UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
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ACTUANT CORPORATION
N86W12500 Westbrook Crossing
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051
(262) 293-1500
 
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
 
To the Shareholders of ACTUANT CORPORATION:
 
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Actuant Corporation, a Wisconsin corporation, will be held on January 14, 201417, 2017 at 8:00 a.ma.m. Eastern Time at the Inn on Fifth, 699 Fifth Avenue, South Naples, Florida,, for the following purposes (all as set forth in the accompanying Proxy Statement):
1.To elect a board of nineeight directors;
2.To hold an advisory (non-binding) vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers;
3.To consider and vote upon the Actuant Corporation 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan;
4.To ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent auditor; and
4.5.To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
 
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR Proposals 1, 2, 3 and 3.4. The Board of Directors or proxy holders will use their discretion on other matters that may arise at the 20142017 Annual Meeting.
 
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on November 15, 20132016 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
 
Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting, please mark, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy promptly in the accompanying envelope, which requires no postage if mailed in the United States.States or vote via the internet or phone (instructions on page 2). It is important that your shares be represented at the Annual Meeting, whether your holdings are large or small. If for any reason you should desire to revoke your proxy, you may do so at any time before it is voted.
 
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to be Held on January 14, 201417, 2017. The proxy statement is available on Actuant Corporation’s website at www.actuant.com. You may obtain directions to the Annual Meeting by written or telephonic request directed to our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Actuant Corporation, N86W12500 Westbrook Crossing, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051 or by telephone at (262) 293-1500.
 
By Order of the Board of Directors,
 
ROBERT C. ARZBAECHERA. PETERSON
Chairman of the Board
 
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
December 6, 20135, 2016




TABLE OF CONTENTS
 Page
General Information
The Proposals 
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Proposal 2: Advisory Vote to Approve Compensation of our Named Executive Officers
Proposal 3: Vote to Approve Actuant Corporation 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan
Proposal 4: Ratification of Selection of Independent Auditors
Certain Beneficial Owners
Corporate Governance Matters 
Board Committees, Charters, Functions and Meetings
Leadership Structure
Independence of Directors; Financial Expert
Compensation Risk Assessment
Use of Compensation Consultants and Other Advisors
Codes of Conduct
Director Selection Procedures
Director Resignation Policy
Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions
Report of the Audit Committee
Executive Compensation (Compensation Discussion and Analysis) 
Executive Summary
Cash Flow Focused Business Model
Executive Compensation Objectives and Process
Total Compensation and Link to Performance
Shareholder Input on Executive Compensation Program
Oversight of the Executive Compensation ProgramsProgram
Assessing Competitive BenchmarkingCompensation Practices
How Target Levels ofLevel Compensation Are DeterminedDetermination
Components of ExecutiveTotal Direct Compensation for Fiscal 2013
Tax Deductibility of Executive Compensation
Stock Ownership Requirements
Anti-Hedging Policy
Compensation Recovery Clawback Policy
Performance and Compensation of Named Executive Officers in Fiscal 2013
Compensation Committee Report
Summary Compensation Table
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
Equity Awards Exercised and Vested in Fiscal 20132016
Employee Deferred Compensation
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Potential Payments Upon Termination of Employment or Change In Control Payments
Non-Employee Director Compensation
Other Information
EXHIBIT A: Actuant Corporation 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan




ACTUANT CORPORATION
N86W12500 Westbrook Crossing
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051
(262) 293-1500
 
PROXY STATEMENT
 
 
 
This Proxy Statement and accompanying proxy are being first mailed to
shareholders on or about December 6, 20135, 2016.

General Information
 
This Proxy Statement and accompanying proxy are furnished to the shareholders of Actuant Corporation (the “Company”) in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of the Company for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on January 14, 201417, 2017 (the “Meeting”), and at any adjournment thereof. Accompanying this Proxy Statement is a Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and a form of proxy for such Meeting. The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 20132016, which constitutes the 20132016 Annual Report to Shareholders and accompanies this Proxy Statement, contains financial statements and certain other information concerning the Company.
 
Location and Date of Annual Meeting
 
The annual meeting will be held on January 14, 201417, 2017 at 8:00 a.ma.m. Eastern Time at the Inn on Fifth, 699 Fifth Avenue, South Naples, Florida.Florida.
 
Record Date
 
The record date for shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting is the close of business on November 15, 20132016 (the “Record Date”). As of the Record Date, we had 73,216,77859,006,809 shares of Class A common stock outstanding. Each share of Class A common stock outstanding on the record date is entitled to one vote on all matters submitted at the Meeting.
 
Quorum
 
A majority of the votes entitled to be cast, represented in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum for action at the Meeting. Abstentions will be counted as shares present for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum. Proxies relating to “street name” shares that are voted by brokers on some matters, but not on other matters as to which authority to vote is withheld from the broker absent voting instructions from the beneficial owner (“broker non-votes”) will be treated as shares present for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum. The voting requirements and the procedures described below are based upon provisions of the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law, the Company’s articles of incorporation and bylaws, and any other requirements applicable to the matters to be voted upon.

Required Vote
 
Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of shares entitled to vote in the election at a meeting at which a quorum is present (Proposal 1). A “plurality” means that the individuals who receive the largest number of votes are elected as directors up to the maximum number of directors to be elected at the meeting. Shares for which authority is withheld to vote for director nominees and broker non-votes have no effect on the election of directors except to the extent that the failure to vote for a director nominee results in another nominee receiving a larger number of votes.
 
In order to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers (Proposal 2), the votes cast FOR must exceed the votes cast AGAINST the proposal. Abstentions will have no effect on this proposal. This advisory vote is considered a non–routine proposal under the rules applicable to banks and brokers. As a result, if you hold your shares in “street name,” absent specific voting instructions, your bank, broker or other holder of record will not be permitted to exercise voting discretion, and your shares will not be considered present and entitled to vote, with respect to this advisory vote. Broker non-votes will have no effect on this proposal.

In order to approve the 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (Proposal 3), the votes cast FOR must exceed the votes cast AGAINST the proposal. Abstentions will have no effect on this proposal. This proposal is considered a non-routine proposal under the rules applicable to banks and brokers. As a result, if you hold your shares in "street name," absent specific voting instructions, your bank, broker or other holder of record will not be permitted to exercise voting discretion, and your shares will not be considered present and entitled to vote, with respect to this proposal. Broker non-votes will have no effect on this proposal.



In order to approve the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent auditor (Proposal 3)4), the votes cast FOR must exceed the votes cast AGAINST the proposal. Abstentions will have no effect on this proposal. Because this proposal is considered a routine proposal, brokers or other entities holding shares for an owner in “street name” are able to vote on this proposal, even if no voting instructions are provided by the beneficial owner. Broker non-votes will have no effect on this proposal.

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Cost of Soliciting Proxies
 
The cost of soliciting proxies, including the expense of forwarding to beneficial owners of stock held in the name of another, will be borne by the Company. In addition, officers and employees of the Company may solicit the return of proxies from certain shareholders by telephone or meeting. Such officers and employees will receive no compensation therefore in addition to their regular compensation. Shares held for the accounts of participants in the Actuant Corporation 401(k) Plan and Electrical Holdings 401(k) Plan (collectively the(the “401(k) Plans”Plan”) will be voted in accordance with the instructions of the participants or otherwise in accordance with the terms of such plans.plan. Shares held for the accounts of the participants in the Actuant Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Employee Deferred Compensation Plan”) will be voted by the trustee ofrabbi trust associated with the plan in accordance with its terms.Employee Deferred Compensation Plan, as directed by the Company.
 
Voting Procedures
 
Via the Internet—Shareholders can vote their shares via the Internet as instructed on the proxy card. The Internet procedures are designed to authenticate a shareholder’s identity to allow shareholders to vote their shares and confirm that their instructions have been properly recorded. Internet voting for shareholders of record is available 24 hours a day and will close at 12:0011:59 p.m. (CST) on January 13, 201416, 2017. The Notice instructs you how to access and review all important information in the Proxy Statement and Annual Report. You will then be directed to select a link where you will be able to vote on the proposals presented.
 
By Telephone—Shareholders may vote via telephone using the toll-free number listed on the proxy card. Voting via the telephone will close at 12:0011:59 p.m. (CST) on January 13, 201416, 2017.

By Mail—Shareholders who receive a paper proxy card may elect to vote by mail and should complete, sign and date their proxy card and mail it in the postage paid envelope provided. Proxy cards submitted by mail must be received by the time of the Annual Meeting in order for your shares to be voted.
 
At the Annual Meeting—Shares held in your name as the shareholder of record may be voted by you in person at the Annual Meeting. Shares held beneficially in “street name” may be voted by you in person at the Annual Meeting only if you obtain a legal proxy from the broker or other agent that holds your shares giving you the right to vote the shares and bring such proxy to the Annual Meeting.
 
Revocation of Proxies
 
A proxy may be revoked, prior to its exercise, by executing and delivering a later dated proxy, by delivering written notice of the revocation of the proxy to the Corporate Secretary prior to the Meeting or by attending and voting at the Meeting. Attendance at the Meeting, in and of itself, will not constitute a revocation of a proxy.
 
Unless previously revoked, the shares represented by all properly executed proxies received in time for the Meeting will be voted in accordance with the shareholder’s directions. If no directions are specified on a duly submitted proxy, the shares will be voted, in accordance with the recommendations of the boardBoard of directors,Directors, FOR the election of the directors nominated by the boardBoard of directors, FOR the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent auditors andDirectors, FOR the approval, on a non-binding basis, of the compensation of our named executive officers, FOR the approval of the Actuant Corporation 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan, FOR the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent auditor and in accordance with the discretion of the persons appointed as proxies on any other matters properly brought before the Meeting.

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PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
 
The boardBoard of directorsDirectors currently consists of ten members. Gustav H.P. BoelMssrs. Robert C. Arzbaecher and Thomas J. Fischer will be retiring and not be standing for re-election at the Meeting following sixteen and thirteen years of service on the board and over thirty years associated with the Company. The size of the board will be reduced to nine members and, atBoard, respectively. At the Meeting, nineeight directors will be elected to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors shall be elected and qualified. It is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy to nominate as directors and, unless otherwise specified in a proxy by a shareholder, to vote such proxy for the election of the persons named below. In the event any of the nominees should become unable to serve as a director, an eventuality which management has no reason to believe will occur, proxies may be voted for another nominee. Each person named below is presently serving as a director of the Company. Mark E. Goldstein was appointed to the board of directors since the last annual meeting of shareholders, in connection with his promotion to President of the Company in August 2013.
 
Directors standing for re-election Age Director Since Age Director Since
Robert C. Arzbaecher, Chief Executive Officer 53 2000
Randal W. Baker, Chief Executive Officer 53 2016
Gurminder S. Bedi, Director 66 2008 69 2008
Thomas J. Fischer, Director 66 2003
Mark E. Goldstein, President and Chief Operating Officer 57 2013
William K. Hall, Director 70 2001
Danny L. Cunningham, Director 61 2016
E. James Ferland, Director 49 2014
R. Alan Hunter, Jr., Director 66 2007 69 2007
Robert A. Peterson, Director 57 2003
Robert A. Peterson, Chairman of the Board, Director 60 2003
Holly A. Van Deursen, Director 54 2008 57 2008
Dennis K. Williams, Director 67 2006 70 2006
 
Robert C. Arzbaecher—Randal W. Baker—Mr. Arzbaecher is the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Arzbaecher will continue in his role as Chairman of Board, but will step down as Chief Executive Officer of the Company at the January 2014 Annual Meeting, after serving asBaker was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since 2000. Prior to that, he was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 1994 and Senior Vice President since 1998. He also served as Vice President, Finance of Tools & Supplies from 1993 to 1994.in March 2016. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Baker held multiple roles during a six year tenure at Joy Global, including most recently as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to Joy Global, Mr. Baker was an executive with Case New Holland Inc., holding a variety of roles including President and CEO of their Case IH equipment business. Mr. Baker also held diverse leadership roles in 1992 as Corporate Controller, Mr. Arzbaecher held various financial positions with Grabill Aerospace, Farley Industriesmarketing, sales, product development and Grant Thornton. Mr. Arzbaecher is a certified public accountantgeneral management at Komatsu America Corporation, Ingersoll-Rand and also is a director of CF Industries Holdings, Inc. and Fiduciary Management, Inc. mutual funds. Mr. Arzbaecher provides the board with a thorough understanding of the Company, including strategy, business development, international operations and served markets. Additionally, he has extensive finance and acquisition experience, which is beneficial given the Company’s stated goal of growth through acquisitions.Sandvik Corporation.
 
Gurminder S. Bedi—Mr. Bedi is managing partner of Compass Acquisitions (a private equity partnership), serves on the board of directors of Kemet Corporation and CompuwareBlue Bird Corporation and is a retired Vice President of Ford Motor Company. He previously served on the board of directors of Compuware Corporation. Mr. Bedi served in a variety of managerial positions at Ford Motor Company for more than thirty years and holds degrees in mechanical engineering and business administration. Mr. Bedi’s broad experience in manufacturing operations and international business, as well as his automotive and commercial truck market background are key contributions to the board. Based on his current and prior executive leadership positions,Board. Mr. Bedi also brings to the boardBoard a familiarity with the challenges facing large, international public companies, as well as private equity groups (which are the source of some of the Company’s business acquisitions).

Thomas J. Fischer—Danny L. Cunningham—Mr. FischerCunningham is a consultantrecently retired Partner and Chief Risk Officer of Deloitte and Touche, LLP, a multinational public accounting firm. He has more than 30 years of experience serving public audit clients in corporate financiala broad array of industries, including manufacturing. He has practiced in both the United States and accounting matters and a retired Senior Regional Managing Partner of Arthur Andersen LLP. At Arthur Andersen he served principally international public manufacturing and distribution companies.China. Mr. Fischer is also a director of Badger Meter Inc., Regal-Beloit Corporation, Wisconsin Energy Corporation and CG Schmidt (a privately-held company). The board benefits from Mr. Fischer’sCunningham brings expertise in the areas of financial, accounting and auditing matters, including financial reporting,knowledge of corporate transactions and enterprise risk management.a global perspective to the Board.

Mark E. Goldstein—James Ferland—Mr. Goldstein was named President of the Company in August 2013, and will assume Chief Executive Officer responsibilities after the January 2014 Annual Meeting. Mr. Goldstein has been Actuant’s Chief Operating Officer since fiscal 2007. He joined the Company in fiscal 2001 as the leader of the Gardner Bender business and was appointed Executive Vice President—Tools and Supplies in 2003. Prior to joining Actuant, he spent over 20 years in sales, marketing and operations management positions at Stanley Black & Decker, most recently as President, Stanley Door Systems. Mr. GoldsteinFerland is also a director at Pall Corporation. As a result of his day to day leadership as President of the Company, Mr. Goldstein brings senior leadership, mergers and acquisitions and management experience to the Board, as well as knowledge of industrial markets and experience in strategic planning.


3



William K. Hall—Mr. Hall is a founding partner of Procyon Advisors, LLP and former Chairman of Procyon Technologies, Inc., a privately owned consulting company. Mr. Hall was also previously Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Falcon Building Products,Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc. (“B&W”), a provider of energy and environmental products and services for power and industrial markets worldwide. Mr. Hall’sFerland has held this position since July 2015 when B&W was spun-off from The Babcock & Wilcox Company. Mr. Ferland was President and Chief Executive Officer of The Babcock & Wilcox Company from 2012 through the date of the spin-off. He also served as a director during this time frame. Mr. Ferland also previously held various leadership roles with Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC and PNM Resources, Inc. With more than 25 years of service in executive leadership at both publicsenior management and private companies included significant merger, acquisition and operational experience. Through his involvement with other public companies and guest lecturer role at the University of Michigan, Mr. Hall also has valuableengineering experience in strategy, business ethics, governance, succession planningdiversified industries, Mr. Ferland brings to the Board extensive operations, financial and executive compensation matters.acquisition experience, knowledge of the energy markets and valuable perspectives from leading a global public company. Mr. Hall currently serves on the board of W.W. Grainger and Stericycle, Inc. Within the past five years Mr. HallFerland is also served on the board of directors of Great Plains Energy Incorporated and A.M. Castle & Company.a director at B&W.
 
R. Alan Hunter, Jr.—Mr. Hunter is a retired executive from Stanley Black & Decker where he last served as President and Chief Operating Officer from 1993 through 1997, as well as Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer from 1986 to 1993. With over twenty years of experience at The Stanley Works, Mr. Hunter brings a strong financial background and thorough knowledge of the industrial tool and retail DIY industry to the board.Board. The boardBoard also benefits from his considerable international business experience, especially related to finance, operations, business development and strategy. Mr. Hunter currently serves on the Boardboard of Trusteestrustees of four mutual fund groups managed by MassMutual Financial Group.
 
Robert A. Peterson—Mr. Peterson isheld the formerposition of Chairman of the Board of Barrier Safe Solutions International, Inc, formerly a private equity owned business, from 2011 until it was sold to Ansell Limited in 2014. Mr. Peterson was President and Chief Executive Officer of Norcross Safety Products, formerly a private equity owned business, since its inception in 1995 until it was sold to


Honeywell in 2008. Prior to that he held executive level leadership positions with a number of firms including Farley Industries and Wright Line, after beginning his career at Ernst & Young. Mr. Peterson’s extensive finance, mergers and acquisition and private equity background has been beneficial to the boardBoard in evaluating financial performance and strategic acquisitions. Additionally, his manufacturing and distribution industry experience is a good fit for the businesses included in the Company’s Industrial segment. Mr. Peterson currently serves on the board of BarrierSafe Solutions International, Inc. (a private company).
 
Holly A. Van Deursen—Ms. Van Deursen was most recently an executive in the petrochemical industry, having held a variety of leadership positions at both British Petroleum and Amoco Corporation. She was Group Vice President of Petrochemicals for British Petroleum from 2003 to 2005 and Group Vice President of Strategy from 2001 to 2003. Ms. Van Deursen has extensive experience in the oil & gas industry, which provides the boardBoard with insight on our businesses in the Energy segment. Her experience in strategic analysis and corporate governance further enhances her ability to add value to our board.Board. She is currently a director of Bemis Company, Inc., Anson Industries (a private company), Petroleum Geo-Services and Capstone Turbine Corporation.

Dennis K. Williams—Mr. Williams is a retired President and Chief Executive Officer (2000 to 2005) and Chairman of the Board (2000 to 2006) of IDEX Corporation. Prior thereto,to that he held several executive level roles at General Electric. Mr. Williams brings to the boardBoard considerable experience and insight into issues facing large international public companies, knowledge specific to our markets (with over thirty years experience in our industries) and a strong track record of growing businesses. Mr. Williams’ background as an executive of a global company also lends a valuable perspective to the boardBoard on executive compensation, financial matters and business innovation. Mr. Williams is currently a director of Owens-Illinois, Inc. and Ametek, Inc.
 
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF THE NINEEIGHT NOMINEES.

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PROPOSAL 2
ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
At our 2012 Annual meeting, we asked shareholders to cast a non-binding advisory vote on the frequency with which we submit to shareholders a non-binding advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers ("Say on Pay" vote). Shareholders expressed a preference that Say on Pay votes occur every year. Consistent with this preference we will hold Say on Pay votes annually until the 2018 Annual Meeting, at which time shareholders will again be asked to vote on the frequency of Say on Pay votes.

We are asking our shareholders to vote,approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, on the compensation of our named executive officers,Named Executive Officers ("NEOs"), as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section and the accompanying compensation tables and narrative discussion contained in this proxy statement. We have designedThe Compensation Committee has overseen the development and implementation of our executive compensation program which is designed to drive our long-term success and increase shareholder value. We utilize our executive compensation program to provide competitive compensation within our industry peer group that will attract and retain executive talent, encourage our leaders to perform at a high level by linking compensation with financial and performance milestones and align our executive compensation with shareholders’ interests through the use of equity-based incentive awards. The Compensation Committee has overseen the development and implementation of our executive compensation program in line with these core compensation principles.
We believe we employ a strong pay-for-performance philosophy for our entire executive team, including our NEOs. Our overall executive compensation program is founded on three guiding principles:principles, which we believe emphasizes a pay for performance philosophy:
 
Executive compensation is aligned with our overall business strategy of driving growth opportunities and improving operating metrics, while focusing on sales, earnings, cash flow and return on invested capital (“ROIC”).capital.

Key executives charged withresponsible for establishing and executing our business strategy should have incentive compensation opportunities that align with long-term shareholder value creation. Performance equity awards, a compensation clawback policy, stock ownership requirements and longer vesting periods on equity awards (relative to prevailing market practices) are important components of that alignment.

Overall compensation targets reflect our intent to pay executive base salaries and Total Direct Compensation (defined as base salary plus annual cash incentives plus the grant date fair value of equity compensation) at the midpoint of the competitive market, based on industry and peer group data.
Our overall compensation targets reflect our intent to pay executive base salaries and Total Direct Compensation (base salary, annual bonus opportunity and the value of share based awards) at approximately the 50th percentile for each component of pay. In some cases, to attract and retain top talent, we may be under or over market rates on pay components (generally not to exceed the 75th percentile) to align with an individual’s experience profile and reflect the complexities of certain roles.
We believe that our pay-for-performance objectives result in compensation that reflects our financial results, stock price performance and other performance objectives described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis. Accordingly, the Board of Directors requests the support of our shareholders forto approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our NEOs as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section and the accompanying compensation tables and narrative discussion contained in this Proxy Statement.NEOs. Although the outcome of this advisory vote on the compensation of our NEOs is non-binding, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors will review and consider the outcome, of this vote, among other factors, when making future compensation decisions for our NEOs.
 
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AS DISCLOSED IN THE COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SECTION AND THE ACCOMPANYING COMPENSATION TABLES AND NARRATIVE DISCUSSION CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT.


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PROPOSAL 3
APPROVAL OF THE ACTUANT CORPORATION 2017 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

On October 18, 2016, our Board of Directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, the Actuant Corporation 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2017 Omnibus Plan”). We are submitting the 2017 Omnibus Plan to our shareholders for approval, which is required under the terms of the 2017 Omnibus Plan for awards granted under it to be valid and effective. We are also seeking shareholder approval in accordance with the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange rules and in order for certain awards under the 2017 Omnibus Plan to be eligible as “performance-based compensation” that is exempt from the $1 million deduction limit imposed by Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.
We believe that appropriate equity incentives are important to attract and retain the highest caliber of employees and directors, to link incentive rewards to the Company’s performance, to encourage employee and director ownership in our Company, and to align the interests of our employees and directors to those of our shareholders. The approval of the 2017 Omnibus Plan will enable us to continue to provide such incentives.
If the 2017 Omnibus Plan is approved by our shareholders, no future awards will be granted under our 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan. If the 2017 Omnibus Plan is not approved by our shareholders, no awards will be granted under this plan, however, our Compensation Committee may continue to grant awards under the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan. We are no longer granting awards under our 2002 Stock Plan or our 2001 Outside Directors’ Stock Plan (together with the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan, the “preexisting stock plans”)
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL OF THE 2017 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN.
Description of the 2017 Omnibus Plan
The following is a summary of the material features of the 2017 Omnibus Plan. The following summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms of the 2017 Omnibus Plan, which is attached to this proxy statement as Exhibit A.
Purpose of the 2017 Omnibus Plan.The purpose of the 2017 Omnibus Plan is to provide our key employees (including officers), the key employees of our subsidiaries and affiliates and our directors with the opportunity to acquire shares of our common stock or to receive stock-based compensation based on our long-term economic performance. We believe that the 2017 Omnibus Plan will encourage stock ownership by our employees and officers, which will provide these individuals with an incentive to expand and improve our success, and will make service on our Board more attractive to present and prospective highly-qualified outside directors.
Administration.The 2017 Omnibus Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors (the “Committee”). The 2017 Omnibus Plan gives the Committee discretion to make awards under the 2017 Omnibus Plan, to determine the type, size and the terms of awards, to determine the criteria for vesting and exercisability, to establish rules for the administration of the 2017 Omnibus Plan, and to make any other determinations that it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the 2017 Omnibus Plan.
The Committee may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, delegate to one or more committees of the Board or to one or more of our executive officers the authority to select individuals (other than executive officers and directors) to receive awards under the 2017 Omnibus Plan and to determine the amount and types of awards granted to individuals who are so selected. The Committee may also authorize further delegation by such committees to executive officers of the Company, to the extent permitted by Wisconsin law. Determinations regarding the timing, pricing, amount and terms of any award to a “reporting person” for purposes of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), must be made by the Committee. No delegation may be made that would cause awards or other transactions under the 2017 Omnibus Plan to cease to be exempt from Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or cause an award intended to qualify for favorable treatment under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code not to qualify for, or to cease to qualify for, such favorable treatment. The Committee may revoke, limit or amend the terms of a delegation at any time, but any such revocation, limitation or amendment will not invalidate any prior actions of the Committee delegatee or delegatees that were consistent with the terms of the 2017 Omnibus Plan.
The Board of Directors or another committee thereof may also exercise the authority granted to the Committee. To the extent an action of the Board of Directors conflicts with action taken by the Committee, the action of the Board of Directors will control. Throughout this Proposal 3, references to the power of the Committee to make a determination or establish terms of an award also refer to powers that may be exercised by the Board of Directors, in its discretion.
Eligibility. All employees and officers of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, together with our directors, are eligible to participate in the 2017 Omnibus Plan. This group of eligible employees currently includes 9 non-employee directors and


approximately 400 other employees (including executive officers). The number of eligible employees is expected to increase over time based upon the future growth and needs of the Company.
Shares Available for Awards. If the 2017 Omnibus Plan is approved, 4,325,000 shares of our common stock, plus the number of shares of our common stock subject to awards outstanding under our preexisting stock plans that become available for future grant under the 2017 Omnibus Plan as described below because they are forfeited or cancelled, will be reserved for awards under the plan. The following table presents issued but unexercised stock options, unvested restricted stock units and restricted stock, and common stock outstanding as of August 31, 2016:
 OutstandingWeighted Average Exercise PriceWeighted Average Remaining Term
Stock Options not entitled to dividends or dividend equivalent rights3,478,062$23.964.8 years
Stock Options entitled to dividends or dividend equivalent rights
Unvested Time-Based Restricted Stock/Units1,289,299N/AN/A
Unvested Performance-Based Restricted Stock/Units64,206N/AN/A
Common Stock Outstanding58,953,959N/AN/A
The following table sets forth the equity awards granted by us for the fiscal years ended August 31:
 201620152014
Stock Options Granted445,093777,238211,276
Time-Based Full-Value Stock/Units Granted730,986395,879328,965
Performance-Based Full-Value Stock/Units Earned12,44563,00088,713
Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding for Year59,010,00061,262,00070,942,000
Upon a grant of awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units or other similar awards (whether performance-based or time-vested) or unrestricted grants of shares of our common stock, the number of shares available for issuance under the 2017 Omnibus Plan will be reduced by 2.15 times the number of shares subject to such awards. Shares delivered under the 2017 Omnibus Plan may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued shares of common stock, treasury shares or shares of stock acquired by the Company. On November 15, 2016, the closing price of a share of our common stock was $26.40.
Shares reserved for awards under the 2017 Omnibus Plan or our preexisting stock plans that expire, are canceled or are otherwise forfeited in whole or in part will be available for future grant under the 2017 Omnibus Plan, with shares underlying awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units or other similar awards (whether performance-based or time-vested) or unrestricted grants of shares of our common stock added back to the plan by 2.15 times the number of shares subject to such awards. Subject to the terms of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, substitute awards may be granted under the 2017 Omnibus Plan in substitution for stock and stock-based awards held by employees or other service providers of an acquired company in a merger, acquisition or consolidation. Substitute awards will not count against the share limit under the 2017 Omnibus Plan.
In the event a corporation acquired by (or combined with) the Company or any of its subsidiaries has shares available under a preexisting plan approved by the stockholders of such acquired (or combined) corporation and not adopted in contemplation of the acquisition or combination, the shares available for grant pursuant to the terms of such a preexisting plan may be used for awards under the 2017 Omnibus Plan and will not reduce the shares of common stock authorized for grant under the 2017 Omnibus Plan. The number of shares available for awards under such a preexisting plan will be adjusted, to the extent appropriate, using the exchange ratio or other adjustment or valuation ratio or formula used in the acquisition or combination to determine the consideration payable to the holders of common stock of the entities party to the acquisition or combination. Awards made by the Company using shares available under such a preexisting plan will not be made after the date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of the preexisting plan if the acquisition or combination had not occurred, and will only be made to individuals who were not employees or directors of the Company or any of its subsidiaries prior to the acquisition or combination. Shares made available for awards due to such an acquisition or combination will not increase the amount of shares available for awards of incentive stock options unless the additional share limit is approved by the shareholders of the Company.


Individual Limits. In any calendar year, an eligible employee or director may receive, under the 2017 Omnibus Plan, stock options or stock appreciation rights with respect to no more than 1,000,000 shares of our common stock. In addition, in any calendar year, an eligible employee or director may receive restricted stock, restricted stock units, unrestricted grants of shares or other similar awards (whether performance-based or time-vested) with respect to no more than 500,000 shares of our common stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for an eligible outside director, the aggregate grant date fair value of awards granted to such an individual under the 2017 Omnibus Plan during any calendar year, along with any regular cash retainer or meeting fees paid to such individual during the calendar year, shall not exceed $700,000. In the event an individual employee becomes an outside director (or vice versa) during a calendar year, the limit set forth in the immediately preceding sentence shall not apply to awards granted to such an individual in the individual’s capacity as an employee.
Adjustments. The aggregate number of shares under the 2017 Omnibus Plan, the type of shares as to which awards may be granted, the exercise price of and number and type of shares covered by each outstanding award and the performance standards applicable to awards are subject to adjustment in the event of a stock dividend, extraordinary distribution, recapitalization or certain other corporate transactions. The Committee also has the authority to substitute or exchange any or all outstanding awards or to make a cash payment in respect of such awards in the case of certain corporate transactions.
Types of Awards. The 2017 Omnibus Plan allows any of the following types of awards, to be granted alone or in tandem with other awards:
Stock Options. Stock options granted under the 2017 Omnibus Plan may be either incentive stock options, which are intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, or non-qualified stock options, which are not intended to meet those requirements. The exercise price of a stock option may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant and the term may not be longer than 10 years, subject to certain rules applicable to incentive stock options; provided, that if a stock option other than an incentive stock option has an expiration date within 3 days of a Company “black-out period,” the expiration date of such stock option shall be extended for a period of 30 days following the end of the “black-out period” or such longer period as permitted by the Committee. The 2017 Omnibus Plan prohibits the repricing of outstanding stock options. Grantees will not be entitled to receive any dividends or other distributions paid with respect to a stock option. Award agreements for stock options may include rules for the effect of a termination of service on the option and the term for exercising stock options after any termination of service. No option may be exercised after the end of the term set forth in the award agreement.
Stock Appreciation Rights. A stock appreciation right entitles the grantee to receive, with respect to a specified number of shares of common stock, any increase in the value of the shares from the date the award is granted to the date the right is exercised. The base price of a stock appreciation right may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant and the term may not be longer than 10 years. Except as otherwise provided by the Committee, stock appreciation rights will only be settled in shares of our common stock. Grantees will not be entitled to receive any dividends or other distributions paid with respect to a stock appreciation right. Award agreements for stock appreciation rights may include rules for the effect of a termination of service on the stock appreciation right and the term for exercising stock appreciation rights after any termination of service. No stock appreciation right may be exercised after the end of the term set forth in the award agreement.
Restricted Stock. Restricted stock is common stock that is subject to restrictions, including a prohibition against transfer and a substantial risk of forfeiture, until the end of a “restricted period” during which the grantee must satisfy certain vesting conditions (which may include attaining certain performance goals). Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, if the grantee does not satisfy the vesting conditions by the end of the restricted period, the restricted stock will be forfeited. Restricted stock awards in excess of 5% of the number of shares available for awards under the 2017 Omnibus Plan that are conditioned on a participant’s continued employment with the Company or one of its affiliates will not become vested earlier than one year from the date of grant.
During the restricted period, the holder of restricted stock has the right to vote the shares of restricted stock but will not have the right to receive dividends with respect to such shares, unless, in each case, otherwise provided for by the Committee.
Restricted Stock Units. A restricted stock unit entitles the grantee to receive common stock after a “restricted period” during which the grantee must satisfy certain vesting conditions (which may include attaining certain performance goals). Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, if the grantee does not satisfy the vesting conditions by the end of the restricted period, the restricted stock unit will be forfeited. The Committee is authorized (but not required) to grant holders of restricted stock units the right to receive dividend equivalents on the underlying common stock. Awards of restricted stock units in excess of 5% of the number of shares available for awards under the 2017 Omnibus Plan that are conditioned on a participant’s continued employment with the Company or one of its affiliates will not become vested earlier than one year from the date of grant.
Other Equity-Based Awards. The 2017 Omnibus Plan also authorizes the Committee to grant other types of equity-based compensation, including deferred stock units, unrestricted shares, and other awards that are convertible into our common stock. For example, the Committee may grant awards that are based on the achievement of performance goals (described below). Other such awards in excess of 5% of the number of shares available for awards under the 2017 Omnibus Plan that are conditioned upon a


participant's continued employment with the Company or one of its affiliates will not become vested earlier than one year from the date of grant.
Vesting and Performance Objectives.Awards under the 2017 Omnibus Plan are forfeitable until they become vested. An award will become vested only if the vesting conditions set forth in the award agreement (as determined by the Committee) are satisfied. The vesting conditions may include performance of services for a specified period, achievement of performance goals (as described below), or a combination of both. The Committee also has authority to provide for accelerated vesting upon occurrence of certain events.
Performance goals selected by the Committee as vesting conditions may be based on any one of the following performance goals or combination thereof (or an equivalent metric): achieving a target level of Company net sales; achieving a target level of earnings (including gross earnings; earnings before certain deductions, such as interest, taxes, depreciation, or amortization; or earnings per share); achieving a target level of income (including net income or income before consideration of certain factors, such as overhead) or a target level of gross profits for the Company, one of our affiliates, or a business unit; achieving a target return on the Company’s (or one of our affiliate’s) sales, revenues, capital, assets, or shareholders’ equity; maintaining or achieving a target level of appreciation in the price of shares of our common stock; achieving a target market share for the Company (or an affiliate); achieving or maintaining a share price that meets or exceeds the performance of specified stock market indices or other benchmarks over a specified period; achieving a level of share price, earnings, or income performance that meets or exceeds performance in comparable areas of peer companies over a specified period; achieving specified reductions in costs or targeted levels in costs; achieving specified improvements in collection of outstanding accounts or specified reductions in non-performing debts; achieving a level of cash flow or working capital; introducing one or more products into one or more new markets; acquiring a prescribed number of new customers in a line of business; achieving a prescribed level of productivity within a business unit; completing specified projects within or below the applicable budget; completing acquisitions of other businesses or integrating acquired businesses; and expanding into other markets. Any criteria used may be measured, as applicable, (A) in absolute terms, (B) in relative terms (including without limitation by the passage of time and/or against another company or companies), (C) on a per-share basis, (D) against the performance of the Company as a whole or a segment of the Company, (E) on a pre-tax or after-tax basis, and/or (F) on a GAAP or non-GAAP basis.
If so specified in the award agreement, performance goals may include or exclude extraordinary charges, losses from discontinued operations, restatements and accounting changes, and other special charges such as restructuring expenses, acquisitions and divestitures and related expenses (including without limitation expenses related to goodwill and other intangible assets), stock offerings, stock repurchases, strategic loan loss provisions and other unusual, non-recurring items of gain or loss that are separately identified and quantified in the Company’s audited financial statements. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, unless the Committee determines otherwise prior to the end of the applicable time for establishing performance objectives for an award, to the extent any such item affects any performance criteria applicable to an award, such item will be automatically excluded or included in determining the extent to which the performance objective has been achieved, whichever will produce the higher award (subject to the exercise of “negative discretion” by the Committee).
The Committee may, in its discretion, also grant awards based on performance objectives other than those described above. If the Committee grants these awards, they will not qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code unless and until such performance objectives are approved by our shareholders.
Nontransferability.In general, awards under the 2017 Omnibus Plan may not be assigned or transferred except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. However, the Committee may allow the transfer of non-qualified stock options to a participant’s immediate family or to a trust or trusts for the benefit of such family members or one or more partnerships of which family members are the only partners.
Change in Control. The Committee will determine the treatment of outstanding awards granted under the 2017 Omnibus Plan in connection with any transaction or transactions resulting in a change in control.
Withholding. We are authorized to withhold from any award granted and any payment relating to any award under the 2017 Omnibus Plan any applicable taxes. In the discretion of the Committee, a participant may satisfy his or her withholding obligations through our withholding shares of common stock that would otherwise be delivered upon settlement of the award.
Amendment and Termination. Our Board may amend or terminate the 2017 Omnibus Plan at any time. No amendment that increases the total number of shares of common stock that may be granted under the 2017 Omnibus Plan, increases the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued to any individual participant, or amends the 2017 Omnibus Plan provision that prohibits repricing of options or stock appreciation rights without shareholder approval will be effective unless it is approved by our shareholders. Without the consent of an affected participant, no action may adversely affect in a material manner any right of such participant under any previously granted award.
Effective Date and Duration. The 2017 Omnibus Plan’s effective date is October 18, 2016. However, the 2017 Omnibus Plan and any awards will be null and void if the 2017 Omnibus Plan is not approved by our shareholders at the Company’s 2017 annual


meeting of shareholders. Unless it is terminated sooner, no awards will be granted under the 2017 Omnibus Plan more than 10 years after the 2017 Omnibus Plan’s effective date.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The material United States federal income tax consequences of the grant and exercise of stock options and other awards under the 2017 Omnibus Plan, based on the current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and regulations, are as follows. Changes to these laws could alter the tax consequences described below. This summary assumes that all awards granted under the 2017 Omnibus Plan are exempt from or comply with the rules under Section 409A and 457A of the Internal Revenue Code relating to non-qualified deferred compensation.
Stock Options. The grant of a stock option will have no tax consequences to the grantee or to the Company. In general, upon the exercise of an incentive stock option, the grantee will not recognize income and the Company will not be entitled to a tax deduction. However, the excess of the acquired shares’ fair market value on the exercise date over the exercise price is included in the employee’s income for purposes of the alternative minimum tax.
Upon the exercise of a non-qualified stock option, the grantee will generally recognize ordinary income equal to the excess of the acquired shares’ fair market value on the exercise date over the exercise price, and the Company will generally be entitled to a tax deduction in the same amount.
Stock Appreciation Rights. The grant of a stock appreciation right will have no tax consequences to the grantee or to the Company. Upon the exercise of a stock appreciation right, the grantee will recognize ordinary income equal to the received shares’ fair market value on the exercise date, and the Company will generally be entitled to a tax deduction in the same amount.
Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Other Equity Awards. In general, the grant of restricted stock, restricted stock units, or other equity awards that are subject to restrictions will have no tax consequences to the grantee or to the Company. When the award is settled (or, in the case of restricted stock, when the restrictions applicable to such award lapse), the grantee will recognize ordinary income equal to the excess of the applicable shares’ fair market value on the date the award is settled or the restrictions lapse, as applicable, over the amount, if any, paid for the shares by the grantee. The Company will generally be entitled to a tax deduction in the same amount.
Sale of Shares.When a grantee sells shares received under any award other than an incentive stock option, the grantee will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the sale proceeds and the grantee’s basis in the shares. In general, the basis in the shares is the amount of ordinary income recognized upon receipt of the shares (or upon the lapsing of restrictions, in the case of restricted stock) plus any amount paid for the shares.
When a grantee disposes of shares acquired upon the exercise of an incentive stock option, the difference between the amount realized by the grantee and the exercise price will generally constitute a capital gain or loss, as the case may be. However, if the grantee does not hold these shares for more than one year after exercising the incentive stock option and for more than two years after the grant of the incentive stock option, then: (1) the excess of the fair market value of the shares acquired upon exercise on the exercise date over the exercise price will generally be treated as ordinary income for the grantee; (2) the difference between the sale proceeds and the shares’ fair market value on the exercise date will be treated as a capital gain or loss for the grantee; and (3) the Company will generally be entitled to a tax deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the grantee.
Deduction Limits. In general, a corporation is denied a tax deduction for any compensation paid to its chief executive officer or to any of its three other most highly compensated executive officers, other than an executive officer serving solely as the chief financial officer, to the extent that the compensation paid to the officer exceeds $1,000,000 in any year. “Performance-based compensation” is not subject to this deduction limit. The 2017 Omnibus Plan permits the grant of awards that are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation (such as restricted stock and restricted stock units that are conditioned on achievement of one or more performance goals, and stock options and stock appreciation rights) and of awards that do not so qualify (such as restricted stock and restricted stock units that are not conditioned on achievement of performance goals). If awards that are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation are granted in accordance with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, they will be fully deductible by the Company.
New Benefits Under the 2017 Omnibus Plan. The Committee has not granted any awards under the 2017 Omnibus Plan.If the 2017 Omnibus Plan is approved by our shareholders, any future grants of awards thereunder that will be made to eligible executive officers, employees and directors are subject to the discretion of the Committee and, therefore, are not determinable at this time.
To approve the 2017 Omnibus Plan, the votes cast “for” must exceed the votes cast “against” Proposal 3 at the Annual Meeting.



PROPOSAL 4
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, performed an audit of our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2016. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has selected thePricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP asfor fiscal 2017 and the Company’s independent auditorCommittee is presenting this selection to shareholders for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2014. The Audit Committee has directed that management submit the selection of independent auditors for ratification by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting.ratification.

Shareholder ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent auditor is not required by the Bylaws or otherwise. However,Company's bylaws, however, the Audit Committee and Board of Directors areis submitting the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for shareholder ratification because they valuethe Audit Committee values shareholders’ views on the Company’s independent auditors. If the shareholders fail to ratify the selection, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Even if the selection is ratified, theThe Audit Committee mayalso retains the right to direct the appointment of a different independent accounting firm at any time during the year if the Audit Committeeit determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders.
 
A representative of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement and respond to appropriate questions.
 
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT AUDITORS.

6




CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
 
The following table sets forth, as of October 15, 2013,2016, unless otherwise indicated, certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of common stock by persons known by the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of common stock, by the directors and nominees for director, by each executive officer of the Company named in the Summary Compensation Table below and by the Company’s executive officers and directors as a group. Shares are deemed to be beneficially owned by any person or group who has the power to vote or direct the vote or the power to dispose or direct the disposition of such shares, or who has the right to acquire beneficial ownership thereof within 60 days:
 
Beneficial Owner (1) 
Amount and
Nature
   
Percent of
Class
Five Percent Shareholders:      
BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A.
    400 Howard Street
    San Francisco, California 94105
 5,903,037
 (2) 8.1%
Vanguard Group, Inc.
    100 Vanguard Boulevard
    Malvern, PA 19355
 4,086,665
 (2) 5.6%
Grupo Daniel Alonso, Inc
    Avenida Conde Guadalhorce 5759
    Aviles, Asturias Spain 33400
 3,928,724
 (2) 5.4%
Fidelity Management & Research Company
    245 Summer Street
    Boston, MA 02210
 3,884,078
 (2) 5.3%
       
Named Executive Officers and Director Nominees:      
Robert C. Arzbaecher, Chief Executive Officer, Director and Chairman 1,310,730
 (3) 1.8%
Gurminder S. Bedi, Director 51,798
 (4) *
William S. Blackmore, Executive Vice President—Engineered Solutions Segment 151,269
 (5) *
Thomas J. Fischer, Director 84,268
 (6) *
Mark E. Goldstein, President, Chief Operating Officer and Director 369,973
 (7) *
William K. Hall, Director 123,465
 (8) *
R. Alan Hunter, Jr., Director 60,906
 (9) *
Brian K. Kobylinski, Executive Vice President, Industrial Segment and China 138,416
 (10) *
Andrew G. Lampereur, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 454,881
 (11) *
Robert A. Peterson, Director 114,709
 (12) *
Holly A. Van Deursen, Director 50,558
 (13) *
Dennis K. Williams, Director 65,553
 (14) *
       
Directors Not Continuing in Office:      
Gustav H.P. Boel, Executive Vice President and Director 49,178
 (15) *
       
All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (18 persons), including individuals named above. 3,162,639
 (16) 4.3%
Beneficial Owner (1) 
Amount and
Nature
   
Percent of
Class
Five Percent Shareholders:      
Southeastern Asset Management, Inc.
    6410 Poplar Avenue, Suite 900
    Memphis, TN 38119
 6,411,176 (2) 10.9%
Blackrock, Inc.
    55 East 52nd Street
    New York, NY 10022
 5,673,677 (2) 9.6%
Vanguard Group, Inc.
    100 Vanguard Boulevard
    Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355
 4,656,824 (2) 7.9%
Fuller & Thaler Asset Management Inc.
    411 Borel Avenue - 300
    San Mateo, CA 94402
 4,243,488 (2) 7.2%
Dimensional Fund Advisors, L.P.
    6300 Bee Cave Road
    Austin, TX 78746
 3,428,469 (2) 5.8%
Pzena Investment Management, LLC
320 Park Avenue, 8
th Floor
New York, NY 10022
 2,947,227 (2) 5.0%
       
Named Executive Officers and Director Nominees:      
Randal W. Baker, President and Chief Executive Officer 39,856 (3) *
Gurminder S. Bedi, Director 63,898 (4) *
Danny L. Cunningham, Director 1,251 (5) *
E. James Ferland, Director 15,271 (6) *
R. Alan Hunter, Jr., Director 71,998 (7) *
Brian K. Kobylinski, former Executive Vice President, Energy Segment 135,201 (8) *
Andrew G. Lampereur, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 637,548 (9) 1.1%
Robert A. Peterson, Chairman of the Board of Directors 136,601 (10) *
Stephen J. Rennie, Executive Vice President, Industrial Segment 37,942 (11) *
Roger A. Roundhouse, Executive Vice President, Engineered Solutions Segment 21,586 (12) *
Mark (David) Sefcik, former Executive Vice President, Industrial Segment 172,177 (13) *
Eugene E. Skogg, Executive Vice President, Human Resources 57,353 (14) *
Holly A. Van Deursen, Director 61,887 (15) *
Dennis K. Williams, Director 79,898 (16) *
       
Directors Not Continuing in Office:      
Robert C. Arzbaecher, former President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors 928,770 (17) 1.6%
Thomas J. Fischer, Director 79,625 (18) *
       
All Directors and Current Executive Officers as a group (16 persons) 2,376,090 (19) 4.0%
                              
*Less than 1%.
 
(1)
Unless otherwise noted, the specified person has sole voting power and/or dispositive power over the shares shown as beneficially owned.
(2)
Share ownership, as of September 30, 2013,2016, based on a report issued to the Company by a third party service provider.


(3)
Includes 2,400 shares held by spouse, 2,200 shares held by his children through a custodian, 36,781 shares held in the 401(k) Plan, 11,900 shares held in an individual IRA Account and 60,000 shares held by a family limited partnership. Also includes 713,317 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable currently or within 60 days of October 15, 2013. Includes 55,000 shares held by the Arzbaecher Family Foundation, for which Mr. Arzbaecher disclaims beneficial ownership. Excludes 35,038189 phantom stock units held in the Employee Deferred Compensation Plan, which are settled in Actuant common stock no less than six months following termination of employment. Mr. ArzbaecherBaker does not have any voting or dispositivedipositive power with respect to the phantom stock units.

7



(4)
Includes 5,000 shares held by a trust and 2,265 shares of unvested restricted stock.trust. Also includes 41,290 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of October 15, 2013.
(5)Includes 294 shares held in the 401(k) Plan. Also includes 107,85047,525 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable currently or within 60 days of October 15, 2013. Excludes 3,615 phantom stock units held in the Employee Deferred Compensation Plan, which are settled in Actuant common stock no less than six months following termination of employment. Mr. Blackmore does not have any voting or dispositive power with respect to the phantom stock units.2016.
(6)
(5)
Includes 77,290 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable currently or within 60 days of October 15, 2013.
(7)Includes 7,244 shares held in the 401(k) Plan, 5,500 shares held in an individual IRA Account and 1,185 shares held in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Also includes 267,700 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable currently or within 60 days of October 15, 2013. Excludes 22,221 phantom stock units held in the Employee Deferred Compensation Plan, which are settled in Actuant common stock no less than six months following termination of employment. Mr. Goldstein does not have any voting or dispositive power with respect to the phantom stock units.
(8)Includes 2,265 shares of unvested restricted stock. Also includes 77,290 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable currently or within 60 days of October 15, 2013. Includes 35,4801,251 phantom stock units held in the Outside Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, which are settled in Actuant common stock, generally within 60 days following the director’s termination of service.
(9)
(6)
Includes 49,2903,875 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable currently or within 60 days of October 15, 2013. 2016. Also includes 2,531 phantom stock units held in the Outside Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, which are settled in Actuant common stock, generally within 60 days following the director’s termination of service.
(7)
Includes 55,525 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable currently or within 60 days of October 15, 2016. Also includes 7,373 phantom stock units held in the Outside Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, which are settled in Actuant common stock, generally within 60 days following the director’s termination of service.
(10)
(8)
Includes 294652 shares held in the 401(k) Plan. Also includes 82,45071,287 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable currently or within 60 days of October 15, 2013.2016. Excludes 2,6483,262 phantom stock units held in the Employee Deferred Compensation Plan, which are settled in Actuant common stock no less than six months following termination of employment. Mr. Kobylinski does not have any voting or dispositivedipositive power with respect to the phantom stock units.
(11)
(9)
Includes 12,24512,902 shares held in the 401(k) Plan, 73624,900 shares held in an individual IRA account, 739 shares held in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and 2,250 shares held by his children through custodians. Also includes 238,200289,199 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable currently or within 60 days of October 15, 2013.2016. Excludes 4,4125,372 phantom stock units held in the Employee Deferred Compensation Plan, which are settled in Actuant common stock no less than six months following termination of employment. Mr. Lampereur does not have any voting or dispositivedipositive power with respect to the phantom stock units.
(12)
(10)
Includes 16,400 shares held in an individual IRA Account,account and 6,000 shares held in trusts for his children and 2,265 shares of unvested restricted stock.children. Also includes 57,29063,525 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable currently or within 60 days of October 15, 2013. Includes 25,1112016. Also includes 33,140 phantom stock units held in the Outside Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, which are settled in Actuant common stock, generally within 60 days following the director’s termination of service.
(13)
(11)
Includes 41,290759 shares held in the 401(k) Plan. Also includes 6,417 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable currently or within 60 days of October 15, 2013.
(14)Includes 57,290 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable currently or within 60 days of October 15, 2013.
(15)Includes 9,976 shares issuable pursuant to restricted stock unit awards that vest within 60 days of October 15, 2013.2016. Excludes 4,3161,770 phantom stock units held in the Employee Deferred Compensation Plan, which are settled in Actuant common stock no less than six months following termination of employment. Mr. BoelRennie does not have any voting or dispositivedipositive power with respect to the phantom stock units.
(16)
(12)
Includes 33,800 shares held in individual IRA accounts, 60,000 shares held by family limited partnerships, 55,000 shares held by a family foundation, 2,400 shares held by spouses, 4,450 shares held by custodians for minor children, 6,000 shares held in a private trust accounts for children, 5,000 shares held in private trust accounts, 2,138 shares held in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 64,435174 shares held in the 401(k) Plan, 6,945 shares of unvested restricted stock and 9,976 shares issuable pursuant to restricted stock unit awards that vest within 60 days of October 15, 2013.Plan. Also includes 1,895,6094,912 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable currently or within 60 days of October 15, 2013. Includes 67,9642016. Excludes 424 phantom stock units held in the Employee Deferred Compensation Plan, which are settled in Actuant common stock no less than six months following termination of employment. Mr. Roundhouse does not have any voting or dipositive power with respect to the phantom stock units.
(13)
Includes 1,947 shares held in the 401(k) Plan. Also includes 125,859 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable currently or within 60 days of October 15, 2016. Excludes 8,548 phantom stock units held in the Employee Deferred Compensation Plan, which are settled in Actuant common stock no less than six months following termination of employment. Mr. Sefcik does not have any voting or dipositive power with respect to the phantom stock units.
(14)
Includes 12,514 shares held in an individual IRA account. Excludes 149 phantom stock units held in the Employee Deferred Compensation Plan, which are settled in Actuant common stock no less than six months following termination of employment. Mr. Skogg does not have any voting or dipositive power with respect to the phantom stock units.
(15)
Includes 47,525 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable currently or within 60 days of October 15, 2016.
(16)
Includes 63,525 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable currently or within 60 days of October 15, 2016.
(17)
Includes 2,400 shares held by his spouse, 2,200 shares held by his children through a custodian, 37,991 shares held in the 401(k) Plan and 11,900 shares held in an individual IRA account. Also includes 485,014 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable currently or within 60 days of October 15, 2016.
(18)
Includes 63,525 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable currently or within 60 days of October 15, 2016.
(19)
Includes 65,714 shares held in individual IRA accounts, 2,400 shares held by spouses, 4,450 shares held by custodians for children, 6,000 shares held in private trust accounts for children, 5,000 shares held in private trust accounts, 739 shares held in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and 60,466 shares held in the 401(k) Plan. Also includes 1,215,758 shares issuable pursuant to options exercisable currently or within 60 days of October 15, 2016. Includes 44,295 shares held in the Outside Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, which are settled in Actuant common stock, generally within 60 days following the director’s termination of service. Excludes 84,45316,467 phantom stock units held in the Employee Deferred Compensation Plan, which are settled in Actuant common stock no less than six months following termination of employment. The executive officers do not have any voting or dispositivedipositive power with respect to the phantom stock units.

The beneficial ownership information set forth above is based on information furnished by the specified persons or known to the Company and is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as required for purposes of this Proxy Statement. It is not necessarily to be construed as an admission of beneficial ownership for other purposes.

8





CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS
 
Corporate Governance Guidelines
 
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) has adopted the Actuant Corporation Corporate Governance Guidelines (the “Guidelines”). The Guidelines state that the Board is elected by the shareholders to provide oversight and guidance to management with a view to increasing shareholder value over the long term. The Guidelines cover various topics, including, but not limited to, director independence, board and committee composition, board operations and leadership development. The Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee of the Board monitors and oversees the application of the Guidelines and recommends to the Board any changes to the Guidelines. Each committee has a written charter that is approved by the Board and annually evaluated by the committee.
 
Board Committees, Charters, Functions and Meetings
 
The Board has three standing committees — Audit, Nominating & Corporate Governance and Compensation — and appoints the members of the committees after considering the recommendations of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee. There were six6 meetings of the Board during the fiscal year ended August 31, 20132016. All members of the Board attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board and all the committees on which they served. While the Company has no formal policy with respect to attendance of the directors at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders, all members of the Board attended the 20132016 Annual Meeting. Current Board committee membership and functions appear in the following table:
   
Committees Committee Functions
Audit
Thomas J. Fischer, Chair
William K. HallChairperson Danny L. Cunningham
R. Alan Hunter, Jr.
Robert A. PetersonE. James Ferland
Dennis K. Williams
 
Fiscal 20132016 Meetings98
 •    Manages oversight responsibilities related to accounting policies, internal control, financial reporting practices and legal and regulatory compliance
 •    Reviews the integrity of the Company’s financial statements
 •    Reviews the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence
 •    Reviews the performance of the Company’s internal audit function and the Company’s independent auditors
 •    Maintains lines of communication between the board of directorsBoard and the Company’s financial management, internal auditors and independent accountants
 •    Prepares the Audit Committee report to be included in the Company’s annual proxy statement
 •    Conducts an annual evaluation of the performance of the Audit Committee
Nominating & Corporate Governance William K. Hall, ChairRobert A. Peterson, Chairperson
Gurminder S. Bedi
R. Alan Hunter, Jr.
E. James Ferland
Holly A. Van Deursen


Fiscal 2013 Meetings—42016 Meetings—3

 •    Responsible for evaluating and nominating prospective members for the Board
 •    Exercises a leadership role in developing, maintaining and monitoring the Company’s corporate governance policies and procedures
 •    Conducts an annual assessment of the Board, Committees and Directors performance and contributions
•    Conducts an annual evaluation of the performance of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee
Compensation Dennis K. Williams, ChairHolly A. Van Deursen, Chairperson
Gurminder S. Bedi
Robert A. PetersonR. Alan Hunter, Jr.
Dennis K. Williams

Holly A. Van Deursen

Fiscal 2013 Meetings—42016 Meetings—8

 •    Determines the compensation of executive officers and makes recommendations to the Board regarding Chief Executive Officer compensation.
 •    Administers annual (short-term) incentive compensation plans and equity-based (long-term) compensation programs maintained by the Company
 •    Makes recommendations to the Board with respect to the amendment, termination or replacement of incentive compensation plans and equity-based compensation programs
 •    Recommends to the Board the compensation for boardBoard members and conducts an annual evaluation of the performance of the Compensation Committee
Leadership Structure
 
Historically, theThe positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer were combined,separated in orderconnection with the March 2016 CEO transition to provide the Company with unified leadership and direction. Effective at the 2014 Annual Meeting these positions will be split, as a result of Mr. Arzbaecher stepping down as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. He will remain Chairman of the Board, given his in-depth knowledge of our business that enables him to effectively recommend board agendas and ensure appropriate processes and relationships are established with both management and the Board. As a result, Mr. Goldstein, our President and Chief Operating Officer, will assume

9



the role of Chief Executive Officer at the 2014 Annual Meeting. Separating these positionsBaker. This allows our Chief Executive Officernew CEO to focus on ourthe day-to-day business operations, while allowing the Chairman of the Board to lead our Board of Directors in its role of providing independent oversight and advice to management. The Board retains the authority to modify this leadership structure as and when appropriate to best address the Company's current circumstances and to advance the interests of all shareholders.

The independentChairman of the Board members have elected a lead independent director to serve a renewable one-year term. The lead director(Mr. Peterson) presides over executive sessions of the independent directors; serves as liaison between the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and other independent directors; consults with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company as to appropriate scheduling and agendas of meetings of the Board; and serves as the principal liaison for communication by shareholders and employees directed specifically toward non-management directors. Mr. Hall currently serves as lead director.
 
Executive Sessions of Non-Management Directors
 
The non-employee directors of the Board regularly meet alone without any members of management being present. Mr. Hall, the lead director,Peterson presides at these sessions.
 
Independence of Directors; Financial Expert
 
The Board has determined that each of Ms. Van Deursen and Messrs. Bedi, Cunningham, Ferland, Fischer, Hall, Hunter, Peterson and Williams (i) is “independent” within the definitions contained in the current New York Stock Exchange listing standards and the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and (ii) has no other “material relationship” with the Company that could interfere with his or her ability to exercise independent judgment. In addition, the Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is “independent” within the definition contained in current Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules. One of the Audit Committee members, Mr. Fischer, serves on three other audit committees and also serves on the board of directors of a construction firm, CG Schmidt, which the Company has engaged for services. The Company’s Board has affirmatively determined that such simultaneous service does not impair Mr. Fischer’s ability to effectively serve as the chair of our Audit Committee. Furthermore, the Board has determined that all members of our Audit Committee meet the financial literacy requirements of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and qualify as “audit committee financial experts” as defined by the SEC.
 
Board Role in Risk Oversight
 
OurThe Board oversees an enterprise-wide approach to risk management, designed to support the achievement of organizational objectives (including strategic initiatives), to improve long-term organizational performance and enhance shareholder value. While the Board has the ultimate oversight responsibility for the risk management process, various committees of the Board also have responsibility for risk management. In particular, the Audit Committee focuses on legal, compliance and financial risk (including internal controls), while the Compensation Committee and the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee focus on compensation risk (as described below) and corporate governance policies, respectively.
 
Compensation Risk Assessment
 
In establishing and reviewing our executive compensation programs,program, the Compensation Committee considers, among other things, whether the compensation program rewards executives for performance and whether the program encourages unnecessary or excessive risk taking. In fiscal 2013, the Company performedThe Committee, with assistance from an independent compensation consultant (Willis Towers Watson), annually performs a compensation risk assessment (includingincluding an inventory of material incentive and sales compensation plans) and presented a summaryplans. The Committee has identified several mitigating factors that help reduce the likelihood of the findingsundue risk taking related to compensation arrangements including, but not limited to, the Compensation Committee.use of various measures (core sales, earnings, asset management, total shareholder return ("TSR"), and cash flow) in a balanced mix of annual and long-term incentive plans, use of multiple types of incentives (cash, stock options, restricted stock units, performance shares), and executive stock ownership guidelines that help align incentives with long-term company stock price appreciation. Based upon the assessment performed, the Committee believes that through a combination of risk mitigating features and incentives guided by relevant market practices and Company-wide goals, the Company’s compensation policies and practices do not encourage unnecessary or excessive risk taking and are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on financial results. In evaluating these compensation policies and practices, a number of factors were identified which the Compensation Committee believes discourages excessive risk taking, including the key factors described below:Company.
The Company’s compensation programs consist of a mix of incentives that are tied to varying performance periods and are designed to balance the need to drive current performance with the need to position the Company for long-term success;
Of this mix of incentives, consolidated earnings (before amortization, interest and taxes) and asset management are the most important factors in determining the amount of short-term incentive awards, while Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) and cash flow are key in determining long-term incentive awards. Additionally, the Company appropriately balances short and long-term incentives and makes long-term equity awards a meaningful, yet balanced component of compensation for a significant number of employees. This ensures that a portion of compensation is associated with long-term outcomes rather than short-term ones, which naturally aligns employees with shareholder interests;
The Compensation Committee engages a reputable independent compensation consultant, Towers Watson & Co. ("Towers Watson"), for advice, and regularly benchmarks against an established peer group of industrial companies;
The Company has defined stock ownership guidelines for our named executive officers and other key leaders that require significant investment by these individuals in the Company’s common stock (with the goal of shareholder alignment); and

10



The Committee retains complete discretion to reduce or eliminate annual cash incentive awards and can modify awards and payouts.

Use of Compensation Consultants and Other Advisors
 
The Compensation Committee has the authority to engage the services of outside advisors, experts and others to assist in performing its responsibilities. The Compensation Committee has utilized the services of Willis Towers Watson ("Willis") as its executive and director compensation advisoradviser for several years. During fiscal 20132016, fees paid to Towers WatsonWillis for services to the Committee totaled $128,800.were $154,400. The Company has also routinely engaged a separate divisiondivisions of Towers WatsonWillis for actuarial services related to pension plans, postretirementpost-retirement healthcare plans and other benefits. Total feesbenefits, as well as insurance brokerage services. Fees paid to Towers WatsonWillis for these additional services in fiscal 20132016 were $418,400. Towers Watson’s$567,500. Willis executive compensation consultants are not involved in providing any of the additional valuation, advisory and advisorybrokerage services to the Company.

Annually, Towers WatsonWillis provides the Committee with written confirmation of its independence and the existence of any potential conflicts of interest. The Committee also obtains an understanding of the policies and procedures that Towers WatsonWillis has in place to prevent


conflicts of interest, confirms thatevaluates whether there are no personal or business relationships between Towers WatsonWillis and members of the Committee and validates that employees of Towers WatsonWillis who perform consulting services do not own Actuant common stock. After considering these factors, the scope of services provided by Towers WatsonWillis and the amount of fees paid for executive compensation consulting and other valuation services, the Committee has concluded that the engagement of Towers Watson didWillis does not raise any conflictscreate a conflict of interest.

Codes of Conduct
 
The Company has a compliance plan and code of conduct that applies to all of its officers, directors and employees (the “Code of Conduct”). The Code of Conduct, which is reviewed annually by the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee, is available for your review on the corporate governance pagesection of the Company’s website at www.actuant.com.
The Company has also adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to its senior corporate executive team, including its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller. The codeCode of ethicsEthics is also posted on our website at www.actuant.com. The Company posts any amendments to, or waivers from, provisions of its code of ethics that apply to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Corporate Controller on the Company’sCompany's website.
 
Information Available Upon Request
 
Copies of the Company’s committee charters, corporate governance guidelines, Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics are posted inavailable on the Corporate Governance section of the Company’s website at www.actuant.com and may be obtained, free of charge, upon written request directed to our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Actuant Corporation, N86W12500 Westbrook Crossing, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, 53051 or by telephone at (262) 293-1500.

Director Selection Procedures
 
The Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee has the lead role in identifying director candidates, including the slate of directors presented for election at the Meeting. The Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee will consider recommendations from shareholders concerning the nomination of directors. Recommendations should be submitted in writing to the Company and state the shareholder’s name and address, the name and address of the candidate, and the qualifications of and other detailed background information regarding the candidate. To be included in a proxy statement, recommendations must be received by the Company not less than 120 calendar days preceding the date of release of the prior year’s proxy statement. The direct nomination of a director by shareholders must be made in accordance with the advance written notice requirements of the Company’s Bylaws. For consideration at the 2015 Annual Meeting, direct nominations must be received by the Company no later than the close of business on September 16, 2014 and no earlier than the close of business on August 17, 2014.
 
Nominees for director are selected on the basis of experience, integrity, ability to make independent analytical inquiries, understanding of the Company’s business environment and willingness to devote adequate time to boardBoard duties. Although the boardBoard does not have a formal diversity policy, the boardBoard is committed to an inclusive membership, embracing diversity with respect to background, experience, skills, education, special training, race, age, gender, national origin and viewpoints.
 
In evaluating director nominees, the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee also considers the following factors:
 
the needs of the Company with respect to the particular talents and experience of its directors;
the knowledge, skills and experience of nominees;
familiarity with national and international business matters;
experience with accounting rules and practices;

11



the desire to balance the considerable benefit of continuity with the periodic injection of the fresh perspective provided by new members; and
the appropriate size of the Company’s board of directors.Board.

The Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee’s goal is to assemble a Board that brings to the Company a variety of perspectives and skills derived from high quality business and professional experience. In doing so, the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee also considers candidates with appropriate non-business backgrounds.
 
Other than the foregoing, there are no stated minimum criteria for director nominees, although the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee may also consider such other factors as it may deem are in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. There is no limit with regard to the number of boards on which our directors may serve, but the board of directorsBoard considers service on others boards as a factor in the director selection process. The Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee does, however, believe it appropriate for at least one, and, preferably several, members of the boardBoard to meet the criteria for an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by Securities and Exchange CommissionSEC rules, and that a majority of the members of the boardBoard meet the definition of “independent director” under New York Stock ExchangeNYSE listing standards. The Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee also believes it appropriate for certain key members of the Company’s management to participate as members of the board.Board.
 
The Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee identifies nominees by first evaluating the current members of the Board who are willing to continue in service. Current members of the Board with skills and experience that are relevant to the Company’s business and who are willing to continue in service are considered for re-nomination, balancing the value of continuity of service by existing members of the Board with that of obtaining a new perspective. If any member of the Board does not wish to continue in service or if the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee or the Board decides not to nominate a member for re-election, the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee identifies the desired skills and experience of a new nominee in light of the criteria


above. Current members of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee and Board are polled for suggestions as to individuals meeting the criteria of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee. Research may also be performed to identify qualified individuals. From time to time, the Company has engaged third party search firms to identify, evaluate or assist in identifying potential nominees.

Director Resignation Policy
 
In order to ensure appropriate representation on our board of directors,Board, the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee has adopted a policy regarding resignation upon a director’s retirement or change in principal occupation or business association from the position the director held on the latter of: (a) the effective date of the policy; (b) the date when the director was last elected to our board of directors; and (c)Board or the date, if any, our board of directorsBoard last rejected an offer by the director to resign under the policy. Under the policy, uponUpon such a change in position, a director shall offer his or her resignation as a boardBoard member to the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee, which will then recommend that our board of directorsBoard accept or reject the offer of resignation based on a review of the qualifications of the director, and whether the director's resignation from the Board would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.shareholders.
 
Communications with Directors
 
The Board has adopted a process for communications with shareholders and other interested parties. Shareholders and other interested parties who want to communicate with the Board, the non-management directors as a group, or any individual director can write to: Actuant Corporation, Attention: Chairman, N86W12500 Westbrook Crossing, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051. Your letter should indicate that you are an Actuant shareholder. Depending on the subject matter, management will:
 
Forward the communication to the director or directors to whom it is addressed;
Attempt to handle the inquiry directly, for example where it is a request for information about the Company or it is a common stock related matter; or
Not forward the communication if it is primarily commercial in nature or if it relates to an improper or irrelevant topic.

At each Board meeting, a member of management presents a summary of all communications received since the last meeting that were not forwarded and makes those communications available to the directors upon request.

Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions
 
The Guidelines (applicable to Board members) and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (applicable to all employees) document the Company’s policies regarding conflicts of interest and related party transactions. Under these policies, any related party transaction or potential conflict of interest is reviewed by legal counsel and then referred to the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee for final resolution.

12



In October 2012,During fiscal 2016, the Company entered into a commercial arrangement withhad sales of approximately $0.5 million to a subsidiary of Grupo Daniel Alonso, Inc. (a five percent shareholder) under which the Company will purchase certain productsBabcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc (B&W). Mr. Ferland is President and components over the next several years (total potential contract value is 1,700,000 Euros). The arrangement wasChief Executive Officer of B&W and a member of our Board. These sales transactions were negotiated in the ordinary course of business at prices and on terms and conditions that management believeswe believe are no less favorable to the Company than those that would resulthave resulted from arm’s length negotiations between unrelated parties.
 
Other than as disclosed in the preceding paragraph, during fiscal 20132016 the Company wasis not aware of being party to any transaction in which an executive officer, director or 5% shareholder had a direct or indirect material interest.
 
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
 
During fiscal 20132016, no member of the Compensation Committee served as an officer, former officer or employee of the Company or had a relationship discloseable under “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions.” Further, during fiscal 20132016, no executive officer of the Company served as:
 
a member of the Compensation Committee (or equivalent) of any other entity, one of whose executive officers served as one of our directors or was an immediate family member of a director, or served on our Compensation Committee; or
director of any other entity, one of whose executive officers or their immediate family member served on our Compensation Committee.


13




REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
 
The following report of the Audit Committee does not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates this report by reference therein.
 
The Audit Committee of the boardBoard of directorsDirectors oversees and monitors the Company’s management and independent registered public accounting firm (currently PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP) throughout the financial reporting process. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the system of internal controls.
 
In this context, the Audit Committee has met and held discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm regarding the fair and complete presentation of the Company’s results of operations and the assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee has discussed significant accounting policies applied by the Company in its financial statements. Management represented to the Audit Committee that the Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
Additionally, the Audit Committee has done, among other things, the following:
 
discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP the overall scope and plans for its audit;
met with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, with and without management present, to discuss the results of its examinations, the evaluation of the Company’s internal controls, and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting;
reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 20132016 with the Company’s management and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP;
discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP those matters required to be discussed by Statement of Auditing Standards No. 61, Communications with Audit Committees ("SAS 61"), as amended and as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T,3200T; and
received the written disclosures and the letter from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP required pursuant to Rule 3526, “Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence,” of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”).

Based upon the foregoing, the Audit Committee recommended to the boardBoard of directorsDirectors that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 20132016.
 
No member of the Audit Committee is employed by or has any other material relationship with the Company. The boardBoard of directorsDirectors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee qualifies as an Audit Committee financial expert under Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, and the Audit Committee is comprised entirely of independent directors as required by the New York Stock Exchange listing standards and the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
 
Thomas J. Fischer, ChairmanChairperson
William K. HallDanny L. Cunningham
R. Alan Hunter, Jr.
Robert A. PetersonDennis K. Williams
E. James Ferland

14




EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
 
This section of ourthe proxy statement provides information regarding the fiscal 2013compensation programsprogram for our current and former Chief Executive Officer,Officers, our Chief Financial Officer, our three other most highly compensated executive officers at August 31, 2016, and the other three most highly-compensatedcompensation for two former executive officers, collectively referred to as our Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”). It explains our compensation philosophy,Our fiscal 2016 NEOs are as follows:

Robert C. Arzbaecher, former President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors (1)
Randal W. Baker, President and Chief Executive Officer (2)
Brian K. Kobylinski, former Executive Vice President, Energy Segment (resigned from the structure of our compensation programs, methodologies usedCompany effective April 2016)
Andrew G. Lampereur, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Stephen J. Rennie, Executive Vice President, Industrial Segment (3)
Roger A. Roundhouse, Executive Vice President, Engineered Solutions Segment
Mark (David) Sefcik, former Executive Vice President, Industrial Segment (departed the Company effective August 2016)
Eugene E. Skogg, Executive Vice President, Human Resources
(1)
Mr. Arzbaecher was President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of the Company from August 24, 2015 through February 29, 2016, after previously serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from August 2000 until he initially retired in January 2014.  
(2)
Mr. Baker joined the Company in March 2016 as President and Chief Executive Officer.
(3) Mr. Rennie was appointed to determine the elements of executive compensation and the reasons we use various elements in our compensation programs.his role effective August 2016, replacing Mr. Sefcik.


Executive Summary
 
The Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) oversees the Company’s executive compensation programs. It utilizes an independent compensation consultantActuant strives to provide guidancebe a premier diversified industrial corporation and advice on the development, monitoring and periodic adjustmentsa growth company that is operationally excellent. To achieve this, we look to the Company’s executive compensation programs. In additionoptimize our organization to attracting and retaining high caliber executives, the components of the executive compensation program (described on page 19) are designed to reward both short and long-term business performance. The mix of incentives, which are tied to varying performance periods, is designed to balance the need to drive current performance with long-term Company success. The Committee believes that the Company’s executives should be measured and rewarded for performancemaximize growth in growing sales, earnings, cash flow earnings and return on invested capital. Additionally, other factorsThis operating strategy requires a compensation philosophy that rewards both near-term operational and financial success, as well as decision-making that supports long-term shareholder value creation. In summary, the objectives of our compensation program are critical such asto:
attract and retain highly experienced and committed executives who have the successful executionskills, education, business acumen and background to successfully lead a diversified industrial company;
motivate and reward executives to drive and achieve our goal of corporate strategies, business portfolio management, expansion into emerging markets and other fast growing regions, building and developing a strong management team to ensure future succession, and fostering and driving a continuous improvement and high performance culture.increasing shareholder value;
The Committee uses incentive compensation to promoteprovide balanced incentives for the achievement of annualnear-term and longer term financial measures. Annual cash incentives are used to motivatelong-term objectives, without incentivizing executives to achieve specifictake excessive risk.
In fiscal 2016, our financial performance goals, suchgenerally mirrored the weak end market demand in most of our served industries. Our businesses faced cyclical headwinds in the oil & gas, mining, off-highway equipment, agriculture and general industrial end markets, as year-over-yearwell as the strengthening of the U.S. dollar. Given the overall weak environment, consolidated core sales declined 6% in fiscal 2016 from the prior fiscal year. The resulting lower production levels and fixed cost under-absorption, unfavorable mix and restructuring costs reduced operating profit margins and net earnings.  Despite lower earnings, we generated $112 million of Free Cash Flow which represented our 16th consecutive year of free cash flow in excess of net earnings.
  Year Ended August 31,
  2016 2015
  (amounts in millions, except per share amounts)
Net Sales $1,149
 $1,249
Core Sales Change (1)
 (6)% (5)%
Adjusted Earnings Per Share(2)
 $1.22
 $1.65
Free Cash Flow $112
 $113
Fiscal Year-end Stock Price $23.83
 $21.44
(1) Core sales change represents total sales growth (decline) excluding the impact of acquisitions, divestitures and foreign currency rate changes.
(2) Adjusted earnings per share excludes a product line divestiture gain ($0.03), restructuring charges ($0.17) and non-cash impairment charge ($2.86) in sales, earningsfiscal 2016 and a non-cash impairment charge ($1.33) in fiscal 2015.

As a result of this financial performance, there were limited cash flow.bonuses earned by NEOs under the annual incentive bonus plan in fiscal 2016 (see page 22 for details of the Annual Bonus program). In addition, the total shares vested related to Performance share awards (which include aShares (discussed on page 25) were below the target level for the recently completed three year performance period) are tiedperiod. Given tha


t incentive compensation and financial performance were both below target levels, we believe that our executive compensation program is effectively linked to financial objectives that are criticalperformance.
Compensation and Link to the long-term success of the Company and its shareholders, including stock price appreciation and cash flow generation. Option grants and restricted share awards with time-based vesting provisions promote the retention of key executives, help drive long-term performance and align management’s interests with those of shareholders.
Cash Flow Focused Business ModelPerformance
 
Our executive compensation program is aligned with our overall business model (illustrated below), which is intended to create shareholder value. For example,Our long-standing Combined Management Measure ("CMM"), the primary metric used for the annual bonus program, rewards high return on invested capital and the generation of strong cash flow, which we believe are key drivers of shareholder value. In addition, a portion of the performance-based restricted stockperformance based equity awards (discussed on page 23) isare tied to the attainment of free cash flow conversion targets. In addition,targets, while the annual bonus also incorporates core sales growth, the first component of our long standing CMM annual cash incentive program (discussed on page 20) rewards high return on invested capital (“ROIC’) and the generation of increased free cash flow, which we believe are critical factors in driving shareholder value.business model.
actuantbusinessmodel1.jpg

More than a decade ago, we developed this
Our business model which emphasizes cash flow generation. The model starts with core sales growth – through customer intimacy, new products,(sales growth excluding the impact of acquisitions, divestitures and foreign currency rate changes), product innovation and emerging market penetration and other aspects of our Growth + Innovation process.penetration. We further increase sales and profits through capital deployment in business acquisitions and reinvestment in our businesses, including capital expenditures. The acquisitions add new capabilities, technologies, customers and geographic presence to make our businesses stronger. Finally, continuous improvement – whether “leaning out” existing operations,Operational excellence processes including effective product sourcing, lean manufacturing, acquisition integration processes orand leadership development, – isalong with other continuous improvement activities, are utilized to improve profitability and drive cash flow.our businesses. When executed successfully,effectively, these steps lead toactions generate strong earnings and cash flow, generation thatwhich we redeployreinvest back into the business.business or return to shareholders via dividends and stock buybacks. Our compensation plans were designed to linkprogram links executive pay with Company performance,effective execution of this business model and to drivethe desired outcomes of growth in sales, earnings, cash flow and ultimately, Company stock price appreciation.


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Executive Compensation Objectives and Process
Our business model is directly linked to our overall executive compensation program, which is founded on three guiding principles:
Executive compensation is aligned with our overall business strategy of driving growth opportunities and improving operating metrics, while focusing on sales, earnings, cash flow and ROIC.
Key executives charged with establishing and executing our business strategy should have incentive compensation opportunities that align with long-term shareholder value creation. Performance equity awards, stock ownership requirements and longer vesting periods on equity awards (relative to prevailing market practices) are important components of that alignment.
Overall compensation targets reflect our intent to pay executive base salaries and Total Direct Compensation (defined as base salary plus annual cash incentives plus the grant date fair value of equity compensation) at the midpoint of the competitive market (based on industry and peer group data). When current or long-term performance targets are achieved or exceeded by the NEOs, actual compensation may exceed these levels.

The Committee’s objective is to develop a total compensation program that is competitive in the marketplace, motivates and retains a high performing management team and provides incentives to increase shareholder value. More specifically, the Committee aims to provide a total compensation opportunity for our NEOs that is competitive with that of executives with comparable responsibilities at similar companies.

Total Compensation and Link to Performance
The Committee believes that the achievement of financial performance objectives over an extended period of time results in the creation of shareholder value, consistent with our goal of long-term appreciation of the Company’s common stock. Accordingly, an important tenet of the Company’s executive compensation philosophy is a robust ownership requirement by its executives, coupled with a significant equity based incentive compensation element that rewards executives for driving long-term appreciation in the Company’s common stock. As summarized on page 22, equity based compensation represents, on average, nearly one-half of “target” Total Direct Compensation for our executives, including a higher proportion for our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Additionally, the Company’s Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan (described on page 21) and performance shares are directly linked to appreciation in the Company’s common stock, providing additional alignment with shareholders’ interests. The Committee believes that its current compensation programs provide a good mix of short-term and long-term compensation that supports both the business strategies and the goal of long-term shareholder value creation.

Shareholder Input on Executive Compensation Program
Shareholders provided majorityoverwhelming support for the compensation of our named executive officer compensationNEOs at the 20132016 Annual Meeting, with over 98%97% of shareholders voting in favor of our advisory vote on the compensation ofprogram for our named executive officers. Over the last several years, we have engaged in substantial ongoing discussionsNEOs. We engage with shareholders to gather feedback on our compensation program,programs, which has leadled to several changes to furtherthat strengthen the link between executive pay and Company performance. Specific changes to the executive compensation programhave included an increased emphasis on performance based equity compensation,awards, formalization of an anti-hedging policy, adoption of a compensation “clawback policy,” elimination of excise tax gross ups from change in control agreements for executive officers and modification of certain provisions of our annual cash incentivebonus program to increase the alignment of segment leadership with overall ActuantCompany performance. We believe that our executive compensation program is responsive to the feedback we have received and is aligned with shareholder interests. We will continually assess and modify our executive compensation program to incorporate shareholder input, industry trends and competitive compensation practices.

Oversight of the Executive Compensation ProgramsProgram
 
The Compensation Committee ("the Committee") is primarily responsible for overseeing the Company’s executive compensation program after consideringand considers advice from an independent compensation consultant regarding competitive market pay practices. The Company’s CEO and management team also provide the Committee specific information related to NEO performance, compensation data and financial results.




Role of Compensation Committee
 
The Committee establishes our executive compensation philosophy and administers the overall executive compensation program. The Committee reviews and approves all components of the compensation program, establishes objectives for our NEOs whichthat are aligned with the Company’s business and financial strategy, as well as shareholder interests and determines competitive compensation levels for our NEOs. CEO andcompensation is recommended by the other NEOs.Committee to the Board for approval. The Committee evaluatesassesses the performance of NEOs (other than the CEO) through verbal updates regarding their annual reviews completed by the CEO which are reviewed by the Committee, and performs a separate independent evaluation of the CEO’s performance. Based on this process, the Committee confirmed that the performance of each NEO in fiscal 2013 met or exceeded expectations.

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The Committee is comprised entirely of independent directors as defined by the New York Stock Exchange, each of whom is a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act and an “outside director” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. In executing its role, the Committee meets several times during the course of a fiscal year to review issues with respect to executive compensation matters. Additional information about the role and processes of the Committee can be found in the corporate governance section of our website at www.actuant.com.
Role of Compensation Consultant
 
Since fiscal 2003, theThe Committee has engaged Towers Watsonutilizes Willis as its independent compensation consultant. The consultant’s duties were to evaluateWillis assists the Committee by evaluating executive compensation, perform an analysis on realizedanalyzing pay alignment with financial and stock performance, discussproviding general compensation trends provideand competitive market practice data and benchmarking, participateand by participating in the design and implementation of certain elements of the executive compensation program and assist our CEO in developing compensation recommendations to present to the Committee for the executive officers other than himself. The compensation consultant provides the Committee with advice, consultation and market information on a regular basis, as requested, throughout the year. The compensation consultantprogram. Willis does not make specific recommendations on individual compensation amounts for the executive officers or the independent directors, nor does the consultantit determine the amount or form of executive and director compensation.

Role of Management and the Chief Executive Officer
 
The Chief Executive Officer,Our CEO, in consultation with the Committee’s compensation consultant,Willis, develops compensation recommendations for the Committee to consider. The Chief Executive OfficerCEO considers various factors when making individual compensation recommendations, including the relative importance of the executive’s position within the organization, the individualindividual’s tenure and experience of the executive, and the executive’s individual performance and contributions to the Company’s results.

The Executive Vice President-Global HumanPresident-Human Resources and other members of the Human Resources department, together with the CFO and members of the Finance department, and outside advisors, work with the CEO to monitor existing compensation plans and programs applicable to NEOs and other executives, to recommend financial and other targets to be achieved under those programs, to prepare analyses of financial data, peer comparisons and other briefing materials for the Committee in making its decisions, and, ultimately, to implement the decisions of the Committee.

Assessing Competitive BenchmarkingCompensation Practices
 
The Committee with the assistance of Towers Watson, reviews competitive market compensationboth general industry survey data, including theas well as compensation practices and pay opportunities for a selection of selected similarpublicly-traded U.S. companies that Actuant competes with from a business and executive talent perspective (the “Peer Group”). The Company and the Committee have regularly utilized a Peer Group consistsas part of publicly traded industrialthe annual benchmarking process. From time to time, the Committee has undertaken a review of the Peer Group to ensure it remains a reasonable and appropriate tool to utilize for both pay level and pay design benchmarking purposes. The Peer Group companies were chosen based on their alignment with the Company, as reflected in the following characteristics: 

Reasonably comparable market capitalization and revenue in a similar range to that of the Company. In addition, these companies have globalannual revenues
Global scope and complexity end-market
End-market diversification and acquisition
Acquisitive growth strategies similar to the Company. Many of the

The companies listed below are included in the“the Peer Group are also identified as comparables or peers to Actuant by the sellside research analysts that provide investment research coverage on Actuant. The Peer Group has been consistently utilized by the Committee, with the only recent change being the removal of Sauer-Danfoss, Inc. (as it became a privately owned company in April 2013). The current Peer Group consists of the following (amounts in billions)Group”:

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Company Name Ticker Revenue (1) Market Cap (2)
Actuant Corporation ATU $1.30
 $2.80
A.O. Smith Corp. AOS 1.90
 4.80
Albany International Corp. AIN 0.80
 1.20
AMETEK, Inc. AME 3.30
 11.60
Barnes Group, Inc. B 1.20
 1.90
Belden, Inc. BDC 1.80
 3.00
Brady Corp. BRC 1.20
 1.50
Crane Co. CR 2.60
 3.70
Donaldson Co., Inc. DCI 2.40
 5.80
EnerSys, Inc. ENS 2.30
 3.20
Federal Signal Corp. FSS 0.80
 0.90
IDEX Corp. IEX 2.00
 5.70
Kennametal, Inc. KMT 2.60
 3.60
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. LECO 2.90
 5.80
Modine Manufacturing Co. MOD 1.40
 0.60
Pall Corp. PLL 2.60
 9.00
Pentair, Inc. PNR 4.40
 13.40
Regal Beloit Corp. RBC 3.20
 3.30
Roper Industries, Inc. ROP 3.00
 12.60
Snap-On, Inc. SNA 2.90
 6.10
Tecumseh Products Co. TECUA 0.90
 0.10
Toro Co. TTC 2.00
 3.40
TriMas Corp TRS 1.30
 1.50
Valmont Industries, Inc. VMI 3.00
 3.90
Wabtec Corp. WAB 2.40
 6.30
Watts Water Technologies, Inc. WTS 1.40
 2.00
Woodward Inc. WWD 1.90
 2.70
Peer Group Average   2.13
 4.46
(1)Altra Industrial Motion CorpMost recently completed fiscal year for which a Form 10-K has been filed.
CLARCOR, IncHillenbrand, IncRexnord Corp
(2)AO Smith CorpMarket capitalization as of November 1, 2013.Crane CoIDEX CorpStandex International Corp
Barnes Group IncEnerSysJohn Bean Technologies CorpTriMas Corp
Belden IncEnPro Industries, IncKennametal IncWoodward, Inc
Brady CorpGraco IncLincoln Electric Holdings Inc
Briggs & Stratton CorpHarsco CorpNordson Corp

In addition to thePeer Group compensation data, for the Peer Group, the Committee alsoprimarily uses a broaderbroad set of data from the Towers Watson Willis Executive Compensation Market Analysis Survey to obtain general background compensation information and an understanding of executive compensation trends. The Towers WatsonWillis survey data represents all participants in the Towers WatsonWillis database, with the exclusion of the financial services, healthcare and the energy services industries. The Committee does not determine the companies that are included in the Towers WatsonWillis survey data. The data (for(far in excess of 400 listed companies) is adjusted using regression analysis to reflect an organization of our revenue size. The data is reviewed in aggregate and on an individual basis by the Committee and provides an additionalthe primary reference point for making compensation related decisions. The Committee believes that this survey data, together with the compensation practices of the Peer Group and CEO recommendations (for other NEOs based on experience, expertise and demonstrated performance), accurately defines competitive market compensation for executive talent.
Tally Sheets
The Committee annually reviews the total fixed, incentive and equity compensation received by each NEO, including base salary, annual and long-term incentives, equity awards, executive perquisites, total equity holdings in the Company and post-employment obligations. The Committee uses tally sheets to facilitate this review, and to help establish each NEO’s compensation package.

How
Target Levels ofLevel Compensation Are DeterminedDetermination
 
In determining the amount ofTo determine NEO compensation, to pay our NEOs, the Committee considers factors such as the executive’s position within the Company and level of responsibility, skills and experiences required by the position, the executive’s qualifications, our ability to replace such individual and the overall competitive environment for executive talent. The Committeeenvironment. It also considers the Company’s performance in various economic environments, current and historical compensation levels, performance in the executive’srole, length of service, to our Company, the Committee’s view of internal equity and consistency and other considerations it deemsmay feel are relevant. In

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analyzing these factors, the Committee reviews competitive compensation data gathered in comparative surveys (benchmarking data) and focuses on the approximate 50th percentile for each component of pay, as well as target total compensation. The Committee defines the 50th percentile as the median of the peer group. The following is a summary of how target compensation levels are determined for key components of our overall compensation program:
Base Salary: Base salaries are based on individual performance and contribution to Company goals. In the aggregate, base salaries are paid +/- 25% of the 50th percentile of market ranges, with specific factors such as individual job responsibilities, scope of duties, time in position and the Company’s growth being considered. To maintain its desired market position, the Committee conducts annual salary reviews.
Annual Cash Incentives: Annual cash incentives provide NEOs and other key employees with the opportunity to earn additional annual compensation beyond base salary. These short-term incentives are targeted at the 50th percentile of the market with higher/lower payouts based on Company performance versus objectives and an individual’s longevity/experience with the Company. Annual cash incentives will generally not exceed the 75th percentile of market.
Equity Compensation: These long-term incentives focus on shareholder value creation and employee retention. The amount of equity compensation that is awarded to each of our NEOs is generally determined by reference to compensation survey data for the prior year gathered by Towers Watson, along with Peer Group compensation. Annually, the Committee grants equity awards to each NEO generally at the 50th percentile of the market, with higher/lower equity awards possible, but that generally do not exceed the 75th percentile of market.

Retirement and Other Benefits: These benefits are offered at competitive levels consistent with market practices.
The established targets for individual components and overall executive compensation are designed to be competitive in order to attract, motivate and retain the executives necessary to drive and achieve the Company’s objectives.Total Direct Compensation. In some cases, individual components may be over or under market (in order to emphasize a particular element or if individual circumstances dictate), but the total compensation package is market competitive.competitive and will generally not exceed the 75th percentile of market.

Components of ExecutiveTotal Direct Compensation for Fiscal 2013
 
For fiscal 2013,As summarized below, the primarymajority of Total Direct Compensation is performance based and not guaranteed. We also provide various retirement and benefit programs. This graphic, depicting the CEO's (Mr. Baker) total direct compensation, along with the descriptions that follow, provide a snapshot of the components forand rationale behind the NEOs were base salary, an annual cash incentive, the long-term cash incentive plan, equity compensation (principally stock options, restricted stock and performance shares) and benefits. The Committee has fashioned the various componentselements of our 2013 NEO compensation program to meet its overall compensation objectives, as summarized in the following table:program.componentsoftotaldirectcomp.jpg
Compensation and Performance Objective
Attraction and RetentionShort-Term PerformanceEquity Appreciation and Long-Term Performance
Base salaryü
Annual cash incentiveüü
Long-term cash incentiveüü
Equity compensation:
Stock optionsüü
Restricted stocküü
Performance sharesüü
Retirement and other benefitsüü
The Committee believes that the overall compensation program serves to balance both the mix of cash and equity compensation as well as the mix of short and long-term compensation for our NEOs. Annually, the Committee determines the mix of short and long-term compensation based on compensation data and trends in the Peer Group, but does not adhere to a specific formula for the mix. The following is a description of each of the five components of NEO compensation.
Cash Compensation
Base Salary
 
Base salaries are reviewed annually and are established considering the scope and complexity of the role, market competitiveness, individual performance and Company operating performance. Individual performance is evaluated based on achievement of established goals and objectives related to such items as business performance and leadership expectations.leadership. Generally changes in base salary are the result of either an annual merit increase, promotion or changes in role or market adjustment. Base salary increases for NEOs occurred in January 2016 and were in the 1% to 4% range, reflecting annual merit adjustments.



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Annual Cash IncentiveBonus
 
Our NEOs, along with other executivesleaders and substantially all U.S. employees, have an opportunity to earn an annual cash incentive (the “Annual Cash Incentive”)bonus based on achievement of annual financial performance objectives. The performance objectives for the NEOs are approved by the Committee in the first quarter of each fiscal year.
The Annual Cash Incentive Planbonus is designed to reward short-term performance in successfully growing sales, earnings, cash flow and return on invested capital. In lieu of measuring performanceCombined Management Measure ("CMM") was the primary financial metric in each of these individual financial metrics, the Company has utilized “Combined Management Measure” (“CMM”) as its primary short-term financial performance metricfiscal 2016 because it encompasses all of them.those key factors. CMM has been the primary short-term (annual) financial performance metric in use at the Company for well over a decade. The Committee and management believe CMM drives earnings and cash flow growth which is core to the Company’s business model (described on page15). The Company’s Annual Cash Incentive is intentionally not tied to changes in the Company’s common stock price,calculated as financial results and stock performance can become decoupled in the short-term due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, overall stock market valuation, sector valuation trends, interest rates and the economic outlook. The following illustrates the calculation of CMM:follows:
 
Net Income
+ Financing Costs (Interest Expense)
+ Income Taxes
+ Amortization of Intangible Assets
= EBITA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes and Amortization)
- Asset Carrying Charge(1) 
= Combined Management Measure
 
(1)
The Asset Carrying Charge is the sum ofcalculated by adding (1) a 20% ofcharge applied to the average total currentnet tangible assets (current assets, net fixed assets and other long-term assets, less accounts payable, accrued compensation, pension and employee benefits, current income tax balances and other liabilities, and (2) 12% of the average total of goodwill, intangible assets and non-current deferred income tax balances.

We believe
benefits, current income tax balances and other liabilities), to (2) a 12% charge applied to the average total intangible assets (goodwill, intangible assets and non-current deferred income taxes).

CMM is an effective measure of economic profitability and encourages employees to drive both income statement and balance sheet performance. We believe that CMM is closely linkedtied to both ROICreturn on invested capital and cash flow, which are important financial decision makingkey measures at the Company. The CMM metric has helped drive ROIC and cash flow, which we believe ultimately createslinked to shareholder value. This combination of metrics, and a thorough annual review of objectives and programs that underlie these metrics, along with regular progress reviews, ensure that individual performance is in balance and do not encourage undue risk.
value creation. In addition to utilizing CMM Management Business Objectives (“MBOs”) are factored into the performance goals for the Annual Cash Incentive, becauseannual bonus, we also utilize a similar calculation for capital deployment and decision making within the Company believes that MBOs emphasizerelated to acquisitions and other investments.

We also utilize core sales growth as part of the annual bonus plan because it emphasizes this important measuresdriver of ourperformance success.  MBO’sCore sales growth targets are established at an individual business unit level.  Segment level executives including Messrs. Kobylinski, Rennie, Roundhouse and may include, butSefcik are not limited to,measured on core sales growth levels, expansion into emerging markets, product innovation metrics and low cost country sourcing initiatives. Unique MBOs are not established for each NEO. Rather, the MBO targets for segment level executives such as Messrs. Kobylinski and Blackmore represent the weighted average of the individual MBO targets for the underlying businesses withinassociated with their respective segments.  Similarly, the MBO measures forCorporate executives including Messrs. Arzbaecher, GoldsteinBaker, Lampereur and Lampereur represent the weighted average ofSkogg are measured on the achievement of all of Actuant’s individual business unit MBOs.consolidated Actuant core sales growth targets.

Target CMM amounts (including Actuant CMMAnnual bonus target percentages vary by NEO and Segment CMM)are determined based on their scope of duties and related MBO's are designedresponsibilities as well as market and peer group data. For fiscal 2016, actual bonus payments could range from 0% to be appropriately challenging and there is a risk that payments will not be made at all or will be made at less than 100%250% of the target amount.annual bonus based on actual performance. NEOs not in charge of one of our segments had an annual bonus based on 70% CMM and 30% Actuant core sales growth. NEOs responsible for a business segment were eligible for an annual bonus based on 20% Actuant CMM, 50% segment CMM and 30% segment core sales growth. The degreefollowing table summarizes the fiscal 2016 annual bonus opportunity and weighting for each NEO.
  
Annual Bonus
Opportunity as a %
of Base Salary
 
Weighting of Components of
Target Annual Bonus
Name Threshold Target Maximum 
Actuant
CMM
 
Segment
CMM
 Core Sales Growth
Robert C. Arzbaecher 0% 150% 375.0% 70%  30%
Randal W. Baker (1)
 0% 100% 250.0% 70%  30%
Brian K. Kobylinski 0% 60% 150.0% 20% 50% 30%
Andrew G. Lampereur 0% 70% 175.0% 70%  30%
Stephen J. Rennie (2)
 0% 55% 137.5% 20% 50% 30%
Roger A. Roundhouse 0% 60% 150.0% 20% 50% 30%
Mark (David) Sefcik 0% 55% 137.5% 20% 50% 30%
Eugene E. Skogg 0% 55% 137.5% 70%  30%
(1)
In accordance with his offer letter dated February 24, 2016, Mr. Baker was entitled to a minimum annual bonus amount of $212,500 in fiscal 2016.
(2)
Mr. Rennie's target bonus opportunity was increased from 50% to 55%, effective August 2016, in connection with his promotion to Executive Vice President-Industrial Segment.

The annual bonus earned is based on performance against pre-approved CMM and core sales targets, which are established by the Committee in the first quarter of difficulty, therefore, in achieving the target CMM measures is designedfiscal year, considering financial plans, year-over-year improvement and the economic environment. Following the completion of a fiscal year, the Committee approves annual bonus payouts based on the extent to be reasonably high. Variations in payouts from year to year are consistent with the Committee's approach of tying annual cash incentives to the Company's annual financial performance.which targets were achieved.

In accordance with Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K, we have not disclosed the MBO’s or CMMannual bonus financial targets for fiscal 20132016 because they represent confidential information the disclosure of which, if disclosed, could result in competitive harm. The CMM measure we useThese financial measures can be impacted by a variety of non-recurring or extraordinary items (e.g., acquisitions, divestitures, business restructuring, accounting rule changes, certain other non-cash gainsetc.) and losses, etc). Actual CMMactual results may be adjusted for acquisitions, divestitures, accounting changes and otherthese items whichif they were not contemplated in the target setting process. All adjustments to the CMM calculationannual bonus financial results are reviewed and approved by the Committee. Given that the assumptions used to determine the CMM targetannual bonus financial targets and related adjustments necessarily include elements of strategic operations, timing of new product

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development, launches, restructuring activities or investments in growth initiatives, we believe disclosure of such information could cause us competitive harm by potentially revealing to our competitors, customers, vendors and suppliers our confidential operating and financial objectives.
 


In order to illustrate the historical level of performance against CMM and MBOannual bonus targets, the following table summarizes the actual Annual Cash Incentiveannual bonus payout percentages achieved by our CEOcorporate executives (expressed as a percentage of the target Annual Cash Incentiveannual bonus level) and the level of achievement of Actuant MBOs (which represent the weighted average of the achievement of all of Actuant's individual business unit MBOs), for each of the last five fiscal years:
Fiscal Year CMM Payout MBO Achievement Annual Bonus Payout
2009 0% 0%
2010 229% 73%
2011 197% 85%
2012 113% 70% 113%
2013 0% 81% (1) 
8% (1)
2014 7%
2015 0%
2016 4%
 
(1) Corporate executives declined annual bonuses in fiscal 2013.
(1) Corporate executives declined annual bonuses in fiscal 2013.

(1) - Mr. Arzbaecher has declined his Annual Cash Incentive payout tied to
fiscal 2013 MBOs.

Annual Cash Incentive target percentages vary by NEO and are determined based on market studies, the peer group, and each NEO’s scope of duties and responsibilities. Actual Annual Cash Incentive payments can range from 0% to 250% of the target incentive based on actual performance. NEOs not in charge of business units or segments receive Annual Cash Incentive payments based on the performance of the Company as a whole (Actuant CMM). NEOs responsible for a business segment are eligible for an Annual Cash Incentive based on Actuant CMM, Segment CMM for their respective segment and MBOs. The following table summarizes the fiscal 2013 Annual Cash Incentive opportunity and weighting for each NEO.
  
Annual Cash Incentive
Opportunity as a %
of Base Salary
 
Weighting of Components of
Target Annual Cash
Incentive
Name Threshold Target Maximum 
Actuant
CMM
 
Segment
CMM
 MBOs
Robert C. Arzbaecher 0% 100% 250.0% 90%  10%
William S. Blackmore 0% 55% 137.5% 35% 55% 10%
Mark E. Goldstein 0% 70% 175.0% 90%  10%
Brian K. Kobylinski 0% 55% 137.5% 35% 55% 10%
Andrew G. Lampereur 0% 65% 162.5% 90%  10%
The Annual Cash Incentive earned is based on performance against pre-approved targets, which are established by the Committee in the first quarter of the fiscal year, considering financial plans, year-over-year improvement and the economic environment. Following the completion of a fiscal year, the Committee determines the extent to which the established targets for the Annual Cash Incentives were satisfied.
Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan
Our Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan (“LTIP”), which was approved by shareholders in July 2006, provides a cash incentive for certain executive officers to increase long-term shareholder value. The LTIP plan was designed to be performance based (alignment with Company common stock price appreciation) and covers an eight-year measurement period running from May 1, 2006 to May 1, 2014. The amount of compensation to be paid to the four LTIP Participants (Messrs. Arzbaecher, Blackmore, Goldstein and Lampereur), if any, is based on the timing of the Company's common stock price being at least $50 for 30 consecutive trading days. The aggregate payout under the LTIP program can range from $0 to $20 million. In the event the employment of any of the LTIP Participants is terminated prior to the performance target being met, no payout will be made to the terminated individual and the associated pro-rata share will not be reallocated to the remaining participants.

In determining the amount of the overall pool payable under the LTIP, the Compensation Committee evaluated market comparable long-term incentive pay data and practices, and considered the annualized Total Shareholder Return (TSR) that would be required to meet the performance criteria. At the time the LTIP was approved by shareholders, the hypothetical

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attainment of the $50 per share stock price target would have resulted in approximately $1.6 billion in incremental shareholder value creation. The Compensation Committee approved a plan that rewardedis modifying the LTIP Participants with a cash incentive based onAnnual Bonus effective for fiscal 2017 (i.e. next fiscal year). Changes include reducing the Company's common stock approximately doubling in price. Assuming the stock target goal was hit within the initial five year period, it would have represented an approximate doubling of the Company's market capitalization (and presumed stock price)maximum bonus opportunity multiplier from 250% to 200%, and 1.3%changing the metrics to a blend of such aggregate appreciation (or $20 million) would have been paid to the LTIP Participants for performance over the five-year measurement period. Conversely, nocore sales, EBITDA margin, and free cash payout will be paid in the event the stock price target is not met by the end of the 8 year LTIP plan life in 2014.
The overall incentive pool amount payable under the LTIP is based on the time it takes to achieve the $50 per share stock price performance target, as summarized below:
Date Performance Target Is MetLTIP  Payout Pool
Before May 1, 2011$ 20.0 million
Between May 1, 2011 and 201216.6 million
Between May 1, 2012 and 201313.3 million
Between May 1, 2013 and 201410.0 million
After May 1, 2014 or not met
The compensation payable to the LTIP participants is a percentage of the overall LTIP pool, as follows:
LTIP ParticipantShare of  Payout Pool
Robert C. Arzbaecher50%
William S. Blackmore16.66%
Mark E. Goldstein16.66%
Andrew G. Lampereur16.66%
The LTIP stock price targets have not been met to date, and the current maximum aggregate potential cash awards have effectively been reduced to $10.0 million, assuming Actuant's common stock price reaches $50 prior to May 1, 2014.flow.

Equity Compensation
 
The Company grantedWe generally grant three forms of equity compensation to our NEOs in fiscal 2013, including stock options, restricted stock and performance shares. The Committee believesWe believe that a significant portion of each NEO’s target Total Direct Compensation should be made in the form of equity compensation due to itsthe strong long-term alignment created with shareholders. The percentage thatIf our stock price declines, so does the Committee selects is dependent on the Committee’s assessment, for that year,value of the appropriate balance between cashNEOs' compensation, and vice versa. Stock options generally vest 50% after three years, with 100% at five years. Beginning in fiscal 2017, future restricted stock awards will generally vest in equal annual installments over a three year period. In revising the vesting period for restricted stock, the Compensation Committee concluded that a shorter vesting period would enhance retention by being more aligned with practices of companies in the Peer Group. The target value of NEO equity compensation as well as a given executive’sawards is generally allocated 35% in the form of options, 35% in restricted stock and 30% in performance longevity and experience with the Company and Total Direct Compensation compared to market.shares.

 The following table presents the proportiondescribes each type of each NEO’s fiscal 2013 target Total Direct Compensation that was comprised of equity compensation:
Name
Equity Compensation
Component of Target
Total Direct Compensation
Robert C. Arzbaecher57.5%
William S. Blackmore35.1%
Mark E. Goldstein48.2%
Brian K. Kobylinski40.3%
Andrew G. Lampereur45.7%
A description of the types of equity awards that have been granted to NEOs under the 2009 Omnibus Plan is as follows:award:
 
Stock Options—Stock options granted to NEOs generally become 50% exercisable three years (36 months) after the grant date and fullywith the remaining 50% exercisable after five years (60 months) after the grant date, as long as the NEO is still employed by the Company.years. The Committee has the ability to establishvary both the term and vesting schedule for new stock option grants withinin accordance with the parameters of the 2009 Omnibus Plan.plan. All options are granted following the Committee’s

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authorization, with an exercise price equal to the closing market price of a share of common stock on the date of grant and have a ten-year term. Stock option back-dating or re-pricing is expressly prohibited.
 
Restricted Stock Units and Awards—Restricted stock has generally vests either (i)vested 50% onafter three years with the third anniversary (36 months) of the date of grant andremaining 50% on the fifth anniversary (60 months) of the grant date provided that the holder is still employed by the Company or (ii) once performance conditions tied to financial results are achieved.vesting after five years. The Committee has the ability to establishvary both the term and vesting schedule for new grants. For fiscal 2017 (i.e. next fiscal year), restricted stock grants within the parameters of the 2009 Omnibus Plan. In accordance with IRS rules, recipients ofwill vest in equal annual installments over a three-year period. Individuals granted restricted stock units have the ability to defer receipt and taxability of restricted stockthe shares beyond their normal vesting dates into the Employee Deferred Compensation Plan by providing written notice to the Company at least twelve months in advance of the award’s scheduled vest date.

Performance Based Restricted Stock (Performance Shares)("Performance Shares")In fiscal 2012, the Company establishedOur Performance Share awards have a performance based equity compensation program under its existing 2009 Omnibus Plan. Performance Shares include a three year (36 month)three-year performance period, with vesting based 50% on achievement of an absolute Free Cash Flow Conversion target and 50% on the Company’s TSR relative to the S&P 600 SmallCap Industrial Index (approximately 90 companies). The performance period for the initial Performance Share grants runs from April 2012 through August 31, 2014. New three-year performance cycles will start annually for future years, with grants near the beginning of each fiscal year. The Committee designed the new Performance Sharesplan to include both TSR and Free Cash Flow Conversion elements to emphasize the importance of these two metrics to the long-term success of the Company. TSR aligns the interests of shareholders and executives, while strong Free Cash Flow Conversion is indicative of amplehelps ensure adequate cash flow availability, which is vitalgeneration to fund overall Company growth, (as discussed on page 15 “Cash Flow Focused Business Model”).dividends and stock buybacks. The targets and vesting scale for Performance Shares granted in fiscal 2016 are summarized as follows:
 
Measure Threshold Target Maximum  Threshold Target Maximum
Vesting Scale (as a percentage of Target) 50% 100% 150%
Relative TSR Percentile 25th 50th 75th  25th 50th 75th
Free Cash Flow Conversion 110% 125% 150%  100% 115% 140%
Vesting Scale (as a percentage of Target) 50% 100% 150% 



The target and actual shares vested for the recently completed three-year performance periods are summarized as follows (in aggregate for all NEOs):
Performance Period Ended Target Shares Actual Shares Vested % of Target Shares Vested
August 31, 2014 117,563 81,081 69%
August 31, 2015 98,342 58,967 60%
August 31, 2016(1)
 4,699 2,963 63%
(1) Mr. Lampereur was the only NEO with shares vesting from the fiscal 2014 Performance Share Grant

The three-year measurement period for the fiscal 2014 Performance Share grant ended August 31, 2016 and resulted in the vesting of 122% of the Free Cash Flow Conversion restricted stock shares and 0% of the TSR restricted stock shares. The following tables summarize threshold, target and maximum restricted stock share opportunities for the fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2016 Performance Share grants for eligible NEOs as of August 31, 2016:
  2015 Performance Shares Grant
Name Threshold Target Maximum
Andrew G. Lampereur  6,486 9,729
David (Mark) Sefcik  4,084 6,126
Roger A. Roundhouse  4,084 6,126

  2016 Performance Shares Grant
Name Threshold Target Maximum
Andrew G. Lampereur  9,321 13,982
Roger A. Roundhouse  6,353 9,530
Eugene E. Skogg  4,143 6,215

    
Medium-Term Incentive Plan—In fiscal 2009, the Company established a three year (36 month) Medium-Term Incentive Plan (“MTIP”) for its executive officers, other than Messrs. Arzbaecher, Goldstein and Lampereur, under which shares of restricted stock were granted to participants. In an effort to retain and appropriately motivate key talent, the Committee considered various factors in determining the size and type of awards granted under the MTIP including, but not limited to, the mix of existing short-term and long-term compensation and job responsibilities. During fiscal 2009, Messrs. Kobylinski and Blackmore each received grants of 15,000 shares of performance based restricted stock, as did several of the Company’s other executives. The MTIP shares were designed to vest if certain segment financial targets were met before November 30, 2012. Mr. Blackmore’s award has vested, while performance targets for Mr. Kobylinski were not met and therefore the award was forfeited.
As described above, equity compensation awards generally vest (i) 50% on the third anniversary of the date of grant and 50% on the fifth anniversary (60 months) for stock options and restricted stock, (ii) over a 36 month performance period for Performance Shares or (iii) upon retirement or later, subject to Committee approval. The extensive use of equity compensation, with vesting provisions that are longer in duration than most peer companies, combined with robust NEO stock ownership requirements (as discussed on page 25), ensures that a significant portion of NEO compensation is tied to long-term stock appreciation, which naturally aligns NEOs with shareholder interests.
Practices Regarding the Grant of Equity Compensation
 
The Committee has generally followed a practice of making all annual option and restricted stock grants to its NEOs on a single date each year, and at a time when all material information regarding our performance for the preceding year and our outlook for the current fiscal year has beenis publicly disclosed.available. In fiscal 2013,2016, the Committee granted these awards at its regularly scheduled January 20132016 meeting. The Company has not historically, nor does it intend toPerformance Share grants are made in October near the future, time stock awards withbeginning of the release of public information.three-year performance period. While the vast majority of our awards to NEOs have historically been made pursuant toas part of our annual grant program, the Committee retains the discretion to make additionaloccasionally makes awards to NEOs or other employees at other times, such as in connection with the initial hiring, of a new officer, in connection with promotions or for retention purposes.

PriorIn connection with the retirement of Mr. Arzbaecher and promotion of Mr. Mark Goldstein to fiscal 2012,CEO in January 2014, the Committee authorized the grant of restricted shares for retention purposes to Messrs. Lampereur (14,002 restricted shares or $500,000) and Kobylinski (12,602 restricted shares or $450,000). The Committee felt these awards reflected the importance of retaining key leadership during periods of CEO transition.

In August 2015, the Board approved an Investment/Matching Restricted Stock Grant Program ("the Program") for senior executives of the Company provided equity compensation awardsfor fiscal 2016 to executive officers primarily through a combinationincentivize, attract and retain senior executives during the CEO leadership transition. Under this Program the Company granted one share of stock options (60%) and restricted stock (40%or restricted stock unit (the “Matching Shares”). As a result for every two shares of Company common stock purchased by an eligible senior executive in October 2015, December 2015 and March 2016. The maximum value of the adoption of a performance based restricted

23



stock program in fiscal 2012, the approximate weighting of target values for long-term equity incentive compensation are as follows:
  
Stock
Options
 
Restricted
Stock
 
Performance
Shares
Robert C. Arzbaecher 0% 0% 100%
Other Named Executive Officers 35% 35% 30%
The entire long-term equity compensation awardthat could be purchased was limited to: $5 million for the Company’s former President and Chief Executive Officer and $2 million for each of the other NEOs. Contingent on the senior executive continuing to hold the purchased shares and remaining an employee with the Company or a member of the Board, the Matching Shares cliff vest on the third anniversary of the grant date; provided, however, that the Matching Shares fully vest in the event of (a) a termination of employment without cause; (b) the death or total and permanent disability of the senior executive; or (c) material reduction in authority, responsibility or duties.

During the March 2016 transition of Mr. Baker to CEO, Mr. Arzbaecher, consiststhe Committee authorized the grant of Performance Shares, reflecting his lead role in drivingrestricted shares for retention purposes to Messrs. Kobylinski and creating shareholder value.Roundhouse worth $731,000 per person. Both received a total of 30,000 shares for retention purposes, 20,000 shares of which are subject to time-vesting requirements and 10,000 of which are subject to performance criteria.


The following table summarizes the grant date fair value of restricted stock awards (based on the market price of the shares on the grant date) made to each NEO during each of the last three fiscal years:

      Non-Routine Stock Awards  
Name Year  Routine Stock Awards Employment Transition Stock Awards Retention Stock Awards  Matching Shares (1)  Total Stock Awards (2)
Robert C. Arzbaecher 2016 $
 $
$
 $2,516,850
 $2,516,850
  2015 65,000
 

 
 65,000
  2014 
 

 
 
            
Randal W. Baker 2016 $1,150,000
 $
$
 $174,423
 $1,324,423
            
Brian K. Kobylinski 2016 $373,762
 $
$731,087
 $342,000
 $1,446,849
  2015 337,977
 

 
 337,977
  2014 292,498
 
450,000
 
 742,498
            
Andrew G. Lampereur 2016 $438,772
 $
$
 $1,027,576
 $1,466,348
  2015 438,750
 

 
 438,750
  2014 406,285
 
500,000
 
 906,285
            
Stephen J. Rennie 2016 $149,998
 $
$
 $218,138
 $368,136
            
Roger A. Roundhouse 2016 $299,000
 $
$731,100
 $104,880
 $1,134,980
  2015 276,252
 

 
 276,252
            
David (Mark) Sefcik 2016 $292,511
 $
$
 $79,643
 $372,154
            
Eugene E. Skogg 2016 $195,008
 $
$
 $624,877
 $819,885
  2015 150,005
 450,000

 
 600,005
            
(1)
The ability for NEOs to receive Matching Shares under the Program expired in March 2016 for all NEOs, with the exception of Mr. Baker who was provided matching eligibility through October 2016 in accordance with the terms of his offer letter dated February 24, 2016. Mr. Baker was granted an additional 12,500 matching shares ($282,500) in October 2016 (our fiscal 2017).
(2)
Additional information is provided in the Summary Compensation Table on page 30.


Retirement and Other Benefits
 
We provide benefit programs to our employees, including executives and our NEOs, to attract and retain them as well as to provide a competitive total compensation program. Actuant’s benefits philosophy is to generally provide similar benefit programs for all non-bargaining unit employees, including our NEOs. However, modifications may be made in certain cases including where Internal Revenue ServiceIRS limits or other regulations prevent equitable treatment modifications may be made.or for competitive positioning purposes. The following table summarizes such benefit plans and eligibility (for our U.S. employees):


Type of Benefit  NEOs  
Certain Other
Executives and
High Level Managers
  
Most Other
Full Time Employees
Defined Benefit Pension PlanNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
Post Employment Medical/Dental InsuranceNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
401(k) Retirement Planüüü
401(k) Restoration Plan (1)  ü  ü  ü
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)  ü  Selectively  Not Offered
Employee Deferred Compensation Plan (2)  ü  ü  ü
Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance  ü  ü  ü
Annual Physical  ü  Selectively  Not Offered
Life and Disability Insurance  ü  ü  ü
Supplemental Life and Disability Insurance (3)  ü  Selectively  Not Offered
Employee Stock Purchase Plan  Not Offered  Selectively  ü
Vacation  ü  ü  ü
Tuition Reimbursement Plan  ü  ü  ü
Automobile Allowance  ü  Selectively  Selectively
Club Dues  Selectively  Not Offered  Not Offered
Financial Planning Services  ü  Selectively  Not Offered
Personal Use of Company Aircraft  ü  Selectively  Not Offered
(1)Offered to all U.S. employees with total annual cash compensation in excess of $250,000.
(2)
Offered to all U.S. employees with base salary in 2013 greater than $115,000.
(3)Company paid.

Defined Benefit Pension401(k) Retirement Plan and Post Employment Medical/Dental
 
There are no defined benefit plans or post employment medical/dental plans covering Actuant NEO’s.
401(k) and Restoration Plans
Under our 401(k) Plan, a tax-qualified retirement savings plan, U.S. non-bargaining unitmost employees, including our NEOs, may contribute eligible base compensation up to Internal Revenue ServiceIRS limits. For fiscal 2013, the maximum contribution by employees under the age of 50 to the 401(k) Plan was $17,500 while catch up contributions of an additional $5,500 were allowed for those over the age of 50. The Company generally provides a “core” contribution equal to three percent3% of casheligible compensation (subject to IRS compensation and contribution limits). In addition, the Company provides a matching contribution of 100% for the first $300 contributed to the Plan, and an additional 25% match on voluntary employee elective contributions frombetween $300 toand 6% of eligible compensation. We also have a Restoration Plan tied to the 401(k) Plan. This plan, available to all employees in the United States with annual cash compensation in excess of $250,000, allows participants to receive aCompany matching and core contribution calculated as if no IRS limits were in place. We maintain the Restoration Plan because we believe that it is notcontributions vest 25% after two years, 50% after three years, 75% after four years and 100% after five years.

24



equitable, or market competitive, to limit the Company core contribution to the 401(k) Plan based on the IRS compensation limits noted above. All Company contributions pursuant to the Restoration Plan are made in the form of Actuant common stock and are contributed into each eligible participant’s Employee Deferred Compensation Plan account after the end of a given fiscal year.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP")
 
The nonqualified supplemental executive retirement plan (the “SERP plan”)SERP covers certain executive level employees (including the NEO’s) and is designed to improve the competitive positioning of our retirement programs, reward long-service employees and support executive retention and recruiting efforts. The Actuant SERP plan is a non-fundednonqualified defined contribution plan whoseand the benefit is calculated by applying a SERP multiplier percentage againstto total eligible cash compensation in a given year (base salary and Annual Cash Incentive)plus annual bonus). The SERP multiplier ranges from 3-6%, and is based ondetermined by a grid formula combiningthat takes into account the executive’s age and years of service, and ranges from 3-6%.service. SERP Plan contributions go intoare credited to a notional interest bearing account and vest after five years of service or when the attainment of ageexecutive turns 60. The targeted combined annual NEO retirement benefitcontribution between the SERP plan and broad based employee participation plans (401(k) and Restoration Plans)401(k) Plan is approximately 7-10.5% of pay,cash compensation, depending on age and years of service – whichservice. This level approximates the competitive 40th40th percentile of peer company executive retirement benefits.
 
Employee Deferred Compensation Plan
 
Actuant hasWe also offer a deferred compensation plan that allows all U.S. employees with an annual base salary greater than $115,000over $120,000 to defer receiptcompensation and associated taxes until retirement or termination of salary and/or Annual Cash Incentives on a pre-tax basis. There is no limit to the amounts of either salary or incentives that participants can defer. Deferred amounts can be invested, in whole or in part, in a non-fundedemployment. Investment options include an interest bearing account and/or a common stock fund account. As a result of the non-fundedunfunded nature of the deferred compensation plan, compensation deferrals are essentially unsecured and subordinated loans from employees to the Company. Each year the Committee determines the interest rate for new deferrals, with reference totaking into account current market interest rates for subordinated debt of companies with similar credit ratings to the Company.rates. The common stock fund account return mirrors the performance of the Company’s commonActuant’s stock price. Shares of common stock equal to the value of deferred contributions to the common stock fundinto that account are contributed by the Company and held ininto a rabbi trust. Upon distribution,When distributed, deferred amounts invested in the interest planaccount are paid out of the Company’s general assetsin cash while an appropriate number of shares of common stock (plus accrued dividends) are released from the rabbi trust to satisfy common stock fund distributions.

In addition, the Employee Deferred Compensation Plan allows all employees in the U.S. with annual eligible compensation in excess of $260,000, to receive their 401(k) core contribution, calculated as if no IRS limits were in place ("Restoration Contribution"). We believe that it is not equitable, or market competitive, to limit the Company core contribution to the 401(k) Plan based on IRS compensation and contribution limits. All Company core contributions pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan are deemed to be invested in Actuant common stock and are credited to participant's Deferred Compensation Plan accounts.
  
Other Benefits
 
The Company believes NEOWe provide perquisites to help executives be more productive and other benefits should beefficient, to provide protection from potential business risk and as a competitive compensation measure. They are limited in scopeamount, and valuewe maintain a strict policy regarding the eligibility and should be offered to our NEOs primarily to provide a market competitive compensation package. In addition to competitive compensation, certainuse of the perquisites are provided for other business purposes. For example,these benefits which include club dues, financial planning services are offered to assist our NEOs in meeting their Actuant stock ownership guidelines without compromising diversification of their personal investment portfolios. Club dues, which are only provided to Messrs. Arzbaecher and Goldstein, are used for customer activities as well as to facilitate certain internal business meetings and events, in addition to personal use. NEO personal use of the company airplane. Annual NEO personal use


of the plane (which is reviewed by the Committee on a quarterly basis)at least annually) is capped at 24 hours of flight time for Mr. Arzbaecherthe CEO and 12 hours for all other NEOs. Perquisites are reviewed and approved by the Committee and are capped at various levels. The other benefits earned by our NEOs in fiscal 20132016 are included in the “All Other Compensation Table” on page 29.31.

Tax Deductibility of Executive Compensation
 
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits the tax deductibility of compensation that we pay to NEOs (other than the chief financial officer) to $1,000,000$1 million in any year. This limitation does not apply to the CFO or performance based compensation for other NEOs if certain conditions are met. TheWhile the Committee generally attemptsintends for payments under certain of our incentive plans to maximizemeet the extent of thecriteria for tax deductibility of executive compensation under the provisions of Section 162(m). Thethe Internal Revenue Code, the Committee believes, however, that shareholders’ interest are best served by not restricting itsretains full discretion and flexibility in structuring compensation programs that are designed to attract, reward and retain successful executives, even though such programs may result in certain non-deductible compensation expenses.if not fully deductible.

Stock Ownership Requirements
 
To emphasizeOwnership of Actuant stock by our executives directly aligns their interests with shareholders. Accordingly, the Committee’s belief that stock ownership by the Company’s executive officers directly focuses those executives on increasing shareholder value, officerBoard maintains stock ownership guidelines have been adopted. The following table presents the required and actual ownership position of Actuant stock for each NEO, asour NEOs equal in value to a multiple of annualtheir base salary as of October 15, 2013.salary.

25



 
NamePosition 
Multiple of Base Salary
Required to be held in
Actuant Stock
Actual Multiple of Salary
held in Actuant Stock
Robert C. ArzbaecherCEO 5X38.2
William S. BlackmoreOther NEOs 3X7.7
Mark E. Goldstein3X11.4
Brian K. Kobylinski3X9.4
Andrew G. Lampereur3X26.1

The Committee reviews each Officer’s progress/compliance with these guidelines on an annual basis. All NEOs exceeded the stock ownership requirement throughout fiscal 2013. For calculation purposes, stockStock ownership includes the value of “in the money” vested options, shares held in an NEO’sthe 401(k), employee stock purchase plan andand/or deferred compensation accounts, as well as shares owned outright or by family members. It does not include the value of unvested options, restricted stock or Performance Shares.
To assist our executive officers in meeting their ownership requirements, the Company adopted an executive officer stock option matching program in fiscal 2006 for newly appointed or promoted executives. Under this program, the Company matches certain share purchases made by new executives (in their first three years) with an equal number of stock options that cliff vest after five years. None of the aforementioned NEOs was eligible for stock option matches during fiscal 2013. We believe the stock option matching program allows the Company to attract and retain executives.
Required Common Stock Holding Period
equity compensation. Executive officers including the NEOs, have three years from their date of appointment to comply with the ownership requirements outlined above. Executive officersrequirements. The Committee reviews each NEO's compliance with these guidelines on an annual basis, and all NEO's have either met the target ownership level, or are within the three year grace period.

To assist them in meeting the stock ownership requirement, the Company has an executive officer stock option matching program for newly hired or promoted executives. Under this program, the Company matches share purchases with an equal number of stock options that vest after five years. Messrs. Rennie and Sefcik are the only NEOs with option grants outstanding under this program. Those who have not reached their specified targets and who exercise stock options or that have restricted stock that vests,vest, are required to hold at least 60% of the net value of the shares they receive so that they meet their requirement in a timely manner, with the 40% balance available to cover related income tax obligations.

Anti-Hedging Policy
 
The Company’s insiderActuant maintains a policy that prohibits employees from engaging in short-term or speculative transactions involving its common stock. This policy prohibits trading policy contains stringent restrictions on transactions in Company common stock by directors and officers. All trades must be pre-approved. Directors and officers of the Company are prohibited fromon a short-term basis, engaging in any transaction in which they may profit from short-term speculative swings inshort sales, buying and selling puts and calls, and discourages the valuepractice of purchasing the Company’s securities (“hedging”). For this purpose, “hedging” includes “short-sales” (selling borrowed securities that the seller hopes can be purchased at a lower price in the future), “put” and “call” options (publicly available rights to sell or buy securities within a certain period of time at a specified price or the like) and other hedging transactions designed to minimize the risk inherent in owning the Company's stock such as zero-cost collars and forward sales contracts.on margin.

Compensation Recovery Clawback Policy
 
The Company hasWe have a Compensation Clawback Policycompensation clawback policy for executive officers. This policy further strengthens the risk mitigation program by definingofficers, which defines the economic consequences that misconduct hascould have on the executive officer’s incentive basedtheir compensation. In the event of a financial restatement due to fraudulent activityfraud or misconduct as determined soley by the Board, the culpableresponsible executive officer willmust reimburse the Company for Annual Cash Incentive,their annual cash bonus, as well as equity based awards or other performance based compensation paid to him/her, including options, restricted stock, Performance Shares and Annual Cash Incentive compensationthe executive based on the financial results that were subsequently the subject of the restatement.

Performance and Compensation of Named Executive Officers in Fiscal 2013
The Committee evaluates the performance of its executives (other than the CEO) through annual reviews completed by the CEO and reviewed by the Committee. The Committee also evaluates the performance of the CEO annually. Based on this process, the Committee confirmed the CEO’s assessment that the performance of each of the NEOs in fiscal 2013 met or exceeded expectations.

The base salary and annual cash incentive opportunity for our NEO's remained unchanged in fiscal 2013 based on the Committee’s review of peer salary data.
The continued weakness and uncertainty in the global economy created a challenging environment in fiscal 2013. Most of our businesses experienced weak end market demand, relative to expansion in the last few years. We continued to invest in select growth initiatives over the past year, while simultaneously reducing costs in other areas to generate shareholder value. A summary of fiscal 2013 financial results are as follows:

26



Net sales of $1.3 billion, were essentially unchanged from the prior year, due to a challenging economic environment. Excluding the 4% benefit of acquisitions and 1% negative impact from foreign currency translation, core sales declined 3% compared to the prior year.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations, excluding debt refinancing costs and an income tax adjustment were $1.84 per share in fiscal 2013, a 1% increase from the $1.83 per share in fiscal 2012.
Cash flow provided by operating activities in fiscal 2013 was a record $194 million.
  Year Ended August 31,
  2013 2012 2011
  (In millions, except per share amounts)
Net sales $1,280
 $1,277
 $1,159
Cash flow from operations 194
 182
 172
Adjusted Diluted EPS from continuing operations (a) $1.84
 $1.83
 $1.49
(a)Adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations excludes an income tax adjustment ($0.14 per share) in fiscal 2013 and debt refinancing costs ($0.15 per share) in fiscal 2012. Including these two items, diluted EPS from continuing operations increased from $1.68 per share in fiscal 2012 to $1.98 per share in fiscal 2013.

Despite record cash flow and effective working capital management, operating profits in fiscal 2013 declined from the prior year and resulted in actual CMM that was less than the threshold CMM amount for fiscal 2013. The decline in operating profit was more than offset by reduced interest expense and significantly lower income tax expense, resulting in improved net earnings from continuing operations.
Consolidated Actuant CMM (applicable to all NEO’s) was earned at a 0% level, while a combined 81% payout level was attained on the MBO elements. Messrs Arzbaecher, Goldstein and Lampereur have declined their Annual Cash Incentive payout based on the achievement of fiscal 2013 MBOs. Mr. Blackmore’s segment results reflected performance at the 0% payout level for the CMM element and a combined 93% on the MBO element, while Mr. Kobylinski’s segment results reflected performance at the 0% payout level for the CMM element and a combined 100% of MBO elements.
As disclosed on page 22, equity based compensation awards (including Performance Shares) made in fiscal 2013 represented 35% – 58% of the NEO’s targeted Total Direct Compensation. The extensive use of equity compensation, combined with NEO stock ownership requirements, ensures that a significant portion of NEO compensation is associated with long-term stock appreciation, rather than short-term performance, which naturally aligns NEOs with shareholder interests. The “Stock Awards,” “Option Awards” and “Total” columns in the Summary Compensation Table on page 28 include the grant date fair value of equity compensation awards, not the realized or unrealized earnings or value earned in the respective year. Actual realization of value or earnings under equity compensation plans is related to common stock share price appreciation.

Conclusion
 
We continue to enhance the performance orientation of our executive pay program and believe that we have designed an executive compensation program which effectively links pay and performance and is in the best long-term interests of our shareholders. As indicated in our Compensation Committee Charter, we will continue to re-evaluate our executive compensation program to ensure future alignment in our compensation program and practices. Shareholder input will continue to be an important consideration in our annual executive compensation evaluation process.
 


Compensation Committee Report
 
The Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
 
Dennis K. Williams, ChairmanHolly A. Van Deursen, Chairperson
Gurminder S. Bedi
Robert A. PetersonR. Alan Hunter Jr.
Holly A. Van DeursenDennis K. Williams


27




Summary Compensation Table
 
The following table sets forth the total compensation applicable to the fiscal years ended August 31, 20132016, 20122015 and 20112014 by the NEOs:
Name & Principal Position Year 
Salary
($) (1)
 
Stock
Awards
($) (2)
 
Option
Awards
($) (3)
 
Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
($) (4)
 
Non-qualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($) (5)
 
All Other
Compensation
($) (6)
 
Total
($)
Robert C. Arzbaecher 2013 $850,000
 $2,299,871
 $
 $
 $68,113
 $258,087
 $3,476,071
Chief Executive Officer 2012 850,000
 2,701,345
 
 960,670
 49,782
 311,332
 4,873,129
2011 850,000
 855,316
 1,281,388
 1,670,193
 34,727
 355,865
 5,047,489
                 
William S. Blackmore 2013 $430,000
 $233,984
 $126,012
 $21,924
 $135,200
 $70,085
 $1,017,205
Executive Vice President—Engineered Solutions Segment 2012 430,000
 545,469
 131,422
 111,439
 100,416
 117,441
 1,436,187
 2011 415,000
 138,850
 204,932
 541,141
 68,571
 100,298
 1,468,792
                 
Mark E. Goldstein 2013 $575,000
 $591,493
 $318,502
 $
 $188,530
 $138,190
 $1,811,715
President and Chief Operating Officer 2012 575,000
 656,048
 318,918
 454,892
 140,271
 135,562
 2,280,691
 2011 525,000
 388,780
 583,268
 722,128
 99,376
 148,983
 2,467,535
                 
Brian K. Kobylinski 2013 $430,000
 $292,495
 $157,505
 $23,650
 $18,719
 $82,492
 $1,004,861
Executive Vice President—Industrial Segment and China 2012 430,000
 324,302
 157,707
 262,357
 1,700
 103,695
 1,279,761
2011 405,000
 172,174
 256,728
 526,080
 2,891
 69,865
 1,432,738
                 
Andrew G. Lampereur 2013 $450,000
 $406,233
 $218,765
 $
 $191,648
 $97,505
 $1,364,151
Executive Vice President— Chief Financial Officer 2012 450,000
 464,750
 226,047
 330,574
 142,061
 94,041
 1,707,473
 2011 410,000
 277,700
 416,620
 483,359
 101,216
 96,619
 1,785,514
                 
Name & Principal Position Year 
Salary
($)
 
Stock
Awards
($) (9)
 
Option
Awards
($) (10)
 
Annual Bonus
($) (11)
 
Non-qualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($) (12)
 
All Other
Compensation
($) (13)
 
Total
($)
Robert C. Arzbaecher (1)
 2016 $477,307
 $2,516,850
 $
 $24,378
 $1,724
 $101,753
 $3,122,012
Former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer 2015 217,500
 65,000
 3,035,000
 
 78,370
 76,388
 3,472,258
2014 542,317
 
 
 62,900
 62,735
 122,255
 790,207
                 
Randal W. Baker (2)
 2016 $405,385
 $1,324,423
 $1,150,000
 $212,500
 $
 $39,641
 $3,131,949
President and Chief Executive Officer   

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

                 
Brian K. Kobylinski (3)
 2016 $305,385
 $1,446,849
 $201,251
 $
 $44,804
 $20,808
 $2,019,097
Former Executive Vice President - Energy Segment 2015 460,000
 337,977
 181,973
 
 22,123
 77,070
 1,079,143
2014 447,000
 742,498
 157,508
 59,906
 17,467
 58,390
 1,482,769
                 
Andrew G. Lampereur (4)
 2016 $490,000
 $1,466,348
 $236,249
 $13,034
 $278,573
 $69,554
 $2,553,758
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 2015 482,000
 438,750
 236,216
 
 187,311
 73,139
 1,417,416
2014 468,000
 906,285
 218,748
 22,511
 157,004
 144,209
 1,916,757
                 
Stephen J. Rennie (5)
 2016 $360,769
 $368,136
 $224,997
 $19,172
 $7,412
 $60,626
 $1,041,112
Executive Vice President - Industrial Segment                
               
                 
Roger A. Roundhouse (6)
 2016 $405,000
 $1,134,980
 $160,991
 $
 $583
 $59,709
 $1,761,263
Executive Vice President - Engineered Solutions Segment 2015 390,000
 276,252
 206,393
 
 
 52,560
 925,205
               
                 
David (Mark) Sefcik (7)
 2016 $407,422
 $371,974
 $157,494
 $15,462
 $60,834
 $496,315
 $1,509,501
Former Executive Vice President - Industrial Segment                
               
                 
Eugene E. Skogg (8)
 2016 $340,000
 $819,885
 $104,996
 $7,105
 $650
 $62,324
 $1,334,960
Executive Vice President - Human Resources
 2015 70,865
 600,005
 150,003
 
 
 76,215
 897,088

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                 
 
(1)
Amounts shownBase salary for salariesMr. Arzbaecher represents actual amounts earned in 2013, 2012fiscal 2014, 2015 and 2011 represent gross2016 (as a result of his initial retirement from the Company as CEO in fiscal 2014, transition to non-executive Chairman of the Board and then his reappointment to CEO in August 2015 through February 2016). Base salary atincludes salary amounts earned by Mr. Arzbaecher as CEO and Board fees as a non-employee Director in all years presented. Fiscal 2016 stock awards include the end of eachnon-routine awards described on page 26, while fiscal year. For fiscal 2013, base salary represented 24%, 42%, 32%, 43%2015 includes a $3 million option award in connection with Mr. Arzbaecher's reappointment to CEO and 33% of total compensationa $65,000 restricted stock and $35,000 option award for Messrs. Arzbaecher, Blackmore, Goldstein, Kobylinski and Lampereur, respectively. For fiscal 2012, base salary represented 17%, 30%, 25%, 34% and 26% of total compensation for Messrs. Arzbaecher, Blackmore, Goldstein, Kobylinski and Lampereur, respectively. For fiscal 2011, base salary represented 17%, 28%, 21%, 28% and 23% of total compensation for Messrs. Arzbaecher, Blackmore, Goldstein, Kobylinski and Lampereur, respectively.
service as a non-employee director.
(2)
Mr. Baker joined the Company in March 2016 and therefore base salary represents actual salary earned since then. His annual salary at August 31, 2016 was $850,000. Mr. Baker also received a $1,150,000 restricted stock grant and $1,150,000 option grant upon joining the Company. Further, fiscal 2016 stock awards include the non-routine awards described on page 26. Mr. Baker's fiscal 2016 annual bonus was the minimum bonus awarded in his offer letter dated February 24, 2016.
(3)
Mr. Kobylinski left the Company in April 2016 and therefore fiscal 2016 base salary represents actual salary earned prior to his departure. Upon leaving the Company, all of Mr. Kobylinski's unvested restricted stock, stock options and performance share awards were forfeited. Fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2014 stock awards include the non-routine awards described on page 26.
(4)
Mr. Lampereur's fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2014 stock awards include the non-routine awards described on page 26.
(5)
Mr. Rennie was promoted effective August 2016 and therefore fiscal 2016 salary represents actual salary earned in his former and current roles. His annual salary at August 31, 2016 was $400,000. Fiscal 2016 stock awards include the non-routine awards described on page 26.


(6)
Mr. Roundhouse's fiscal 2016 stock awards include the non-routine awards described on page 26.
(7)
Mr. Sefcik left the Company in August 2016 and therefore base salary represents actual salary earned prior to his departure. Fiscal 2016 stock awards include the non-routine awards described on page 26.
(8)
Mr. Skogg joined the Company in June 2015 and therefore base salary for fiscal 2015 represents a partial year.  His annual salary at August 31, 2015 was $335,000. Mr. Skogg also received a $600,000 restricted stock grant and $150,000 option grant upon joining the Company in fiscal 2015. Fiscal 2016 stock awards include the non-routine awards described on page 26.
(9)
Amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock restricted stock units and Performance Shares granted under the Company’s 2009 Omnibus Plan.Share awards (including periodic retention grants) and Investment/Matching Restricted Stock as described in detail on page 25. The amount was determined (in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718) by multiplying the closing pricegrant date fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grantaward by the number of restricted shares/units granted, or the number of performance sharesPerformance Shares awarded (assuming a payout at target). As described on page 23,24, Performance Share payouts will be calculated following the applicable performance period and could rangevesting ranges from a minimum of 0% to a maximum of 150% of target. The grant date fairAt August 31, 2016, the value of theoutstanding unvested Performance Shares granted during fiscal 2013 at the maximum payout of 150% are: Mr. Arzbaecher—$2,874,868; Mr. Blackmore—$134,990; Mr. Goldstein—$341,232; Mr. Kobylinski—$168,737; and Mr. Lampereur—$234,360. The grant date fair value ofis summarized in the Performance Shares granted during fiscal 2012 at the maximum payout of 150% are: Mr. Arzbaecher—$3,388,845; Mr. Blackmore—$175,832; Mr. Goldstein—$424,214; Mr. Kobylinski—$208,875; and Mr. Lampereur—$298,998. For further information on these awards, see the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table on page 30. In addition, amounts for Mr. Blackmore in fiscal 2012 include $274,950 related to the vesting of his MTIP award (as discussed on page 23).following table:
Name 2016 Grant 2015 Grant
Andrew G. Lampereur $253,119
 $253,116
Roger A. Roundhouse 172,522
 159,378
Mark (David) Sefcik 
 159,378
Eugene E. Skogg 112,509
 

(3)
(10)
The amountsAmounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value as determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, which was calculated usingof options utilizing a Binomial Pricingbinomial pricing model. Refer to Note 12 of our financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2013, for details regarding assumptions utilized to value stock option awards. The amounts do not represent the realized or unrealized earnings or value earned in the respective year. Actual realization of value or earnings under equity compensation plans is related to common stock share price appreciation.
(4)
(11)
Reflects amounts earned for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, under the Annual Cash IncentiveBonus plan. Amounts are paid in the first quarter of the subsequent fiscal year.
For additional information on the Annual Bonus plan, see page 22.

28



(5)
(12)
Reflects the portion of interest earned onin the Employee Deferred Compensation Plan and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan accounts that exceeds the SEC benchmark “market” rate of 4.20%, 3.71%, and 2.28% in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively (120% of the applicable federal long term rate). See page 27 for information on the Employee Deferred Compensation Plan, and page 37 for NEO activity in this plan.
(6)
(13)
Reflects all other compensation, as summarized in the following table:
Name Year 
401(k)
Core and
Match
 
401(k)
Restoration (1)
 SERP (2) 
Automobile
Allowance
 
Supplemental
Life &
Disability
Insurance
 
Executive
Physical
 
Personal
Use of
Company
Plane (3)
 
Club
Dues
 
Financial
Planning
 Total (4)
Year
401(k)
Core &
Match

401(k) Restoration Contribution (1)
SERP (2)
Automobile
Allowance
 

Other (3)
 
Supple-
mental
Life &
Disability
Insurance
 
Executive
Physical
 
Personal
Use of
Company
Plane (4)
 
Club
Dues
 
Financial
Planning
 Relocation Benefits Total
Robert C. Arzbaecher 2013 $11,475
 $46,821
 $108,642
 $9,910
 $6,656
 $17,142
 $43,200
 $10,405
 $3,836
 $258,087

2016
$

$

$25,662

$4,065
 $
 $765
 $8,261
 $63,000
 $
 $
 $
 $101,753
 2012 11,250
 69,237
 153,175
 10,454
 6,656
 3,550
 46,800
 10,210
 
 311,332

2015
7,101

1,751

12,497

11,105
 
 4,534
 4,200
 35,200
 
 
 
 76,388
 2011 11,250
 76,547
 167,793
 8,986
 6,656
 6,606
 57,000
 9,911
 11,116
 355,865

2014
10,666

8,620

32,539

9,810
 
 6,656
 
 37,600
 12,088
 4,276
 
 122,255
                                            
William S. Blackmore 2013 $11,475
 $8,743
 $27,072
 $9,557
 $6,317
 $6,421
 $
 $
 $500
 $70,085
 2012 11,250
 22,125
 49,124
 10,003
 6,317
 6,422
 12,200
 
 
 117,441
 2011 11,250
 20,842
 46,968
 8,690
 6,317
 6,231
 
 
 
 100,298
                    
Mark E. Goldstein 2013 $11,475
 $23,397
 $51,495
 $11,988
 $5,840
 $5,754
 $19,000
 $3,533
 $5,708
 $138,190
 2012 11,250
 31,708
 65,097
 11,801
 5,840
 6,732
 
 3,134
 
 135,562
 2011 11,250
 33,648
 68,330
 10,685
 5,840
 
 7,400
 3,260
 8,570
 148,983
Randal W. Baker
2016
$12,150

$4,212

$16,215

$
 $
 $2,739
 $4,325
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $39,641
                                            
Brian K. Kobylinski 2013 $11,475
 $13,271
 $34,618
 $13,096
 $2,736
 $4,459
 $
 $
 $2,837
 $82,492
 2016 $
 $
 $
 $17,189
 $
 $3,619
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $20,808
 2012 11,250
 21,569
 48,198
 12,697
 2,736
 6,105
 
 
 1,140
 103,695
 2015 11,925
 7,691
 30,954
 14,017
 
 3,551
 
 
 
 8,932
 
 77,070
 2011 11,250
 12,144
 32,474
 11,261
 2,736
 
 
 
 
 69,865
 2014 11,700
 6,313
 23,271
 13,486
 
 3,620
 
 
 
 
 
 58,390
                                            
Andrew G. Lampereur 2013 $11,475
 $15,917
 $46,834
 $11,458
 $3,371
 $4,225
 $
 $
 $4,225
 $97,505
 2016 $12,150
 $6,681
 $29,234
 $10,135
 $
 $3,461
 $
 $7,200
 $
 $693
 $
 $69,554
 2012 11,250
 20,755
 46,841
 11,824
 3,371
 
 
 
 
 94,041
 2015 11,925
 7,226
 30,012
 11,724
 
 3,371
 
 6,000
 
 2,881
 
 73,139
 2011 11,250
 21,850
 48,667
 10,896
 3,371
 
 
 
 585
 96,619
 2014 11,700
 8,474
 32,248
 10,437
 75,000
 3,371
 
 
 
 2,979
 
 144,209
                        
Stephen J. Rennie 2016 $12,150
 $3,066
 $18,038
 $10,182
 $
 $2,741
 $4,449
 $
 $
 $10,000
 $
 $60,626
                        
Roger A. Roundhouse 2016 $12,150
 $4,044
 $15,992
 $9,479
 $
 $3,577
 $7,507
 $
 $
 $6,960
 $
 $59,709
 2015 11,858
 4,540
 16,453
 4,791
 
 2,746
 7,172
 
 
 5,000
 
 52,560
                        
Mark (David) Sefik 2016 $
 $12,664
 $16,915
 $19,525
 $425,000
 $2,208
 $4,503
 $13,000
 $
 $2,500
 $
 $496,315
                        
Eugene E. Skogg 2016 $10,445
 $3,335
 $16,913
 $3,088
 $
 $2,365
 $8,213
 $
 $
 $6,858
 $11,107
 $62,324
 2015 4,978
 
 4,163
 
 50,000
 
 
 
 
 
 17,074
 76,215
                        
  
(1)
Represents Company Restoration Contribution to the 401(k) RestorationEmployee Deferred Compensation Plan, contributions made by the Company.as described on page 27.
(2)
Represents Company contributionscontribution to the SERP plan (as discussedas described on page 25), which are made in the first quarter of the following fiscal year.27.
(3)
Represents a one time transaction bonus related to the sale of the former Electrical segment in fiscal 2014 (Mr. Lampereur), a sign-on bonus in fiscal 2015 (Mr. Skogg) and termination/severance amounts in fiscal 2016 (Mr. Sefcik).
(4)
The income for personal use of the Company plane was determined by calculating the incremental cost including fuel, pilot and other variable costs.
(4)Benefits available to substantially all U.S. employees, such as medical, dental and life insurance are not included.























29




Grants of Plan-Based Awards
 
The following table sets forth the equity compensation awards in fiscal 2016, as well as the potential range of payouts for fiscal 20132016 under the Annual Cash Incentive plan, as well as equity compensation awards in fiscal 2013:Bonus plan:
 
 
Grant
Date
 
Estimated Future Payments
Under Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Awards (1)
 
Estimated Future Payments
Under Equity
Incentive Plan Awards (2)
 
All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of Shares
(#) (3)
 
All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#) (4)
 
Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/Sh)
 
Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and Option
Awards
($) (5)
 Grant
Date
 Estimated Future Payouts Under Annual Bonus (1) Estimated Future Vesting
Under Equity
Incentive Plan Awards (2)
 All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of Shares
(#) (3)
 All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#) (4)
 Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/Sh)
 Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and Option
Awards
($) (5)
Name 
Threshold
($)
 
Target
($)
 
Maximum
($)
 
Threshold
(#)
 
Target
(#)
 
Maximum
(#)
  Threshold
($)
 Target
($)
 Maximum
($)
 Threshold
(#)
 Target
(#)
 Maximum
(#)
 
Robert C. Arzbaecher 10/17/2012 
 
 
 
 78,117
 117,176
 
 
 
 $2,299,871
 1/6/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 105,000
(7)
 $
 $2,516,850
 n/a $0
 $850,000
 $2,125,000
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 n/a $
 $641,538
 $1,603,845
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

William S. Blackmore 1/14/2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 11,980
 $28.70
 $126,012
Randal W. Baker (6)
 3/21/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 120,441
 $24.42
 $1,150,000
 1/14/2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 4,390
 
 
 125,993
 3/21/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 47,092
 
 
 1,150,000
 10/17/2012 
 
 
 
 3,668
 5,502
 
 
 
 107,991
 n/a $0
 $236,500
 $591,250
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark E. Goldstein 1/14/2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 30,280
 $28.70
 $318,502
 1/14/2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 11,098
 
 
 318,513
 4/4/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 2,031
(7)
 
 49,658
 10/17/2012 
 
 
 
 9,272
 13,908
 
 
 
 272,980
 7/11/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 5,397
(7)
 
 124,766
 n/a $0
 $402,500
 $1,006,250
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 n/a $212,500
 $850,000
 $2,125,000
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brian K. Kobylinski 1/14/2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 14,974
 $28.70
 $157,505
 10/19/2015 
 
 
 
 7,940
(9)11,910
(9)
 
 $
 $172,508
 1/14/2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 5,488
 
 
 157,506
 10/30/2015 
 
 
 
 
 
 15,000
(7)(9)
 
 342,000
 10/17/2012 
 
 
 
 4,585
 6,878
 
 
 
 134,989
 1/19/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 24,289
(9)21.41
 201,251
 n/a $0
 $236,500
 $591,250
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 1/19/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 9,400
(9)
 
 201,254
 3/17/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 20,000
(8)(9)
 
 487,387
 3/17/2016 
 
 
 
 10,000
(8)(9)
 
 
 
 243,700
 n/a $
 $
 $
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew G. Lampereur 1/14/2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 20,798
 $28.70
 $218,765
 10/19/2015 
 
 
 
 9,321
 13,982
 
 
 $
 $202,513
 1/14/2013 
 
 
 
 
 
 7,622
 
 
 218,751
 10/30/2015 
 
 
 
 
 
 15,450
(7)
 
 352,260
 10/17/2012 
 
 
 
 6,368
 9,552
 
 
 
 187,482
 1/6/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 28,174
(7)
 
 675,316
 n/a $0
 $292,500
 $731,250
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 1/19/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 28,513
 21.41
 236,249
 1/19/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 11,035
 
 
 236,259
 n/a $
 $343,000
 $857,500
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stephen J. Rennie 10/16/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 3,750
(7)
 $
 $80,213
 1/6/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 3,000
(7)
 
 71,910
 1/19/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 27,155
 21.41
 224,997
 1/19/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 7,006
 
 
 149,998
 4/4/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 2,700
(7)
 
 66,015
 n/a $
 $181,865
 $454,662
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roger A. Roundhouse 10/19/2015 
 
 
 
 6,353
 9,530
 
 
 $
 $138,029
 10/30/2015 
 
 
 
 
 
 4,600
(7)
 
 104,880
 1/19/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 19,430
 21.41
 160,991
 1/19/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 7,519
 
 
 160,972
 3/17/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 20,000
(8)
 
 487,400
 3/17/2016 
 
 
 
 10,000
(8)
 
 
 
 243,700
 n/a $
 $243,000
 $607,500
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David (Mark) Sefcik 10/19/2015 
 
 
 
 6,215
(9)9,323
(9)
 
 $
 $135,030
 1/19/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 19,008
(9)21.41
 157,494
 1/19/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 7,356
(9)
 
 157,481
 4/4/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 3,250
(7)
 
 79,463
 n/a $
 $224,082
 $560,205
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eugene E. Skogg 10/19/2015 
 
 
 
 4,143
 6,215
 
 
 $
 $90,013
 10/30/2015 
 
 
 
 
 
 6,257
(7)
 
 142,660
 1/6/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 15,000
(7)
 
 359,967
 1/19/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 12,672
 21.41
 104,996
 1/19/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 4,904
 
 
 104,996
 4/4/2016 
 
 
 
 
 
 5,000
(7)
 
 122,250
 n/a $
 $187,000
 $467,500
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
(1)
These columns show the range of payouts under the fiscal 20132016 Annual Cash IncentiveBonus plan described on page 20.22. The actual bonuses earned under this plan are described in “Performance and Compensation of Named Executive Officers in Fiscal 2013” on page 26 and shownincluded in the Summary Compensation Table on page 28.30. Since Mr. Kobylinski resigned from the Company effective April 2016, he was not eligible for a 2016 bonus and therefore bonus payout ranges are not provided.
(2)
Reflects Performance Shares granted in fiscal 20132016 under the Company’s 2009 Omnibus Plan. Performance shares include a three-year performance period, with vesting based 50% on achievement of an absolute Free Cash Flow Conversion target and 50% on the Company’s TSR relative to the S&P 600 SmallCap Industrial Index. Refer to page 2324 “Equity Compensation-Performance Based Restricted Stock” for further details on these awards.


(3)
Reflects restricted stock granted in fiscal 20132016 under the Company’s 2009 Omnibus Plan. The restricted stock vests fifty percent on the third anniversary and the balance on the fifth anniversary of the grant date.
(4)
Reflects the grant of stock options under the Company’s 2009 Omnibus Plan. The options become fifty percent exercisable on the third anniversary and fully exercisable on the fifth anniversary of the grant date.
(5)
The fair value of restricted stock awards is based on the market price of the shares on the grant date or a simulation model (Monte Carlo), depending on the type of performance condition, while the fair value of the option awards is determined using a binomial pricing model. Refer to Note 12 of our financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2013, for details regarding assumptions utilized to value share based awards.
(6)
Mr. Baker joined the Company in March 2016, therefore his annual bonus opportunity was pro-rated based on actual months employed (approximately $405,400 at target). Further, Mr. Baker was entitled to a minimum annual bonus amount of $212,500 in fiscal 2016. Mr. Baker also received a $1,150,000 restricted stock grant and $1,150,000 option grant upon joining the Company.

30

(7)
Awards represent restricted stock awards granted under the Investment/Matching Restricted Stock Grant Program described on page 25.
(8)
Represents retention awards authorized by the Committee in fiscal 2016. The Performance Shares granted will vest effective August 31, 2018 subject to achievement of certain segment-specific EBITDA targets.
(9)
Awards subsequently forfeited in connection with the NEO's resignation/departure from the Company.



Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
     
The following table summarizes the outstanding equity incentive plan awards held by each NEO at August 31, 20132016::
  Option Awards Stock Awards  Performance Awards (2)
Name 
Date of
Grant
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options (#)
Exercisable
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options (#)
Unexercisable
  
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
 
Option
Expiration
Date
 
Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
 
Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($) (1)
  
Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
 
Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($) (1)
Robert C. Arzbaecher 1/14/2008 170,000
 

 $28.36
 1/14/2018
 
 

 
 
  1/12/2010 66,650
 

 19.20
 1/12/2020
 
 

 
 
  1/14/2011 113,800
 

 27.77
 1/14/2021
 
 

 
 
  1/20/2015 3,875
 

 22.98
 1/20/2025
 
 

 
 
  8/22/2015 130,689
 261,417
(7) 19.77
 8/22/2025
 
 

 
 
  1/6/2015 
 

 
 
 105,000
 $2,502,150(9) 
 
Randal W. Baker 3/21/2016 
 120,441
(5) $24.42
 3/21/2026
 47,092
 $1,122,202(5) 
 
  4/4/2016 
 

 
 
 2,031
 48,399
(9) 
 
  7/11/2016 
 

 
 
 5,397
 128,611
(9) 
 
Brian K. Kobylinski (3)
 1/14/2008 32,000
 

 $28.36
 1/14/2018
 
 

 
 
  1/14/2011 22,800
 

 27.77
 1/14/2021
 
 

 
 
  1/9/2012 9,000
 

 22.87
 1/9/2022
 
 

 
 
  1/14/2013 7,487
 

 28.70
 1/14/2023
 
 

 
 
Andrew G. Lampereur 1/16/2007 42,500
 

 $23.64
 1/16/2017
 
 

 
 
  1/14/2008 50,000
 

 28.36
 1/14/2018
 
 

 
 
  1/9/2009 92,000
 

 18.33
 1/9/2019
 
 

 
 
  1/12/2010 44,400
 

 19.20
 1/12/2020
 
 

 
 
  1/14/2011 37,000
 

 27.77
 1/14/2021
 
 

 
 
  1/9/2012 12,900
 12,900
(4) 22.87
 1/9/2022
 4,950
 $117,959(4) 
 
  1/14/2013 10,399
 10,399
(4) 28.70
 1/14/2023
 3,811
 90,816
(4) 
 
  10/22/2013 
 

 
 
 
 

 2,963
 $70,608
  1/13/2014 
 15,238
(5) 35.71
 1/13/2024
 20,128
 479,650
(5) 
 
  10/29/2014 
 

 
 
 
 

 6,486
 154,561
  1/20/2015 
 26,159
(5) 22.98
 1/20/2025
 10,281
 244,996
(5) 
 
  10/19/2015 
 

 
 
 
 

 9,321
 222,119
  10/30/2015 
 

 
 
 15,450
 368,174
(9) 
 
  1/6/2016 
 

 
 
 28,174
 671,386
(9) 
 
  1/19/2016 
 28,513
(5) 21.41
 1/19/2026
 11,035
 262,964
(5) 
 
Stephen J. Rennie 8/6/2012 
 

 $
 
 1,348
 $32,123(4) 
 
  1/8/2013 
 525
(8) 28.21
 1/8/2023
 
 

 
 
  1/14/2013 6,417
 6,417
(4) 28.70
 1/14/2023
 1,568
 37,365
(4) 
 
  4/8/2013 
 1,000
(8) 29.65
 4/8/2023
 
 

 
 
  1/13/2014 
 10,446
(5) 35.71
 1/13/2024
 2,800
 66,724
(5) 
 
  4/4/2014 
 2,000
(8) 34.48
 4/4/2024
 
 

 
 
  7/7/2014 
 2,500
(8) 34.09
 7/7/2024
 
 

 
 
  10/20/2014 
 1,500
(8) 29.62
 10/22/2024
 
 

 
 
  1/7/2015 
 1,000
(8) 25.29
 1/7/2025
 
 

 
 
  1/20/2015 
 23,253
(5) 22.98
 1/20/2025
 6,092
 145,172
(5) 
 
  4/6/2015 
 1,500
(8) 24.46
 4/6/2025
 
 

 
 
  10/16/2015 
 

 
 
 3,750
 89,363
(9) 
 
  1/6/2016 
 

 
 
 3,000
 71,490
(9) 
 
  1/19/2016 
 27,155
(5) 21.41
 1/19/2026
 7,006
 166,953
(5) 
 
  4/4/2016 
 

 
 
 2,700
 64,341
(9) 
 



  Option Awards Stock Awards
Name 
Date of
Grant
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options (#)
Exercisable
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options (#)
Unexercisable
   
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
 
Option
Expiration
Date
 
Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
   
Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($) (1)
Robert C. Arzbaecher
1/12/2006
150,000



  

$28.11
1/12/2016



  




1/16/2007
160,000






23.64
1/16/2017



  




1/14/2008
170,000






28.36
1/14/2018



  




1/9/2009
166,667

166,666

(2)
18.33
1/9/2019



  




1/12/2010
66,650

66,650

(2)
19.20
1/12/2020

19,450

(2)
$693,976


1/14/2011


113,800

(3)
27.77
1/14/2021

30,800

(3)
1,098,944


4/9/2012










92,203

(4)
3,289,803


10/17/2012










78,117

(4)
2,787,215
William S. Blackmore
1/12/2006
37,500



  

$28.11
1/12/2016



  




7/6/2006
2,000



  

24.77
7/6/2016



  




1/16/2007
42,500



  

23.64
1/16/2017



  




1/14/2008
36,000






28.36
1/14/2018



  




1/9/2009
29,150

29,150

(2)
18.33
1/9/2019



  




1/12/2010
11,100

11,100

(2)
19.20
1/12/2020

3,250

(2)
$115,960


1/14/2011


18,200

(3)
27.77
1/14/2021

5,000

(3)
178,400


1/9/2012


15,000

(3)
22.87
1/9/2022

5,700

(3)
203,376


4/9/2012




  




4,784

(4)
170,693


10/17/2012










3,668

(4)
130,874


1/14/2013


11,980

(3)
28.70
1/14/2023

4,390

(3)
156,635
Mark E. Goldstein
10/27/2004
48,000



  

$20.05
10/27/2014



  




1/12/2006
42,500



  

28.11
1/12/2016



  




7/6/2006
5,000



  

24.77
7/6/2016



  




1/16/2007
50,000



  

23.64
1/16/2017



  




1/14/2008
50,000






28.36
1/14/2018



  




1/9/2009
50,000

50,000

(2)
18.33
1/9/2019



  




1/12/2010
22,200

22,200

(2)
19.20
1/12/2020

6,500

(2)
$231,920


1/14/2011


51,800

(3)
27.77
1/14/2021

14,000

(3)
499,520


1/9/2012


36,400

(3)
22.87
1/9/2022

13,900

(3)
495,952


4/9/2012




  




11,542

(4)
411,819


10/17/2012










9,272

(4)
330,825


1/14/2013


30,280

(3)
28.70
1/14/2023

11,098

(3)
395,977

31



  Option Awards Restricted Stock Awards
  
Date of
Grant
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options (#)
Exercisable
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options (#)
Unexercisable
   
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
 
Option
Expiration
Date
 
Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
   
Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($) (1)
Brian K. Kobylinski
1/12/2006
13,000



  
$28.11
1/12/2016



  



7/6/2006
5,152



  
24.77
7/6/2016



  



1/16/2007
18,000



  
23.64
1/16/2017



  



1/14/2008
32,000





28.36
1/14/2018



  



1/9/2009
37,500

37,500

(2)
18.33
1/9/2019



  



1/12/2010
12,950

12,950

(2)
19.20
1/12/2020

3,800

(2)
$135,584


1/14/2011


22,800

(3)
27.77
1/14/2021

6,200

(3)
221,216


1/9/2012


18,000

(3)
22.87
1/9/2022

6,900

(3)
246,192


4/9/2012




  



5,683

(4)
202,769


10/17/2012









4,585

(4)
163,593


1/14/2013


14,974

(3)
28.70
1/14/2023

5,488

(3)
195,812
Andrew G. Lampereur
10/27/2004
40,000



  
$20.05
10/27/2014



  



1/12/2006
37,500



  
28.11
1/12/2016



  



1/16/2007
42,250



  
23.64
1/16/2017



  



1/14/2008
50,000





28.36
1/14/2018



  



1/9/2009
46,000

46,000

(2)
18.33
1/9/2019



  



1/12/2010
22,200

22,200

(2)
19.20
1/12/2020

6,500

(2)
$231,920


1/14/2011


37,000

(3)
27.77
1/14/2021

10,000

(3)
356,800


1/9/2012


25,800

(3)
22.87
1/9/2022

9,900

(3)
353,232


4/9/2012




  



8,135

(4)
290,257


10/17/2012









6,368

(4)
227,210


1/14/2013


20,798

(3)
28.70
1/14/2023

7,622

(3)
271,953
  Option Awards Restricted Stock Awards  Performance Awards (2)
  
Date of
Grant
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options (#)
Exercisable
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options (#)
Unexercisable
  
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
 
Option
Expiration
Date
 
Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
 
Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($) (1)
  Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
 Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
($) (1)
Roger A. Roundhouse 5/5/2014 4,912
 2,419
(11) $33.93
 5/5/2024
 973
 $23,187(11) 
 
  10/29/2014 
 

 
 
 
 

 4,084
 $97,322
  1/20/2015 
 16,471
(5) 22.98
 1/20/2025
 6,473
 154,252
(5) 
 
  4/6/2015 
 6,000
(8) 24.46
 4/6/2025
 
 

 
 
  10/19/2015 
 

 
 
 
 

 6,353
 151,392
  10/30/2015 
 

 
 
 4,600
 109,618
(9) 
 
  1/19/2016 
 19,430
(5) 21.41
 1/19/2026
 7,519
 179,178
(5) 
 
  3/17/2016 
 

 
 
 20,000
 476,600
(10) 10,000
 238,300
David (Mark) Sefcik (6)
 11/5/2008 2,000
 

 $18.46
 11/5/2018
 
 

 
 
  1/9/2009 24,650
 

 18.33
 1/9/2019
 
 

 
 
  12/31/2009 4,000
 

 18.53
 12/31/2019
 
 

 
 
  1/12/2010 16,400
 

 19.20
 1/12/2020
 
 

 
 
  10/15/2010 11,500
 

 22.97
 10/15/2020
 
 

 
 
  1/14/2011 14,800
 

 27.77
 1/14/2021
 
 

 
 
  1/9/2012 18,800
 

 22.87
 1/9/2022
 
 

 
 
  1/14/2013 17,114
 

 28.70
 1/14/2023
 
 

 
 
  1/13/2014 8,359
 

 35.71
 1/13/2024
 
 

 
 
  10/29/2014 
 

 
 
 
 

 4,084
 $97,322
  1/20/2015 8,236
 

 22.98
 1/20/2025
 
 

 
 
Eugene E. Skogg 7/21/2015 
 16,630
(5) $22.95
 7/21/2025
 12,941
 308,384
(7) 
 
  7/21/2015 
 

 
 
 6,536
 155,753
(5) 
 
  10/19/2015 
 

 
 
 
 

 4,143
 $98,728
  10/30/2015 
 

 
 
 6,257
 149,104
(9) 
 
  1/6/2016 
 

 
 
 15,000
 357,450
(9) 
 
  1/19/2016 
 12,672
(5) 21.41
 1/19/2026
 4,904
 116,862
(5) 
 
  4/4/2016 
 

 
 
 5,000
 119,150
(9) 
 
  
(1)
Market value of restricted stock awards/units, MTIP awards and Performance Shares has been computed by multiplying the $35.6823.83 closing price of the Company’s common stock on August 31, 20132016 (the last trading day of fiscal 20132016) by the number of shares awarded.
(2)
With the exception of the March 17, 2016 grant to Mr. Roundhouse, awards represent Performance Shares (at target) that include a three-year performance period and vest based on achievement of an absolute Free Cash Flow Conversion target and the Company’s TSR percentile relative to the S&P 600 SmallCap Industrial Index. Subsequent to August 31, 2016 and the completion of the three year performance period, the 2014 Performance Share grant (granted on October 22, 2013) vested at 63% of the target level. See “Equity Compensation-Performance Based Restricted Stock” on page 24 for additional details. The March 17, 2016 award to Mr. Roundhouse vests if certain segment-specific EBITDA targets are achieved by August 31, 2018
(3)
Mr. Kobylinski left the Company in April 2016. Upon leaving the Company, all of Mr. Kobylinski's unvested restricted stock, stock options, and performance shares were forfeited, but certain shares remain outstanding as of August 31, 2016.
(4)
Remaining unvestedstock options and restricted stock become exercisablevest on the fifth anniversary of the grant date.date
(3)
(5)
Fifty percent of the share based award becomes exercisable or vests on the third anniversary and the balance on the fifth anniversary of the grant date.
(4)
(6)
Awards represent Performance Shares that includeMr. Sefcik left the Company in August 2016. As a three-yearcondition of termination, any restricted stock and stock option grants vesting within two years of termination were vested. Mr. Sefcik's fiscal 2015 performance period and vest based on achievement of an absolute Free Cash Flow Conversion target and the Company’s relative TSR percentile relativeaward remains outstanding subject to the S&P 600 SmallCap Industrial Index. See “Equity Compensation-Performance Based original performance conditions.
(7)
Remaining stock options and restricted stock vest in equal annual installments over the next two years.
(8)
Stock options become exercisable on the fifth anniversary of the grant date.
(9)
Restricted Stock”stock received in connection with the Investment/Matching Restricted Stock Program vests on page 23 for additional details.the third anniversary of the grant date.
(10)
Restricted stock vests in equal installments over a three year period.
(11)
Remaining stock options and restricted stock vest in the next year.



Equity Awards Exercised and Vested in Fiscal 20132016
 
The grant date fair value of equity compensation awards in each of the past three fiscal years is included in the “SummarySummary Compensation Table”Table on page 28.30. However, this does not reflect the actual value realized on past awards, which may be more or less than the target values, depending on the appreciation in the price of the Company’s common stock. The following table summarizes the number of shares and the actual value realized by each NEO upon the exercise of options and vesting of restricted stock during fiscal 20132016.
 

Option Awards
Stock Awards Option Awards Stock Awards
Name
Number of Shares
Acquired on  Exercise (#)

Value
Realized on
Exercise ($)(1)

Number of Shares
Acquired on  Vesting (#)

Value Realized
on Vesting ($)(1)
 
Number of Shares
Acquired on  Exercise (#)
 
Value
Realized on
Exercise ($)(1)
 
Number of Shares
Acquired on  Vesting (#)
 
Value Realized
on Vesting ($)(1)
Robert C. Arzbaecher
322,760

$5,065,461

19,450

$559,771
 
 $
 65,069
 $1,388,668
William S. Blackmore
72,000

877,259

3,250

93,535
Mark E. Goldstein
96,000

1,311,831

6,500

187,070
Brian K. Kobylinski
54,000

731,363

3,800

109,365
 100,900
 779,037
 8,593
 185,138
Andrew G. Lampereur
96,000

1,473,977

6,500

187,070
 
 
 12,630
 272,258
Stephen J. Rennie 
 
 1,568
 34,104
Roger A. Roundhouse 
 
 972
 24,552
David (Mark) Sefcik 
 
 17,310
 403,988
Eugene E. Skogg 
 
 6,667
 159,008
   

32



(1)
Value realized on exercise of stock options reflects the difference between the option exercise price and the market price at exercise multiplied by the number of shares, while the value realized on the vesting of restricted stock awards reflects the number of shares vested multiplied by the market price of the stock on the vest date.



Employee Deferred Compensation
 
NEO’sNEO���s participate in the Company’s Employee Deferred Compensation Plan and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (see page 2527 for a description of the plans).
 
Name 
NEO
Contributions
in Fiscal 2013 (1)
 
Actuant
Contributions
 
Aggregate
Investment Earnings
in Fiscal 2013
 
Aggregate
Withdrawals
and
Distributions
 
Aggregate
Balance at
August 31,
2013 (4)
 
NEO
Contributions
in Fiscal 2016 (1)
 
Actuant
Contributions
 
Aggregate
Investment Earnings
in Fiscal 2016
 
Aggregate
Withdrawals
and
Distributions
 
Aggregate
Balance at
August 31,
2016 (4)
Interest (2) Other (3) Interest (2) Other (3) 
Robert C. Arzbaecher                        
Deferred Compensation $706,891
 $46,821
 $80,039
 $238,282
 $
 $2,433,412
 $30,154
 $
 $22,161
 $(130,095) $(2,618,715) $392,870
Supplemental Executive Retirement 
 108,642
 26,677
 
 
 470,248
 
 25,662
 11,039
 
 (441,026) 191,271
William S. Blackmore            
Deferred Compensation 227,719
 8,743
 200,208
 23,788
 
 2,910,404
Supplemental Executive Retirement 
 27,072
 7,880
 
 
 134,953
Mark E. Goldstein            
Randal W. Baker            
Deferred Compensation 472,016
 23,397
 273,478
 149,958
 
 4,416,767
 $17,000
 $4,212
 $166
 $
 $
 $21,379
Supplemental Executive Retirement 
 51,495
 11,043
 
 
 201,650
 
 16,215
 
 
 
 16,215
Brian K. Kobylinski                        
Deferred Compensation 331,322
 13,271
 20,266
 15,565
 
 477,662
 $109,442
 $
 $54,528
 $9,021
 $
 $1,026,878
Supplemental Executive Retirement 
 34,618
 6,389
 
 
 124,381
 
 
 14,777
 
 
 214,860
Andrew G. Lampereur                        
Deferred Compensation 315,430
 15,917
 282,513
 28,608
 
 3,977,149
 $73,085
 $6,681
 $377,144
 $13,362
 $
 $5,211,437
Supplemental Executive Retirement 
 46,834
 7,897
 
 
 154,289
 
 29,234
 18,307
 
 
 291,320
Stephen J. Rennie            
Deferred Compensation $
 $3,066
 $8,456
 $4,822
 $
 $183,012
Supplemental Executive Retirement 
 18,038
 3,579
 
 
 76,746
Roger A. Roundhouse 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred Compensation $
 $4,044
 $
 $1,235
 $
 $9,818
Supplemental Executive Retirement 
 15,992
 1,257
 
 
 38,176
David (Mark) Sefcik            
Deferred Compensation $131,193
 $12,664
 $80,499
 $18,735
 $
 $1,360,986
Supplemental Executive Retirement 
 16,915
 8,205
 
 
 138,124
Eugene E. Skogg            
Deferred Compensation $111,154
 $3,335
 $1,980
 $
 $
 $116,469
Supplemental Executive Retirement 
 16,913
 250
 
 
 21,326
  
(1)
NEO contributions include employee electedelective deferrals of base salary, annual cash incentivesbonus or restricted stock units (in accordance with the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan). NEO contributions in fiscal 20132016 included the deferred receipt of restricted stock units by Mr. ArzbaecherSefcik ($559,771) and Mr. Goldstein ($187,070)88,979).
(2)
Interest was earned on deferred balances at various rates based on the year that eligible compensation was deferred, with a rate of 5.85%5.92% for calendar 20132016 contributions. While the interest rates are above the SEC benchmark “market” rate (120% of the applicable federal long-term rate), the Company believes the rates are appropriate as they are reflective of the non-securedunsecured and non-fundedunfunded nature of the Employee Deferred Compensation Plan and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. The rates are intended to approximate the rates the Company would pay for similar unsecured loans on the open market. Only the difference between the interest credited to the participant’s account and the SEC benchmark “market” rate of 2.84%2.28% is included under the caption “Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings” in the Summary Compensation Table on page 28.30.
(3)
Represents the appreciation of Actuant’sgain (loss) on Actuant stock and reinvested dividends included in each NEO’s deferred compensation account.
(4)
The aggregate balance of August 31, 20132016 includesrepresents the balance in each NEO’s participant account.


Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
The following table summarizes information, as of August 31, 20132016, relating to our equity compensation plans pursuant to which grants of options, restricted shares or other rights to acquire shares may be granted from time to time.
 
Plan Category 
Number of Securities to be
Issued Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights (1)
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants, and Rights
 
Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities
Reflected in First
Column) (2)
 
Number of Securities to be
Issued Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights (1)
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants, and Rights
 
Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities
Reflected in First
Column) (2)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1) 5,700,404
 $23.67
 4,923,863
 4,831,567
 $23.96
 2,268,413
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders 
 
 
 
 
 
 5,700,404
 $23.67
 4,923,863
 4,831,567
 $23.96
 2,268,413

33



(1)
The number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights includes 3,889,8883,129,482 stock options at a weighted average exercise price of $23.72, 289,663$23.99, 348,580 stock appreciation rights at a weighted average exercise price of $22.88$23.67 (the number of actual shares issued will vary based on the stock price on the date of exercise), 1,279,8021,272,261 restricted stock units, 17,038 restricted stock awards and 241,05164,206 Performance Shares (at target).
Amounts do not include shares under the 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan for which shareholder approval is being sought at the Annual Meeting.
(2)
The number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans include 4,503,3941,931,349 shares under the 2009 Omnibus Plan, 101,49871,579 shares under the Actuant Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan and 318,971265,485 shares under the Actuant Corporation 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
If the 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan is approved by shareholders at the Annual Meeting, no further awards will be made under the 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

Potential Payments Upon Termination of Employment or
Change In Control Payments

Other than a retirement agreement with Mr. Skogg (which provides for accelerated vesting of unvested equity awards if he retires at or after age 63 and provides twelve month advance notice), the Company does not have employment contracts with any of its NEOs. Whether and to what extent the Company would provide severance benefits to any NEOs upon termination (other than due to a change in control) is discretionary.
 
Change in Control Arrangements
 
We have entered into changeChange in control agreements are in place with each of the NEOs whereby we have agreed to provide these executives with terminationproviding certain benefits upon termination of employment following both a change in control and a triggering event. We entered into these change of controlSuch agreements so that our executives can focus their attention and energies on our business during periods of uncertainty that may occur dueare intended to a potential change of control. In addition, we want ourencourage executives to support a corporate transaction involving a change of control that is inconsider the best interests of our shareholders even thoughby alleviating any concerns about their own personal financial well-being in the transaction may have an adverse effect onface of a potential change in control of the executive’s continued employment with us. We believe these arrangements provide an important incentive for our executives to remain with us.Company.
 
A triggering event is defined as:
 
a material reduction in the base salary paid by the Company to the executive or aannual bonus opportunity, or material reduction in the executive’s bonus opportunity or materially reducing the total aggregate value of the fringe benefits received by the executive from the Company from theprior levels received by the executive at the time of a change in control or during the six month period immediately precedingprior to the change in control;
a material reduction in the executive’s authority responsibilities or dutiesand responsibility or a material diminutiondecrease in the authority, reasonability or duties ofsame for the supervisor to whom the executive is required to report,reports, from the levels existing at the time of a change in control or during the six month period immediately precedingprior to the change in control; or
a change in the location or headquarters where the executive is expected to provide serviceswork that is 40 or more miles from the previous location existing at the time of the change in control or during the six month period immediately preceding the change in control.

A change in control is defined as:
 
the date that any oneacquisition by a person or more than one person acting as a group acquires ownership of stock in the Company that, along with other holdings, constitutes more than 50% of the stock of the Company measured in terms of voting power, other than in a public offering;our common stock;
the date that any oneacquisition by a person or more than one person acting as a group acquires (or has acquired during the prior 12-month period)of assets fromof the Company that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 40 percent40% of the total gross market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately before such acquisition; or
the date that any oneacquisition by a person or more than one person acting as a group acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of the Company possessing 30 percent30% or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company; or
a change in the election of directors constituting a majority of our Board without the Company’s boardendorsement of directors pursuant to a proxy solicitation not recommended by the Company’s board of directors.existing Board members.

The terms and conditions of the change in control agreements for the NEOs are uniform and do not vary significantly by executive. In fiscal 2013 the Company amended all change in control agreements to eliminateexecutive, and there are no excise tax gross-ups. The agreement statesagreements state that if the Company terminates the executive’s employment within a period beginning six months prior to, and up to 24 months after a change of control, that executive is entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to a multiple of combinedtwo times annual base salary and annual cash incentive.


bonus. In addition, the executive would continue to receive welfare benefits and perquisites available to that NEO at the time of termination for a certain period after that termination. The following table illustrates the change of control provisions for the NEOs:two years.

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Name
Multiple of
Base Salary Paid
Multiple of
Annual Cash
Incentive Paid
Benefit Program
Continuance
Robert C. Arzbaecher2X2X2 years
William S. Blackmore2X2X2 years
Mark E. Goldstein2X2X2 years
Brian K. Kobylinski2X2X2 years
Andrew G. Lampereur2X2X2 years
The base salary and the annual cash incentive utilized in determiningbonus used to determine the payout representwould be the highest annual base salary paid in the two years prior to the change in control and the highest annual incentive paidbonus earned in the three years prior to the change in control. The lump sum payment would be payable within 20 days after termination of employment. The multiples to be paid in the event of a change-in-control were not determined in relation to the overall compensation guidelines, but rather as part of an objective to attract and retain NEOs.

Certain of our equity compensation plans also contain change in control provisions. Our 1996, 2001 and 2002 Stock Option PlansPlan and 2009 Omnibus Plan permitallow the Committee to either provide for equivalent substitute options to be granted to the optionees upon a change in control or the cash-out of options previously granted under such plan based on the fair market value of Company commonthe stock at the time of such settlement, or, with respect to certain awards, the highest fair market value per share of Company common stock during the 60-day period immediately preceding the change in control. Any stock option deferral program that remains in existence requires distribution of all deferred shares as soon as administratively practicable after the date of a change in control.

Taking into account the specific terms of each NEO’s change in control agreement, the following table provides the estimated payments upon a change in control for the NEOs as if their employment had been terminated by the Company or by the NEO on August 31, 20132016 after a triggering event:
Name 
Base
Salary
 
Annual
Cash
Incentive (1)
 
Stock
Options (2)
 
Stock
Awards (3)
 Benefits (4) Total
Robert C. Arzbaecher $1,700,000
 $3,340,386
 $4,890,205
 $7,869,938
 $124,965
 $17,925,494
William S. Blackmore 860,000
 1,082,282
 1,108,413
 955,939
 93,823
 4,100,457
Mark E. Goldstein 1,150,000
 1,444,256
 2,320,732
 2,366,012
 111,555
 7,392,555
Brian K. Kobylinski 860,000
 1,052,160
 1,379,488
 1,029,582
 70,087
 4,391,317
Andrew G. Lampereur 900,000
 966,718
 1,932,294
 1,731,372
 71,488
 5,601,872
Name 
Base
Salary
 
Annual
Bonus (1)
 
Stock
Options (2)
 
Stock
Awards (3)
 Benefits (4) Total
Randal W. Baker $1,700,000
 $
 $
 $1,299,212
 $69,342
 $3,068,554
Andrew G. Lampereur 980,000
 45,022
 103,621
 2,235,945
 64,727
 3,429,315
Stephen J. Rennie 800,000
 243,042
 85,480
 673,531
 74,344
 1,876,397
Roger A. Roundhouse 810,000
 51,874
 61,021
 942,835
 88,590
 1,954,320
Eugene E. Skogg 680,000
 
 45,301
 1,206,703
 72,867
 2,004,871
 
(1)
Represents annual cash incentive plan payout. Actual payout will be based on the highest annual cash incentivebonus paid during the previous three years, multiplied by the applicable “Multiple of Annual Cash Incentive Paid,” as stipulated in the NEO change in control agreements.two.
(2)
Represents the intrinsic value (difference between the closing trading price at August 31, 20132016 and exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares subject to the option) of unvested stock options with an exercise price less than $35.68$23.83 (i.e. options that are “in the money”).
(3)
Represents market value of unvested restricted stock based on the August 31, 20132016 closing price of the Company’s common stock ($35.6823.83).
(4)
Represents estimated costs to provide the welfare benefits and perquisites provided to the NEOs as described on page 24.27.

Estimated payments owed to the NEOs upon a change in control, absent termination or a triggering event (as defined on page 34)38) would be the “Stock Options” and “Stock Awards” columns in the table above.

In connection with his resignation from the Company, the Company entered into a Separation and Release Agreement with Mr. Sefcik dated September 7, 2016 (the “Separation Agreement”). In accordance with the Separation Agreement, Mr. Sefcik received (i) $425,000 (which was equal to his annual base salary immediately prior to termination) in cash to be paid over a period of 12 months, (ii) continued coverage under the group medical plans of the Company at active employee rates through August 31, 2017; (iii) vesting of outstanding stock options scheduled to vest within two years of August 9, 2016; and (iv) vesting of outstanding restricted stock units scheduled to vest within two years of August 9, 2016. Mr. Sefcik will be entitled to receive Performance Shares, if any, earned under each outstanding Performance Share award held by him. The Separation Agreement includes a release, as well as non-compete, non-solicit, non-disparagement and confidentiality covenants.
 
Death or Disability Arrangements
 
Our NEOs are not generally entitled to any special benefits upon death or permanent disability. In the case of an NEO death, payment of base salary would cease. The executive’s estate would receive an earned, pro-rata 401(k) match and core contribution, Restorationnon-qualified core contribution under the Deferred Compensation Plan benefit and annual cash incentive.bonus. All stock options and restricted stock would become 100% vested. The value of each NEO’s stock options and restricted stock, whose vesting would be accelerated upon death, is the same as disclosed in the preceding change in control table.

If the NEO becomes disabled during employment, base salary would continue at 100% for up to six months while the executive is disabled. If the executive remains disabled after six months and enrolled in the voluntary supplemental long term disability program, the insurance carrier would begin making disability payments to the executive, otherwise no further salary or disability

35




payments would be due. Additionally, all NEOs currently participate in a company-paid supplemental disability insurance program. Benefits from that policy would be paid by the insurance carrier in addition to the voluntary group policy. The NEO would receive an earned, pro-rata 401(k) match and core contribution, Restorationnon-qualified core contribution under the Deferred Compensation Plan benefit, and annual cash incentivebonus payout after six months of disability. All stock options and restricted stock would become 100% vested.

Severance Arrangements
The Company does not have employment contracts with any of its NEOs. Whether and to what extent the Company would provide severance benefits to any of the other NEOs upon termination (other than due to a change in control) is discretionary and would be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. As such, the Company is unable to estimate the potential payouts under other employment termination scenarios.

36



NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
 
Director Compensation
 
Directors who are not employees of the Company are paid an annual cash retainer of $50,000$60,000 (as of January 1, 2016) for serving on the Board of Directors and an annual retainer of $15,000, $10,000 and $10,000 for serving on the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee, respectively. The chairperson of the Compensation Committee and Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee each receives an additional annual fee of $5,000 and the chairperson of the Audit Committee receives an additional annual fee of $10,000. Directors are also reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with attendance at meetings. In fiscal 2013, the CompanyAs of August 31, 2016 directors are paid the lead director, Mr. Hall,following additional cash fees for serving on committees:
Committee Member Fee Chairperson Fee
Audit $15,000
 $15,000
Compensation 10,000
 10,000
Nominating & Governance 10,000
 7,500

Additionally, the Chairman of the Board receives an additional annual retainercash fee of $20,000$135,000 for his service in such position.services (above and beyond the annual retainer). The directors are not paid “per meeting” fees associated with their services as Company directors. The Company and the Board believe management access to the Board, outside of regular meeting dates, should occur on an “as needed” basis, without concern for the fees associated with such access.
 
Equity compensation for the Board in fiscal 20132016 was in the form of restricted stock (approximately 40%65% weighting) and stock options (approximately 60%35% weighting). As with respectSimilar to our NEOs, we believe that it is important to align the interests of the Board membersof Directors to that of the Company’s shareholders. In fiscal 20132016, each non-employee director was granted 2,2653,036 shares of restricted stock and an option to purchase 3,3274,224 shares of Company common stock at an exercise price of $28.70$21.41 per share (market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant) under the 2009 Omnibus Plan. Under the terms of the plan, Board of Director. These stock options and restricted stock vest after eleven months and options have a ten year life.
 
Directors who are our employees (Messrs. Arzbaecher, Goldstein and Boel) receive no additional compensation for service as a director. In fiscal 20132016, the non-employee directors received a combination of cash payments and equity-based compensation as shown in the table below and were also reimbursed for actual out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings. All compensation earned by Mr. Arzbaecher in fiscal 2016 as Chairman of the Board (from September 2015 to February 2016) is included in the Summary Compensation table on page 30.
 
Name 
Annual
Retainer ($)
 
Committee
Fees ($)
 
Lead
Director
Fee ($)
 
Stock
Awards
($) (1)
 
Option
Awards
($) (1)
 Total ($) 
Outstanding
Stock
Options at
Fiscal Year
End (#)
 
Non-vested
Restricted
Stock at
Fiscal
Year End
(#)
 
Annual
Retainer ($)
 
Committee
Fees ($)
 
Chairman/Lead
Director
Fee ($)
 
Stock
Awards
($) (1)
 
Option
Awards
($) (1)
 Total ($) 
Outstanding
Stock
Options at
Fiscal Year
End (#)
 
Non-vested
Restricted
Stock at
Fiscal
Year End
(#)
Gurminder S. Bedi $50,000
 $20,000
 n/a
 $65,006
 $95,485
 $230,491
 41,290
 2,265
 $60,000
 $20,000
 $
 $65,000
 $35,000
 $180,000
 51,749
 3,036
Danny L. Cunningham (2)
 10,385
 2,596
 
 
 
 12,981
 
 
E. James Ferland 60,000
 25,000
 
 65,000
 35,000
 185,000
 8,099
 3,036
Thomas J. Fischer 50,000
 25,000
 n/a
 65,006
 95,485
 235,491
 77,290
 2,265
 60,000
 30,000
 
 65,000
 35,000
 190,000
 67,749
 3,036
William K. Hall 50,000
 30,000
 $20,000
 65,006
 95,485
 260,491
 77,290
 2,265
R. Alan Hunter 50,000
 25,000
 n/a
 65,006
 95,485
 235,491
 49,290
 2,265
Robert A. Peterson 50,000
 25,000
 n/a
 65,006
 95,485
 235,491
 77,290
 2,265
R. Alan Hunter, Jr. 60,000
 25,000
 
 65,000
 35,000
 185,000
 59,749
 3,036
Robert A. Peterson (3)
 60,000
 17,500
 52,500
 65,000
 35,000
 230,000
 67,749
 3,036
Holly A. Van Deursen 50,000
 20,000
 n/a
 65,006
 95,485
 230,491
 41,290
 2,265
 60,000
 30,000
 
 65,000
 35,000
 190,000
 51,749
 3,036
Dennis K. Williams 50,000
 20,000
 n/a
 65,006
 95,485
 230,491
 57,290
 2,265
 60,000
 25,000
 
 65,000
 35,000
 185,000
 67,749
 3,036
                              
(1)
Amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value, as determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Refer to Note 12 of our financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013, for details regarding assumptions utilized to value share based awards. Thesevalue. The amounts do not correspond to the actual value that may be realized by our non-employee directors, as that is dependent on the long-term appreciation in the Company’s common stock. Refer to our Annual report on Form 10-K for details regarding assumptions utilized to value share based awards.
(2)
Mr. Cunningham was appointed as a Director effective May 2016.
(3)
Mr. Peterson was appointed Chairman of the Board effective March 2016. Fees include $18,750 for service as Lead Director from September 2015 to February 2016 and $33,750 for service as Chairman of the Board thereafter.

Similar to the NEOs, the directors have Company stock ownership guidelines in order to more closely align their interestsdrive long-term performance alignment with those of shareholders. Under the guidelines, each non-employee director is expected to own Actuant common stock with an aggregatea total value equal to five times his or hertheir annual retainer amount.(or an aggregate $300,000). During fiscal 2013,2016, all directors (except Mr. Ferland who joined the Board in 2014 and Mr. Cunningham who joined the Board in 2016) exceeded the requirement.
 
Under the Outside Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, each non-employee director may elect tocan defer all or a specified portion of his or hertheir annual retainer and committee fees for future payment on a specified date specified byor when they leave the participant or upon termination of the participant’s service as a director. An amountBoard. The number of shares, having a value equal to the amount of compensation deferred, areis contributed by the Company to a rabbi trust. The Outside Directors’ Deferred Compensation Planplan consists solely of phantom stock units, which are settled in Actuant common stock, generally following the director’s termination of service. During fiscal 2013, Mr. Peterson participatedAs of August 2016, Messrs. Cunningham and Ferland were participating in the Outside Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan.



OTHER INFORMATION
 
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
 
Pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company’s directors, executive officers and persons who beneficially own 10% or more of the common stock are required to report their initial ownership of common stock and subsequent changes in that ownership to the Securities and Exchange CommissionSEC and the New York Stock Exchange.NYSE. Specific due dates for

37



those reports have been established and the Company is required to disclose in this Proxy Statement any failure to file by those due dates during fiscal 20132016, except for one late Form 4 filed on behalf of each Mr. Peterson and Mr. Goldstein. Based upon a review of such reports furnished to the Company, or written representations that no reports were required, the. The Company believes that all filing requirements were satisfied with respect to fiscal 20132016.
 
Independent Public Accountants
 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, performed an audit of our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 20132016 and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 20132016. The Audit Committee has selected PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal year, and the committee is presenting this selection to shareholders for ratification. Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers will be present at the Annual Meeting to respond to shareholders’ questions. Aggregate fees for professional services rendered for the Company by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for such fiscal years were as follows:
 
 Fiscal Year Ended
August 31, 2013
 Fiscal Year Ended
August 31, 2012
 Fiscal Year Ended
August 31, 2016
 Fiscal Year Ended
August 31, 2015
Audit Fees $1,628,900
 $1,682,000
 $1,999,700
 $2,098,800
Audit-Related Fees 800
 33,300
 27,300
 
Tax Fees 558,500
 529,400
Tax Compliance Fees 382,300
 385,100
Tax Consulting Fees 1,977,200
 1,109,200
All Other Fees 
 1,000
 
 
 $2,188,200
 $2,245,700
 $4,386,500
 $3,593,100
 
Audit Fees were for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and related audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, the review of quarterly financial statements and the preparation of statutory and regulatory filings. Audit-Related Fees were for professional services rendered in connection with accounting consultations. Fiscal 2013Tax Compliance Fees consist of $288,500 forinclude professional services related to annual tax compliance including foreign tax return preparation and transfer pricing studies, and $270,000 for professional services related to tax planning and tax advisory services. Fiscal 2012while Tax Consulting Fees consist of $76,000 for professional services related to tax compliance, including foreign tax return preparation and transfer pricing studies and $453,400 forinclude professional services related to tax planning and tax advisory services. In addition to the fees above, the Company also reimbursed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for out of pocket expenses, which were less than $100,000$100,000 in fiscal 20132016 and 2012.2015.
 
The Audit Committee has considered the compatibility of the non-audit services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s continued independence and has concluded that the independence of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is not compromised by the performance of such services.

The Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures for the pre-approval of any services performed by the independent auditor to ensure that such services do not impair the auditor’s independence. All annual recurring audit fees require specific approval by the Audit Committee prior to the work commencing. All services which involve more thatthan $50,000 in fees require specific approval by the Audit Committee prior to the work commencing. The Audit Committee has given general pre-approval for all legally allowable services provided by the independent auditor that involve less than $50,000, on the condition that such engagement must be specifically pre-approved by management and management must provide quarterly reports of such activity to the Audit Committee.
 
Shareholder Proposals
 
Shareholder proposals must be received by the Company no later than August 8, 20147, 2017 in order to be considered for inclusion in the Company’s annual meeting proxy statement next year. Shareholders who wish to submit a proposal not intended to be included in the Company’s annual meeting proxy statement but to be presented at next year’s annual meeting, or who propose to nominate a candidate for election as a director at that meeting, are required by the Company’s bylaws to provide notice of such proposal or nomination to the principal executive offices of the Company. This notice must be received by the Company no later than the close of business on September 16, 201419, 2017 nor earlier than the close of business on August 17, 2014,20, 2017, to be considered for a vote at next year’s annual meeting. The notice must contain the information required by the Company’s bylaws.

Householding of Annual Meeting Materials
 
Some banks, brokers, and other nominee record holders may be participating in the practice of “householding” proxy statements and annual reports. This means that only one copy of this proxy statement and the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 20132016 may have been sent to multiple shareholders in your household. If you would prefer to receive separate copies


of a proxy statement or Annual Report on Form 10-K either now or in the future, please contact your bank, broker or other nominee. Upon written or oral request to the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, we will provide a separate copy of the annual report and/or proxy statement.

38




Additional Matters
 
Other than the proposals and matters described herein, management is not aware of any other matters which will be presented for action at the Meeting. If other matters do come before the Meeting, including any matter as to which the Company did not receive notice by October 22, 201321, 2016 and any shareholder proposal omitted from this Proxy Statement pursuant to the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, it is intended that proxies will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the person or persons exercising the authority conferred thereby.
 
By Order of the Board of Directors,
 
ROBERT C. ARZBAECHERA. PETERSON
Chairman of the Board
 
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
December 6, 20135, 2016

It is important that proxies be returned promptly. Therefore, whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting in person, shareholders are requested to complete, date, sign and return their proxies as soon as possible.
 
A copy (without exhibits) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 20132016, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, has been provided with this Proxy Statement. Additional copies of the Form 10-K are available, free of charge, upon written or telephonic request directed to our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Actuant Corporation, or by telephone at (262) 293-1500.

39



EXHIBIT A: ACTUANT CORPORATION 2017 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

1. Purpose. The purpose of the Actuant Corporation 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is to provide (i) key employees (including officers) of Actuant Corporation (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries and Affiliates, and (ii) members of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) with the opportunity to acquire or be granted shares of the common stock of the Company or receive other stock-based compensation based on the long-term economic performance of the Company.

The Company believes that the Plan will:

(1) In the case of officers and certain management employees (including certain inside directors of the Board), encourage stock ownership by such employees, which will provide an incentive for such employees to expand and improve the profits and prosperity of the Company, and which will assist the Company in attracting and retaining such employees; and

(2) In the case of outside directors of the Board, make service on the Board more attractive to present and prospective highly qualified and capable outside directors and provide additional retention and incentive for such directors to direct the Company effectively by offering them a greater interest in the continued success of the Company.

2. Definitions. Capitalized terms used in this Plan and not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth below.

(a) “Affiliate” means an entity that, directly or indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company; provided, however, that with respect to an Incentive Stock Option, an Affiliate means a “parent corporation” (as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code) or a “subsidiary corporation” (as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code) with respect to the Company, whether now or hereafter existing. For purposes of this definition, the terms “control”, “controlled by” and “under common control with” mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to vote or cause the direction of the management and policies of the entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
(b) “Applicable Laws” means the requirements relating to, connected with, or otherwise implicated by the administration of long-term incentive plans under applicable state corporation laws, United States federal and state securities laws, the Code, the rules of any stock exchange or quotation system on which the shares of Common Stock are listed or quoted (including the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual, as applicable), and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan.
(c) “Award” means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, or other equity-based awards.
(d) “Award Agreement” means a documented agreement (documented in either paper form or electronic form, at the discretion of the Committee) setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to an Award granted under the Plan (which may, but need not be executed, at the discretion of the Committee). Each Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(e) “Change in Control” means:
(1) any “person” (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and as used in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes a “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 50.01% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s securities; provided, however, that the event described in this clause (1) shall not be deemed to be a Change in Control by virtue of any of the following acquisitions:
(A) by the Company or any of its subsidiaries,
(B) by any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or
(C) by any underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities.
(2) at any time during a period of twelve consecutive months, individuals who constitute the Board as of the beginning of the period (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to the beginning of the period, whose election or nomination for election was approved by a vote (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without objection to such nomination) of at least a majority of the Incumbent Directors who remain on the Board, including those directors whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, shall also be deemed to be an Incumbent Director;


(3) the consummation of a merger, consolidation, or other similar form of corporate reorganization of the Company, other than a merger, consolidation or reorganization which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or reorganization continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or any parent thereof) at least 50% of the combined voting power or the total fair market value of the securities of the Company or such surviving entity or parent thereof outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation; or
(4) a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets is consummated (it being understood that “substantially all” for purposes of this subsection (4) means assets of the Company having a total gross fair market value equal to more than 40% of the total gross fair market value of all assets of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or transactions).

(f) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(g) “Committee” means the committee of Directors appointed by the Board to administer this Plan. In the absence of a specific appointment, “Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board.
(h) “Common Stock” means the Company’s common stock, $0.20 par value per share (as such par value may be adjusted from time to time) or any securities issued in respect thereof by the Company or any successor to the Company as a result of an event described in Section 13.

(i) “Director” means a member of the Board.
(j) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(k) “Executive Officer” means an individual who is an “executive officer” of the Company (as defined by Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act) or a “covered employee” under Section 162(m) of the Code.
(l) “Fair Market Value” means, with respect to a share of Common Stock as of any date (except in the case of a cashless exercise pursuant to Section 7(b)(3)), (i) if the Common Stock is admitted to trading on a national securities exchange, the closing price of a share of Common Stock on such date (or, if the Common Stock was not traded on such day, then the previous day on which the Common Stock was traded), (ii) if the Common Stock is not admitted to trading on a national securities exchange, the closing price for a share of Common Stock as quoted by the National Quotation Bureau’s “Pink Sheets” or the National Association of Securities Dealers’ OTC Bulletin Board System (or, if the Common Stock was not quoted on such day, then the previous day on which the Common Stock was quoted) or (iii) otherwise, the fair market value as determined in good faith by the Committee on such basis as it deems appropriate. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, if such determination of Fair Market Value is not consistent with the then current regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury, Fair Market Value shall be determined in accordance with said regulations. The determination of Fair Market Value shall be subject to adjustment as provided in Section 13 hereof.
(m) “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
(n) “Non-Qualified Option” means an Option not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(o) “Option” means an option to purchase shares of Common Stock that is granted pursuant to Section 7 of the Plan. An Option may be an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-Qualified Option.
(p) “Performance-Based Award” means an Award granted under Section 11 of the Plan.
(q) “Performance Objective” means a performance objective or goal that must be achieved before an Award, or a feature of an Award, becomes nonforfeitable, as described in Section 11 of the Plan.
(r) “Preexisting Plans” means the Actuant Corporation 2001 Outside Directors’ Stock Plan, the Actuant Corporation 2002 Stock Plan, as amended, and the Actuant Corporation 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended.
(s) “Repricing” means (i) reducing the exercise price or base amount of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right after it is granted, (ii) taking any action that is treated as a “repricing” under generally accepted accounting principles, (iii) canceling an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right at a time when its exercise price or base amount exceeds the Fair Market Value of a Share


(each, an “Underwater Award”), in exchange for another Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock or other Award, or (iv) repurchasing an Option or Stock Appreciation Right that is an Underwater Award.
(t) “Restricted Stock” means an Award Common Stock that is subject to restrictions and a substantial risk of forfeiture, as described in Section 9 of the Plan.
(u) “Restricted Stock Unit” means an Award that is subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture and entitles the recipient to receive shares of Common Stock at the end of a specified restricted period, as described in Section 10 of the Plan.
(v) “Stock Appreciation Right” or “SAR” means an Award that entitles the recipient to receive, upon exercise, the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the Award is exercised, over (ii) a base amount specified by the Committee, as described in Section 8 of the Plan.
3. Administration.
(a) Committee. The Plan shall be administered and interpreted by the Committee. The Committee may consist of two or more members of the Board who are “outside directors” as defined under Section 162(m) of the Code and “non-employee directors” as defined under Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, or such other members of the Board.
(b) Authority of Committee. The Committee has the sole authority (acting alone or, to the extent the Committee deems appropriate for purposes of Exchange Act Rule 16b-3, in conjunction with the full Board), subject to the provisions of the Plan, to (i) select the employees and Directors to receive Awards under the Plan, (ii) determine the type, size and terms of the Awards to be made to each individual selected, (iii) determine the time when the Awards will be granted and the duration of any applicable exercise and vesting period, including the criteria for exercisability and vesting and the acceleration of exercisability and vesting with respect to each individual selected, and (iv) deal with any other matter arising under the Plan. The Committee may, in its discretion, delegate day-to-day administrative tasks to other individuals to the extent such delegation complies with Applicable Law. The Committee is authorized to interpret the Plan and the Awards granted under the Plan, to establish, amend and rescind any rules and regulations relating to the Plan, and to make any other determination that it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan. The Committee may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan or in any Award in the manner and to the extent the Committee deems necessary or desirable. Any decision of the Committee in the interpretation and administration of the Plan shall lie within its sole and absolute discretion and shall be final, conclusive and binding on all parties concerned. All powers of the Committee shall be executed in its sole discretion and need not be uniform as to similarly situated individuals.

(c) Authority of Board. Any authority granted to the Committee may also be exercised by the Board or another committee of the Board, except to the extent that the grant or exercise of such authority would cause any Award intended to qualify for favorable treatment under Section 162(m) of the Code to cease to qualify for the favorable treatment under Section 162(m) of the Code. To the extent that any permitted action taken by the Board conflicts with action taken by the Committee, the Board action shall control. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to the extent the Board has delegated any authority under this Plan to another committee of the Board, such authority shall not be exercised by the Committee unless expressly permitted by the Board in connection with such delegation.
(d) Indemnification. No member of the Board, no member of the Committee and no employee of the Company, including an Executive Officer who has been appropriately delegated authority with respect to the Plan, shall be liable for any act or failure to act hereunder, except in circumstances involving his or her bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct, or for any act or failure to act hereunder by any other member of the Committee or employee of the Company. The Company shall indemnify members of the Committee and any employee of the Company against any and all liabilities or expenses to which they may be subjected by reason of any act or failure to act with respect to their duties under the Plan, except in circumstances involving his or her bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct.
(e) Compliance with Applicable Law. The Committee shall administer, construe, interpret, and exercise discretion under the Plan and each Award Agreement in a manner that is consistent and in compliance with a reasonable, good faith interpretation of all Applicable Laws, and that avoids (to the extent practicable) the classification of any Award as “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A or 457A of the Code, as determined by the Committee, or if an Award is subject to Section 409A or 457A, administers the Plan and such Award in a manner that complies with the requirements of Section 409A or 457A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the failure to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A, Section 457A, or Section 162(m) of the Code with respect to the grant of an Award under the Plan shall not affect the validity of the action of the Committee otherwise duly authorized and acting in the matter.
(f) Delegation of Authority by Committee. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Committee may delegate to one or more committees of Directors, or to one or more Executive Officers the powers: (i) to designate Eligible Individuals (as


defined in Section 4 below) who are not Executive Officers or Directors as eligible to receive awards under the Plan; and (ii) to determine the amount and type of Awards that may be granted to Eligible Individuals who are not Executive Officers or Directors. Any such delegation by the Committee shall include a limitation as to the amount and type of Awards that may be granted during the period of the delegation and shall contain guidelines as to permissible grant dates for awards, the determination of the exercise price of any Option or SAR and the vesting criteria. The Committee may also authorize further delegation by such committees to Executive Officers of the Company, in each case to the extent permitted by Wisconsin law; provided that, determinations regarding the timing, pricing, amount and terms of any Award to a “reporting person” for purposes of Section 16 of the Exchange Act shall be made only by the Committee; and provided further that, no such delegation may be made that would cause Awards or other transactions under this Plan to cease to be exempt from Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or cause an Award intended to qualify for favorable treatment under Section 162(m) of the Code not to qualify for, or to cease to qualify for, the favorable treatment under Section 162(m) of the Code. Any such delegation may be revoked by the Committee at any time. The Committee may revoke, limit or amend the terms of a delegation at any time but such action shall not invalidate any prior actions of the Committee delegatee or delegatees that were consistent with the terms of the Plan.
4. Eligible Individuals; Participants. All employees and officers of the Company and its subsidiaries or Affiliates and Directors (including members of the Board who are not employees) are eligible to participate in the Plan (collectively, “Eligible Individuals”). Consistent with the purposes of the Plan, the Committee shall have the exclusive power to select the Eligible Individuals who may participate in the Plan (any individuals who are so selected and who hold Awards hereunder, “Participants”). Eligible Individuals may be selected individually or by groups or categories, as determined by the Committee in its discretion, and designation as a person to receive Awards in any year shall not require the Committee to designate such a person as eligible to receive Awards in any other year.
5. Awards. In the Committee’s discretion, Awards may be granted alone, in addition to, or in tandem with any other Award or any award granted under another plan of the Company or an Affiliate. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other awards may be granted either at the same time or at different times. Each Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement, which need not be identical between Participants or among Awards, in such form as the Committee may from time to time approve; provided, however, that in the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Plan and any Agreement, the provisions of the Plan shall prevail. Unless expressly stated otherwise in an Award Agreement, an Award under this Plan shall not impact any award granted under a Preexisting Plan and/or any similar equity or equity-based plan previously adopted or maintained by the Company or an Affiliate.
6. Common Stock Available under the Plan.
(a) Share Reserve. Subject to any adjustments made in accordance with Section 13 hereof, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be subject to Awards shall be (i) 4,325,000 shares of Common Stock, plus (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to awards under Preexisting Plans that become available in accordance with Section 6(c) below after the date on which shareholders of the Company approve the adoption of the Plan. Shares of Common Stock delivered under the Plan may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued shares, treasury shares or shares of Common Stock acquired by the Company. Upon a grant of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or other similar Awards (whether performance-based or time-vested) or unrestricted grants of shares of Common Stock, the number of shares available for issuance under the Plan shall be reduced by 2.15 times the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such Awards, and any shares underlying such Awards (or similar awards under a Preexisting Plan) that become available for future grant under the Plan pursuant to Section 6(c) below shall be added back to Plan by 2.15 times the number of shares of Common Stock subject to such award.
(b) Shares Counted Against Limitation. If an Award is exercised, in whole or in part, by tender of shares of Common Stock under Sections 7(b)(2) or (3), if the Company’s tax withholding obligation is satisfied by withholding shares of Common Stock under Section 18, if a Stock Appreciation Right is exercised, or if shares are repurchased by the Company with Option proceeds, the number of shares of Common Stock deemed to have been issued under the Plan (for purposes of the limitation set forth in this Section 6) shall be the number of shares of Common Stock that were subject to the Award or portion thereof so exercised and not the net number of shares of Common Stock actually issued upon such exercise.

Additionally, in the event that a corporation acquired by (or combined with) the Company or any subsidiary has shares available under a pre-existing plan approved by stockholders and not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or combination, the shares available for grant pursuant to the terms of such pre-existing plan (as adjusted, to the extent appropriate, using the exchange ratio or other adjustment or valuation ratio or formula used in such acquisition or combination to determine the consideration payable to the holders of common stock of the entities party to such acquisition or combination) may be used for awards under the Plan and shall not reduce the shares of Common Stock authorized for grant under the Plan; provided that awards using such available shares shall not be made after the date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of the pre-existing plan, absent the acquisition or combination, and shall only be made to individuals who were not employees or directors of the Company or any subsidiary prior to such acquisition or combination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such shares shall not increase the number of shares available for Awards of Incentive Stock Options unless such additional share limit is approved by the shareholders in accordance with Section 422 of the Code.


(c) Lapsed Awards. If an Award under the Plan or an award under a Preexisting Plan: (i) expires, (ii) is terminated, surrendered, or canceled without having been exercised in full, (iii) settled in cash, or (iv) is otherwise forfeited in whole or in part, then the unissued shares of Common Stock that were subject to such Award and/or such surrendered, canceled, or forfeited shares of Common Stock (as the case may be) shall become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated), subject however, in the case of Incentive Stock Options, to any limitations under the Code.
(d) Individual Limit. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted in any calendar year to any individual shall be 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock, and the maximum number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or other similar Awards (whether performance-based or time-vested) or unrestricted grants of shares of Common Stock may be granted in any calendar year to any individual shall be 500,000 shares of Common Stock. The foregoing limit shall be construed and applied consistently with Section 162(m) of the Code. For any participant who is an outside director of the company, the aggregate grant date fair value of Awards granted to such individual during any calendar year, along with any regular cash retainer or meeting fees paid to such participant during such calendar year shall not exceed$700,000; provided, however, that if an individual employee becomes an outside director (or vice-versa) during a calendar year, the limit in this sentence shall not apply to Awards granted to the individual in the individual’s capacity as an employee. If an Award is to be settled in cash or any medium other than shares of Common Stock, the number of shares on which the Award is based shall count toward the individual share limit set forth in this Section 6(d). Further, any Awards granted to a Participant that are canceled shall continue to count toward the individual share limit applicable to that Participant as set forth in this Section 6(d).
7. Options. Each Option shall be designated in an Award Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-Qualified Option. Each Option shall be subject to the terms, conditions and restrictions consistent with the Plan as the Committee may impose, subject to the following limitations:
(a) Exercise Price. The exercise price per share (the “Exercise Price”) of Common Stock subject to an Option shall be determined by the Committee and may not be less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the Option is granted.
(b) Payment of Exercise Price. The Committee shall determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option and the acceptable method(s) of payment. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the Committee shall determine the acceptable form of consideration at the time of grant. To the extent approved by the Committee, the Exercise Price of an Option may be paid in any one, or any combination, of the forms of consideration set forth in subsections (1), (2), (3), and (4) below.
(1) Cash Equivalent. The Exercise Price may be paid by cash, check or other cash equivalent approved by the Committee.
(2) Tender or Attestation of Shares.The Exercise Price may be paid by the tendering of other shares of Common Stock to the Company or the attestation to the ownership of the shares of Common Stock that otherwise would be tendered to the Company in exchange for the Company’s reducing the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the Option. Shares of Common Stock tendered or attested to in exchange for shares issued under the Plan may not be shares of Restricted Stock at the time they are tendered or attested to. The Committee shall determine acceptable methods for tendering or attesting to shares of Common Stock to exercise an Option under the Plan and may impose such limitations and prohibitions on the use of shares to exercise Options as it deems appropriate. For purposes of determining the amount of the Exercise Price satisfied by tendering or attesting to shares of Common Stock, such shares shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the date of tender or attestation, as applicable.
(3) Broker-Assisted Cashless Exercise.The Exercise Price may be paid in accordance with a cashless exercise program (established with a securities brokerage firm that uses a valuation methodology consistent with the definition of fair market value under applicable provisions of the Code or regulations promulgated thereunder) as approved by the Committee.
(4) Other Methods. The Exercise Price may be paid using such other methods of payment as the Committee, at its discretion, deems appropriate from time to time.
(c) Exercise Period. Options shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that no Option shall be exercisable later than ten years after the date it is granted (or such other limit as may be required by the Code) and further provided that if an Option other than an Incentive Stock Option has an expiration date during or within three days of a Black-Out Period (defined as any period of time when, pursuant to any policies of the Company, then the expiration date of such Option shall be extended for a period of 30 days following the end of the Black-Out Period or such longer period as permitted by the Committee). Notwithstanding the


foregoing, no extension of the exercise period may occur if it would cause the Option to become subject to and in violation of the requirements of Section 409A(a) of the Code. All Options shall terminate at such earlier times and upon such conditions or circumstances as the Committee shall determine, as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
(d) Limitations on Incentive Stock Options. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Participants who, at the time of the grant, are employees of the Company or an Affiliate, and only at an Exercise Price that is not less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of the grant. The aggregate Fair Market Value of Common Stock (determined as of the date of the grant) with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by a Participant during any calendar year (under all option plans of the Company or an Affiliate) shall not exceed $100,000. For purposes of the preceding sentence, Incentive Stock Options will be taken into account in the order in which they are granted. Incentive Stock Options may not be granted to a Participant who, at the time of grant, owns stock possessing (after the application of the attribution rules of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all outstanding classes of stock of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, unless the Exercise Price is fixed at not less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of grant and the exercise of such Incentive Stock Option is prohibited by its terms after the expiration of five years from its date of grant. Neither the Company nor the Committee shall have liability to a Participant or any other party if an Option (or any part thereof) which is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option. In addition, the Committee may make an adjustment or substitution described in Section 13 of the Plan that causes the Option to cease to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option without the consent of the affected Participant or any other party.
(e) Exercise of Option. Any Option granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company (or its designee) receives: (i) written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Award Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option and (ii) full payment for the shares of Common Stock underlying such Option (in a form permitted under Section 7(b) of the Plan) with respect to which the Option is exercised.

(f) Limit on Shares Available for Awards of Incentive Stock Options. The aggregate number of shares available for Awards of Incentive Stock Options shall be the aggregate number of shares set forth in Section 6 (except where Section 6 explicitly indicates that shares are not available for Awards of Incentive Stock Options).

(g) Right to Dividends. Participants shall not be entitled to receive any dividends or other distributions paid with respect to an Option.
8. Stock Appreciation Rights. Each Stock Appreciation Right shall be subject to the terms, conditions and restrictions consistent with the Plan as the Committee may impose, subject to the limitations set forth below. Except as otherwise provided for by the Committee, all Awards of Stock Appreciation Rights shall be settled in shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise. .
(a) Base Price. The base price per share of Common Stock subject to a Stock Appreciation Right shall be determined by the Committee, but may not be less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date the SAR is granted.
(b) Exercise Period. SARs shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Committee and documented in the applicable Award Agreement; provided, however, that no SAR shall be exercisable on a date that is later than ten years after the date it is granted. SARs shall terminate at such earlier times and upon such conditions or circumstances as the Committee shall determine, as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
(c) Manner of Exercise. Any Stock Appreciation Right granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan, and at such times and under such conditions as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. A Stock Appreciation Right shall be deemed exercised when the Committee receives written or electronic notice of exercise (in the form and manner set forth in the applicable the Award Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Stock Appreciation Right.

(d) Right to Dividends. Participants shall not be entitled to receive any dividends or other distributions paid with respect to a Stock Appreciation Right.
9. Restricted Stock Awards.
(a) Terms of Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted Stock Awards shall consist of shares of Common Stock issued or transferred to Participants that are subject to such restrictions on transferability, risks of forfeiture and other restrictions that the Committee may impose. Restricted Stock Awards may be subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee determines appropriate, including, without limitation, restrictions on the sale or other disposition of such shares and the right of the Company to reacquire such shares for no consideration upon termination of the Participant’s employment within specified periods or prior to becoming vested. The Committee may require the Participant to deliver a duly signed stock power, endorsed


in blank, relating to the Common Stock covered by a Restricted Stock Award. The Committee may also require that the stock certificates evidencing such shares be held in custody or bear restrictive legends until the restrictions thereon shall have lapsed. Except to the extent otherwise provided in any Award Agreement relating to the Restricted Stock, a Participant granted shares of Restricted Stock shall have the right to vote the shares of Restricted Stock, but, except as provided in subsection (b) below, shall not have the right to receive dividends upon such shares of Restricted Stock. As consideration for the Award, a Participant may be required to pay par value or an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Award, as determined by the Committee.
(b) Right to Dividends. During the applicable vesting period or other period of restriction, Participants shall not be entitled to receive any dividends or other distributions paid with respect to shares of Restricted Stock, unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement. In the case of an Award Agreement that provides a Participant a right to receive dividend and/or dividend equivalents during a vesting or other period of restriction, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 11 below, payment of such dividend and/or dividend equivalents shall not constitute Performance-Based Compensation for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code.
(1) If so provided in any Award Agreement by the Committee, if any dividends or distributions are paid in shares of Common Stock, the shares of Common Stock shall be subject to the same restrictions (and shall therefore be forfeitable to the same extent) as the shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid.
(2) If so provided in any Award Agreement by the Committee, if any dividends or distributions are paid in cash, the Award Agreement may specify that the cash payments shall be subject to the same restrictions as the related Restricted Stock, in which case they shall be accumulated during the vesting period or other period of restriction and paid or forfeited when the related shares of Restricted Stock vest or are forfeited. Alternatively, the Award Agreement may specify that the dividend equivalents or other payments shall be unrestricted, in which case they shall be paid as soon as practicable after the dividend or distribution date, but in no event later than 2- ½ months after the calendar year in which the dividend or distribution becomes nonforfeitable.
(c) Limitations on Vesting. Restricted Stock Awards in excess of 5% of the number of shares available for Awards pursuant to Section 6 that are conditioned on an employee’s continued employment with the Company or an Affiliate shall not become vested earlier than one year from the date of grant (provided, however, that such Awards may provide for accelerated payment in limited cases of an intervening event related to death, disability, retirement or Change in Control).
10. Restricted Stock Units.
(a) Terms of Restricted Stock Units. Restricted Stock Units may be awarded to Participants under such terms and conditions as shall be established by the Committee. Restricted Stock Units shall provide a Participant with the right to receive Common Stock shares of Common Stock at a date on or after vesting in accordance with the terms of such grant and/or upon the attainment of performance criteria specified by the Committee. Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to such restrictions as the Committee determines. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, the number of shares of Common Stock specified in the Award Agreement, shall be delivered to the Participant as soon as practicable after the date that such Restricted Stock Units cease to be subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, and in any event no later than 2- ½ months after the end of the calendar year in which the substantial risk of forfeiture ceases to exist.
(b) Dividend Equivalents. Holders of Restricted Stock Units will not be granted the right to receive payments equivalent to dividends or other distributions with respect to shares of Common Stock underlying Awards of Restricted Stock Units, unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement. The Award Agreement may specify that the dividend equivalents or other distributions shall be subject to the same restrictions as the related Restricted Stock Units, in which case they shall be accumulated during the applicable vesting period or other period of restriction and paid or forfeited when the related Restricted Stock Units are paid or forfeited. Alternatively, the Award Agreement may specify that the dividend equivalents or other distributions shall be unrestricted, in which case they shall be paid on the dividend or distribution payment date for the underlying shares of Common Stock, or as soon as practicable thereafter but, in no event later than 2-½ months after the calendar year in which the record date for the dividend or distribution occurs.

(c) Limitations on Vesting. Awards of Restricted Stock Units in excess of 5% of the number of shares available for Awards pursuant to Section 6 that are conditioned on an employee’s continued employment with the Company or an Affiliate shall not become vested earlier than one year from the date of grant (provided, however, that such Awards may provide for accelerated payment in limited cases of an intervening event related to death, disability, retirement or Change in Control).
11. Performance-Based Awards. Certain Awards granted under the Plan may be granted in a manner such that they qualify for the performance based compensation exemption from Section 162(m) of the Code (“Performance-Based Awards”). The Committee


may, in its discretion, also grant Awards based on performance objectives other than those set forth in subsection (b) below, which Awards shall not constitute Performance-Based Awards.
(a) Committee. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, the Committee for purposes of granting Performance-Based Awards shall consist of two or more members of the Board who are “outside directors” as defined under Section 162(m) of the Code.
(b) Performance-Based Criteria. Any Performance Objective shall relate to the Participant’s performance for the Company (or an Affiliate) or the Company’s (or Affiliate’s) business activities or organizational goals, and shall be sufficiently specific that a third party having knowledge of the relevant facts could determine whether the Performance Objective is achieved.

Performance Objectives may be absolute in their terms or measured against or in relationship to other companies or other external or internal measures. If so specified in the Award Agreement, Performance Objectives may include or exclude extraordinary charges, losses from discontinued operations, restatements and accounting changes, and other special charges such as restructuring expenses, acquisitions and divestitures and related expenses (including without limitation expenses related to goodwill and other intangible assets), stock offerings, stock repurchases, strategic loan loss provisions and other unusual, non-recurring items of gain or loss that are separately identified and quantified in the Company’s audited financial statements. However, notwithstanding the preceding sentence, unless the Committee determines otherwise prior to the end of the applicable time for establishing Performance Objectives for an Award, to the extent any such item affects any Performance Criteria applicable to an Award, shall be automatically excluded or included in determining the extent to which the Performance Objective has been achieved, whichever will produce the higher Award (subject to any exercise of “negative discretion” by the Committee).

Performance Objectives with respect to any Award may include any one or more of the following objectives or combination thereof (or an equivalent metric), as established by the Committee in its sole discretion: (i) achieving a target level of Company net sales; (ii) achieving a target level of earnings (including gross earnings; earnings before certain deductions, such as interest, taxes, depreciation, or amortization; or earnings per share); (iii) achieving a target level of income (including net income or income before consideration of certain factors, such as overhead) or a target level of gross profits for the Company, an Affiliate, or a business unit; (iv) achieving a target return on the Company’s (or an Affiliate’s) sales, revenues, capital, assets, or shareholders’ equity; (v) maintaining or achieving a target level of appreciation in the price of the shares of Common Stock; (vi) achieving a target market share for the Company (or an Affiliate); (vii) achieving or maintaining a share price that meets or exceeds the performance of specified stock market indices or other benchmarks over a specified period; (viii) achieving a level of share price, earnings, or income performance that meets or exceeds performance in comparable areas of peer companies over a specified period; (ix) achieving specified reductions in costs or targeted levels in costs; (x) achieving specified improvements in collection of outstanding accounts or specified reductions in non-performing debts; (xi) achieving a level of cash flow or working capital; (xii) introducing one or more products into one or more new markets; (xiii) acquiring a prescribed number of new customers in a line of business; (xiv) achieving a prescribed level of productivity within a business unit; (xv) completing specified projects within or below the applicable budget; (xvi) completing acquisitions of other businesses or integrating acquired businesses; and (xvii) expanding into other markets. Any criteria used may be measured, as applicable, (A) in absolute terms, (B) in relative terms (including without limitation by the passage of time and/or against another company or companies), (C) on a per-share basis, (D) against the performance of the Company as a whole or a segment of the Company, (E) on a pre-tax or after-tax basis, and/or (F) on a GAAP or non-GAAP basis.
(c) With respect to Performance-Based Awards that are not Options or Stock Appreciation Rights based solely on the appreciation in the Fair Market Value of Common Stock after the grant of the Award, (i) the Committee shall establish in writing (x) the Performance Objectives applicable to a given period and (y) the individual employees or class of employees to which such Performance Objectives apply, no later than 90 days after the commencement of such fiscal period (but in no event after 25% of such period has elapsed), (ii) no Performance-Based Awards (including any dividends on shares subject to Performance-Based Awards) shall be payable to or vest with respect to, as the case may be, any Participant for a given fiscal period until the Committee certifies in writing that the objective performance goals (and any other material terms) applicable to such period have been satisfied, and (iii) the Committee may reduce or eliminate the number of shares of Common Stock granted or the number of shares of Common Stock vested upon the attainment of such performance goal. After establishment of a performance goal, the Committee shall not revise such performance goal or increase the amount of compensation payable thereunder (as determined in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Code) upon the attainment of such performance goal.

(d) The list of possible Performance Objectives set forth in Section 11(b) above, and the other material terms of Awards that are intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, shall be subject to approval and reapproval by the Company’s shareholders in the time periods prescribed by Section 162(m) of the Code.



(e) Performance-Based Awards in excess of 5% of the number of shares available for Awards pursuant to Section 6 that are conditioned on an employee’s continued employment with the Company or an Affiliate shall not become vested earlier than one year from the date of grant (provided, however, that such Awards may provide for accelerated payment in limited cases of an intervening event related to death, disability, retirement or Change in Control).

12. Other Equity-Based Awards. The Committee shall have the right to grant other Awards based upon or payable in shares of Common Stock having such terms and conditions as the Committee may determine, including deferred stock units, unrestricted shares of Common Stock, the grant of shares of Common Stock upon the achievement of a Performance Objective or Objectives and the grant of securities convertible into shares of Common Stock. The Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of such Awards. Shares of Common Stock delivered pursuant to an Award in the nature of a purchase right granted under this Section 12 shall be purchased for such consideration, paid for at such times, by such methods, and in such forms, including, without limitation, cash, shares of Common Stock, other Awards or other property, as the Committee shall determine. Other Awards in excess of 5% of the number of shares available for Awards pursuant to Section 6 that are conditioned on an employee’s continued employment with the Company or an Affiliate shall not become vested earlier than one year from the date of grant (provided, however, that such Awards may provide for accelerated payment in limited cases of an intervening event related to death, disability, retirement or Change in Control).
13. Adjustments to Awards. The following provisions will apply if any extraordinary dividend or other extraordinary distribution occurs in respect of the Common Stock (whether in the form of cash, shares of Common Stock, other securities, or other property), or any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split (including a stock split in the form of a stock dividend), reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company or any similar, unusual or extraordinary corporate transaction (or event in respect of the Common Stock), including a Change in Control, or a sale of all or substantially all the assets of the Company occurs. The Committee will, in such manner and to such extent (if any) as it, in its discretion, deems appropriate and equitable:
(a) proportionately adjust any or all of (i) the number and type of shares of Common Stock (or other securities) that thereafter may be made the subject of Awards (including the specific maximums and numbers of shares set forth elsewhere in the Plan), (ii) the number, amount and type of shares of Common Stock (or other securities or property) subject to any or all outstanding Awards, (iii) the grant, purchase, or exercise price of any or all outstanding Awards, (iv) the securities, cash or other property deliverable upon exercise of any outstanding Awards or (v) the performance standards appropriate to any outstanding Awards (subject to the limitations for performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code), or
(b) subject to Section 16 of the Plan, in the case of an extraordinary dividend or other distribution, recapitalization, reclassification, merger, reorganization, consolidation, combination, sale of assets, split up, exchange, or spin off, including, without limitation, in the event of a Change in Control, make provision for (i) a cash payment, (ii) the substitution or exchange of any or all outstanding Awards, (iii) the cash, securities or property deliverable to the holder of any or all outstanding Awards based upon the distribution or consideration payable with respect to shares of Common Stock upon or in respect of such event, (iv) all vested Options and Stock Appreciation Rights to be exercised by a date certain in connection with such event at which time these stock rights (whether or not then vested) shall terminate, provided Participants are given advance written notice or (v) a combination of the foregoing, which may vary among Participants.
The Committee shall value Awards as it deems reasonable in the event of a cash settlement and, in the case of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights or similar stock rights, may base such settlement solely upon the excess if any of the per share amount payable upon or in respect of such event over the exercise or base price of the Award. The Committee’s determination with respect to any adjustments under this Section 13 shall be final and conclusive. The Committee may act under this Section 13 at any time to the extent that the Committee deems such action necessary to permit a Participant to realize the benefits intended to be conveyed with respect to the underlying Shares in the same manner as is or will be available to shareholders generally. In the case of any stock split or reverse stock split, if no action is taken by the Committee, the proportionate adjustments contemplated by Section 13 above shall nevertheless be made. All adjustments shall be made in a manner that complies with Section 409A of the Code, to the extent applicable.
14. Substitution and Assumption of Awards. Subject to the terms of Section 409A of the Code, as applicable, the Committee may authorize the issuance of Awards under this Plan in connection with the assumption of, or substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted to individuals who become employees or other service providers of the Company or any Affiliate as a result of any merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, or reorganization, upon such terms and conditions as the Committee may deem appropriate. Any substitute Awards granted under the Plan shall not count against the limitations set forth in Section 6.
15. Other Provisions in Award Agreements. In addition to the provisions described in the Plan, any Award Agreement may include such other provisions (whether or not applicable to the Award of any other Participant) as the Committee determines appropriate, including restrictions on resale or other disposition, rights of the Company to repurchase shares of Common Stock or shares of Common Stock underlying Awards, provisions with respect to the treatment and/or forfeiture of Awards in the event that a Participant breaches any confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation or other restrictive covenants, requirements or inducements


for continued ownership of Stock after exercise or vesting of Awards, provisions with respect to reimbursement to the Company of any cash or equity based incentive compensation paid to the Participant where such compensation was predicated upon achieving certain financial results that were substantially the subject of a restatement, and provisions to comply with Applicable Laws. Without limiting any other express authority of the Committee under (but subject to) the express limits of the Plan, the Committee may waive conditions of or limitations on Awards to Participants that the Committee in the prior exercise of its discretion had imposed, without the Participant’s consent, and may make other changes to the terms and conditions of Awards. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall not adjust or change previously imposed terms and conditions for an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right in such a manner as would constitute a Repricing of the Exercise Price or base amount of any Option or Stock Appreciation Right without stockholder approval except as contemplated in Section 13 (with respect to a stock split, merger, acquisition, spin-off or any other similar, unusual or extraordinary corporate transaction or event in respect of the shares of Common Stock as described therein).
16. Change in Control. In addition to the provisions described in the Plan, in Section 13 above, and in the Award Agreement, any employment agreement or Change in Control agreement approved by the Committee may include provisions for the treatment of Awards in connection with a Change in Control, including the acceleration of vesting and/or exercisability of Awards upon a Change in Control or any other event in connection with such Change in Control. The Committee shall determine the treatment of outstanding Awards in connection with any transaction or transactions resulting in a Change in Control.

17. Transferability of Awards. Except as provided below, a Participant’s rights under an Award may not be transferred or encumbered, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or, in the case of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order (as defined under Section 414(p) the Code). The Committee may provide, in an Award Agreement for a Non-Qualified Stock Option, for its transferability as a gift to family members, one or more trusts for the benefit of family members, or one or more partnerships of which family members are the only partners, according to such terms as the Committee may determine; provided that the Participant receives no consideration for the transfer and the transferred Non-Qualified Stock Option shall continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable to the Non-Qualified Stock Option immediately before the transfer.
18. Withholding. All distributions or payments made with respect to an Award shall be net of any amounts required to be withheld pursuant to applicable federal, state and local tax withholding requirements. The Company may require a Participant to remit to it or to the subsidiary that employs a Participant an amount sufficient to satisfy such tax withholding requirements prior to the delivery of any certificates for Common Stock. In lieu thereof, the Company or the employing corporation shall have the right to withhold the amount of such taxes from any other sums due or to become due to the Participant as the Company shall prescribe. The Committee may, in its discretion and subject to such rules as it may adopt, permit a Participant to pay all or a portion of the federal, state and local withholding taxes arising in connection with any Award by electing to have the Company withhold shares of Common Stock deliverable thereunder having a Fair Market Value that is not in excess of the maximum statutory amount of tax to be withheld. The Company shall have no responsibility for any tax consequences to a Participant.
19. Effect of Termination of Service or Employment. The Committee may provide, by rule or regulation or in any Award Agreement, or may determine in any individual case, the circumstances in which Awards shall be exercised, vested, paid or forfeited in the event a Participant ceases to be employed by or provide services to the Company or an Affiliate prior to the end of a performance period or the exercise, vesting or settlement of such Award. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee if, with respect to any Award, (a) a Participant’s termination of service occurs before the end of the performance period or the vesting period applicable to such Award (or the applicable portion of such Award) or (b) any Performance Objectives are not achieved in whole or in part (as determined by the Committee) by the end of the period for measuring such Performance Objectives, then all such then unvested and/or unearned Awards shall be forfeited by the Participant.
20. Shareholder Rights. A Participant shall not have any of the rights or privileges of a holder of Common Stock for any Common Stock that is subject to an Award, including any rights regarding voting or the payment of dividends (except as expressly provided under the terms of the Plan or the Award), unless and until a certificate representing such Common Stock has been delivered to the Participant.
21. Conditions on Delivery of Shares and Lapsing of Restrictions. The Company shall not be obligated to deliver any shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Plan or to remove restrictions from shares of Common Stock previously delivered under the Plan until (a) all conditions of the Award have been met or removed to the satisfaction of the Committee, (b) subject to approval by the Company’s counsel, all other legal matters (including any Applicable Laws) in connection with the issuance and delivery of such shares of Common Stock have been satisfied, and (c) the Participant has executed and delivered to the Company such representations or agreements as the Committee may consider appropriate to satisfy the requirements of Applicable Laws.
22. Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance or sale of any shares of Common Stock hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such shares of Common Stock as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.


23. Tenure. A Participant’s right, if any, to continue to serve the Company or an Affiliate as a director, officer, or employee shall not be expanded or otherwise affected by his or her designation as a Participant. More specifically, nothing in this Plan or in any Agreement shall confer upon any Participant who is an employee of the Company the right to continue in the employment of the Company or any Affiliate or affect any right which the Company or any Affiliate may have to terminate or modify the employment of the Participant with or without cause.
24. No Fractional Shares. No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award. The Committee shall determine whether cash shall be paid in lieu of fractional shares or whether such fractional shares or any rights thereto shall be forfeited or otherwise eliminated.
25. Duration, Amendment and Termination. No Award may be granted more than ten years after the Effective Date of the Plan (as described in Section 29). The Plan may be amended or terminated, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time by the Board, but no amendment shall be effective unless and until the same is approved by shareholders of the Company where the amendment would (a) increase the total number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued under the Plan, (b) increase the maximum number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued to any individual Participant under the Plan or (c) delete or limit the scope of the provisions of Section 15 prohibiting Repricing of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights without stockholder approval. No amendment or termination of the Plan shall adversely affect in a material manner any right of any Participant with respect to any Award theretofore granted without such Participant’s written consent. It is conclusively presumed that any adjustment for changes in capitalization provided for in Section 13 hereof does not adversely affect any right of a Participant or other person under an Award.
26. Authorization of Sub-Plans. The Committee may from time to time establish one or more sub-plans under the Plan for purposes of satisfying applicable blue sky, securities, tax and/or other applicable laws of various jurisdictions. The Committee shall establish such sub-plans by adopting supplements to the Plan containing (a) such limitations as the Committee deems necessary or desirable, and (b) such additional terms and conditions not otherwise inconsistent with the Plan (including Sections 162(m), 457A, and/or 409A of the Code) as the Committee shall deem necessary or desirable. All sub-plans adopted by the Committee shall be deemed to be part of the Plan, but each sub-plan shall apply only to Participants within the affected jurisdiction and the Company shall not be required to provide copies of any sub-plans to Participants in any jurisdiction which is not the subject of such sub-plan.
27. Governing Law, Venue. This Plan, Awards granted hereunder and actions taken in connection with the Plan shall be governed by the laws of the State of Wisconsin regardless of the law that might otherwise apply under applicable principles of conflicts of laws. Any legal action related to this Plan shall be brought only in a federal or state court located in Wisconsin.
28. Other Payments/Benefits. Payments and other benefits received by a Participant under an Award shall not be deemed a part of a Participant’s regular, recurring compensation for purposes of any termination, indemnity or severance pay plans maintained or adopted by the Company or an Affiliate, and shall not be included in, nor have any effect on, the determination of benefits under any other employee benefit plan, contract or similar arrangement provided by the Company or an Affiliate, unless expressly provided by the other governing plan, contract or arrangement or unless the Committee determines that an Award or portion of an Award should be included to reflect competitive compensation practices or to recognize that an Award has been made in lieu of a portion of competitive cash compensation.

29. Effective Date. This Plan shall be effective as of October 18, 2016 which is the date as of which the Plan was adopted by the Board, provided that the Plan is approved by the shareholders of the Company at its 2017 annual meeting of shareholders, and such approval of shareholders shall be a condition to the right of each Participant to receive an Award hereunder.





          
  
actuant.jpg
 Shareowner Services       
  P.O. Box 64945      
    St. Paul, MN 55164-0945   COMPANY #   
  
Address Change? Mark box, sign, and indicate changes below: ¨
      
    TO VOTE BY INTERNET OR   
    TELEPHONE, SEE REVERSE SIDE
    OF THIS PROXY CARD.   

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
Please sign and date this proxy card and return it promptly in the enclosed postage-paid envelope to
Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, P.O. Box 64873, St. Paul, MN 55164-9397,
so your shares are represented at Actuant Corporation’s 20142017 Annual Meeting.
ò     Please fold here – Do not separate    ò
 
If no specification is made, this proxy will be voted  for all names listed in Proposal 1 and for Proposals 2, 3 and 3.4.

 
 
1. Election of
    directors:
 
  01 Robert C. ArzbaecherRandal W. Baker  04 Mark E. GoldsteinJames Ferland  07 RobertHolly A. PetersonVan Deursen 
¨  Vote FOR all nominees
 
¨  Vote WITHHELD
   02 Gurminder S. Bedi  05 William K. HallR. Alan Hunter  08 Holly A. Van DeursenDennis K. Williams (exceptnominees (except as marked) from all nominees
   03 Thomas J. FischerDanny L. Cunningham  06 R. Alan HunterRobert A. Peterson  09 Dennis K. Williams    
                 
 
(Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any indicated nominee,
write the number(s) of the nominee(s) in the box provided to the right.)
      
    
 
2.     Advisory vote to approve compensation of our named executive officers.
 
¨     For
 
     ¨    Against
 
    ¨     Abstain
    
 
3. Vote upon the Actuant Corporation 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
¨     For
¨    Against
¨     Abstain
4.     Ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent auditor.
 
¨     For
 
     ¨    Against
 
    ¨     Abstain
 
 
4.5.      In their discretion, upon such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof; all as set out in the Notice and Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged.
 
 THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER SPECIFIED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IMPORTANT – THIS PROXY MUST BE SIGNED AND DATED.
  
 
Date                                                                          
  
                 
                  Signature(s) in Box
                  Please sign exactly as your name(s) appears on Proxy. If held in joint tenancy, all persons should sign. Trustees, adminis­trators, etc., should include title and authority. Corporations should provide full name of corporation and title of authorized officer signing the Proxy.
                   
         
                         





ACTUANT CORPORATION
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Tuesday, January 14, 201417, 2017
8:00 a.ma.m. Eastern Time
Inn on Fifth
699 Fifth Avenue
South Naples, Florida


   
  proxy
 
This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors for the Annual Meeting to be held on January 14, 2014.17, 2017.
 
Robert C. ArzbaecherRandal W. Baker and Andrew G. Lampereur,Eugene E. Skogg, and each of them, are hereby authorized as Proxies, with full power of substitution, to represent and vote the Class A Common Stock of the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of ACTUANT CORPORATION, a Wisconsin corporation, to be held on January 14, 201417, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time at the Inn on Fifth, 699 Fifth Avenue, South Naples, Florida, or at any adjournments thereof, with like effect as if the undersigned were personally present and voting, upon the matters indicated on the reverse side of this card.
Vote by Internet, Telephone or Mail
24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
Your phone or Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares
in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.
 
     
     
INTERNET/MOBILE PHONE MAIL
www.proxypush.com/atu 1-866-883-3382  
    Mark, sign and date your proxy
Use the Internet to vote your proxy Use a touch-tone telephone to card and return it in the
until 12:0011:59 p.m. (CST) on vote your proxy until 12:0011:59 p.m. postage-paid envelope provided.
January 13, 201416, 2017 (CST) on January 13, 201416, 2017  
If you vote your proxy by Internet or by Telephone, you do NOT need to mail back your Proxy Card.