DEF: Hilton Grand Vacations Sets 2026 Annual Meeting Agenda

Sentiment:

Proxy Statement


Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. announces its 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to address director elections, auditor ratification, and an amendment to its 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

Capital raiseOn August 12, 2025, HGV and the Apollo Investors entered into an underwriting agreement for the offer and sale by the Apollo Investors of 8,050,000 shares of HGV common stock (the Offering).As part of the Offering, HGV repurchased 933,488 shares of common stock from the underwriters for an aggregate purchase price of $40 million at $42.85 per share.The Offering and Share Repurchase were completed on August 14, 2025.

Summary

  • The 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is scheduled for May 6, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., Eastern Time, at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando.
  • Stockholders will vote on the election of nine director nominees, the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors for 2026, and an amendment to the 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
  • A non-binding advisory vote to approve the compensation of named executive officers for 2025 will also take place.
  • The record date for voting is March 13, 2026, with 81,258,868 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
  • The Board unanimously recommends voting FOR all proposals.
  • Apollo Investors, holding approximately 22.5% of common stock, are obligated to vote all their shares as recommended by the Board on these routine matters.
  • For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, the company reported total revenues of $5,047 million, net income of $99 million, and diluted earnings per share of $0.89.
  • Key non-GAAP metrics for 2025 include Economic Adjusted EBITDA of $1,152 million, Total Economic Revenue of $4,881 million, Contract Sales of $3,314 million, and Real Estate Adjusted EBITDA of $653 million.
  • The 2023 Performance Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) were earned at 103.1% of target, while Bluegreen Performance RSUs were earned at 78.7% of target.
  • The Second Tranche of Bluegreen Performance Cash Awards was paid in July 2025 due to achieving Run Rate Cost Savings goals.
  • The proposed amendment to the 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan seeks to add 1,250,000 shares, expected to cover awards for one to two years.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a generally positive filing, highlighting solid operational performance and strong corporate governance, despite a notable decrease in net income and EPS. The proactive management of executive incentives and commitment to corporate social responsibility are favorable, while the capital raise and share repurchase demonstrate active capital management.

Positives

  • The company maintains strong corporate governance practices, including a majority of independent directors, annual director elections, and robust stock ownership guidelines.
  • An active stockholder engagement program has led to the implementation of improved corporate governance and compensation practices.
  • The company demonstrates a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility through programs like HGV Serves, focusing on environmental impact reduction, community service, and fostering a 'people-first' workplace.
  • Hilton Grand Vacations received numerous accolades in 2025, including 'Great Place to Work,' 'Top Workplaces USA,' 'Americas Most Loved Workplaces,' and multiple 'Newsweek's Americas Greatest Workplaces' awards.
  • Operational financial metrics for 2025 show growth: Economic Adjusted EBITDA increased to $1,152 million, Total Economic Revenue reached $4,881 million, and Contract Sales grew to $3,314 million.
  • The 2023 Performance RSUs were earned at 103.1% of target, indicating strong performance against those specific goals.
  • The Second Tranche of Bluegreen Performance Cash Awards was paid out, reflecting the achievement of Run Rate Cost Savings goals related to the Bluegreen acquisition.
  • The executive compensation structure is designed to align pay with performance, with 66% of the CEO's compensation and 57% of other NEOs' compensation tied to stock-based equity awards.
  • A clawback policy is in place for executive compensation, enhancing accountability.

Negatives

  • Net income for 2025 was $99 million, a decrease from $313 million in 2023 and $352 million in 2022.
  • Diluted earnings per share attributable to stockholders decreased to $0.89 in 2025 from higher levels in previous years.
  • Bluegreen Performance RSUs were earned at 78.7% of target, indicating underperformance against some acquisition-related goals.
  • If the amendment to the 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan is not approved, the company anticipates not having enough shares for future equity awards beyond the next one or two years, which could impact talent attraction and retention.

Risks

  • Failure to approve the amendment to the 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan could lead to insufficient shares for future equity awards, potentially hindering the company's ability to attract and retain key talent.
  • The Audit Committee oversees cybersecurity and data privacy risks, indicating these are significant concerns for the company.
  • Operational risks and business continuity risks are also under the Audit Committee's oversight, highlighting potential challenges in day-to-day operations.
  • Performance targets for incentive compensation are set to be challenging, implying that adverse macroeconomic or industry conditions could impact the achievement of these goals.
  • The Apollo Stockholders Agreement includes standstill obligations and transfer restrictions for Apollo Investors, which could limit the flexibility of other investors or the company's strategic options.
  • Related party transactions with Apollo affiliates, such as Rackspace Technology, Inc. and Arrivia Inc., present potential conflicts of interest, despite the company's policy for review and approval.

Future Outlook

The company expresses excitement about its growth prospects for 2026 and beyond. The proposed increase in shares for the 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan is expected to support continued equity-based incentives for approximately one to two years, indicating a sustained strategy for talent motivation and retention. The next advisory vote on executive compensation frequency is anticipated in 2029.

Management Comments

  • "We are pleased to invite you to the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Hilton Grand Vacations Inc."
  • "Being accountable and responsive to our stockholders is of paramount importance to our board of directors and our senior leadership."
  • "We actively use our stockholder engagement program to receive constructive views from our stockholders. We listen carefully to your viewpoints and take them into consideration in the boardroom and in the strategic decision-making of our senior leadership."
  • "We are committed to supporting the communities where we live, work and vacation. As a global hospitality and experiences company, this responsibility is fundamental to our operations."
  • "We are excited about HGV's growth prospects for 2026 and beyond."
  • "Our Board unanimously believes that the approval of the amendment to the 2023 Omnibus Plan is in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders so that we may continue to offer meaningful equity-based incentives to our employees, officers, directors and consultants."
  • "The Compensation Committee believes that the design and objectives of our executive compensation program provide an appropriate balance of incentives for executives and avoids inappropriate risks."

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that Hilton Grand Vacations operates in the competitive timeshare and hospitality industry. The company's focus on corporate social responsibility and employee engagement aligns with broader industry trends emphasizing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors, which are increasingly important for attracting talent and investors. The continued reliance on equity-based incentives for executive compensation is a standard practice in the industry to align management interests with long-term shareholder value. The recent acquisition of Bluegreen Vacations Holdings Corporation indicates a strategy of consolidation and expansion within the vacation ownership sector, aiming for increased market share and operational synergies.

Comparison to Industry Standards

  • The company's executive compensation structure, with a significant portion tied to stock-based equity awards (66% for the CEO and 57% for other NEOs), is consistent with industry best practices for aligning executive incentives with shareholder value creation in publicly traded hospitality and leisure companies, such as Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp. and Travel + Leisure Co.
  • The average adjusted burn rate of 1.3% over the last three years is a key metric for evaluating equity plan costs, which can be benchmarked against peers like Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp. or Travel + Leisure Co. to assess the efficiency of equity usage, though specific peer data is not provided in the filing.
  • Hilton Grand Vacations' recognition as a 'Great Place to Work' and 'Americas Most Loved Workplaces' suggests strong internal culture and employee satisfaction, potentially outperforming some industry competitors in talent retention and engagement, which is a critical factor in the service-oriented hospitality sector.
  • The use of Economic Adjusted EBITDA and Contract Sales as primary performance metrics for incentive plans is common in the timeshare and vacation ownership industry, reflecting key drivers of revenue and profitability that are also utilized by competitors.

Management Changes

RolePrevious PersonNew PersonEffective DateReason
DirectorDavid W. JohnsonMarch 16, 2026Resignation from the Board.
President and Chief Financial OfficerSenior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerDaniel J. MathewesApril 2024Promotion/Appointment to new role.
Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Operations, and SecretaryExecutive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and SecretaryCharles R. CorbinFebruary 2025Promotion/Appointment to new role with additional duties.
Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources OfficerPia CornejoSeptember 2025New hire/Appointment.
Executive Vice President and Chief Sales & Marketing OfficerDusty TonkinMarch 2024New hire/Appointment.
Interim Chief Financial OfficerErin DayFebruary 7, 2025Temporary appointment during Mr. Mathewes' leave of absence.
Interim Chief Financial OfficerErin DayMarch 24, 2025Cessation of interim role upon Mr. Mathewes' return.

Corporate Governance

Change TypeDescriptionEffective DateImpact Assessment
Board CompositionNine director nominees are proposed for election to the board of directors.May 6, 2026Ensures continuity and expertise on the Board, subject to stockholder approval.
Director Retirement Policy ExceptionThe Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee approved a one-time exception from the mandatory retirement age for Ms. Bacon and Mr. Whetsell to stand for re-election.May 6, 2026Retains experienced directors on the Board for an additional year, balancing policy with continuity.
Governance Best PracticesFormalized governance best practices in Board committee charters, including a mandatory annual review of the committee charters.Enhances oversight and ensures committee charters remain current and effective.
Board OversightBoard-level oversight of sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and corporate citizenship practices.Integrates ESG considerations into strategic decision-making and enhances accountability for social and environmental impact.
Director Election StructureEach director is subject to annual election.Increases accountability of directors to stockholders.
Director IndependenceA majority of the Board is composed of independent directors, and each of the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees is composed solely of independent directors.Strengthens independent oversight and reduces potential conflicts of interest.
Board Leadership StructureThe Board currently has an independent Chairperson, and Corporate Governance Guidelines provide for a presiding independent director if the Chairperson is not independent.Promotes free and open dialogue and provides strong checks and balances within the Board.
Stockholder Rights PlanThe company does not maintain a stockholder rights plan, and if adopted without prior stockholder approval, it would be submitted for ratification or expire within one year.Demonstrates a commitment to stockholder-friendly governance and avoids potential anti-takeover measures without investor consent.
Stock Ownership GuidelinesDirectors and officers are subject to stock ownership guidelines.Aligns the financial interests of directors and officers with those of stockholders.
Apollo Stockholders AgreementApollo Investors have the right to designate two directors (David Sambur and Christine Cahill) and certain consent rights based on their ownership levels. They are obligated to vote their shares as recommended by the Board on routine matters.August 2, 2021Provides significant influence to a major institutional investor, ensuring their interests are represented while also obligating them to support Board recommendations on routine matters.

Legal Proceedings

  • There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officer or employees for which indemnification is sought.

Related Party Transactions

  • Apollo Stockholders Agreement: Apollo Investors, who beneficially own approximately 22.5% of the company's common stock, have the right to designate two directors (Mr. David Sambur and Ms. Christine Cahill) to the Board and possess certain consent rights based on their ownership levels. They are obligated to vote their shares as recommended by the Board on routine matters.
  • Apollo Designee Director Compensation: In 2025, an aggregate of $580,000 was paid to Apollo Management Holdings L.P., an affiliate of Apollo, representing director compensation for services rendered by Mr. Sambur and Ms. Cahill on the Board, along with customary expense reimbursements.
  • Commercial Arrangements with Apollo Affiliates: Since January 1, 2025, the company made payments of approximately $890,000 to Rackspace Technology, Inc. (for data storage services, agreement terminated in 2025) and approximately $47.0 million to Arrivia Inc. (for loyalty program and marketing technology services). Both Rackspace and Arrivia are partially owned by affiliates of Apollo Global Management Inc.

Stakeholder Impact

  • Shareholders: Directly impacted by voting on director elections, auditor ratification, executive compensation, and the Omnibus Incentive Plan amendment. The historical capital raise and share repurchase also affect share structure and value. Apollo Investors, as a significant shareholder, have specific governance rights and voting obligations.
  • Employees/Executives: Directly impacted by the 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan amendment (potential for more equity awards), executive compensation decisions, and the company's 'people-first workplace' initiatives. The median employee pay ratio provides transparency regarding compensation equity.
  • Customers/Guests: Potentially impacted by the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility, including environmental initiatives and community engagement, which can enhance brand reputation and guest experience.
  • Communities: Beneficiaries of HGV Serves philanthropic initiatives focusing on disaster relief, homelessness, military & families, and youth development, demonstrating the company's commitment to social impact.
  • Suppliers/Creditors: Indirectly impacted by the company's financial health and operational stability. Related party transactions with Apollo affiliates (Rackspace, Arrivia) highlight specific supplier relationships and potential for conflicts of interest, managed by company policy.

Next Steps

  • Stockholders will vote on the election of nine director nominees at the Annual Meeting on May 6, 2026.
  • Stockholders will vote on the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors for the 2026 fiscal year.
  • Stockholders will vote on the approval of the amendment to the Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
  • Stockholders will hold a non-binding advisory vote to approve the compensation of named executive officers for 2025.
  • The Board will consider the results of the 2026 say-on-pay vote when making future executive compensation decisions.
  • The next stockholder advisory vote on the frequency of future say-on-pay votes is expected to occur at the 2029 annual meeting of stockholders.
  • The company expects the additional shares for the 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan to last for approximately one to two years of awards, indicating continued use of equity incentives.

Key Dates

DateDescription
2017Ernst & Young LLP became the company's independent public accountants.
2023-01-01Start of performance period for 2023 Performance RSUs.
2023-05-03The 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan was approved by stockholders.
2023-12-31End of performance period for 2023 Performance RSUs.
2024-01-01Start of performance period for 2024 Performance RSUs.
2024-01-17Completion of the acquisition of Bluegreen Vacations Holding Corporation.
2024-03-01Dusty Tonkin joined as Executive Vice President and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer.
2024-04-01Daniel J. Mathewes appointed President and Chief Financial Officer.
2024-09-30End of First Tranche Performance Period for Bluegreen Performance Cash Awards.
2024-10Compensation Committee determined the Run Rate Cost Savings goal for the First Tranche of Bluegreen Performance Cash Award was achieved.
2025-01-01Start of performance period for 2025 Performance RSUs.
2025-01-01Start of two-year performance period for Bluegreen Performance RSUs.
2025-01-01Start of period for commercial arrangements with Apollo affiliates.
2025-02Charles R. Corbin appointed Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Operations, and Secretary.
2025-02-07Daniel J. Mathewes began a leave of absence; Erin Day served as interim Chief Financial Officer.
2025-02Compensation Committee certified performance achievement for 2023 Performance RSUs and Bluegreen Performance RSUs.
2025-03Compensation Committee reviewed and set base salaries for NEOs for 2025.
2025-03-24Daniel J. Mathewes returned from leave; Erin Day ceased serving as interim Chief Financial Officer.
2025-05-06Additional RSU grant to Ms. Day in recognition of her service as interim Chief Financial Officer.
2025-06-30End of Second Tranche Performance Period for Bluegreen Performance Cash Awards.
2025-07Second Tranche of Bluegreen Performance Cash Awards paid.
2025-08-12HGV and Apollo Investors entered into an underwriting agreement for the offering and share repurchase.
2025-08-14Offering and Share Repurchase completed.
2025-09Pia Cornejo joined as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer.
2025-09-30End of 12-month period for median employee total cash compensation.
2025-10-01Date used to identify the median employee for pay ratio disclosure.
2025-12-31Fiscal year-end for financial performance data and end of performance period for Bluegreen Performance RSUs.
2026-03-11Board approved and adopted the amendment to the 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan.
2026-03-13Record date for stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.
2026-03-16David W. Johnson resigned from the Board.
2026-03-17Notice Regarding Internet Availability of Proxy Materials mailed or sent electronically.
2026-04-22Deadline for requests for paper copies of proxy materials.
2026-05-05Deadline for online/telephone voting and receipt of mailed proxy cards.
2026-05-062026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
2026-11-17Deadline for stockholder proposals for the 2027 annual meeting proxy statement under SEC Rule 14a-8(e).
2026-12-31End of performance period for 2024 Performance RSUs.
2027-01-06Earliest date for stockholder notice for director nominations or other business for the 2027 annual meeting (bylaws).
2027-02-05Latest date for stockholder notice for director nominations or other business for the 2027 annual meeting (bylaws).
2027-03-07Deadline for notice under universal proxy rules for the 2027 annual meeting.
2027-12-31End of performance period for 2025 Performance RSUs.
2029Next stockholder advisory vote on the frequency of future say-on-pay votes is expected.
2033-05-02Expiration date of the 2023 Omnibus Incentive Plan (unless earlier terminated).

Recommendation

hold

This filing is a routine proxy statement for an annual meeting, primarily covering corporate governance, executive compensation, and a proposed amendment to an incentive plan. While it includes historical financial results for 2025, these are not new disclosures and are likely already reflected in the company's stock price. The proposals are standard for an annual meeting and do not introduce material information that would significantly alter the investment outlook. The company demonstrates sound corporate governance and a commitment to social responsibility, but the mixed financial performance (increased revenue/EBITDA but decreased net income/EPS) and the nature of the disclosures do not provide a strong catalyst for a 'buy' or 'sell' recommendation based solely on this document.

Keywords

Hilton Grand Vacations, HGV, Proxy Statement, Annual Meeting, Director Election, Executive Compensation, Omnibus Incentive Plan, Equity Awards, Financial Performance, Corporate Governance, Timeshare, Hospitality, SEC Filing, Apollo Global Management, Ernst & Young LLP, Economic Adjusted EBITDA, Contract Sales, Corporate Social Responsibility

Disclaimer:The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, recommendation, or endorsement of any kind. It may contain errors or omissions. You should not rely on this information to make financial decisions. Always seek the advice of a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions. Use of this information is at your own risk.