.2% | | | | | | 29.0% | | | |
†
Voting power represents combined voting power of Class A Common Stock (one vote per share) and Class B Common Stock (10 votes per share) owned beneficially as of July 31, 2026. On that date, there were 247,291,223 shares of Class A Common Stock and 114,507,344 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.
*
Less than 0.1%
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2026 Proxy Statement | 39
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(1)
The number of shares of Class A Common Stock and percentages contained under this heading do not account for the conversion right with regard to Class B Common Stock. Each share of Class B Common Stock is convertible at the option of the holder into one share of Class A Common Stock and is automatically converted into one share of Class A Common Stock upon transfer to a person who is not a Lauder Family Member (as defined, see “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions – Lauder Family Relationships and Compensation”).
(2)
The number of shares of Class A Common Stock includes shares owned, any shares underlying restricted stock units (“RSUs”) payable in shares that are expected to vest within 60 days after July 31, 2026 (i.e. by September 29, 2026), and any exercisable options (including options that will be exercisable as of September 29, 2026). These amounts do not include Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) that were paid out after July 31, 2026. For additional information on these awards, see “Outstanding Equity Awards at June 30, 2026” and “Director Compensation,” as well as the Form 4s filed for the Company’s current executive officers or Mr. W. Lauder following the payouts, if any, of the PSUs. The stock units shown in the table beneficially owned by the non-employee directors represent the annual stock units retainer for Board service and, as applicable, the initial equity grant for new non-employee directors (plus dividend equivalents accrued on each). The units will be settled in shares of Class A Common Stock and are rounded to the nearest whole unit.
(3)
Aerin Lauder, Gary M. Lauder, Jane Lauder, Ronald S. Lauder, and William P. Lauder, each individually and as trustees of various trusts, Eric L. Zinterhofer as co-trustee of a trust, and LAL Family Partners L.P. (“LALFP”) are parties to a Stockholders’ Agreement pursuant to which each has agreed to vote his or her, or the applicable trust’s or partnership’s shares for the election of (a) William P. Lauder, Gary M. Lauder or a designee in lieu of one of them and (b) Ronald S. Lauder (or one of his daughters), and one person, if any, designated by Mr. R. Lauder, as a director of the Company. Shares underlying stock options and stock units are not subject to the Stockholders’ Agreement until the stock options are exercised or the stock units are converted. For purposes of the table, shares owned by each such individual are not attributed to the others by reason of such voting arrangement.
(4)
LAL Family Corporation (“LALFC”) is the sole general partner of LALFP and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares of Class B Common Stock owned directly by LALFP. Both LALFC and LALFP are beneficially owned by the Leonard A. Lauder family.
(5)
Includes shares owned beneficially or deemed to be owned beneficially by Ronald S. Lauder as follows:
(a)
66,971 shares of Class A Common Stock as a Director of The Ronald S. Lauder Foundation and with respect to which he shares voting and investment power; and
(b)
6,364 shares of Class A Common Stock and 6,364 shares of Class B Common Stock as sole trustee of a trust for the benefit of his children and with respect to which he has sole voting and investment power.
Mr. R. Lauder disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock owned by trusts for the benefit of one or more of his children and by The Ronald S. Lauder Foundation.
(6)
Includes shares owned beneficially or deemed to be owned beneficially by William P. Lauder as follows:
(a)
13,300 shares of Class A Common Stock directly and with respect to which he has sole voting and investment power;
(b)
792 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying stock units payable in shares;
(c)
102,425 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options (employee grants); and
(d)
8,515,960 shares of Class B Common Stock directly and with respect to which he has sole voting and investment power.
(7)
Includes shares owned beneficially or deemed to be owned beneficially by Gary M. Lauder as follows:
(a)
10,468 shares of Class A Common Stock as custodian for his nieces and with respect to which he has sole voting and investment power;
(b)
4,428 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying stock units payable in shares;
(c)
6,420 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options; and
(d)
45,740 shares of Class B Common Stock as custodian for his nieces and with respect to which he has sole voting and investment power.
Mr. G. Lauder disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held as custodian to the extent he does not have a pecuniary interest in such shares.
(8)
Includes shares owned beneficially or deemed to be owned beneficially by Aerin Lauder as follows:
(a)
1,692 shares of Class A Common Stock and 1,675,010 shares of Class B Common Stock directly and with respect to which she has sole voting and investment power;
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40 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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(b)
4,910,594 shares of Class B Common Stock as co-trustee of the Trust under Article 2 of The Zinterhofer 2008 Descendants Trust Agreement u/a/d December 24, 2008 (the “2008 Descendants Trust”) with respect to which she shares voting and investment power with Eric L. Zinterhofer, who acts as co-trustee as of September 2026;
(c)
7,708,906 shares of Class B Common Stock as trustee of the Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer 2000 Revocable Trust u/a/d 4/24/00 (the “ALZ 2000 Revocable Trust”) for the benefit of Aerin Lauder and with respect to which she has sole voting and investment power. 4,500,000 shares of Class B Common Stock are pledged by the ALZ 2000 Revocable Trust to secure a loan under a loan facility with a certain bank as to which she has sole voting power and shares investment power with the bank as pledgee under the loan facility;
(d)
4,768,846 shares of Class B Common Stock as sole trustee of the RSL Shares Trust u/a/d March 2, 2026 (the “RSL Shares Trust”). Such shares are pledged by the RSL Shares Trust to secure a loan under a loan facility with a certain bank as to which she has sole voting power and shares investment power with the bank as pledgee under the loan facility; and
(e)
36,961 shares of Class B Common Stock as shares trustee of the 2012 RSL 4202 Trust u/a/d October 2, 2012 (the “4202 Trust”), which is for the benefit of Ronald S. Lauder and with respect to which Ms. A. Lauder has sole voting and investment power.
The 4202 Trust owns all of the outstanding shares of The 4202 Corporation, which corporation is a Lauder Family Member and owns the shares of Class B Common Stock directly. The 4202 Corporation is not a party to the Stockholders’ Agreement; therefore, any shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock owned by The 4202 Corporation are not subject to that agreement.
Ms. A. Lauder disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the 2008 Descendants Trust.
(9)
Includes shares owned beneficially or deemed to be owned beneficially by Jane Lauder as follows:
(a)
58,763 shares of Class A Common Stock and 275,010 shares of Class B Common Stock directly and with respect to which she has sole voting and investment power;
(b)
792 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying stock units payable in shares; and
(c)
17,161,010 shares of Class B Common Stock as trustee of the Jane A. Lauder 2003 Revocable Trust, for the benefit of Jane Lauder, and with respect to which she has sole voting and investment power.
(10)
Includes shares owned beneficially or deemed to be owned beneficially by Eric L. Zinterhofer as follows:
(a)
2,815 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying stock units payable in shares;
(b)
1,692 shares of Class A Common Stock and 1,675,010 shares of Class B Common Stock held directly by Aerin Lauder with respect to which Mr. Zinterhofer may be deemed to have shared voting and investment power;
(c)
4,910,594 shares of Class B Common Stock as co-trustee of the 2008 Descendants Trust with respect to which, as of September 2026, he shares voting and investment power with Aerin Lauder, as co-trustee;
(d)
7,708,906 shares of Class B Common Stock held indirectly by Aerin Lauder as trustee of the ALZ 2000 Revocable Trust for the benefit of Aerin Lauder. Mr. Zinterhofer may be deemed to have shared voting and investment power;
(e)
4,768,846 shares of Class B Common Stock held directly by Aerin Lauder as sole trustee of the RSL Shares Trust. Such shares are pledged by the RSL Shares Trust to secure a loan under a loan facility with a certain bank as to which Ms. A. Lauder has sole voting power and shares investment power with the bank as pledgee under the loan facility. Mr. Zinterhofer may be deemed to have shared voting and investment power; and
(f)
36,961 shares of Class B Common Stock held directly by Aerin Lauder as shares trustee of the 4202 Trust, which is for the benefit of Ronald S. Lauder and with respect to which Ms. A. Lauder has sole voting and investment power. Mr. Zinterhofer may be deemed to have shared voting and investment power.
Mr. Zinterhofer disclaims beneficial ownership to the extent that he does not have a pecuniary interest in the shares held by Aerin Lauder, who is his spouse. See note (8). Mr. Zinterhofer disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the 2008 Descendants Trust to the extent he does not have a pecuniary interest in such shares.
(11)
Includes shares owned beneficially or deemed to be owned beneficially by Charlene Barshefsky as follows:
(a)
79,999 shares of Class A Common Stock indirectly through family trusts;
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2026 Proxy Statement | 41
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(b)
50 shares of Class A Common Stock indirectly through her spouse;
(c)
23,675 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying stock units payable in shares; and
(d)
22,091 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options, including options that are held indirectly through a family trust.
(12)
Includes shares owned beneficially by Paul J. Fribourg as follows:
(a)
4,000 shares of Class A Common Stock directly and with respect to which he has sole voting and investment power;
(b)
14,535 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying stock units payable in shares;
(c)
10,254 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options; and
(d)
520,300 shares of Class A Common Stock indirectly through Continental Grain Company (“Continental Grain”). Mr. Fribourg may be deemed to share voting and investment power with respect to the shares held by Continental Grain by virtue of being Executive Chairman of Continental Grain. In addition, Mr. Fribourg is a co-trustee and in one case, a beneficiary of various trusts established for the benefit of certain members of his family that collectively control a majority interest in Continental Grain.
Mr. Fribourg disclaims beneficial ownership of any shares in which he does not have a pecuniary interest.
(13)
Includes shares owned beneficially by Jennifer Hyman as follows:
(a)
2,350 shares of Class A Common Stock directly and with respect to which she has sole voting and investment power;
(b)
4,411 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying stock units payable in shares; and
(c)
10,254 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options.
(14)
Represents Annabelle Yu Long’s beneficial ownership of shares of Class A Common Stock underlying stock units payable in shares.
(15)
Includes shares owned beneficially by Arturo Nuñez as follows:
(a)
4,280 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying stock units payable in shares; and
(b)
7,658 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options.
(16)
Includes shares owned beneficially or deemed to be owned beneficially by Barry S. Sternlicht as follows:
(a)
34,812 shares of Class A Common Stock directly and with respect to which he has sole voting and investment power;
(b)
36,000 shares of Class A Common Stock indirectly through family trusts;
(c)
18,716 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying stock units payable in shares; and
(d)
22,091 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options.
(17)
Represents Dana Strong’s beneficial ownership of shares of Class A Common Stock underlying stock units payable in shares.
(18)
Includes shares owned beneficially by Jennifer Tejada as follows:
(a)
2,000 shares of Class A Common Stock directly and with respect to which she has sole voting and investment power;
(b)
4,411 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying stock units payable in shares; and
(c)
14,488 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options.
(19)
Includes shares owned beneficially or deemed to be owned beneficially by Richard F. Zannino as follows:
(a)
12,159 shares of Class A Common Stock held indirectly through a limited liability company owned by trusts for the benefit of members of his family. Mr. Zannino has investment power over these shares of Class A Common Stock;
(b)
13,693 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying stock units payable in shares, including stock units that are held indirectly by Mr. Zannino through a limited liability company owned by trusts for the benefit of members of his family. Mr. Zannino has investment power over these stock units; and
(c)
22,091 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options, including options that are held indirectly by Mr. Zannino through a limited liability company owned by trusts for the benefit of members of his family. Mr. Zannino has investment power over these stock options.
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42 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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(20)
Includes shares owned beneficially by Roberto Canevari as follows:
(a)
10,403 shares of Class A Common Stock directly and with respect to which he has sole voting and investment power; and
(b)
37,987 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options.
(21)
Includes shares owned beneficially by Stéphane de La Faverie as follows:
(a)
18,630 shares of Class A Common Stock directly and with respect to which he has sole voting and investment power; and
(b)
73,922 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options.
(22)
Includes shares owned beneficially by Jane Hertzmark Hudis as follows:
(a)
27,385 shares of Class A Common Stock directly and with respect to which she has sole voting and investment power; and
(b)
110,217 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options.
(23)
Includes 5,564 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options beneficially owned by Rashida La Lande and 14,357 shares underlying RSUs that vested within 60 days after July 31, 2026.
(24)
Includes shares owned beneficially by Akhil Shrivastava as follows:
(a)
8,122 shares of Class A Common Stock directly and with respect to which he has sole voting and investment power; and
(b)
11,051 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options.
(25)
Based on a Schedule 13G Amendment filed July 28, 2026 by BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”), 50 Hudson Yards, New York, New York 10001, BlackRock may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 18,586,595 shares of Class A Common Stock, over which it has (a) sole investment power for all such shares, (b) sole voting power for 16,914,444 shares, and (c) no shared voting or investment power for any shares.
(26)
Based on a Schedule 13G filed August 12, 2026 by Managed Account Advisors LLC (“MAA”), 101 Hudson Street, 9th Floor, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302, MAA may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 18,529,374 shares of Class A Common Stock, over which it has (a) sole investment power for 18,488,671 shares, (b) shared investment power for 40,703 shares, and (c) no sole voting or shared voting for any shares.
(27)
Based on a Schedule 13G filed July 31, 2026 by Vanguard Portfolio Management (“Vanguard”), 100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355, Vanguard may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 12,416,128 shares of Class A Common Stock, over which it has (a) sole investment power for all such shares, (b) sole voting power over 33,673 shares, and (c) no shared voting or investment power for any shares.
(28)
See notes (2), (3), (5) through (7), (9) through (24). Includes for executive officers not named in the table:
(a)
1,758 shares of Class A Common Stock; and
(b)
24,032 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options.
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2026 Proxy Statement | 43
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Executive Compensation
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Executive Summary
In fiscal 2026*, we executed Beauty Reimagined – our strategic vision announced in February 2025 – with excellence. Through Beauty Reimagined, we are focused on accelerating best-in-class consumer coverage, driving transformative innovation, increasing our consumer-facing investments**, fueling sustainable growth through bold efficiencies, and reimagining the way we work. We returned to organic net sales growth, increasing 3% for the full year and accelerating to 5% in the fiscal 2026 fourth quarter. Growth was led by Skin Care and Fragrance, with net sales growth across all geographic regions in both the fiscal 2026 fourth quarter and full year. We also achieved meaningful profitability improvement, with gross margin expanding to 75.5% from 74.0% in fiscal 2025, primarily driven by net benefits from our Profit Recovery and Growth Plan (“PRGP”) and sales leverage, partially offset by inflation and the impact of incremental tariffs, net of refunds received. Adjusted operating margin expanded 320 basis points to 11.2% from 8.0% in fiscal 2025, reflecting operating leverage and gross margin expansion, including PRGP benefits that funded increased consumer-facing investments throughout the fiscal year. These results demonstrate meaningful progress in our transformation and our ability to simultaneously invest behind sustainable growth and improve profitability.
*
See Appendix A for reconciliation and other information about non-GAAP measures.
**
Consumer-facing investments includes co-operative advertising, selling, advertising and promotional expenses, as well as store operating costs.
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44 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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Select Compensation Matters
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CEO Annual Compensation
for Fiscal 2026 |
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Mr. de La Faverie’s annual base salary was $1.5 million, his annual bonus opportunity was $3.0 million, and his annual equity award target opportunity was $10.0 million. These fiscal 2026 compensation amounts reflect the amounts established in connection with his promotion to President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2025 (fiscal 2025) and were not increased at the start of fiscal 2026. For additional information, see “CEO Compensation.”
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Named Executive Officers Annual Stock-Based Grants for Fiscal 2026
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The relative mix of long-term equity-based compensation for the Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”) in fiscal 2026 was 40% Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) and 60% stock options. We increased the mix of stock options from 20% in fiscal 2025 to 60% in fiscal 2026 of the total long-term incentive value, with a corresponding elimination of Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) as an element of compensation. This shift in equity mix was intended to strengthen the direct alignment between executive compensation and stockholder value creation. With stock options, executives realize value only when stockholders benefit from stock price appreciation. These awards are shown in “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2026.”
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EAIP Payouts for NEOs
for Fiscal 2026 |
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Our NEOs achieved fiscal 2026 payout percentages under the Executive Annual Incentive Plan (“EAIP”) ranging from 134.9% to 136.8% out of a possible maximum of 175% of target bonus opportunities. Such payouts were determined by applying the payout percentages to the fiscal 2026 target bonus opportunities and are shown in the “Summary Compensation Table.”
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No Payout of Annual PSUs granted to NEOs in Fiscal 2024
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Based on the Company’s below-threshold performance over the three-year period ended June 30, 2026, the annual PSUs granted in August 2023 (fiscal 2024) resulted in no payouts to our NEOs.
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Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation
At the 2025 Annual Meeting, approximately 91% of the votes cast in connection with the stockholders’ advisory vote on compensation of the NEOs were cast in favor of the proposal. We have considered this voting result, and as explained below, our compensation policies and decisions continue to be focused on driving our strategy and financial performance and aligning the interests of senior management with the interests of stockholders.
The Company’s incentive programs are designed to align pay and performance. We regularly meet with investors to discuss and receive feedback on various topics. In 2025, we discussed the evolution of our compensation practices, including the design of both our annual incentive bonus and our long-term equity-based compensation program.
Overview of Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
Our compensation program for executive officers is designed to attract and retain world class talent and to motivate achievement of both our short-term and long-term goals. We believe that the design and governance of our program supports, and aligns executive officers with the business strategy. Periodically, we review various aspects of our compensation program to consider whether it remains aligned with our business strategy and the above-referenced goals. From time to time, we discuss various topics, including executive compensation, social impact and sustainability, and corporate governance matters, with investors and other stakeholders.
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46 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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Key Features of our Compensation Programs, Policies, and Practices
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Link a significant portion of total compensation to the achievement of Company-wide performance criteria during varying performance periods
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Conduct an annual evaluation about risk in compensation programs to confirm that such programs are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company
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Engage a compensation consultant that reports directly to the Compensation Committee and is free of conflicts of interest
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Maintain robust stock ownership guidelines and holding requirements for executive officers to further align their interests with those of our stockholders
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Prohibit repricing or buying out stock options
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Prohibit hedging of outstanding equity grants
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Maintain policies on insider trading, clawbacks, and pledging
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Our executive compensation program is designed to achieve our business and financial goals by providing compensation that: aligns executives’ interests with our short-term and long-term goals and the interests of our stockholders and rewards performance at the Company, business unit, and individual levels; is competitive with the compensation practices at other leading beauty and consumer products companies; and is equitable among our executive officers.
Employment agreements in effect during fiscal 2026 for our NEOs are described under “Employment Agreements.” Our standard employment agreements for executive officers cover termination and severance and include non-compete, confidentiality, and related provisions. Each NEO’s employment agreement has a two-year non-compete provision. Such provisions in the employment agreements for certain NEOs expressly provide for post-termination payments and certain continued benefits during the enforced non-compete period. Our standard employment agreements for executive officers do not include specified amounts of salary, bonus opportunities, or equity-based compensation for future years. For executive officers who are recruited to join the Company, we will specify levels of salary, bonus opportunities, and equity-based compensation grants for certain initial periods or that relate to initial grants (e.g., to compensate the officer for amounts or awards that may be forfeited at a prior employer).
The compensation program for executive officers is established and administered by the Compensation Committee and the Stock Plan Subcommittee (the “Subcommittee”). The Subcommittee approves the terms of all equity grants to executive officers under our long-term equity incentive plan (including any equity compensation-related terms of employment agreements for executive officers). The Compensation Committee approves all other aspects of executive compensation.
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2026 Proxy Statement | 47
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Elements of Compensation
Fiscal 2026. As explained in further detail below, our executive compensation program consists of multiple elements of compensation. This is reflected in the chart below, which notes certain plan design features for fiscal 2026.
Each fiscal year, the Compensation Committee, Subcommittee, our senior management, and the Compensation Committee’s compensation consultant, Semler Brossy Consulting Group, LLC (“Compensation Consultant”), review our executive compensation program, including the components of total direct compensation. As part of the review, we assess whether an executive’s total direct compensation is generally aligned with that of similarly positioned executives in our executive compensation peer group. The Compensation Committee also uses international prestige and luxury brand companies for compensation guidance that are not included in our public companies peer group because of limited public disclosure information for such companies. The Compensation Committee and the Subcommittee consult with management and the Compensation Consultant regarding the design for the EAIP and Long-Term Incentive Program. This group reviews the elements of compensation (i.e. base salary, annual cash incentive bonus opportunities, and long-term equity-based compensation opportunities) and determines a mix of these elements as a percentage of total direct compensation. The mix is intended to be predominantly performance-based (i.e. provide a greater percentage of compensation in the form of variable annual and long-term incentive compensation) and reasonable when compared with the peer group. As shown below, the CEO annual target pay mix for fiscal 2026 was 90% performance-based incentive compensation, and the average annual target pay mix for the other NEOs for fiscal 2026 was 80% performance-based incentive compensation. Executive officers with similar responsibilities generally have a similar mix of pay elements. There is internal pay equity among similarly situated executive officers, which is intended to foster a team-oriented approach to managing the business. Total direct compensation and allocations of metrics within the EAIP are determined based on the type and level of responsibility of the particular executive officer, internal pay equity, and competitive considerations.
Generally, we believe that executive officers should have a greater percentage of their compensation based on performance in the form of annual long-term equity-based incentives, followed by annual cash incentives, and then by base salary.
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48 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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Based on target levels for incentive compensation for fiscal 2026, the mix of pay for our NEOs is shown below:
We Align Executive Compensation with Our Business Strategy and Goals. We intend our annual and long-term incentive plans to cover a portfolio of performance measures that balance growth and profitability over both an annual and long-term period. We work to establish goals that support the long-term strategy of restoring sales growth and achieving a solid double-digit adjusted operating margin over the ensuing few years and becoming the best consumer-centric prestige beauty company in line with Beauty Reimagined, which we launched in February 2025*. We assess risks and opportunities to prudently plan activities in business units that are currently over-attaining goals and to support business units that are challenged. In our plans, we seek to drive sustained sales growth, with a key focus on profitability, over the long-term horizon. We have a number of levers ranging from product subcategories, innovation, marketing initiatives, distribution channels and geographies that can be used to achieve our goals.
Target levels of performance for a given fiscal year are determined based on our internal planning and forecasting processes and are benchmarked against select peer companies. The Compensation Committee and the Subcommittee consider various factors, including the expected performance of our competitors and our long-term strategy, in establishing the performance required to achieve the maximum payout under each measure for both our annual cash and long-term incentive plans.
In addition to total direct compensation described above, we also provide competitive benefits and certain perquisites. In some circumstances, we pay amounts or grant equity to attract executives to work for us or move to particular locations, or we provide additional incentives for executives to perform or remain with us. This reflects, in part, the global nature of our business and the executives that we seek to attract and retain.
*
These statements may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the Company believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business and operations, actual results may differ materially from the Company’s expectations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from expectations are described in the Company’s filings with the SEC including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026.
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2026 Proxy Statement | 49
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Base Salary
We pay base salaries to provide executives with a secure base of cash compensation. In determining the amount of base salary for an executive officer, the Compensation Committee primarily considers the executive’s position, current salary, tenure, and internal pay equity among executives with similar responsibilities, as well as competitiveness of the salary level in the marketplace. The Compensation Committee also considers recommendations from the CEO, the Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer (“CPO”), and the Compensation Committee’s Compensation Consultant.
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Name
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Title
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Fiscal 2025
Base Salary* |
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Fiscal 2026
Base Salary |
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%
Change |
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| | |
Stéphane de La Faverie
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| | President and Chief Executive Officer | | | | $ | 1,500,000 | | | | | $ | 1,500,000 | | | | | | 0.0% | | | |
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Akhil Shrivastava
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| | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | | | | $ | 900,000 | | | | | $ | 900,000 | | | | | | 0.0% | | | |
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Jane Hertzmark Hudis
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| | Executive Vice President, Chief Brand Officer | | | | $ | 1,344,000 | | | | | $ | 1,344,000 | | | | | | 0.0% | | | |
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Rashida La Lande
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| | Executive Vice President and General Counsel | | | | $ | 900,000 | | | | | $ | 927,000 | | | | | | 3.0% | | | |
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Roberto Canevari
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| | Executive Vice President, Chief Value Chain Officer | | | | $ | 1,125,000 | | | | | $ | 1,125,000 | | | | | | 0.0% | | | |
*
Base salary as of June 30, 2025.
Annual Incentive Bonus
Annual incentives provided under the EAIP play a key role in aligning executive interests with our short-term goals and in recognizing and rewarding performance. For executive officers, the level of bonus opportunities and performance targets are based on the scope of the executive’s responsibilities, internal pay equity among executives with similar responsibilities, and competitive considerations. The measures in our annual incentive program are balanced, designed to foster interdependence and collaboration among brands, regions, and functions to drive the corporate strategy by ensuring alignment of business unit performance with overall corporate performance. Annual incentives payable to our executive officers, including the NEOs, are limited to a pool set by the Compensation Committee at the beginning of the fiscal year (3% of our net operating profit plan in fiscal 2026). Within that limit, the Compensation Committee sets annual aggregate bonus opportunities and retains the discretion to reduce payouts through the exercise of negative discretion. Total fiscal 2026 EAIP payouts were less than the amount of the approved bonus pool. For fiscal 2026, the EAIP payout was the product of the target for each executive officer and the EAIP payout percentage (“EAIP Payout %”), which is comprised of (a) the Enterprise Modifier and (b) the Business Unit Performance, as described below. The charts below describe the key components of the EAIP, as well as the minimum and maximum payout ranges for the fiscal 2026 EAIP:
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50 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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Target level performance on each of the criteria in both the Enterprise Modifier and Business Unit Performance would result in achievement of 100% and payout at 100% of the executive officer’s target opportunity. Failure to achieve the pre-established minimum threshold level of performance would result in no credit for that particular performance measure and, depending upon performance in respect of other measures, could result in no bonus being paid. Measurement of performance, including establishment of the bonus pool, is subject to certain automatic adjustments, such as changes in accounting principles, goodwill and other intangible asset impairments, the impact of unplanned business acquisition activity, restructuring and other activities, discontinued operations, certain non-recurring income/expenses, and the impact on net sales of unplanned changes in foreign currency rates. Such automatic adjustments (which reflect the impact, where appropriate, of tax, currency and non-controlling interest) for fiscal 2026 were: (i) the impact of returns and charges associated with restructuring and other activities and (ii) the securities class action litigation settlement.
The target payout, business criteria, performance levels within each component, and the threshold, target, and maximum payouts associated with each criteria and performance level are set by the Compensation Committee in consultation with management and the Compensation Committee’s Compensation Consultant during the first quarter of the fiscal year.
Enterprise Modifier. Each executive officer’s incentive payment is subject to the Enterprise Modifier. For fiscal 2026, the Enterprise Modifier was comprised of five Company-wide performance criteria: (1) the diluted net earnings per common share from continuing operations (“Diluted EPS”); (2) Operating Income Margin Percent (“OI Margin Percent”); (3) Net Sales; (4) Return on Invested Capital Percent (“ROIC Percent”); and (5) Strategic Initiative, each equally weighted at 20%. Measurement of performance for each of these measures is subject to certain automatic adjustments described above in “Annual Incentive Bonus.” If actual performance under the Enterprise Modifier for each measure is between target and maximum, or between threshold and target, the payout factor is calculated mathematically using a predetermined interpolation with target level of performance as a base. The chart below presents the threshold, target, and maximum levels for each measure comprising the Enterprise Modifier, along with the actual results for fiscal 2026. For fiscal 2026, performance was above maximum for Diluted EPS, OI Margin Percent, and ROIC Percent, between target and maximum for Net Sales, and between threshold and target for the Strategic Initiative, resulting in an Enterprise Modifier of 121.4%.
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2026 Proxy Statement | 51
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The Strategic Initiative measure complements financial measures which are set annually based on executive leadership objectives. For fiscal 2026, the Strategic Initiative measure was tied to the implementation of the PRGP and leadership goals.
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Threshold
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Target
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Maximum
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Actual
Performance |
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Fiscal 2026
Target |
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% of
Target |
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Payout
(% of Oppty) |
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% of
Target |
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Payout
(% of Oppty) |
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% of
Target |
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Payout
(% of Oppty) |
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% of
Target |
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Payout
(% of Oppty) |
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| | | Diluted EPS | | |
$1.90
|
| | | | 91.1% | | | | | | 50% | | | | | | 100% | | | | | | 100% | | | | | | 125.5% | | | | | | 140% | | | | | | 131.7% | | | | | | 140.0% | | | |
| | | OI Margin Percent | | |
9.3%
|
| | | | 96.8% | | | | | | 50% | | | | | | 100% | | | | | | 100% | | | | | | 115.9% | | | | | | 140% | | | | | | 121.8% | | | | | | 140.0% | | | |
| | | Net Sales(1) | | |
$14.88 billion
|
| | | | 96.1% | | | | | | 50% | | | | | | 100% | | | | | | 100% | | | | | | 103.9% | | | | | | 140% | | | | | | 101.3% | | | | | | 105.3% | | | |
| | | ROIC Percent | | |
6.8%
|
| | | | 93.2% | | | | | | 50% | | | | | | 100% | | | | | | 100% | | | | | | 119.3% | | | | | | 140% | | | | | | 140.5% | | | | | | 140.0% | | | |
| | | Strategic Initiative | | |
—(2)
|
| | | | 88.3% | | | | | | 50% | | | | | | 100% | | | | | | 100% | | | | | | 125.0% | | | | | | 140% | | | | | | 95.7% | | | | | | 81.4% | | | |
| | | Enterprise Modifier | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 121.4% | | | |
(1)
Net Sales are calculated at budgeted exchange rates at the time the target is set.
(2)
The specific annual target for this metric is confidential information, the disclosure of which would cause competitive harm to the Company.
Business Unit Performance. For fiscal 2026, the Business Unit Performance operated in a manner similar to the Enterprise Modifier but was based on various combinations of business criteria at the business unit level, including: (1) Net Sales; (2) Net Operating Margin (“NOP Margin”); and (3) Weighted Forecast Accuracy, and (4) other divisional goals specific to the individual executive officer and tied to our long-term strategy (“Business Unit Strategic Goals”). Target level performance on all the applicable criteria leads to a Business Unit Performance of 100%. If the threshold level of performance is not achieved for any of the applicable criteria, then the Business Unit Performance would be zero for those criteria. When performance exceeds the maximum level, the payout factors are at 125% of target. In the case where the actual performance was between target and maximum, or between threshold and target, the payout factor was calculated mathematically using straight-line interpolation with target level of performance and associated payout as a base.
For each of the NEOs the threshold, target, and maximum for each metric comprising the Business Unit Performance for the total company, along with the results for fiscal 2026, are shown in the table below.
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Threshold
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Target
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Maximum
|
| |
Actual
Performance(1) |
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| | | | | |
Fiscal
2026 Target |
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% of
Target |
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Payout
(% of Oppty) |
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% of
Target |
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Payout
(% of Oppty) |
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% of
Target |
| |
Payout
(% of Oppty) |
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% of
Target |
| |
Payout
(% of Oppty) |
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| | | Total Company Net Sales | | |
$14.88 billion
|
| | | | 85% | | | | | | 62.5% | | | | | | 100% | | | | | | 100% | | | | | | 103.9% | | | | | | 125% | | | | | | 100.9% | | | | | | 105.6% | | | |
| | | Total Company NOP Margin | | |
10.3%
|
| | | | 85% | | | | | | 62.5% | | | | | | 100% | | | | | | 100% | | | | | | 115.8% | | | | | | 125% | | | | | | 112.2% | | | | | | 119.3% | | | |
| | | Weighted Forecast Accuracy | | |
—(2)
|
| | | | 85% | | | | | | 62.5% | | | | | | 100% | | | | | | 100% | | | | | | 105.0% | | | | | | 125% | | | | | | 99.1% | | | | | | 97.6% | | | |
(1)
Net Sales and income statement measures are calculated at budgeted exchange rates at the time the target is set for the measurement period. Measurement of performance, for each of the metrics, is subject to certain automatic adjustments described above in “Annual Incentive Bonus.”
(2)
The specific annual target for this metric is confidential commercial or financial information, the disclosure of which would cause competitive harm to the Company. We believe that this annual target is achievable in connection with strong performance.
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52 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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All of the NEOs were each assigned individual Business Unit Strategic Goals for fiscal 2026 that accounted for the percentages of the individual’s aggregate bonus opportunity target indicated below.
These individual Business Unit Strategic Goals are aligned with high-level themes, explained below, that help focus collective efforts in areas that are important to shared success across business units and drive the corporate strategy. Each executive, including the NEOs, has their own set of discrete goals.
High-level Themes that Align with Business Unit Strategic Goals for our NEOs and Other Executives
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Strategy and Execution – Advance Beauty Reimagined by translating enterprise and Business Unit priorities into measurable actions, milestones and performance indicators. Drive disciplined execution and reinforce accountability for delivering strategic and financial outcomes by building regular milestone reviews into operating cadence.
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Leadership, Collaboration and Talent – Lead with an enterprise mindset, strengthen collaboration and transformational leadership, and develop the capabilities and talent required to deliver the strategy. Foster an inclusive culture and align organizations and accountabilities to improve speed, agility and effectiveness.
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Sustainable Growth and Business Transformation – Accelerate margin expansion and sustainable growth through bold efficiencies, disciplined resource allocation and execution of key business-transformation initiatives. Continue to build capabilities, simplify ways of working and strengthen governance to improve performance and organizational effectiveness.
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Social Impact and Sustainability – Advance the Company’s social impact and sustainability priorities through focused execution, cross-functional collaboration and integration into relevant business decisions. Drive measurable progress against commitments while supporting business value, resilience and differentiation.
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After the end of fiscal 2026, the CEO and the CPO, with input from other members of senior management, reviewed the actions taken by executive officers including the NEOs, as applicable, in connection with the individual Business Unit Strategic Goals. Based on this assessment, they recommended the payout percentages shown in the table below (with a maximum of 125%). The assessment of these achievements and payouts were approved by the Compensation Committee.
Calculation of EAIP Payout. As noted, the weightings of the various criteria for an executive officer’s Business Unit Performance depend upon the officer’s position and responsibilities, as shown in the calculation of the Business Unit Performance below with the actual EAIP payout to our NEOs.
Calculation of Fiscal 2026 EAIP Payout Percentages for NEOs
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S. de La Faverie
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A. Shrivastava
|
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J. Hertzmark Hudis
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R. La Lande
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R. Canevari
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% of
Target |
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Actual
Payout % |
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% of
Target |
| |
Actual
Payout % |
| |
% of
Target |
| |
Actual
Payout % |
| |
% of
Target |
| |
Actual
Payout % |
| |
% of
Target |
| |
Actual
Payout % |
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| | | Business Unit Strategic Goals (Individual) | | | | | 20.0% | | | | | | 120.0% | | | | | | 20.0% | | | | | | 112.0% | | | | | | 20.0% | | | | | | 112.0% | | | | | | 20.0% | | | | | | 120.0% | | | | | | 20.0% | | | | | | 116.0% | | | |
| | | Total Company Net Sales* | | | | | 36.0% | | | | | | 105.6% | | | | | | 36.0% | | | | | | 105.6% | | | | | | 36.0% | | | | | | 105.6% | | | | | | 36.0% | | | | | | 105.6% | | | | | | 36.0% | | | | | | 105.6% | | | |
| | | Total Company NOP Margin* | | | | | 36.0% | | | | | | 119.3% | | | | | | 36.0% | | | | | | 119.3% | | | | | | 36.0% | | | | | | 119.3% | | | | | | 36.0% | | | | | | 119.3% | | | | | | 36.0% | | | | | | 119.3% | | | |
| | | Weighted Forecast Accuracy | | | | | 8.0% | | | | | | 97.6% | | | | | | 8.0% | | | | | | 97.6% | | | | | | 8.0% | | | | | | 97.6% | | | | | | 8.0% | | | | | | 97.6% | | | | | | 8.0% | | | | | | 97.6% | | | |
| | | Business Unit Payout (a) | | | | | 100.0% | | | | | | 112.8% | | | | | | 100.0% | | | | | | 111.2% | | | | | | 100.0% | | | | | | 111.2% | | | | | | 100.0% | | | | | | 112.8% | | | | | | 100.0% | | | | | | 112.0% | | | |
| | | Enterprise Modifier (b) | | | | | — | | | | | | 121.4% | | | | | | — | | | | | | 121.4% | | | | | | — | | | | | | 121.4% | | | | | | — | | | | | | 121.4% | | | | | | — | | | | | | 121.4% | | | |
| | | EAIP Payout % (a) x (b) | | | | | — | | | | | | 136.8% | | | | | | — | | | | | | 134.9% | | | | | | — | | | | | | 134.9% | | | | | | — | | | | | | 136.8% | | | | | | — | | | | | | 135.9% | | | |
*
Measurement of performance for each of the metrics is subject to certain automatic adjustments described above in “Annual Incentive Bonus.” Total Company Net Sales and Total Company NOP Margin are calculated at weighted average exchange rates at the time of measurement.
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2026 Proxy Statement | 53
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Calculation of Fiscal 2026 EAIP Payout for NEOs
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Name
|
| |
EAIP
Opportunity |
| |
EAIP
Payout %* |
| |
EAIP
Payout |
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Stéphane de La Faverie
|
| | | $ | 3,000,000 | | | | | | 136.8% | | | | | $ | 4,105,300 | | | |
| | |
Akhil Shrivastava
|
| | | $ | 1,040,000 | | | | | | 134.9% | | | | | $ | 1,403,000 | | | |
| | |
Jane Hertzmark Hudis
|
| | | $ | 2,270,000 | | | | | | 134.9% | | | | | $ | 3,062,300 | | | |
| | |
Rashida La Lande
|
| | | $ | 1,442,000 | | | | | | 136.8% | | | | | $ | 1,973,300 | | | |
| | |
Roberto Canevari
|
| | | $ | 1,295,000 | | | | | | 135.9% | | | | | $ | 1,759,550 | | | |
*
Shown to the nearest tenth.
Long-Term Equity-Based Compensation
We consider equity-based compensation awarded under our Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (the “Share Incentive Plan”) to be of key importance in aligning executives’ interests with our long-term goals and rewarding them for performance. The awards also provide an incentive for continued employment with us. The Subcommittee typically makes equity-based compensation awards to our executive officers at a regularly scheduled meeting during the first quarter of each fiscal year. We generally grant executive officers a combination of stock options and RSUs.
The target and actual amounts and allocation of equity-based compensation reflect the business judgment of the Subcommittee after discussion with its Compensation Consultant and certain members of our senior management. As with each other element of compensation, and compensation overall, the Subcommittee (or the Compensation Committee for non-equity-based compensation), the Compensation Consultant, and management consider several factors, such as: (i) the level of responsibility of the particular executive, assessing the scope and impact of the executive officer’s role within the organization; (ii) recent performance, evaluating the executive’s achievements and contributions in the immediate past period; (iii) expected future contribution, anticipating the executive’s potential impact on the Company’s future success; (iv) internal pay equity, ensuring fair compensation relative to other executives, including tenure in their role within the organization; and (v) competitive practice, aligning compensation with market practice to attract and retain top talent. They also consider applicable employment agreements as necessary.
The allocation of the value of the different types of annual awards granted in fiscal 2026 was 60% stock options and 40% RSUs – reflecting, in the business judgment of the Subcommittee, a balance among motivating and retaining executive officers, rewarding performance, mitigating risk, and helping executive officers increase their equity ownership to further align their interests with those of our stockholders. The Subcommittee applied an individual performance percentage to the target equity opportunity for each executive officer based on performance and achievement of individual goals and objectives, including the high-level themes that align with the executive’s Business Unit Strategic Goals. In fiscal 2026, the individual performance percentage for NEOs ranged from 108% to 115% of target. When determining both the amount and allocation of equity-based compensation, our Company benchmarks against practices of our peer group companies to confirm whether compensation packages are competitive and appropriate (see “Compensation Planning and the Decision Making Process – Peer Group” below). This approach helps us to attract and retain top talent while aligning our compensation strategies with market practice.
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54 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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Annual Stock Options. In fiscal 2026, annual stock options constituted approximately 60% of the total grant date value of equity-based compensation awarded to executive officers. We believe that stock options are performance-based because the exercise price is equal to the closing price of the underlying Class A Common Stock on the date the option is granted. Under our Share Incentive Plan, the exercise price of options cannot be lower than such closing price. Despite the value attributed on the date of option grant for accounting purposes, value is realized by the executive officer only to the extent that the stock price exceeds the exercise price during the period in which the executive officer is entitled to exercise the options and the officer exercises them. Options granted to our executive officers generally become exercisable in three equal installments approximately 14 months, 26 months, and 38 months after the date of grant, and expire ten years from the grant date assuming continued employment and subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of certain events as described in “Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change of Control.” Stock options do not have dividend equivalent rights or any voting rights with respect to the underlying shares of Class A Common Stock.
Annual Restricted Stock Units. In fiscal 2026, annual RSUs constituted approximately 40% of the total grant date value of equity-based compensation awarded to executive officers. RSUs are the right to receive shares of our Class A Common Stock over a period of time. RSUs are granted to executive officers to serve as a retention mechanism and to help them build their equity ownership. RSUs are accompanied by dividend equivalents that are paid in cash at the time an RSU vests. The cash amount paid to the executive officer is equal to the dividends declared per share between the grant date and the vesting date multiplied by the number of shares paid out. RSUs do not have any voting rights with respect to the underlying shares of Class A Common Stock. RSUs granted to our executive officers generally vest in three equal installments approximately 14 months, 26 months, and 38 months from the date of grant. The vesting of RSUs is subject to continued employment and subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of certain events as described in “Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change of Control.” RSUs are subject to restrictions on transfer and forfeiture prior to vesting. Upon payout, shares will be withheld to satisfy statutory tax obligations.
Annual Performance Share Units. In fiscal 2026, we did not grant annual PSUs to our NEOs. PSUs are generally rights to receive shares of our Class A Common Stock if certain Company-wide performance criteria are achieved during a three-year performance period. PSUs are expressed in terms of opportunities, and each opportunity is based on a particular financial metric that is considered important in achieving our overall long-term financial goals. PSUs are accompanied by dividend equivalent rights that will be payable in cash at the time of payout of the related shares. To the extent shares are paid out on a PSU award, the cash amount paid is equal to the dividends declared per share over the performance period times the number of shares paid out. PSUs do not have any voting rights with respect to the underlying shares of Class A Common Stock. PSUs are subject to restrictions on transfer and forfeiture prior to vesting, and upon payout of such awards, shares will be withheld to satisfy statutory tax obligations. Payout of annual PSUs generally assumes continued employment and is subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of certain events as described in “Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change of Control.”
For annual PSUs, the Subcommittee approves performance targets for each metric during the first quarter of the three-year performance period. Each opportunity is expressed in shares to be paid out if performance equals 100% of the target. The target amount of a PSU award represents the aggregate payout if the performance of all opportunities equal 100% of the related target performances. An above-target payout can be achieved under a particular opportunity if the performance associated with such opportunity exceeds 100% of the target, up to a maximum percentage as determined by the Subcommittee at the time of grant. Failure to achieve the pre-established minimum threshold, if any, would result in no payout being made under the opportunity.
Measurement of performance is subject to certain automatic adjustments such as changes in accounting principles, goodwill and other intangible asset impairments, the impact of unplanned completed business acquisition activity, restructuring and other activities, discontinued operations, and certain non-recurring income/expenses. For the fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2025 annual PSUs, payout is contingent on the Company achieving cumulative positive Net Earnings during the performance period of the grant. If actual PSU performance for each measure is between target and maximum, or between
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2026 Proxy Statement | 55
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threshold and target, the payout factor is calculated mathematically using a predetermined interpolation with target level of performance as a base.
Fiscal 2024 Annual PSU Grants. The PSU targets for the three-year period ended June 30, 2026 were based on compound annual growth rates (“CAGR”) in Company-wide Net Sales (weighted at 40%), Diluted EPS (weighted at 40%), and ROIC (weighted at 20%). Each 2% increase in performance over the threshold results in a 10% increase in the associated payout for Net Sales and a 3% increase in the associated payout for Diluted EPS up to the target performance levels. Each 0.4% increase in performance above target results in 10% increases in the associated payouts for Net Sales and Diluted EPS. Performance above maximum results in a payout of 160% of target opportunity.
Based on the Company’s below-threshold performance over the three-year period ended June 30, 2026, the PSUs granted in August 2023 (fiscal 2024) yielded no payout (all shares forfeited and no dividends paid) to our NEOs.
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Fiscal
2024 through Fiscal 2026 Target |
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Threshold
|
| |
Target
|
| |
Maximum
|
| |
Actual
Performance(2) |
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| | | | | |
% of
Target |
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Payout
(% of Oppty) |
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% of
Target |
| |
Payout
(% of Oppty) |
| |
% of
Target |
| |
Payout
(% of Oppty) |
| |
% of
Target |
| |
Payout
(% of Oppty) |
| | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | Net Sales (CAGR)(1) | | |
6.0% – 7.0%
|
| | | | 87.8% | | | | | | 50.0% | | | |
97.2% – 100%
|
| | | | 100.0% | | | | | | 106.3% | | | | | | 160.0% | | | | | | 77.0% | | | | | | 0.0% | | | |
| | | Diluted EPS (CAGR) | | |
16.3% – 17.6%
|
| | | | 83.0% | | | | | | 50.0% | | | |
96.5% – 100%
|
| | | | 100.0% | | | | | | 114.5% | | | | | | 160.0% | | | | | | 43.7% | | | | | | 0.0% | | | |
| | | ROIC (CAGR) | | |
4.3% – 4.8%
|
| | | | 79.1% | | | | | | 50.0% | | | |
98.4% – 100%
|
| | | | 100.0% | | | | | | 112.4% | | | | | | 160.0% | | | | | | 72.1% | | | | | | 0.0% | | | |
| | | Aggregate Payout | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 0.0% | | | |
(1)
Net Sales are calculated at budgeted exchange rates at the time the target is set.
(2)
Measurement of performance is subject to certain automatic adjustments. For the fiscal 2024 PSU grants (which reflect the impact, where appropriate, of tax, currency and non-controlling interest), these include: (i) the impact of returns and charges associated with restructuring and other activities related to the Company’s Post-COVID Business Acceleration Program and the PRGP, (ii) goodwill and other intangible asset impairments, (iii) U.S. deferred tax asset valuation allowance adjustment, (iv) talcum litigation settlement agreements (as defined in “Appendix A” below), and (v) the securities class action litigation settlement.
Non-annual Long-Term Equity Grants. Periodically, the Subcommittee awards non-annual long-term equity grants to select executives to support retention and incentivize sustained performance. These awards typically vest in full after an extended vesting period and are forfeited if the executive retires before the vesting date. Periodically, the Subcommittee awards equity in connection with a promotion or to compensate equity awards forfeited from a prior employer in order to join the Company. In fiscal 2026, in connection with the Profit Recovery and Growth Plan Incentive Program (the “PRGP IP”), our NEOs were granted a non-annual long-term equity grant as structured in the description below. See “Profit Recovery and Growth Plan Incentive Program.”
Equity-Based Compensation Granted in Fiscal 2026. As noted above, target award levels and actual grants of equity made to executive officers are determined by taking into account many factors, including an assessment of recent performance and expected future contributions. For the CEO, this determination is made by the Subcommittee; for the remaining executive officers, a recommendation is made by the CEO, and the actual grant is approved by the Subcommittee. The equity grant percentages awarded to our NEOs were based on target grant levels and an assessment of each officer’s performance and expected future contributions. Fiscal 2026 annual equity grants were awarded in August 2025. See also “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2026” and “Summary Compensation Table.”
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56 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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Profit Recovery and Growth Plan Incentive Program
We launched the Profit Recovery and Growth Plan (the “PRGP”) in fiscal 2024 to help rebuild our profit margins and grow sales. As part of the broader transformation through PRGP, our senior leaders led their teams through a period of change while implementing key PRGP pillars and managing their existing business responsibilities. As initially explained in our fiscal 2025 Proxy Statement, to incentivize and retain the leaders who were critical to the success of the PRGP and our enterprise goals, and to acknowledge the substantial additional work being delivered on the PRGP commitments, the Company implemented the PRGP Incentive Program, an additional, one-time grant of restricted stock units under the Share Incentive Plan earned against pre-established performance objectives.
Performance was measured over a single fiscal year, fiscal 2025, and the resulting award was granted on August 28, 2025. Seventy percent (70%) of PRGP performance was tied to the fiscal 2025 PRGP external financial net benefit commitments, while thirty percent (30%) was linked to adoption and leadership key performance indicators supporting the long-term sustainability of the changes being implemented. The award cliff-vests in full on November 1, 2027, subject to continued employment and subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of certain events as described in “Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change of Control.” The vesting of the PRGP IP is subject to restrictions on transfer and forfeiture prior to vesting. Upon payout, shares will be withheld to satisfy statutory tax obligations. In all cases, PRGP IP RSUs include dividend equivalents, which are paid in cash at settlement. The cash amount equals the dividends declared per share between the grant date and the vesting date, multiplied by the number of shares delivered.
On August 28, 2025 (fiscal 2026), the NEOs received the PRGP IP equity awards at the approximate value detailed below:
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Named Executive Officer
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Target
Opportunity ($)(1) |
| |
PRGP IP
Results (%) |
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PRGP IP
Grant Value ($) |
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RSUs
Granted (#) |
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Stéphane de La Faverie
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| | | $ | 2,500,000 | | | | | | 167.2% | | | | | $ | 4,180,000 | | | | | | 45,549 | | | |
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Akhil Shrivastava
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| | | $ | 475,000 | | | | | | 167.2% | | | | | $ | 794,200 | | | | | | 8,655 | | | |
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Jane Hertzmark Hudis
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| | | $ | 1,114,000 | | | | | | 167.2% | | | | | $ | 1,862,608 | | | | | | 20,297 | | | |
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Rashida La Lande
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| | | $ | 625,000 | | | | | | 167.2% | | | | | $ | 1,045,000 | | | | | | 11,388 | | | |
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Roberto Canevari
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| | | $ | 588,750 | | | | | | 167.2% | | | | | $ | 984,390 | | | | | | 10,727 | | | |
(1)
Target opportunity reflects 25% of each executive’s fiscal 2026 annual target equity opportunity.
Based on the actual assessment of each of the metrics’ performance, the PRGP Incentive Program resulted in a payout of 167.2%. The payout was determined against the following pre-established fiscal 2025 goals:
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Targets
|
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Actual Performance
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Metrics
|
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Weighting
|
| |
Threshold
|
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Target
|
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Maximum
|
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Actual
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% of
Target |
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Payout
(% of Oppty) |
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Enterprise Fiscal 2025
PRGP Net Benefits |
| | | | 70.0% | | | |
$528 million
|
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$660 million
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$924 million
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$1,004 million
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| | | | 152.1% | | | | | | 200.0% | | | |
| | | Enterprise Adoption and Leadership Key Performance Indicators | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | |
Consumer Facing Spend
as a % of Net Sales |
| | | | 10.0% | | | |
32.0%
|
| |
33.0%
|
| |
34.0%
|
| |
37.8%
|
| | | | 114.5% | | | | | | 200.0% | | | |
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General & Administrative
Costs as a % of Net Sales |
| | | | 10.0% | | | |
31.0%
|
| |
30.0%
|
| |
29.0%
|
| |
32.0%
|
| | | | 106.7% | | | | | | 0.0% | | | |
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Leadership
|
| | | | 10.0% | | | |
53.0%
|
| |
60.0%
|
| |
75.0%
|
| |
54.8%
|
| | | | 91.3% | | | | | | 72.1% | | | |
| | | Aggregate Payout | | | | | 167.2% | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2026 Proxy Statement | 57
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Changes for Fiscal 2027. For fiscal 2027, the Compensation Committee and Subcommittee generally maintained the fiscal 2026 EAIP and long-term incentive design except for the following changes below. These changes are intended to align the incentives of members of management with the objectives of Beauty Reimagined and to be aligned with stockholder interests:
•
Adjusted the percentage weighting of Enterprise Modifier metrics as follows: (i) the Net Sales weighting was increased to 30% (from 20%), (ii) the Diluted EPS weighting and ROIC weighting were each decreased to 15% (from 20%) and, (iii) the OI Margin Percent weighting and Strategic Initiative weighting remained at 20%;
•
The Strategic Initiative measure will be tied to the transition from transformation to execution under the Company’s Beauty Reimagined strategic vision;
•
Increased the individual Business Unit Strategic Goal weighting to 30% (from 20%) for the executive officers;
•
Eliminated the Individual Performance Percentage factor for the executive team, which was previously used to determine the actual equity value (up to 120% of target based on individual performance), beginning with the August 2026 (fiscal 2027) annual equity award;
•
The Subcommittee approved an incremental one-time PSU award that is tied to strategic achievement through the Company’s financial performance, while also incentivizing the executive team around long-term margin expansion. See “Incremental One-Time Performance Award” below; and
•
The Company implemented a company-wide change to the annual merit cycle, transitioning the effective date from July 1 to September 1 beginning in fiscal 2027. This change aligns with the Company’s Beauty Reimagined strategy and is intended to simplify and harmonize processes, align performance and compensation decisions within a single annual cycle, and reinforce the connection between performance and pay. To support employees through this transition, the Company is providing a one-time lump sum payment to eligible employees designed to preserve the intended full-year merit value associated with the delayed effective date. The Company expects to pay this one-time payment in October 2026.
Incremental One-Time Performance Award
Beginning with the fiscal 2027 annual equity awards, the Committee eliminated the Individual Performance Percentage (“IP%”) factor for the executive team, which was previously used to determine an executive’s actual equity award value to as much as 120% of target based on individual performance. In connection with removing that element of compensation, an incremental, one-time performance award (the “Incremental PSU”) was granted in the form of PSUs, designed to focus the executive team on profitable long-term growth and stockholder value creation. These PSUs are subject to organic net sales growth and operating income margin goals measured over a three-year performance period and are delivered in two equal tranches approximately three and four years from the date of grant.
Details of the Incremental PSU are as follows:
| | |
Incremental One-Time Performance Award
|
| | |||
| | |
Award Type
|
| | PSU Grant | | |
| | |
Performance Period
|
| | July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029 | | |
| | |
Award Period
|
| |
First Tranche: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
Second Tranche: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2030 |
| |
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Share Delivery Dates
|
| |
First Tranche: 50% delivered September 2029
Second Tranche: 50% delivered September 2030 |
| |
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Metrics
|
| |
Organic Net Sales Growth (fiscal 2027 – 2029)
Operating Income Margin (end of fiscal 2029) |
| |
| | |
Payout Range
|
| | 25% – 200% of target | | |
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58 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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On August 27, 2026 (fiscal 2027), the NEOs received the Incremental PSU at the approximate values detailed below:
| | |
Named Executive Officer
|
| |
Incremental PSU
Grant Value ($) |
| |
PSUs
Granted(1) (#) |
| | ||||||
| | |
Stéphane de La Faverie
|
| | | $ | 6,201,600 | | | | | | 58,390 | | | |
| | |
Akhil Shrivastava
|
| | | $ | 1,674,440 | | | | | | 15,766 | | | |
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Jane Hertzmark Hudis
|
| | | $ | 2,763,440 | | | | | | 26,019 | | | |
| | |
Rashida La Lande
|
| | | $ | 1,674,440 | | | | | | 15,766 | | | |
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Roberto Canevari
|
| | | $ | 1,460,480 | | | | | | 13,751 | | | |
(1)
Reflects the number of PSUs granted, though the actual payout will be determined against pre-determined financial goals shown above.
For executives who are not retirement eligible, outstanding unvested PSUs are forfeited if they voluntarily terminate employment prior to delivery. For executives who are retirement eligible or terminate employment without cause, regardless of retirement eligibility, any unvested PSUs will vest pro-rata for the number of full months the employee receives salary during the award period, based on actual performance. PSUs are accompanied by dividend equivalents that are paid in cash at the time a PSU is delivered, subject to the terms and conditions of the award. The cash amount paid to the executive officer is equal to the dividends declared per share between the grant date and the delivery date multiplied by the number of shares paid out.
The timeline below outlines the performance period, grant date, and vesting schedule for the PRGP IP RSU grant and the Incremental PSU grant.
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2026 Proxy Statement | 59
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CEO Compensation
Fiscal 2026 Compensation. For fiscal 2026, Mr. de La Faverie’s annual base salary remained at $1.5 million, his target incentive bonus opportunity remained at $3.0 million, and his target equity opportunity remained at $10.0 million. In August 2025 (fiscal 2026), we granted Mr. de La Faverie annual equity-based compensation with an aggregate value of approximately $10.5 million, comprised of 60% stock options and 40% RSUs. These grants reflect the application of an individual performance percentage to the target equity opportunity approved for fiscal 2026. In addition, we granted Mr. de La Faverie an RSU award pursuant to the PRGP IP with a grant date value of approximately $4.18 million. See “Profit Recovery and Growth Plan Incentive Program” above.
Fiscal 2027 Compensation Decisions for the CEO. For fiscal 2027, Mr. de La Faverie’s annual base salary remains at $1.5 million, his target incentive bonus opportunity remains at $3.0 million, and his target equity opportunity remains at $10.0 million. In August 2026 (fiscal 2027), we granted Mr. de La Faverie annual equity-based compensation with an aggregate value of approximately $10.0 million, comprised of 60% stock options and 40% RSUs. In addition, we granted Mr. de La Faverie an incremental one-time PSU award with a grant date value of approximately $6.20 million. See “Incremental One-Time Performance Award” above. These equity awards will appear in our “Summary Compensation Table” and “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2027” in our Proxy Statement for the 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Fiscal 2027 Compensation Decisions for Other NEOs
Akhil Shrivastava, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. For fiscal 2027, Mr. Shrivastava’s annual base salary is $925,000, his target incentive bonus opportunity is $1.2 million, and his target equity opportunity is $2.7 million. In August 2026 (fiscal 2027), we granted Mr. Shrivastava equity-based compensation with an aggregate value of approximately $2.7 million, comprised of 60% stock options and 40% RSUs. In addition, we granted Mr. Shrivastava an incremental one-time PSU award with a grant date value of approximately $1.67 million. See “Incremental One-Time Performance Award” above.
Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Executive Vice President, Chief Brand Officer. For fiscal 2027, Ms. Hertzmark Hudis’s annual base salary remains at $1.34 million, her target incentive bonus opportunity is $2.34 million, and her target equity opportunity remains at $4.46 million. In August 2026 (fiscal 2027), we granted Ms. Hertzmark Hudis equity-based compensation with an aggregate value of approximately $4.46 million, comprised of 60% stock options and 40% RSUs. In addition, we granted Ms. Hertzmark Hudis an incremental one-time PSU award with a grant date value of approximately $2.76 million. See “Incremental One-Time Performance Award” above.
Rashida La Lande, Executive Vice President and General Counsel. For fiscal 2027, Ms. La Lande’s annual base salary is $955,000, her target incentive bonus opportunity is $1.49 million, and her target equity opportunity is $2.7 million. In August 2026 (fiscal 2027), we granted Ms. La Lande equity-based compensation with an aggregate value of approximately $2.7 million, comprised of 60% stock options and 40% RSUs. In addition, we granted Ms. La Lande an incremental one-time PSU award with a grant date value of approximately $1.67 million. See “Incremental One-Time Performance Award” above.
Roberto Canevari, Executive Vice President, Chief Value Chain Officer. For fiscal 2027, Mr. Canevari’s annual base salary remains at $1.13 million, his target incentive bonus opportunity is $1.36 million, and his target equity opportunity remains at $2.36 million. In August 2026 (fiscal 2027), we granted Mr. Canevari equity-based compensation with an aggregate value of approximately $2.36 million, comprised of 60% stock options and 40% RSUs. In addition, we granted Mr. Canevari an incremental one-time PSU award with a grant date value of approximately $1.46 million. See “Incremental One-Time Performance Award” above.
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60 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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Compensation Planning and the Decision-Making Process
Peer Group. We believe our peer group represents the market in which we compete for executive talent among U.S. public companies. Given the limited number of direct competitors that are publicly traded in the United States, the Compensation Committee has selected a peer group comprised primarily of consumer products and consumer discretionary companies to ensure the group includes organizations of comparable size and business models to ours. The Compensation Committee also uses international prestige and luxury brand companies for talent and compensation guidance, but because of limited public disclosure of compensation information they are not included in our peer group. The Compensation Committee refers to the peer group data when considering compensation levels and the allocation of compensation elements for executive officers.
Set forth below is the peer group of companies used for compensation in fiscal 2026. Based on the most recently completed fiscal years ending on or before June 30, 2026, our revenues are approximately at the 51st percentile relative to our peer group.
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•
Bath & Body Works
•
Capri Holdings
•
Coca-Cola
•
Colgate-Palmolive
•
Coty
•
The Gap
•
International Flavors & Fragrances
•
Kenvue
•
Keurig Dr. Pepper
•
Kimberly-Clark
|
| |
•
Kraft Heinz
•
Lululemon
•
Mondelez
•
Nike
•
PVH Corp.
•
Ralph Lauren
•
Starbucks
•
Tapestry
•
Ulta Beauty
•
V.F. Corporation
|
|
The Compensation Committee has determined to use the same peer group for compensation in fiscal 2027.
Compensation Consultant. The Compensation Committee engaged Semler Brossy as its consultant for executive compensation. The Compensation Committee determined that the Compensation Consultant is free of conflicts of interest. The Compensation Consultant reports directly to the Compensation Committee and works with the Compensation Committee (and the Subcommittee) and management to, among other things, provide advice regarding compensation structures in general and competitive compensation data. The Compensation Consultant also reviews information prepared by management for the Compensation Committee or Subcommittee. All of the decisions with respect to determining the amount or form of executive compensation under our executive compensation programs are made by the Compensation Committee or Subcommittee alone and may reflect factors and considerations other than the information and advice provided by the Compensation Consultant. As noted in “Director Compensation,” Semler Brossy provides advice and guidance to the Nominating and ESG Committee regarding non-employee director compensation, and no other services were provided to the Committee, Subcommittee, or the Company in fiscal 2026.
Role of Executive Officers. As noted above, executive compensation is set by the Compensation Committee and Subcommittee. In performing this function, the Compensation Committee and Subcommittee rely on the CEO and the CPO to provide information regarding the executive officers, their roles and responsibilities, and the general performance of the Company and the various business units. These executives take directions from and bring suggestions to the Compensation Committee and Subcommittee. They suggest performance measures and targets for each of the executive officers under the EAIP and the Share Incentive Plan. They also make suggestions regarding terms and conditions of employment agreements. The final decisions regarding salaries, bonuses (including measures, targets, and amounts to be paid), equity grants, and other compensation matters related to executive officers are made by the Compensation Committee or Subcommittee, as the case may be. The CPO and the human resources staff work with the Executive Vice President and General Counsel, the legal staff, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and the finance staff to support the Compensation Committee and Subcommittee.
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2026 Proxy Statement | 61
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Other Benefits and Perquisites
Benefits. We determine benefits for executive officers by the same criteria applicable to the general employee population in the location where the executive officer is situated except as noted below. In general, benefits are designed to provide protection to the executives and their families in the event of illness, disability, or death and to provide retirement income. The benefits are important in attracting and retaining employees and mitigating distractions that may arise relating to health care, retirement, and similar matters. Each NEO receives supplemental executive life insurance with a face amount of $5 million. Such life insurance is not generally available to the employee population. For costs associated with this program, see note (6) to the “Summary Compensation Table.”
Perquisites. We provide certain perquisites to our executive officers. The perquisites are comprised of (a) an annual perquisite allowance of $25,000 for Mr. de La Faverie and $15,000 for the other executive officers, which can be used for certain specified expenses; (b) personal use of a company car (or cash in lieu of a company car); (c) reimbursement of up to $5,000 per year for financial counseling services; and (d) spousal or companion travel (with required approval, the executive’s spouse, companion, or domestic partner may accompany the executive on up to two business trips per fiscal year). On occasion, we will provide expense reimbursements relating to relocations. In addition, we make available to our employees, including the NEOs, the ability to obtain a limited amount of our products for free each year or at a discount. The sales of products to employees at a discount are profitable for us.
Post-Termination Compensation
Retirement Plans. We provide retirement benefits to our employees in the United States, including the NEOs, under The Estee Lauder Companies Retirement Growth Account Plan (the “RGA Plan”), the related The Estee Lauder Inc. Benefits Restoration Plan (the “Restoration Plan”), and The Estee Lauder Companies 401(k) Savings Plan. Executive officers who have worked for our subsidiaries outside the United States may also be covered under plans covering such employees. As with other benefits, the retirement plans are intended to enable us to attract and retain employees. The plans provide employees, including executive officers, with an opportunity to plan for future financial needs during retirement. For a more detailed discussion on the retirement plans, see “Pension Benefits.”
Deferred Compensation. We currently allow executive officers to defer a portion of their base salary and annual bonus. Under the terms of their employment agreements and the EAIP, each of the NEOs may elect to defer all or part of the officer’s incentive bonus compensation, subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 409A”). The ability to defer is provided to participating executive officers as a way to assist them in saving for future financial needs with relatively little cost to us. The amounts deferred are a general obligation of ours, and the cash that is not paid currently may be used by us for our general corporate purposes. For information about deferred compensation, see “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation in Fiscal 2026.”
Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment. As discussed in more detail under “Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change of Control,” the NEOs’ employment agreements (as well as agreements related to equity compensation awards) provide for certain payments and other benefits in the event the officer’s employment is terminated under certain circumstances, such as retirement, disability, death, termination by us without cause, termination by us for material breach of the officer’s employment arrangement, or termination by the executive officer for “Good Reason” following a “Change of Control.”
In view of the Lauder family’s ownership of shares with substantial voting power, they have the ability to determine whether our Company will undergo a “Change of Control.” In order to protect the interests of the executive officers and to keep them involved and motivated during any process that may result in a “Change of Control,” outstanding annual PSUs contain provisions that accelerate vesting upon a “change in control.” Unvested RSUs, stock options, and other (non-annual) long-term equity awards contain provisions that provide for accelerated vesting, exercisability, or payment after a “Change of Control” only if we terminate the executive officer’s employment without cause or the executive officer terminates employment for “Good Reason.” Annual PSUs granted after November 8, 2024 contain provisions that provide for accelerated vesting, exercisability, or payment after a “Change of Control” only if we terminate
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the executive officer’s employment without cause or the executive officer terminates employment for “Good Reason.” The executive employment agreements similarly provide such a “double trigger” for other severance benefits.
The award documents in connection with our equity grants contain certain provisions regarding treatment of the awards upon termination, including retirement. Prior to the equity grants granted in August 2026 (fiscal 2027), unvested annual PSUs, RSUs, and stock options granted to executive officers, who are retirement eligible, whether they terminate voluntarily or are terminated without cause, will continue to vest with the original schedule. Specifically, to the extent the performance is achieved, a retiree’s annual PSUs will vest in accordance with the original vesting schedule. In addition, stock options become immediately exercisable upon retirement and are exercisable for the remainder of their ten-year terms. Beginning in August 2026 (fiscal 2027), unvested PSUs and stock options will vest upon retirement on a pro-rata basis for the number of full months the executive received salary during the vesting period. Unvested annual RSUs granted to executive officers, who are retirement eligible, whether they terminate voluntarily or are terminated without cause, will continue to vest with the original schedule.
The Share Incentive Plan provides for forfeiture of outstanding awards in the event that after termination of employment, a participant competes with or otherwise conducts herself or himself in a manner adversely affecting the Company.
Tax Matters
The Internal Revenue Code limits the tax deductibility of compensation in excess of $1 million per year paid to executive officers who are “covered employees” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 162(m)”). Prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”), performance-based compensation meeting specified requirements was exempt from this deduction limit. As a result of the TCJA, however, effective for the Company in fiscal 2019, compensation in excess of $1 million paid to our “covered employees” under Section 162(m) is generally not tax deductible, even if such compensation is performance-based or paid following termination of employment. Under the TCJA, once an executive officer becomes a “covered employee,” that individual will remain a “covered employee” for all subsequent years. The TCJA includes a transition rule under which compensation that would have been exempt from the deduction limitation prior to TCJA that is payable pursuant to a written binding contract that was in effect on November 2, 2017, and was not materially modified after that date, will remain tax deductible. To the extent applicable, we generally expect to avail ourselves of this transition rule. Given the compensation philosophy and objectives described in this “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and the limitations imposed by the TCJA, the Compensation Committee and Subcommittee approve the payment of compensation that may not be deductible.
Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines and Holding Requirements
The Company has stock ownership guidelines for executive officers to further align their interests with those of our stockholders. Under these guidelines, each executive officer is required to have equity holdings with a value equal to or greater than a specified multiple of the officer’s annual base salary. Any temporary salary reductions do not impact the stock ownership requirements.
An executive officer who commences employment with the Company or who is promoted from within the Company has until the fifth anniversary of the date of employment or effective date of promotion to comply with these guidelines. Each of our NEOs has five years from the effective date of employment or promotion to meet their requirement, which is measured at the next record date for the annual meeting of stockholders. As of the Record Date, all of the NEOs are in compliance with this requirement.
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Executive Officer
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Required Multiple
of Salary |
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| | | President and Chief Executive Officer | | | | | 6 | | | |
| | | Other Executive Officers | | | | | 3 | | | |
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The following table shows which equity holdings count for purposes of meeting our stock ownership guidelines:
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What Counts
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What Does Not Count
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Common Stock(1)
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Stock Options (vested or unvested)
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Unvested RSUs
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Unvested PSUs(3)
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Vested PSUs(2)
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(1)
Common Stock means Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock held directly by the executive officer or the officer’s immediate family or held in entities controlled by the officer or the officer’s immediate family members (including trusts for the benefit of the officer or immediate family members). However, any shares of Common Stock that are hedged or pledged do not count for purposes of these stock ownership guidelines.
(2)
Vested PSUs mean PSUs that are no longer subject to performance condition(s) but the underlying shares of Class A Common Stock have not yet been delivered to the executive officer.
(3)
Unvested PSUs means long-term equity awards still subject to performance condition(s).
If an executive officer receives an increase in base salary, then such officer has until the third anniversary of the effective date of the salary increase to comply with the incremental change in ownership requirements. If an executive officer fails to achieve the requisite ownership level by the required deadline, then until such time as the ownership guidelines are achieved, such executive officer must continue to hold (a) 50% of the net after-tax shares of Common Stock received due to the vesting of RSUs, PSUs, or any other share unit and (b) 50% of the net after-tax shares of any stock option exercise. An executive officer may satisfy the ownership guideline but subsequently, due to a drop in the stock price, the officer’s ownership may fall below the required threshold. In such a case, if by the first anniversary of falling below the required threshold, such officer’s holdings still do not meet the required threshold, then until such time as the ownership guidelines are achieved, the officer must continue to hold (a) at least 50% of the net after-tax shares of Common Stock received due to the vesting of RSUs, PSUs, or any other share unit and (b) 50% of the net after-tax shares of any stock option exercise. In addition, in settling bonus payouts under the EAIP for an executive officer who continues to be below the guidelines after the required deadline, the Compensation Committee may request that up to 50% of the bonus payout be settled in shares of the Company’s Common Stock or additional RSUs.
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures
Pledging Policy
Our outstanding equity award agreements for PSUs and RSUs generally prohibit employees from pledging such outstanding equity awards. Otherwise, we do not restrict pledges of securities but require that pledges of securities be approved in advance by our Legal Department.
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Hedging Policy
The Company prohibits all employees (including officers) and directors of the Company, as well as certain family members and entities affiliated with such persons, from purchasing financial instruments (including prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, and exchange funds) or otherwise engaging in transactions, that hedge or offset or are designed to hedge or offset, any decrease in the market value of the Company’s securities, unless such transactions are approved in advance by the Legal Department and made in compliance with the Company’s Insider Trading Policy. However, no such approval shall be given for any such transactions with regard to any outstanding equity grants, which are prohibited under all circumstances.
Recoupment Policies
Recoupment Policy Applicable to Incentive-Based Compensation Received by Executive Officers Prior to October 2, 2023.
Annual and long-term incentive compensation (whether in the form of stock options or paid or payable in cash or equity) awarded to executive officers are subject to an executive compensation recoupment policy, also known as a “clawback.” Under the policy, recoupment would apply in the event of an accounting restatement resulting from material noncompliance with financial reporting requirements under the applicable securities laws. Recoupment would apply to any current or former executive officer who received incentive compensation within the three-year period prior to the restatement, and the amount to be recouped would be the amount in excess of what the executive officer would have been paid under the restatement.
Recoupment Policy Applicable to Incentive-Based Compensation Received by Executive Officers on or After October 2, 2023.
On November 17, 2023, the Board adopted a Recoupment Policy in compliance with the final rules required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the SEC, and applicable NYSE listing standards. The Recoupment Policy provides for the mandatory recoupment of erroneously awarded incentive-based compensation in the event of an accounting restatement resulting from material noncompliance with financial reporting requirements under the applicable securities laws. In such an event, the Company would seek to recover the amount of erroneously awarded incentive-based compensation paid to applicable executives that was in excess of the amount that would have been awarded based on the related financial results, subject to and in accordance with the terms of the Recoupment Policy and applicable law. The Recoupment Policy applies to compensation received (as defined in the policy) after October 2, 2023. More information regarding our Incentive-Based Recovery Policy can be found in Exhibit 97.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026.
Compensation Committee and Stock Plan Subcommittee Report
The Compensation Committee and the Stock Plan Subcommittee have reviewed and discussed with management the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis in this Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A. Based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee and the Stock Plan Subcommittee have recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference into the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2026.
| | Compensation Committee | | | Stock Plan Subcommittee | |
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Paul J. Fribourg (Chair)
Charlene Barshefsky Arturo Nuñez Eric L. Zinterhofer |
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Charlene Barshefsky
Paul J. Fribourg Arturo Nuñez |
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Summary Compensation Table
The following table, notes, and narratives describe the compensation for our “Named Executive Officers,” consisting of our (a) Chief Executive Officer, (b) Chief Financial Officer, and (c) three other most highly compensated executive officers serving at the end of our fiscal year ended June 30, 2026 (“fiscal 2026”). Our fiscal year ended June 30, 2025 is referred to as “fiscal 2025,” and our fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 is referred to as “fiscal 2024.” See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and other disclosures under “Executive Compensation” for a description of the material factors necessary to an understanding of the information disclosed below.
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Name and
Principal Position |
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Year(1)
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Salary
($) |
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Bonus
($) |
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Stock
Awards ($)(2) |
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Option
Awards ($)(3) |
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Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(4) |
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Change in
Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($)(5) |
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All Other
Compensation ($)(6) |
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Total
($) |
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Stéphane de La Faverie
President and Chief Executive Officer |
| | | | 2026 | | | | | $ | 1,500,000 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 8,396,680 | | | | | $ | 6,325,072 | | | | | $ | 4,105,300 | | | | | $ | 180,618 | | | | | $ | 78,114 | | | | | $ | 20,585,784 | | | |
| | | | 2025 | | | | | | 1,375,000 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 5,392,422 | | | | | | 1,348,109 | | | | | | 1,181,100 | | | | | | 167,378 | | | | | | 149,499 | | | | | | 9,613,508 | | | | ||||
| | | | 2024 | | | | | | 1,250,000 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 2,281,418 | | | | | | 1,140,583 | | | | | | 1,152,250 | | | | | | 56,836 | | | | | | 55,835 | | | | | | 5,936,922 | | | | ||||
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Akhil Shrivastava
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
| | | | 2026 | | | | | $ | 900,000 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 1,546,691 | | | | | $ | 1,128,595 | | | | | $ | 1,403,000 | | | | | $ | 64,378 | | | | | $ | 64,250 | | | | | $ | 5,106,914 | | | |
| | | | 2025 | | | | | | 840,333 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 1,823,966 | | | | | | 456,055 | | | | | | 443,000 | | | | | | 52,048 | | | | | | 51,477 | | | | | | 3,666,879 | | | | ||||
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Jane Hertzmark Hudis
Executive Vice President, Chief Brand Officer |
| | | | 2026 | | | | | $ | 1,344,000 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 3,741,647 | | | | | $ | 2,818,427 | | | | | $ | 3,062,300 | | | | | $ | 274,723 | | | | | $ | 60,159 | | | | | $ | 11,301,256 | | | |
| | | | 2025 | | | | | | 1,344,000 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 3,317,502 | | | | | | 829,465 | | | | | | 1,008,250 | | | | | | 290,773 | | | | | | 62,156 | | | | | | 6,852,146 | | | | ||||
| | | | 2024 | | | | | | 1,344,000 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 2,789,684 | | | | | | 1,394,646 | | | | | | 1,375,150 | | | | | | 252,449 | | | | | | 58,866 | | | | | | 7,214,795 | | | | ||||
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Rashida La Lande(7)
Executive Vice President and General Counsel |
| | | | 2026 | | | | | $ | 927,000 | | | | | $ | 1,000,000 | | | | | $ | 2,099,239 | | | | | $ | 1,581,286 | | | | | $ | 1,973,300 | | | | | $ | 12,306 | | | | | $ | 56,532 | | | | | $ | 7,649,663 | | | |
| | | | 2025 | | | | | | 784,091 | | | | | | 2,800,000 | | | | | | 6,000,052 | | | | | | 499,955 | | | | | | 752,550 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 56,693 | | | | | | 10,893,341 | | | | ||||
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Roberto Canevari
Executive Vice President, Chief Value Chain Officer |
| | | | 2026 | | | | | $ | 1,125,000 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 1,977,460 | | | | | $ | 1,489,531 | | | | | $ | 1,759,550 | | | | | $ | 62,627 | | | | | $ | 60,755 | | | | | $ | 6,474,923 | | | |
Certain amounts may not sum due to rounding
(1)
Compensation is provided for fiscal years in which the individual was a Named Executive Officer.
(2)
For each fiscal year shown, the “Stock Awards” column shows the grant date fair values of all stock awards, which are comprised of annual grants of PSUs and RSUs and additional (non-annual) awards, where applicable. Amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value of PSUs and RSUs granted in the respective fiscal year computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standard Codification Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation (“FASB ASC Topic 718”). For a description of the assumptions used to calculate the aggregate grant date fair value of Stock Awards, see Note 18 (“Stock Programs”) to our consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026. Amounts shown for Mr. de La Faverie for fiscal 2025 include the equity grants he received in February 2025 in connection with his promotion to President and CEO. Amounts shown for Ms. La Lande include the additional equity grant she received in August 2024 to compensate her for equity awards forfeited at her prior employer. Amounts shown disregard estimates of forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. For annual PSUs, the amount included was calculated based on the probable (i.e. likely) outcome with respect to satisfaction of the performance conditions at the date of grant, which is the target payout, consistent with the recognition criteria in FASB ASC Topic 718 (excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures). No annual PSUs were granted to NEOs in fiscal 2026.
(3)
Amounts represent aggregate grant date fair value of stock options granted in the respective fiscal year computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Amounts shown disregard estimates of forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. The fair values of stock options granted were calculated using the Black-Scholes options-pricing model. For a description of the assumptions used to calculate such amounts, see Note 18 (“Stock Programs”) to our consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026. Amounts shown for Mr. de La Faverie for fiscal 2025 include the equity grant he received in February 2025 in connection with his promotion to President and CEO. See “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2026” for information about option awards granted in fiscal 2026 and “Outstanding Equity Awards at June 30, 2026” for information with respect to options outstanding at June 30, 2026.
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(4)
Amounts represent incentive payments made in respect of each fiscal year under our EAIP. See “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2026” for the potential payouts to which the executive was entitled depending on the outcome of the performance criteria in fiscal 2026. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis − Elements of Compensation − Annual Incentive Bonus.”
(5)
Amounts represent the aggregate change in each fiscal year in the actuarial present value of each NEO’s accumulated pension benefits under the RGA Plan and the Restoration Plan and any above market portion of interest earned during each fiscal year on deferred compensation balances. See “Pension Benefits.” None of the NEOs deferred a portion of their compensation in fiscal 2026.
(6)
The amounts shown for fiscal 2026 in the “All Other Compensation” column are comprised of the following:
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Name
|
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Matching 401(k)
Savings Plan Contributions Made on Behalf of the Executives |
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Company-Paid
Premiums for Executive Life Insurance |
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Perquisite
Allowance(a) |
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Financial
Counseling(a) |
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Personal
Use of Company Autos and Company Aircraft(b) |
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Companion
Travel |
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Total –
All Other Compensation |
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Stéphane de La Faverie
|
| | | $ | 17,500 | | | | | $ | 7,385 | | | | | $ | 25,000 | | | | | $ | 3,500 | | | | | $ | 7,913 | | | | | $ | 16,815 | | | | | $ | 78,114 | | | |
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Akhil Shrivastava
|
| | | $ | 18,250 | | | | | $ | 12,800 | | | | | $ | 15,000 | | | | | $ | 5,000 | | | | | $ | 13,200 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 64,250 | | | |
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Jane Hertzmark Hudis
|
| | | $ | 18,000 | | | | | $ | 12,225 | | | | | $ | 11,734 | | | | | $ | 5,000 | | | | | $ | 13,200 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 60,159 | | | |
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Rashida La Lande
|
| | | $ | 18,000 | | | | | $ | 10,075 | | | | | $ | 6,029 | | | | | $ | 5,000 | | | | | $ | 13,200 | | | | | $ | 4,228 | | | | | $ | 56,532 | | | |
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Roberto Canevari
|
| | | $ | 18,150 | | | | | $ | 14,405 | | | | | $ | 15,000 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 13,200 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 60,755 | | | |
Certain amounts may not sum due to rounding
(a)
The perquisite allowance and reimbursement for financial counseling services are administered on a calendar year basis.
(b)
The amounts shown in this column reflect an automobile allowance for each NEO. No amounts related to personal use of Company aircraft were incurred during fiscal 2026.
We provide our NEOs (as well as other employees) the ability to obtain a limited amount of Company products for free each year and at a discount. The incremental cost of Annual Gratis did not exceed $2,500 for any of the NEOs.
(7)
Ms. La Lande joined the Company as Executive Vice President and General Counsel effective August 19, 2024. Pursuant to her employment agreement, Ms. La Lande received a cash bonus of $2.8 million in September 2024 and $1.0 million in August 2025 to compensate her for amounts forfeited at her prior employer.
Employment Agreements
The material terms of each NEO’s employment agreement are described below:
Stéphane de La Faverie. Under his employment agreement effective January 30, 2023 and amended on October 29, 2024, Mr. de La Faverie, President and Chief Executive Officer, is an at-will employee and he will remain employed until his resignation or other separation of his employment. The agreement generally provides for a base salary and bonus opportunities to be set by the Compensation Committee and for equity grants as determined by the Subcommittee. In addition to the benefits generally available to our senior executives (e.g., annual perquisite reimbursement under our Executive Perquisite Plan up to $25,000, reimbursement of up to $5,000 per year for financial counseling services, and participation in our Executive Automobile Program), we pay annual premiums for additional executive term life insurance with a face amount of $5 million for Mr. de La Faverie. We also pay travel expenses for his spouse/companion or domestic partner to accompany him on up to two business-related travel itineraries per fiscal year. His employment agreement requires the Company to make certain post-termination payments and continue certain benefits during the enforced non-compete period in such agreement.
Akhil Shrivastava. Under his employment agreement effective November 1, 2024, Mr. Shrivastava, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, is an at-will employee and he will remain employed until his resignation or other separation of his employment. The agreement generally provides for a base salary and bonus opportunities to be set by the Compensation Committee and for equity grants as determined by the Subcommittee. In addition to the benefits generally available to our senior executives (e.g., annual perquisite reimbursement under our Executive Perquisite Plan up to $15,000, reimbursement
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of up to $5,000 per year for financial counseling services, and participation in our Executive Automobile Program, we pay annual premiums for additional executive term life insurance with a face amount of $5 million for Mr. Shrivastava. We also pay travel expenses for his spouse/companion or domestic partner to accompany him on up to two business-related travel itineraries per fiscal year. Mr. Shrivastava’s employment agreement requires the Company to make certain post-termination payments and continue certain benefits during the enforced non-compete period in such agreement.
Jane Hertzmark Hudis. Under her employment agreement effective July 12, 2018, Ms. Hertzmark Hudis, Executive Vice President, Chief Brand Officer, is an at-will employee and she will remain employed until her resignation or other separation of her employment. The agreement generally provides for a base salary and bonus opportunities to be set by the Compensation Committee and for equity grants as determined by the Subcommittee. In addition to the benefits generally available to our senior executives (e.g., annual perquisite reimbursement under our Executive Perquisite Plan up to $15,000, reimbursement of up to $5,000 per year for financial counseling services, and participation in our Executive Automobile Program), we pay annual premiums for additional executive term life insurance with a face amount of $5 million for Ms. Hertzmark Hudis. We also pay travel expenses for her spouse/companion or domestic partner to accompany her on up to two business-related travel itineraries per fiscal year.
Rashida La Lande. Under her employment agreement effective August 1, 2024, Ms. La Lande, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, is an at-will employee and she will remain employed until her resignation or other separation of her employment. The agreement generally provides for a base salary and bonus opportunities to be set by the Compensation Committee and for equity grants as determined by the Subcommittee. In addition to the benefits generally available to our senior executives (e.g., annual perquisite reimbursement under our Executive Perquisite Plan up to $15,000, reimbursement of up to $5,000 per year for financial counseling services, and participation in our Executive Automobile Program), we pay annual premiums for additional executive term life insurance with a face amount of $5 million for Ms. La Lande. We also pay travel expenses for her spouse/companion or domestic partner to accompany her on up to two business-related travel itineraries per fiscal year. Ms. La Lande’s employment agreement requires the Company to make certain post-termination payments and continue certain benefits during the enforced non-compete period in such agreement. Pursuant to her employment agreement, Ms. La Lande received compensation for amounts forfeited at her prior employer. See note (7) to the “Summary Compensation Table.”
Roberto Canevari. Under his employment agreement effective January 20, 2021, Mr. Canevari, Executive Vice President, Chief Value Chain Officer, is an at-will employee and he will remain employed until his resignation or other separation of his employment. The agreement generally provides for a base salary and bonus opportunities to be set by the Compensation Committee and for equity grants as determined by the Subcommittee. In addition to the benefits generally available to our senior executives (e.g., annual perquisite reimbursement under our Executive Perquisite Plan up to $15,000, reimbursement of up to $5,000 per year for financial counseling services, and participation in our Executive Automobile Program), we pay annual premiums for additional executive term life insurance with a face amount of $5 million for Mr. Canevari. We also pay travel expenses for his spouse/companion or domestic partner to accompany him on up to two business-related travel itineraries per fiscal year.
Each agreement described above also (a) contains provisions relating to termination of employment and payments relating to termination, which are discussed in “Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change of Control,” (b) provides that the executive must abide by restrictive covenants relating to non-competition and non-solicitation during employment and, under certain circumstances, for two years following termination of employment, (c) provides that the executive must abide by restrictive covenants regarding non-disclosure of our confidential information, (d) provides that the executive may elect to defer all or part of his or her annual incentive bonus compensation in compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 409A”), and (e) provides that benefits under the agreement may be modified by the Compensation Committee at any time other than in contemplation of a “Change of Control” (as defined in the agreement) or after a Change of Control, provided that any such modification shall not be effective until at least two years after such modification is approved by the Compensation Committee.
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Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2026
The following table sets forth information with respect to each award of plan-based compensation in fiscal 2026 to each NEO, including bonus opportunities under the EAIP and equity grants under the Share Incentive Plan. The material terms of the incentive bonus opportunities are described in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis − Elements of Compensation − Annual Incentive Bonus,” and the material terms of the equity awards are described in “Compensation Discussion and Analysis − Elements of Compensation − Long-Term Equity-Based Compensation” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis − CEO Compensation.” See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and other disclosures under “Executive Compensation” for a description of the material factors necessary to an understanding of the information disclosed below.
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Estimated Possible Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1) |
| |
All
Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#)(2) |
| |
All
Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (#)(3) |
| |
Exercise
or Base Price of Option Awards ($/Sh) |
| |
Grant Date
Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards ($)(4) |
| | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | |
Name
|
| |
Award
Type |
| |
Grant
Date |
| |
Threshold
($) |
| |
Target
($) |
| |
Maximum
($) |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | |
Stéphane
de La Faverie |
| |
EAIP
|
| | | | N/A | | | | | $ | 1,500,000 | | | | | $ | 3,000,000 | | | | | $ | 5,250,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | RSU | | | | | 8/28/2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 45,948 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 4,216,648 | | | | ||||
| | RSU(5) | | | | | 8/28/2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 45,549 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 4,180,032 | | | | ||||
| | Options | | | | | 8/28/2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 176,678 | | | | | $ | 91.77 | | | | | | 6,325,072 | | | | ||||
| | |
Akhil Shrivastava
|
| |
EAIP
|
| | | | N/A | | | | | $ | 520,000 | | | | | $ | 1,040,000 | | | | | $ | 1,820,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | RSU | | | | | 8/28/2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 8,199 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 752,422 | | | | ||||
| | RSU(5) | | | | | 8/28/2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 8,655 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 794,269 | | | | ||||
| | Options | | | | | 8/28/2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 31,525 | | | | | $ | 91.77 | | | | | | 1,128,595 | | | | ||||
| | |
Jane
Hertzmark Hudis |
| |
EAIP
|
| | | | N/A | | | | | $ | 1,135,000 | | | | | $ | 2,270,000 | | | | | $ | 3,972,500 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | RSU | | | | | 8/28/2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 20,475 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 1,878,991 | | | | ||||
| | RSU(5) | | | | | 8/28/2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 20,297 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,862,656 | | | | ||||
| | Options | | | | | 8/28/2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 78,727 | | | | | $ | 91.77 | | | | | | 2,818,427 | | | | ||||
| | |
Rashida
La Lande |
| |
EAIP
|
| | | | N/A | | | | | $ | 721,000 | | | | | $ | 1,442,000 | | | | | $ | 2,523,500 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | RSU | | | | | 8/28/2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 11,487 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 1,054,162 | | | | ||||
| | RSU(5) | | | | | 8/28/2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 11,388 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,045,077 | | | | ||||
| | Options | | | | | 8/28/2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 44,170 | | | | | $ | 91.77 | | | | | | 1,581,286 | | | | ||||
| | |
Roberto Canevari
|
| |
EAIP
|
| | | | N/A | | | | | $ | 647,500 | | | | | $ | 1,295,000 | | | | | $ | 2,266,250 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | RSU | | | | | 8/28/2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 10,821 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 993,043 | | | | ||||
| | RSU(5) | | | | | 8/28/2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 10,727 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 984,417 | | | | ||||
| | Options | | | | | 8/28/2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 41,607 | | | | | $ | 91.77 | | | | | | 1,489,531 | | | | ||||
(1)
The amounts shown represent the possible aggregate payouts in respect of fiscal 2026 under the EAIP for the achievement of all performance metrics at the threshold, target, and maximum levels. Actual payouts for fiscal 2026 are disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table in the column “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.” No future cash payout will be made under these awards. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis − Elements of Compensation − Annual Incentive Bonus.”
(2)
The amounts shown represent the number of shares of Class A Common Stock underlying RSUs granted in fiscal 2026. Annual RSUs generally vest in three equal installments approximately 14 months, 26 months, and 38 months from the date of grant. The vesting of these RSUs is subject to continued employment and subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of certain events as described in “Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change of Control.” See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis − Elements of Compensation − Long-Term Equity-Based Compensation − Annual Restricted Stock Units.”
(3)
The amounts shown represent the number of shares of Class A Common Stock underlying stock options granted in fiscal 2026. The exercise price of the stock options is equal to the closing price of our Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. The stock options generally become exercisable in three equal installments approximately 14 months, 26 months, and 38 months after the date of grant, and expire ten years from the grant date assuming continued employment and subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of certain events as described in “Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change of Control.” See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis − Elements of Compensation − Long-Term Equity-Based Compensation − Annual Stock Options.”
| |
|
| |
2026 Proxy Statement | 69
|
|
(4)
The amounts shown have been determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See notes (2) and (3) of the Summary Compensation Table for description of assumptions used in determining the grant date fair value of these awards.
(5)
The amounts shown represent RSU awards received pursuant to the PRGP IP. The PRGP IP RSUs vest November 1, 2027. The vesting of these RSUs is subject to continued employment and subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of certain events as described in “Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change of Control.” See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Profit Recovery and Growth Plan Incentive Program.”
Stock Option Grant Practices
| |
70 | 2026 Proxy Statement
|
| |
|
|
Outstanding Equity Awards at June 30, 2026
The following table sets forth information with respect to outstanding equity awards on June 30, 2026 under our plans existing at the time of grant for each NEO.
| | | | | | | | |
Option Awards(1)
|
| | |
Stock Awards
|
| | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | |
Name
|
| |
Grant
Date |
| |
Number of
Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable |
| |
Number of
Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable |
| |
Option
Exercise Price ($) |
| |
Option
Expiration Date |
| | |
Award
Type |
| |
Number of
Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#)(2) |
| |
Market
Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(3) |
| |
Award
Type |
| |
Equity
Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#)(4) |
| |
Equity
Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($)(5) |
| | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | |
Stéphane de La Faverie
|
| | |
|
9/4/18
|
| | | |
|
3,455
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
$
|
138.150
|
| | | |
|
9/4/28
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
|
9/3/19
|
| | | |
|
5,832
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
|
199.490
|
| | | |
|
9/3/29
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||
| | |
|
9/3/20
|
| | | |
|
10,660
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
|
218.060
|
| | | |
|
9/3/30
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||
| | |
|
9/2/21
|
| | | |
|
9,108
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
|
344.060
|
| | | |
|
9/2/31
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||
| | |
|
9/6/22
|
| | | |
|
15,363
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
|
246.150
|
| | | |
|
9/6/32
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||
| | |
|
8/28/23
|
| | | |
|
14,078
|
| | | |
|
7,040
|
| | | |
|
156.390
|
| | | |
|
8/28/33
|
| | | | |
|
RSU
|
| | | |
|
2,432
|
| | | |
$
|
205,990
|
| | | |
|
PSU
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
$
|
0
|
| | | ||||
| | |
|
8/27/24
|
| | | |
|
7,748
|
| | | |
|
15,498
|
| | | |
|
92.870
|
| | | |
|
8/27/34
|
| | | | |
|
RSU
|
| | | |
|
9,996
|
| | | |
|
820,272
|
| | | |
|
PSU
|
| | | |
|
7,497
|
| | | |
|
615,204
|
| | | ||||
| | |
|
2/24/25(6)
|
| | | |
|
7,678
|
| | | |
|
15,357
|
| | | |
|
75.100
|
| | | |
|
2/24/35
|
| | | | |
|
RSU
|
| | | |
|
11,574
|
| | | |
|
938,073
|
| | | |
|
PSU
|
| | | |
|
8,681
|
| | | |
|
703,595
|
| | | ||||
| | |
|
8/28/25
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
|
176,678
|
| | | |
|
91.770
|
| | | |
|
8/28/35
|
| | | | |
|
RSU
|
| | | |
|
45,948
|
| | | |
|
3,691,922
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | ||||
| | |
|
8/28/25
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | | |
|
RSU(7)
|
| | | |
|
45,549
|
| | | |
|
3,659,862
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | ||||
| | |
Akhil Shrivastava
|
| | |
|
9/3/20
|
| | | |
|
2,091
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
$
|
218.060
|
| | | |
|
9/3/30
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
|
9/2/21
|
| | | |
|
1,060
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
|
344.060
|
| | | |
|
9/2/31
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||
| | |
|
9/6/22
|
| | | |
|
1,361
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
|
246.150
|
| | | |
|
9/6/32
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||
| | |
|
8/28/23
|
| | | |
|
1,351
|
| | | |
|
676
|
| | | |
|
156.390
|
| | | |
|
8/28/33
|
| | | | |
|
RSU
|
| | | |
|
235
|
| | | |
$
|
19,144
|
| | | |
|
PSU
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
$
|
0
|
| | | ||||
| | |
|
2/26/24
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | | |
|
RSU(8)
|
| | | |
|
5,265
|
| | | |
|
428,583
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | ||||
| | |
|
8/27/24
|
| | | |
|
5,188
|
| | | |
|
10,377
|
| | | |
|
92.870
|
| | | |
|
8/27/34
|
| | | | |
|
RSU
|
| | | |
|
6,598
|
| | | |
|
537,057
|
| | | |
|
PSU
|
| | | |
|
4,910
|
| | | |
|
402,915
|
| | | ||||
| | |
|
8/28/25
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
|
31,525
|
| | | |
|
91.770
|
| | | |
|
8/28/35
|
| | | | |
|
RSU
|
| | | |
|
8,199
|
| | | |
|
658,790
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | ||||
| | |
|
8/28/25
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | | |
|
RSU(7)
|
| | | |
|
8,655
|
| | | |
|
695,429
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | ||||
| | |
Jane Hertzmark Hudis
|
| | |
|
9/3/19
|
| | | |
|
21,893
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
$
|
199.490
|
| | | |
|
9/3/29
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
|
9/3/20
|
| | | |
|
26,884
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
|
218.060
|
| | | |
|
9/3/30
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||
| | |
|
9/2/21
|
| | | |
|
16,206
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
|
344.060
|
| | | |
|
9/2/31
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||
| | |
|
9/6/22
|
| | | |
|
18,789
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
|
246.150
|
| | | |
|
9/6/32
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||
| | |
|
8/28/23
|
| | | |
|
17,214
|
| | | |
|
8,608
|
| | | |
|
156.390
|
| | | |
|
8/28/33
|
| | | | |
|
RSU
|
| | | |
|
2,973
|
| | | |
$
|
251,813
|
| | | |
|
PSU
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
$
|
0
|
| | | ||||
| | |
|
8/27/24
|
| | | |
|
9,231
|
| | | |
|
18,464
|
| | | |
|
92.870
|
| | | |
|
8/27/34
|
| | | | |
|
RSU
|
| | | |
|
11,908
|
| | | |
|
977,170
|
| | | |
|
PSU
|
| | | |
|
8,931
|
| | | |
|
732,878
|
| | | ||||
| | |
|
8/28/25
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
|
78,727
|
| | | |
|
91.770
|
| | | |
|
8/28/35
|
| | | | |
|
RSU
|
| | | |
|
20,475
|
| | | |
|
1,645,166
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | ||||
| | |
|
8/28/25
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | | |
|
RSU(7)
|
| | | |
|
20,297
|
| | | |
|
1,630,864
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | ||||
| | |
Rashida La Lande
|
| | |
|
8/27/24
|
| | | |
|
5,564
|
| | | |
|
11,129
|
| | | |
$
|
92.870
|
| | | |
|
8/27/34
|
| | | | |
|
RSU
|
| | | |
|
7,179
|
| | | |
$
|
589,109
|
| | | |
|
PSU
|
| | | |
|
5,384
|
| | | |
$
|
441,811
|
| | |
| | |
|
8/27/24
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | | |
|
RSU(9)
|
| | | |
|
28,714
|
| | | |
|
2,356,271
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | ||||
| | |
|
8/28/25
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
|
44,170
|
| | | |
|
91.770
|
| | | |
|
8/28/35
|
| | | | |
|
RSU
|
| | | |
|
11,487
|
| | | |
|
922,980
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | ||||
| | |
|
8/28/25
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | | |
|
RSU(7)
|
| | | |
|
11,388
|
| | | |
|
915,026
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | ||||
| | |
Roberto Canevari
|
| | |
|
4/19/21
|
| | | |
|
9,356
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
$
|
309.180
|
| | | |
|
4/19/31
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
|
9/2/21
|
| | | |
|
6,370
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
|
344.060
|
| | | |
|
9/2/31
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||
| | |
|
9/6/22
|
| | | |
|
8,847
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
|
246.150
|
| | | |
|
9/6/32
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||
| | |
|
8/28/23
|
| | | |
|
8,678
|
| | | |
|
4,340
|
| | | |
|
156.390
|
| | | |
|
8/28/33
|
| | | | |
|
RSU
|
| | | |
|
1,499
|
| | | |
$
|
126,965
|
| | | |
|
PSU
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
$
|
0
|
| | | ||||
| | |
|
8/27/24
|
| | | |
|
4,736
|
| | | |
|
9,474
|
| | | |
|
92.870
|
| | | |
|
8/27/34
|
| | | | |
|
RSU
|
| | | |
|
6,109
|
| | | |
|
501,305
|
| | | |
|
PSU
|
| | | |
|
4,582
|
| | | |
|
375,999
|
| | | ||||
| | |
|
8/28/25
|
| | | |
|
0
|
| | | |
|
41,607
|
| | | |
|
91.770
|
| | | |
|
8/28/35
|
| | | | |
|
RSU
|
| | | |
|
10,821
|
| | | |
|
869,467
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | ||||
| | |
|
8/28/25
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | | |
|
RSU(7)
|
| | | |
|
10,727
|
| | | |
|
861,914
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | |
|
—
|
| | | ||||
(1)
Stock options granted prior to fiscal 2025 generally become exercisable in three equal installments approximately 16 months, 28 months, and 40 months after the date of grant. Stock options granted in fiscal 2025 and forward generally become exercisable in three equal installments approximately 14 months, 26 months, and 38 months after the date of grant. Stock Options expire ten years from the grant date assuming continued employment and subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of certain events as described in “Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change of Control.” The February 2025 stock option grant to Mr. de La Faverie is discussed in note (6) below.
(2)
Annual RSUs generally vest in three equal installments approximately 14 months, 26 months, and 38 months from the date of grant. The vesting of RSUs assumes continued employment and is subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of certain events as described in “Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change of Control.” The February 2025 RSU grant to Mr. de La Faverie is discussed in note (6) below. The
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2026 Proxy Statement | 71
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February 2024 non-annual RSU grant to Mr. Shrivastava is discussed in note (8) below. The August 2024 non-annual RSU grant to Ms. La Lande is discussed in note (9) below.
(3)
Represents the sum of (a) the product of (i) $78.95 (the closing price of the Class A Common Stock on June 30, 2026, the last trading day of fiscal 2026) and (ii) the number of shares of Class A Common Stock underlying the RSUs, and (b) the cash dividend equivalents related to such RSUs. As of June 30, 2026, the NEOs had earned dividend equivalents on outstanding unvested RSUs with dollar values as follows: Mr. de La Faverie, $197,473; Mr. Shrivastava, $53,236; Ms. Hertzmark Hudis, $111,209; Ms. La Lande, $143,652; and Mr. Canevari, $57,785.
(4)
Represents (a) the annual PSUs granted on August 28, 2023 (fiscal 2024), at an aggregate payout of 0%; (b) the threshold level of payout for the annual PSUs granted on (i) August 27, 2024 (fiscal 2025), and (ii) February 24, 2025 (fiscal 2025). No payout of these annual PSUs will be made pursuant to the Net Sales, Diluted EPS, or ROIC opportunities unless the threshold for such opportunity is achieved, and additional shares shall be paid out if performance exceeds the targeted performance goals. Because no shares were delivered to each of our NEOs for the PSUs granted in August 2023 and referenced in clause (a) above due to the below-threshold performance, none of the NEOs received any cash payment for dividend equivalents on such shares. Payouts of the fiscal 2025 annual PSUs will be made in early fiscal 2028, assuming the performance criteria are achieved.
(5)
The amounts represent the sum of (a) the product of (i) $78.95 (the closing price of the Class A Common Stock on June 30, 2026, the last trading day of fiscal 2026) and (ii) the number of shares of Class A Common Stock underlying the PSUs at the levels described in note (4) and (b) the cash dividend equivalents related to such PSUs. As of June 30, 2026, the NEOs had dividend equivalents on the outstanding PSUs shown in the table, as follows: Mr. de La Faverie, $41,543; Mr. Shrivastava, $15,270; Ms. Hertzmark Hudis, $27,774; Ms. La Lande, $16,744; and Mr. Canevari, $14,248.
(6)
In connection with his promotion to President and CEO, Mr. de La Faverie received pro-rated long-term equity awards on February 24, 2025, which reflects his time in the role during the fiscal year. The RSU and Stock Option grants to Mr. de La Faverie vest in equal thirds beginning in February 2026 and annually thereafter. As set forth in note (4) above, future payout of these PSUs will be made in early fiscal 2028, assuming the performance criteria is achieved.
(7)
The amounts shown represent RSU awards received pursuant to the PRGP IP. The PRGP IP RSUs vest November 1, 2027. The vesting of these RSUs is subject to continued employment. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Profit Recovery and Growth Plan Incentive Program.”
(8)
Represents an additional (non-annual) RSU grant to Mr. Shrivastava which vests 50% on each of February 27, 2026 and February 26, 2027, assuming continued employment through such dates. This award was valued at $1.5 million on the date of grant, and it is intended to further align Mr. Shrivastava’s interests with those of our stockholders and motivate his continued stewardship and progression of our business over the longer term. The accumulated dividend equivalents are included in the dollar amount shown in the table as well as in the amount shown in note (3) above.
(9)
Represents (non-annual) RSUs granted to Ms. La Lande that vest in thirds over a three-year period from the grant date. See “Employment Agreements” for additional information about this RSU grant. This award was valued at $4.0 million on the date of grant. The accumulated dividend equivalents are included in the dollar amount shown in the table as well as in the amount shown in note (3) above.
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72 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal 2026
The following table sets forth for each NEO the number of shares acquired on the exercise of stock options and the number of shares acquired in connection with stock awards in fiscal 2026.
| | | | | |
Option Awards
|
| |
Stock Awards
|
| | ||||||||||||||||||
| | |
Name
|
| |
Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise (#) |
| |
Value Realized
on Exercise ($) |
| |
Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting (#)(1) |
| |
Value Realized
on Vesting ($)(2) |
| | ||||||||||||
| | |
Stéphane de La Faverie(3)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 14,853 | | | | | $ | 1,519,671 | | | |
| | |
Akhil Shrivastava(4)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 8,948 | | | | | $ | 934,164 | | | |
| | |
Jane Hertzmark Hudis(5)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 10,984 | | | | | $ | 1,064,242 | | | |
| | |
Rashida La Lande(6)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 17,946 | | | | | $ | 1,696,220 | | | |
| | |
Roberto Canevari(7)
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 6,876 | | | | | $ | 670,043 | | | |
(1)
Represents the vesting and payout of a portion of annual RSUs granted to the NEOs in September 2022, August 2023, August 2024, and February 2025 as well as the non-annual RSUs granted to Mr. Canevari in September 2022, Mr. Shrivastava in February 2024, and Ms. La Lande in August 2024. The table does not include the annual PSUs granted to the NEOs in September 2022 because they yielded no payout. The amounts in the table are gross of shares withheld for taxes.
(2)
Represents the product of the number of shares vested and the closing price of the Class A Common Stock on the vesting date plus the amount of the accrued dividend equivalents for the RSUs, which were paid in cash at the time of the payout of the shares.
(3)
Includes 7,348 shares withheld from Mr. de La Faverie to satisfy taxes upon vesting of RSUs at a combined value of approximately $723,042.
(4)
Includes 3,241 shares withheld from Mr. Shrivastava to satisfy taxes upon vesting of RSUs at a combined value of approximately $333,231.
(5)
Includes 6,077 shares withheld from Ms. Hertzmark Hudis to satisfy taxes upon vesting of RSUs at a combined value of approximately $566,680.
(6)
Includes 9,925 shares withheld from Ms. La Lande to satisfy taxes upon vesting of RSUs at a combined value of approximately $920,425.
(7)
Includes 3,300 shares withheld from Mr. Canevari to satisfy taxes upon vesting of RSUs at a combined value of approximately $307,725.
Pension Benefits
We provide retirement benefits to our employees in the United States, including the NEOs, through qualified and nonqualified defined benefit pension plans. These plans include The Estee Lauder Companies Retirement Growth Account Plan (the “RGA Plan”), which is a qualified plan, and The Estee Lauder Inc. Benefits Restoration Plan (the “Restoration Plan”), which is a nonqualified plan. The Restoration Plan provides for pension benefit payments that employees would have received under the RGA Plan if eligible compensation (including deferred salary and bonuses, where the RGA Plan allows) had not been subject to certain compensation limits as dictated by tax laws under ERISA that apply to qualified retirement plans.
Retirement benefits under the plans are the aggregate amount of annual credits (defined as 3, 4, or 5% of total annual compensation, including bonus, with certain items excluded) plus annual interest credits thereon, based on a government index of not less than 4%. Upon retirement, the accumulated benefit under the RGA Plan is payable, at the election of the retiree, as a one-time lump sum or converted to monthly payments. Upon retirement, the accumulated benefit under the Restoration Plan is payable in accordance with the terms of the plan, and as applicable, in compliance with Section 409A.
Executive officers who have worked for our subsidiaries outside the United States may also be covered under Company-sponsored pension plans covering such employees. None of the NEOs are covered under such plans.
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2026 Proxy Statement | 73
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We do not have any policies with respect to granting additional years of credited service except as provided in certain termination provisions as reflected in executive officer employment agreements. Benefits attributable to the additional years of credited service are payable by us pursuant to the terms of applicable employment agreements and are not payable under either the RGA Plan or the Restoration Plan.
Set forth in the table below are each NEO’s years of credited service and the present value of the accumulated benefit under each of the pension plans and executive employment agreements pursuant to which the officer would be entitled to a retirement benefit, computed in each case as of the same pension plan measurement date used for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026.
| | |
Name
|
| |
Plan Name
|
| |
Number of Years
Credited Service (#)* |
| |
Present Value of
Accumulated Benefit ($) |
| |
Payments During
Last Fiscal Year ($) |
| | |||||||||
| | |
Stéphane de La Faverie
|
| |
RGA Plan
|
| | | | 15 | | | | | $ | 202,440 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | |
| |
Restoration Plan
|
| | | | | | | | | | 886,769 | | | | | | 0 | | | | ||||
| | |
Akhil Shrivastava
|
| |
RGA Plan
|
| | | | 10 | | | | | $ | 115,060 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | |
| |
Restoration Plan
|
| | | | | | | | | | 181,696 | | | | | | 0 | | | | ||||
| | |
Jane Hertzmark Hudis
|
| |
RGA Plan
|
| | | | 40 | | | | | $ | 913,438 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | |
| |
Restoration Plan
|
| | | | | | | | | | 2,927,069 | | | | | | 0 | | | | ||||
| | |
Rashida La Lande
|
| |
RGA Plan
|
| | | | 1 | | | | | $ | 9,466 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | |
| |
Restoration Plan
|
| | | | | | | | | | 2,840 | | | | | | 0 | | | | ||||
| | |
Roberto Canevari
|
| |
RGA Plan
|
| | | | 4 | | | | | $ | 50,928 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | |
| |
Restoration Plan
|
| | | | | | | | | | 199,494 | | | | | | 0 | | | | ||||
*
Service shown is allocation service as of June 30, 2026 and is used to determine the level of annual credits for calendar 2026.
The present values of accumulated benefits reflected in the table above were calculated based on the assumption that the benefits under the pension plans would be payable at the earliest retirement age at which unreduced benefits are payable (i.e. the greater of (i) a participant’s age at June 30, 2026 and (ii) age 65), or retirement date, if applicable. The present values for the RGA Plan also reflect the assumption that 75% of benefits are payable as a one-time lump sum, and 25% are payable as lifetime monthly payments. Amounts calculated under the pension formula based on compensation that exceeds IRS limits will be paid under the Restoration Plan and are included in the present values shown in the table above. The present values for the Restoration Plan also reflect the assumption that 100% of the benefits are payable as a one-time lump sum. The present values of accumulated benefits under the RGA Plan were calculated using a 5.8% discount rate and, for annuities, the SOA PRI-2012 mortality table projected generationally using scale MP-2021, and present values under the Restoration Plan were calculated using a 5.2% discount rate. These assumptions are consistent with the assumptions used in the calculation of our benefit obligations as of June 30, 2026, as disclosed in Note 15 (Pension, Deferred Compensation and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans) to our audited consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation in Fiscal 2026
At June 30, 2026, none of our NEOs had account balances under a non-qualified deferred arrangement, and none deferred any part of their compensation under such an arrangement in fiscal 2026.
Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change of Control
Each of our NEOs has an employment agreement and equity grant agreements under the Share Incentive Plan. These agreements specify the payments and benefits the executive would receive under various termination scenarios, including accrued but unpaid salary, unused vacation, earned but unpaid annual bonuses, unreimbursed expenses, and other earned or vested benefits (collectively, “Accrued Benefits”).
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74 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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Voluntary Termination and Retirement. Each NEO may terminate employment at any time with 90 days’ prior written notice. In such case, the executive will receive Accrued Benefits. Post termination payments or benefit continuation are subject to non-competition and good conduct provisions.
Under the employment agreements and applicable award agreements, if the executive is not retirement eligible, vested stock options may be exercised for up to one year following termination (or until the option term ends, if earlier), while all unvested stock options, RSUs, and PSUs are forfeited. If the executive is retirement eligible, unvested stock options become immediately exercisable and remain exercisable through the end of the option term. Annual RSUs and annual PSUs continue to vest and are paid on the original schedule, with PSUs based on actual performance, provided the awards were granted at least six months or one-year, respectively, before the last day of active employment (last day worked). Unless a grant is awarded under the PRGP IP (see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Profit Recovery and Growth Plan Incentive Program”), equity awards granted within six months prior to the retirement date are forfeited upon retirement.
For equity awards granted beginning in August 2026 (fiscal 2027), if the executive is retirement eligible, unvested stock options will be pro-rated to the executive’s last day paid and remain exercisable through the end of the option term. Annual RSUs will continue to vest and are paid on the original schedule. PSUs will be pro-rated to the executive’s last day paid, based on actual performance, provided the awards were granted at least six months or one-year, respectively, before the last day of active employment (last day worked).
Executives are considered retirement eligible if they are at least 55 years old with 10 years of service, or at least 65 years old with 5 years of service. Ms. Hertzmark Hudis is currently the only NEO who is retirement eligible.
Under Company policy, retired executives may also receive (i) up to $75,000 in transition services and (ii) Annual Gratis for life. Ms. Hertzmark Hudis is also entitled to life-time annual supplemental payments in connection with healthcare benefits.
Termination Due to Permanent Disability. If an executive’s employment is terminated due to permanent disability (as defined in the executive’s employment agreement), the executive will receive Accrued Benefits, one year of base salary (offset by disability payments), bonus compensation for the fiscal year of termination, pro-rated through the date of termination, and reimbursement for up to $5,000 for financial counseling services over the one-year period. The executive will continue to participate in health and insurance benefit plans for one year and will receive cash payments equivalent to the pension contributions that would otherwise have been made during that period. To the extent required under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, payment of these benefits may be subject to a six-month delay. Pursuant to the equity grant agreements, stock options become immediately exercisable and remain exercisable for one year following the end of salary continuation. RSUs and PSUs continue to vest and are paid in accordance with the original schedule.
Termination Due to Death. In the event of the executive’s death during employment, the executive’s estate will receive the same payments described above for termination due to permanent disability. RSUs will be paid as soon as practicable after death, and PSUs are paid at target if death occurs before the end of the performance period, or based on actual performance if death occurs after the performance period ends.
Termination Without Cause or Resignation for Material Breach. If the Company terminates an executive’s employment without cause or the executive resigns for an uncured “material breach,” the executive will receive Accrued Benefits, two years of base salary, a one-time bonus payment equal to 50% of the average EAIP bonus paid for the two prior years, and reimbursement up to $10,000 for financial counseling services over a two-year period. The executive will also continue to participate in benefit plans and receive pension replacement cash payments for two years, subject to applicable law. For purposes of the employment agreements, “material breach” is a material reduction in the executive’s authority, functions, duties, or responsibilities, a material reduction in the executive’s target compensation (unless such reduction is similar to other officers and/or employees generally), or our failure to pay any award to which the executive is entitled under his or her employment agreement.
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2026 Proxy Statement | 75
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Under the equity grant agreements, stock option grants made prior to August 2025 are treated the same as in a disability termination, with all unvested stock options vesting in full upon an involuntary termination without cause. For stock option grants made in or after August 2025, unless the executive is retirement eligible, unvested stock options, like RSUs, vest pro rata based on the number of full months the executive is employed or receiving salary continuation during the vesting period. Annual PSUs are forfeited if the termination occurs within the first year of the performance period; if termination occurs after one year, the PSUs vest pro rata based on actual performance.
Termination Following a Change of Control. If an executive resigns for “Good Reason” within two years of a “Change of Control” (as defined below), the executive will receive the same payments and benefits as for termination without cause. Under the employment agreements, (a) “Good Reason” means (i) a material diminution in the executive’s role or duties, (ii) a breach of compensation terms not timely cured, (iii) a required relocation of over 50 miles, or (iv) failure by a successor to assume the executive’s employment agreement; and (b) a “Change of Control” or “Change in Control” includes: (i) a change in the majority composition of the Board, (ii) our Class A Common Stock ceasing to be publicly traded, (iii) a merger, sale of substantially all assets, or other transaction that meets these criteria, or (iv) any other event that would require disclosure under the SEC proxy rules. Changes in beneficial ownership among the Lauder family or family-controlled entities or spin-offs of one of our divisions or subsidiaries are not considered a Change of Control.
Under our equity grant agreements, all RSUs and PSUs will vest and be paid promptly following a Change of Control. If the executive is retirement eligible, the provisions relating to termination upon retirement will apply in lieu of the provisions described in this paragraph. If stock options or RSUs are assumed by an acquirer, vesting and/or exercisability will accelerate only if the executive is subsequently terminated without “cause” or resigns for “Good Reason.” PSUs granted prior to November 8, 2024, vest upon a Change in Control based on the greater of (i) target or (ii) actual performance through the Change in Control date, regardless of whether the executive experiences a qualifying termination. PSUs granted on or after November 8, 2024, require both a change in control and a qualifying termination for vesting and will be paid on the same performance basis.
Termination for Cause. If an executive is terminated for cause, the executive will receive only Accrued Benefits. All outstanding equity awards are forfeited. Cause includes willful misconduct, material breach of duties, violation of our Code of Conduct, substance abuse affecting performance, or conviction of a felony, as defined in the applicable agreements.
Condition to Receipt of Termination Payments and Modification to Severance Benefits
Receipt of termination benefits is subject to the executive executing a general release of claims and continued compliance with the terms of the employment agreement, including provisions relating to the non-disclosure of confidential information, non-competition and good conduct. Severance terms may be amended by the Compensation Committee (or its Subcommittee, as applicable) for matters within its authority, except during any period in which the Company is contemplating one or more transactions that would result in, or occur following, a Change of Control. Any change made without the executive’s prior consent will not be effective for two years from approval of the change. The release does not apply to rights that the executive may otherwise have to any payment of benefit provided for in the executive’s employment agreement or any vested benefit the executive may have in any of our benefit plans.
Effect of Certain Tax Regulations on Payments
Effect of Excise Tax on Parachute Payments. Under the employment agreements, if any payments or benefits provided to an executive, whether under the agreement or otherwise from the Company or its affiliates, are deemed to constitute “parachute payments” subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, the executive may elect to either receive the full payments and be responsible for the excise tax or to have the payments reduced to the extent necessary to eliminate the excise tax. The Company does not provide tax gross-up payments for such excise taxes.
Effect of Section 409A on Timing of Payments. Under the employment agreements, any amounts payable upon separation from service that are not exempt from Section 409A will be subject to the
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76 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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|
required six-month delay if the executive is a “specified employee” for purposes of Section 409A at the time of termination. Any amounts that otherwise would have been paid during this six-month delay will instead be paid in a lump sum on the first day after such period expires.
Effect of Section 409A on Equity Awards. Payment of amounts subject to Section 409A is permitted only upon certain specified events, including a change in control that satisfies the definition under Section 409A and related regulations. In addition, if any payment under an equity award is subject to Section 409A, the required six-month delay after separation from service will apply to such payment.
Potential Payments Upon Termination as of Fiscal Year End
The following table reflects potential payments and benefits that each NEO, or such executive’s estate, would have received under their employment agreement and applicable plans and grant agreements, including the Share Incentive Plan, if employment had terminated under various circumstances on June 30, 2026, the last day of our fiscal year. Equity award values are based on our closing stock price on the last trading day of fiscal 2026.
The estimates presented are based on the following assumptions:
•
Actual amounts payable will depend on the timing and circumstances of any actual termination;
•
Each NEO (or estate or beneficiary in the event of death) would receive Accrued Benefits, and except in the case of termination for cause, unpaid bonus compensation for the fiscal year of termination, pro-rated pursuant to the EAIP;
•
Equity awards reflect unvested awards that would vest or become exercisable as a result of the termination event or Change of Control, based on continued service, accelerated vesting, or actual performance, as applicable. PSU values are calculated at threshold, except in the case of Death, which are calculated at target per the grant agreement;
•
Payment of equity awards remains subject to compliance with post-employment covenants, including non-competition and good conduct requirements; and
•
Amounts accrued and vested under our 401(k) Savings Plan, the RGA Plan, the Restoration Plan, and any other retirement or deferred compensation plans are excluded from the table, as they are paid in accordance with the applicable plan terms and do not constitute termination-related payments.
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2026 Proxy Statement | 77
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Retirement
($) |
| |
Voluntary
Termination ($) |
| |
Death
($) |
| |
Disability
($) |
| |
Termination
without Cause or by Executive for Material Breach ($) |
| |
Termination
without Cause or for Good Reason After Change of Control ($)(5) |
| | ||||||||||||||||||
| | | Stéphane de La Faverie | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Base Salary(1)
|
| | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 1,500,000 | | | | | $ | 1,500,000 | | | | | $ | 3,000,000 | | | | | $ | 3,000,000 | | | |
| | |
Bonus
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 1,321,600 | | | | | | 1,321,600 | | | |
| | |
Options
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 59,124 | | | | | | 59,124 | | | | | | 59,124 | | | | | | 59,124 | | | |
| | |
PSUs
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 2,637,435 | | | | | | 1,318,799 | | | | | | 1,318,799 | | | | | | 1,318,799 | | | |
| | |
RSUs
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 9,316,119 | | | | | | 9,316,119 | | | | | | 8,927,495 | | | | | | 8,927,495 | | | |
| | |
Continued Health Care Benefits(2)
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 38,083 | | | | | | 76,165 | | | | | | 76,165 | | | |
| | |
Continued Participation in Pension and Retirement Plans(3)
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 83,117 | | | | | | 251,207 | | | | | | 251,207 | | | |
| | |
Other Benefits and Perquisites(4)
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 5,000 | | | | | | 25,585 | | | | | | 51,170 | | | | | | 71,170 | | | |
| | |
Total
|
| | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 13,517,678 | | | | | $ | 12,340,827 | | | | | $ | 15,005,560 | | | | | $ | 15,025,560 | | | |
| | | Akhil Shrivastava | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Base Salary(1)
|
| | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 900,000 | | | | | $ | 900,000 | | | | | $ | 1,800,000 | | | | | $ | 1,800,000 | | | |
| | |
Bonus
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 461,500 | | | | | | 461,500 | | | |
| | |
Options
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | |
| | |
PSUs
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 805,829 | | | | | | 402,915 | | | | | | 402,915 | | | | | | 402,915 | | | |
| | |
RSUs
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 2,339,004 | | | | | | 2,339,004 | | | | | | 2,269,657 | | | | | | 2,269,657 | | | |
| | |
Continued Health Care Benefits(2)
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 11,326 | | | | | | 22,652 | | | | | | 22,652 | | | |
| | |
Continued Participation in Pension and Retirement Plans(3)
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 53,180 | | | | | | 143,373 | | | | | | 143,373 | | | |
| | |
Other Benefits and Perquisites(4)
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 5,000 | | | | | | 31,000 | | | | | | 62,000 | | | | | | 82,000 | | | |
| | |
Total
|
| | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 4,049,833 | | | | | $ | 3,737,425 | | | | | $ | 5,162,097 | | | | | $ | 5,182,097 | | | |
| | | Jane Hertzmark Hudis | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Base Salary(1)
|
| | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 1,344,000 | | | | | $ | 1,344,000 | | | | | $ | 2,688,000 | | | | | $ | 2,688,000 | | | |
| | |
Bonus
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 1,017,638 | | | | | | 1,017,638 | | | |
| | |
Options
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | |
| | |
PSUs
|
| | | | 732,878 | | | | | | 732,878 | | | | | | 1,465,674 | | | | | | 732,878 | | | | | | 732,878 | | | | | | 732,878 | | | |
| | |
RSUs
|
| | | | 4,505,014 | | | | | | 4,505,014 | | | | | | 4,505,014 | | | | | | 4,505,014 | | | | | | 4,505,014 | | | | | | 4,505,014 | | | |
| | |
Continued Health Care Benefits(2)
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 23,634 | | | | | | 47,269 | | | | | | 47,269 | | | |
| | |
Continued Participation in Pension and Retirement Plans(3)
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 82,525 | | | | | | 221,172 | | | | | | 221,172 | | | |
| | |
Other Benefits and Perquisites(4)
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 5,000 | | | | | | 30,425 | | | | | | 60,850 | | | | | | 80,850 | | | |
| | |
Total
|
| | | $ | 5,237,892 | | | | | $ | 5,237,892 | | | | | $ | 7,319,688 | | | | | $ | 6,718,476 | | | | | $ | 9,272,821 | | | | | $ | 9,292,821 | | | |
| | | Rashida La Lande | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Base Salary(1)
|
| | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 927,000 | | | | | $ | 927,000 | | | | | $ | 1,854,000 | | | | | $ | 1,854,000 | | | |
| | |
Bonus
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 681,463 | | | | | | 681,463 | | | |
| | |
Options
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | |
| | |
PSUs
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 883,622 | | | | | | 441,811 | | | | | | 441,811 | | | | | | 441,811 | | | |
| | |
RSUs
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 4,783,386 | | | | | | 4,783,386 | | | | | | 4,686,230 | | | | | | 4,686,230 | | | |
| | |
Continued Health Care Benefits(2)
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 38,083 | | | | | | 76,165 | | | | | | 76,165 | | | |
| | |
Continued Participation in Pension and Retirement Plans(3)
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 42,004 | | | | | | 112,022 | | | | | | 112,022 | | | |
| | |
Other Benefits and Perquisites(4)
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 5,000 | | | | | | 28,275 | | | | | | 56,550 | | | | | | 76,550 | | | |
| | |
Total
|
| | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 6,599,008 | | | | | $ | 6,260,559 | | | | | $ | 7,908,241 | | | | | $ | 7,928,241 | | | |
| | | Roberto Canevari | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Base Salary(1)
|
| | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 1,125,000 | | | | | $ | 1,125,000 | | | | | $ | 2,250,000 | | | | | $ | 2,250,000 | | | |
| | |
Bonus
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 607,600 | | | | | | 607,600 | | | |
| | |
Options
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | |
| | |
PSUs
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 751,916 | | | | | | 375,999 | | | | | | 375,999 | | | | | | 375,999 | | | |
| | |
RSUs
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 2,359,652 | | | | | | 2,359,652 | | | | | | 2,268,129 | | | | | | 2,268,129 | | | |
| | |
Continued Health Care Benefits(2)
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 38,083 | | | | | | 76,165 | | | | | | 76,165 | | | |
| | |
Continued Participation in Pension and Retirement Plans(3)
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 48,949 | | | | | | 135,945 | | | | | | 135,945 | | | |
| | |
Other Benefits and Perquisites(4)
|
| | | | 0 | | | | | | 0 | | | | | | 5,000 | | | | | | 32,605 | | | | | | 65,210 | | | | | | 85,210 | | | |
| | |
Total
|
| | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 0 | | | | | $ | 4,241,568 | | | | | $ | 3,980,287 | | | | | $ | 5,779,048 | | | | | $ | 5,799,048 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Certain amounts may not sum due to rounding
(1)
Each NEO may be entitled to certain post-termination payments, including up to two years of base salary, following termination of employment if the Company chooses to enforce the two year non-competition provision in such NEO’s employment agreement.
(2)
Includes payments under the medical, health, and accident and disability plans and programs maintained by the Company from time to time for senior executives at a level commensurate with the executive officer’s position. Additionally, upon retirement, Ms. Hertzmark Hudis is entitled to life-time annual supplemental payments in connection with healthcare benefits (approximately $25,000 − $30,000 per year). Each NEO may be entitled to certain post-termination payments, including up to two years of continued benefits, following termination of employment if the Company chooses to enforce the two year non-competition provision in such NEO’s employment agreement.
(3)
The amounts represent the cash equivalent of continued participation in the RGA Plan and the Restoration Plan and maximum match for our 401(k) Savings Plan for one year, in the case of disability, and two years, in the case of termination without cause, termination for material breach, or termination for Good Reason.
(4)
Includes executive term life insurance premiums and auto allowance, and reimbursement for financial consulting services; also includes $20,000 in legal fees upon termination for Good Reason after a Change of Control.
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78 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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(5)
The change in control provisions for stock options and RSUs provide for “double-trigger” payment events (i.e. payment is triggered as a result of a Change of Control and the termination of the executive’s employment other than voluntarily by such person). Based upon the unvested stock options and RSUs held by the NEOs as of June 30, 2026, if a Change of Control had occurred on that date, and such NEO’s employment had been discontinued other than voluntarily by such person, each would have been entitled to the following amounts: Mr. de La Faverie $8,986,620; Mr. Shrivastava $2,269,657; Ms. Hertzmark Hudis $4,505,014; Ms. La Lande $4,686,230; and Mr. Canevari $2,268,129. The change in control provisions in the annual PSUs granted to our NEOs in August 2024 and the PSUs granted to Mr. de la Faverie in February 2025 provide for “single-trigger” and “double-trigger” payment events, respectively (i.e. payment of the annual PSU award is triggered solely by a Change of Control, regardless of continued employment, whereas Mr. de La Faverie’s award requires both a Change of Control and a qualifying termination event). Based on the unvested PSUs with “single-trigger” vesting held by each of the NEOs as of June 30, 2026, if a Change of Control had occurred on that date, the NEOs would have been entitled to the following amounts: Mr. de La Faverie $615,204; Mr. Shrivastava $402,915; Ms. Hertzmark Hudis $732,878; Ms. La Lande $441,811; and Mr. Canevari $375,999. In addition, based on the “double-trigger” PSUs granted to Mr. de La Faverie in February 2025, if a Change in Control and a qualifying termination event had both occurred on June 30, 2026, Mr. de La Faverie would have been entitled to $703,595.
Pay Ratio Disclosure
As required by SEC rules, we are disclosing the ratio of the annual total compensation of our CEO Stéphane de La Faverie to that of our median employee, with April 1, 2026, serving as the date for identifying our median employee:
•
The median of the total compensation of our employees for fiscal 2026 other than our CEO was $34,255;
•
the total compensation of our CEO was $20,585,784 for fiscal 2026, as reported in the “Total” column of our 2026 Summary Compensation Table; and
•
based on this information, for fiscal 2026, the total compensation of our CEO to the median of the annual total compensation of all employees resulted in a ratio of 601:1.
In addition, in order to provide context for the disclosure above, the Company notes that, approximately 75% of our employees who are within the scope of these rules are outside the United States. The compensation elements and pay levels of our employees differ from country to country based on market trends along with fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Additionally, the Company notes that nearly 30% of our employees who are within the scope of the pay ratio rules are part-time or temporary. When the median employee works outside the U.S., the Company uses a fiscal year 12-month average exchange rate to convert the employee’s total annual compensation for the relevant fiscal year to U.S. dollars.
To identify the median annual total compensation of our employees, we used the methodology and material assumptions, adjustments, and estimates noted below.
•
We selected April 1, 2026, which is within the last three months of fiscal 2026, as the date upon which we would identify the median employee. We determined that, as of such date, our employee population consisted of approximately 53,600 individuals working at the Company and consolidated subsidiaries. This was comprised of full-time, part-time, and temporary employees, with approximately 75% working outside the United States.
•
Our employee population for purposes of the pay ratio analysis, after taking into consideration the adjustment permitted by SEC rules (as described below), consisted of approximately 51,000 individuals. Of these employees, approximately 70% were employed on a full-time basis, with the remainder (approximately 30%) employed on a part-time or temporary basis. Individuals working on a part-time or temporary basis include on-call and freelance employees. Under the de minimis exemption provided in the SEC rules, we excluded a total of 2,658 employees from certain countries. The specific number of employees excluded from each country was: Brazil (597), Chile (305), Czech Republic (114), India (827), Indonesia (39), Kazakhstan (105), Philippines (193), Russia (365), and Vietnam (113). The excluded employees did not exceed 5% of our total U.S. and non-U.S. employee population.
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2026 Proxy Statement | 79
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•
To identify the median employee, we used base salary/hourly wages paid as the consistently applied compensation measure for the 12-month period beginning April 1, 2025 and ending on March 31, 2026. We used the 12-month average exchange rate to convert each non-U.S. employee’s total annual compensation to U.S. dollars to identify our median employee. We annualized compensation for full-time and part-time employees who were hired during this time frame. Using this methodology, we identified our median employee, who works at a retail store outside the U.S.
•
The pay ratio included above is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with the SEC rules. Because the SEC rules for identifying the median employee and calculating the pay ratio allow companies to use different methodologies, exemptions, estimates, and assumptions, our Company’s pay ratio may not be comparable to the pay ratio reported by other companies.
Pay Versus Performance
Below is disclosure relating to the compensation of our Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”) for the last five fiscal years calculated in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Item 402(v)”). Item 402(v) requires disclosure of “compensation actually paid” (referred to herein as “Compensation Actually Paid” or the “CAP Amounts”) for the Principal Executive Officer (“PEO”) and the Non-PEO NEOs.
The Compensation Committee and the Stock Plan Subcommittee do not use the CAP Amounts when making compensation decisions. For a discussion of how our Company seeks to align pay with performance when making compensation decisions, please review the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis − Elements of Compensation.”
The following tables and related disclosures provide information concerning our PEO and Non-PEO NEOs with regard to (i) the Summary Compensation Table (“SCT”) Total and (ii) the CAP Amounts.
| | | Fiscal Year(1) | | | Summary Compensation Table Total for Stéphane de La Faverie | | | Compensation Actually Paid to Stéphane de La Faverie(2) | | | Summary Compensation Table Total for Fabrizio Freda | | | Compensation Actually Paid to Fabrizio Freda | | | Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs | | | Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non- PEO NEOs(2) | | | Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based On(3): | | | Net Earnings (Loss) (millions) | | | Diluted EPS (non-GAAP) (% Change in) | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | Total Shareholder Return | | | Peer Group Total Shareholder Return(4) | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | 2026 | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||
| | | 2025 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ( | | | | | | ( | | | | ||||||||
| | | 2024 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ( | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ( | | | | ||||||||
| | | 2023 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ( | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ( | | | | ||||||||
| | | 2022 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ( | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||
(1)
The PEO and Non-PEO NEOs included in the above compensation columns reflect the following:
| | | Fiscal Year | | | PEO | | | Non-PEO NEOs | | |
| | | 2026 | | | | | | Akhil Shrivastava, Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Rashida La Lande, Roberto Canevari | | |
| | | 2025 | | | Stéphane de La Faverie Fabrizio Freda | | | Akhil Shrivastava, Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Rashida La Lande, Tracey T. Travis, Peter Jueptner | | |
| | | 2024 | | | Fabrizio Freda | | | William P. Lauder, Tracey T. Travis, Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Stéphane de La Faverie | | |
| | | 2023 | | | Fabrizio Freda | | | William P. Lauder, Tracey T. Travis, Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Peter Jueptner | | |
| | | 2022 | | | Fabrizio Freda | | | William P. Lauder, Tracey T. Travis, Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Cedric Prouvé, John Demsey | | |
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80 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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(2)
The following table describes the adjustments, each of which is required by Item 402(v), to calculate the CAP Amounts shown in the table above.
| | | Fiscal Year | | | 2026 | | | |||||||||
| | | Adjustments ($) | | | PEO | | | Average for Non-PEO NEOs | | | ||||||
| | | Summary Compensation Table | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | | ||
| | | Less: Stock and Option Awards Values Reported in SCT for the Covered Year | | | | | ( | | | | | | ( | | | |
| | | Plus: Fiscal Year-End Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Equity Awards Granted in the Covered Year | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||
| | | Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years | | | | | | | | | | ( | | | | |
| | | Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in the Fiscal Year | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||
| | | Increase in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years that Vested in the Covered Year | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||
| | | Less: Fair Value as of the Prior Fiscal Year End of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years that Failed to Meet Vesting Conditions in the Fiscal Year | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||
| | | Plus: Fair Value of Dividends or other Earnings Paid on Stock Awards not otherwise reflected in Fair Value or Total Compensation | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||
| | | Less: Aggregate Change in Actuarial Present Value of Accumulated Benefit Under Pension Plans | | | | | ( | | | | | | ( | | | |
| | | Plus: Aggregate Service Cost and Prior Service Costs for Pension Plans | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||
| | | Compensation Actually Paid (as calculated) | | | | $ | | | | | $ | | | | ||
| | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||
Certain amounts may not sum due to rounding
The equity valuation methodology was kept consistent with those used at the time of grant, with assumptions updated to reflect information available at the time of each valuation, including payout estimates. Instead of using the target payout amounts for PSUs, we used the total expected payout based on estimates of performance in future years. The price of our Class A Common Stock used for fiscal 2026 was $78.95 (the closing stock price on June 30, 2026, the last trading day of fiscal 2026).
(3)
The Company and Peer Group TSR calculation reflects year-end value of an initial investment of $100 made on June 30, 2021.
(4)
The peer group used in this disclosure is the S&P 500 Consumer Staples Index, which is the same peer group used in Part II, Item 5 of our Form 10-K for each of the fiscal years shown.
(5)
Please refer to Appendix A of this Proxy Statement for reconciliation of, and other information about, this non-GAAP measure.
The following table lists the financial performance metrics that, in our assessment, represent the most important financial performance measures we use to link compensation actually paid to our NEOs for the most recently completed fiscal year.
| | | Adjusted Performance Measures* | | |
| | | (Company-Selected Measure) | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | |
*
Please refer to Appendix A of this Proxy Statement for information about each of these non-GAAP measures.
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2026 Proxy Statement | 81
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The following charts show graphically the relationships over the past four years of the CAP Amounts for our PEO and average Non-PEO NEOs as compared to changes in our TSR, Peer Group TSR, Net Earnings (Loss), and Adjusted Diluted EPS (% change), as well as the relationship between TSR and Peer Group TSR.
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82 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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Audit Committee Report
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, consisting solely of “independent directors” as defined by the Board and consistent with the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, has:
1.
reviewed and discussed the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026 with management;
2.
discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) the matters required to be discussed by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”); and
3.
received the written disclosures and letter from PwC required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding PwC’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed PwC’s independence with representatives of PwC.
Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026 be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2026 filed with the SEC.
Audit Committee
Richard F. Zannino (Chair)
Paul J. Fribourg
Jennifer Hyman
Annabelle Yu Long
Arturo Nuñez
Paul J. Fribourg
Jennifer Hyman
Annabelle Yu Long
Arturo Nuñez
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2026 Proxy Statement | 83
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Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditors
(Item 2)
(Item 2)
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has sole authority to appoint, retain, or terminate the Company’s independent auditors and to approve the compensation for the independent auditors. The Audit Committee has appointed the firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”), a registered public accounting firm, to serve as independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, subject to ratification of this appointment by the stockholders of the Company. PwC has served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.
The Audit Committee and management consider PwC to be well qualified and believe that the continued retention of PwC is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders. The Audit Committee Chair is directly involved in the selection of PwC’s lead engagement partner. PwC has advised the Company that neither it nor any of its members has any direct or material indirect financial interest in the Company. One or more representatives of PwC is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, will have an opportunity to make a statement, if any such representative desires to do so, and is expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Independent Auditor Fees
For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2026 (fiscal 2026) and June 30, 2025 (fiscal 2025), the Company paid, or will pay, the following fees to PwC for services rendered during the year or for the audit in respect of those years:
| | |
Fee Type
|
| |
Fiscal 2026
|
| |
Fiscal 2025
|
| | ||||||
| | | | | |
(in thousands)
|
| | |||||||||
| | | Audit Fees(1) | | | | $ | 13,791 | | | | | $ | 12,628 | | | |
| | | Audit-Related Fees(2) | | | | | 1,051 | | | | | | 1,237 | | | |
| | | Tax Fees(3) | | | | | 1,716 | | | | | | 1,521 | | | |
| | | All Other Fees | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | |
| | |
Total
|
| | | $ | 16,558 | | | | | $ | 15,386 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||
(1)
Fees for professional services in connection with the audit of the annual financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and related opinions, statutory audits of certain subsidiaries, and review of the quarterly financial statements for each fiscal year.
(2)
Fees for professional services in connection with foreign statutory and/or contractual requirements and other assurance and related services.
(3)
Fees for tax compliance services, tax planning, and related tax services.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has considered whether the provision of non-audit services by the independent auditor and the associated fees are compatible with maintaining auditor independence. The Audit Committee policy concerning approval of audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditor requires that all services the independent auditor may provide to the Company, including audit services and permitted audit-related and non-audit services, be pre-approved by the committee. In between committee meetings, the Chair of the Audit Committee may approve permitted non-audit services and certain audit services, which services are subsequently reported to and approved by the committee. In addition, for particular permitted services, the Chief Financial Officer may approve the engagement of the independent auditor provided such engagements will amount to fees of less than an aggregate of $50,000 per fiscal quarter and such engagement is reported to the Chair of the Audit Committee and reported to and ratified by the committee at its next meeting. All audit and non-audit services described herein were approved pursuant to this policy for fiscal 2026, and none of the services were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to a waiver of pre-approval as contemplated by Regulation S-X Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C).
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84 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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Ratification of the appointment of PwC requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the holders of the shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of the Company voting in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. If the stockholders do not ratify the appointment of PwC, the Audit Committee will reconsider the appointment.
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The Board recommends a vote FOR the proposal to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. Proxies received by the Board will be so voted unless a contrary choice is specified in the proxy.
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2026 Proxy Statement | 85
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Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation
(Item 3)
(Item 3)
As we discussed in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” above, the Company’s compensation program for executive officers is designed to attract and retain world class talent and to motivate achievement of both our short-term and long-term goals. We believe that the design and governance of our program supports, and aligns executive officers with the business strategy.
As required by Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this proposal, commonly referred to as the “Say on Pay” resolution, seeks a stockholder advisory vote on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K through the following resolution:
“RESOLVED, that the Company’s stockholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to the Company’s Named Executive Officers, as disclosed in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narratives.”
Because this is an advisory vote, it will not be binding upon the Board. However, the Compensation Committee and Stock Plan Subcommittee value the opinions expressed by stockholders.
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The Board recommends a vote FOR the proposed resolution. Proxies received by the Board will be so voted unless a contrary choice is specified in the proxy.
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86 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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Stockholder Proposal Requesting
Additional Reporting on Plastic Packaging
(Item 4)
Additional Reporting on Plastic Packaging
(Item 4)
Green Century Equity Fund, 114 State Street, Suite 200, Boston, MA 02109, the beneficial owner of at least $25,000 of the Company’s common stock, submitted and has notified us that it intends to present the following proposal for consideration at the Annual Meeting. We are not responsible for the accuracy or content of the proposal, which is presented as received from the proponent in accordance with SEC rules.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST ITEM 4.
Stockholder Proposal
Whereas: The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (Estée Lauder) sells cosmetics in plastic packaging, contributing to the 120 billion units of plastic packaging waste generated by the beauty industry every year.1
Plastic packaging comes at a cost. A 2025 Duke University study estimates that plastic use in the United States alone results in up to $1.1 trillion in annual costs to the environment and human health.2 Only 9% of plastic waste globally is recycled while an estimated 11 million tons of plastic pollution is released into the ocean annually, killing over 1 million marine animals a year.3,4
As a result, companies with large plastic footprints are exposed to the following financial risks:
Legal and regulatory risks: The European Union and seven U.S. states have adopted extended producer responsibility laws that make producers responsible for post-consumer packaging waste management, and similar bills have been introduced in eight additional states.5,6 These laws include higher fees for packaging that is hard to recycle.7 Plastic cosmetic packaging faces recyclability challenges because of size, mixed materials, and product residue.8
Market access loss: 90% of beauty consumers in a 2025 survey said that they are more likely to purchase from a brand with eco-friendly packaging.9 Failure to meet this demand may result in market access loss.
Estée Lauder’s competitors are taking strong action to respond to these risks. Ulta Beauty, LVMH and L’Oreal disclose their plastic footprints.10,11,12 L’Oreal and L’Occitane-En-Provence disclose plastic reduction goals.13
Unlike its peers and despite the business risks and broad societal consequences associated with plastic packaging, Estée Lauder does not disclose its plastic footprint and has not set a plastic reduction goal. The Company discloses a goal to reduce the virgin petroleum content of its plastic packaging, but it is not
1
https://www.forbes.com/sites/oliviaobryon/2022/10/27/why-is-eliminating-plastics-from-beauty-products-so-critical-superzero-founder-explains/
2
https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/sites/default/files/publications/the-social-cost-of-plastic-united-states.pdf
3
https://www.un.org/pl/node/71013
4
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.1700782
5
https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/packaging-waste/packaging-packaging-waste-regulation_en
6
https://www.proskauer.com/alert/the-2025-guide-to-epr-packaging-compliance
7
https://sustainablepackaging.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SPC-Mini-EPR-Eco-Modulation-Final.pdf
8
https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2022/1/25/the-ugly-side-of-beauty-the-cosmetics-industrys-plastic-packaging-problem
9
https://www.shorr.com/resources/blog/sustainable-packaging-consumer-report/#:~:text=Sustainable%20Packaging%20&%20Brand%20Loyalty,between%20sustainability%20and%
20consumer%20advocacy.
20consumer%20advocacy.
10
https://www.lvmh.com/en/commitment-in-action/for-the-environment
11
https://content.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/m/21c4a4ffd7e2e9b4/original/Global-Commitment-2025-Report-M-10-25.pdf
12
https://d1io3yog0oux5.cloudfront.net/_d051642c4375c5c91572b2ff43015cb3/ulta/db/1975/17667/description/ULTA-008_2025_CRR_Report_PDF_6_ADA_04.22.26.pdf
13
https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/global-commitment/overview
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2026 Proxy Statement | 87
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clear whether this goal will impact its total plastic use.14 Furthermore, the Company discloses that it plans to achieve this goal in part by sourcing plastic from so-called “advanced recycling.” This type of plastic sells at a premium but its environmental and human health impacts can be greater than plastic made from virgin fossil fuels.15
Resolved: Shareholders request that Estée Lauder issue a report beyond existing disclosure within one year, at reasonable cost and omitting proprietary and privileged information, assessing if and how the Company can increase the scale, pace, and rigor of its efforts to reduce harm to health and the environment from plastic packaging, and quantifying and tracking its total plastic usage.
Supporting Statement: Proponents defer to management on the content of the report but suggest that indicators meaningful to shareholders may include a time-bound goal to reduce its total plastic use.
14
https://media.elcompanies.com/files/e/estee-lauder-companies/global/our-impact/si-s25/sis-2025.pdf?_ga=2.50083046.1915548166.1776968554-380831525.1776968554
15
https://www.nrdc.org/resources/chemical-recycling
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88 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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Board Response
The Board has carefully considered this stockholder proposal and recommends that stockholders vote AGAINST this proposal for the reasons discussed below.
The Company already reports on its comprehensive approach to reducing plastic use.
Citizenship and sustainability are embedded at the core of the Company’s business. We view packaging as a key opportunity to advance our overall sustainability strategy while balancing environmental considerations with consumer preferences, product performance, and cost.
As disclosed in our 2025 Social Impact & Sustainability Report (the “Sustainability Report”), our packaging strategy has evolved in recent years. Our previous strategy was centered on the “5Rs” framework: designing our packaging to be recyclable, refillable, reusable, recycled, or recoverable. In 2025, we refined our approach to focus on the areas where we can drive the greatest impact across the packaging life cycle. Our 2030 packaging goals reflect this evolution, prioritizing packaging designed for recyclability, expanding refillable solutions, increasing recycled content, advancing responsible paper sourcing, and reducing our reliance on virgin petroleum plastic.
Our Packaging Sustainability Guidelines outline our priorities, which include:
•
reducing and removing packaging where possible;
•
designing packaging that is reusable and refillable;
•
building designed-in recyclability with materials and components compatible with recycling streams
•
increasing amounts of recycled content and prioritizing post-consumer recycled (PCR) material in packaging; and
•
replacing petroleum-based plastics with bioplastics (if the bioplastic can be recycled and does not contaminate traditional recycling streams)
With respect to plastics, the Company is committed to reducing virgin plastic use and working to minimize plastic waste across our products and packaging. As disclosed in our 2025 Sustainability Report, these commitments include the Company maintaining internal Packaging Sustainability Guidelines to help drive the reduction of virgin and non-recyclable plastic in our packaging across our business and within our brand portfolio. For example, our 2025 Sustainability Report noted that:
•
The Company continues to innovate our prestige packaging, incorporating more sustainable concepts into our designs in an effort to reduce the potential environmental impacts of our packaging across its lifecycle.
•
The Company strives to reduce and remove virgin plastic packaging when deemed unnecessary through a variety of methods, including: removing unnecessary packaging components; reducing the weight/size of the packaging; and replacing petroleum-based plastics with bioplastics where possible and available and if the bioplastic can be recycled and does not contaminate traditional recycling streams.
•
The Company is working to reduce single-use virgin plastic packaging and reduce plastic from secondary and tertiary packaging.
•
The Company is incorporating circularity – reducing plastic use from the outset and finding ways to capture waste as input to new materials.
In addition, the Company is committed to reducing single-use plastics used in our retail stores, including bags, hygienic product applicators and print and promotional items. For example, the Company is working towards replacing items such as promotional bags and clutches with non-plastic alternative items or items that contain recycled plastics or bioplastics.
The 2025 Sustainability Report also disclosed Company efforts to work collaboratively with our peers, suppliers, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders through partnerships that are instrumental in our journey of reducing plastic waste. For example, the Company is a founding member of
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2026 Proxy Statement | 89
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the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, which brings together businesses, educational institutions and government agencies to collectively strengthen and advance the business case for more sustainable packaging.
We believe that these disclosures demonstrate that the Company is committed to continuously seeking new ways to contribute to the global effort to reduce plastic waste.
The Company already discloses time-bound plastics commitments and progress towards achieving them.
The Company already discloses its ambitions to reduce virgin plastic use and work to minimize plastic waste and promote circularity. These include:
•
By 2030, we will transition at least 70% of our packaging to be recyclable.
•
By 2030, we will increase our refillable packaging by at least 50%, from a fiscal 2025 baseline.
•
By 2030, we will use at least 25% post-consumer recycled (PCR) material in our packaging.
•
By 2030, we will use at least 95% responsibly sourced paper products in our paper packaging.
•
By 2030, we will use at least 50% non-virgin petroleum content in our plastic packaging.
Our annual Sustainability Report includes information on the Company’s plastics ambitions, including our progress and any implementation challenges. The Sustainability Report also illustrates related milestones from our brands that align with our corporate strategy. For example, building on our founder’s pioneering use of sampling to enhance consumer experience, we are continuously reimagining our sampling packaging to embed sustainability at its core. Thus, in 2025 Aveda improved the design of its recyclable, paper-based sachet for haircare applications to enable it to be introduced globally, which reduces plastic use by more than 80% compared to Aveda’s 10ml plastic tubes.
We also track packaging data that supports these goals, including packaging material composition, packaging weight, recycled content, refillable and reusable formats, and recyclability-related information. This data helps inform development of our plans to achieve these goals.
In summary, the Board believes that the Company’s packaging and plastics disclosures, which are updated annually, provide stockholders with the information they need to assess our progress. Thus, the Board does not believe that adoption of this stockholder proposal requesting additional disclosures would meaningfully enhance stockholders’ understanding of the Company’s ongoing efforts to reduce virgin plastic use and to minimize plastic waste across our products and packaging.
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The Board recommends a vote AGAINST Item 4. Proxies received by the Board will be so voted unless a contrary choice is specified in the proxy.
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90 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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Proxy Procedure and Expenses of Solicitation
The Company will hold the votes of all stockholders in confidence from its directors, officers, and employees, except: (i) as necessary to meet applicable legal requirements and to assert or defend claims for or against the Company; (ii) in case of a contested proxy solicitation; (iii) in the event that a stockholder makes a written comment on the proxy card or otherwise communicates the stockholder’s vote to management; or (iv) to allow the independent inspectors of election to certify the results of the vote. The Company will retain an independent tabulator to receive and tabulate the proxies and independent inspectors of election to certify the results.
All expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company. The Company will reimburse brokers, fiduciaries, and custodians for their costs in forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of Common Stock held in their names.
Solicitation may be undertaken by mail, telephone, electronic means, and personal contact by directors, officers, and employees of the Company without additional compensation. In addition, the Company has engaged the firm of Sodali & Co to assist in the solicitation of proxies for a fee of $10,600 plus reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations for the 2027 Annual Meeting
If a stockholder intends to present a proposal for action at the 2027 Annual Meeting and wishes to have such proposal considered for inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials in reliance on Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the proposal must be submitted in writing and received by the Corporate Secretary of the Company after the 2026 Annual Meeting and no later than June 2, 2027. Such proposal also must meet the other requirements of the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to stockholder proposals.
The Company’s bylaws establish an advance notice procedure with regard to certain matters, including stockholder proposals and nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors, outside the process of Rule 14a-8. In general, notice of a stockholder proposal or a director nomination for an annual meeting must be received by the Company not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which the Company first mailed its proxy materials for the preceding annual meeting of stockholders and must contain specified information and conform to certain requirements, as set forth in the bylaws. To be timely for the 2027 Annual Meeting, the notice must be received by the Company on any date beginning no earlier than July 2, 2027 and ending on August 1, 2027. In order to comply with the SEC’s universal proxy rules, stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than our Board’s nominees must provide the Secretary of the Company the additional information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. If the chairman at any meeting of stockholders determines that a stockholder proposal or director nomination was not made in accordance with the bylaws, the Company may disregard such proposal or nomination. In addition, if a stockholder submits a proposal outside of Rule 14a-8 for the 2027 Annual Meeting and the proposal fails to comply with the advance notice procedure prescribed by the bylaws, then the Company’s proxy may confer discretionary authority on the persons being appointed as proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors to vote on the proposal.
Proposals and nominations should be addressed to Corporate Secretary, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153.
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2026 Proxy Statement | 91
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Other Information
Management of the Company does not know of any matters that may properly come before the meeting other than those referred to in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders or other matters incident to the conduct of the meeting. As to any other matter or proposal that may properly come before the meeting, including voting for the election of any person as a director in place of a nominee named herein who becomes unable or declines to serve and voting on a proposal omitted from this Proxy Statement pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, proxies will be voted in accordance with the discretion of the proxy holders.
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ZAKIYA BLACK BARNETT
Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Corporate Secretary New York, New York September 30, 2026 |
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The Annual Report to Stockholders, which includes financial statements, is available, together with this Proxy Statement, at www.proxyvote.com. The Annual Report does not form any part of the material for the solicitations of proxies.
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92 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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APPENDIX A
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
In the “Proxy Statement Summary” and in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” the Company presents certain non-GAAP financial information. We use certain non-GAAP financial measures, among other financial measures, to evaluate our operating performance, which represent the manner in which we conduct and view our business. Management believes that excluding certain items that are not comparable from period to period, or do not reflect the Company’s underlying ongoing business, provides transparency for such items and helps investors and others compare and analyze our operating performance from period to period. In the future, we expect to incur charges or adjustments similar in nature to those presented below; however, the impact to the Company’s results in a given period may be highly variable and difficult to predict. Our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by, or determined in a manner consistent with, other companies. While we consider the non-GAAP measures useful in analyzing our results, they are not intended to replace, or act as a substitute for, any presentation included in the consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP.
The following tables present Net Sales, Operating Margin, and Diluted EPS adjusted to exclude, where applicable, the impacts of returns and charges associated with restructuring and other activities; the securities class action litigation settlement; goodwill and other intangible asset impairments; the U.S. deferred tax asset valuation allowance adjustment; the Talcum litigation settlement agreements*; impact from changes in fair value of DECIEM acquisition-related stock options (net of the portion attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest; fiscal 2024 is also inclusive of payroll tax); and the effects of foreign currency translation on Net Sales. The tables below provide reconciliations between these non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures. Also shown in the table below is information about our Organic Net Sales growth and our adjusted Return on Invested Capital financial measures disclosed in this Proxy Statement.
*
From the end of August 2024 through October 2024, we entered into agreements with certain plaintiff law firms to resolve over 200 pending cosmetic talcum powder matters, which was a portion of the pending matters that existed at that time, and establish a framework for resolving potential future claims brought by these plaintiff firms from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2029 (mitigating a portion of our future exposure), subject to annual caps (the “Talcum litigation settlement agreements”). In connection with the Talcum litigation settlement agreements, we recorded a charge of $159 million in the fiscal 2025 first quarter, representing our best estimate of probable losses for current and potential future claims under these agreements.
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2026 Proxy Statement | A-1
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Financial Metric
($ in millions) |
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Fiscal
2026 |
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Fiscal
2025 |
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Fiscal
2024 |
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Fiscal
2023 |
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Fiscal
2022 |
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Net Sales as reported
|
| | | $ | 15,049 | | | | | $ | 14,326 | | | | | $ | 15,608 | | | | | $ | 15,910 | | | | | $ | 17,737 | | | |
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Returns associated with restructuring and other activities
|
| | | | 12 | | | | | | (3) | | | | | | 1 | | | | | | 27 | | | | | | 4 | | | |
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Net Sales as adjusted
|
| | | $ | 15,061 | | | | | $ | 14,323 | | | | | $ | 15,609 | | | | | $ | 15,937 | | | | | $ | 17,741 | | | |
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As Reported, year-over-year variance
|
| | | | 5% | | | | | | (8)% | | | | | | (2)% | | | | | | (10)% | | | | | | 9% | | | |
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Adjusted, year-over-year variance
|
| | | | 5% | | | | | | (8)% | | | | | | (2)% | | | | | | (10)% | | | | | | 9% | | | |
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Adjusted, year-over-year variance, constant currency(1)
|
| | | | 3% | | | | | | (8)% | | | | | | (1)% | | | | | | (7)% | | | | | | 10% | | | |
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As Reported Net Sales growth
|
| | | | 5% | | | | | | (8)% | | | | | | (2)% | | | | | | (10)% | | | | | | 9% | | | |
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Impact of Acquisitions, Divestitures and Brand Closures, net
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1 | | | | | | (2) | | | |
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Impact of Foreign Currency Translation
|
| | | | (2) | | | | | | — | | | | | | 1 | | | | | | 4 | | | | | | 1 | | | |
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Returns associated with restructuring and other activities
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | |
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Organic Net Sales growth(2)
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| | | | 3% | | | | | | (8)% | | | | | | (2)% | | | | | | (6)% | | | | | | 8% | | | |
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Certain amounts may not sum due to rounding
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Financial Metric
|
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Fiscal
2026 |
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Fiscal
2025 |
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Fiscal
2024 |
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Fiscal
2023 |
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Fiscal
2022 |
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Operating Margin as reported
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| | | | 5.2% | | | | | | (5.5)% | | | | | | 6.2% | | | | | | 9.5% | | | | | | 17.9% | | | |
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Charges associated with restructuring and other activities
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| | | | 5.4 | | | | | | 3.4 | | | | | | 0.8 | | | | | | 0.5 | | | | | | 0.8 | | | |
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Securities class action litigation settlement
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| | | | 0.6 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | |
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Goodwill and other intangible asset impairments
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 9.0 | | | | | | 3.0 | | | | | | 1.3 | | | | | | 1.3 | | | |
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Talcum litigation settlement agreements
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| | | | — | | | | | | 1.1 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | |
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Change in fair value of DECIEM acquisition-related stock options inclusive of payroll tax
|
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | 0.1 | | | | | | 0.1 | | | | | | (0.3) | | | |
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Operating Margin as adjusted
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| | | | 11.2% | | | | | | 8.0% | | | | | | 10.2% | | | | | | 11.4% | | | | | | 19.7% | | | |
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Certain amounts may not sum due to rounding
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Financial Metric
|
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Fiscal
2026 |
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Fiscal
2025 |
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Fiscal
2024 |
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Fiscal
2023 |
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Fiscal
2022 |
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Diluted EPS as reported
|
| | | $ | .50 | | | | | $ | (3.15) | | | | | $ | 1.08 | | | | | $ | 2.79 | | | | | $ | 6.55 | | | |
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Charges associated with restructuring and other activities
|
| | | | 1.83 | | | | | | 1.06 | | | | | | .27 | | | | | | .18 | | | | | | .31 | | | |
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Securities class action litigation settlement
|
| | | | .18 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | |
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Goodwill and other intangible asset impairments
|
| | | | — | | | | | | 2.78 | | | | | | 1.19 | | | | | | .44 | | | | | | .50 | | | |
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U.S. deferred tax asset valuation allowance adjustment
|
| | | | — | | | | | | .48 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | |
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Talcum litigation settlement agreements
|
| | | | — | | | | | | .34 | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | |
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Change in fair value of DECIEM acquisition-related stock
options inclusive of payroll tax (less portion attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest) |
| | | | — | | | | | | — | | | | | | .05 | | | | | | .05 | | | | | | (.12) | | | |
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Diluted EPS as adjusted
|
| | | $ | 2.51 | | | | | $ | 1.51 | | | | | $ | 2.59 | | | | | $ | 3.46 | | | | | $ | 7.24 | | | |
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As reported, year-over-year variance
|
| | | | 100+% | | | | | | (100+)% | | | | | | (61)% | | | | | | (57)% | | | | | | (16)% | | | |
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Adjusted, year-over-year variance
|
| | | | 66% | | | | | | (42)% | | | | | | (25)% | | | | | | (52)% | | | | | | 12% | | | |
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Return on Invested Capital, as adjusted (PSUs)(3)
|
| | | | 8.5% | | | | | | 5.8% | | | | | | 8.7% | | | | | | N/A(5) | | | | | | 26.6% | | | |
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Return on Invested Capital, as adjusted (Annual Incentive Bonus)(4)
|
| | | | 9.6% | | | | | | 5.5% | | | | | | 7.7% | | | | | | 11.2% | | | | | | 22.1% | | | |
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Certain amounts may not sum due to rounding
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A-2 | 2026 Proxy Statement
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(1)
We operate on a global basis, with the majority of our net sales generated outside the United States. Accordingly, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates can affect our results of operations. Therefore, we present certain Net Sales information excluding the effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations to provide a framework for assessing the performance of our underlying business outside the United States. Constant currency information compares results between periods as if exchange rates had remained constant period-over-period. We calculate constant currency information by translating current-period results using prior-year monthly average foreign currency exchange rates and adjusting for the period-over-period impact of foreign currency cash flow hedging activities.
(2)
Organic net sales represents net sales excluding returns associated with restructuring and other activities; non-comparable impacts of acquisitions, divestitures and brand closures; as well as the impact of foreign currency translation.
(3)
The Return on Invested Capital calculation for PSUs is based on a three-year performance period. The fiscal 2026, 2025, 2024 and 2022 calculations exclude returns and charges associated with restructuring and other activities and the impact of goodwill and other intangible asset impairments. The fiscal 2026 calculation also excludes the impact of the securities class action litigation settlement. The fiscal 2026 and 2025 calculations also exclude the impact of the Talcum litigation settlement agreements. The fiscal 2025, 2024 and 2022 calculations also exclude the impact of acquisitions. The fiscal 2022 calculation also excludes long-lived asset impairments and the gain on previously held equity method investment.
(4)
Fiscal 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022 exclude returns and charges associated with restructuring and other activities. Fiscal 2026 also excludes the impact of the securities class action litigation settlement. Fiscal 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022 also exclude other intangible asset impairments. Fiscal 2025 and 2024 also exclude goodwill impairments. Fiscal 2025 also excludes the impact of the Talcum litigation settlement agreements. Fiscal 2024, 2023 and 2022 also exclude the impact of changes in fair value of DECIEM acquisition-related stock options (fiscal 2024 is also inclusive of payroll tax). Fiscal 2023 also excludes expenses associated with the acquisition of TOM FORD and the Balmain licensing agreement. Fiscal 2022 also excludes the gain on previously held equity method investment.
(5)
ROIC as a performance measure was not applicable for the respective period.
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2026 Proxy Statement | A-3
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Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) DateTO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLYT03618-P57391For Against Abstain! !! !! !! !! ! !! ! !For WithholdTHE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC. 767 FIFTH AVENUENEW YORK, NY 10153THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" each nominee in Item 1, "FOR" Items 2 and 3, and "AGAINST" Item 4.1. Election of Director Nominees: Election of five (5) Class III Directors.Please sign exactly as your name appears hereon, date, and return in the enclosed envelope. If acting as executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, etc., you should so indicate when signing. If the signer is a corporation, please sign the full corporate name by duly authorized officer. If shares are held jointly, each stockholder named should sign.VOTE BY INTERNET Before The Meeting - Go to www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode aboveUse the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 16, 2026. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the website
and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.During The Meeting - Go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2026You may attend the meeting via the Internet and vote during the meeting. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions.VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 16, 2026. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.VOTE BY MAILMark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.1a. Stéphane de La Faverie1b. Jean-Frédéric Dufour1c. Gary M. Lauder1d. Jane Lauder1e. Matthew E. RubelWe also will transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the meeting.2. Ratification of appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors for the 2027 fiscal year.3. Advisory vote to approve executive compensation.4. Stockholder proposal requesting additional reporting on plastic packaging.! !! ! !SCAN TO VIEW MATERIALS & VOTE w
T03619-P57391Important Notice Regarding the Internet Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Proxy Statement and the Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at www.proxyvote.com.THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC. CLASS A COMMON STOCKANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERSTHIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORSThe undersigned, revoking all previous proxies, hereby constitutes and appoints Stéphane de La Faverie, Rashida La Lande, and Zakiya Black Barnett, and each of them, proxies with full power of substitution to vote for the undersigned all shares of Class A Common Stock of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (the "Company") which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on November 17, 2026, held virtually via www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2026, at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time), and at any adjournment thereof, upon the matters described in the accompanying Proxy Statement and upon any other business that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Said proxies are directed to vote or refrain from voting as checked on the reverse side upon the matters listed on the reverse side, and otherwise in their discretion.This proxy, when properly
executed, will be voted as directed herein. If no direction is given, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Company’s Board of Directors and, in the discretion of the proxy holders, upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.Continued and to be dated and signed on the reverse side.Proxy
Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) DateTO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLYT03620-Z93832For Against Abstain! !! !! !! !! ! !! ! !For WithholdTHE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC. 767 FIFTH AVENUENEW YORK, NY 10153THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" each nominee in Item 1, "FOR" Items 2 and 3, and "AGAINST" Item 4.1. Election of Director Nominees: Election of five (5) Class III Directors.Please sign exactly as your name appears hereon, date, and return in the enclosed envelope. If acting as executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, etc., you should so indicate when signing. If the signer is a corporation, please sign the full corporate name by duly authorized officer. If shares are held jointly, each stockholder named should sign.VOTE BY INTERNET Before The Meeting - Go to www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode aboveUse the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 16, 2026. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the website
and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.During The Meeting - Go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2026You may attend the meeting via the Internet and vote during the meeting. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions.VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 16, 2026. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.VOTE BY MAILMark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.1a. Stéphane de La Faverie1b. Jean-Frédéric Dufour1c. Gary M. Lauder1d. Jane Lauder1e. Matthew E. RubelWe also will transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the meeting.2. Ratification of appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors for the 2027 fiscal year.3. Advisory vote to approve executive compensation.4. Stockholder proposal requesting additional reporting on plastic packaging.! !! ! !SCAN TO VIEW MATERIALS & VOTE w
T03621-Z93832Important Notice Regarding the Internet Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Proxy Statement and the Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at www.proxyvote.com.THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC. CLASS B COMMON STOCKANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERSTHIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORSThe undersigned, revoking all previous proxies, hereby constitutes and appoints Stéphane de La Faverie, Rashida La Lande, and Zakiya Black Barnett, and each of them, proxies with full power of substitution to vote for the undersigned all shares of Class B Common Stock of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (the "Company") which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on November 17, 2026, held virtually via www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/EL2026, at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time), and at any adjournment thereof, upon the matters described in the accompanying Proxy Statement and upon any other business that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. Said proxies are directed to vote or refrain from voting as checked on the reverse side upon the matters listed on the reverse side, and otherwise in their discretion.This proxy, when properly
executed, will be voted as directed herein. If no direction is given, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Company’s Board of Directors and, in the discretion of the proxy holders, upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.Continued and to be dated and signed on the reverse side.Proxy