DEF: BigBear.ai Holdings Schedules 2026 Annual Meeting
Proxy Statement
BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. has issued its 2026 proxy statement, detailing proposals for the upcoming Annual Meeting of Stockholders on June 9, 2026, including director elections, executive compensation votes, and a stock increase amendment.
Summary
- BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. is holding its Annual Meeting of Stockholders virtually on June 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET.
- Key proposals include the election of two Class II directors, advisory votes on executive compensation frequency and approval, ratification of Grant Thornton LLP as the independent auditor, and an amendment to increase authorized common stock.
- The Board of Directors unanimously recommends voting FOR all proposals.
- The record date for voting eligibility is April 13, 2026.
- Stockholders can vote via the internet, phone, or mail.
- The company is also seeking approval to increase its authorized common stock from 500,000,000 to 1,000,000,000 shares to provide greater flexibility for future corporate purposes, such as financing, acquisitions, and equity awards.
- An adjournment proposal is included to allow more time to solicit votes for the stock increase amendment if necessary.
Sentiment
Score: 5
Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this filing as neutral to slightly positive. While it outlines standard corporate governance procedures and management recommendations, the proposed increase in authorized shares and past executive departures introduce elements of caution.
Positives
- The company is holding its annual meeting to ensure shareholder engagement and governance.
- The Board recommends voting FOR all proposals, indicating confidence in its strategic direction and management.
- The proposed increase in authorized shares aims to provide flexibility for future growth opportunities, including financing and strategic initiatives.
- The company has achieved full SOX Section 404(b) compliance in fiscal 2025, with an unqualified opinion on internal controls.
- Total cash and investments stood at $462 million as of December 31, 2025, indicating a strong financial position.
- The company settled its remaining $125 million of principal outstanding on 2029 Convertible notes.
- Acquisitions of Ask Sage and CargoSeer were completed in late 2025 and early 2026, respectively, positioning the company for growth.
Negatives
- The company is seeking to increase authorized shares, which could lead to dilution for existing shareholders if not managed effectively.
- Two former executive officers, Amanda Long (CEO) and Julie Peffer (CFO), departed in 2025, with significant severance packages detailed.
- The company reported a net loss in fiscal year 2025, as indicated in the Pay Versus Performance table.
Risks
- Future issuances of common stock or convertible securities could have a dilutive effect on earnings per share, book value per share, and voting power.
- The proposed increase in authorized shares could potentially discourage or make more difficult efforts to obtain control of the company, although the Board states this is not the intention.
- The company's financial performance, as indicated by the net loss in 2025, presents ongoing risks.
Future Outlook
The company is positioning itself for solid growth in 2026, supported by recent acquisitions and expansion into the Middle East. The proposed increase in authorized shares is intended to provide flexibility for future financing, strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and equity awards.
Management Comments
- The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR each of the proposals described in this proxy statement. Your vote is very important.
- We are pleased to invite you to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. ... This years Annual Meeting will be conducted virtually, via live audio webcast.
- The Board believes that in order for it to effectively guide the Company to long-term sustainable, dependable performance, it should be composed of individuals with sophistication and experience in the many disciplines that impact our business.
- The Board believes it is in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders to increase our authorized shares of common stock in order to have additional shares available for use as our Board deems appropriate or necessary.
Industry Context
StockSavvy.ai notes that BigBear.ai's focus on AI, defense, and government services aligns with significant market trends. The proposed increase in authorized shares is a common strategy for growth-oriented technology companies to fund expansion and strategic initiatives, though it carries potential dilution risks for existing shareholders.
Comparison to Industry Standards
- The 2025 Compensation Peer Group includes C3.ai, Inc., Palantir Technologies, Inc., and SoundHound AI, indicating BigBear.ai's positioning within the AI and technology sector.
- The company's reported revenue of $127 million for 2025 falls within the lower end of the peer group's revenue range ($17 million to $4 billion) used for compensation benchmarking.
- The company's net loss of $294 million in 2025 contrasts with the positive net income reported by some peers, though many AI companies prioritize growth over immediate profitability.
Management Changes
| Role | Previous Person | New Person | Effective Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer | Amanda Long | Kevin McAleenan | 2025-01-15 | Ms. Long stepped down from the position. |
| Chief Financial Officer | Julie Peffer | Sean Ricker | 2025-06-06 (Interim), 2025-10-14 (Permanent) | Ms. Peffer stepped down from the position. |
| Director | Jeffrey Hart | 2025-07-14 | Resignation. | |
| Director | Anthony S. Evangelista | 2025-08-12 | Appointment to the Board. |
Corporate Governance
| Change Type | Description | Effective Date | Impact Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board Structure | The Board is divided into three classes, with directors serving three-year terms. Class II directors (McAleenan, Braden) have terms expiring at the 2026 Annual Meeting. | Ongoing | Standard staggered board structure designed to ensure continuity and long-term strategic oversight. |
| Director Nominee Election | Proposal to elect Kevin McAleenan and Pamela Braden as Class II directors for three-year terms. | 2026-06-09 | Routine election of directors, with the Board recommending approval. |
| Executive Compensation Vote | Advisory (non-binding) vote on the frequency of future executive compensation votes (Board recommends annually) and approval of current executive compensation. | 2026-06-09 | Standard shareholder advisory votes to gauge sentiment on executive pay practices. |
| Independent Auditor Ratification | Proposal to ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2026. | 2026-06-09 | Routine ratification of auditor appointment, with the Board recommending approval. |
| Certificate of Incorporation Amendment | Proposal to increase authorized common stock from 500,000,000 to 1,000,000,000 shares. | Subject to stockholder approval | Increases corporate flexibility for future capital raises and strategic actions, but carries potential for shareholder dilution. |
| Adjournment of Meeting | Proposal to approve adjournment of the Annual Meeting if necessary to solicit additional proxies for the Charter Amendment Proposal. | 2026-06-09 | Provides a mechanism to ensure sufficient votes for critical proposals, particularly the stock increase amendment. |
| Voluntary Retail Voting Program | Company offers a program for registered and beneficial stockholders to provide standing instructions to vote in line with the Board's recommendations. | Ongoing | Aims to increase retail investor participation and streamline voting, while allowing participants to override standing instructions. |
Related Party Transactions
- The company has a policy for reviewing and approving related party transactions, with a Related Party Committee responsible for oversight.
- Transactions with AE Industrial Operating Partners, LLC, AE Industrial Partners, LP, Redwire Space, Inc., and their subsidiaries are pre-approved if contemplated by specific agreements (Amended and Restated Consulting Agreement, Teaming Agreement, Affiliate MOUs) or disclosed in prior proxy statements.
- All previously disclosed transactions were approved by the respective boards considering similar factors to the current policy.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders: Voting on director elections, executive compensation, and a significant increase in authorized shares which could lead to dilution.
- Employees: Continued participation in 401(k) and Employee Stock Purchase Plans. Executive compensation is tied to performance metrics.
- Management: Executive compensation structure emphasizes alignment with stockholder value creation through equity incentives.
- Auditors: Grant Thornton LLP is proposed for ratification as the independent auditor for 2026.
Next Steps
- Stockholders are urged to vote on the proposals before June 9, 2026.
- The results of the vote will be announced at the Annual Meeting and published in a Form 8-K filing.
- If approved, the Certificate of Amendment to increase authorized shares will be filed with the Delaware Secretary of State.
- The company will continue to monitor and manage risks, including cybersecurity and financial risks, through its Board and committees.
Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 2026-04-13 | Record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. |
| 2026-04-28 | Proxy materials first being delivered to stockholders. |
| 2026-06-08 | Deadline for submitting proxy votes via the Internet. |
| 2026-06-09 | Date of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. |
| 2026-12-29 | Deadline for receiving stockholder proposals for inclusion in the 2027 proxy statement (Rule 14a-8). |
| 2027-02-09 | Earliest date for submitting director nominations or proposals for the 2027 Annual Meeting (non-Rule 14a-8). |
| 2027-03-11 | Latest date for submitting director nominations or proposals for the 2027 Annual Meeting (non-Rule 14a-8). |
| 2027-04-12 | Deadline for providing notice for soliciting proxies in support of director nominees other than the Board's nominees (Rule 14a-19). |
Recommendation
holdThe filing outlines standard annual meeting proposals, including director elections and executive compensation votes. While the proposed increase in authorized shares offers strategic flexibility, it also introduces potential dilution concerns. The company's recent financial performance (net loss in 2025) and executive departures warrant a cautious 'hold' stance until clearer signs of sustained growth and profitability emerge.
Keywords
BigBear.ai Holdings, Proxy Statement, Annual Meeting, Director Election, Executive Compensation, Stockholder Vote, Authorized Shares, Corporate Governance, Grant Thornton LLP, AI, Technology
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