Energizer 2009 Annual Report Download - page 11

ENERGIZER HOLDINGS INC. 2009 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 9
Current initiatives. Against this backdrop, we continue to focus
on innovation and new product development to spur growth.
Early in the fiscal year, we introduced Energizer® Zero Mercury™
hearing aid batteries in the U.S. market, following more than a
decade of development and extensive testing – becoming the
world’s first battery manufacturer to sell a mercury-free hearing aid
battery to consumers, more than two years ahead of an industry
commitment to eliminate mercury.
Continuing to advance our rechargeable technology, we
recently introduced a new and improved Energizer® Recharge-
able® AA battery. Compared to the previous Energizer® AA 2450
mAh, the new battery holds more charge at six months and can
be charged 150 more times, up to 500 charging cycles. The
innovative new Energizer® Rechargeable® Solar Charger for AA
and AAA rechargeable batteries converts sunlight into usable
energy for on-the-go consumers.
Our development of the Energizer® Zinc Air Prismatic
battery represents an exciting power solution for smaller and
thinner electronics – featuring the highest energy density of any
consumer portable power solution, with up to three times more
runtime than similarly sized alkaline or lithium ion batteries. We are
currently working with a number of original equipment manufac-
turers to refine this battery technology for use in development of
a variety of smaller, lighter and thinner portable consumer
electronic devices.
Innovation continues to thrive across our other businesses
as well – from a full-line of BPA-free Playtex® infant products, to
the Quattro® Titanium Trimmer with a built-in battery-powered
trimmer in the waterproof handle, to new sun care products with
SPFs as high as 100.
Focus on the Future
As we enter fiscal 2010, we are approaching the year with a
cautious outlook. While we sense the recession is bottoming out,
this recession has been led by consumers who account for 70
percent of the U.S. economy. Consumers, stressed by credit card
debt, falling disposable income, depleted 401k’s and more, are
having to rebuild their household balance sheets by spending less
and saving more. Recovery is going to take time.
We anticipate no radical departures from what we have
been doing, and we remain comfortable with our strategies
and priorities – growing our existing businesses, capitalizing on
external investment opportunities to build shareholder value, and
managing risk to provide a secure platform for our existing busi-
nesses. We see ample opportunity through innovation to simplify
and enhance the lives of our trade customers and consumers
better than anyone else. We are focused on growth through the
geographic expansion of select product lines, using the Edge
acquisition to leverage our presence in the wet shave business,
and building brands by restoring our advertising and promotion
spending closer to our traditional levels.
On behalf of Energizer’s management and directors, thank
you for your continued support and confidence during a challeng-
ing year. Together, we look forward to our successes ahead.
WARD M. KLEIN
Chief Executive Officer
Energizer Holdings, Inc.
November 25, 2009
PLAYTEX® INFANT CARE
Playtex® Infant Care offers superior infant and
toddler feeding, soothing and diaper disposal
products that promote baby’s healthy development
and well-being. Our portfolio provides moms with
simple and intuitive solutions for each age and stage
of her baby’s development, meeting both mom’s
and baby’s ever-changing needs.
WET ONES
Wet Ones® antibacterial hand wipes are an effective
and convenient solution to help keep hands clean
and instantly kill germs when on the go. Wet Ones®
wipes are portable and can be used in any situation
where soap and water are not accessible.
PLAYTEX® FEMININE CARE
Playtex® Gentle Glide® tampons with 360° design
for all-around comfort and Playtex® Sport®
tampons for sport-level protection and comfort
are both designed to meet the lifestyle needs of
today’s women.