UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report: December 20, 2002
ENERGIZER HOLDINGS, INC.
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(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
MISSOURI 1-15401 No. 43-1863181
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(State or Other (Commission (IRS Employer
Jurisdiction of File Number) Identification
Incorporation) Number)
533 MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY DRIVE, ST. LOUIS, MO 63141
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(314) 985-2000
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(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Item 5. Other Events and Regulation FD Disclosure
The Company today issued the following press release:
ENERGIZER HOLDINGS, INC. ISSUES FIRST QUARTER GUIDANCE
St. Louis, Missouri, December 20, 2002 - Energizer Holdings, Inc, [NYSE: ENR],
today announced that it expects its first quarter earnings per share to be in
the $0.93 to $0.96 range versus $.76 per share in last year's first quarter.
The current quarter estimate includes an anticipated non-recurring income of
$.04 related to intellectual property rights. The prior year quarter included a
$.03 charge related to restructuring activities. World-wide sales are expected
to be flat to up 2% from first quarter 2002 sales of $568 million, with North
American sales essentially flat.
"Throughout the first nine months of calendar year 2002, the promotional
environment in the battery category was very intense, and the intensity has
continued in the December quarter," said Pat Mulcahy, Chief Executive Officer.
"However, we have continued to opportunistically manage our trade spending to
maximize profitability. Additionally, the December quarter is benefiting from
continued cost savings from initiatives implemented in early, 2002 and a lower
year-over-year tax rate."
Energizer, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is one of the world's largest
manufacturers of primary batteries and flashlights and a global leader in the
dynamic business of providing portable power.
Statements in this press release that are not historical, particularly
statements regarding anticipated sales and earnings for the first quarter, may
be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company cautions readers not to place undue
reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only of the date made.
Energizer advises readers that various risks and uncertainties could affect its
financial performance and could cause Energizer's actual results for the
December quarter to differ materially from those anticipated or projected.
Final results for the current quarter have not yet been determined. As a
result, actual sales for the quarter may differ from projections depending on
later December sales activity. Such sales activity may be impacted by general
economic or political conditions, consumer demand, competitive pressure and
adverse governmental regulation. Final earnings for the quarter may differ from
projections due to changes in sales and adjustments to estimates of product and
overhead costs, foreign currency valuation, or currently unforeseen losses or
charges. Actual costs for the quarter will not be known with certainty until
final accounting review is completed.
Additional risks and uncertainties include those detailed from time to time in
Energizer's publicly filed documents, including Energizer's Registration
Statement on Form 10, its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
September 30, 2002 and its Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 25, 2000.
SIGNATURES:
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
ENERGIZER HOLDINGS, INC.
By:/s/ Daniel J. Sescleifer
Daniel J. Sescleifer
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Dated: December 20, 2002