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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.     )

 

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Dear Fellow Stockholder:

        You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. It will be held in New York City on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the JW Marriott Essex House New York, where we will ask you to vote on the items set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders below.

        Please vote your shares using the Internet or telephone, or by requesting a printed copy of the proxy materials and completing and returning by mail the proxy card you receive in response to your request. Instructions on each of these voting methods are outlined in this Proxy Statement. Please vote as soon as possible.

        Thank you for your continued support.

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE PROMPTLY SUBMIT YOUR PROXY
BY INTERNET, TELEPHONE, OR MAIL.

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THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10153
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

Date and Time:

Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., local time

Place:

JW Marriott Essex House New York
Grand Salon
160 Central Park South
New York, New York 10019

Items of Business:

1.

To elect the five Class III director nominees as directors to serve until the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders;



2.

To ratify the Audit Committee's appointment of KPMG LLP as independent auditors for the 2018 fiscal year;



3.

To provide an advisory vote to approve executive compensation; and



4.

To provide an advisory vote on the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation.

        We also will transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the meeting.

        THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS URGES YOU TO VOTE BY INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE OR BY REQUESTING A PRINTED COPY OF THE PROXY MATERIALS AND COMPLETING AND RETURNING BY MAIL THE PROXY CARD YOU RECEIVE IN RESPONSE TO YOUR REQUEST.

        IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE 2017 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 14, 2017: The Company's Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017 are available at www.envisionreports.com/EL.

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PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

        This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. This summary does not contain all the information that you should consider, and you should read the entire Proxy Statement before voting.

2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

Voting Matters

Director Nominees

        The following table provides information about the Class III Director Nominees standing for election to serve until the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Information about all the Directors can be found in this Proxy Statement beginning on page 8.

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Performance Highlights

        As explained in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," we drive our annual and long-term performance through our executive compensation programs. Annual incentive pay is tied to business objectives that are specific to each individual's responsibilities and encourage collaboration across the organization. Long-term equity incentives are tied to both the Company's share price and financial goals over a period of three or more years. This combination of compensation elements is intended to support and promote strong, balanced, and sustainable corporate performance.

        Our fiscal 2017 results reflect our success in pivoting our business to the fastest-growing areas of prestige beauty to align with consumers' changing shopping preferences. With our leading brands, quality innovations, and the acquisitions of Too Faced and BECCA, we attracted new consumers globally. Our business accelerated in our online direct-to-consumer and retailer e-commerce sites, as well as in the travel retail and specialty-multi channels. In addition, we built momentum in key geographies, like China and Italy, aided by enhanced digital and social media communications, and we began to further improve our organizational efficiency and effectiveness through our Leading Beauty Forward initiative. Importantly, we delivered this performance in the face of external global volatility.

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        In fiscal 2017, we increased the common stock dividend 13%, repurchased 4.7 million shares for $413 million, and used $504 million of cash flow from operations for capital expenditures. Over the five-year period ended June 30, 2017, the total market value of the Company increased by 68% or approximately $14.3 billion.

Executive Compensation Highlights

        The following summarizes key executive compensation decisions that affected compensation in, or relating to, fiscal 2017:

•

The Compensation Committee authorized increases in annual compensation for fiscal 2017 for the President and Chief Executive Officer and certain other Named Executive Officers ("NEOs") in recognition of strong and sustained individual and Company performance. On average, fiscal 2017 annual target compensation for the NEOs increased less than 5%.



•

The annual stock-based compensation awarded to our NEOs in fiscal 2017 was based on target grant levels and an assessment of each officer's performance and expected future contributions. The current equity mix is weighted equally among performance share units ("PSUs"), stock options, and restricted stock units ("RSUs").



•

The base salary for Fabrizio Freda, our President and Chief Executive Officer, remained at $1.9 million, his bonus opportunity remained at $4.7 million, and his equity target was increased to $8.5 million, resulting in target total annual compensation of $15.1 million for fiscal 2017, an increase of 4% from fiscal 2016. No additional equity grants were made to Mr. Freda in fiscal 2017, which accounts for the significant year-over-year declines shown for "Stock Awards" and "Total" in the "Summary Compensation Table."



•

In August 2017, the Stock Plan Subcommittee approved the payout for the third (final) tranche of the PSU granted to Mr. Freda in September 2012 that was based on Total Stockholder Return ("TSR"). Target payout was set at the 60th percentile, a rigorous objective. The Company's TSR during the performance period relative to that of the S&P 500 Companies was at the 46th percentile. Accordingly, Mr. Freda received 30,267 shares under this incentive award.



•

Based on the Company's performance over the three-year period ended June 30, 2017, the PSUs granted to our executive officers in September 2014 resulted in an aggregate payout of 81.3% of target.



•

Our NEOs achieved fiscal 2017 payout percentages under the Executive Annual Incentive Plan ranging from 110% to 131% out of a possible maximum of 150% of target bonus opportunities.

        For more complete information about our executive compensation philosophy and approach, please see additional information below in "Executive Compensation" including "Compensation Discussion and Analysis."

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THE ESTÉE LAUDER COMPANIES INC.
767 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10153

PROXY STATEMENT
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 14, 2017

September 28, 2017

Annual Meeting and voting

        This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (the "Company," "we," or "us"), a Delaware corporation, to be voted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in the Grand Salon at the JW Marriott Essex House New York, 160 Central Park South, New York, New York, 10019 on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., local time, and at any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. The approximate date on which this Proxy Statement and form of proxy are first being provided to stockholders, or being made available through the Internet for those stockholders receiving their proxy materials electronically, is September 28, 2017.

Admission to the meeting will require a ticket.

        If you are a stockholder of record and plan to attend, please check the appropriate box on the proxy card, or so indicate when you vote by telephone or Internet, and an admission ticket will be mailed to you. Please bring photo identification, as well as your admission ticket, if you attend the meeting. If you are a stockholder whose shares are held through an intermediary, such as a bank or broker, and you plan to attend, please request an admission ticket by writing to the Investor Relations Department at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153. Evidence of your ownership of shares of our Common Stock on September 15, 2017 (the "Record Date"), which you can obtain from your bank, broker, or other intermediary, must accompany your letter.

Who may vote?

        Only stockholders of record of shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting and at any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. Each owner of record of Class A Common Stock on the Record Date is entitled to one vote for each share of Class A Common Stock. Each owner of record of Class B Common Stock on the Record Date is entitled to ten votes for each share of Class B Common Stock. As of August 31, 2017, there were 225,115,277 shares of Class A Common Stock and 143,419,528 shares of Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding.

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

        In accordance with rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), we have elected to furnish to our stockholders this Proxy Statement and our Fiscal 2017 Annual Report by providing access to these documents on the Internet rather than mailing printed copies. Accordingly, a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the "Notice") is being mailed to our stockholders of record and beneficial owners (other than those who previously requested printed copies or electronic delivery of our proxy materials), which will direct stockholders to a website where they can access our proxy materials and view instructions on how to vote online or by telephone. If you would prefer to receive a paper copy of our proxy materials, please follow the instructions included in the Notice.

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How do I cast my vote if I am a stockholder of record?

        If you are a stockholder of record (which means your shares are registered directly in your name with the Company's transfer agent, Computershare, Inc., or you have a physical stock certificate), you can vote your shares in one of two ways: either by proxy or in person at the Annual Meeting. If you choose to vote by proxy, you may do so by using the Internet or the telephone, or by requesting a printed copy of our proxy materials and completing and returning by mail the proxy card you receive in response to your request.

        Whichever method you use, each valid proxy received in time will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with your instructions. To ensure that your proxy is voted, it should be received before November 14, 2017. If you submit a proxy without giving instructions, your shares will be voted as recommended by the Board of Directors.

How do I cast my vote if my shares are held in "street name"?

        If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee (i.e. in "street name"), you are invited to attend the Annual Meeting. However, since you are not a stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the Annual Meeting unless you bring with you a legal proxy from the stockholder of record. A legal proxy may be obtained from your broker, bank, or nominee.

        If you do not wish to vote in person or you will not be attending the Annual Meeting, you may vote over the Internet or otherwise by following the instructions provided in the Notice, or, if you requested to receive printed proxy materials, you will receive voting instructions from your broker, bank, or nominee describing the available processes for voting your shares.

        If your shares are held for you by a broker, your broker must vote those shares in accordance with your instructions. If you do not give voting instructions to your broker, your broker may vote your shares for you on any discretionary items of business to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting, i.e. the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP (Item 2).

        Important Consideration for "street name" holders: You must instruct your broker if you want your shares to be counted in the election of directors at the Annual Meeting (Item 1), the advisory vote to approve executive compensation (Item 3), and the advisory vote on the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation (Item 4). New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") rules prevent your broker from voting your shares on these matters without your instructions. Please follow the instructions provided by your broker so that your vote can be counted.

May I change my vote?

        All proxies delivered pursuant to this solicitation are revocable at any time before they are exercised, at the option of the persons submitting them, by giving written notice to the Secretary of the Company at the mailing address set forth below, by submitting a later-dated proxy (either by mail, telephone, or Internet) or by voting in person at the Annual Meeting. The mailing address of our principal executive offices is 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153.

What constitutes a quorum?

        The holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the stockholders entitled to vote generally, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions, broker non-votes, and votes withheld are included in the count to determine a quorum.

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What if a quorum is not represented at the Annual Meeting?

        In the event that a quorum does not exist, the Executive Chairman or the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the stockholders who are present in person or by proxy may adjourn the meeting whether or not a quorum is present. At a subsequent meeting at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.

How many votes are required to approve a proposal?

        The following table notes for each proposal: (i) the vote required of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (voting together) for approval; (ii) whether abstentions count as votes cast; and (iii) whether broker discretionary voting is allowed.

        Abstentions and broker non-votes do not count as votes cast, and therefore have no effect on vote outcomes.

How will my shares be voted?

        All proxies properly submitted pursuant to this solicitation and not revoked will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the directions given. In the election of directors (Item 1), stockholders may vote in favor of, or withhold their votes from, each nominee. For the ratification of

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the appointment of KPMG LLP (Item 2) and the advisory vote to approve executive compensation (Item 3), stockholders may vote in favor of the proposal, may vote against the proposal, or may abstain from voting. For the advisory vote on the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation (Item 4), stockholders may vote for one year, two years, three years, or may abstain from voting. Stockholders should specify their choices on the proxy card or pursuant to the instructions thereon for telephone or Internet voting. If no specific choices are indicated, the shares represented by a properly submitted proxy will be voted:

1.

FOR the election of each nominee as director;



2.

FOR the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent auditors;



3.

FOR the advisory resolution to approve executive compensation; and



4.

FOR ONE YEAR on the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation.

        If you have returned your signed and completed proxy card, and other matters are properly presented at the Annual Meeting for consideration, the proxy holders appointed by the Board of Directors (the persons named in your proxy card if you are a stockholder of record) will have the discretion to vote on those matters for you.

Who will count the vote?

        Representatives of Computershare, Inc. will tabulate the votes and act as inspectors of election.

May I see a list of stockholders entitled to vote as of the Record Date?

        A list of registered stockholders as of the close of business on the Record Date will be available for examination by any stockholder for any purpose germane to the Annual Meeting. This list will be available during such meeting and during normal business hours from October 31, 2017 through November 13, 2017, at the office of Spencer G. Smul, Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Secretary of the Company, at 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153.

Can I access the Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement, Annual Report, and Form 10-K on the Internet?

        Our Proxy Statement (including Notice of Annual Meeting) and Fiscal 2017 Annual Report to Stockholders are available at www.envisionreports.com/EL.

        These proxy materials are also available, along with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017, in the "Investors" section of our website at www.elcompanies.com. Instead of receiving future copies of our Proxy Statement (including Notice of Annual Meeting) and Annual Report by mail, stockholders can access these materials online. Opting to receive your proxy materials online will save us the cost of producing and mailing documents to you; you will be provided with an electronic link to the proxy voting site. Stockholders of record can enroll at www.computershare.com/investor for online access to future proxy materials.

        If you hold your shares in a bank or brokerage account, you also may have the opportunity to receive copies of these documents electronically. Please check the information provided in the proxy materials mailed to you by your bank or broker regarding the availability of this service.

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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(Item 1)

Board of Directors

        Currently, the Board of Directors is comprised of fifteen directors. The directors are divided into three classes, each serving for a period of three years.

        The stockholders elect one class of the members of the Board of Directors annually. The directors whose terms will expire at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are Charlene Barshefsky, Wei Sun Christianson, Fabrizio Freda, Jane Lauder, and Leonard A. Lauder, each of whom has been nominated to stand for re-election as a director at the 2017 Annual Meeting, to hold office until the 2020 Annual Meeting and until his or her successor is elected and qualified. In the unanticipated event that one or more of these nominees is unable or declines to serve for any reason, the Board may reduce the number of directors or take action to fill any vacancy.

        Director Qualifications.  Our Board is comprised of individuals with diverse and complementary business experience, leadership experience, and financial expertise. Many of our directors have leadership experience at major domestic and multinational companies, as well as experience on the boards of other companies and organizations, which provide an understanding of different business processes, challenges, and strategies. Other directors have government, legal, public policy, or media experience that provides insight into issues faced by public companies. The members of the Board are inquisitive and collaborative, challenging yet supportive, and demonstrate maturity and sound judgment in performing their duties.

        In addition to their own attributes, skills, and experience, and their significant personal investments in the Company, Lauder Family Members (including related entities) who control the Company have agreed to vote their shares in favor of four individuals as directors – Jane Lauder, Leonard A. Lauder, Ronald S. Lauder and William P. Lauder. The term "Lauder Family Members" is defined below (see "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions – Lauder Family Relationships and Compensation").

        The Board believes that the above-mentioned attributes, along with the leadership skills and other experience of its Board members, some of which are described in the biographies below, provide the appropriate perspectives and judgment to guide the Company's long-term strategy, monitor progress, and oversee management.

        The Company does not have a specific policy on diversity of the Board. Instead, the Board evaluates nominees in the context of the Board as a whole, with the objective of recommending a group that can best support the success of the business and, based on the group's diversity of experience, represent stockholder interests through the exercise of sound judgment. Such diversity of experience may be enhanced by a mix of different professional and personal backgrounds and experiences. The Company is proud to have a board that is highly diverse, including with respect to gender and race.

        The Board recommends a vote FOR each nominee as a director to hold office until the 2020 Annual Meeting. Proxies received by the Board will be so voted unless a contrary choice is specified in the proxy.

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Additional Information Regarding the Board of Directors

        Stockholders' Agreement and Lauder Family Control.  All Lauder Family Members who are party to a stockholders' agreement with the Company (the "Stockholders' Agreement") have agreed to vote shares beneficially owned by them for Leonard A. Lauder (or for one of his sons), Ronald S. Lauder (or for one of his daughters), and one person, if any, designated by each as a director of the Company. Aerin Lauder and Jane Lauder are parties to the Stockholders' Agreement solely as trustees of certain trusts. The term "Lauder Family Members" is defined below (see "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions – Lauder Family Relationships and Compensation"). Shares subject to the Stockholders' Agreement represent approximately 84% of the voting power of the Company as of the Record Date. The right of each of Leonard A. Lauder (or his sons) and Ronald S. Lauder (or his daughters) to designate a nominee exists only when he (including his descendants) beneficially owns (other than by reason of the Stockholders' Agreement) shares of Common Stock with at least 10% of the total voting power of the Company. Currently, William P. Lauder is the nominee of Leonard A. Lauder, and Jane Lauder is the nominee of Ronald S. Lauder. The right of each of Leonard A. Lauder (or one of his sons) and Ronald S. Lauder (or one of his daughters) to be nominated will exist so long as he (including his descendants) beneficially owns shares of Common Stock with at least 5% of the total voting power of the Company. In the event that Leonard A. Lauder ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors by reason of his death or disability, then his sons, William P. Lauder and Gary M. Lauder, will succeed to his rights to be nominated as a director and to designate one nominee. If either son is unable to serve by reason of his death or disability, the other son will have the right to designate a nominee. Similarly, Aerin Lauder and Jane Lauder, Ronald S. Lauder's daughters, will succeed to their father's rights upon his death or disability. If either daughter is unable to serve by reason of her death or disability, the other daughter will have the right to designate a nominee. In the event none of Leonard A. Lauder and his sons and Ronald S. Lauder and his daughters are able to serve as directors by reason of death or disability, then the rights under the Stockholders' Agreement to be a nominee and to designate a nominee will cease. The Stockholders' Agreement will terminate upon the occurrence of certain specified events, including the transfer of shares of Common Stock by a party to the Stockholders' Agreement that causes all parties thereto immediately after such transaction to own beneficially in the aggregate shares having less than 10% of the total voting power of the Company.

        The Lauder family has direct and indirect holdings of approximately 87% of the voting power of the Company as of the Record Date. The Company is a "controlled company" under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") because the Lauder family and their related entities hold more than 50% of the voting power of the outstanding voting stock. As such, the Company may avail itself of exemptions relating to the independence of the Board and certain Board committees. Despite the availability of such exemptions, the Board of Directors has determined that it will have a majority of independent directors and that both the Nominating and Board Affairs Committee and the Compensation Committee will have otherwise required provisions in their charters. As permitted by the NYSE rules for "controlled companies," our Board does not require that the Nominating and Board Affairs Committee and the Compensation Committee be comprised solely of independent directors.

        Board Committees.  The Board of Directors has established the following standing committees – the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee (which includes the Stock Plan Subcommittee), and the Nominating and Board Affairs Committee. Each director on these committees is an independent director except for William P. Lauder and Richard D. Parsons. Each committee reports regularly to the Board and has the authority to engage its own advisors.

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        The members of the committees are set forth in the following table:

 

        Copies of the charters adopted by the Board of Directors for each committee may be found in the "Investors" section of the Company's website, www.elcompanies.com, under "Corporate Governance." Stockholders may also contact Investor Relations at 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153 or call 800-308-2334 to obtain a hard copy of these documents without charge.

        The Audit Committee, among other things, appoints the independent auditors; reviews the independence of such auditors; approves the scope of the annual audit activities of the independent auditors and the Company's Internal Control Department; reviews audit results; reviews and discusses the Company's financial statements with management and the independent auditors; reviews and discusses with the Board the Company's risk assessment and management processes; and is responsible for our related person transactions policy. The committee also meets separately, at least quarterly, with the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Internal Control Officer, and representatives of the independent auditors. The Board of Directors has determined that each of the committee members – Mr. Hockaday, Mr. Fribourg, Ms. Hobson, and Mr. Zannino – qualifies as an "Audit Committee Financial Expert" in accordance with SEC rules.

        The Compensation Committee establishes and approves compensation plans and arrangements with respect to the Company's executive officers and administers the Company's Executive Annual Incentive Plan. The Stock Plan Subcommittee has authority over all decisions regarding awards to executive officers under the Company's share incentive plans and authority to administer the Company's share incentive plans under which executive officers and other employees may receive equity grants. The Company also has an Employee Equity Award Committee, the sole member of which is Mr. Freda. The purpose of this committee is to make limited grants of equity awards under the share incentive plan to employees who are not executive officers. During fiscal 2017, this committee did not make any grants.

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        The Nominating and Board Affairs Committee, among other things, recommends nominees for election as members of the Board; considers and makes recommendations regarding Board practices and procedures; considers corporate governance issues that arise from time to time and develops appropriate recommendations for the Board regarding such matters; and reviews the compensation for service as a Board member.

        Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation.  In fiscal 2017, Ms. Bravo, Mr. Fribourg, Mr. Parsons, and Mr. Zannino served on the Compensation Committee. None of these directors is a former or current officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. During fiscal 2017, none of our executive officers served as a member of the compensation committee (or other committee performing similar functions) or as a director of any other entity of which an executive officer served on our Board or Compensation Committee. None of the directors who served on our Compensation Committee during fiscal 2017 has any relationship requiring disclosure under this caption under SEC rules.

        Board and Board Committee Meetings; Annual Meeting Attendance; and Executive Sessions.  Directors are expected to devote sufficient time to carrying out their duties and responsibilities effectively, and should be committed to serve on the Board for an extended period of time. In furtherance of the Board's role, directors are expected to attend all scheduled Board and Board committee meetings and all meetings of stockholders. In fiscal 2017, the Board of Directors met six times, the Compensation Committee and the Stock Plan Subcommittee each met five times, the Audit Committee met eight times, and the Nominating and Board Affairs Committee met three times. The total combined attendance for all Board and committee meetings was over 90%. No director attended less than 75% of Board and committee meetings, except for Mr. Parsons who attended approximately 65% of such meetings. The non-employee directors met six times in executive session in fiscal 2017, including at least one meeting at which only independent directors were present. All of the directors who were on the Board attended the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in November 2016, except one director who was unable to attend.

        Board Leadership Structure.  Our Board is currently led by our Executive Chairman, who is a member of the Lauder family. Our President and Chief Executive Officer is also a member of our Board of Directors. We also have an independent director who serves as our Presiding Director. A majority of our directors are independent. At present, there are 15 directors on our Board; 10 directors are non-employee directors, 9 directors are independent, and 4 directors are members of the Lauder family. Mr. Hockaday, the current Presiding Director, presides at all meetings or executive sessions of non-employee or independent directors. The Board of Directors considers this structure appropriate in view of the Lauder family's significant investment in the Company. The structure also comports with the Stockholders' Agreement among various members of the Lauder family and the Company. See "Additional Information Regarding the Board of Directors – Stockholders' Agreement and Lauder Family Control."

        In addition to his responsibilities as Chairman of the Board, Mr. W. Lauder, as Executive Chairman, works with the President and Chief Executive Officer to set overall vision, strategy, financial objectives, and investment priorities for the business. Mr. W. Lauder also continues to provide high-level leadership in areas that are important to the Company, including marketing, trade relations, global communications, and regulatory affairs.

        As provided in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, we have an independent director who serves as our Presiding Director. The Presiding Director serves a one-year term beginning with the meeting of the Board immediately following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders and is selected from among the independent members of the Board. Mr. Hockaday served as the Presiding Director for all

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executive sessions of the Board of Directors in fiscal 2017, and he has been appointed by the Board to serve for an additional one-year term beginning after the 2017 Annual Meeting.

        Board Role in Risk Oversight.  Our Board of Directors regularly receives reports from our President and Chief Executive Officer and other members of senior management regarding areas of significant risk to us, including strategic, operational, financial, legal and regulatory, and reputational risks. However, senior management is responsible for assessing and managing the Company's various risk exposures on a day-to-day basis. In this regard, various management functions within the Company, such as Legal, Finance, Treasury, Internal Control, Global Information Systems, Global Supply Chain, Research & Development, and Environmental Affairs and Safety, focus on particular risks. Management has a systemic and integrated approach to overall risk management that includes the identification of risks and mitigation plans in the strategic planning process. The Board's role is one of oversight, assessing major risks facing the Company and reviewing options for their mitigation with management. In addition, the Audit Committee reviews and discusses with management our enterprise risk management processes.

        Risk in Compensation Programs.  The Company has a framework for evaluating incentive plan design features that may encourage or help mitigate risk, such as a mix of compensation elements, metrics, leverage, caps, and time horizons, in order to determine whether the risks arising from our compensation programs (in addition to those applicable only to executive officers) are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. Using this framework in fiscal 2017, we concluded that our compensation programs are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The results were reviewed with senior management and the Compensation Committee.

        Board Membership Criteria.  The Nominating and Board Affairs Committee works with the Board on an annual basis to determine the appropriate characteristics, skills, and experience for the Board as a whole and its individual members. All directors should possess the highest personal and professional ethics as well as an inquisitive and objective perspective, practical wisdom, and mature judgment. In evaluating the suitability of individual Board members, the Board takes into account many factors, including general understanding of marketing, finance, and other disciplines relevant to the success of a large publicly traded company in today's business environment; understanding of the Company's business on a technical level; and educational and professional background. The Board evaluates each individual in the context of the Board as a whole, with the objective of recommending a group that can best support the success of the business and, based on its diversity of experience, represent stockholder interests through the exercise of sound judgment. In determining whether to recommend a director for re-election, the Nominating and Board Affairs Committee also considers the director's past attendance at meetings and participation in and contributions to the activities of the Board.

        Upon determining the need for additional or replacement Board members, the Nominating and Board Affairs Committee will identify one or more director candidates and evaluate each candidate under the criteria described above based on the information it receives with a recommendation or that it otherwise possesses, which information may be supplemented by additional inquiries. Application of these criteria involves the exercise of judgment and cannot be measured in any mathematical or routine way. Based on its assessment of each candidate's independence, skills, and qualifications and the criteria described above, the Committee will make recommendations regarding potential director candidates to the Board. The Committee may engage third parties to assist in the search for director candidates or to assist in gathering information regarding a candidate's background and experience. The Committee will evaluate stockholder-recommended candidates in the same manner as other candidates. Candidates may also be designated pursuant to the Stockholders' Agreement. See "Additional Information Regarding the Board of Directors – Stockholders' Agreement and Lauder Family Control."

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        Board Independence Standards for Directors.  To be considered "independent" for purposes of membership on the Company's Board of Directors, the Board must determine that a director has no material relationship with the Company, including any of its subsidiaries, other than as a director. For each director, the Board broadly considers all relevant facts and circumstances. In making its determination, the Board considers the following categories of relationships to be material, thus precluding a determination that a director is "independent:"

(i)

the director is an employee of the Company, or an immediate family member of the director is an executive officer of the Company, or was so employed during the last three years.

(ii)

the director receives, or an immediate family member of the director receives, during any twelve-month period within the last three years, more than $120,000 in direct compensation from the Company, other than director and committee fees and pension or other forms of deferred compensation for prior service (provided such compensation is not contingent in any way on continued service).

(iii)

(A) the director is a current partner or employee of a firm that is the Company's internal or external auditor, (B) the director has an immediate family member who is a current employee of such a firm, (C) the director has an immediate family member who is a current employee of such a firm and personally works on the Company's audit, or (D) the director or an immediate family member of the director was within the last three years a partner or employee of such a firm and personally worked on the Company's audit within that time.

(iv)

the director or an immediate family member of the director is, or has been within the last three years, employed as an executive officer of another company where any of the Company's present executive officers at the same time serves or served on that company's compensation committee.

(v)

the director is a current employee, or an immediate family member of the director is a current executive officer, of a company that has made payments to, or received payments from, the Company for property or services in an amount which, in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of $1 million, or 2% of such other company's consolidated gross revenues.

        Additionally, the following relationships will not be considered to be "material" relationships that would impair a director's independence:

(i)

any of the relationships described in (i)-(v) above, if such relationships occurred more than three years ago, or

(ii)

if a director is a current employee, or an immediate family member of a director is a current executive officer of another company that does business with the Company and such other company, during the current or last fiscal year, made payments to or received payments from, the Company of less than $1 million or 2% of such other company's consolidated gross revenues, whichever is greater.

        Contributions to tax exempt organizations shall not be considered payments for purposes of these independence standards. An "immediate family member" includes a director's spouse, parents, children, siblings, mothers and fathers-in-law, sons and daughters-in-law, brothers and sisters-in-law, and anyone (other than domestic employees) who shares such person's home.

        The Board reviews at least annually whether directors meet these Director Independence Standards. The following directors, including two of the five nominated for election, have been determined by the Board to be "independent" pursuant to NYSE rules and the Company's Independent Director Standards described above: Charlene Barshefsky, Rose Marie Bravo, Wei Sun Christianson, Paul J. Fribourg, Mellody Hobson, Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr., Lynn Forester de Rothschild, Barry S. Sternlicht, and Richard F. Zannino.

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        In addition to the foregoing, in order to be considered "independent" under NYSE rules for purposes of serving on the Company's Audit Committee or Compensation Committee, a director also may not accept, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the Company, other than as a director, and may not be an "affiliated person" of the Company. Audit Committee members may receive directors' fees and fixed payments for prior service with the Company. The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee and each independent member of the Compensation Committee meets these additional independence requirements.

        Communications with the Board.  A stockholder or any other interested party who wishes to communicate with the Board, any Committee thereof, the non-management directors as a group, or any individual director, including the Presiding Director for the executive sessions of the Board, may do so by addressing the correspondence to that individual or group, c/o Sara E. Moss, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153. She, or her designee, will review all such correspondence to determine that the substance of the correspondence relates to the duties and responsibilities of the Board or individual Board member before forwarding the correspondence to the intended recipient. Spam, junk mail, solicitations, and hostile, threatening, illegal, or similarly unsuitable material will not be forwarded to the intended recipient and, if circumstances warrant, may be forwarded to the Company's security staff. Any communication that is not forwarded may be made available to the intended recipient at his or her request.

        Director Nominees Recommended by Stockholders.  The Nominating and Board Affairs Committee will consider stockholder recommendations of nominees in the same manner as and pursuant to the same criteria by which it considers all other nominees, except for nominations received pursuant to the Stockholders' Agreement. Stockholders who wish to suggest qualified candidates should send their written recommendation to the Nominating and Board Affairs Committee, c/o Sara E. Moss, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153. The following information must accompany any such recommendation by a stockholder: (i) the name and address of the stockholder making the recommendation; (ii) the name, address, telephone number, and social security number of the proposed nominee; (iii) the class or series and number of shares of the Company that are beneficially owned by the stockholder making the recommendation; (iv) a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and the candidate, and an executed written consent of the proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Company if so elected; (v) a copy of the proposed nominee's resume and references; and (vi) an analysis of the candidate's qualifications to serve on the Board of Directors and on each of the Board's committees in light of the criteria for Board membership established by the Board. See "Board Membership Criteria." For stockholders intending to nominate an individual for election as a director directly, there are specific procedures set forth in our bylaws. See "Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations for the 2018 Annual Meeting" below.

Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Conduct

        The Board of Directors has developed corporate governance practices to help it fulfill its responsibilities to stockholders in providing general direction and oversight of management of the Company. These practices are set forth in the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Company also has a Code of Conduct (the "Code") applicable to all employees, officers, and directors of the Company including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. These documents, as well as any waiver of a provision of the Code granted to any senior officer or director or any material amendment to the Code, may be found in the "Investors" section of the Company's website: www.elcompanies.com under "Corporate Governance." Stockholders may also contact Investor

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Relations at 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153 or call 800-308-2334 to obtain a hard copy of these documents without charge.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

        Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's officers and directors, and any persons who own more than 10% of the Class A Common Stock, to file forms reporting their initial beneficial ownership of Common Stock and subsequent changes in that ownership with the SEC and the NYSE. Officers, directors, and greater-than-10% beneficial owners also are required to furnish the Company with copies of all forms they file under Section 16(a). Based solely upon a review of the copies of the forms furnished to the Company, or a written representation from a reporting person that no Form 5 was required, the Company believes that during the 2017 fiscal year, all Section 16(a) filing requirements were satisfied.

Related Person Transactions Policy and Procedures

        We have a written policy (the "Related Person Transactions Policy") that sets forth procedures for the review, approval, and ratification of transactions involving "Related Persons." Such persons consist of any director, director nominee, executive officer, any beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company's Common Stock, any immediate family member of such persons, and any other person deemed to be a Related Person under the rules of the SEC. Under the Related Person Transactions Policy, a "Transaction" includes any financial transaction, arrangement, or relationship (including any indebtedness or guarantee of indebtedness) or any series of similar transactions, arrangements, or relationships where the Company and a Related Person are participants. The Audit Committee is responsible for administering this policy.

        When a potential Related Person Transaction is identified, our policy requires that it be promptly reported to either the General Counsel or the Secretary to review. If it is determined that such Transaction is not within the scope of the Related Person Transactions Policy, then no further action is necessary. Otherwise, the Transaction shall be presented to the Audit Committee to make an assessment and determination. The information presented to the Audit Committee in connection with its assessment may include the following: (i) the Related Person's relationship to the Company; (ii) a description of the Transaction, including the material terms, the approximate aggregate value, and the identities of other parties; (iii) the benefits of the Transaction to the Company and the Related Person; (iv) the availability of other sources of comparable products or services; and (v) any other relevant information. If the Audit Committee determines that the Related Person has a direct or indirect material interest in any Transaction, the Transaction shall be disclosed in the Company's proxy statement. If the Related Person at issue is a director of the Company, or an immediate family member of a director, then such director shall not participate in the assessment or determination of the Transaction being reviewed.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

        Lauder Family Relationships and Compensation.  Leonard A. Lauder is Chairman Emeritus, and his brother Ronald S. Lauder is Chairman of Clinique Laboratories, LLC. Leonard A. Lauder and Ronald S. Lauder are also directors of the Company. Leonard A. Lauder has two sons, William P. Lauder and Gary M. Lauder. William P. Lauder is Executive Chairman and in such role is Chairman of the Board of Directors. Gary M. Lauder is not an employee of the Company. Ronald S. Lauder and his wife, Jo Carole Lauder, have two daughters, Aerin Lauder and Jane Lauder. Aerin Lauder is not an employee of the Company. She is the Style and Image Director for the Estée Lauder brand (see "Agreements

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with Aerin Lauder" below for additional information). Jane Lauder is Global Brand President, Clinique and is a director of the Company.

        For fiscal 2017, the following Lauder Family Members received the following amounts from the Company as compensation: Leonard A. Lauder received an aggregate of $1,800,000 for his services; Ronald S. Lauder received $650,000 in salary and a bonus of $415,600; and Jane Lauder received $750,000 in salary, a bonus of $733,350, performance share units with a target payout of 4,471 shares of Class A Common Stock, stock options for 17,840 shares of Class A Common Stock, and restricted stock units for 4,471 shares of Class A Common Stock. Each of these Lauder Family Members is entitled to participate in standard benefit plans, such as the Company's pension and medical plans. For information regarding fiscal 2017 compensation for William P. Lauder, see "Executive Compensation."

        For fiscal 2018, Leonard A. Lauder has a base salary of $1,800,000, and Ronald S. Lauder has a base salary of $650,000 and bonus opportunities with a target payout of $350,000. For fiscal 2018, Jane Lauder has a base salary of $780,000, a target incentive bonus opportunity of $640,000, and a target equity opportunity of $1,036,000. In September 2017, Jane Lauder was granted equity-based compensation with an aggregate value of approximately $1.27 million, comprised of performance share units with a target payout of 3,935 shares of Class A Common Stock, stock options for 15,644 shares of Class A Common Stock, and restricted stock units for 3,935 shares of Class A Common Stock, in each case for fiscal 2018. The grants were consistent with those made to employees at her level. For information regarding fiscal 2018 compensation for William P. Lauder, see "Compensation Discussion and Analysis."

        Leonard A. Lauder's current employment agreement (the "LAL Agreement") provides for his employment as Chairman Emeritus until such time as he resigns, retires, or is terminated. Mr. L. Lauder is entitled to participate in standard benefit plans, such as the Company's pension and medical plans. He is also entitled to participate in the Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan, but no grants have been made to him under the plan to date. If Mr. L. Lauder retires, the Company will continue to provide him with the office he currently occupies (or a comparable office if the Company relocates) and a full-time executive assistant. The Company may terminate Mr. L. Lauder's employment at any time if he becomes "permanently disabled," in which event he will be entitled to (i) receive his base salary for a period of two years after termination, (ii) receive bonus compensation during such salary continuation period at an annual rate equal to the average of the actual bonuses paid to him prior to such termination under the LAL Agreement (the "Leonard Lauder Bonus Compensation"), and (iii) participate in the Company's benefit plans for two years. In the event of Mr. L. Lauder's death during the term of his employment, for a period of one year from the date of Mr. L. Lauder's death, his beneficiary or legal representative will be entitled to receive Mr. L. Lauder's base salary and the Leonard Lauder Bonus Compensation. Mr. L. Lauder may terminate his employment at any time upon six months' written notice to the Company, in which event he will be entitled to receive his base salary and the Leonard Lauder Bonus Compensation for the six-month period following termination. In addition, the Company may terminate Mr. L. Lauder's employment for any reason upon 60 days' written notice. In the event of termination of his employment by the Company (other than for cause, disability, or death) or a termination by Mr. L. Lauder for good reason after a change of control, (a) Mr. L. Lauder, for a period of three years from the date of termination, will be entitled to (i) receive his base salary in effect at the time of termination, (ii) receive the Leonard Lauder Bonus Compensation, (iii) participate in the Company's benefit plans and (b) in the case of termination by the Company (other than for cause, disability, or death), Mr. L. Lauder will not be subject to the non-competition covenant contained in the LAL Agreement. Upon termination for any reason, any options previously granted to Mr. L. Lauder will remain exercisable for the remainder of their respective terms, subject to certain non-competition and good conduct provisions.

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        As used in this Proxy Statement, the term "Lauder Family Members" includes only the following persons: (i) the estate of Mrs. Estée Lauder; (ii) each descendant of Mrs. Lauder (a "Lauder Descendant") and their respective estates, guardians, conservators, or committees; (iii) each "Family Controlled Entity" (as defined below); and (iv) the trustees, in their respective capacities as such, of each "Family Controlled Trust" (as defined below). The term "Family Controlled Entity" means: (i) any not-for-profit corporation if at least 80% of its board of directors is composed of Lauder Descendants; (ii) any other corporation if at least 80% of the value of its outstanding equity is owned by Lauder Family Members; (iii) any partnership if at least 80% of the value of its partnership interests are owned by Lauder Family Members; and (iv) any limited liability or similar company if at least 80% of the value of the company is owned by Lauder Family Members. The term "Family Controlled Trust" includes certain trusts existing on November 16, 1995 and trusts the primary beneficiaries of which are Lauder Descendants, spouses of Lauder Descendants, and/or charitable organizations, provided that if the trust is a wholly charitable trust, at least 80% of the trustees of such trust consist of Lauder Descendants.

        Registration Rights Agreement.  Leonard A. Lauder, Ronald S. Lauder, The Estée Lauder 1994 Trust, William P. Lauder, Gary M. Lauder, Aerin Lauder, Jane Lauder, certain Family Controlled Entities and other Family Controlled Trusts, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York ("Morgan Guaranty"), and the Company are parties to a Registration Rights Agreement (the "Registration Rights Agreement"), pursuant to which each of Leonard A. Lauder, Ronald S. Lauder, and Morgan Guaranty have three demand registration rights and The Estée Lauder 1994 Trust has six demand registration rights in respect of shares of Class A Common Stock (including Class A Common Stock issued upon conversion of Class B Common Stock) held by them. Three of the demand rights granted to The Estée Lauder 1994 Trust may be used only by a pledgee of The Estée Lauder 1994 Trust's shares of Common Stock. All the parties to the Registration Rights Agreement (other than the Company) also have an unlimited number of piggyback registration rights in respect of their shares. The rights of Morgan Guaranty and any other pledgee of The Estée Lauder 1994 Trust under the Registration Rights Agreement will be exercisable only in the event of a default under certain loan arrangements. Leonard A. Lauder and Ronald S. Lauder may assign their demand registration rights to Lauder Family Members. The Company is not required to effect more than one registration of Class A Common Stock in any consecutive twelve-month period. The piggyback registration rights allow the holders to include their shares of Class A Common Stock in any registration statement filed by the Company, subject to certain limitations.

        The Company is required to pay all expenses (other than underwriting discounts and commissions of the selling stockholders, taxes payable by the selling stockholders, and the fees and expenses of the selling stockholders' counsel) in connection with any demand registrations, as well as any registrations pursuant to the exercise of piggyback rights. The Company has agreed to indemnify the selling stockholders against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933.

        Stockholders' Agreement.  All Lauder Family Members who are party to the Stockholders' Agreement have agreed to vote shares beneficially owned by them for Leonard A. Lauder (or for one of his sons), Ronald S. Lauder (or for one of his daughters), and one person, if any, designated by each as a director of the Company. Aerin Lauder and Jane Lauder are parties to the Stockholders' Agreement solely as trustees of certain trusts. Shares subject to the Stockholders' Agreement represent a substantial majority of the voting power of the Company as of the Record Date. See "Additional Information Regarding the Board of Directors – Stockholders' Agreement and Lauder Family Control."

        Parties to the Stockholders' Agreement may, without restriction under the agreement, sell their shares in a widely distributed underwritten public offering, in sales made in compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933 or to other Lauder Family Members. In addition, each party to the

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Stockholders' Agreement may freely donate shares in an amount not to exceed 1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock in any 90-day period. In the case of other private sales, each stockholder who is a party to the Stockholders' Agreement (the "Offering Stockholder") has granted to each other party (the "Offeree") a right of first offer to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock that the Offering Stockholder intends to sell to a person (or group of persons) who is not a Lauder Family Member. Each Offeree has the opportunity to purchase the Offeree's pro rata portion of the shares to be offered by the Offering Stockholder, as well as additional shares not purchased by other Offerees. Any shares not purchased pursuant to the right of first offer may be sold at or above 95% of the price offered to the Offerees. The Stockholders' Agreement also includes provisions for bona fide pledges of shares of Common Stock and procedures related to such pledges. The Stockholders' Agreement will terminate upon the occurrence of certain specified events, including the transfer of shares of Common Stock by a party to the Stockholders' Agreement that causes all parties thereto immediately after such transaction to own beneficially in the aggregate shares having less than 10% of the total voting power of the Company.

        Agreements with Aerin Lauder.  Estee Lauder Inc. ("ELI"), a subsidiary of the Company, is party to (i) a creative consultant agreement with Aerin Lauder (the "Creative Consultant Agreement") and (ii) a brand license agreement with Ms. Lauder and Aerin LLC, a limited liability company wholly owned by Ms. Lauder (the "License Agreement").

        Under the Creative Consultant Agreement, Aerin Lauder is a spokesperson for the Estée Lauder brand and collaborates with the Estée Lauder Creative Director on creative aspects of the brand as Style and Image Director. The initial term of this agreement expired on June 30, 2016, and the agreement was amended to extend the term to June 30, 2021. For fiscal 2017, Ms. Lauder received approximately $581,300 for her services under the agreement. For fiscal 2018, she will receive approximately $604,500 for such services. During the term of the Creative Consulting Agreement, the Company has the exclusive right to use Ms. Lauder's name and image to market beauty products and related services of the Estée Lauder brand, and Ms. Lauder has agreed to no more than 25 days of personal appearances per year for the brand, the Company, or its subsidiaries, after which ELI is required to pay her an additional amount per day (for fiscal 2017, $25,000; and for fiscal 2018, $26,000). No additional amount per day was paid in fiscal 2017. In addition, an office and access to an assistant are provided to Ms. Lauder in connection with her services.

        Under the License Agreement, Aerin LLC has granted ELI a worldwide license to use the "Aerin" trademark and "A" logo (and related marks) and Ms. Lauder's name and image (i) exclusively in connection with "Core Beauty Products" (cosmetics, fragrances, toiletries, skin care, hair care, value sets, and beauty accessories) and (ii) non-exclusively in connection with "Non-Core Beauty Products" (cosmetics bags, tote bags, and fragranced candles). The License Agreement covers the name "Aerin" and not the name "Lauder," for which the Company and its subsidiaries retain sole ownership. The initial license term expired on June 30, 2017, at which time the agreement automatically renewed for an additional 5-year period. The License Agreement provides for two additional 5-year renewal terms if ELI does not give notice of non-renewal and net sales hit certain performance targets (or if ELI cures a sales shortfall, in certain circumstances). In fiscal 2017, ELI provided notice that it intended to cure any sales shortfall, in accordance with the License Agreement, and ELI has since made a payment to Aerin LLC in the amount of approximately $163,000.

        Under the License Agreement, Aerin LLC will receive the following royalties: (i) for all products other than fragrances, 4% of annual net sales up to $40 million and 5% of annual net sales in excess thereof; and (ii) for fragrances, 5% of annual net sales. For fiscal 2017, Aerin LLC was paid approximately $549,000 in royalties. Under the agreement, ELI must spend the following minimum amounts to promote Aerin-branded products: 20% of ELI's net sales of Aerin-branded products each

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annual period in the initial term which ended June 30, 2017 and 15% of such net sales each annual period (June 30 – July 1) thereafter, with such requirement capped each year at 50% of Aerin LLC's similar expenditures, either directly or through other licensees, on Aerin-branded products. Both ELI and Aerin LLC will distribute Aerin-branded products only through prestige retailers. In addition, in fiscal 2017, in connection with the License Agreement, the Company received approximately $82,000 from Aerin LLC for AERIN products provided for sale in Aerin retail locations and on Aerin LLC's website.

        ELI launched AERIN Beauty in September 2012 with several products, and additional products have been introduced since then. ELI may launch additional AERIN-branded products in its reasonable commercial judgment. Under the License Agreement, Ms. Lauder has agreed to provide at least ten personal appearances during each fiscal year, for which she will not be compensated, and which are in addition to those appearances covered by the Creative Consultant Agreement. ELI will be responsible for Ms. Lauder's reasonable travel expenses in connection with such appearances. Aerin LLC may terminate the License Agreement if an unaffiliated third party obtains more than 50% of the voting power or equity of ELI. ELI may terminate the License Agreement if control of Aerin LLC (or substantially all of its assets) is transferred to a competitor of ELI or to certain categories of retailers not engaged in prestige distribution. Either side may terminate the License Agreement for an uncured material breach.

        In addition, the Company agreed to make payments totaling $500,000 to Aerin LLC in each of fiscal 2017 through and including fiscal 2021 in connection with brand-building activities for AERIN Beauty and the AERIN lifestyle brand, provided that the current Aerin LLC management remains in place. The Company has made such payments for fiscal 2017.

        Other Arrangements.  The Company has subleased certain of its office space in New York to an affiliate of Ronald S. Lauder. For fiscal 2017, the rent paid or accrued was approximately $752,000, which equals the Company's lease payments for that space. The Company also has agreed to provide such affiliate with certain services, such as phone systems, payroll service, and office and administrative services, which are reimbursed at a rate approximating the Company's incremental cost thereof. For fiscal 2017, such affiliate paid approximately $14.5 million pursuant to such agreement. At June 30, 2017, such affiliate had deposited with the Company approximately $1.7 million to cover expenses. The Company has similar arrangements for space and services with an affiliate of Leonard A. Lauder and his family. For fiscal 2017, that affiliate and/or family member(s) paid the Company approximately $7.3 million for office space and certain services, such as phone systems, payroll service, and office and administrative services. At June 30, 2017, that affiliate and family members had deposited with the Company approximately $418,000 to cover expenses. The payments by the affiliates and family members approximated the Company's incremental cost of the relevant space and services.

        Certain members of the Lauder family (and entities affiliated with one or more of them) own numerous works of art that are displayed at the Company's offices. The Company pays no fee to the owners for displaying such works. The owners of the works pay for their maintenance. In fiscal 2017, the Company paid premiums of less than $10,000 for insurance relating to such works.

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Director Compensation

        The following summary describes compensation for non-employee directors.

        Annual Cash Retainer for Board Service.  For fiscal 2017, each non-employee director received an annual cash retainer of $75,000, paid quarterly in advance, which was subject to deferral, as explained below. Effective November 2017, this annual cash retainer will be increased to $100,000, payable quarterly in advance; such retainer may be deferred, as explained below.

        Annual Cash Retainer for Presiding Director.  Effective November 2017, the Presiding Director will receive an additional annual cash retainer of $30,000, payable annually in advance, which may be deferred, as explained below.

        Annual Cash Retainer for Committee Service.  Each non-employee director who serves on a committee receives an additional annual cash retainer, payable quarterly in advance, in the following amounts: $12,000 per year for service on the Audit Committee, $8,000 per year for service on the Compensation Committee (including service on the Stock Plan Subcommittee), and $8,000 per year for service on the Nominating and Board Affairs Committee. The Chair of the Audit Committee receives a further annual cash retainer of $25,000. The Chairs of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Board Affairs Committee receive a further annual cash retainer of $15,000 each. These cash retainers for committee service may be deferred, as explained below.

        Deferral of Annual Cash Retainers.  Non-employee directors may elect to defer receipt of all or part of their cash-based compensation. Specifically, pursuant to Deferred Compensation Agreements, they may defer any or all of the above-referenced annual cash retainers into either (i) stock units (accompanied by dividend equivalent rights) or (ii) an interest-bearing cash account, in each case to be paid out in a lump sum in cash as of the first business day of the calendar year following the date on which the director ceases to be a member of the Board.

        Initial Stock Grant.  On the date of the first annual meeting of stockholders that is more than six months after a non-employee director's initial election to the Board, the director receives a grant of shares of Class A Common Stock (plus a cash payment in an amount to cover related income taxes), pursuant to the Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Share Incentive Plan (the "Director Share Plan"). Effective November 2017, the amount of this initial stock grant will be decreased from 4,000 to 2,000 shares of Class A Common Stock.

        Annual Stock Units Retainer for Board Service.  An additional $75,000 is payable to each non-employee director by a grant of stock units (accompanied by dividend equivalent rights) as an annual stock retainer, pursuant to the Director Share Plan. This grant is made on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders. The number of stock units to be awarded is determined by dividing $75,000 by the average closing price of the Class A Common Stock on the twenty trading days preceding the date of grant. Each stock unit is convertible into one share of Class A Common Stock, and the Class A Common Stock represented by the stock units is distributed to the director on or after the first business day of the calendar year following the date on which the director ceases to be a member of the Board.

        Annual Stock Options.  In addition to the cash and stock portion of the retainer, each non-employee director receives an annual grant of options valued at no more than $100,000 on the date of grant, pursuant to the Director Share Plan. This grant is made on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders. The exercise price of the options is equal to the closing price of the Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. The options are exercisable beginning one year after the date of grant, provided that the director continues to serve as of such date. The options generally terminate ten years after the date of grant.

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        Stock Ownership Requirement.  As set forth in the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board believes that in order to align the interests of directors and stockholders, directors should have a significant financial stake in the Company. Specifically, each director should own shares of the Company's Common Stock with a value equal to or greater than four times the annual cash retainer for Board service. A director is required to comply with these guidelines no later than three years after his or her initial election to the Board. Applying this guideline for fiscal 2017, each director was required to own shares of the Company's Common Stock with a value equal to or greater than $300,000 (i.e. $75,000 × 4). As of the end of fiscal 2017, each director was in compliance with this stock ownership requirement.

        Company Products.  The Company provides directors with certain Company products from different brands and product categories. The Company believes that providing these products serves a business purpose by expanding the directors' knowledge of the Company's business. The Company also provides each non-employee director with the opportunity to purchase up to $1,280 worth of the Company's products each calendar year (based on suggested retail prices) at no charge; if a director chooses to take advantage of this opportunity and purchase more than $640 worth of the Company's products, the excess is imputed as taxable income to the director. For the year ended June 30, 2017, the aggregate incremental cost to the Company for products provided to the directors was substantially less than $10,000 per director. Non-employee directors may also purchase Company products at a price equal to 50% off the suggested retail price, which is the same discount made available to officers and other employees of the Company.

        Reimbursement of Expenses.  Non-employee directors are reimbursed for their reasonable expenses (including costs of travel, food, and lodging) incurred in attending Board, committee, and stockholder meetings. Directors are also reimbursed for any other reasonable expenses relating to their service on the Board, including participating in director continuing education and Company site visits.

        Management Directors.  Directors who are also employees of the Company receive no additional compensation for service as directors. These directors are Fabrizio Freda, Jane Lauder, Leonard A. Lauder, Ronald S. Lauder, and William P. Lauder.

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        The following table sets forth compensation information regarding the Company's non-employee directors in fiscal 2017.

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Ownership of Shares

        The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of the Company's Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock as of August 7, 2017 by (i) each person known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of either Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock; (ii) each of the Company's directors or nominees; (iii) each of the current or former executive officers whose names appear in the Summary Compensation Table; and (iv) all current directors and executive officers as a group. Except as set forth in the notes to the table, the business or mailing address of each 5% stockholder is 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153. As described in the notes to the table, certain named beneficial owners share voting and/or investment power with respect to certain shares of Common Stock. Consequently, such shares are shown as beneficially owned by more than one person.

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Executive Compensation

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Executive Summary

        We drive our annual and long-term performance through our executive compensation programs. Annual incentive pay is tied to business objectives that are specific to each individual's responsibilities and encourage collaboration across the organization. Long-term equity incentives are tied to both the Company's share price and financial goals over a period of three or more years. As explained below, this combination of compensation elements is intended to support and promote strong, balanced, and sustainable corporate performance.

        Our fiscal 2017 results reflect our success in pivoting our business to the fastest-growing areas of prestige beauty to align with consumers' changing shopping preferences. With our leading brands, quality innovations, and the acquisitions of Too Faced and BECCA, we attracted new consumers globally. Our business accelerated in our online direct-to-consumer and retailer e-commerce sites, as well as in the travel retail and specialty-multi channels. In addition, we built momentum in key geographies, like China and Italy, aided by enhanced digital and social media communications, and we began to further improve our organizational efficiency and effectiveness through our Leading Beauty Forward initiative. Importantly, we delivered this performance in the face of external global volatility.

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        In fiscal 2017, we increased the common stock dividend 13%, repurchased 4.7 million shares for $413 million, and used $504 million of cash flow from operations for capital expenditures. Over the five-year period ended June 30, 2017, the total market value of the Company increased by 68% or approximately $14.3 billion.

        The following summarizes key executive compensation decisions that affected compensation in, or relating to, fiscal 2017:

•

The Compensation Committee (the "Committee") authorized increases in annual compensation for fiscal 2017 for the President and Chief Executive Officer and certain other Named Executive Officers ("NEOs") in recognition of strong and sustained individual and Company performance. On average, fiscal 2017 annual target compensation for the NEOs increased less than 5%.



•

The annual stock-based compensation awarded to our NEOs in fiscal 2017 was based on target grant levels and an assessment of each officer's performance and expected future contributions. These awards were granted in September 2016 and are shown in "Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2017." The current equity mix is weighted equally among performance share units ("PSUs"), stock options, and restricted stock units ("RSUs").



•

The base salary for Fabrizio Freda, our President and Chief Executive Officer, remained at $1.9 million, his bonus opportunity remained at $4.7 million, and his equity target was increased to $8.5 million, resulting in target total annual compensation of $15.1 million for fiscal 2017, an increase of 4% from fiscal 2016. No additional equity grants were made to Mr. Freda in fiscal 2017, which accounts for the significant year-over-year declines shown for "Stock Awards" and "Total" in the "Summary Compensation Table."



•

In August 2017, the Stock Plan Subcommittee approved the payout for the third (final) tranche of the PSU granted to Mr. Freda in September 2012 that was based on Total Stockholder Return ("TSR"). Target payout was set at the 60^th percentile, a rigorous objective. The Company's TSR during the performance period relative to that of the S&P 500 Companies was at the 46^th percentile. Accordingly, Mr. Freda received 30,267 shares under this incentive award. See "CEO Compensation" below.



•

Based on the Company's performance over the three-year period ended June 30, 2017, the PSUs granted to our executive officers in September 2014 resulted in an aggregate payout of 81.3% of target. Actual payouts for the NEOs are described in note (4) of the "Outstanding Equity Awards at June 30, 2017" table.



•

Our NEOs achieved fiscal 2017 payout percentages under the Executive Annual Incentive Plan ("EAIP") ranging from 110% to 131% out of a possible maximum of 150% of target bonus opportunities. Actual payouts were determined by applying the payout percentages to the fiscal 2017 target bonus opportunities and are shown in the "Summary Compensation Table."

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Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

        At the 2016 Annual Meeting, over 92% of the votes cast in connection with the stockholders advisory vote on compensation of the NEOs were cast in favor of the proposal, and we have considered this voting result. As explained below, our compensation policies and decisions continue to be focused on sustainable financial performance and aligning the interests of senior management with the interests of stockholders.

Overview of Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

        Our compensation program for executive officers is designed to attract and retain high quality people and to motivate them to achieve both our long-term and short-term goals. We believe that the design and governance of our program supports, and aligns executive officers with, the business strategy and the overall goal to continue sustainable growth of net sales, profitability, and return on invested capital on an annual and long-term basis. Periodically, we review various aspects of our compensation program to ensure that it remains aligned with our business strategy and the above-referenced goals.

        Key features of our compensation programs, policies, and practices are as follows:

ü

Align pay with performance and the interests of stockholders by linking a significant portion of total compensation to the achievement of Company-wide performance criteria during one- and three-year performance periods



ü

Deliver approximately one-third of the value of equity awards in PSUs, with failure to achieve the pre-established minimum threshold amount resulting in no payout under the PSUs



ü

Conduct an annual evaluation about risk in compensation programs to confirm that our compensation programs are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company



ü

Maintain stock ownership guidelines and holding requirements for Executive Officers to further align their interests with those of our stockholders



ü

Retain a compensation consultant that is free of conflicts of interest, reports directly to the Committee, and performs no other services for the Company



ü

Do not reprice or buy out stock options



ü

Maintain policies on insider trading and clawbacks

        Our executive compensation program is designed to achieve our business and financial goals by providing compensation that:

•

aligns executives' interests with our long-term and short-term goals, and with the interests of our stockholders;



•

rewards performance at the Company, business unit, and individual levels;



•

is competitive with the compensation practices at other leading beauty and consumer products companies; and



•

is equitable among our executive officers.

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        We have been in the beauty business since 1946, and have established a strong record of growth and profitability. For the first 50 years, we were wholly owned by the Lauder family. Today, the family continues to own a significant portion of our outstanding stock. Our executive compensation program reflects our successful track record and the control by the Lauder family. From time to time, we may discuss various topics, including executive compensation and corporate governance matters, with investors and other stakeholders.

        The following table sets forth our executive officers, including each of the Named Executive Officers ("NEOs"), as of June 30, 2017.

        Employment agreements in effect during fiscal 2017 for our NEOs are described under "Employment Agreements." Our standard employment agreements for executive officers cover termination and severance and include non-competition, confidentiality, and related provisions. They do not include specified amounts of salary, bonus opportunities, or equity-based compensation for future years. For executive officers who are recruited to join the Company, we will specify levels of salary, bonus opportunities, and equity-based compensation grants for certain initial periods or that relate to initial grants (e.g., to compensate the officer for amounts or awards that may be forfeited at a prior employer).

        The compensation program for executive officers is established and administered by the Committee and the Subcommittee. The Subcommittee approves the terms of all equity grants to executive officers under our long-term equity incentive plan (including any equity compensation-related terms of employment agreements for executive officers). The Committee approves all other aspects of executive compensation.

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        Elements of Compensation

        Our executive compensation program for fiscal 2017 consisted of the following:

        The Committee, Subcommittee, and our senior management begin their review of compensation by looking first at the components of total direct compensation, gauging, for each type of position in the executive officer group, the extent to which total direct compensation is broadly aligned with that of our executive compensation peer group. The Committee, Subcommittee, and our senior management then review the elements of compensation (i.e. base salary, annual cash incentive bonus opportunities, and long-term equity-based compensation opportunities) and determine a mix of these elements as a percentage of total direct compensation. The mix is intended to be performance-oriented (i.e. provide a greater percentage of compensation in the form of variable annual and long-term incentive compensation) and reasonable when compared with the peer group. Executive officers with similar responsibilities generally have a similar mix of pay elements. There is internal pay equity among similarly situated executive officers, which is intended to foster a team oriented approach to managing the business. Total direct compensation and allocations of metrics within the EAIP are determined based on the type and level of responsibility of the particular executive officer, internal pay equity, and competitive considerations.

        Generally, we believe that executive officers should have a greater percentage of their compensation based on performance in the form of long-term equity-based incentives ("LTI"), followed by annual cash incentives, and then by base salary.

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        Based on target levels for incentive compensation for fiscal 2017, the mix of pay for executive officers is shown below:

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(1)

Includes amounts attributable to fiscal 2017 for the RSUs and PSUs granted on September 24, 2012 and the PSU granted on September 4, 2015 with a target payout of 387,848 shares; without these grants, Mr. Freda's annual target pay mix for fiscal 2017 was 13% base salary, 31% target annual incentive, and 56% target LTI.

(2)

Reflects average annual target pay mix for Tracey T. Travis, John Demsey, and Cedric Prouvé; does not include target pay mix for William P. Lauder or Ms. Travis's additional September 2016 RSU award for 16,766 shares. For fiscal 2017, William P. Lauder had a target pay mix of 23% base salary, 46% target annual incentive, and 31% target LTI.

        For fiscal 2017, the average annual target pay mix for the other executive officers except Leonard A. Lauder and Ronald S. Lauder was 24% base salary, 21% target annual incentive, and 55% LTI; such average pay mix does not include any LTI awards in addition to the annual grants. Leonard A. Lauder and Ronald S. Lauder have not received any LTI awards since fiscal 2000.

        We Align Executive Compensation with Our Business Strategy and Goals. We intend for our annual and long-term incentive plans to cover a portfolio of performance measures that balance growth, profitability, and stockholder return over both an annual and long-term period. We work to establish goals that support the long-term strategy of growing sales 1% to 2% ahead of global prestige beauty, deriving more than 60% of sales from outside the United States, improving operating margin, achieving competitive levels of return on invested capital, and optimizing inventory.

        Target levels of performance for a given fiscal year are determined based on our internal planning and forecasting processes and are benchmarked against select peer companies. The Committee and the Subcommittee consider various factors including the expected performance of our competitors and our long-term strategy in establishing the performance required to achieve the maximum payout under each measure for both our annual cash and long-term incentive plans.

        In addition to total direct compensation described above, we also provide competitive benefits and modest perquisites. In certain circumstances, we may pay amounts or grant equity to attract executives to work for us or move to particular locations, or we may provide additional incentives for executives to perform or remain with us. This reflects, in part, the global nature of our business and the executives that we seek to attract and retain.

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        Base Salary. We pay base salaries to provide executives with a secure base of cash compensation. In determining the amount of base salary for an executive officer, the Committee primarily considers the executive's position, current salary, tenure, and internal pay equity among executives with similar responsibilities, as well as competitiveness of the salary level in the marketplace. The Committee also considers recommendations from the Executive Chairman, the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Vice President – Global Human Resources, and the Committee's outside consultant (Semler Brossy Consulting Group), as well as the impact of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. See "Tax Compliance Policy" below.

        Annual Incentive Bonus

        Annual incentives provided under the EAIP are of key importance in aligning the interests of our executives with our short-term goals and rewarding them for performance. For executive officers, the level of bonus opportunities and performance targets are based on the scope of the executive's responsibilities, internal pay equity among executives with similar responsibilities, and competitive considerations. The measures in our annual incentive program are designed to foster interdependence and collaboration among brands, regions, and functions to drive the corporate strategy by ensuring alignment of business unit performance with overall corporate performance. Annual incentives payable to our executive officers, including the NEOs, are limited to a pool set at the beginning of the fiscal year by the Committee (3% of our net operating profit in fiscal 2017). Within that limit, the Committee sets annual aggregate bonus opportunities and exercises negative discretion to determine the annual incentives to be paid. For fiscal 2017, the EAIP payout was the product of the target for each executive officer and the EAIP payout percentage ("EAIP Payout %"), which is comprised of (a) the Corporate Multiplier and (b) the Business Unit Multiplier, as described below. Total EAIP payouts were less than the amount of the bonus pool.

        Target level performance on each of the criteria would result in multipliers at 100% and payout at 100% of the executive officer's target opportunity. Provided the minimum threshold has been achieved, payouts can range from 31.25% of target up to a maximum of 150% of target. Failure to achieve the pre-established minimum threshold level of performance would result in no credit for that particular criteria and, depending upon performance in respect of other criteria, could result in no bonus being paid. Measurement of performance, including establishment of the bonus pool, is subject to certain automatic adjustments, such as changes in accounting principles, goodwill and other intangible asset impairments, the impact of unplanned completed business acquisition activity, restructuring and other activities, discontinued operations, non-recurring income/expenses, and the impact on net sales of unplanned changes in foreign currency rates. Such automatic adjustments in fiscal 2017 include the impact of charges associated with restructuring and other activities related to the Company's Leading Beauty Forward initiatives, the impact of the Too Faced and BECCA acquisitions, goodwill and other intangible asset impairments, changes in fair value of contingent consideration, and the China deferred tax asset valuation allowance reversal.

        The target payout, business criteria, performance levels within each multiplier, and the threshold, target, and maximum payouts associated with each criteria and performance level, were set by the Committee in consultation with management and the Committee's outside consultant during the first quarter of the fiscal year. Target payouts for executive officers are largely based on the prior year's target amount and are reviewed by the Committee annually.

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        Corporate Multiplier. The Corporate Multiplier is comprised of four equally weighted, Company-wide performance criteria: (1) diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations ("Diluted EPS"); (2) Operating Income Margin Percentage ("OI Margin Percent"); (3) Net Sales; and (4) return on invested capital ("ROIC"). If actual performance is between the target and the maximum, or between the threshold and the target, the payout factor is calculated mathematically using straightline interpolation with target level of performance as a base. As an example, for Net Sales performance that is between the threshold and the target, for each 1% that performance is below target, the payout will be 3¹/3% below the target payout of 100%. The chart below shows the threshold, target, and maximum for each criteria making up the Corporate Multiplier as well as the results for fiscal 2017. Because performance exceeded the maximum level for Diluted EPS, OI Margin Percent, and ROIC, the payout factor was at 120% of target; for Net Sales, performance was just below target, resulting in a payout of 96%. The Corporate Multiplier was therefore 114%. Each executive officer's incentive payment is subject to the Corporate Multiplier.

        Business Unit Multiplier. The Business Unit Multiplier works similarly, but is based on various combinations of business criteria at the business unit level, including: (1) Net Sales; (2) Net Operating Margin ("NOP Margin"); (3) inventory management; (4) productivity and other cost savings; and (5) other divisional goals tied to our long-term strategy ("Business Unit Strategic Objectives"). The weighting of the various measures is fixed for each executive officer depending upon position and responsibilities. As with the Corporate Multiplier, target level performance on all the applicable criteria leads to a Business Unit Multiplier of 100%. If the threshold level of performance is not achieved for any of the applicable criteria, then the Business Unit Multiplier would be zero for those criteria. When performance exceeds the maximum level, the payout factors are at 125% of target. In the case where the actual performance was between the target and the maximum, or between the threshold and the target, the payout factor was calculated mathematically using straightline interpolation with target level of performance and associated payout as a base.

        For the Business Unit Multiplier, the Global Brands results represent the consolidated results of all brands, and the Functions Average is a simple average of the performance against Business Unit Strategic Objectives for the six Corporate Functions (i.e. Finance; Human Resources; Legal; Global Communications; Global Research and Development, Corporate Product Innovation, Package Development; and Global Supply Chain). For Messrs. Demsey and Prouvé, the threshold, target, and maximum for each criteria making up the Business Unit Multiplier for their respective units, as well as the results for fiscal 2017, are shown in the table set forth below.

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        Ms. Travis, Mr. Demsey, and Mr. Prouvé were each assigned Business Unit Strategic Objectives for fiscal 2017 that accounted for the percentages of the individual's aggregate bonus opportunity target indicated below.

        These Business Unit Strategic Objectives are aligned with high-level themes, explained below, that help focus collective efforts in areas that are important to shared success across business units and drive the corporate strategy.

(a)

Strategy – Continue cascading the corporate strategy and its key elements throughout the organization. Translate each Business Unit's strategy into action items and execute against them.



(b)

Collaboration and Talent Development – Championing and leading collaborative behavior and the development of talent in the organization, integrating our inclusion and diversity strategy. Align our organizations for speed and efficiency.



(c)

Key Business Capability Building/Business Transformation – Identifying and taking action on developing capabilities for continuous improvement related to the key operational and financial building blocks that will impact sustainable growth and profitability and the effective use of resources.

        After the end of fiscal 2017, the Executive Chairman, the President and Chief Executive Officer, and the Executive Vice President – Global Human Resources, with appropriate input from other employees, reviewed the actions taken by each Group President and the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in connection with the Business Unit Strategic Objectives and, based on that assessment, recommended the payout percentages shown in the table below (with a maximum of 125%). The assessment of these achievements and payouts were confirmed by the Committee in its business judgment. Beginning in fiscal 2018, the Committee eliminated the Global Brands Results

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metric and instead will focus more on global or division Net Sales and NOP Margin depending on the executive. In addition, Inventory Management will be based solely on Days to Sell, and Productivity will be solely based on employee costs as a percent of net sales. Cost savings are covered by the NOP Margin goal.

        Calculation of EAIP Payout Percentage. As noted, the weightings of the various criteria for an executive officer's Business Unit Multiplier depend upon the officer's position and responsibilities, as shown in the calculation of the Business Unit Multiplier below. The overall brand and region performance is a consolidation of the performance on the financial criteria discussed above for the relevant brands or geographies.

        For each NEO, the calculation of the individual's EAIP Payout % for fiscal 2017, including both the Business Unit Multiplier (weighted accordingly) and the Corporate Multiplier, is as follows:

        For more information about the potential bonus opportunities of our NEOs for fiscal 2017 and the actual payouts made in respect of fiscal 2017 performance, see "Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2017" and "Summary Compensation Table."

Long-Term Equity-Based Compensation

        We consider equity-based compensation awarded under our Amended and Restated Fiscal 2002 Share Incentive Plan (the "Share Incentive Plan") to be of key importance in aligning executives with our long-term goals and rewarding them for performance. The awards also provide an incentive for continued employment with us. We grant certain executive officers a combination of PSUs, stock options, and RSUs. Since fiscal 2000, no grants of equity-based compensation have been made to Leonard A. Lauder, Chairman Emeritus, or Ronald S. Lauder, Chairman of Clinique Laboratories, LLC. The Subcommittee typically makes equity-based compensation awards to our executive officers at its regularly scheduled meeting during the first quarter of each fiscal year. There is no relationship between the timing of the grants of equity-based awards and our release of material non-public information.

        The target and actual amounts and allocation of equity-based compensation reflect the business judgment of the Subcommittee after discussion with its outside consultant and certain members of our senior management. As with each other element of compensation, and compensation overall, the

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Subcommittee (or the Committee for non-equity-based compensation), its outside consultant, and management take into account the level of responsibility of the particular executive officer, recent performance and expected future contributions, internal pay equity, and competitive practice. They also consider applicable employment agreements as necessary.

        The allocation among the value of the different types of awards granted in fiscal 2017 is weighted equally among PSUs (at target), stock options, and RSUs – reflecting, in the business judgment of the Subcommittee, a balance among motivating and retaining executive officers, rewarding performance, mitigating risk, and helping executive officers increase their equity ownership to further align their interests with those of our stockholders. Such allocation may change depending upon any supplemental grants made to executive officers.

        No specific weightings were used to determine the amounts of the equity-based compensation. The Subcommittee applied an individual performance factor to the target equity opportunity for each executive officer. The performance factors ranged from 115% – 130% of target. As with the amount of equity-based compensation granted, the allocation among the equity-based compensation elements are compared with practices of the peer group companies (see "Compensation Planning and the Decision Making Process – Peer Group" below) to ensure they are competitive and appropriate.

        Performance Share Units. PSUs typically represent approximately one-third of the grant date value of the equity-based compensation granted to executive officers. PSUs are generally rights to receive shares of our Class A Common Stock if certain Company-wide performance criteria are achieved during a three-year performance period. PSUs are expressed in terms of opportunities, and each opportunity is based on a particular financial metric that is considered important in achieving our overall long-term financial goals.

        For the annual grant of PSUs, the Subcommittee approves the performance target for each metric during the first quarter of the three-year performance period. Each opportunity is expressed in shares to be paid out if performance equals 100% of the target. PSUs are accompanied by dividend equivalents that are accrued and paid in cash at the end of the performance period. To the extent shares are paid out on a PSU award, the cash amount paid is equal to the dividends declared per share over the performance period times the number of shares paid out. The target amount of a PSU award represents the aggregate payout if the performance of all opportunities equal 100% of the related target performances. An above-target payout can be achieved under a particular opportunity if the performance associated with such opportunity exceeds 100% of the target, up to a maximum of 150% of target. Failure to achieve the pre-established minimum threshold amount would result in no payout being made under the opportunity.

        Measurement of performance is subject to certain automatic adjustments described above in "Annual Incentive Bonus." Payout of PSUs is contingent on the Company achieving positive Net Earnings for the fiscal year in which the grant is made. Because the Company achieved positive Net Earnings for fiscal 2017, the payout of the PSUs granted in September 2016 is based solely on achievement of the financial measures described below in "Fiscal 2017 PSU Grants."

        Fiscal 2015 PSU Grants. The PSU targets for the three-year period ended June 30, 2017 were based on compound annual growth rates ("CAGR") in Company-wide Net Sales, Diluted EPS, and ROIC, weighted equally. Each 1% increase in performance over the threshold results in a 5% increase in associated payout for Net Sales and 3¹/3% increases in associated payouts for Diluted EPS and ROIC up to the target performance levels. Each 1% increase in performance above target results in 37.9%, 12.1%, and 16.9% increases in associated payouts for Net Sales, Diluted EPS, and ROIC, respectively. Performance above maximum results in a payout of 150% of target opportunity.

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        For the PSUs that were paid out after the end of fiscal 2017, the aggregate payout of the three measures, weighted equally, was 81.3%. Specifically, ROIC and Diluted EPS achieved payouts of 63.8% and 73.0%, respectively, which was between minimum and threshold, and Net Sales achieved a payout of 107.2%, which was between target and maximum. The table below summarizes the measures and corresponding payouts.

        Fiscal 2017 PSU Grants. The targets for the PSU opportunities and corresponding payouts for PSUs granted in fiscal 2017 for the three-year period ending June 30, 2019 are based on CAGR in Company-wide Net Sales, Diluted EPS, and ROIC, weighted equally, as follows:

        The goals above were based on the long-term strategic plan and the conditions that existed at the start of fiscal 2017. We believe the targets when set were reasonably aggressive.

        Additional PSU Grants. From time to time, the Subcommittee makes grants of additional PSUs to executive officers. For information relating to the PSU granted to Mr. Freda in fiscal 2016, as well as the one made to him in fiscal 2013, see "CEO Compensation" below and "Outstanding Equity Awards

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at June 30, 2017." The additional PSU grant made to John Demsey on January 28, 2016 (fiscal 2016) is reflected in "Outstanding Equity Awards at June 30, 2017."

        Stock Options. Stock options typically represent approximately one-third of the grant date value of the equity-based compensation granted to executive officers. We believe that stock options are performance-based because the exercise price is equal to the closing price of the underlying Class A Common Stock on the date the option is granted. Under our Share Incentive Plan, the exercise price of options cannot be lower than such closing price. Despite the value attributed on the date of grant for accounting purposes, value is realized by the executive officer only to the extent that the stock price exceeds such price during the period in which the executive officer is entitled to exercise the options and he or she exercises them. Options granted to our executive officers generally become exercisable in three equal installments approximately 16 months, 28 months, and 40 months after the date of grant, and expire ten years from the grant date.

        Restricted Stock Units. RSUs typically represent approximately one-third of the grant date value of the equity-based compensation granted to executive officers. RSUs are the right to receive shares of our Class A Common Stock over a period of time. RSUs are granted to executive officers to serve as a retention mechanism and to help them build their equity ownership. RSUs are accompanied by dividend equivalents that are paid in cash; at the time an RSU vests, the cash amount paid to the executive officer is equal to the dividends declared per share between the grant date and the vesting date multiplied by the number of shares paid out. RSUs granted to our executive officers generally vest in three equal installments approximately 14 months, 26 months, and 38 months from the date of grant.

        Additional RSU Grants. From time to time, the Subcommittee makes grants of additional RSUs to executive officers. On September 6, 2016 (fiscal 2017), the Subcommittee granted Tracey T. Travis, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, an additional RSU award for 16,766 shares, valued at $1.5 million on the date of grant. This award vests 100% on October 31, 2019, assuming Ms. Travis's continued employment through such date. It is intended to recognize the importance and complexities of her responsibilities and to provide additional incentive for her to remain in her role for the duration of the award.

        Equity-Based Compensation Granted in Fiscal 2017. As stated above, target award levels and actual grants of equity made to executive officers are determined by taking into account many factors, including an assessment of recent performance and expected future contributions. For the Executive Chairman and the President and Chief Executive Officer, this determination is made by the Subcommittee; for the remaining executive officers, a recommendation is made by the executive officer's immediate manager, and the actual grant is approved by the Subcommittee. Fiscal 2017 annual equity grants were awarded in September 2016; the resulting equity grant percentages awarded to our NEOs in fiscal 2017 were based on target grant levels and an assessment of each officer's performance and expected future contributions. See "Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2017" and "Summary Compensation Table."

CEO Compensation

        Mr. Freda has continued to demonstrate outstanding performance and leadership as our Chief Executive Officer. Since becoming President and Chief Executive Officer in July 2009, he has led the development and implementation of our long-term strategy. Between that time and June 30, 2017, we have (i) achieved TSR of 549%, placing us among the top 12% of S&P 500 companies (the TSR of the S&P 500 Index was 212%); and (ii) increased our market capitalization by $29 billion to $35 billion.

        In recognition of Mr. Freda's leadership and expected future contributions, as well as our strong multi-year performance, the Committee and the Subcommittee increased Mr. Freda's total direct annual compensation for fiscal 2017 by 4.0% to $15.1 million. Mr. Freda's equity target increased to

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$8.5 million (from $7.9 million), his base salary remained at $1.9 million, and his target bonus opportunity remained at $4.7 million.

        In setting his target compensation for fiscal 2017, the Committee and Subcommittee also considered additional equity awards that were made to Mr. Freda in prior years. This primarily includes the PSU grant made to him in September 2015, which has a target payout of 387,848 shares and was valued at $30 million. The award is designed to be earned in tranches at the end of June 2018, 2019, and 2020 with no shares being delivered to Mr. Freda until the end of June 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively. This award reflected the Company's strong performance, the importance of ensuring the sustainability of the Company's performance and its longer term success, and the desire to retain Mr. Freda and further align his interests with the interests of our stockholders. The Subcommittee also wanted to recognize and provide an incentive for sustainable and effective stewardship of the Company's brands, talent base, and reputation over that extended period of time. Fiscal 2017 was also the final year for the PSU based on TSR that was granted to Mr. Freda at the start of fiscal 2013. This resulted in a payout of 30,267 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock on August 23, 2017. During the five-year performance period, the Company's stock price increased by more than 77%. Under the terms of the grant, the number of shares payable for each tranche depended on the TSR of the Class A Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange for the performance period, relative to that of the S&P 500 Companies over the same period. For the five-year performance period ended June 30, 2017, the Company's TSR was ranked at the 46th percentile. Given the rigorous performance scale for the award, this TSR rank resulted in a payout of approximately 55.8% of the target. Upon payout of the shares, dividend equivalents in connection with the shares earned by Mr. Freda were paid out in cash in the amount of $158,599. See also "Outstanding Equity Awards at June 30, 2017."

        CEO Compensation on Annualized Basis. Mr. Freda's total compensation, as disclosed in the "Summary Compensation Table," shows significant fluctuations year-over-year due to the value and timing of equity awards he has received in the past in addition to his annual equity grants. These fluctuations are attributable to applicable disclosure rules, which require that we report the total value of equity grants on the grant date rather than over the life of the award. When the additional (non-annual) equity awards were granted, the Subcommittee considered the impact of those awards on an annualized basis. The table below reflects the amounts shown for each year in the "Stock Awards" column in the Summary Compensation Table adjusted to deduct the grant date fair value of the additional awards from the year in which they were granted and instead includes the amounts that were expensed for accounting purposes in each fiscal year relating to non-annual awards, including the amounts expensed for such awards granted prior to fiscal 2015 as disclosed in previous proxy statements. As adjusted, the amounts shown for "Stock Awards" and "Total" in the Summary Compensation Table for Mr. Freda would be as follows.

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        Fiscal 2018 Compensation Decisions for the CEO. For fiscal 2018, Mr. Freda's base salary remained unchanged at $1.9 million, his target incentive bonus opportunity was increased to $4.9 million, and his target equity opportunity was increased to $8.88 million, resulting in a target total compensation increase of 4.0%. In September 2017, we granted Mr. Freda equity-based compensation with an aggregate value of approximately $11.99 million, comprised of PSUs with a target payout of 37,017 shares of Class A Common Stock, stock options for 135,597 shares of Class A Common Stock with an exercise price of $107.95 per share, and RSUs for 37,017 shares of Class A Common Stock. These equity awards will appear in our "Summary Compensation Table" and "Grants of Plan-Based Awards" for fiscal 2018.

Fiscal 2018 Compensation Decisions for Other NEOs

        For fiscal 2018, there were no changes to Mr. Lauder's compensation. His base salary is $1.5 million, his target incentive bonus opportunity is $3.0 million, and his target equity opportunity is $2.0 million. In September 2017, we granted him equity-based compensation with an aggregate value of approximately $2.70 million, comprised of PSUs with a target payout of 8,337 shares of Class A Common Stock, stock options for 30,541 shares of Class A Common Stock with an exercise price of $107.95 per share, and RSUs for 8,337 shares of Class A Common Stock.

        For fiscal 2018, we increased Ms. Travis's base salary to $980,000, her target incentive bonus opportunity to $1.2 million, and her target equity opportunity to $3.2 million, resulting in a target total compensation increase of 4.8%. In September 2017, we granted her equity-based compensation with an aggregate value of approximately $4.21 million, comprised of PSUs with a target payout of 13,005 shares of Class A Common Stock, stock options for 47,638 shares of Class A Common Stock with an exercise price of $107.95 per share, and RSUs for 13,005 shares of Class A Common Stock.

        For fiscal 2018, we increased Mr. Demsey's base salary to $1.16 million, his target incentive bonus opportunity to $3.06 million, and his target equity opportunity to $4.7 million, resulting in a target total compensation increase of 1.9%. In September 2017, we granted him equity-based compensation with an aggregate value of approximately $5.74 million, comprised of PSUs with a target payout of 17,729 shares of Class A Common Stock, stock options for 64,940 shares of Class A Common Stock with an exercise price of $107.95 per share, and RSUs for 17,729 shares of Class A Common Stock.

        For fiscal 2018, we increased Mr. Prouvé's base salary to $1.1 million, his target incentive bonus opportunity to $2.48 million, and his target equity opportunity to $3.8 million, resulting in a target total compensation increase of 4.0%. In September 2017, we granted him equity-based compensation with an aggregate value of approximately $4.88 million, comprised of PSUs with a target payout of 15,076 shares of Class A Common Stock, stock options for 55,229 shares of Class A Common Stock with an exercise price of $107.95 per share, and RSUs for 15,076 shares of Class A Common Stock.

Compensation Planning and the Decision Making Process

        Peer Group. We consider the compensation practices of a peer group of companies for the purpose of determining the competitiveness of our total compensation and various elements, but we do not target a specific percentile. We believe the peer group reflects the market in which we compete for executive talent. We believe that we have few direct competitors that are publicly traded in the United States. Therefore, the Committee has selected a mix of primarily consumer products and consumer discretionary companies to ensure the group includes companies of comparable size and business model to us. The Committee refers to the peer group data when considering compensation levels and the allocation of compensation elements for executive officers. The peer group of companies used for

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compensation in fiscal 2017 was the same peer group used in fiscal 2016 except that Coty has been added because of its acquisition of certain beauty brands.

        Our revenues approximate the 53^rd percentile relative to the peer group using each company's most recently completed fiscal year ended on or prior to June 30, 2017.

        Compensation Consultant. The Committee has engaged Semler Brossy Consulting Group ("Semler Brossy") as its consultant for executive compensation. The Committee determined that Semler Brossy is free of conflicts of interest. The consultant reports directly to the Committee and works with the Committee (and the Subcommittee) and management to, among other things, provide advice regarding compensation structures in general and competitive compensation data. The consultant also reviews information prepared by management for the Committee or Subcommittee. All of the decisions with respect to determining the amount or form of executive compensation under our executive compensation programs are made by the Committee or Subcommittee alone and may reflect factors and considerations other than the information and advice provided by the consultant. No other services were provided by Semler Brossy to the Committee, Subcommittee, or Company.

        Role of Executive Officers. As noted above, executive compensation is set by the Committee and Subcommittee. In performing this function, the Committee and Subcommittee rely on the Executive Chairman, the President and Chief Executive Officer, and the Executive Vice President of Global Human Resources (the "EVP HR") to provide information regarding the executive officers, the executive officers' roles and responsibilities, and the general performance of the Company and the various business units. The three executive officers providing support take directions from and bring suggestions to the Committee and Subcommittee. They suggest performance measures and targets for each of the executive officers under the EAIP and for PSUs. They also make suggestions regarding terms of employment agreements. The final decisions regarding salaries, bonuses (including measures, targets, and amounts to be paid), equity grants, and other compensation matters related to executive officers are made by the Committee or Subcommittee, as the case may be. The EVP HR and the human resources staff work with the Executive Vice President and General Counsel, the legal staff, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and the finance staff to support the Committee and Subcommittee.

Other Benefits and Perquisites

        Benefits. We determine benefits for executive officers by the same criteria applicable to the general employee population in the location where the executive officer is situated except as noted below. In general, benefits are designed to provide protection to the executive and his or her family in the event of illness, disability, or death and to provide retirement income. The benefits are important in attracting and retaining employees and to mitigate distractions that may arise relating to health care, retirement, and similar issues. The NEOs are entitled to the following two Company-paid benefits that are not generally available to the employee population: (a) supplemental executive life insurance with a face amount of $5 million ($10 million for Mr. Freda) and (b) for the NEOs who were employees prior to January 1, 2011, payment in lieu of a medical reimbursement program that was discontinued as of

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such date. For costs associated with such programs, see note (8) to the "Summary Compensation Table."

        Perquisites. We provide limited perquisites to our executive officers. The perquisites include (a) an annual perquisite allowance of $20,000 for the Executive Chairman and the President and Chief Executive Officer and $15,000 for the other executive officers (other than the Lauders), which allowance can be used for certain specified expenses; (b) personal use of a company car (or cash in lieu of a company car); (c) financial counseling costs up to $5,000 per year; and (d) spousal or companion travel (with required approval, the executive's spouse, companion, or domestic partner may accompany the executive on up to two business trips per fiscal year). On occasion, we will provide expense reimbursements relating to relocations. We believe these perquisites help to attract and retain executive officers and are more cost-effective to us than providing additional salary to the executive officers.

Post-Termination Compensation

        Retirement Plans. We provide retirement benefits to our employees in the United States, including the NEOs, under The Estee Lauder Companies Retirement Growth Account Plan (the "RGA Plan"), the related The Estee Lauder Inc. Benefits Restoration Plan (the "Restoration Plan"), and The Estee Lauder Companies 401(k) Savings Plan. Executive officers who have worked for our subsidiaries outside the United States may also be covered under plans covering such employees. As with other benefits, the retirement plans are intended to enable us to attract and retain employees. The plans provide employees, including executive officers, with an opportunity to plan for future financial needs during retirement. For a more detailed discussion on the retirement plans, see "Pension Benefits."

        In addition, certain executive officers who joined us mid-career, or who forfeited certain retirement benefits from their former employers to join us, have been provided with nonqualified supplemental pension arrangements.

        Deferred Compensation. We currently allow executive officers to defer a portion of their base salary and annual bonus. Under the terms of their employment agreements and the EAIP, each of the NEOs may elect to defer all or part of the officer's incentive bonus compensation, subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code ("Section 409A"). The ability to defer is provided to participating executive officers as a way to assist them in saving for future financial needs with relatively little cost to us. The amounts deferred are a general obligation of ours, and the cash that is not paid currently may be used by us for our general corporate purposes. For a more detailed discussion of deferred compensation, see the "Nonqualified Deferred Compensation in Fiscal 2017 and at June 30, 2017" table and the accompanying narrative.

        Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment. As discussed in more detail under "Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change of Control," the NEOs' employment agreements (as well as agreements related to equity compensation awards) provide for certain payments and other benefits in the event their employment is terminated under certain circumstances, such as disability, death, termination by us without cause, and termination by us for material breach of their employment arrangement, or termination by the executive officer for "good reason" following a "change of control."

        In view of the Lauder family's ownership of shares with substantial voting power, they have the ability to determine whether our company will undergo a "change of control." In order to protect the interests of the executive officers and to keep them involved and motivated during any process that may result in a "change of control," outstanding annual PSUs contain provisions that accelerate vesting upon a "change in control." Unvested RSUs, stock options and other PSUs (i.e. the PSU granted to

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Mr. Freda in fiscal 2016 for 387,848 shares and the PSU granted to Mr. Demsey on January 28, 2016) contain provisions that provide for accelerated vesting or exercisability after a "change of control" only if we terminate the executive officer without cause or the executive officer terminates his or her employment for "good reason." The executive employment agreements similarly provide such a "double trigger" for other severance benefits.

        The award documents in connection with our equity grants contain certain provisions regarding treatment of the awards upon termination. We place great value on the long-term commitment that many executive officers have made to us. In addition to recognizing the service they have provided during their tenure, we attempt to motivate them to act in a manner that will provide longer-term benefits to us even as they approach retirement. Therefore, stock options, RSUs, and annual PSUs granted to executive officers who are retirement-eligible contain provisions that allow them to continue to participate in the longer-term success of the business following retirement. For example, stock options become immediately exercisable upon retirement and are exercisable for the remainder of their ten-year terms. In addition, to the extent the performance is achieved, a retiree's annual PSUs will vest in accordance with the original vesting schedule.

        The Share Incentive Plan provides for forfeiture of awards in the event that after termination of employment, a participant (which includes individuals who are not executive officers) competes with or otherwise conducts herself or himself in a manner adversely affecting the Company.

Tax Compliance Policy

        We are aware of the limitations on deductibility for income tax purposes of certain compensation in excess of $1 million per year paid to the President and Chief Executive Officer and the three highest paid officers other than the Chief Financial Officer. While significant portions of the compensation program as it applied to such persons in fiscal 2017 were generally designed to take advantage of exceptions to Section 162(m), such as the "performance-based" exception for annual bonuses, PSUs, and stock options, certain non-deductible compensation elements, such as the RSUs and the portion of base salaries that exceeded $1 million, were authorized. We consider tax deductibility to be important but not the sole or primary consideration in setting executive compensation. Accordingly, the Committee and Subcommittee have the authority to approve, and in specific situations have approved, the payment of compensation that may not be deductible when they believe such payments are in the best interests of stockholders.

Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines and Holding Requirement

        The Company has stock ownership guidelines for executive officers to further align their interests with those of our stockholders. As of June 30, 2017, all executive officers, including each of the NEOs, met or exceeded the stock ownership guidelines applicable to them.

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        Under these guidelines, each executive officer is required to own shares of the Company's Common Stock or hold unvested RSUs or vested PSUs, in each case in respect of the Company's Common Stock, with a value equal to or greater than the multiple of his or her base salary set forth below.

        For purposes of these guidelines, vested PSUs mean PSUs that are no longer subject to performance condition(s) but the underlying shares of Common Stock have not yet been delivered to the officer. Stock options (vested or unvested) and shares underlying outstanding PSUs still subject to performance condition(s) are not included in the officer's holdings. Shares of the Company's Common Stock held directly by the executive officer or by members of his or her immediate family or in entities controlled by immediate family members (including trusts for the benefit of immediate family members) are included in the officer's holdings.

        An executive officer who commences employment with the Company or who is promoted from within the Company has until the fifth anniversary of the date of employment or effective date of promotion to comply with these guidelines. If an executive officer receives an increase in base salary, then he or she has until the third anniversary of the effective date of the salary increase to comply with the incremental change in ownership requirements. If an executive officer fails to achieve his or her requisite ownership level by the required deadline, then until such time as the ownership guidelines are achieved, such executive officer must continue to hold (a) 100% of the net after-tax shares of Common Stock received due to the vesting of RSUs, PSUs, or any other share unit and (b) 100% of the net after-tax shares of any stock option exercise. An executive officer may satisfy the ownership guideline but, subsequently, due to a drop in the stock price, his or her ownership may fall below the required threshold. In such a case, if by the first anniversary of falling below the required threshold, such officer's holdings still do not meet the required threshold, then until such time as the ownership guidelines are achieved, the officer must continue to hold (a) at least 50% of the net after-tax shares of Common Stock received due to the vesting of RSUs, PSUs, or any other share unit and (b) 50% of the net after-tax shares of any stock option exercise. In addition, in settling bonus payouts under the EAIP for an Executive Officer who continues to be below the guidelines after the required deadline, the Compensation Committee may request that up to 50% of the bonus payout be settled in shares of the Company's Common Stock or additional RSUs.

Insider Trading Policy

        Our Insider Trading Policy prohibits our employees, including executive officers, and members of our Board of Directors from trading in Company securities while in possession of material, non-public information about the Company. In addition, under this policy, certain individuals are prohibited from trading in Company securities during various times throughout the year known as "blackout periods," and certain individuals must receive preclearance from the Legal Department before trading in Company securities.

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Pledging Policy

        We do not restrict pledges of securities but require that pledges of securities be precleared by our Legal Department. While shares of our stock held in brokerage margin accounts can be considered to be "pledged," we do not consider margin accounts to be subject to our preclearance policy. As of June 30, 2017, none of our executive officers held shares of our stock in margin accounts.

Hedging Policy

        We do not restrict transactions in the Company's securities involving hedging or the use of derivative securities but require that such transactions be precleared by our Legal Department.

Recoupment Policy

        Annual and long-term incentive compensation (whether in the form of stock options or paid or payable in cash or equity) awarded to executive officers are subject to an executive compensation recoupment policy, also known as a "clawback." Under the policy, recoupment would apply in the event of an accounting restatement resulting from material noncompliance with financial reporting requirements under the applicable securities laws. Recoupment would apply to any current or former executive officer who received incentive compensation within the three-year period prior to the restatement, and the amount to be recouped would be the amount in excess of what the executive officer would have been paid under the restatement.

Compensation Committee and Stock Plan Subcommittee Report

        The Compensation Committee and the Stock Plan Subcommittee have reviewed and discussed with management the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis in this Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A. Based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee and the Stock Plan Subcommittee have recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference into the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2017.

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Summary Compensation Table

        The following table, footnotes, and narratives describe the compensation during the past three fiscal years for (a) our Chief Executive Officer, (b) our Chief Financial Officer, and (c) our three other most highly compensated executive officers serving at the end of our fiscal year ended June 30, 2017 ("fiscal 2017"). The fiscal year ended June 30, 2016 is referred to as "fiscal 2016," and the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015 is referred to as "fiscal 2015." See "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" and other disclosures under "Executive Compensation" for a description of the material factors necessary to an understanding of the information disclosed below.

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        The Company's flight safety policy provides that our Chairman Emeritus, our Executive Chairman, and our Chief Executive Officer should not fly together for any reason. We allow these officers to use Company-provided aircraft for non-business trips where it is necessary to comply with the flight safety policy. In addition, we make available to our employees, including the NEOs, the ability to obtain a limited amount of our products for free or at a discount. The incremental cost of the free product program did not exceed $1,000 in any of the last three fiscal years for any of the NEOs. The sales of products to employees at a discount are profitable for us.

Employment Agreements

        The material terms of each NEO's employment agreement are described below:

        William P. Lauder. Under his employment agreement effective July 1, 2010, Mr. Lauder is an employee-at-will, and he will continue as Executive Chairman until his retirement or other termination of his employment. The agreement provides that his base salary and bonus opportunities will be set by the Compensation Committee and that his equity grants are to be determined by the Subcommittee. In addition to benefits generally available to senior executives (e.g., annual perquisite reimbursement under our Executive Perquisite Plan up to $20,000, financial counseling services up to $5,000, and participation in our Executive Automobile Program with an automobile having an acquisition value of $75,000), we pay annual premiums for additional executive term life insurance with a face amount of $5 million for Mr. Lauder.

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        Fabrizio Freda. Under his employment agreement effective July 1, 2011, Mr. Freda is an employee-at-will, and he will continue as President and Chief Executive Officer until his retirement or other termination of his employment. The agreement provides that his base salary and bonus opportunities will be set by the Compensation Committee and that his equity grants will be determined by the Subcommittee. In addition to benefits generally available to senior executives (e.g., annual perquisite reimbursement under our Executive Perquisite Plan of up to $20,000, financial counseling services up to $5,000, and participation in the Company's Executive Automobile Program with an automobile having an acquisition value of $75,000), we pay annual premiums for additional executive term life insurance with a face amount of $10 million for Mr. Freda. We also pay travel expenses for his spouse to accompany him on up to two business-related travel itineraries per fiscal year. In addition, Mr. Freda is entitled to an annual supplemental deferral computed by taking the difference between $485,000 and the actual vested annual accruals and contributions made to the Company's qualified and nonqualified pension and qualified retirement savings plans on his behalf. Such deferrals are credited with interest annually at a rate per annum equal to the Citibank base rate but in no event more than 9%. Mr. Freda will also be reimbursed for relocation costs of his family from New York to Italy in the event of the termination of his employment.

        Tracey T. Travis. Under her employment agreement effective August 20, 2012, Ms. Travis is an employee-at-will, and she will continue as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer until her retirement or other termination of her employment. The agreement provides for a base salary and bonus opportunities to be set by the Compensation Committee and for equity grants as determined by the Subcommittee. In addition to the benefits generally available to our senior executives (e.g., annual perquisite reimbursement under our Executive Perquisite Plan up to $15,000, financial counseling services up to $5,000, and participation in our Executive Automobile Program with an automobile having an acquisition value of $50,000), we pay annual premiums for additional executive term life insurance with a face amount of $5 million for Ms. Travis.

        John Demsey. Under his employment agreement effective July 1, 2010, Mr. Demsey is an employee-at-will, and he will continue as Group President until his retirement or other termination of his employment. The agreement provides for his base salary and bonus opportunities to be set by the Compensation Committee and that his equity grants will be determined by the Subcommittee. In addition to the benefits generally available to our senior executives (e.g., annual perquisite reimbursement under our Executive Perquisite Plan up to $15,000, financial counseling services up to $5,000, and participation in our Executive Automobile Program with an automobile having an acquisition value of $50,000), we pay annual premiums for additional executive term life insurance with a face amount of $5 million for Mr. Demsey.

        Cedric Prouvé. Under his employment agreement effective July 1, 2011, Mr. Prouvé is an employee-at-will, and he will continue as Group President, International until his retirement or other termination of his employment. The agreement provides for his base salary and bonus opportunities to be set by the Compensation Committee and for equity grants as determined by the Subcommittee. In addition to the benefits generally available to our senior executives (e.g., annual perquisite reimbursement under our Executive Perquisite Plan up to $15,000, financial counseling services up to $5,000, and participation in our Executive Automobile Program with an automobile having an acquisition value of $50,000), we pay annual premiums for additional executive term life insurance with a face amount of $5 million for Mr. Prouvé.

        Each agreement described above also (a) contains provisions relating to termination of employment and payments relating to termination, which are discussed in "Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change of Control," (b) provides that the executive must abide by restrictive covenants relating to non-competition and non-solicitation during employment and, under

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certain circumstances, for two years following termination of employment, (c) provides that the executive must abide by restrictive covenants regarding non-disclosure of our confidential information, (d) provides that the executive may elect to defer all or part of his or her annual incentive bonus compensation in compliance with Section 409A, and (e) provides that benefits under the agreement may be modified by the Compensation Committee at any time other than in contemplation of a "Change of Control" (as defined in the agreement) or after a Change of Control, provided that any such modification shall not be effective until at least two years after such modification is approved by the Compensation Committee.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal 2017

        The following table sets forth information with respect to each award of plan-based compensation in fiscal 2017 to each NEO, including bonus opportunities under the EAIP and PSUs, RSUs, and stock options under the Share Incentive Plan. The material terms of the incentive bonus opportunities are described in "Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Elements of Compensation – Annual Incentive Bonus," and the material terms of the equity awards are described in "Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Elements of Compensation – Long-Term Equity-Based Compensation" and "Compensation Discussion and Analysis – CEO Compensation." See "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" and other disclosures under "Executive Compensation" for a description of the material factors necessary to an understanding of the information disclosed below.

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Outstanding Equity Awards at June 30, 2017

        The following table sets forth information with respect to stock options, RSUs, and PSUs outstanding on June 30, 2017 under our plans existing at the time of grant for each NEO.

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Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal 2017

        The following table sets forth for each NEO the number of shares acquired on the exercise of stock options and the number of shares acquired on the vesting of stock awards in fiscal 2017.

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Pension Benefits

        We provide retirement benefits to our employees in the United States, including the NEOs, through qualified and nonqualified defined benefit pension plans. These plans include The Estee Lauder Companies Retirement Growth Account Plan (the "RGA Plan"), which is a qualified plan, and The Estee Lauder Inc. Benefits Restoration Plan (the "Restoration Plan"), which is a nonqualified plan. The Restoration Plan provides for pension benefit payments that employees would have received under the RGA Plan if eligible compensation (including deferred salary and bonuses, where the RGA Plan allows) had not been subject to certain compensation limits as dictated by tax laws under ERISA that apply to qualified retirement plans.

        Retirement benefits under the plans are the aggregate amount of annual credits (defined as 3, 4, or 5% of total annual compensation, including bonus, with certain items excluded) plus annual interest credits thereon, based on a government index of not less than 4%. The aggregate amount is payable as a one-time lump sum under both plans or converted to monthly lifetime payments under the RGA Plan.

        Executive officers who have worked for our subsidiaries outside the United States may also be covered under Company-sponsored pension plans covering such employees. None of the NEOs are covered under such plans.

        We do not have any policies with respect to granting additional years of credited service except as provided in certain termination provisions as reflected in executive officer employment agreements. Benefits attributable to the additional years of credited service are payable by us pursuant to the terms of applicable employment agreements and are not payable under either the RGA Plan or the Restoration Plan.

        In connection with his agreement to join the Company in November 2007, and continued in his current agreement, Mr. Freda is entitled to an annual supplemental deferral computed by taking the difference between $485,000 and the actual vested annual accruals and contributions made to the Company's qualified and nonqualified pension and qualified retirement savings plans on his behalf. Such deferrals are credited with interest as of each June 30 during the term of deferral, compounded annually, at an annual rate equal to the annual rate of interest announced by Citibank N.A. in New York, New York as its base rate in effect on such June 30, but in no event more than 9%.

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        Set forth in the table below is each NEO's years of credited service and the present value of the accumulated benefit under each of the pension plans and executive employment agreements pursuant to which he or she would be entitled to a retirement benefit, computed in each case as of the same pension plan measurement date used for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017.

        The present values of accumulated benefits reflected in the table above were calculated based on the assumption that the benefits under the pension plans would be payable at the earliest retirement age at which unreduced benefits are payable (age 65). The present values for the RGA Plan also reflect the assumption that 85% of benefits are payable as a one-time lump sum, and 15% are payable as lifetime monthly payments. Amounts calculated under the pension formula based on compensation that exceeds IRS limits will be paid under the Restoration Plan and are included in the present values shown in the table above. The present values for the Restoration Plan also reflect the assumption that 100% of the benefits are payable as a one-time lump sum. The present values of accumulated benefits under the RGA Plan were calculated using a 3.9% discount rate and, for annuities, the RP-2014 mortality table projected generationally using scale MP-2016, and present values under the Restoration Plans were calculated using a 3.4% discount rate. These assumptions are consistent with the assumptions used in the calculation of our benefit obligations as of June 30, 2017, as disclosed in Note 14 (Pension, Deferred Compensation and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans) to our audited consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017.

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Nonqualified Deferred Compensation in Fiscal 2017 and at June 30, 2017

        Set forth in the table below is information about any contributions and earnings credited to the accounts maintained by the NEOs under nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements and the account balances on June 30, 2017. Mr. Lauder is the only NEO who has deferred a portion of his compensation.

Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or Change of Control

Events of Termination under the Employment Agreements and under the Share Incentive Plan

        Each of our NEOs is party to an employment agreement, as well as various equity grant agreements under the Share Incentive Plan. The agreements provide for certain payments and other benefits if the NEO terminates his or her employment with the Company under various circumstances described below. Certain employment agreements may also impact the treatment of equity grants upon termination of employment. For purposes of the following descriptions, "Contract Year" means the twelve-month period beginning July 1 and ending the following June 30.

        Voluntary Termination and Retirement. Pursuant to each NEO employment agreement, the executive may terminate employment for any reason at any time upon 90 days' prior written notice, in which event we will have no further obligations after termination other than to pay the executive's accrued but unpaid salary and bonus compensation, if any, earned but not paid that relates to any Contract Year ended prior to the date of termination. The executive may also be entitled to benefits under applicable employee benefit plans and programs (e.g., health care and pension plans).

        Under the NEO employment agreements and applicable equity grant agreements, for executives who are not retirement eligible, upon voluntary termination, (i) stock options that are exercisable may be exercised until the earlier of one year after termination or the end of the option term; (ii) stock options not yet exercisable as of the termination date are forfeited; and (iii) outstanding unvested

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RSUs and PSUs are forfeited. For those NEOs who are retirement eligible, if they choose to retire, (i) stock options that are not yet exercisable become immediately exercisable and may be exercised until the end of the option term; (ii) RSUs will continue to vest and be paid in accordance with the vesting schedule for each award; and (iii) PSUs will continue to vest and be paid as if the executive had been employed throughout the entire award period, with payment to be made at the same time such awards are paid to active executives. Such conditions do not apply to the PSUs granted to (A) Mr. Freda on September 4, 2015 for 387,848 shares, and (B) Mr. Demsey on January 28, 2016. Therefore, retirement would result in forfeiture of these unvested awards. In order to be retirement eligible, the executive must be at least 55 years old and have been employed by the Company for at least ten years, or the executive must be at least 65 years old and have been employed by the Company for at least five years. Among our NEOs, Mr. Freda, Mr. Lauder, Mr. Demsey, and Mr. Prouvé were retirement eligible as of June 30, 2017, and Ms. Travis was not.

        Termination of Employment upon Permanent Disability. Pursuant to each NEO employment agreement, we may terminate the NEO's employment at any time by reason of a "permanent disability" (as defined in the executive's employment agreement), in which event the executive will be entitled to receive the following payments: (i) any accrued but unpaid salary and other amounts to which the executive otherwise is entitled prior to the date of termination; (ii) base salary in effect at the time of termination (less disability payments) for a period of one year from the date of termination; (iii) bonus compensation earned but not paid that relates to any Contract Year ended prior to the date of termination; (iv) unpaid bonus compensation otherwise payable for the Contract Year in which the disability occurred pro-rated to the date of termination; and (v) reimbursement for financial counseling services in the amount of $5,000 for a period of one year from the date of termination.

        In addition, upon the executive's permanent disability, the executive will be entitled to continue to participate, to the extent permitted by applicable law and the applicable plan, in our health care, life insurance, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance benefit plans for a period of one year from the date of termination (the "Disability Continuation Period") disregarding any required delay in payments pursuant to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code ("Section 409A"). Since continued participation in the 401(k) Savings Plan and the RGA Plan is not permitted under law during the Disability Continuation Period, the executive will be entitled to receive cash payments equivalent in value to the executive's continued participation in all qualified and nonqualified pension plans and the maximum matching contribution allowable under the 401(k) Savings Plan (the "Pension Replacement Payment") during the Disability Continuation Period. See "Effect of Certain Tax Regulations on Payments" below.

        Pursuant to the applicable equity grant agreements, upon the executive's permanent disability (as determined in the applicable grant agreement), stock options that are not yet exercisable become immediately exercisable and may be exercised until the earlier of one year after the last day of salary continuation or the expiration of the option term, subject to the non-competition and good conduct provisions of the executive's employment agreement and the Share Incentive Plan (including the applicable grant agreements). RSUs will vest pro-rated for the number of full months the executive was employed or receiving salary continuation payments during the applicable vesting period and will be paid in accordance with the vesting schedule for each award. The executive will be entitled to a pro-rated payment of PSUs for the number of full months the executive was employed or receiving salary continuation payments during the award period, with the payment to be made at the same time payments for the award period are paid to active executives. If the executive is retirement eligible, the provisions relating to termination upon retirement will apply in lieu of the provisions relating to "permanent disability."

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        Termination of Employment upon Death. Pursuant to each NEO employment agreement, in the event of an executive officer's death during the term of employment, the executive's beneficiary or legal representative will be entitled to receive the payments described in clauses (i) through (v) above as if employment had been terminated by us upon permanent disability.

        Pursuant to the applicable equity grant agreements, upon the executive's death, stock options, RSUs, and PSUs will be treated the same as if employment had been terminated by us upon permanent disability, except that RSUs and PSUs will be paid as soon as practicable after the executive's death and PSUs are pro-rated based on target. If the executive is retirement eligible at the time of death, the provisions relating to termination upon retirement will apply in lieu of the provisions relating to death.

        Termination of Employment Other than for Cause, Death, or Disability; Termination by the Executive for Material Breach. Pursuant to each NEO employment agreement, we may terminate the executive's employment for any reason upon 90 days' prior written notice. In the event of our termination of the executive's employment (other than for cause, permanent disability, or death) or a termination by the executive for an uncured "material breach" (as defined below), the executive will be entitled to payments described in clauses (i), (iii), and (iv) above as if employment had been terminated by us upon permanent disability. In addition, the executive will be entitled to receive: (i) his or her base salary in effect at the time of termination for a period ending on a date two years from the date of termination; (ii) his or her bonus compensation equal to 50% of the average of incentive compensation bonuses previously paid or payable to the executive under the EAIP during the past two completed fiscal years; (iii) reimbursement for financial counseling services in the amount of $10,000 covering a period of two years from the date of termination; and (iv) participation, for a period ending on a date two years from the date of termination, to the extent permitted by applicable law, in our benefit plans and receipt of cash payments equivalent in value to the executive's Pension Replacement Payment during such period. For purposes of the employment agreements, "material breach" is a material reduction in the executive's authority, functions, duties, or responsibilities, a material reduction in the executive's target compensation (unless such reduction is similar to other officers and/or employees generally), or our failure to pay any award to which the executive is entitled under his or her employment agreement.

        Pursuant to the applicable equity grant agreements, upon termination of an executive's employment by us without "cause" (as defined in the applicable grant agreement), stock options and RSUs will be treated the same as if employment had been terminated by us upon permanent disability. PSUs are forfeited if termination by us without "cause" occurs before the end of the first year of the award period. However, if termination occurs after the end of the first year of the award period, the executive will be entitled to a pro rata payout for the number of full months the executive was employed or receiving salary continuation payments during the award period, with the payment to be made at the same time such awards are paid to active executives. If the executive is retirement eligible, the provisions relating to termination upon retirement will apply in lieu of the provisions described in this paragraph.

        Termination of Employment Following a Change of Control. Our employment agreements as well as the applicable grant agreements contain certain provisions regarding change of control. Under our employment agreements, in the event the executive terminates employment for "good reason" (as defined below) within two years of a "change of control" (as defined below) of our Company, the executive is entitled to receive payments and benefits as if employment were terminated by us without cause. For purposes of the employment agreements, "good reason" means that the executive is assigned duties that are materially inconsistent with his or her position, the executive's position is materially diminished, we breach the compensation arrangements of the employment agreement (and fail to timely cure the breach), the executive is required to relocate to any location more than 50 miles from the location at which the executive performed services prior to the change of control, or we fail to have any successor company assume the executive's employment agreement.

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        For purposes of the employment agreements, a "change of control" or "change in control" is deemed to have occurred upon any of the following events:

•

during any period of two consecutive years, the individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted our board of directors or any individuals who would be "continuing directors" (as defined below) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the board of directors. "Continuing directors" mean the directors in office on the effective date of the executive officer's employment agreement and any successor to those directors and any additional director who was nominated or selected by a majority of the continuing directors in office at the time of his or her nomination or selection;



•

our Class A Common Stock ceases to be publicly traded;



•

our board of directors approves any merger, exchange, consolidation, or similar business combination or reorganization, the consummation of which would result in the occurrence of an event described in the bullet points above, and such transaction is consummated;



•

our board of directors approves a sale of all or substantially all of our assets, and such transaction is consummated; or



•

a change of control of a nature that would be required to be reported under the SEC's proxy rules.

        However, changes in the relative beneficial ownership among members of the Lauder family and family-controlled entities would not, by themselves, constitute a change of control, and any spin-off of one of our divisions or subsidiaries to our stockholders would not constitute a change of control.

        Pursuant to the applicable equity grant agreements, upon a "change in control," each RSU and PSU will vest and become payable in shares as soon as practicable, but not later than two weeks after the change in control. If the executive is retirement eligible, the provisions relating to termination upon retirement will apply in lieu of the provisions described in this paragraph. If stock options are assumed by an acquirer, then exercisability will be accelerated after a change in control if the executive is terminated without "cause" or the executive terminates for "good reason." Similarly, if RSUs are assumed by the acquirer, vesting will be accelerated after a change in control if the executive is terminated without "cause" or the executive terminates for "good reason." PSUs in respect of the performance period that has not ended will become payable after a change in control in shares equal to the greater of the target award or what the payout would be based on performance as if the performance period ended on the date of the change in control.

        Termination for Cause. Pursuant to each NEO employment agreement, in the case of termination by us for "cause" (as defined in the executive's employment agreement), the executive will be entitled to receive accrued but unpaid salary and any benefit under our employee benefit programs and plans as of the date of such termination. In addition, the employment agreements contain certain provisions concerning termination for "cause." For purposes of these agreements and the equity grant agreements, "cause" means that the executive has engaged in any of a list of specified activities including, but not limited to, material breach of, or willful refusal to perform duties under, the agreements, failure to follow a material lawful directive of the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Chairman, or the Board of Directors that is within the scope of the executive's duties, willful misconduct unrelated to us that could reasonably be anticipated to have a material adverse effect on us, gross negligence that could reasonably be anticipated to have a material adverse effect on us, violation of our Code of Conduct, drug or alcohol

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abuse that materially affects performance, or conviction of, or entry of a guilty plea or no contest for, a felony.

        Pursuant to the applicable equity grant agreements, upon termination of employment for cause (as defined in the applicable grant agreement) during the applicable period, outstanding stock options, RSUs, and PSUs are forfeited.

Condition Precedent to Receipt of Payments upon Termination

        The employment agreements require, as a precondition to the receipt of the payments described above, that the NEO execute a general release of claims against us and our subsidiaries and affiliates. The release does not apply to rights that the executive may otherwise have to any payment of benefit provided for in the executive's employment agreement or any vested benefit the executive may have in any of our benefit plans. The agreements also include provisions relating to nondisclosure of our confidential information and non-competition with us.

Modification of Severance Payments and Benefits

        The employment agreements provide that changes to severance payments and benefits may be made by the Compensation Committee (or the Subcommittee for changes related to matters under its authority), except at such time the Company is contemplating one or more transactions that will result in a Change of Control or after a Change of Control. Moreover, any changes made to severance payments or benefits without the consent of the executive will not be effective until two years after such change is approved by the Compensation Committee or Subcommittee.

Effect of Certain Tax Regulations on Payments

        Effect of Excise Tax on Parachute Payments. Under the employment agreements of the NEOs, if any amount or benefit paid under their respective agreements, taken together with any amounts or benefits otherwise paid to the executive by us or any of our affiliated companies, are parachute payments subject to excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, the executive may elect to pay the excise tax on such payments or scale back the amounts paid to the executive to the extent necessary (but not below zero) to eliminate the excise tax. NEOs are not entitled to any tax gross-up in the event they are subject to excise taxes payable under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code in connection with a change in control.

        Effect of Section 409A on Timing of Payments. Under the employment agreements, any amounts that are not exempt from Section 409A will be subject to the required six-month delay in payment after termination of service provided that the executive is a "specified employee" for purposes of Section 409A at the time of termination of service. Amounts that otherwise would have been paid during this six-month delay will be paid in a lump sum on the first day after such period expires.

        Effect of Section 409A on Equity Awards. Payment of amounts subject to Section 409A is permitted only upon certain defined events including a change of control that satisfies the definition under Section 409A and related regulations. In addition, if any payment under any equity award is subject to Section 409A, the required six-month delay after termination of service will apply to that payment.

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Potential Payments in the Event of Termination at the End of Our Last Fiscal Year

        The table below describes potential payments and other benefits that would have been received or receivable by each NEO or such officer's estate under the officer's employment agreement or related plans and agreements, including the Share Incentive Plan (including the applicable grant agreements), if employment had been terminated under various circumstances on June 30, 2017. For equity awards, we used the closing stock price on June 30, 2017.

        The following assumptions and general principles apply with respect to the following table:

•

The table reflects estimates of amounts that would be paid to the NEO upon the occurrence of a termination. The actual amounts to be paid to a NEO can only be determined at the time of the actual termination.



•

Each NEO (or beneficiary in the event of death) is entitled to receive amounts earned during the term of employment regardless of the manner in which the NEO's employment is terminated. These amounts include accrued but unpaid salary and bonus compensation earned but not paid that relate to any Contract Year ended prior to termination, and in all circumstances but termination for cause, unpaid bonus compensation otherwise payable for the Contract Year in which termination occurred pro-rated to the date of termination.



•

The amounts relating to equity-based awards reflect unvested awards as of the date of the termination event or change of control for which vesting continues post-termination or change of control or is accelerated as a result of the event. All such awards held by the NEOs at June 30, 2017 that would have become vested and/or exercisable upon a terminating event are shown at a value using the closing stock price on June 30, 2017 of $95.98. The value of PSUs was computed at target in the event of death and at maximum in the event of all other applicable termination events.



•

Under the Share Incentive Plan, executives may be awarded Benefits (as defined in the plan), including stock options, stock awards, RSUs, and PSUs. The exercise of stock options after termination of employment and the payment of RSUs or PSUs are subject to the executive neither competing with, nor taking employment with or rendering service to one of our competitors, nor conducting himself or herself in a manner adversely affecting us.



•

Each NEO will be entitled to receive all amounts accrued and vested under our 401(k) Savings Plan, the RGA Plan, the Restoration Plan, and any other pension plans and deferred compensation plans in which the NEO participates. These amounts will be determined and paid in accordance with the applicable plans and are not included in the table because they are not termination payments.

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Audit Committee Report

        The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, consisting solely of "independent directors" as defined by the Board and consistent with the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, has:

1.

reviewed and discussed the Company's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017 with management;

2.

discussed with KPMG LLP ("KPMG") the matters required to be discussed by applicable requirements, including the requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB") regarding KPMG's communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence; and

3.

received the written disclosures and letter from KPMG required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding KPMG's communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed KPMG's independence with representatives of KPMG.

        Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017 be included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Audit Committee
Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr. (Chair)
Paul J. Fribourg
Mellody Hobson
Richard F. Zannino

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RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
(Item 2)

        The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has sole authority to appoint, retain, or terminate the Company's independent auditors and to approve the compensation for the independent auditors. The Audit Committee has appointed the firm of KPMG LLP ("KPMG"), a registered public accounting firm, to serve as independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018, subject to ratification of this appointment by the stockholders of the Company. KPMG was first appointed in April 2002, and the firm has audited the Company's financial statements as of, and for the year ended, June 30 of each year since its initial appointment. KPMG also audited the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2017 and provided an opinion thereon.

        The Audit Committee and management consider KPMG to be well qualified and believe that the continued retention of KPMG is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders. The Audit Committee Chair is directly involved in the selection of KPMG's lead engagement partner. The firm has advised the Company that neither it nor any of its members has any direct or material indirect financial interest in the Company.

        For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company paid, or will pay, the following fees to KPMG and its affiliates for services rendered during the year or for the audit in respect of those years:

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(1)

Fees for professional services in connection with the audit of the annual financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and related opinions, statutory audits of international subsidiaries, comfort letters related to registration statements, and review of the quarterly financial statements for each fiscal year. Fiscal 2017 also includes $506,000 in fees for professional services incurred in early fiscal 2017 in connection with the audit of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting for fiscal 2016. Fiscal 2016 also includes fees related to a registration statement consent.



(2)

Fees for professional services in connection with audits concerning certain payments related to a previous acquisition and other audit-related services.



(3)

Fees for tax compliance services, tax planning, and related tax services.

        The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has considered whether the provision of non-audit services by KPMG and the associated fees are compatible with maintaining auditor independence. The Audit Committee policy concerning approval of audit and non-audit services to be provided by KPMG requires that all services KPMG may provide to the Company, including audit services and permitted audit-related and non-audit services, be pre-approved by the Committee. In between Committee meetings, the Chair of the Audit Committee may approve permitted non-audit

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services and certain audit services, which services are subsequently reported to and approved by the Committee. In addition, for particular permitted services, the Chief Financial Officer may approve the engagement of KPMG provided such engagements will amount to fees of less than an aggregate of $50,000 per fiscal quarter and such engagement is reported to the Chair of the Audit Committee and reported to and ratified by the Committee at its next meeting. All audit and non-audit services described herein were approved pursuant to this policy for fiscal 2017, and none of the services were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to a waiver of pre-approval, as contemplated by Regulation S-X Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C).

        One or more representatives of KPMG will be present at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

        Ratification of the appointment of the independent auditors requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the holders of the shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of the Company voting in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. If the stockholders do not ratify the appointment of KPMG, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors will reconsider the appointment.

        The Board recommends a vote FOR the proposal to ratify the appointment of KPMG as independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018. Proxies received by the Board will be so voted unless a contrary choice is specified in the proxy.

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ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
(Item 3)

        As we discussed in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" above, the Board believes that the Company's compensation program for executive officers is designed to attract and retain high quality people and to motivate them to achieve both our long-term and short-term goals. Our overall goal is to continue sustainable growth of net sales, profitability, and return on invested capital on an annual and long-term basis.

        As required by Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this proposal, commonly referred to as the "Say on Pay" resolution, seeks a stockholder advisory vote on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K through the following resolution:

        "RESOLVED, that the Company's stockholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to the Company's named executive officers, as disclosed in the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narratives."

        Because this is an advisory vote, it will not be binding upon the Board. However, the Compensation Committee and Stock Plan Subcommittee value the opinions expressed by stockholders.

        The Board recommends a vote FOR the proposed resolution. Proxies received by the Board will be so voted unless a contrary choice is specified in the proxy.

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ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF THE ADVISORY VOTE
ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
(Item 4)

        We are seeking an advisory vote on whether stockholders would prefer an advisory vote on executive compensation (a "Say on Pay") every one, two or three years. Currently, we provide a "Say on Pay" to our stockholders each year. The Board continues to believe that submitting the advisory vote to stockholders every year is appropriate for our Company and our stockholders. This advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation is non-binding on the Board. However, the Board will take into account the outcome of this vote when making a future decision on the frequency of advisory votes on executive compensation.

        The Board recommends that stockholders select ONE YEAR when voting on the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation. Proxies received by the Board will be so voted unless a contrary choice is specified in the proxy.

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Proxy Procedure and Expenses of Solicitation

        The Company will hold the votes of all stockholders in confidence from the Company, its directors, officers and employees, except: (i) as necessary to meet applicable legal requirements and to assert or defend claims for or against the Company; (ii) in case of a contested proxy solicitation; (iii) in the event that a stockholder makes a written comment on the proxy card or otherwise communicates his/her vote to management; or (iv) to allow the independent inspectors of election to certify the results of the vote. The Company will retain an independent tabulator to receive and tabulate the proxies and independent inspectors of election to certify the results.

        All expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company. The Company will reimburse brokers, fiduciaries, and custodians for their costs in forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of Common Stock held in their names.

        Solicitation may be undertaken by mail, telephone, electronic means, and personal contact by directors, officers, and employees of the Company without additional compensation. In addition, the Company has engaged the firm of Morrow Sodali to assist in the solicitation of proxies for a fee of $10,000, plus reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.

Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations for the 2018 Annual Meeting

        If a stockholder intends to present a proposal for action at the 2018 Annual Meeting and wishes to have such proposal considered for inclusion in the Company's proxy materials in reliance on Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the proposal must be submitted in writing and received by the Secretary of the Company after the 2017 Annual Meeting and no later than May 31, 2018. Such proposal also must meet the other requirements of the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to stockholder proposals.

        The Company's bylaws establish an advance notice procedure with regard to certain matters, including stockholder proposals and nominations of individuals for election to the Board of Directors, outside the process of Rule 14a-8. In general, notice of a stockholder proposal or a director nomination for an annual meeting must be received by the Company not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the date on which the Company first mailed its proxy materials for the preceding annual meeting of stockholders and must contain specified information and conform to certain requirements, as set forth in the bylaws. To be timely for the 2018 Annual Meeting, the notice must be received by the Company on any date beginning no earlier than June 30, 2018 and ending on July 30, 2018. If the chairman at any meeting of stockholders determines that a stockholder proposal or director nomination was not made in accordance with the bylaws, the Company may disregard such proposal or nomination. In addition, if a stockholder submits a proposal outside of Rule 14a-8 for the 2018 Annual Meeting and the proposal fails to comply with the advance notice procedure prescribed by the bylaws, then the Company's proxy may confer discretionary authority on the persons being appointed as proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors to vote on the proposal.

        Proposals and nominations should be addressed to Spencer G. Smul, Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Secretary, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., 767 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10153.

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Other Information

        Management of the Company does not know of any matters that may properly come before the meeting other than those referred to in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders or other matters incident to the conduct of the meeting. As to any other matter or proposal that may properly come before the meeting, including voting for the election of any person as a director in place of a nominee named herein who becomes unable or declines to serve and voting on a proposal omitted from this Proxy Statement pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, proxies will be voted in accordance with the discretion of the proxy holders.

        The Annual Report to Stockholders of the Company for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017, which includes financial statements, is available, together with this Proxy Statement, at www.envisionreports.com/EL. The Annual Report does not form any part of the material for the solicitations of proxies.

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APPENDIX A

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

        In the "Proxy Statement Summary" and in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," the Company presents certain non-GAAP financial information. We use certain non-GAAP financial measures, among other financial measures, to evaluate our operating performance, which represent the manner in which we conduct and view our business. Management believes that excluding certain items that are not comparable from period to period, or reflect the Company's underlying ongoing business, provides transparency for such items and helps investors and others compare and analyze our operating performance from period to period. In the future, we expect to incur charges or adjustments similar in nature to those presented below; however, the impact to the Company's results in a given period may be highly variable and difficult to predict. Our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by, or determined in a manner consistent with, other companies. While we consider the non-GAAP measures useful in analyzing our results, they are not intended to replace, or act as a substitute for, any presentation included in the consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP.

        The following table presents Net Sales, Operating Margin, and Diluted EPS adjusted to exclude the impact of charges associated with restructuring and other activities, goodwill and other intangible asset impairments, the changes in the fair value of contingent consideration, the China deferred tax asset valuation allowance reversal, the fiscal 2015 impact of accelerated orders associated with the SMI rollout, the fiscal 2015 Venezuela remeasurement charge and the effects of foreign currency translation. The table below provides reconciliations between these non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures. Also shown in the table below is information about our adjusted Return on Invested Capital financial measure disclosed in this Proxy Statement. Certain information in the prior-year periods have been restated to conform to current period presentation.

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