UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

(AMENDMENT NO.     )

Filed by the Registrant  x                             Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  ¨

Check the appropriate box:

Ennis, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

Ennis, Inc.

2441 Presidential Parkway

Midlothian, TX 76065

Dear Shareholders:

The board of directors and management cordially invite you to attend the Ennis, Inc. annual meeting of shareholders to be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on Thursday, July 25, 2013,21, 2016, at the Midlothian Community Center, One Community Circle, Midlothian, Texas 76065. The formal notice of the annual meeting of shareholders and proxy statementProxy Statement are attached.

Ennis, Inc. has chosen to furnish its Proxy Statement and Annual Report to its shareholders over the Internet, as allowed by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Rather than mailing paper copies, we believe that this e-proxy process will expedite shareholder receipt of the materials and lower Ennis’ expenses associated with this process, and eliminate unnecessary printing and paper usage.process. As a shareholder of Ennis, you are receiving by mail (or electronic mail) a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) which will instruct you on how to access and review the proxy statement and annual report over the Internet. The Notice will also instruct you how to vote your shares over the Internet. Shareholders who would like to receive a paper copy of our Proxy Statement and Annual Report, free of charge, should follow the instructions on the Notice. Shareholders who request paper copies will also receive a proxy card or voting instructions form to allow them to vote their shares by mail in addition to over the Internet or by telephone.

It is important that your shares be voted at the meeting in accordance with your preference. If you do not plan to attend, you may vote your shares by following the instructions in the Notice. If you are able to attend the meeting and wish to vote in person, you may withdraw your proxy at that time. See response to the question “How do I vote?” in the proxy statementProxy Statement for a more detailed description of voting procedures and the response to the question “Do I need an admission ticket to attend the annual meeting?” in the proxy statementProxy Statement for our procedures for admission to the meeting.

Sincerely,

Ennis, Inc.

2441 Presidential Parkway

Midlothian, TX 76065

NOTICE OF 20132016 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

To Be Held Thursday, July 25, 201321, 2016

To our shareholders:

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Ennis, Inc., will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2013,21, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the Midlothian Community Center located at One Community Circle, Midlothian, Texas 76065 (the “Annual Meeting”). At the Annual Meeting, we will ask you to vote on the following proposals:

In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote, as described in the accompanying proxy statement,Proxy Statement, upon any other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.

Only shareholders of record at the close of business on May 24, 2013,23, 2016 are entitled to receive notice of and to vote their shares at the Annual Meeting.

Ennis, Inc. is pleased to take advantage of the Securities and Exchange Commission rules that allow issuesissuers to furnish proxy materials to their shareholders over the Internet. Ennis, Inc. believes that this process allows us to provide you with the information you need while lowering the costs associated with the Annual Meeting. While you are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting in person, you may either vote at the Annual Meeting or vote by proxy, which allows your shares to be voted at the Annual Meeting even if you are not able to attend. However, to ensure that your vote is counted at the Annual Meeting, please vote as promptly as possible.

ENNIS, INC.

2441 Presidential Parkway

Midlothian, Texas 76065

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

To be held on July 25, 201321, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING THE PROXY

STATEMENT AND ANNUAL MEETING

When and where is the Annual Meeting?

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2013,21, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., local time at the Midlothian Community Center located at One Community Circle, Midlothian, Texas 76065. You are invited to attend the annual meeting and are requested to vote on the proposals described in this proxy statement.Proxy Statement.

Why did I receive a notice in the mail regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials instead of a full set of proxy materials?

Pursuant to rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, (“SEC”), Ennis, Inc. (“Ennis” or the “Company”) has elected to provide access to its Proxy Statement and Annual Report, which we refer to as the proxy materials, over the Internet or, upon your request, has delivered printed versions of the proxy materials to you by mail. The proxy materials are being provided in connection with Ennis’Ennis’s solicitation of proxies for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders or at any adjournment or postponement thereof. Accordingly, the Company sent a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) on or about June 13, 2013,6, 2016 to its shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the meeting.

All shareholders will have the ability to access the proxy materials on the web site referred to in the Notice or request to receive a printed set of the proxy materials. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet or to request a printed set may be found in the Notice. In addition, shareholders may request to receive proxy materials in printed form by mail or electronically by email on an on-going basis. Ennis encourages shareholders to take advantage of the availability of the proxy materials over the Internet.

How can I access the proxy materials electronically?

The Notice will provide you with instructions regarding how to:

Ennis’ proxy materials are also available on Ennis’Ennis’s web site atwww.ennis.com/investor_relations.

Choosing to receive future proxy materials by email will save Ennis the cost of printing and mailing documents to you thereby lowering the costs associated with the Annual Meeting. If you choose to receive future proxy materials by email, you will receive an email message next year with instructions containing a link to those materials and a link to the proxy voting web site. Your election to receive proxy materials by email will remain in effect until you terminate it.

What is included in the proxy materials?

Ennis’Ennis’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 28, 2013,29, 2016, as filed with the SEC on May 10, 201311, 2016 and this Proxy Statement.

If you requested printed versions of these materials by mail, these materials also include the proxy card or voting instruction form for the Annual Meeting.

I may have received more than one Proxy Statement. Why?

If you received more than one Proxy Statement, your shares are probably registered differently or are in more than one account. Please vote each proxy card/notice that you received.

How does the Board recommend that I vote my shares?

Unless you give other instructions on your proxy card, the persons named as proxy holders on the proxy card will vote in accordance with the recommendations of the Board. The Board’s recommendation can be found with the description of each item in this Proxy Statement. In summary, the Board recommends a vote:

FOR, the Board’s proposal to elect the nominated Directors,Directors;

FOR, the Board’s proposal to ratify the selection of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm,firm; and

FOR, the Company’s policies and practices fornon-binding advisory vote on executive compensation offor our named executive officers.

What will occur at the Annual Meeting?

We will determine whether enough shareholders are present at the meeting to conduct business. Your shares are counted as present at the Annual Meeting if you attend the meeting and vote in person or if you properly return a proxy by mail. In order for us to hold our meeting, holders of a majority of our outstanding shares of our Common Stockcommon stock as of May 24, 201323, 2016 must be present in person or by proxy at the meeting. This is referred to as a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum at the meeting.

All shareholders of record at the close of business on May 24, 201323, 2016 will be entitled to vote on matters presented at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. On May 24, 2013,23, 2016, there were 26,216,52526,069,164 shares of our Common Stockcommon stock issued and outstanding. The holders of a majority, or 13,108,26313,034,583 of the shares of our Common Stockcommon stock entitled to vote at the meeting, must be represented at the meeting in person or by proxy to have a quorum for the transaction of business at the meeting and to act on the matters specified in the Notice.

If a quorum of shareholders are present at the meeting to conduct business, then we willwill: i) vote to elect as members of our Board of Directors the following individuals for a three-year term the following individuals: Kenneth G. Pritchett,term: John R. Blind (new nominee for director), Michael J. Schaefer, and James C. Taylor,Taylor; ii) ratify the selection of Grant Thornton LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2014,2017; iii) tabulate the non-binding vote on executive compensation,compensation; and iv) any other business properly coming before the meeting.

After each proposal has been voted on at the meeting, we will discuss and take action on any other matter that is properly brought before the meeting. We have hired Computershare Investor Services, LLC, our transfer agent, to count the votes represented by proxies cast by ballot. Employees of Computershare Investor Services, LLC and our legal counsel will act as Inspectorsinspectors of election.

A representative of Grant Thornton LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will be afforded an opportunity to make a statement, if such representative so desires, and to respond to appropriate questions.

How many votes are necessary to elect the nominees for director?

The nominees for election asWhen a quorum is present, directors at the Annual Meeting who receive the highest number of “FOR” votes will be elected by a majority of votes cast, unless the election is contested, in which case directors will be elected by a plurality of votes cast. An election will be contested if the number of nominees, as determined by the Board of Directors, exceeds the number of directors providedto be elected. A “majority of votes cast” means that the number of shares voted “for” a quorumdirector exceeds the number of votes cast “against” that director. The following will not be deemed votes cast: (i) a share otherwise present at the meeting but for which there is present. This is called plurality voting. Unless you indicatean abstention and (ii) a share otherwise on your proxy card,present at the persons namedmeeting as your proxies will vote your shares FOR all the nominees for director named in this Proxy Statement.to which a shareholder gives no authority or direction. Brokers are no longernot permitted to vote for the election of directors, unless you provide specific instructions to them by completing and returning the Voting Instruction Form or following the instructions provided to you by your broker for voting your shares by telephone or the Internet.

With respect to the election of directors, shareholders have cumulative voting rights, which means that each shareholder entitled to vote (a) has the number of votes equal to the number of shares held by such shareholder multiplied by the number of directors to be elected and (b) may cast all such votes for one nominee or distribute

such shareholder’s votes among the nominees as the shareholder chooses. The right to cumulate votes may not be exercised until a shareholder has given written notice of the shareholder’s intention to vote cumulatively to the

corporate secretary on or before the day preceding the election. If any shareholder gives such written notice, then all shareholders entitled to vote or their proxies may cumulate their votes. Upon such written notice, the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy may cumulate their votes. As a result, the Board also is soliciting discretionary authority to cumulate votes.

How are votes counted for the election of directors?

In the election of directors, you may vote “FOR” all of the nominees“FOR,” “AGAINST,” or your vote may be “WITHHELD”“ABSTAIN” with respect to one or moreeach of the nominees. Votes that are withheldAbstentions will be counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum butonly.

What happens if a director in an uncontested election does not receive a majority of votes cast for his or her election?

If a director in an uncontested election does not receive a majority of votes cast for his or her election, the director will, have nowithin ten business days of certification of election results, submit to the Board of Directors a letter of resignation for consideration by the Nominating and Governance Committee. The Nominating and Governance Committee will promptly assess the appropriateness of such nominee continuing to serve as a director and recommend to the Board the action to be taken with respect to such tendered resignation. The Board will determine whether to accept or reject such resignation or what other effect onaction should be taken within 90 days of the certification of election of directors.results.

How many votes are necessary to ratify the selection of Grant Thornton LLP?

The ratification of the selection of Grant Thornton LLP, as our independent registered public accounting firm, requires the affirmative vote of the shareholders present or represented by proxy and representing a majority of votes cast by shareholders entitled to vote.be cast. Abstentions will have the sameno effect as a vote against this proposal.vote. Brokers holding shares for beneficial owners have discretionary voting power to vote such shares in favor of this proposal, unless instructed otherwise.

How many votes are necessary to approve the non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation?

Approval of the non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation will require anrequires the affirmative vote of a majority of the sharesshareholders present or represented by proxy atand representing a majority of the Annual Meeting andvotes entitled to vote on the proposal.be cast. Abstentions will have no effect on the vote on compensation.as a vote. Brokers will not have discretionary voting power on this proposal and are not permitted to vote on this proposal, unless you provide specific instructions to them by completing and returning the Voting Instructions Form or following the instructions provided to you by your broker for voting your shares by telephone or the Internet. As your vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Board. However, the Compensation Committee and the Board will take the outcome into account when considering future executive compensation arrangements.

What if a nominee is unwilling or unable to serve?

The persons nominated for election to our Board of Directors have agreed to stand for election. However, should a nominee become unable or unwilling to accept nomination or election, the proxies will be voted for the election of such other person as the Board may recommend. Our Board of Directors have no reason to believe that the nominees will be unable or unwilling to serve if elected, and to the knowledge of the Board, the nominees intend to serve the entire term for which election is sought.

What is the difference between holding shares of Ennis stock as a “shareholder of record” and as a “beneficial owner”?

Many of our shareholders hold their shares through a broker, bank, or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. As summarized below, there are some distinctions between holding shares as a “shareholder of record” and holding shares as a “beneficial owner” in street name.

If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services, LLC, you are the “shareholder of record” of the shares. If your shares are held in a brokerage account or by a bank or by another nominee, you are the “beneficial owner” of shares held in street name.

How do I vote?

You may vote using any of the following methods:

If you are a shareholder of record, you will need the control number included on the Notice to access the proxy materials. Follow the instructions on the Notice to vote your shares electronically over the Internet. If you are a beneficial owner of shares, you may vote your shares electronically over the Internet by following the instructions sent to you by your broker, bank, or other holder of record.

•

By Mail

If you are a shareholder of record, request from us, by following the instructions on the Notice, printed copies of the proxy materials, which will include a proxy card. If you are a beneficial owner of shares, you may vote your shares by mail by following the instructions sent to you by your broker, bank, or other holder of record. Be sure to complete, sign, and date the proxy card or voting instruction form and return it in the prepaid envelope.

If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote your share telephonically by calling the toll-free number that is referenced in the proxy materials available over the Internet or by mail. If you are a beneficial owner of shares, you may vote your shares telephonically by following the instructions sent to you by your broker, bank, or other holder of record.

All shareholders of record may vote in person at the Annual Meeting. You can request a ballot at the meeting. You may also be represented by another person at the Annual Meeting by executing a proper proxy designating that person. If you are a beneficial owner of shares, you must obtain a legal proxy from your broker, bank, or other holder of record and present it to the inspector of election with your ballot to be able to attend or vote at the Annual Meeting.

Internet and telephone voting facilities for shareholders of record will be available 24 hours a day and will close at 1:00 a.m. central time on July 25, 2013.21, 2016. The availability of Internet and telephone voting for beneficial owners will depend on the voting process of your broker, bank, or other holder of record. We therefore recommend that you follow the voting instructions in the materials provided to you by your broker, bank or other holder of record. If you vote over the Internet or by telephone, you do not have to return a proxy card or voting instruction form. If you are located outside the U.S. and Canada, please use the Internet or mail voting methods. Your vote is important.

What can I do if I change my mind after I vote my shares?

If you are a shareholder of record, you can revoke your proxy prior to the completion of voting at the Annual Meeting by:

If you are a beneficial owner of shares, you may submit new voting instructions by contacting your broker, bank, or other holder of record. You may also vote in person at the Annual Meeting if you obtain a legal proxy as described in the answer to the previous question.

Will my shares be voted if I don’t provide my proxy and don’t attend the Annual Meeting?

If you do not provide a proxy or vote yourthe shares held in your name, your shares will not be voted.

If you hold your shares through one of the Company’s employee benefit plans and do not vote your shares, your shares (along with all other shares in the plan for which votes are not cast) will be voted pro rata by the trustee in accordance with the votes directed by other participants in the plan who elect to act as a fiduciary entitled to direct the trustee of the applicable plan on how to vote the shares.

What happens if I do not give specific voting instructions?

If you are a shareholder of record and you sign and return a proxy card without giving specific instructions, the proxy holders will vote your shares in the manner recommended by the Board of Directors on all matters presented in this proxy statement and as the proxy holders may determine, in their discretion, withProxy Statement. With respect to other matters properly presented for a vote at the Annual Meeting.Meeting, the proxy holders may use their discretion to determine how to vote your shares.

If you are a beneficial owner of shares and do not provide your broker, bank or other holder of record with specific voting instructions, then under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, your broker, bank, or other holder of record may only vote on matters for which it has discretionary voting power to vote. If your broker, bank, or other holder of record does not receive instructions from you on how to vote your shares and such holder does not have discretion to vote on the matter, then that holder will inform the inspector of election that it does not have the authority to vote on the matter with respect to your shares and your shares will not be voted on that matter.

How do I raise an issue for discussion or vote at the next Annual Meeting?

Under SEC rules, a shareholder who intends to present a proposal, including the nomination of directors, at the 20142017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and who wishes the proposal to be included in the Proxy Statement for that meeting must submit the proposal in writing to our Corporate Secretary. The proposal must be received no later than January 31, 2014.February 06, 2017. Any such proposals must comply with SEC regulations under Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, regarding the inclusion of shareholder proposals in company-sponsored proxy materials.

All written proposals should be directed to Investor Relations Department, Ennis, Inc., P.O. Box 403, Midlothian, Texas 76065-0403.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (“Nominating Committee”) is responsible for selecting and recommending director candidates to our Board, and will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. If you wish to have the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consider a nominee for director, you must send a written notice to the Company’s Corporate Secretary at the address provided above and include the information required by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter, as discussed in the section entitledDirectorNominating Processesof this Proxy Statement.

Could other matters be decided at the Annual Meeting?

As of the date we began to deliver the Notice, we did not know of any matters to be brought before the Annual Meeting other than those described in this proxy statement.Proxy Statement.

If you vote your shares over the Internet or by telephone or you sign and return a proxy card or voting instructions form, and other matters are properly presented at the Annual Meeting for consideration, the proxies appointed by the Board of Directors (the persons named in your proxy card) will have the discretion to vote on those matters for you. The proxies intend to vote in accordance with their best judgment in the interest of Ennis and its shareholders.

Is there a list of shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?

The names of shareholders of record entitled to vote at the Annual meeting will be available at the Annual Meeting, and for ten days prior to the meeting for any purpose germane to the meeting, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. central time, at our corporate headquarters at 2441 Presidential Parkway, Midlothian, Texas 76065 by contacting our corporate secretary.Corporate Secretary.

Who will pay for the cost of this solicitation?

Our Board has sent you this Proxy Statement. Our directors, officers, and employees may solicit proxies by mail, by telephone, or in person. Those persons will receive no additional compensation for any solicitation activities. We will request banking institutions, brokerage firms, custodians, trustees, nominees, and fiduciaries that hold our common stock of record to forward solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of our Common Stock held of record by those entities,that common stock, and we will, upon the request of those record holders, reimburse reasonable forwarding expenses. We will pay the costs of preparing, printing, assembling, and mailing the proxy materials used in the solicitation of proxies.

Do I need an admission ticket to attend the annual meeting?

You will need an admission ticket or proof of stock ownership to enter the annual meeting. If you are a shareholder of record, your admission ticket is the Notice mailed (or sent electronically) to you or the admission ticket attached to you proxy card if you elected to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials. If you plan to attend the annual meeting, please bring it with you to the Annual Meeting.

If you are a beneficial owner of shares and you plan to attend the annual meeting, you must present proof of your ownership of Ennis common stock (“Common Stock”), such as a bank or brokerage account statement, to be admitted to the Annual Meeting.

No cameras, recording equipment, electronic devices, large bags, briefcases, or packages will be permitted in the Annual Meeting. If you have any questions about attending the meeting, please call investor relations at 972-775-9800 or toll-free at 800-752-5386.

Where can I find the voting results of the Annual Meeting?

We will announce the voting results at the Annual Meeting and will publish the results in our current report onForm 8-K. We will file that report with the Securities and Exchange CommissionSEC on or beforearound July 31, 2013.25, 2016. This Form 8-K will be available without charge to shareholders upon written request to Investor Relations Department, Ennis, Inc., P.O. Box 403, Midlothian, Texas 76065-0403 or via the Internet atwww.ennis.com.

PROPOSAL NO. 1

APPROVAL OF ELECTION OF EACH OF THE THREE DIRECTOR NOMINEES

The number of directors who shall constitute the Company’s Board of Directors is currently set at nine.nine, as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws. The Board of Directors consists of three classes serving staggered three-year terms.terms as set forth in Article Five of the Articles of Incorporation. Directors for each class are elected at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held in the year in which the term for their class expires. The staggered Board was approved by the shareholders at the June 13, 1983 Annual Stockholders Meeting.

Our Board of Directors proposes the election of Kenneth G. Pritchett,John R. Blind, Michael J. Schaefer, and James C. Taylor as directors to hold office for a term of three years, expiring at the close of our Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held in 2016,2019 or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. It is the Board’s opinion that because of theeach candidates’ business experience and/or theirhis tenure as directorsa director of the Company, they areeach is sufficiently familiar with the Company and its business to be able to competently direct the Company’s business affairs. Biographical information on all candidateseach candidate is set forth in “DirectorsDirectors — Summary of Our Independent Directors.”Directors section of this Proxy Statement.

If Mr. Pritchett,Blind, Mr. Schaefer, or Mr. Taylor becomes unavailable for election, which is not anticipated, the proxies will be voted for the election of such other person as the Board may recommend.

The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote “FOR” the Nominees for Director set forth above.

PROPOSAL NO. 2

RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Grant Thornton LLP served as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 20132016 and has reported on our financial statements. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has selected Grant Thornton LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2014.2017. The Board of Directors is asking shareholders to ratify this selection. Although SEC regulations and the NYSE listing requirements require the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to be engaged, retained and supervised by the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors considers the selection of an independent registered public accounting firm to be an important matter to shareholders and considers a proposal for shareholders to ratify such appointment to be an opportunity for shareholders to provide input to the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors on a key corporate governance issue.

Representatives of Grant Thornton LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, and will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire, and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.

The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” the proposal to ratify the selection of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2014.2017.

PROPOSAL NO. 3

NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Ennis shareholders have the opportunity at the Annual Meeting to vote on an advisory resolution on our executive compensation package, otherwise known as “Say-on-Pay,” to approve the compensation of Ennis’s namedNamed executive officers (“NEOs”), as described in the Executive Compensation section of this proxy statement.Proxy Statement. Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Board; however, the Compensation Committee and the Board will take the outcome into account when considering future executive compensation arrangements. This vote is required pursuant to Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act. The current frequency of thisThis shareholder advisory vote on executive compensation iscurrently occurs each year, and the next such shareholder advisory vote will occur at the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2014.2017.

Our Compensation Committee is committed to creating an executive compensation program that enables us to attract and retain a superior management team that has targeted incentives to build long-term value for our shareholders. The company’sCompany’s compensation package utilizes a mixture of cash and equity awards to align executive compensation with our annual and long-term performance. These programs reflect the Committee’s philosophy that executive compensation should provide rewards for superior performance, as well as accountability for underperformance. At the same time, we believe our programs do not encourage excessive risk-taking by our management team. The Board believes that our philosophy and practices have resulted in executive compensation decisions that are appropriate and that have benefited the Company over time.

For these reasons, the Board requests our shareholders approve the Company’s executive compensation policies and practices for our named executive officersNEOs as described in this proxy statementProxy Statement pursuant to the SEC disclosure rules, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the executive compensation tables and the related footnotes and narrative accompanying the tables.

The Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the Company’s policies and practicesnon-binding advisory vote on executive compensation for our namedNamed executive officers.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS

General

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines address the following matters, among others: director qualifications, director responsibilities, Board Committees, director access to officers, employees and independent advisors, director compensation, Board performance evaluations, director orientation and continuing education, CEO evaluation, and succession planning. The Corporate Governance Guidelines also contain categorical standards, which are consistent with the standards set forth in the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) listing standards, to assist the Board in determining the independence of the Company’s directors. A copy of these guidelines is available free of charge upon written request to Investor Relations Department, Ennis, Inc., P.O. Box 403, Midlothian, Texas 76065-0403 or via the Internet atwww.ennis.com.

Board Size

The Company’s Articles and By-laws provide that the number of directors is nine.

Director Independence

Our Governance Guidelines provide that the Board of Directors is tomust be composed of a majority of independent directors. The Board has approved Independence Guidelines that expand on the criteria for independence. These are posted on our website. The Board has determined that each non-employee director meets the standards regarding independence set forth in the Corporate Governance Guidelines of the Company, andis in compliance with NYSE rules, and has no material relationship with the Company. The Board of Directors has determined that the current independent directors, which consist of Mr. Price, Mr. Pritchett (director not standing for re-election through no disagreements with the Board or members of management), Mr. Quiroz, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Long, Mr. Schaefer, and Mr. Bracken after election,constitute a majority of the Board. The Board of Directors also has determined that Mr. Blind, a new nominee, meets the criteria for independence. If all three nominees are elected, independent directors will continue to constitute a majority of the Board.

Criteria for Membership on the Board

When identifying director nominees, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the “Committee”) seeks director candidates with high personal and professional ethics, integrity and values. In addition, the Nominating Committee looks for nominees that have outstanding records of accomplishments in their chosen business or profession, and are committed to representing the long-term interest of our shareholders. The Board seeks members reflecting a range of talents, ages, skills, diversity, and expertise, particularly in the areas of accounting and finance, management, domestic and international markets and leadership sufficient to provide sound and prudent guidance with respect to the Company’s operations and interests. The Company also requires that its Board members be able to dedicate the time and resources sufficient to ensure the diligent performance of their duties on the Company’s behalf, including attending Board and applicable committee meetings.

Director Nomination Process

The charter of our Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee (the “Nominating Committee”) allows shareholders to recommend to the Nominating Committee candidates for membership on the Board of Directors. To utilize this process and recommend a candidate for director using this process,process: (i) the shareholder must follow procedures set forth in the Nominating Committee Charter and (ii) the candidate must meet the qualification standards set forth in the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines.

Only shareholders that have owned at least 5% of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock for more than one year from the date of the shareholder’s recommendation may submit the name of a candidate for the Nominating Committee to consider for nomination. To propose a candidate, the shareholder must provide the following information in the shareholder’s notice:

To include a candidate in any proxy statementProxy Statement for the election of directors, the Company will also need the following information:

Candidates recommended by the Company’s shareholders are evaluated on the same basis as candidates recommended by the Company’s directors, CEO, other executive officers, third party search firms, or other sources. The Nominating Committee will request and review the resume of any of the candidates based on the qualifications set forth in the Nominating Committee Charter and the Company’s Governance Guidelines. There can only be no more than one shareholder nominee in our Proxy Statement for any given Annual Meeting.

Board Responsibilities

Our business is managed under the direction of the Board. The Board monitors management on behalf of the shareholders. Among the Board’s major responsibilities are:

Directors are expected to maintain a good attendance record and familiarize themselves with any materials distributed prior to each Board or committee meeting. All directors may place items on agendas for Board meetings. The chair of the Committee clears agendas for the meeting of committees of the Board, and committee members may place items on the agenda.

Board Leadership Structure, Board Meetings and Executive Sessions

The Board does not maintain a strict policy regarding the separation of the offices of Chairman and CEO. The Board does review its structure on an annual basis and definitely believes this is a matter that should be part of any succession planning process. We currently believe there is no benefit in separation of the two offices considering the open and effective relationship the Board enjoys with the incumbent CEO.

As discussedset forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, we have an established policy for a Committee Chairman to act as lead director to liaison with the CEO, establish agenda items for Board meetings and executive sessions, and moderate the executive sessions. The lead director serves on a pre-established rotating basis with the other Committee Chairs.

The Board of Directors not only holds regular quarterly meetings but also holds other meetings each year to review the Company’s strategy, to approve its annual business plan and annual budget, and to act on the Company’s regulatory filings with the SEC. The Board of Directors also communicates informally with management on a regular basis.

Non-employee directors meet by themselves, without management or employee directors present, at every regularly scheduled Board meeting. All Board Committees meet as needed with the Chief Executive Officer, who is a non-voting, ex-officio member of each committee. He can be excused from any meeting at the request of the Independent Directors and will recuse himself from any topic concerning him or his actions to allow the Committee to speak candidly. He has no vote and is not present during a vote on matters before the Committee.

Committees of the Board

The Board has the following three standing committees:committees that are comprised entirely of independent directors: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and are comprised entirely of independent directors.Committee.  Each committee meets in sessions on pre-determined dates orand as needed.

Director Access to Management and Independent Advisors

All directors are able to directly contact members of management, including, in the case of the Audit Committee, direct access to the head of internal audit. Broad management participation is encouraged in presentations to the Board, and executive management frequently meets with Board members on an individual basis. The Board and its Committees are empowered to hire, at the Company’s expense, their own financial, legal, and other experts to assist them in addressing matters of importance to the Company.

Board Self-Evaluation

The Nomination and Corporate GovernanceNominating Committee conducts a self-evaluation of the Board’s performance annually, which includes a review of the Board’s composition, responsibilities, leadership and committee structure, processes and effectiveness. This committeeThe Nominating Committee of the Board conducts a similar self-evaluation with respect to each committee. In addition, each member of the Board is individually evaluated by each other member of the Board, on a periodic basis.basis and annually upon the attainment of age 75 or when up for election.

Director Orientation and Education

Directors are provided, as may be required, with materials regarding Ennis upon their initial election to the Board. Other orientation procedures include meetings with senior executives of the Company in its major business units. Board meetings are occasionally held outside the corporate office to permit directors to visit operating locations of Ennis subsidiaries.

Non-Employee Director Compensation and Stock Ownership

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews non-employee director compensation and benefits on an annual basis and makes recommendations to the Board regarding appropriate compensation for the Board’s approval. It is the Company’s policy that a portion of non-employee directors’ compensation should be equity-based. For details on the compensation currently provided to non-employee directors, please seeDirector Compensationsection of this proxy statement.

In 2011, a stock ownership policy for all non-employee directors was modified and adopted by the Board. This policy requires that all non-employee directors will maintain at all times a minimum ownership investment in the Company’s common stockCommon Stock equal to six times their annual retainer with additional ownership investment encouraged. A newly elected non-employee director has five years to satisfy this minimum ownership investment. For additional information of non-employee director stock ownership, please seeSecurity Ownership of the Board of Directors and Executive Officerssection of this Proxy Statement.

The Company also expects all directors to comply with all federal and state laws regarding trading in securities of the Company and disclosing material, non-public information regarding the Company. The Company has procedures in place to assist directors in complying with these laws.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

The Company has adopted a CodeStandards of BusinessProfessional Conduct for Officers, Employees, and Ethics for Directors and Employees(“Standards of Professional Conduct”) designed to help Directors and employees resolve ethical issues in an increasingly complex global business environment. Our CodeStandards of BusinessProfessional Conduct and Ethics applies to all Directors and employees, including the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, and all other executive officers. Our CodeStandards of BusinessProfessional Conduct and Ethics covers topics including, but not limited to, conflicts of interest, insider trading, competition and fair dealing, discrimination and harassment, confidentiality, payments to government personnel, anti-boycott laws, U.S. embargos and sanctions, compliance procedures, and employee complaint procedures. Our CodeStandards of BusinessProfessional Conduct and Ethics is posted on our website under the “Corporate Governance” caption in the “Investor Relations” section. A copy of the CodeStandards of BusinessProfessional Conduct and Ethics is available free of charge by contacting Investor Relations Department, Ennis, Inc., P.O. Box 403, Midlothian, TX 76065-0403.

Risk Oversight

The Board exercises oversight of the Company’s operational, financial, and strategic matters, as well as compliance and legal risk. The Board is responsible for assuring appropriate alignment of its leadership structure and oversight of management. Pursuant to delegated authority as permitted by the Company’s By-Laws, Corporate Governance Guidelines, and committee charters, the Board’s three standing committees oversee certain risks, and the Audit Committee coordinates the risk oversightrisk-oversight role exercised by various committees and management. The Board considers broad risk factors in their Executive Sessions.

Communication with the Board

The Board of Directors maintains a process for shareholders and interested parties to communicate with the Board. Shareholders and interested parties may e-mail, call, or write to the Board, as more fully described on the Company’s website under the “Corporate Governance” caption. Communications addressed to individual Board members and clearly marked as shareholder/interested parties communications will be forwarded by the Corporate Secretary unopened to the individual addressed. Any communications addressed to the Board and clearly marked as shareholder and interested parties communications will be forwarded by the Corporate Secretary unopened to Thomas R. Price, Chairmanthe present chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.Committee, currently Godfrey M. Long, Jr. Mr. Long has responded to shareholder inquiries in a prompt manner as the Board takes its responsibilities seriously.

DIRECTORS

Term

The Company’s directors consist of three classes serving in staggered three-year terms. As indicated previously, the creation of a staggered board was approved by a supermajority of shareholders in 1983. Directors for each class are elected at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held in the year in which the term for their class expires.

Director Independence and Qualifications

As set forth in the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, in selecting its slate of nominees for election to the Board, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board have evaluated, among other things, each nominee’s independence, satisfaction of regulatory requirements, financial literacy, personal and professional accomplishments, and experience in light of the needs of the Company, and with respect to incumbent directors, past performance on the Board. SeeCorporate Governance Matters-Criteria forMembership on the Boardsection of this proxy statement.Proxy Statement. The Board has determined that all three nomineesMessrs. Blind, Schaefer, and Taylor have no material relationship with the Company either directly or indirectly and are “independent” within the meaning of the listing requirements of the NYSE.NYSE and the Board’s Independence Criteria. In addition, the Board has determined that each director nominee is financially literate and possesses the high level of skill, experience, reputation, and commitment that is mandated by the Board. Presented below is the biographical information of all our Board members, including the nominees (Messrs. Pritchett,Blind, Schaefer, and Taylor).

Summary of Our Independent Directors

There is no family relationship among any of our directors and executive officers. The following table, listed in alphabetical order, sets forth the names of our current non-employee directors and nominees for director and their respective ages and positions with the Company.

Set forth below is a description of the backgrounds of our non-employee directors, including the nominees for director. Information regarding our current employee directors (Messrs. Walters, Ahmad (through March 12, 2016 and Ahmad)Magill (from April 11, 2016 to present)) can be found underExecutive Officers – Summary of Our ExecutiveOfficerssection of this Proxy Statement.

John R. Blind (New Nominee), retired.Mr. Blind served as Vice President of the Printing and Carbonless Division of the Specialty Papers Business Unit of Glatfelter, a specialty paper manufacturing corporation, from 2006 to 2014. Mr. Blind held various positions with Glatfelter during his 32-year career, the last 12 of which included participation in the Senior Executive Team of the corporation, during which time the company exhibited significant growth. Mr. Blind’s extensive experience in the manufacture and sale of printing, forms and specialty papers, coupled with his participation in business growth through acquisitions make him a valuable member of our Board of Directors.

Frank D. Bracken,, retired. Mr. Bracken served as President of Haggar Clothing Co. from 1994 to 2006. He2006, where he held various positions with the Company during his 42 year tenure. Mr. Bracken sits onis the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee atcurrent Co-Chairman of the $200 million capital campaign for the University of North Texas (“UNT”) and is a director, the former Vice Chairman of the UNT Foundation, board member of the UNT Athletic Board, and the UNT Business Board. He is the past presidentformer Chairman of the board of directorsBoard of Big Brothers Big Sisters of North TexasLone Star and past Chairman of the Board for the National Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America.America, and former board member and member of the audit and compensation committees of Online Vacation Center (ONVC). Mr. Bracken was also a pastis former board member of the public company Online Vacation Center (ONVC), where he wasHaggar Clothing Co. and a current member of their audit and compensation committees. Mr. Bracken is a member of both the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee. Mr. Bracken’s public company experience as a President and board member, along with extensive experience in apparel manufacturing, marketing, branding, sourcing, and product development provide him with strong insight, particularly with regard to apparel manufacturing and marketing matters, and make him an appropriate and valuable member of our Board and our Audit and Compensation Committees.Committee.

Godfrey M. Long, Jr.,retired.Business Coachcoach for owners of businesses and key executives focusing on effective management skills and strategic thinking. Mr. Long is a former Consultantconsultant and Directordirector of Graphic Dimensions, in Atlanta, Georgia, a printing company and forms manufacturer in Atlanta, Georgia from 2003 to 2008. From 1984 to 2002, Mr. Long was Chairman and CEO of Short Run Companies, a forms manufacturer in Newport, Kentucky from 1984 to 2002.Kentucky. Mr. Long is Chairman of the Nominating Committee and a

member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.Compensation Committee of Ennis. Mr. Long’s extensive experience in manufacturing and his seven years of service as President and board member of the Document Management Industry Association (DMIA) for printing manufacturers and distributors provideprovides him with strong insight into the manufacturing, marketing, and strategic planning challenges facing the print industry today, and maketoday. This makes him an appropriate and valuable member of our Board and NominatingCompensation Committee and Corporate GovernanceChairman of our Nominating Committee.

Thomas R. Price, Owner and President of Price Industries, Inc., a real estate and investment company and owner and President of Price Oil, L.P., a company engaged in oil and natural gas production. Mr. Price has been engaged in his present occupation since 1968. Mr. Price is the past chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Price has served on numerous boards and was the President and CEO of Congress Drive, a power transmission products manufacturing company, for 27 years. Mr. Price’s strong manufacturing experience and prior Board experience provideprovides him with a strong insight, particularly with respect to manufacturing, finance, and corporate governance issues, and makeissues. Such makes him an appropriate and valuable member of our Board and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

Kenneth G. Pritchett (Not standing for re-election), President of Ken Pritchett Properties, Inc. Ken Pritchett Properties, Inc. is a Commercial and Residential Development Corporation in the DFW Metropolitan area since 1968, specializing in small commercial, medical, office parks, and exclusive residential development. Mr. Pritchett isserved as a member of the Board of Methodist Hospitals of Dallas and sits on the planning committee for 5 of the hospitals within the network.over fifteen years. Mr. Pritchett has served as President of the Homebuilders Association of Dallas/Fort Worth and has been an executive officer of both the Texas and National Homebuilders Associations. Mr. Pritchett has served on 2two national bank boards and 2two government agency boards. Mr. Pritchett holds an MBA from U.C. Berkeley in Economics. Mr. Pritchett currentlyhas been the past chairs of both the Audit Committee of the Company and was the past chair of the Company’s Compensation Committee.Committees. Mr. Pritchett’s extensive experience in finance, architecture, and engineering provideprovides him with a strong insight,insights, particularly with regard to finance and construction aspects, relating to our new manufacturing facility in Agua Prieta andwhich make him an appropriate and valuable member of our Board and Audit Committee.

Alejandro Quiroz, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of InveStore, a U.S. Holding Company with investments in printing and commercial real estate and food companies in both the United States and Mexico. Mr. Quiroz, currently a resident of San Antonio, Texas, has been founder, shareholder, and advisor for different print companies for more than twenty years. He has also been involved in the commercial real estate market in the United States as an investor in different partnerships. In 2009, he purchased the license to develop a frozen yogurt business in Mexico, Central America and South America and in 2011 concluded the acquisition of the assets, trademarks and intellectual property of the U.S. holding company. Mr. Quiroz is a memberthe Chairman of both the Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.of Ennis. Mr. Quiroz was crucial in putting together a group of investors to form the Leader Graphic Arts Group in Mexico. He was one of the founders and Chairman of the Mexican Franchise Association in Mexico and was one of the founders and Chairman of the Mexican Entrepreneurs Association (AEM) in San Antonio, Texas.the United States. He participates as an independent director on the board of directors of Medica Sur in Mexico since 2015. Medica Sur is a public company in the Bocsa (Medicab.MX) and is one of the largest and prestigious medical institutions in Mexico in partnership with the Mayo Clinic in the U.S. Mr. Quiroz’s extensive experience in running businesses in both the United States and Mexico provideprovides him with a strong insight into cross-border, legal, and cultural challenges facing United States companies doing business in Mexico. Mr. Quiroz is the chairman of the

Compensation Committee of Ennis. He has been an invaluable liaison between the Company and Mexico’s political system in helping the Company with its apparel manufacturing facility in Agua Prieta, Mexico. His skills and expertise make him an appropriate and valuable member of our Board and Chairman of our Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees.Committee.

Michael J. Schaefer, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Methodist Health System, Dallas, TX (“Methodist”). Methodist owns and operates acute care hospitals and associated services in the Dallas metropolitan area. Mr. Schaefer has served in his present position with Methodist since 1982 and joined Methodist in 1979. Prior to Methodist, Mr. Schaefer was an audit supervisor with the public accounting firm of Ernst & Ernst (now Ernst & Young) where he worked from 1972 to 1979. Mr. Schaefer is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Schaefer is a memberthe chairman of the Audit Committee.Committee of Ennis. Mr. Schaefer’s extensive experience as a Chief Financial Officer and public company audit experience with Ernst & Young provideprovides him with a strong insight, particularly with regard to accounting, corporate finance, internal/financial control environments and financial and system risks matters, and makewhich makes him an appropriate and valuable member of our Board and Chairman of our Audit Committee.

James C. Taylor, retired. Former Principal of The Anderson Group, Inc. (“Anderson”) from 1989 until 2009, where he served as CEO of four manufacturing firms owned by Anderson. Prior to 1989, Mr. Taylor was with United Technologies Automotive for 19 years in various capacities, with the last seven yearsof which as a Senior Group Vice President of two separate manufacturing groups. Mr. Taylor is the past chairman of the Compensation Committee.Committee of Ennis. Mr. Taylor’s extensive experience in manufacturing provides him with a strong insight, particularly with regard to operations, cost systems, strategic planning, and business management and makemanagement. Such makes him an appropriate and valuable member of our Board and the Nominating and Corporate Corporate Governance and Compensation Committee.Committees.

Attendance

During fiscal year 2013,2016, the Board of Directors met fourseven times. No incumbent directors, with the exception of Mr. Ahmad, attended fewer than 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and the committees of which he was a member. In addition, the Directors are encouraged and expected to attend the annual meetings of the Company’s shareholders. All of the incumbent directors, except Mr. Ahmad attended the fiscal 20122015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and are expected to attend the fiscal 2013 meeting.Meeting.

Committee Membership

The Company currently has three standing committees of the Board: (i) the Audit Committee,Committee; (ii) the Compensation CommitteeCommittee; and (iii) the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Each committee currently is comprised of three non-employee directors, all of whom are considered independent under NYSE listing standards, the Board’s Independence Criteria and our Governance Guidelines. The Board of Directors and the members of each committee meetmeets regularly in executive session without management. The charters for these committees can be found on the Company’s website atwww.ennis.comunder the “Corporate Governance” caption in the “Investor Relations” section. A copy of these charters is available free of charge by contacting Investor Relations Department, Ennis, Inc., P.O. Box 403, Midlothian, TX 76065-0403.

The following table details the membership of each of our committees as of February 28, 201329, 2016 and the number of times during the year each of these committees met.

It is expected that Mr. Blind, the new director nominee will replace Mr. Pritchett as a member of the Audit Committee if his election is approved by the shareholders of the Company.

Audit Committee

During fiscal year 2013,2016, the Audit Committee met five times. The Audit Committee performs the following: (i) discusses with management, the independent auditors, and the internal auditors the integrity of our accounting policies, internal controls, corporate governance, financial statements, financial reporting practices, and significant corporate risk exposures, and steps management has taken to monitor, control, and report such exposures; (ii) monitors the qualifications, independence, and performance of our independent auditors and internal auditors; (iii) monitors our overall direction and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and corporate governance, including our codeStandards of business conduct and ethics;Professional Conduct; and (iv) maintains open and direct lines of communication with the Board and our management, internal auditors and independent auditors.

Compensation Committee

During fiscal year 2013,2016, the Compensation Committee met fourthree times. The Compensation Committee oversees and administers our executive compensation policies, plans, and practices and assists the Board in discharging its responsibilities relating to the fair and competitive compensation of our executives and other key employees. In particular, the Compensation Committee is charged with assisting the Board inin: (i) assessingassessment of whether the various compensation programs of the Company are designed to attract, motivate, and retain the senior management necessary for the Company to deliver consistently superior results and are performance based, market drivenperformance-based, market-driven, and shareholder aligned;shareholder-aligned; (ii) its oversight of specific incentive compensation plans adopted by the Company, with the approval of this Committee, included stock plans, supplemental executive retirement plans, and short termshort-term and long termlong-term incentive compensation plans for members of senior management of the company; (iii) assessingassessment of the effectiveness of succession planning relative to senior management of the Company; (iv) its approval, review and oversight of benefit plans of the company; (v) its oversight of the performance and compensation of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the other members of the senior management team of the Company. In addition, the Compensation Committee will directCompany; (vi) the production of all reports that the SEC rules require be included in the Company’s annual proxy statement;Proxy Statement; and (vi) assessing(vii) assessment of compensation programs for material risks to the health of the Company. It is the sole responsibility of the Compensation Committee to assist the Board in these functions, and the authority of the Compensation Committee may not be delegated. For further information regarding the Compensation Committee’s role in determining executive compensation, please see theCompensation — Compensation Discussion & Analysisbelow.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

During fiscal year 2013,2016, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met two times. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies, investigates, and recommends to the Board director candidates with the goal of creating balance of knowledge, experience, and diversity. Generally, the Committee identifies candidates through the personal, business and organizational contacts of the directors and management. Potential directors should possess the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values, and be committed to representing the long-term interests of the Company’s shareholders. In addition to reviewing a candidate’s background and accomplishments, candidates for director nominees are reviewed in the context of the current composition of the Board and the evolving needs of the Company’s businesses. It is the Board’s policy that at all times at least a majority of its members meetsmeet the standards of independence promulgated by the NYSE and the SEC and as set forth in the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, and that all members reflect a range of talents, ages, skills, diversity, and expertise, particularly in the areas of accounting and finance, management, domestic and international markets, and leadership sufficient to provide sound and prudent guidance with respect to the Company’s operations and interests. The Company also requires that its Board members be able to dedicate the time and resources sufficient to ensure the diligent performance of their duties on the Company’s behalf, including attending all Board and applicable committee meetings.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has no specific policy on diversity. However, one factor among the criteria used to evaluate nominees for the Board is diversity of viewpoints, background, experience, accomplishments, education, and skills. The Board believes that such diversity provides varied perspectives, which will promote active and constructive dialogue among Board members and between the Board and management resultingand result in more effective oversight of management’s formulation and implementation of strategic initiatives. The Board believes this diversity is demonstrated in the varied experience, qualifications, and skills of the members of the Board. In the Board’s executive sessions and in annual performance evaluation conducted by the Board, the Board from time to timetime-to-time considers whether the Board’s composition reflects such diversity and whether such diversity promotes a constructive and collegial environment. In determining whether an incumbent director should stand for re-election, the Committee considers the above factors, as well as that director’s personal and professional integrity, attendance, preparedness, participation, and candor, as well as the individual’s satisfaction of the criteria for nomination of directors as set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines and other matters determined by the Board.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

The Compensation Committee for fiscal year 2016 consisted of Mr. Long, Mr. Quiroz, and Mr. Taylor. All of the members of the Compensation Committee are non-employee directors of the Company and are not former officers of the Company. During fiscal year 2013,2016, no executive officer of the Company served as a member of the board or compensation committee of a corporation whose executive officers served on the Board or Compensation Committee of this Corporation. All of the non-executive officer Board members meet the criteria for Independence as set forth in the Board’s Independence Criteria established in April of 2015.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Summary of Our Executive Officers

The following table, listed in alphabetical order, sets forth the names of our executive officers and their respective ages and positions with the Company. For those executive officers on our Board of Directors, it indicates the date they became a board member and when their current term expires. There is no family relationship among any of our directors and executive officers.

On April 11, 2016, Michael D. Magill was elected as a director of Ennis, Inc. to replace the seat of Mr. Irshad Ahmad, who resigned his board position on March 12, 2016. Mr. Magill’s term as a director began April 11, 2016 and he will serve as a director of the Company until the expiration of his term on the date of the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders in 2017 and until his successor is elected and qualified.

Set forth below is a description of the backgrounds of our current executive officers.officers and also Mr. Ahmad, who served as an executive officer during the 2016 fiscal year until resigning on April 1, 2016.

Irshad Ahmad,Vice President - Apparel DivisionSegment and Chief Technology Officer. Mr. Ahmad assumed the additional responsibilities of Vice President – Apparel Division in September 2008. In July 2008 Mr. Ahmad became anSegment (an executive officer of the Company with his appointment to thelevel position) and Chief Technology Officer position.in 2008. Prior to his promotion, Mr. Ahmad served as Vice President of Corporate Information Technology since 2007. He was the Vice President of IT for Alstyle Apparel (Ennis’(Ennis’s Apparel Segment) since 2001 and assumed the additional role of Vice President of Operations at Alstyle in 2005 until moving to corporate in 2007. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Ahmad worked with GoInvest.com as senior database engineer to design and support development of their online trading system and financial search engine. He also served as head of the software development team for Soft Integrated Systems in Pakistan, during which time he was engaged in an ERP development project in the U.S. He has an undergraduate degree in Physicsphysics and Mathmath and a Master’s of Computer Science. In connection with the tentative sale of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Alstyle Apparel, LLC to Alstyle Operations, LLC (“Buyer”) and with the anticipation of Mr. Ahmad participating with the Buyer to purchase Alstyle Apparel, LLC, Mr. Ahmad resigned his executive officer position with the Company and his employment contract was transferred to Aand G, Inc., a subsidiary of Alstyle Apparel, LLC.

Ronald M. Graham, VicePresident - Administration. Mr. Graham joined the Company in January 1998 as Director of Human Resources and subsequently was elected to Vice President - Administration and Officer in June 1998. Mr. Graham served as a Director from 1998-1999 by appointment and was elected and served as Director from June 2003 until June 2008. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Graham was with E.V. International, Inc. (formerly Mark IV Industries, Inc.), an electronics manufacturing company, for 17 years as Director Employee Relations and Vice President - Administration. Prior to that time, Mr. Graham was with Sheller-Globe Corporation, an automotive manufacturing company, for three years as Director of Labor Relations. Mr. Graham has primarily been responsible for managing the human resource functions and related administration including benefit plans, organizational planning, insurance, labor relations, and payroll.

Michael D. Magill,Executive Vice President and Secretary. Mr. Magill joined the Company in 2003 as Vice President and Treasurer and subsequently was elected Executive Vice President in February 2005. Mr. Magill assumed the additional duties of Secretary of the Company on June 28, 2012. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Magill was President and Chief Executive Officer of Safeguard Business Systems, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of business forms, for six years. Prior to that time, Mr. Magill was Executive Vice President and CFO of KBK Capital Corporation, a publicly traded finance company. Mr. Magill joined KBK Capital Corporation after ten years with MCorp, a publicly traded bank holding company, where he held various positions beginning as head of corporate finance and ending as CFO during MCorp’s bankruptcy.

Richard L. Travis, Jr.,ViceSeniorVice President - Finance, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer. Mr. Travis joined the Company in November 2005 as Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial Officer. He assumed the additional duties of Treasurer on June 28, 2012. Previously, Mr. Travis was employed as the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Human Resources with Peerless Mfg. Co. in Dallas, Texas, a publicly traded manufacturer of filtration/separation and environmental systems for the gas, petrochemical, refinery and power markets from February 2002 to November 2005. Prior to his experience at Peerless, Mr. Travis served as the Chief Financial Officer at TrinTel Communications, a provider of services to the wireless industry, from January 1999 to December 2001, as President/Chief Operating and Chief Financial Officer at CT Holdings, Inc., a publicly traded software development and incubation company, from December 1996 to December 1999, and as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for 10 years at Texwood Industries, Inc., a multi-state/country manufacturer of kitchen cabinets and doors. His 10 years of public accounting experience included positions as a Senior Audit Manager at Grant Thornton LLP, as well as audit experience with Laventhol & Horwath and Ernst & Whinney (now Ernst & Young). Mr. Travis is a registered certified public accountant.

Keith S. Walters, Chairman of the Board, CEO and President. Mr. Walters joined the Company in August 1997 as Vice President-Commercial Printing Operations and was appointed Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer in November 1997. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Walters was withthe Vice President of Manufacturing at Atlas/Soundolier, a division of American Trading and Production Company, a manufacturer of electronic sound and warning systems, from 1989 to 1997, as Vice President of Manufacturing.1997. Prior to that time, Mr. Walters was with the Automotive Division of United Technologies Corporation, an automotive parts and manufacturing company, for 15 years, primarily in manufacturing and operations.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP

Security Ownership of the Board of Directors and Executive Officers

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock as of May 24, 201323, 2016 for our Common Stock beneficially owned by each director, each of the executive officers, and all directors and executive officers as a group:

The percentages of shares outstanding provided in the table are based on voting shares outstanding as of May 24, 2013.23, 2016. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange CommissionSEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Unless otherwise indicated, each person or entity named in the table has sole voting and investment power, or shares voting and investment power with his or her spouse, with respect to all shares of stock listed as owned by that person. The number of shares shown does not include the interest of certain persons in shares held by family members in their own right. Shares issuable upon the exercise of options that are exercisable within 60 days of May 24, 201323, 2016 are considered outstanding for the purpose of calculating the percentage of outstanding shares of our Common Stock held by the individual, but not for the purpose of calculating the percentage of outstanding shares held by any other individual. In addition, the following shares have not been pledged by the respective officers or directors, unless otherwise stated in the footnotes following the table. The address of our directors and executive officers listed below is c/o Ennis, Inc., 2441 Presidential Parkway, Midlothian, Texas 76065.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

The following table gives information regarding all of the persons known by us to own, in their name or beneficially, 5% or more of our outstanding Common Stock as of May 24, 2013.23, 2016.

AUDIT-RELATED MATTERS

Audit Committee Report

The Audit Committee of the Board (the “Audit Committee”) is responsible for providing independent, objective oversight of the Company’s financial reporting functions and internal control systems. The Audit Committee is currently composed of three non-employee directors. The Board has determined that the members of the Audit Committee satisfy the requirements of the NYSE as to independence, financial literacy, and expertise. The Board has determined that at least one member, Michael J. Schaefer, is an audit committee financial expert as defined by the SEC. The responsibilities of the Audit Committee are as set forth in the written charter adopted by the Company’s Board and last amended on June 22, 2012.20, 2014. One of the Audit Committee’s primary responsibilities is to assist the Board in its oversight of the integrity of the Company’s financial statements. To assist it in fulfilling its oversight, the Committee regularly meets separately with the internal auditor, the independent auditors, management, and the Company’s outside counsel. The following report summarizes certain of the Committee’s activities in this regard during the fiscal year ended February 28, 2013.29, 2016.

Independent Auditors and Internal Audit Matters

The Audit Committee has discussed with the Company’s independent auditors their plan for the audit of the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements, including the independent auditors’ evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as well as reviews of the Company’s quarterly financial statements. During fiscal 2013,2016, the Audit Committee met regularly with the independent auditors, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their audits and reviews, as well as their evaluations of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and the overall quality of the Company’s accounting principles. In addition, the Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by the Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees) and discussed with the independent auditors the auditors’ independence from the Company and its management. In determining that the auditors are independent, the Committee also considered whether the provision of any of the non-audit services described inIndependent Auditor’s Services and Feessection of this proxyProxy Statement is compatible with maintaining their independence. The Audit Committee has also appointed Grant Thornton LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for fiscal year 2014,2017, and the Board concurred in its appointment.

The Audit Committee has reviewed and approved the annual internal audit plan and has met regularly with the Company’s internal auditor, with and without management present, to review and discuss the internal audit reports, including reports relating to operational, financial and compliance matters.

Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year Ended February 28, 201329, 2016

Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the systems of internal and disclosure controls (including internal control over financial reporting). The independent auditors are responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and for internal control over financial reporting and expressing opinions on (i) the conformity of the consolidated financial statements with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and (ii) the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

In this context, the Audit Committee has met and held discussions with management and the independent auditors with respect to the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2013.29, 2016. Management represented to the Audit Committee that the Company’s consolidated financial statements were

prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the audit committee concerning independence. The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent accountant the independent accountant’s independence.

In connection with its review of the Company’s year-end financial statements, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management and the independent auditors the consolidated financial statements, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and the independent auditors’ evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee also discussed with the independent auditors matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 6116 (Communications with Audit Committees), as amended, includingadopted by the quality and acceptability of the Company’s accounting policies, financial reporting processes and controls.Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.

In performing its functions, the Audit Committee acts only in an oversight capacity and necessarily relies on the work and assurances of the Company’s management and independent auditors, which in their reports, express opinions on the conformity of the Company’s annual financial statements in its reports with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to in this Report and in light of its role and responsibilities, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board approved that the audited financial statements of the Company be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 201329, 2016 for filing with the SEC.

THE ENNIS, INC. AUDIT COMMITTEE

Kenneth G. Pritchett,Michael J. Schaefer,Chairman

Frank D. Bracken

Michael J. SchaeferKenneth G. Pritchett

Policy Regarding Pre-Approval of Services Provided by the Independent Auditors

The Audit Committee pre-approves all100% of audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, and tax services, and may include,specifically designated non-audit services to a very limited extent, specifically designated non-audit services, which inextent. In the opinion of the Audit Committee, such will not impair the independence of the registered public accounting firm. Pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year, and anyyear. Any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specific budget. The independent registered public accounting firm and management are required to periodically report to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with this pre-approval and the fees for the services performed to date. In addition, the Audit Committee may, as required, also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis.

Independent Auditor’s Services and Fees

Grant Thornton LLP served as our independent registered public accounting firm during our fiscal years ended February 28, 201329, 2016 and February 29, 2012. For the fiscal year ended 2013 and 2012, we28, 2015. We were billed the following fees by Grant Thornton LLP:

The Audit Committee has concluded that the provision of the non-audit services listed above is compatible with maintaining the independence of Grant Thornton LLP.

COMPENSATION

Director Compensation

The Company compensates its non-employee directors using a mix of compensation, including: an annual cash retainer, meeting fees and committee chair fees, and stock optionoptions, and restricted stock grants. Directors who are Company employees receive no additional compensation for serving on the Board.

Cash Compensation

All non-employee directors received a $30,000$34,800 annual retainer (amount increased to $32,400 in connection with the 4/19/13 Board of Directors meeting) and $2,000 per Board meeting fee. All retainers are paid monthly and meeting fees are paid as incurred. Non-employee directors serving in specified committee positions also received the following additional cash compensation.compensation:

Equity Ownership Policy for Independent Directors

All independent directors are required to acquire and maintain ownership of company shares of stock equal to not less than six times their annual cash retainer. Unvested stock awards do not count in the calculation. This level must be reached in a time period of not more than five years from date of election to the Board. Ownership over the minimum amount is highly encouraged.

Equity Compensation

In addition to cash compensation, all non-employee directors receive annual stock grants, which can take the form of stock options or restricted stock units. Stock option and restricted stock grants typically vest ratably over four years and three years, respectively. Options are granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. In addition, new Board members, upon their initial election, receive either a grant of stock options or restricted stock. During fiscal year 2011, the Board adopted a policy of value defined equity awards for all non-employee directors. Each non-employee director received an award in fiscal 20132016 capped at $45,000approximately $50,000 in the form of restricted stock, vesting over a 3 year period, 1/3 each year (amount increased to $50,000 in connection with the 4/19/13 Board of Directors meeting).year.

The following table sets forth the information regarding compensation earned by the Company’s non-employee directors during the year ended February 28, 2013:29, 2016:

The following table sets forth the information regarding stock awards granted during and outstanding as of February 28, 201329, 2016 with respect to the Company’s non-employee directors:

Equity Ownership Policy for Independent Directors

All independent directors are required to acquire and maintain ownership of company shares of stock equal to not less than six times their annual cash retainer. Unvested stock awards do not count in the calculation. This level must be reached in a time period of not more than five years from date of election to the Board. Ownership over the minimum amount is highly encouraged.

Executive Compensation

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

The following section describes our compensation structure and programs for our named executive officers. The discussion primarily focuses on the compensation elements and decisions during our fiscal year ended February 28, 2013.29, 2016. We address why we believe the elements of our program are right for our Company and our shareholders, asand we explain how compensation is determined.

Ennis currently hashad five named executive officers.officers during the year ending February 29, 2016. They have the broadest job responsibilities and policy authority in the Company. They are held accountable for the Company’s performance and for maintaining a culture of strong ethics and integrity. The details of compensation for our CEO, CFO, and three other named executive officers (“NEOs”)NEOs can be found in the tables within this section. On April 1, 2016, the Company entered into a Unit Purchase Agreement with Alstyle Operations, LLC (the “Buyer”) pursuant to which the Company tentatively agreed to sell Alstyle Apparel, LLC (“Alstyle Apparel”) and its subsidiaries, which constitute the Company’s apparel segment (the “Apparel Segment”) to the Buyer subject to a fiduciary out provision. In connection with the tentative sale of Alstyle Apparel to the Buyer and in connection with Mr. Ahmad being part of that potential buying group, Mr. Ahmad

resigned his position as a director of the Company effective March 12, 2016 and his executive officer position of Vice President - Apparel Segment of the Company as of April 1, 2016. In connection therewith, his Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement dated as of December 18, 2008 was transferred to A and G, Inc., a subsidiary of Alstyle Apparel. In addition, and in connection therewith, as of April 1, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors and its Compensation Committee accelerated the vesting and exercisability of Mr. Ahmad’s previously disclosed unvested restricted shares and stock options with respect to the Common Stock of the Company. Alstyle Apparel was ultimately sold to Gildan Activewear SRL on May 25, 2016 after the exercise by the Company of a fiduciary out provision in the purchase agreement with Alstyle Operations, LLC.

Executive Summary

Our Annual Report documents the various factors that most significantly impacted our businesses last year. Therefore, we will confine our discussion in this segment to the conclusions and actions of the Compensation Committee this last year.

Combined results of our two business segments show a declinean improvement (before impairment charges) from the previous year. Accordingly, variable compensation for our NEOs resulted in a reductionan increase from prior year levels. While we are firmly convinced ourOur executives have managed and continue to manage the various aspects of our business exceptionally well, and we are committed to pay for performance as evidenced bywell as measurable results. While we have the option to recognize and have done so, on a discretionary basis, exceptional management contributions, and there were some, the Compensation Committee has again elected to pay both non-equity incentive bonuses and long-term incentive (“LTI”) awards strictlyat its discretion and by the formula calculations according to the measureablemeasurable results achieved.

This will beWe continue using the second year using a formula adopted in 2012 to award LTI equity that is tied to achievement of stated targets of Revenue, Return on Capital, Income, and personal performance. Each of the targets carries a weighted value and each executive has a weighted percentage achievable. This is more fully explained in another section of the discussion. There have been no significant changes to our compensation program this past year. We have been gradually increasing our emphasis on Long Termlong-term performance. However, we have elected to keep our LTI elements very simple by using equity awarded as Optionsoptions or Restricted Stockrestricted stock vested over a three year period. This year we awarded no options. The amount of stock owned and held by the executive toward fulfilling the required multiple of their salary directly determines the ratio of Optionsoptions versus Restricted Stockrestricted stock awarded. Stock Ownership Guidelines areare: 4x base salary for Mr. Walters, 2.5x base salary for Mr. Magill and Mr. Ahmad, and 2x base salary for Mr. Travis and Mr. Graham. Mr. Ahmad had only reached 70% of his required level of ownership as of latest fiscal year end. Mr. Ahmad has been continually encouraged to increase his ownership position in the Company during his tenure as an executive officer. The Compensation Committee decided this year, given Mr. Ahmad’s current ownership position falling below the required guideline, to substantially reduce the amount considered for any LTI award. All other Executive Officers have exceeded the minimum ownership requirements as stipulated above.

We took into consideration the results of the Say-On-Pay voting by our shareholders last year when reviewing our current policies and practices related to compensation of our NEOs. Of the 21.920.4 million votes cast, 96%92% were in favor of our compensation plan. While we believe we have a fair and effective compensation plan, we are gratified to receive the vote of confidence from our shareholders. We therefore determined no need to make any significant changes except for establishing a more readily understood structure for determining LTI awards. We do commit to staying up-to-date on recommended best practices where practicable.

We continue to look for ways to heighten our awareness of inherent risk in the businesses. During the currentLast year, we introduced the practice of members of the Compensation Committee attending the Business Planning process where each operating unit presents their Business Plan (the “plan”)business plan for the year. There was at least one member of the Compensation Committee in attendance at every presentation this year. The combination ofplans presented regarding the individual operating units’ plans isunits are a significant factor by which we measure their performance and determine awards. It is viewed as vital that we as Directors have a good understanding of the basic assumptions underlying the plans in order to be ablebusiness plan to adequately assess the riskrisks and tasktasks inherent to the business and the overall financial plan for the Company.

We have concluded our compensation programs pose no material risk to the company. We considered various factors in arriving at this conclusion, such as:

In addition, we reviewed the incentive compensation programs of the NEOs,non-NEOs and made sure they too did not pose any material risk to the company.

The Board routinely monitors changes in regulations regarding executive compensation and is committed to implementing a claw-back policy in accordance with forthcoming rules when they are issued.adhering to any SEC or other regulatory body ruling changes as required.

We elected to forego the retention of an outside Compensation Consultant firm for last year and the current one as well. We believe with the access to one of the leading data bases,databases, substantial literature availability, access to legal direction, educational seminars and Webinars, and information available on the Internet, we have ample information to make informed judgments concerning executive compensation. We may reconsider this decision in the future.

While we use a defined peer group to validate our competitiveness, we do not rely solely on “benchmarking”. We modified our peer group last year to align with the process and criteria suggested by the leading investor advisor groups. It is expected, that with the completion of the sale of the Apparel Segment, we will need to modify our peer group next year. Our philosophy is to provide a base pay that is better than median but appropriate to the skills, achievements, experience, and leadership demonstrated by the individual. We believe we are positioned to know best what appropriatethe compensation elements and levels should beappropriate for our companyCompany and its officers. We have adopted a view toward makingassessing not only results, but overall performance in managing and navigating the numerous conditions and unique circumstances existing during the year.

Given the pending sale of our Apparel Segment and the anticipated near term reduction in our revenue as a result therefrom, the Compensation Committee recommended that our NEOs base pay a lesser percentage of total compensation. With that in mind we have limited the NEOs salary increases for thesalaries remain at their current year to 3%. There was a 2% increase last year and none the year prior to that.level.

The Compensation Committee met fourthree times during the last fiscal year, with and without the presence of the CEO. The CEO provided assessment on individual performance of all NEOs except himself. The CEO provided insight and detail on the various segments of business activity during the course of the year.

Overview

Who is responsible for determining the compensation of executive officers?

The Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of our Board of Directors determines compensation for all executive officers, including named executive officers.NEOs. The Compensation Committee consists entirely of independent directors who are determined by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee reviews the performance of the Company, assesses the performance of the individuals, and will from time to time retainretains the services of an independent consulting firm obtainingfrom time-to-time to obtain “best practice” advice, as well as research of compensation plans for comparable executives within the manufacturing industry, and more specifically the printing and apparel sectors. We currently do not retain the services of any compensation consulting firm.

The ability of the Compensation Committee members to judge performance effectively is enhanced by the exposure they get to Ennis’Ennis’s operations as members of our Board of Directors. The Board participates in regular updates on our business priorities, strategies, and results through attendance at regularly scheduled Board meetings. The independent Directors participate in frequent interviews with all key executives during the course of the year and have frequent interaction with and open access to all executive officers as well asand other members of our management team. This gives themprovides considerable opportunity to ask questions and assess the performance of individual executives and the Company. The CEO provides regular input relating to the performance of individual executives and is invited to attend portions of most Compensation Committee meetings.

The Compensation Committee has taken action, where appropriate and possible, to preserve the deductibility of compensation paid to the named executive officersNEOs in compliance with the requirement in Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m), which requires, among other things, that executive compensation must qualify as “performance-based compensation” to qualify for and preserve tax deductibility.

What are the objectives of our compensation program for executive officers and what is it designed to reward?

The objective of the compensation program for our executive officers is to hold them accountable for the financial and competitive performance of the Company and their individual contributions toward successful Company results. While the design and structuring of our executive compensation program is performance based and will ultimately include a larger “at risk” percentage of overall compensation, we do not believe it encourages excessive risk-taking. We believe the combination of compensation elements in the program provides the Named Executive OfficersNEOs with the appropriate incentives to create long-term value for our shareholders by taking thoughtful and prudent actions to properly manage the Company for the ultimate benefit of all stakeholders. The compensation program is based on the following principles:

The Compensation Committee judges performance based on four specific measures: revenue goals, operating margin, and return on capital. Additionally,capital, and the assessed level of individual performance and overall contribution in reaching company objectives during the year. In order to evaluate the final measure, each executive, including the CEO, provides a list of predetermined personal objectives to be accomplishedis evaluated during the next fiscal year. These goals are submittedyear for their leadership, initiative, response to internal and reviewed for approval by theexternal challenges, and other subjective elements of executive management requirements. The Compensation Committee each year. The accomplishment level of these personal goals is provided to the Committee by the CEO in agreement with the executive group. This agreed to accomplishment level provides the fourth area of measurement for each executive. The Committee considers and assesses the Company’s progress in key strategic areas such as new markets served and acquisitions and the executive’s contribution in these key areas. Acquisitions or divestitures require a substantial amount of expertise, time, and effort, over and above the normal demands of an executive position. Our executive management team expertly negotiated and managed the demands of multiple due diligence processes which culminated in the pending sale of our Apparel Segment. We believe the sale of this non-core asset will allow our management team to fully focus on our core business segment and to be able to utilize the cash from the sale of the Apparel Segment to further expand this business segment through strategic acquisitions, through which we have been able to continually demonstrate excellent returns to our stockholders. It was particularly important to the Compensation Committee that most of the required work and effort was accomplished in-house which saved a substantial amount of the customary expenses normally associated with such transactions.

What are the elements of our executive compensationcompensation??

Our executive compensation consists of four basic elements:

Why do we choose to pay each element and how do we decide how much to pay or include as compensationcompensation??

We believe the combination of cash compensation and long-term equity compensation creates the right balance between performance, reward, retention and promotion of shareholders’ interests.

The Compensation Committee determines the combination and amount of each of these elements when setting the levels of our executive’s compensation. Executive compensation is reviewed annually at the first quarterly Board meeting following the conclusion of our fiscal year. From time to timetime-to-time, the Compensation Committee may meet to consider any off cycleoff-cycle changes that it deems appropriate because of changes in job responsibility or regulatory requirements.

The specifics of each element are as follows:

Cash Compensation

Cash compensation is a combination of base salary and performance bonus. Our objective is to deliver total cash compensation that reflects the Company’s performance, as well as the executive’s individual contribution to that performance. If the Company and individual perform better than competitors, the goal is to deliver total cash compensation that is generally above the market median. If performance is below expectation, the total cash compensation will be generally below the market median.

Base Salary — This is the least variable form of compensation intended to compensate the executive officers for the job duties assigned. The Company generally pays base salaries between the median and 85thpercentile of the market for officers performing comparable jobs as indicated by market studies performed by outside independent consultants previously hired by and reporting only to the Compensation Committee. A search utilizing our subscription data base was also performed. The base salary of executive officers can vary depending on the individual’s qualifications, experience, and performance and is at the Compensation Committee’s discretion.

The Compensation Committee determines the target range for executive positions by gathering specific information about base salaries and total cash compensation for similar positions in the relevant study category as specified by the Compensation Committee. The relevant study category typically includes matching positions at manufacturing companies within our industry and other companies of a similar size. This information is available and compiled and supplied to the Committee by thefrom various sources including a leading independent compensation consultant selected by the Committee and similarly assessed utilizing an independent compensation database subscribed to by the company.subscription data base. The Compensation Committee may or may not adjust base salaries based upon its analysis of the study data and performance. A summary of this analysis and relevant information is included in theDiscussion of Performance and Compensation Committee Actions for Fiscal Year 2013year 2016, section of this report.Proxy Statement.

Performance Bonuses — This element is variable and depends upon the Company’s performance and the executive officers’ contribution toward that performance. The Compensation Committee has full discretion to determine the participation in, and the allocation of, any developed bonus pool for the named executive officers.NEOs.

The Annual Performance Bonus Plan is designed to reward executives for the attainment of Company performance measures. Each executive is assigned a percentage of base salary eligibility for reaching targeted performance. A threshold is established at 85% of targeted performance before a bonus is considered. Executives are eligible for up to 200% of their assigned target percentage should targeted goals be reached or exceed 115%. These percentages are based upon the Compensation Committee’s determination of level of responsibility. The current percentages of base salary eligibility for the named executive officersNEOs are:

		Threshold 85% of Target				Target				Maximum 115% of Target
Keith S. Walters			40	%			80	%			160	%
Richard L. Travis, Jr.			28	%			55	%			110	%
Michael D. Magill			28	%			55	%			110	%
Ronald M. Graham			23	%			45	%			90	%
Irshad Ahmad			28	%			55	%			110	%

A bonus pool is generated based upon these percentages if predetermined goals are met in the areas of profit, return on capital, sales and personal goals. These are weighted by importance at 30% profit, 30% return on capital, 20% sales growth, and 20% personal performance. These goals are established and approved by the Board at the beginning of the fiscal year based upon the approved business plan. The business plan is presented to the Board for approval after review and analysis, to assure that the plan meets or exceeds strategic objectives for the year.Profitas used in this calculation is equal to our net earnings before the after tax impact of all bonus awards.Return on capitalis computed by dividing ourprofitby our average shareholders’ equity during the fiscal year.

When the year-end audited financials are available, the bonus pool is finalized by Management and presented to the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee analyzes the performance of the executive officers and the performance of the Company against the predetermined goals to determine the extent of bonus to be awarded. The Compensation Committee arrives at its own conclusions as to the level of bonus awards. In 20132016 the bonus awards were made strictly by formula with no discretionary adjustments. The Committee presents the recommendations to the Board for discussion and approval. Only independent directors vote on the final awards.

The Board may determine any discretionary bonus awards for the prior fiscal year period at the April quarterly meeting. Discretionary bonuses may be awarded to executives for exceptional performance that was not anticipated by the business plan used in establishing the annual performance goals. An example would be a successful acquisition of a business during the previous year. Another could be the successful sale of a business during the year. The independent directors have the sole authority in determining and awarding any discretionary bonus. All bonuses awarded during the fiscal year were performance based. A summary and discussion of Committee actions on performance bonuses is included in theDiscussion of Performance and Compensation Committee Actions for Fiscal Year 2013year 2016, section of this report.Proxy Statement.

Equity Awards

Equity awards for our named executive officersNEOs have been granted from our 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan of Ennis, Inc., as amended and restated on June 30, 2011, formerly the 1998 Option and Restricted Stock Plan amended and restated as of May 14, 2008. All previously granted awards are disclosed in theOutstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End Table. table on page 39 of this Proxy Statement.

When granted, equity awards are meant to align the interests of named executive officersNEOs with our shareholders, and to motivate and reward our executive officers to increase the shareholder value of the Company over the long term. The 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as approved by shareholders, initially allocated 500,000 shares of stock to be available to management and non-employee directors in the form of options (either incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options), restricted stock grants, stock appreciation rights, restricted unit grants, phantom stock options or other incentive awards. This was increased by 1,000,000 shares at the June 30, 2011 annual shareholders’ meeting. The Compensation Committee determines eligible employees, the timing of options and award grants, the number of shares granted, vesting schedules, option prices and duration and other terms of any stock options and other awards.

We also believe that long-term incentive awards are a key element in retaining key individuals. The Committee believes it is important to retain a strong, capable executive team that has aligned interests with the Company’s shareholders. To further promote alignment of interests with shareholders, the Compensation Committee has recommended guidelines for Executive Stock Ownership (See Corporate Governance Guidelines). The types of equity awards granted under the 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan include:

Incentive Stock Options — Each stock option represents the right to purchase a specified number of shares of our Common Stock at the set exercise price subject to the terms of an option agreement. The exercise price is the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the day the Compensation Committee grants the option. As a result, any value that an executive receives from a stock option is solely the result of increases in the value of the stock. Any increase in the value of the stock benefits all our shareholders, which aligns the executive and shareholder interests. These options generally vest ratably over three to five years. They have a term of ten years.

Non-Qualified Stock Options — This type of option is similar to the Incentive Stock Option and is typically used only when Incentive Stock Options are limited by the plan or IRS limitations.

Restricted Stock Grants — The Compensation Committee can also grant awards of restricted stock to the executive officers. Any granted shares are typically granted with a restrictive vesting schedule, which renders the shares subject to substantial risk of forfeiture if or when an executive terminates employment prior to vesting. The stock is granted at the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the day the Compensation Committee awards the grant. The recipient of a grant is entitled to dividends on the shares beginning on the grant date. These grants typically vest ratably at 33 1/3 percent per year.

There are additional methods of rendering stock value to recipients under the terms of the shareholder approved Long-Term Incentive Plan including, stock appreciation rights, phantom stock options and dividend equivalent rights. The Compensation Committee has determined that these methods will not be used at this time.

The Compensation Committee has been aware of the tax implications associated with restricted stock grants to individual NEOs given our ownership guidelines and preference for the shares to be owned and not sold. As such, and given the remaining NEOs current ownership levels, the Compensation Committee decided to change the pay-out of the LTI awards determined to be: the LTI amount determined (“LTI Amount”) times 60% divided by the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock which will be issued in restricted stock subject to normal vesting guidelines and the LTI Amount times 40% will be paid in cash. The cash pay-out portion to occur on or before June 30th of each year which will used by the NEOs to pay the taxes on their vested restricted stock grants. The Compensation Committee awarded no stock options this year.

Perquisites

The fourth basic element of compensation for the named executive officersNEOs is perquisites. The named executive officersNEOs typically enjoy the same benefit as all salaried employees; however, the Compensation Committee has determined that the named executive officersNEOs will receive an auto allowance as follows:

Other Benefits

Retirement Plans

All named executive officersNEOs participate in the Pension Plan for the Employees of Ennis, Inc. This is a Company funded defined benefit plan which promises a certain benefit to the eligible named executive officersNEOs upon normal retirement. Normal retirement is defined as the first day of the month of the latter of his 65th birthday or the fifth anniversary of participation if hired after age 60. This does not imply mandatory retirement at age 65. The pension plan provides for retirement benefits on a formula based on the average pay of the highest five consecutive compensation years during active employment, integration of certain Social Security benefits, years of service and reaching a normal retirement age of 65.

The Internal Revenue Code limits the maximum annual compensation covered by the plan. The limit for 20132016 is $255,000.$265,000. This limitation as well as the limitation on highly compensated participants in the Ennis 401(k), significantly limits the retirement benefit for the named executive officers.NEOs. A supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) under the Ennis Deferred Compensation Plan was established to make-up some of the retirement benefits lost due to the imposed limitations. ActuarialBased on current actuarial projections for the supplemental retirement plan (SERP) indicated all named executivesand in connection with the exception of Mr. Walters are currently sufficiently funded, assuming current salary levels,desire to providebring the planned levels of benefits. Mr. Walters was again granted a $400,000 funding for fiscal year 2014 to partially bring his level offollowing named executive’s benefits closer to the planned level.levels, the Board approved the following contributions to the supplemental retirement plan (“SERP”) for fiscal year 2017: Mr. Walters - $200,000, Mr. Travis - $40,000, Mr. Magill - $65,000 and Mr. Graham - $30,000. Similar grants may be necessary overin the next 3 years.future. The named executive officersNEOs were granted the following non-qualified deferred benefits during fiscal year 2013.

All the named executive officersNEOs were eligible to participate in the Ennis 401(k) Plan, which is a qualified plan that allows all employees of the Company to save up to allowed limits on a before tax basis. The named executive officersNEOs did not receive any matching Company contributions under the qualified plan.

All named executive officersNEOs were eligible to defer cash compensation under the Ennis Deferred Compensation Plan, which is a non-qualified plan that allows deferral of compensation until retirement or termination. The amounts deferred for the named executive officersNEOs are indicated in the above table.

The named executive officersNEOs receive an annual non-qualified match of 25% limited to $5,000 for savings in the Company’s
401(k) Plan. The match would accumulate in the Company’s Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan.

The named executive officersNEOs are eligible for Company paid supplemental term life insurance at the following benefit amounts:

The Company’s contribution paid for this benefit is imputed as income to the executive and the named executive does not receive a tax gross up for this benefit.

In 2009, the Compensation Committee established certain company stock ownership guidelines coverings its executive officers. The guidelines were modified during the fiscal year 2011 and currently are as follows:

It is the expectation that each executive officer will reach and maintain this minimum level of ownership commitment within the later of 5five years from the adoption of this guideline or 5five years from the date of their appointment as an executive officer. With the exception of Mr. Ahmad, all NEOs have met the minimum level of ownership commitment. As a result thereof, the Compensation Committee elected to substantially reduce the amount considered for any LTI awards to Mr. Ahmad.

Employment Agreements

The Compensation Committee has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to enter into employment agreements with each of the named executive officers.NEOs (the “Employment Agreements”). The current agreements have initial terms, ranging from 1one to 3three years beginning January 1, 2009 and are automatically extended on a year-to-year basis after the initial term unless notification of non-renewal is given 60 days in advance of the agreement current expiration date. The employment contracts are referenced as exhibits to our Annual Report

on Form 10-K. We entered into these agreements to ensure the retention of covered executives and provide encouragement to perform their roles for an extended period of time with focus on annual and multiple year objectives.

The agreements establish the beginning base salary, eligibility for bonuses, benefits, perquisites, as well as, certain non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality covenants that protect the Company.

Compensation upon termination is outlined in the agreements and described in detail below. If one of the named executive officersNEOs is terminated without cause or within two yearsa certain period of time after a change of control (two years for Mr. Walters and one year for all others), or if the executive terminates the agreement for “good reason”, as defined in the agreement, then the executive would receive a multiple of current base salary and the prior year’s bonus as set forth in the following table.

In addition to these cash severance amounts, the named executive officerNEO would be eligible for continuation of basic employee group benefits if terminated without cause, upon a change of control triggering event or resignsresignation for good reason and the executive’s qualified plan benefits would also vest for all qualified plan benefits and he would be eligible to receive either pay or reimbursement for employee costs and expenses for outplacement services, as is customary and reasonable in the Dallas area for the executive’s level of responsibility. The basic benefit continuation period is three months for all named executive officers.NEOs.

Definitions for Types of Termination Summarized from EmploymentAgreements.

Termination by the Company includes termination at death, total disability of 90 days or more in any 12 month period or retirement. There would be no requirement for severance payment for these reasons.

Terminationfor cause is defined to mean:

Terminationwithout cause is defined, generally, as any termination of Executive’sexecutive’s employment by the Company for any reason other than those specified above prior to the end of the term of the agreement.

Terminationby Executiveexecutive. The Executiveexecutive can terminate his employment forgood reason as defined below and after providing thirty (30) days written notice to the Company. Good reason means any of the following:

Severance Payment After Change of Control

If any of the named executive officersNEOs is terminated within 90 days prior to or within two yearsa certain period of time after a change of control as defined by the employment agreements,Employment Agreements (two years for Mr. Walters and one year for all others), the executive will be entitled to a lump sum severance payment and immediate vesting of benefits and long-term incentive awards and options. The value of these payments and benefits is set forth in thePotential Payments Uponupon Termination or Change in Control section. section of this Proxy Statement.

Under the terms of the current employment agreementsEmployment Agreements the named ExecutivesNEOs are entitled to a “Tax Gross Up” in connection with a termination and severance as a result of change of control. If the Executive becomes subject to taxes of any state, local or federal taxing authority that would not have been imposed on such payments but for the occurrence of a change of control, including any excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code and any successor or comparable provision, then, in addition to any other benefits provided under or pursuant to the Agreement the Company shall pay to the Executive an amount equal to the amount of any such taxes imposed or to be imposed on the Executive. In addition the Company will “Gross Up” this amount in an additional amount equal to the aggregate amount of taxes that are or will be payable by the Executive as a result of this gross up payment. The amount of these gross up payments will be determined by a nationally recognized accounting firm selected by the Company.

Discussion of Performance and Compensation Committee Actions for Fiscal Year 2013year 2016

The Compensation Committee met fourthree times during fiscal year 20132016 for the purpose of considering overall compensation for the NEOs of the Company. At those meetings, the members discussed and considered each officer’s performance and relative contribution toward the performance of the Company during the fiscal year. The Compensation Committee concluded all officers performed well considering all the varied demands and factors involved in both operating segments. Acquisitions were executed solely through the efforts and expertise of our top and mid-level executives. The Committee also discussed the bonus generated for the fiscal year and the performance factors that contributed to the pool. There were discussions about the competitive positioning for the year, the named executive officers’ 2012-20132015-2016 total compensation and all respective elements. The Compensation Committee has elected to forgo the retention of an outside Compensation Consultant firm for last year and the current one as well.past several years. We believe with the access to one of the leading data bases, substantial literature availability, access to legal direction, educational seminars and Webinars, and information available on the Internet, we have ample information to make informed judgments concerning executive compensation. The Compensation Committee compared the NEOs’ compensation elements to those of direct competitors and similar sized general industrial companies. The industry competitors used in the study were:

Competitors:

General Manufacturing:

A summary of the trended earlier study results comparing current base salaries is presented in the following table:

The Compensation Committee reviewed and considered the operating performance of the Company relative to the competitors and made the determination that the Company performed better than its direct competitors in the print segment.Print Segment, as well as most competitors and peers in the Apparel Segment. The Compensation Committee also considered among other things, (i) the fact that with the apparel segment continues toanticipated sales of the Apparel Segment, that the Company will, at least in the short-term, be affected by cotton pricing, (ii) market conditions and (iii)a smaller company from a revenue perspective. Therefore, the fact that a new facility was brought on line. The overall performance resultedCompensation Committee recommended no increase in a substantial reductionthe base salaries of variable compensation and equity awards for the NEOs. The committee recommended a 3% increase in salaries for the NEOs after a 2% increase last year and 0% the year before.

The Compensation Committee reviewed and considered the performance of the Company relative to the goals established in the annual incentive plan in order to determine the appropriate annual incentive awards for the NEOs.

For the year ending February 28, 2013,29, 2016, performance bonus targets based upon annual business plans were included as part of the annual planning process. Each operational division of the Company submitted its business plans to the executive officers of the Company for review. This review included the consideration of the market circumstances, material cost, operational challenges and the appropriate level of task. All of the divisional plans and corporate expenses were combined to determine the overall business plan for the Company. The sales, profit before bonus, and return on capital goals were determined and recommended by executive management as the targets for the business year. After review and discussion the Board adjusted or approved the performance bonus targets. The result is established as the business plan for the year with predetermined targets for sales, profit before bonus, and return on capital. The performance bonus targets for the year ended February 28, 201329, 2016 were:

Reaching these targets would result in the generation of 100% bonus pool for the NEOs. The Compensation Committee evaluates the performance of the individual NEOs and determines the amount of bonus to be awarded from the bonus pool. For the year ended February 28, 2013,29, 2016, the following performance was achieved:

Sales		$	568,200,000
Profit before bonus and impairment charge		$	41,236,000
Return on Capital before bonus and impairment charge (“ROC”)			14.11	%

Based on the results for the fiscal year, the following Achieved Multiple % factorsPercentage results were obtained.obtained:

Based on the business plan achieved multiple percentageAchieved Multiple Percentage results and the achievement of individual goals the following percentages were earned by each executive officer during the fiscal year.year: