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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☑ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023
or
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 001-38432
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Delaware | | 82-3356232 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| | | |
22 Sylvan Way | | 07054 |
Parsippany, | New Jersey | | (Zip Code) |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | |
(973) 753-6000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
None
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| | | | | | | | |
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Common Stock | WH | New York Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Large accelerated filer | ☑ | | | | | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | | | | | Smaller reporting company | ☐ |
| | | | | | Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the last practicable date:
85,863,971 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2023.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PART I | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
Item 1. | | |
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Item 2. | | |
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Item 3. | | |
Item 4. | | |
PART II | OTHER INFORMATION | |
Item 1. | | |
Item 1A. | | |
Item 2. | | |
Item 3. | | |
Item 4. | | |
Item 5. | | |
Item 6. | | |
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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited).
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
Results of Review of Interim Financial Statements
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2023, the related condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows and equity for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “interim financial statements”). Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2022, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and equity for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 16, 2023, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
Basis for Review Results
The interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards of the PCAOB. A review of interim financial statements consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
New York, New York
April 27, 2023
WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In millions, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, | | |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | | | |
Net revenues | | | | | | | |
Royalties and franchise fees | $ | 121 | | | $ | 110 | | | | | |
Marketing, reservation and loyalty | 120 | | | 111 | | | | | |
Management and other fees | 3 | | | 35 | | | | | |
License and other fees | 23 | | | 19 | | | | | |
Other | 41 | | | 41 | | | | | |
Fee-related and other revenues | 308 | | | 316 | | | | | |
Cost reimbursements | 5 | | | 55 | | | | | |
Net revenues | 313 | | | 371 | | | | | |
Expenses | | | | | | | |
Marketing, reservation and loyalty | 124 | | | 104 | | | | | |
Operating | 20 | | | 35 | | | | | |
General and administrative | 30 | | | 29 | | | | | |
Cost reimbursements | 5 | | | 55 | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | 19 | | | 24 | | | | | |
Separation-related | 2 | | | — | | | | | |
Gain on asset sale | — | | | (36) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Total expenses | 200 | | | 211 | | | | | |
Operating income | 113 | | | 160 | | | | | |
Interest expense, net | 22 | | | 20 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Income before income taxes | 91 | | | 140 | | | | | |
Provision for income taxes | 24 | | | 34 | | | | | |
Net income | $ | 67 | | | $ | 106 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Earnings per share | | | | | | | |
Basic | $ | 0.77 | | | $ | 1.15 | | | | | |
Diluted | 0.77 | | | 1.14 | | | | | |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
2
WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, | | |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | | | |
Net income | $ | 67 | | | $ | 106 | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | 2 | | | — | | | | | |
Unrealized (losses)/gains on cash flow hedges | (8) | | | 31 | | | | | |
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax | (6) | | | 31 | | | | | |
Comprehensive income | $ | 61 | | | $ | 137 | | | | | |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
Assets | | | |
Current assets: | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 150 | | | $ | 161 | |
Trade receivables, net | 230 | | | 234 | |
Prepaid expenses | 76 | | | 59 | |
Other current assets | 59 | | | 91 | |
| | | |
Total current assets | 515 | | | 545 | |
Property and equipment, net | 96 | | | 99 | |
Goodwill | 1,525 | | | 1,525 | |
Trademarks, net | 1,232 | | | 1,232 | |
Franchise agreements and other intangibles, net | 367 | | | 374 | |
Other non-current assets | 349 | | | 348 | |
Total assets | $ | 4,084 | | | $ | 4,123 | |
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | |
Current portion of long-term debt | $ | 26 | | | $ | 20 | |
Accounts payable | 33 | | | 39 | |
Deferred revenues | 104 | | | 83 | |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 242 | | | 264 | |
| | | |
Total current liabilities | 405 | | | 406 | |
Long-term debt | 2,051 | | | 2,057 | |
Deferred income taxes | 342 | | | 345 | |
Deferred revenues | 166 | | | 164 | |
Other non-current liabilities | 184 | | | 189 | |
Total liabilities | 3,148 | | | 3,161 | |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11) | | | |
Stockholders’ equity: | | | |
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 6.0 shares, none issued and outstanding | — | | | — | |
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 102.1 and 101.6 issued at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | 1 | | | 1 | |
Treasury stock, at cost – 16.0 and 15.2 shares at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | (1,020) | | | (964) | |
Additional paid-in capital | 1,569 | | | 1,569 | |
Retained earnings | 354 | | | 318 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 32 | | | 38 | |
Total stockholders’ equity | 936 | | | 962 | |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 4,084 | | | $ | 4,123 | |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2023 | | 2022 |
Operating activities | | | |
Net income | $ | 67 | | | $ | 106 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities: | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | 19 | | | 24 | |
Provision for doubtful accounts | — | | | 1 | |
| | | |
Deferred income taxes | (1) | | | (26) | |
Stock-based compensation | 9 | | | 8 | |
Gain on asset sale | — | | | (36) | |
| | | |
Net change in assets and liabilities: | | | |
Trade receivables | 4 | | | 17 | |
Prepaid expenses | (17) | | | (4) | |
Other current assets | 35 | | | 60 | |
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities | (40) | | | (32) | |
Deferred revenues | 24 | | | 19 | |
Payments of development advance notes, net | (13) | | | (7) | |
Other, net | 6 | | | 5 | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 93 | | | 135 | |
Investing activities | | | |
Property and equipment additions | (9) | | | (10) | |
| | | |
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Proceeds from asset sales, net | — | | | 202 | |
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Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities | (9) | | | 192 | |
Financing activities | | | |
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Principal payments on long-term debt | — | | | (4) | |
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Dividends to stockholders | (31) | | | (30) | |
Repurchases of common stock | (54) | | | (39) | |
Net share settlement of incentive equity awards | (9) | | | (9) | |
Other, net | (1) | | | — | |
Net cash used in financing activities | (95) | | | (82) | |
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Net (decrease)/increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (11) | | | 245 | |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | 161 | | | 171 | |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | $ | 150 | | | $ | 416 | |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
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| Common Shares Outstanding | | Common Stock | | Treasury Stock | | Additional Paid-in Capital | | Retained Earnings | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) | | Total Equity |
Balance as of December 31, 2022 | 86 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | (964) | | | $ | 1,569 | | | $ | 318 | | | $ | 38 | | | $ | 962 | |
Net income | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 67 | | | — | | | 67 | |
Other comprehensive loss | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (6) | | | (6) | |
Dividends | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (31) | | | — | | | (31) | |
Repurchase of common stock | — | | | — | | | (56) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (56) | |
Net share settlement of incentive equity awards | — | | | — | | | — | | | (9) | | | — | | | — | | | (9) | |
Change in deferred compensation | — | | | — | | | — | | | 9 | | | — | | | — | | | 9 | |
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Balance as of March 31, 2023 | 86 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | (1,020) | | | $ | 1,569 | | | $ | 354 | | | $ | 32 | | | $ | 936 | |
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| Common Shares Outstanding | | Common Stock | | Treasury Stock | | Additional Paid-in Capital | | Retained Earnings | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) | | Total Equity |
Balance as of December 31, 2021 | 92 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | (519) | | | $ | 1,543 | | | $ | 79 | | | $ | (15) | | | $ | 1,089 | |
Net income | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 106 | | | — | | | 106 | |
Other comprehensive income | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 31 | | | 31 | |
Dividends | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (30) | | | — | | | (30) | |
Repurchase of common stock | — | | | — | | | (38) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (38) | |
Net share settlement of incentive equity awards | — | | | — | | | — | | | (9) | | | — | | | — | | | (9) | |
Change in deferred compensation | — | | | — | | | — | | | 8 | | | — | | | — | | | 8 | |
Exercise of stock options | — | | | — | | | — | | | 2 | | | — | | | — | | | 2 | |
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Balance as of March 31, 2022 | 92 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | (557) | | | $ | 1,544 | | | $ | 155 | | | $ | 16 | | | $ | 1,159 | |
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See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
6
WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise noted, all amounts are in millions, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (collectively with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Wyndham Hotels” or the “Company”) is a leading global hotel franchisor, licensing its renowned hotel brands to hotel owners in over 95 countries around the world.
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on a stand-alone basis. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the Company’s assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and cash flows and all entities in which it has a controlling financial interest. The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In presenting the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and related disclosures. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and available information. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates. In management’s opinion, the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of interim results reported. The results of operations reported for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the entire year or any subsequent interim period. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2022 Consolidated Financial Statements included in its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and any subsequent reports filed with the SEC. Business Description
Wyndham Hotels’ primary segment is hotel franchising which principally consists of licensing the Company’s lodging brands and providing related services to third-party hotel owners and others.
In the first quarter of 2023, the Company changed the composition of its reportable segments to reflect the recent changes in its Hotel Management segment due to the exit from the select-service management business, the sale of its two owned hotels and the exit from substantially all of its U.S. full-service management business. The remaining hotel management business, which is predominately the full-service international managed business, no longer meets the quantitative thresholds to be considered a reportable segment and as a result, the Company has aggregated, on a prospective basis, such management business within its Hotel Franchising segment.
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2. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS |
There were no recently issued accounting pronouncements applicable to the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Deferred Revenues
Deferred revenues, or contract liabilities, generally represent payments or consideration received in advance for goods or services that the Company has not yet provided to the customer. Deferred revenues as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
Deferred initial franchise fee revenues | $ | 143 | | | $ | 143 | |
Deferred loyalty program revenues | 87 | | | 85 | |
Deferred co-branded credit card program revenues | 11 | | | — | |
Deferred other revenues | 29 | | | 19 | |
Total | $ | 270 | | | $ | 247 | |
Deferred initial franchise fees represent payments received in advance from prospective franchisees upon the signing of a franchise agreement and are generally recognized to revenue within 13 years. Deferred loyalty revenues represent the portion of loyalty program fees charged to franchisees, net of redemption costs, that have been deferred and will be recognized over time based upon loyalty point redemption patterns. Deferred co-branded credit card program revenue represents payments received in advance from the Company’s co-branded credit card partners, primarily for card member activity, which is typically recognized within one year.
Performance Obligations
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to a customer. The consideration received from a customer is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, each performance obligation is satisfied. The following table summarizes the Company’s remaining performance obligations for the twelve-month periods set forth below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 4/1/2023 - 3/31/2024 | | 4/1/2024 - 3/31/2025 | | 4/1/2025 - 3/31/2026 |
| Thereafter |
| Total |
Initial franchise fee revenues | $ | 16 | | | $ | 8 | | | $ | 7 | | | $ | 112 | | | $ | 143 | |
Loyalty program revenues | 54 | | | 22 | | | 9 | | | 2 | | | 87 | |
Co-branded credit card program revenues | 11 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 11 | |
Other revenues | 23 | | | 1 | | | 1 | | | 4 | | | 29 | |
Total | $ | 104 | | | $ | 31 | | | $ | 17 | | | $ | 118 | | | $ | 270 | |
Disaggregation of Net Revenues
In the first quarter of 2023, the Company changed the composition of its reportable segments to reflect the recent changes in its Hotel Management segment due to the exit from the select-service management business, the sale of its two owned hotels and the exit from substantially all of its U.S. full-service management business. The remaining hotel management business, which is predominately the full-service international managed business, no longer meets the quantitative thresholds to be considered a reportable segment and as a result, the Company has aggregated, on a prospective basis, such management business within its Hotel Franchising segment.
The table below presents a disaggregation of the Company’s net revenues from contracts with customers by major services and products for each of the Company’s segments:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, | | |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | | | |
Hotel Franchising (a) | | | | | | | |
Royalties and franchise fees | $ | 121 | | | $ | 103 | | | | | |
Marketing, reservation and loyalty | 120 | | | 111 | | | | | |
Management fees | 3 | | | — | | | | | |
License and other fees | 23 | | | 19 | | | | | |
Cost reimbursements | 5 | | | — | | | | | |
Other | 41 | | | 39 | | | | | |
Total Hotel Franchising | 313 | | | 272 | | | | | |
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Hotel Management | | | | | | | |
Royalties and franchise fees | n/a | | 7 | | | | | |
Owned hotel revenues | n/a | | 30 | | | | | |
Management fees | n/a | | 5 | | | | | |
Cost reimbursements | n/a | | 55 | | | | | |
Other | n/a | | 2 | | | | | |
Total Hotel Management | n/a | | 99 | | | | | |
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Net revenues | $ | 313 | | | $ | 371 | | | | | |
______________________(a) For 2023, the Hotel Franchising segment includes the former Hotel Management segment, which is primarily comprised of the Company's remaining international full-service managed business.
Capitalized Contract Costs
The Company incurs certain direct and incremental sales commissions costs in order to obtain hotel franchise contracts. Such costs are capitalized and subsequently amortized, beginning upon hotel opening, over the first non-cancellable period of the agreement. In the event an agreement is terminated prior to the end of the first non-cancellable period, any unamortized cost is immediately expensed. In addition, the Company also capitalizes costs associated with the sale and installation of property management systems to its franchisees, which are amortized over the remaining non-cancellable period of the franchise agreement. As of both March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, capitalized contract costs were $34 million, of which $4 million for both periods was included in other current assets and $30 million for both periods was included in other non-current assets on its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) is based on net income divided by the basic weighted average number of common shares and diluted weighted average number of common shares, respectively.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS (in millions, except per share data):
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| Three Months Ended March 31, | | |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | | | |
Net income | $ | 67 | | | $ | 106 | | | | | |
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Basic weighted average shares outstanding | 86.5 | | 92.5 | | | | |
Stock options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) (a) | 0.6 | | 0.7 | | | | |
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 87.1 | | 93.2 | | | | |
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Earnings per share: | | | | | | | |
Basic | $ | 0.77 | | | $ | 1.15 | | | | | |
Diluted | 0.77 | | | 1.14 | | | | | |
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Dividends: | | | | | | | |
Cash dividends declared per share | $ | 0.35 | | | $ | 0.32 | | | | | |
Aggregate dividends paid to stockholders | $ | 31 | | | $ | 30 | | | | | |
______________________
(a) Diluted shares outstanding excludes 0.5 million shares related to stock options and RSUs for both the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, as their effect would have been anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method.
Stock Repurchase Program
The following table summarizes stock repurchase activity under the current stock repurchase program (in millions, except per share data):
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| Shares | | Cost | | Average Price Per Share |
As of December 31, 2022 | 15.2 | | | $ | 964 | | | $ | 63.32 | |
For the three months ended March 31, 2023 | 0.8 | | | 56 | | | 70.48 | |
As of March 31, 2023 | 16.0 | | | $ | 1,020 | | | $ | 63.67 | |
The Company had $381 million of remaining availability under its program as of March 31, 2023.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The following table sets forth the activity in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts on trade accounts receivables for the three months ended:
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| 2023 | | 2022 |
Balance as of January 1, | $ | 64 | | $ | 81 |
Provision for doubtful accounts | — | | 1 |
Bad debt write-offs | (1) | | (2) |
Balance as of March 31, | $ | 63 | | $ | 80 |
Intangible assets consisted of the following:
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| March 31, 2023 | | | | | | December 31, 2022 | | | | |
| Gross Carrying Amount | | | | | | Gross Carrying Amount | | | | |
Goodwill | $ | 1,525 | | | | | | | $ | 1,525 | | | | | |
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| March 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Gross Carrying Amount | | Accumulated Amortization | | Net Carrying Amount | | Gross Carrying Amount | | Accumulated Amortization | | Net Carrying Amount |
Unamortized intangible assets: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trademarks | | | | | $ | 1,232 | | | | | | | $ | 1,231 | |
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Amortized intangible assets: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Franchise agreements | $ | 913 | | | $ | 547 | | | $ | 366 | | | $ | 913 | | | $ | 541 | | | $ | 372 | |
Management agreements | 3 | | | 2 | | | 1 | | | 15 | | | 14 | | | 1 | |
Trademarks | 1 | | | 1 | | | — | | | 1 | | | — | | | 1 | |
Other | 1 | | | 1 | | | — | | | 1 | | | — | | | 1 | |
| $ | 918 | | | $ | 551 | | | $ | 367 | | | $ | 930 | | | $ | 555 | | | $ | 375 | |
In March 2022, the Company completed the exit of its select-service hotel management business and received an $84 million termination fee, which under the terms of the agreement with CorePoint Lodging effectively resulted in the sale of the rights to the management contracts that were acquired as part of the La Quinta Holdings purchase in 2018. The termination fee proceeds were completely offset by the write-off of the remaining balance of the related hotel management contract intangible asset and thus resulted in a full recovery of such asset. The proceeds were reported in proceeds from asset sales, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The franchise agreements for these hotels remained in place at their stated fee structure.
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7. FRANCHISING, MARKETING AND RESERVATION ACTIVITIES |
Royalties and franchise fee revenues on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income include initial franchise fees of $4 million and $3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
In accordance with its franchise agreements, the Company is generally contractually obligated to expend the marketing and reservation fees it collects from franchisees for the operation of an international, centralized, brand-specific reservation system and for marketing purposes such as advertising, promotional and co-marketing programs, and training for the respective franchisees.
Development Advance Notes
The Company may, at its discretion, provide development advance notes to certain franchisees/hotel owners in order to assist them in converting to one of its’ brands, in building a new hotel to be flagged under one of its’ brands or in assisting in other franchisee expansion efforts. Provided the franchisee/hotel owner is in compliance with the terms of the franchise agreement, all or a portion of the development advance notes may be forgiven by the Company over the period of the franchise agreement. Otherwise, the related principal is due and payable to the Company. In certain instances, the Company may earn interest on unpaid franchisee development advance notes.
The Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the following with respect to development advances:
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Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets: | March 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
Other non-current assets | $ | 154 | | | $ | 144 | |
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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income: | Three Months Ended March 31, | | |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | | | |
Forgiveness of notes (a) | $ | 3 | | | $ | 3 | | | | | |
Bad debt expense related to notes | — | | | 1 | | | | | |
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______________________
(a) Amounts are recorded as a reduction of both royalties and franchise fees and marketing, reservation and loyalty revenues on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income.
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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows: | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2023 | | 2022 |
Payments of development advance notes | $ | (14) | | | $ | (7) | |
Proceeds from repayment of development advance notes | 1 | | | — | |
Payments of development advance notes, net | $ | (13) | | | $ | (7) | |
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal and state jurisdictions, as well as in foreign jurisdictions. With certain exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to federal income tax examinations for years prior to 2019. The Company is no longer subject to state and local, or foreign, income tax examinations for years prior to 2015.
The Company made cash income tax payments, net of refunds, of $4 million and $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The Company’s effective tax rates were 26.4% and 24.3% during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. During 2023, the effective tax rate was higher as a result of the remeasurement of net deferred tax liabilities due to changes in certain state tax rates and a lower tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation.
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9. LONG-TERM DEBT AND BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS |
The Company’s indebtedness consisted of:
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| March 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
Long-term debt: (a) | Amount | | Weighted Average Rate (b) | | Amount | | Weighted Average Rate (b) |
$750 million revolving credit facility (due April 2027) | $ | — | | | | | $ | — | | | |
$400 million term loan A (due April 2027) | 399 | | | 6.18% | | 399 | | | 5.92% |
$1.6 billion term loan B (due May 2025) | 1,141 | | | 3.71% | | 1,139 | | | 3.70% |
4.375% senior unsecured notes (due August 2028) | 494 | | | 4.38% | | 494 | | | 4.38% |
Finance leases | 43 | | | 4.50% | | 45 | | | 4.50% |
Total long-term debt | 2,077 | | | | | 2,077 | | | |
Less: Current portion of long-term debt | 26 | | | | | 20 | | | |
Long-term debt | $ | 2,051 | | | | | $ | 2,057 | | | |
______________________
(a) The carrying amount of the term loans and senior unsecured notes are net of deferred debt issuance costs of $11 million as of both March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
(b) Weighted average interest rates are based on period-end balances, including the effects from hedging.
Maturities and Capacity
The Company’s outstanding debt as of March 31, 2023 matures as follows:
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| Long-Term Debt |
Within 1 year | $ | 26 | |
Between 1 and 2 years | 26 | |
Between 2 and 3 years | 1,176 | |
Between 3 and 4 years | 37 | |
Between 4 and 5 years | 306 | |
Thereafter | 506 | |
Total | $ | 2,077 | |
As of March 31, 2023, the available capacity under the Company’s revolving credit facility was as follows:
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| Revolving Credit Facility |
Total capacity | $ | 750 | |
Less: Letters of credit | 9 | |
Available capacity | $ | 741 | |
Deferred Debt Issuance Costs
The Company classifies deferred debt issuance costs related to its revolving credit facility within other non-current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Such deferred debt issuance costs were $3 million and $4 million as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Cash Flow Hedge
The Company has pay-fixed/receive-variable interest rate swaps which hedges the interest rate exposure on $1.1 billion, or more than 96% of the outstanding amount of its term loan B as of March 31, 2023. The interest rate swaps consist of a $600 million swap that expires in the second quarter of 2024 and has a weighted average fixed rate of 2.58% and a $500 million swap that expires in the fourth quarter of 2024 and has a weighted average fixed rate of 0.99%. The variable rates of the swap agreements are based on one-month LIBOR, which the Company intends to replace with SOFR by the end of the second quarter of 2023.The aggregate fair value of these interest rate swaps was an asset of $44 million and $53 million as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, which was included within other non-current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. The effect of interest rate swaps on interest expense, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income was $7 million of income and $5 million of expense for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
There was no hedging ineffectiveness recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2023 or 2022. The Company expects to reclassify $32 million of gains from accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to interest expense during the next 12 months.
Interest Expense, Net
The Company incurred net interest expense of $22 million and $20 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Cash paid related to such interest was $29 million and $24 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The Company measures its financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis and utilizes the fair value hierarchy to determine such fair values. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
Level 1: Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2: Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value driver is observable.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs used when little or no market data is available. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls has been determined based on the lowest level input (closest to Level 3) that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
The fair value of financial instruments is generally determined by reference to market values resulting from trading on a national securities exchange or in an over-the-counter market. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques, as appropriate. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of all other financial instruments are as follows:
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| March 31, 2023 |
| Carrying Amount | | Estimated Fair Value |
Debt | $ | 2,077 | | | $ | 2,045 | |
The Company estimates the fair value of its debt using Level 2 inputs based on indicative bids from investment banks or quoted market prices with the exception of finance leases, which are estimated at carrying value.
Financial Instruments
Changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates expose the Company to market risk. The Company uses cash flow hedges as part of its overall strategy to manage its exposure to market risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. As a matter of policy, the Company only enters into transactions that it believes will be highly effective at offsetting the underlying risk, and it does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. The Company estimates the fair value of its derivatives using Level 2 inputs.
Interest Rate Risk
A portion of debt used to finance the Company’s operations is exposed to interest rate fluctuations. The Company uses various hedging strategies and derivative financial instruments to create a desired mix of fixed and floating rate assets and liabilities. Derivative instruments currently used in these hedging strategies include interest rate swaps. The derivatives used to manage the risk associated with the Company’s floating rate debt are derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. See Note 9 - Long-Term Debt and Borrowing Arrangements for the impact of such cash flow hedges.
Foreign Currency Risk
The Company has foreign currency rate exposure to exchange rate fluctuations worldwide, particularly with respect to the Canadian Dollar, Chinese Yuan, Euro, Brazilian Real, British Pound and Argentine Peso. The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts at various times to manage and reduce the foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with its foreign currency denominated receivables and payables, forecasted royalties and forecasted earnings and cash flows of foreign subsidiaries and other transactions. The Company recognized losses of $2 million from freestanding foreign currency exchange contracts during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and recognized immaterial gains during the three months ended March 31, 2022. Such gains and losses are included in operating expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
The Company accounts for certain countries as a highly inflationary economy, with its exposure primarily related to Argentina. Foreign currency exchange losses related to Argentina were $1 million and not material during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Such losses are included in operating expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
Credit Risk and Exposure
The Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to various agreements and sales transactions. The Company manages such risk by evaluating the financial position and creditworthiness of
such counterparties and often by requiring collateral in instances in which financing is provided. The Company mitigates counterparty credit risk associated with its derivative contracts by monitoring the amounts at risk with each counterparty to such contracts, periodically evaluating counterparty creditworthiness and financial position, and where possible, dispersing its risk among multiple counterparties.
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11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
Litigation
The Company is involved, at times, in claims, legal and regulatory proceedings and governmental inquiries arising in the ordinary course of its business, including but not limited to: breach of contract, fraud and bad faith claims with franchisees in connection with franchise agreements and with owners in connection with management contracts, as well as negligence, breach of contract, fraud, employment, consumer protection and other statutory claims asserted in connection with alleged acts or occurrences at owned, franchised or managed properties or in relation to guest reservations and bookings. The Company may also at times be involved in claims, legal and regulatory proceedings and governmental inquiries relating to bankruptcy proceedings involving efforts to collect receivables from a debtor in bankruptcy, employment matters, claims of infringement upon third parties’ intellectual property rights, claims relating to information security, privacy and consumer protection, fiduciary duty/trust claims, tax claims, environmental claims and landlord/tenant disputes. Along with many of its competitors, the Company and/or certain of its subsidiaries have been named as defendants in litigation matters filed in state and federal courts, alleging statutory and common law claims related to purported incidents of sex trafficking at certain franchised and managed hotel facilities. Many of these matters are in the pleading or discovery stages at this time. In certain matters, discovery has closed and the parties are engaged in dispositive motion practice. As of March 31, 2023, the Company is aware of approximately 35 pending matters filed naming the Company and/or subsidiaries. Based upon the status of these matters, the Company has not made a determination as to the likelihood of any probable loss of any one of these matters and is unable to estimate a range of losses at this time.
The Company records an accrual for legal contingencies when it determines, after consultation with outside counsel, that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In making such determinations, the Company evaluates, among other things, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome, and when it is probable that a liability has been incurred, its ability to make a reasonable estimate of loss. The Company reviews these accruals each reporting period and makes revisions based on changes in facts and circumstances, including changes to its strategy in dealing with these matters.
The Company believes that it has adequately accrued for such matters with reserves of $4 million and $8 million as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The Company also had receivables of $2 million and $6 million as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, for certain matters which are covered by insurance and were included in other current assets on its Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Litigation is inherently unpredictable and, although the Company believes that its accruals are adequate and/or that it has valid defenses in these matters, unfavorable results could occur. As such, an adverse outcome from such proceedings for which claims are awarded in excess of the amounts accrued, if any, could be material to the Company with respect to earnings and/or cash flows in any given reporting period. As of March 31, 2023, the potential exposure resulting from adverse outcomes of such legal proceedings could, in the aggregate, range up to approximately $8 million in excess of recorded accruals. However, the Company does not believe that the impact of such litigation will result in a material liability to the Company in relation to its combined financial position or liquidity.
Guarantees
Separation-related guarantees
The Company assumed one-third of certain contingent and other corporate liabilities of former Parent incurred prior to the spin-off, including liabilities of former Parent related to, arising out of or resulting from certain terminated or divested businesses, certain general corporate matters of former Parent and any actions with respect to the separation plan or the distribution made or brought by any third party.
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12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION |
The Company has a stock-based compensation plan available to grant non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock-settled appreciation rights (“SSARs”), RSUs, performance-vesting restricted stock units (“PSUs”) and/or other stock-based awards to key employees and non-employee directors. Under the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. 2018 Equity and Incentive Plan (“Stock Plan”), which became effective on May 14, 2018, a maximum of 10.0 million shares of common stock may be awarded. As of March 31, 2023, 4.8 million shares remained available.
During 2023, the Company granted incentive equity awards totaling $28 million to key employees and senior officers in the form of RSUs. The RSUs generally vest ratably over a period of four years based on continuous service. Additionally, the Company approved incentive equity awards to key employees and senior officers in the form of PSUs with a maximum grant value of $19 million. The PSUs generally cliff vest on the third anniversary of the grant date based on continuous service with the number of shares earned (0% to 200% of the target award) dependent upon the extent the Company achieves certain performance metrics.
Incentive Equity Awards Granted by the Company
The activity related to the Company’s incentive equity awards for the three months ended March 31, 2023 consisted of the following:
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| RSUs | | PSUs |
| Number of RSUs | | Weighted Average Grant Price | | Number of PSUs | | Weighted Average Grant Price |
Balance as of December 31, 2022 | 1.0 | | | $ | 67.90 | | | 0.3 | | | $ | 69.82 | |
Granted (a) | 0.3 | | | 77.30 | | | 0.3 | | (b) | 77.45 | |
Vested | (0.3) | | | 63.86 | | | — | | | — | |
Canceled | — | | | — | | | (0.1) | | | 53.40 | |
Balance as of March 31, 2023 | 1.0 | | (c) | $ | 72.36 | | | 0.5 | | (d) | $ | 76.56 | |
______________________
(a)Represents awards granted by the Company in March 2023.
(b)Represents awards granted by the Company at the maximum achievement level of 200% of target payout. Actual shares that may be issued can range from 0% to 200% of target.
(c)RSUs outstanding as of March 31, 2023 have an aggregate unrecognized compensation expense of $68 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.0 years.
(d)PSUs outstanding as of March 31, 2023 have an aggregate maximum potential unrecognized compensation expense of $29 million, which may be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.5 years based on attainment of targets.
There were no stock options granted in 2023 or 2022. The activity related to stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2023 consisted of the following:
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| Number of Options | | Weighted Average Exercise Price | | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) | | Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) |
Outstanding as of December 31, 2022 | 1.0 | | | $ | 55.90 | | | | | |
Granted | — | | | — | | | | | |
Exercised | — | | | — | | | | | |
Canceled | — | | | — | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Outstanding as of March 31, 2023 | 1.0 | | | $ | 55.91 | | | 3.4 | | $ | 12 | |
Unvested as of March 31, 2023 | 0.1 | | (a) | $ | 56.47 | | | 3.2 | | $ | 2 | |
Exercisable as of March 31, 2023 | 0.9 | | | $ | 55.81 | | | 3.5 | | $ | 10 | |
______________________
(a)Unvested options as of March 31, 2023 are expected to vest over time and have an aggregate unrecognized compensation expense of $2 million, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
Stock-based compensation expense was $9 million and $8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The reportable segments presented below represent the Company’s operating segments for which separate financial information is available and is utilized on a regular basis by its chief operating decision maker to assess performance and allocate resources. In identifying its reportable segments, the Company also considers the nature of services provided by its operating segments. Management evaluates the operating results of each of its reportable segments based upon net revenues and “adjusted EBITDA”, which is defined as net income/(loss) excluding net interest expense, depreciation and amortization, early extinguishment of debt charges, impairment charges, restructuring and related charges, contract termination costs, transaction-related items (acquisition-, disposition- or separation-related), (gain)/loss on asset sales, foreign currency impacts of highly inflationary countries, stock-based compensation expense, income taxes and development advance notes amortization. The Company believes that adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of performance for its segments which, when considered with U.S. GAAP measures, allows a more complete understanding of its operating performance. The Company uses this measure internally to assess operating performance, both absolutely and in comparison to other companies, and to make day to day operating decisions, including in the evaluation of selected compensation decisions. The Company’s presentation of adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures used by other companies.
In the first quarter of 2023, the Company changed the composition of its reportable segments to reflect the recent changes in its Hotel Management segment due to the exit from the select-service management business, the sale of its two owned hotels and the exit from substantially all of its U.S. full-service management business. The remaining hotel management business, which is predominately the full-service international managed business, no longer meets the quantitative thresholds to be considered a reportable segment and as a result, the Company has aggregated, on a prospective basis, such management business within its Hotel Franchising segment.
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| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2023 | | 2022 |
| Net Revenues | | Adjusted EBITDA | | Net Revenues | | Adjusted EBITDA |
Hotel Franchising (a) | $ | 313 | | | $ | 164 | | | $ | 272 | | | $ | 155 | |
Hotel Management | n/a | | n/a | | 99 | | | 20 | |
Total Reportable Segments | 313 | | | 164 | | | 371 | | | 175 | |
Corporate and Other | — | | | (17) | | | — | | | (16) | |
Total Company | $ | 313 | | | $ | 147 | | | $ | 371 | | | $ | 159 | |
______________________(a) For 2023, the Hotel Franchising segment includes the former Hotel Management segment, which is primarily comprised of the Company's remaining international full-service managed business.
The table below is a reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2023 | | 2022 |
Net income | $ | 67 | | | $ | 106 | |
Provision for income taxes | 24 | | | 34 | |
Depreciation and amortization | 19 | | | 24 | |
Interest expense, net | 22 | | | 20 | |
| | | |
Stock-based compensation expense | 9 | | | 8 | |
Development advance notes amortization | 3 | | | 3 | |
Separation-related expenses | 2 | | | — | |
Gain on asset sale | — | | | (36) | |
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| | | |
Foreign currency impact of highly inflationary countries | 1 | | | — | |
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 147 | | | $ | 159 | |
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14. OTHER EXPENSES AND CHARGES |
Separation-Related
Separation-related costs associated with the Company's spin-off from former Parent were $2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and were primarily related to a tax matter.
Gain on Asset Sale
In March 2022, the Company completed the sale of its Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek Resort for gross proceeds of $121 million ($118 million, net of transaction costs) and recognized a $36 million gain, net of transaction costs, for the three months ended March 31, 2022 which was attributable to the Company's hotel management business and was reported within gain on asset sale on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income. Additionally, the Company entered into a 20 year franchise agreement with the buyer.
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15. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) |
The components of AOCI are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net of Tax | | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | | Cash Flow Hedges | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) |
Balance as of December 31, 2022 | | $ | (3) | | | $ | 41 | | | $ | 38 | |
Period change | | 2 | | | (8) | | | (6) | |
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Balance as of March 31, 2023 | | $ | (1) | | | $ | 33 | | | $ | 32 | |
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Net of Tax | | | | | | |
Balance as of December 31, 2021 | | $ | 2 | | | $ | (17) | | | $ | (15) | |
Period change | | — | | | 31 | | | 31 | |
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Balance as of March 31, 2022 | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 14 | | | $ | 16 | |
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Unless otherwise noted, all amounts are in millions, except share and per share amounts)
Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as amended. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to our views and expectations regarding our strategy and the performance of our business, our financial results, our liquidity and capital resources, share repurchases and dividends and other non-historical statements. We claim the protection of the Safe Harbor contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include those that convey management’s expectations as to the future based on plans, estimates and projections at the time we make the statements and may be identified by words such as “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “goal,” “future,” “outlook,” “guidance,” “target,” “objective,” “estimate,” “projection” and similar words or expressions, including the negative version of such words and expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include without limitation general economic conditions, including inflation, higher interest rates and potential recessionary pressures; the worsening of the effects from the coronavirus pandemic, (“COVID-19”); COVID-19’s scope, duration, resurgence and impact on our business operations, financial results, cash flows and liquidity, as well as the impact on our franchisees, guests and team members, the hospitality industry and overall demand for and restrictions on travel; our continued performance during the recovery from COVID-19, and any resurgence or mutations of the virus; concerns with or threats of other pandemics, contagious diseases or health epidemics, including the effects of COVID-19; the performance of the financial and credit markets; the economic environment for the hospitality industry; operating risks associated with the hotel franchising business;
our relationships with franchisees; the impact of war, terrorist activity, political instability or political strife, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine; the Company’s ability to satisfy obligations and agreements under its outstanding indebtedness, including the payment of principal and interest and compliance with the covenants thereunder; risks related to our ability to obtain financing and the terms of such financing, including access to liquidity and capital; and the Company’s ability to make or pay, plans for and the timing and amount of any future share repurchases and/or dividends, as well as the risks described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise, except as required by law. We may use our website as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Disclosures of this nature will be included on our website in the “Investors” section, which can currently be accessed at www.investor.wyndhamhotels.com. Accordingly, investors should monitor this section of our website in addition to following our press releases, filings submitted with the SEC and any public conference calls or webcasts.
References herein to “Wyndham Hotels,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is a leading global hotel franchisor, licensing its renowned hotel brands to hotel owners in over 95 countries around the world.
Our primary segment is hotel franchising which principally consists of licensing our lodging brands and providing related services to third-party hotel owners and others.
In the first quarter of 2023, we changed the composition of our reportable segments to reflect the recent changes in our Hotel Management segment due to the exit from the select-service management business, the sale of our two owned hotels and the exit from substantially all of our U.S. full-service management business. The remaining hotel management business, which is predominately the full-service international managed business, no longer meets the quantitative thresholds to be considered a reportable segment and as a result, we have aggregated, on a prospective basis, such management business within our Hotel Franchising segment.
Discussed below are our key operating statistics, consolidated results of operations and the results of operations for each of our reportable segments. The reportable segments presented below represent our operating segments for which discrete financial information is available and used on a regular basis by our chief operating decision maker to assess performance and to allocate resources. In identifying our reportable segments, we also consider the nature of services provided by our operating segments. Management evaluates the operating results of each of our reportable segments based upon net revenues and adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income/(loss) excluding net interest expense, depreciation and amortization, early extinguishment of debt charges, impairment charges, restructuring and related charges, contract termination costs, transaction-related items (acquisition-, disposition- or separation-related), (gain)/loss on asset sales, foreign currency impacts of highly inflationary countries, stock-based compensation expense, income taxes and development advance notes amortization. We believe that adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of performance for our segments and, when considered with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) measures, gives a more complete understanding of our operating performance. We use this measure internally to assess operating performance, both absolutely and in comparison to other companies, and to make day to day operating decisions, including in the evaluation of selected compensation decisions. Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized term under U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or other measures of financial performance or liquidity derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our presentation of adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures used by other companies.
We generate royalties and franchise fees, management fees and other revenues from hotel franchising and hotel management activities, as well as fees from licensing our “Wyndham” trademark, certain other trademarks and intellectual property. In addition, pursuant to our franchise and management contracts with third-party hotel owners, we generate marketing, reservation and loyalty fee revenues and cost reimbursement revenues that over time are offset, respectively, by the marketing, reservation and loyalty costs and property operating costs that we incur.
The table below presents our operating statistics for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. “Rooms” represent the number of hotel rooms at the end of the period which are either under franchise and/or management agreements and properties under affiliation agreements for which we receive a fee for reservation and/or other services provided. “RevPAR” represents revenue per available room and is calculated by multiplying average occupancy rate by average daily rate. “Average royalty rate” represents the average royalty rate earned on our franchised properties and is calculated by dividing total royalties, excluding the impact of amortization of development advance notes, by total room revenues. These operating statistics are drivers of our revenues and therefore provide an enhanced understanding of our business. Refer to the section below for a discussion as to how these operating statistics affected our business for the periods presented.
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| As of March 31, | | |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | % Change |
Rooms | | | | | |
United States | 494,400 | | 491,900 | | 1% |
International | 350,400 | | 321,400 | | 9% |
Total rooms | 844,800 | | 813,300 | | 4% |
| | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, | | |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | Change |
RevPAR | | | | | |
United States | $ | 43.84 | | | $ | 42.11 | | | 4% |
International (a) | 27.99 | | | 21.95 | | | 28% |
Global RevPAR (a) | 37.20 | | | 34.06 | | | 9% |
Average Royalty Rate | | | | | |
United States | 4.5 | % | | 4.6 | % | | (10 bps) |
International | 2.3 | % | | 2.3 | % | | — |
Global average royalty rate | 3.9 | % | | 4.0 | % | | (10 bps) |
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______________________
(a)Excluding currency effects, international RevPAR increased 37% and global RevPAR increased 12%.
As of March 31, 2023, global rooms grew 4% compared to the prior year, reflecting 1% growth in the U.S. and 9% growth internationally. These increases included strong growth in both the higher RevPAR midscale and above segments in the U.S. and the direct franchising business in China, which grew 4% and 10%, respectively, as well as 80 basis points of growth globally and 200 basis points internationally from the acquisition of the Vienna House brand in the third quarter of 2022.
Excluding currency effects, global RevPAR for the three months ended March 31, 2023 increased 12% compared to the prior year period, reflecting U.S. and international growth of 4% and 37%, respectively. Approximately two-thirds of this increase was attributable to stronger pricing power, while the remainder was due to higher occupancy levels.
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THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 VS. THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2022 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, | | | | |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | Change | | % Change |
Revenues | | | | | | | |
Fee-related and other revenues | $ | 308 | | | $ | 316 | | | $ | (8) | | | (3 | %) |
Cost reimbursement revenues | 5 | | | 55 | | | (50) | | | (91 | %) |
Net revenues | 313 | | | 371 | | | (58) | | | (16 | %) |
Expenses | | | | | | | |
Marketing, reservation and loyalty expense | 124 | | | 104 | | | 20 | | | 19 | % |
Cost reimbursement expense | 5 | | | 55 | | | (50) | | | (91 | %) |
Gain on asset sale | — | | | (36) | | | 36 | | | n/a |
Other expenses | 71 | | | 88 | | | (17) | | | (19 | %) |
Total expenses | 200 | | | 211 | | | (11) | | | (5 | %) |
Operating income | 113 | | | 160 | | | (47) | | | (29 | %) |
Interest expense, net | 22 | | | 20 | | | 2 | | | 10 | % |
| | | | | | | |
Income before income taxes | 91 | | | 140 | | | (49) | | | (35 | %) |
Provision for income taxes | 24 | | | 34 | | | (10) | | | (29 | %) |
Net income | $ | 67 | | | $ | 106 | | | $ | (39) | | | (37 | %) |
Net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2023 decreased $58 million, or 16%, compared to the prior-year period, primarily driven by:
•$67 million of lower revenues associated with the exit of our select-service management business and sales of our owned hotels in the first half of 2022, of which $29 million represented cost-reimbursement revenues that have no impact on net income; and
•$21 million of lower cost-reimbursement revenues related to the exit of substantially all of our U.S. full service management business, which have no impact on net income; partially offset by
•$16 million of higher royalties resulting from RevPAR and rooms increases as well as an increase in other franchise fees;
•$9 million of higher marketing, reservation and loyalty fees, primarily reflecting the RevPAR and rooms increases; and
•$4 million of higher license and other fees.
Total expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2023 decreased $11 million, or 5%, compared to the prior-year period, primarily driven by:
•$54 million of lower expenses associated with the exit of our select-service management business and the sale of our owned hotels in the first half of 2022, of which $29 million represented cost-reimbursement expenses;
•$21 million of lower cost-reimbursement revenues associated with the exit of substantially all of our U.S. full-service management business, which have no impact on net income; partially offset by
•$36 million from the absence of the gain on asset sale in 2022 related to the sale of our owned hotel;
•$20 million of higher marketing, reservation and loyalty expenses primarily as a result of the increase in marketing revenues as well as timing of spend; and
•$5 million of higher operating expenses primarily driven by revenue-generating activities.
Interest expense, net for the three months ended March 31, 2023 increased $2 million, or 10%, compared to the prior-year period primarily due to a higher variable interest rate on our term loans in 2023, partially offset by higher interest income earned on our cash balances.
Our effective tax rates were 26.4% and 24.3% during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. During 2023, the effective tax rate was higher as a result of the remeasurement of net deferred tax liabilities due to changes in certain state tax rates and a lower tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation.
As a result of these items, net income for the three months ended March 31, 2023 decreased $39 million compared to the prior-year period.
The table below is a reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA.
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| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2023 | | 2022 |
Net income | $ | 67 | | | $ | 106 | |
Provision for income taxes | 24 | | | 34 | |
Depreciation and amortization | 19 | | | 24 | |
Interest expense, net | 22 | | | 20 | |
| | | |
Stock-based compensation expense | 9 | | | 8 | |
Development advance notes amortization | 3 | | | 3 | |
Separation-related expenses | 2 | | | — | |
Gain on asset sale | — | | | (36) | |
| | | |
| | | |
Foreign currency impact of highly inflationary countries | 1 | | | — | |
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 147 | | | $ | 159 | |
In the first quarter of 2023, we changed the composition of our reportable segments to reflect the recent changes in our Hotel Management segment due to the exit from the select-service management business, the sale of our two owned hotels and the exit from substantially all of our U.S. full-service management business. The remaining hotel management business, which is predominately the full-service international managed business, no longer meets the quantitative thresholds to be considered a reportable segment and as a result, we have aggregated, on a prospective basis, such management business within our Hotel Franchising segment.
Following is a discussion of the results of our Hotel Franchising segment and Corporate and Other for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022:
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| Net Revenues | | | | Adjusted EBITDA | | |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | % Change | | 2023 | | 2022 | | % Change |
Hotel Franchising (a) | $ | 313 | | | $ | 272 | | | 15% | | $ | 164 | | | $ | 155 | | | 6% |
Hotel Management | n/a | | 99 | | | n/a | | n/a | | 20 | | | n/a |
Corporate and Other | — | | | — | | | n/a | | (17) | | | (16) | | | (6 | %) |
Total Company | $ | 313 | | | $ | 371 | | | (16%) | | $ | 147 | | | $ | 159 | | | (8%) |
______________________(a) For 2023, the Hotel Franchising segment includes the former Hotel Management segment, which is primarily comprised of the Company's remaining international full-service managed business.
Hotel Franchising
Net revenues increased $41 million, or 15%, compared to the first quarter of 2022, primarily driven by:
•$18 million of higher royalties resulting from RevPAR and rooms increases as well as an increase in other franchise fees;
•$9 million of higher marketing, reservation and loyalty revenues, primarily reflecting the RevPAR and rooms increases;
•$5 million of higher cost-reimbursement revenues in our international full-service managed properties that have no impact on adjusted EBITDA;
•$4 million of higher license and other fees;
•$3 million of management fees primarily from our international full-service management business; and
•$2 million of higher other revenues.
Adjusted EBITDA increased $9 million, or 6%, compared to the first quarter of 2022, primarily driven by the revenue increases discussed above (excluding cost reimbursements), partially offset by an increase in marketing spend due to timing as well as higher operating expenses primarily driven by revenue-generating activities.
Corporate and Other
Adjusted EBITDA was unfavorable by $1 million compared to the prior-year period.
During first quarter 2023, we awarded 123 new contracts for our legacy brands, an increase of 7% year-over-year, and 35 new contracts for our ECHO Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham brand, bringing the total number of contracts awarded for the brand to 205 since its launch. On March 31, 2023, our global development pipeline consisted of approximately 1,800 hotels and 226,000 rooms, of which approximately 72% is in the midscale and above segments. Our pipeline grew 11% year-over-year, including 28% in the U.S. Approximately 57% of our development pipeline is international and 80% is new construction, of which approximately 35% has broken ground. Our pipeline includes over 25,000 rooms associated with our ECHO brand.
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FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES |
Financial Condition
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| March 31, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 | | Change |
Total assets | $ | 4,084 | | | $ | 4,123 | | | $ | (39) | |
Total liabilities | 3,148 | | | 3,161 | | | (13) | |
Total stockholders’ equity | 936 | | | 962 | | | (26) | |
Total assets decreased $39 million from December 31, 2022 to March 31, 2023 primarily related to a reduction in other current assets due to the timing of a payment received from our co-branded credit card partner. Total liabilities decreased $13 million from December 31, 2022 to March 31, 2023 primarily related to a reduction in accrued expenses due to timing of payments. Total equity decreased $26 million from December 31, 2022 to March 31, 2023 primarily due to $56 million of stock repurchases and $31 million of dividend payments, partially offset by our net income.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically, our business generates sufficient cash flow to not only support our current operations as well as our future growth needs and dividend payments to our stockholders, but also to create additional value for our stockholders in the form of share repurchases or business investment.
As of March 31, 2023, our liquidity approximated $890 million. Given the minimal capital needs and flexible cost structure of our business, we believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, cash generated through operations and our expected access to financing facilities, together with funding through our revolving credit facility, will be sufficient to fund our operating activities, anticipated capital expenditures and growth needs.
As of March 31, 2023, we were in compliance with the financial covenants of our credit agreement and expect to remain in such compliance. As of March 31, 2023, we had a term loan B with a principal outstanding balance of $1.1 billion maturing in 2025, term loan A with a principal outstanding balance of $400 million maturing in 2027 and a five-year revolving credit facility maturing in 2027 with a maximum aggregate principal amount of $750 million, of which none was outstanding and $9 million was allocated to outstanding letters of credit.
The interest rate per annum applicable to our term loan B is equal to, at our option, either a base rate plus a margin of 0.75% or LIBOR plus a margin of 1.75%. Our revolving credit facility and term loan A are subject to an interest rate per annum equal to, at our option, either a base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.50% to 1.00% or the Secured Overnight Funding Rate (“SOFR”) plus a 0.10% SOFR adjustment, plus a margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.00%, in either case based upon the total leverage ratio of the Company and its restricted subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2023, this margin was 1.75%.
As of March 31, 2023, $1.1 billion of our term loan B is hedged with pay-fixed/receive-variable interest rate swaps hedging our term loan interest rate exposure. The aggregate fair value of these interest rate swaps was a $44 million asset as of March 31, 2023.
The Federal Reserve has established the Alternative Reference Rates Committee to identify alternative reference rates for when the U.S. dollar LIBOR ceases to exist after June 2023. Our credit facility, as amended in April 2022, includes our revolving credit facility and term loans A and B. The revolver and term loan A are both based on SOFR. For the pre-existing term loan B, the credit facility gives us the option to use LIBOR as a base rate and our interest rate swaps are based on the one-month U.S. dollar LIBOR rate. In the event that LIBOR is no longer published, the credit facility allows us and the administrative agent of the facility to replace LIBOR with an alternative benchmark rate, subject to the right of the majority of the lenders to object thereto. In addition, the International Swaps and Derivatives Association issued protocols to allow swap
parties to amend their existing contracts, though our existing swaps will continue to reference LIBOR for the foreseeable future. We intend to replace LIBOR with SOFR by the end of the second quarter of 2023.
As of March 31, 2023, our credit rating was Ba1 from Moody’s Investors Service and BB+ from Standard and Poor’s Rating Agency. A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and is subject to revision or withdrawal by the assigning rating organization. Reference in this report to any such credit rating is intended for the limited purpose of discussing or referring to aspects of our liquidity and of our costs of funds. Any reference to a credit rating is not intended to be any guarantee or assurance of, nor should there be any undue reliance upon, any credit rating or change in credit rating, nor is any such reference intended as any inference concerning future performance, future liquidity or any future credit rating.
Our liquidity and access to capital may be impacted by our credit ratings, financial performance and global credit market conditions. We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, cash generated through operations and our expected access to financing facilities, together with funding through our revolving credit facility, will be sufficient to fund our operating activities, anticipated capital expenditures and growth needs.
The following table summarizes the changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | Change |
Cash provided by/(used in) | | | | | |
Operating activities | $ | 93 | | | $ | 135 | | | $ | (42) | |
Investing activities | (9) | | | 192 | | | (201) | |
Financing activities | (95) | | | (82) | | | (13) | |
| | | | | |
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | (11) | | | $ | 245 | | | $ | (256) | |
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $42 million compared to the prior-year period primarily due to unfavorable timing of working capital, the impact from the sale of our two owned hotels and the exit of our select-service management business and higher development advances provided to franchisees.
Net cash used in investing activities increased $201 million compared to the prior-year period primarily due to the absence of the proceeds received in the first quarter of 2022 from the sale of our Bonnet Creek hotel and the termination fee from CorePoint Lodging in connection with the exit of our select-service management business.
Net cash used in financing activities increased $13 million compared to the prior-year period primarily due to the increase in stock repurchases.
Capital Deployment
Our first priority is to invest in the business. This includes deploying capital to attract high quality assets into our system, investing in select technology improvements across our business that further our strategic objectives and competitive position, brand refresh programs to improve quality and protect brand equity, business acquisitions that are accretive and strategically enhancing to our business, and/or other strategic initiatives. We also expect to maintain a regular dividend payment. Excess cash generated beyond these needs is expected to be available for enhanced stockholder return in the form of stock repurchases or potential acquisitions from time to time.
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we spent $9 million on capital expenditures, primarily related to information technology, including digital innovation. During 2023, we anticipate spending approximately $35 million on capital expenditures.
In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2023, we spent $13 million on development advance notes, net of repayments. During 2023, we anticipate spending approximately $60 million on development advance notes. We may also provide other forms of financial support such as enhanced credit support to further assist in the growth of our business.
We expect all our cash needs to be funded from cash on hand and cash generated through operations, and/or availability under our revolving credit facility.
Stock Repurchase Program
In May 2018, our Board approved a share repurchase plan pursuant to which we were authorized to purchase up to $300 million of our common stock. In August 2019, the Board increased the capacity of the program by $300 million. Our Board increased the capacity of the program by $400 million in February 2022 and an additional $400 million in October 2022. Under the plan, we may, from time to time, purchase our common stock through various means, including, without limitation, open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions or tender offers, subject to the terms of the tax matters agreement entered into in connection with our spin-off.
Under our current stock repurchase program, we repurchased approximately 0.8 million shares at an average price of $70.48 for a cost of $56 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023. As of March 31, 2023, we had $381 million of remaining availability under our program.
Dividend Policy
We declared cash dividends of $0.35 per share in the first quarter of 2023 ($31 million in aggregate).
The declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of our common stock is at the discretion of our Board and depends upon many factors, including our financial condition, earnings, capital requirements of our business, covenants associated with certain debt obligations, legal requirements, regulatory constraints, industry practice and other factors that our Board deems relevant.
Our credit facilities contain customary covenants that, among other things, impose limitations on indebtedness; liens; mergers, consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions; dispositions, restricted debt payments, restricted payments and transactions with affiliates. Events of default in these credit facilities include, among others, failure to pay interest, principal and fees when due; breach of a covenant or warranty; acceleration of or failure to pay other debt in excess of a threshold amount; unpaid judgments in excess of a threshold amount, insolvency matters; and a change of control. The credit facilities require us to comply with a financial covenant to be tested quarterly, consisting of a maximum first-lien leverage ratio of 5.0 times. The ratio is calculated by dividing consolidated first lien indebtedness (as defined in the credit agreement) net of consolidated unrestricted cash as of the measurement date by consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement), as measured on a trailing four-fiscal-quarter basis preceding the measurement date. As of March 31, 2023, our annualized first-lien leverage ratio was 2.2 times.
The indenture, as supplemented, under which the senior notes due 2028 were issued, contains covenants that limit, among other things, our ability and that of certain of our subsidiaries to (i) create liens on certain assets; (ii) enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and (iii) merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all of our assets. These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications.
As of March 31, 2023, we were in compliance with the financial covenants described above.
While the hotel industry is seasonal in nature, periods of higher revenues vary property-by-property and performance is dependent on location and guest base. Based on historical performance, revenues from franchise and management contracts are generally higher in the second and third quarters than in the first or fourth quarters due to increased leisure travel during the spring and summer months. Our cash from operating activities may not necessarily follow the same seasonality as our revenues and may vary due to timing of working capital requirements and other investment activities. The seasonality of our business may cause fluctuations in our quarterly operating results, earnings, profit margins and cash flows. As we expand into new markets and geographical locations, we may experience increased or different seasonality dynamics that create fluctuations in operating results different from the fluctuations we have experienced in the past.
| | |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
We are involved in claims, legal and regulatory proceedings and governmental inquiries related to our business. Litigation is inherently unpredictable and, although we believe that our accruals are adequate and/or that we have valid defenses in these matters, unfavorable results could occur. As such, an adverse outcome from such proceedings for which claims are awarded in excess of the amounts accrued, if any, could be material to us with respect to earnings and/or cash flows in any given reporting period. As of March 31, 2023, the potential exposure resulting from adverse outcomes of such legal proceedings could, in the
aggregate, range up to approximately $8 million in excess of recorded accruals. However, we do not believe that the impact of such litigation should result in a material liability to us in relation to our financial position or liquidity. For a more detailed description of our commitments and contingencies see Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this report.
| | |
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
In presenting our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported therein. Several of the estimates and assumptions we are required to make relate to matters that are inherently uncertain as they pertain to future events. However, events that are outside of our control cannot be predicted and, as such, they cannot be contemplated in evaluating such estimates and assumptions. If there is a significant unfavorable change to current conditions, it could result in a material impact to our consolidated results of operations, financial position and liquidity. We believe that the estimates and assumptions we used when preparing our financial statements were the most appropriate at that time. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our 2022 Consolidated Financial Statements included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and any subsequent reports filed with the SEC, which includes a description of our critical accounting policies that involve subjective and complex judgments that could potentially affect reported results.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
We use various financial instruments, including interest swap contracts, to reduce the interest rate risk related to our debt. We also use foreign currency forwards to manage and reduce the foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with our foreign currency denominated receivables and payables, forecasted royalties, forecasted earnings and cash flows of foreign subsidiaries and other transactions.
We are exclusively an end user of these instruments, which are commonly referred to as derivatives. We do not engage in trading, market making or other speculative activities in the derivatives markets. More detailed information about these financial instruments is provided in Note 10 - Fair Value to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Our principal market exposures are interest rate and currency exchange rate risks.
We assess our exposures to changes in interest rates utilizing a sensitivity analysis. The sensitivity analysis measures the potential impact in earnings, fair values and cash flows based on a hypothetical 10% change (increase and decrease) in interest rates. Our variable-rate borrowings, which include our term loan, a portion of which has been swapped to a fixed interest rate, and any borrowings we make under our revolving credit facility, expose us to risks caused by fluctuations in the applicable interest rates. The total outstanding balance of such variable-rate borrowings, net of swaps, was $444 million as of March 31, 2023. A hypothetical 10% change in our effective weighted average interest rate on our variable-rate borrowings would result in a $2 million increase or decrease to our annual long-term debt interest expense, and a one-point change in the underlying interest rates would result in approximately a $4 million increase or decrease in our annual interest expense.
The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities.
We have foreign currency rate exposure to exchange rate fluctuations worldwide, particularly with respect to the Canadian Dollar, the Chinese Yuan, the Euro, the Brazilian Real, British Pound and the Argentine Peso. We anticipate that such foreign currency exchange rate risk will remain a market risk exposure for the foreseeable future.
We use a current market pricing model to assess the changes in the value of our foreign currency derivatives used by us to hedge underlying exposure that primarily consists of our non-functional-currency current assets and liabilities. The primary assumption used in these models is a hypothetical 10% weakening or strengthening of the U.S. dollar against all our currency exposures as of March 31, 2023. The gains and losses on the hedging instruments are largely offset by the gains and losses on the underlying assets, liabilities or expected cash flows. As of March 31, 2023, the absolute notional amount of our outstanding foreign exchange hedging instruments was $182 million. We have determined through such analyses that a hypothetical 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates would have resulted in approximately a $10 million increase or decrease to the fair value of our outstanding forward foreign currency exchange contracts, which would generally be offset by an opposite effect on the underlying exposure being economically hedged.
Argentina is considered to be a highly inflationary economy. As of March 31, 2023, we had total net assets of $2 million in Argentina.
Our total market risk is influenced by a wide variety of factors including the volatility present within the markets and the liquidity of the markets. There are certain limitations inherent in the sensitivity analyses presented. While probably the most meaningful analysis, these “shock tests” are constrained by several factors, including the necessity to conduct the analysis based on a single point in time and the inability to include the complex market reactions that normally would arise from the market shifts modeled.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
(a)Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13(a)-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based on such evaluation, our principal executive and principal financial officers concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and operating to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and to provide reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b)Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the period to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. As of March 31, 2023, we utilized the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
We are involved in various claims, legal and regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, none of which, in the opinion of management, is expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. See Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of our business.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
The discussion of our business and operations should be read together with the risk factors contained in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 (“Annual Report”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which describe various risks and uncertainties to which we are or may become subject. These risks and uncertainties have the potential to affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, strategies or prospects in a material and adverse manner.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
In May 2018, our Board of Directors (“Board”) authorized a stock repurchase program that enables us to repurchase up to $300 million of our common stock. In August 2019, our Board increased the capacity of the program by $300 million. Our Board increased the capacity of the program by $400 million in February 2022 and an additional $400 million in October 2022. Below is a summary of our common stock repurchases, excluding excise taxes, fees and expenses, by month for the quarter ended March 31, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Period | | Total Number of Shares Purchased | | Average Price Paid per Share | | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan | | Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under Plan |
January | | 51,303 | | | $ | 71.69 | | | 51,303 | | | $ | 432,490,980 | |
February | | 90,776 | | | 77.11 | | | 90,776 | | | 425,491,154 | |
March | | 648,086 | | | 68.84 | | | 648,086 | | | 380,876,610 | |
Total | | 790,165 | | | $ | 69.98 | | | 790,165 | | | $ | 380,876,610 | |
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information.
None.
Item 6. Exhibits.
The exhibit index appears on the page immediately following the signature page of this report.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| | | | | | | | |
| | WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS, INC. |
| | |
Date: April 27, 2023 | By: | /s/ Michele Allen |
| | Michele Allen |
| | Chief Financial Officer |
| | |
Date: April 27, 2023 | By: | /s/ Nicola Rossi |
| | Nicola Rossi |
| | Chief Accounting Officer |
EXHIBIT INDEX
| | | | | |
Exhibit No. | Description |
3.1 | |
3.2 | |
10.1* | |
10.2* | |
10.3* | |
10.4* | |
10.5* | |
15.1* | |
31.1* | |
31.2* | |
32** | |
101.INS* | XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document |
101.SCH* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
101.CAL* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
101.DEF* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
101.LAB* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
101.PRE* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document |
______________________
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished with this report.
Exhibit 10.1
WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS, INC.
2018 EQUITY AND INCENTIVE PLAN
AWARD AGREEMENT – PERFORMANCE
RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
This Award Agreement (this “Agreement”), dated as of __________ ___, ____, is by and between Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and you (the “Grantee”), pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. 2018 Equity and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).
In consideration of the provisions contained in this Agreement, the Company and the Grantee agree as follows:
1.The Plan. The PSU Award (as defined below) granted to the Grantee hereunder is made pursuant to the Plan. A copy of the Plan, a prospectus for the Plan and the Key Terms of Performance Restricted Stock Units document (the “Key Terms”) are available at the Grantee’s portal page on Benefits Online available at www.benefits.ml.com (the “Portal Page”), and the terms of the Plan and the Key Terms are hereby incorporated in this Agreement as fully as though actually set forth herein. Terms used in this Agreement which are not defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings used or defined in the Plan.
2.PSU Award. Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and this Agreement, the Company hereby grants the performance restricted stock units (the “PSUs”) described on the Portal Page (the “PSU Award”) to the Grantee. Upon the vesting of the PSU Award, as described in Paragraph 3 below, the Company shall deliver, no later than ___________ ___ of the calendar year following the calendar year in which all or portion of the PSU Award vests, for each PSU that vests, one share of Stock, subject to Paragraph 6 below.
3.Vesting. Subject to the achievement of the performance goals set forth on the Portal Page and in the Key Terms, the PSU Award (or portion thereof, as determined in accordance with the special terms and conditions set forth on the Portal Page) shall vest on _____________ ___, _____ or, if later, the date of certification by the Committee of the level of performance achieved as measured against the pre-established performance tiers set forth on the Portal Page and in the Key Terms; provided the Grantee remains continuously employed with the Company or one of its Subsidiaries through the applicable vesting date.
4.Termination of Employment. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, and, if applicable, subject to the Grantee’s written agreement of employment with the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, upon the termination of the Grantee’s employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries for any reason whatsoever (other than the Grantee’s death or Disability), the PSU Award, to the extent not yet vested, shall immediately and automatically terminate.
5.No Rights to Continued Employment. Neither this Agreement nor the PSU Award shall be construed as giving the Grantee any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to terminate such employment. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the PSU Award, this Agreement or any other agreement (written or oral) to the contrary, (a) for purposes of the Plan and the PSU Award, a termination of employment shall be deemed to have occurred on the date upon which the Grantee ceases to perform active employment duties for the Company and its Subsidiaries, without regard to any period of notice of termination of employment (whether expressed or implied) or any period of severance or salary continuation; and (b) the Grantee shall not be entitled (and by accepting the PSU Award, automatically and irrevocably waives any such entitlement), by way of compensation for loss of office or otherwise, to any sum or other benefit to compensate the Grantee for the loss of any rights under the Plan as a result of the termination or expiration of the PSU Award in connection with any termination of employment. No amounts earned pursuant to the Plan or any Award made under the Plan, including the PSU Award, shall be deemed to be eligible compensation in respect of any other plan of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
6.Tax Obligations. As a condition to the granting of the PSU Award and the vesting thereof, the Grantee agrees to remit to the Company or any of its applicable Subsidiaries such sum as may be necessary to discharge the Company’s or such Subsidiary’s obligations with respect to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge imposed on property or income received by the Grantee pursuant to this Agreement and the PSU Award by having the Company automatically withhold upon any vesting of this PSU Award a sufficient number of the shares of Stock issuable upon such vesting so as to satisfy any such obligations.
7.Clawback. The PSU Award and any shares of Stock delivered pursuant to the PSU Award are subject to forfeiture, recovery by the Company or other action pursuant to any applicable clawback or recoupment
policy which the Company may adopt from time to time, including without limitation any such policy which the Company may be required to adopt under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and implementing rules and regulations thereunder, or as otherwise required by law.
8.No Advice Regarding Grant. The Company and its Subsidiaries are not providing any tax, legal or financial advice, nor are the Company and its Subsidiaries making any recommendations regarding the Grantee’s participation in the Plan, or the Grantee’s acquisition or sale of the underlying shares of Stock. The Grantee is hereby advised to consult with the Grantee’s own personal tax, legal and financial advisors regarding the Grantee’s participation in the Plan before taking any action related to the Plan.
9.Failure to Enforce Not a Waiver. The failure of the Company to enforce at any time any provision of this Agreement shall in no way be construed to be a waiver of such provision or of any other provision hereof.
10.Authority. The Committee shall have full authority to interpret and construe the terms of the Plan and this Agreement. The determination of the Committee as to any such matter of interpretation or construction shall be final, binding and conclusive on all parties.
11.Rights as a Stockholder. The Grantee shall have no rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares of Stock underlying or relating to the PSU Award until the issuance of shares of Stock to the Grantee in respect of the PSU Award; provided, however, that in the event the Board shall declare a dividend on the Stock, a dividend equivalent equal to the per share amount of such dividend shall be credited on all PSUs underlying the PSU Award and outstanding on the record date for such dividend, such dividend equivalents to be payable in cash without interest on the vesting date of the PSUs on which the dividend equivalents were credited and shall otherwise be subject to the same terms and conditions as the PSUs on which the dividend equivalents were credited.
12.Code Section 409A. Although the Company does not guarantee to the Grantee any particular tax treatment relating to the PSU Award, it is intended that the PSU Award be exempt from Code Section 409A, and this Agreement shall be construed in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in no event whatsoever shall the Company or any of its affiliates be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalties that may be imposed on the Grantee by Code Section 409A or any damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.
13.Succession and Transfer. Each and all of the provisions of this Agreement are binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and the Grantee and their respective estate, successors and assigns, subject to any limitations on transferability under applicable law or as set forth in the Plan or herein.
14.Electronic Delivery and Acceptance. The Company may, in its sole discretion, elect to deliver any documents related to current or future participation in the Plan by electronic means. The Grantee hereby consents to receive such documents by electronic delivery and agrees to participate in the Plan through an on-line or electronic system established and maintained by the Company or a third party designated by the Company.
15.No Assignment; Nontransferability. This Agreement (and the PSU Award) may not be assigned by the Grantee by operation of law or otherwise. In the event of the Grantee's termination of employment by reason of death, the PSU Award and any Awards previously granted to the Grantee under the Plan shall not be transferable except by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
16.Notices. Any notice required or permitted under this Agreement shall be deemed given when delivered personally, or when deposited in a United States Post Office, postage prepaid, addressed, as appropriate, to (a) the Grantee at the last address specified in Grantee's employment records and (b) the Company, Attention: General Counsel, or such other address as the Company may designate in writing to the Grantee.
17.Amendments. This Agreement may be amended or modified at any time by an instrument in writing signed by the parties to this Agreement.
18.Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable, and if any one or more provisions are determined to be illegal or otherwise unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless be binding and enforceable.
19.Governing Law. This Agreement and the legal relations between the parties shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof. For purposes of litigating any dispute that arises under the PSU Award or this Agreement, the parties hereby submit to and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the State of New Jersey where this grant is made and/or to be performed, and agree that such litigation shall be conducted in the federal courts for the United States for
the District of New Jersey, or if jurisdiction does not exist in such federal court, the state courts in Morris County, New Jersey.
***
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is effective as of the date first above written.
WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS, INC.
Geoff A. Ballotti
President and Chief Executive Officer
AMENDED & RESTATED
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Amended and Restated Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”), dated as of February 23, 2021 (the “Effective Date”) and further amended, solely as to Section III(B) herein, effective February 13, 2023, is hereby made by and between Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Geoffrey Ballotti (the “Executive”).
WHEREAS, the Executive and the Company are parties to an Employment Agreement dated as of June 1, 2018 (the “Original Effective Date”) that expires May 31, 2021 (the “Prior Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to employ the Executive, and the Executive desires to continue to serve the Company, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:
SECTION I
EMPLOYMENT; POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
During the Period of Employment (as defined in Section II below), the Company agrees to employ the Executive and the Executive agrees to be employed by the Company in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
During the Period of Employment, the Executive will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and will report to, and be subject to the direction of, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”). The Executive will perform such duties and exercise such supervision with regard to the business of the Company as are associated with the Executive’s position, as well as such reasonable additional duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the Board. The Executive will, during the Period of Employment, devote substantially all of the Executive’s time and attention during normal business hours to the performance of services for the Company, or as otherwise directed by the Board from time to time. The Executive will maintain a primary office and generally conduct the Executive’s business in Parsippany, New Jersey, except for customary business travel in connection with the Executive’s duties hereunder.
SECTION II
PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT
The period of the Executive’s employment under this Agreement (the “Period of Employment”) will begin on the Effective Date and will end on May 31, 2024, subject to earlier termination as provided in this Agreement. No later than 180 days prior to the expiration of the Period of Employment, the Company and the Executive will commence a good faith negotiation regarding extending the Period of Employment; provided, that neither party hereto will have any obligation hereunder or otherwise to consummate any such extension or enter into any new agreement relating to the Executive’s employment with the Company.
SECTION III
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
For all services rendered by the Executive pursuant to this Agreement during the Period of Employment, including services as an executive officer, director or committee member of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, the Executive will be compensated as follows:
A. Base Salary.
During the Period of Employment, the Company will pay the Executive a base salary at an annual rate equal to one million thirty thousand dollars ($1,030,000.00) effective on the Effective Date, subject to such annual increases as the Company’s Board of Directors’ Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) deems appropriate in its sole discretion (“Base Salary”). Base Salary will be payable according to the customary payroll practices of the Company.
B. Annual Incentive Awards.
The Executive will be eligible to earn an annual incentive compensation award in respect of each fiscal year of the Company ending during the Period of Employment, subject to the Committee’s discretion to grant such awards, based upon a target award opportunity equal to no less than 150% of Base Salary (“Target Award”) earned during each such year, and subject to the terms and conditions of the annual incentive plan covering employees of the Company, and further subject to attainment by the Company of such performance goals, criteria or targets established and certified by the Committee in its sole discretion in respect of each such fiscal year (each such annual incentive, an “Incentive Compensation Award”). Any earned Incentive Compensation Award will be paid to the Executive at such time as will be determined by the Committee, but in no event later than the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year with respect to which the performance targets relate.
C. Long Term Incentive Awards.
The Executive will be eligible for long term incentive awards as determined by the Committee, and the Executive will participate in such grants at a level commensurate with the Executive’s position as a senior executive officer of the Company. For purposes of this Agreement, awards described in this paragraph are referred to as “Long Term Incentive Awards.” Any Long Term Incentive Awards will vest as determined by the Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion (including with respect to any performance-based conditions applicable to vesting), and will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s 2018 Equity and Incentive Plan and any amended or successor plan thereto (the “Equity Plan”) and the applicable agreement evidencing such award as determined by the Committee. Any Long Term Incentive Awards will be made in the Committee’s sole discretion.
D. Employee Benefits.
During the Period of Employment, the Company will provide the Executive with employee benefits generally offered to all eligible full-time employees of the Company, and with perquisites generally offered to similarly-situated senior executive officers of the Company, subject to the terms of the applicable employee benefit plans or policies of the Company. In addition, the Company will permit the Executive up to 20 hours per calendar year of personal use of an aircraft made available by the Company.
E. Expenses.
During the Period of Employment, the Company will reimburse the Executive for reasonable business expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with the performance of the Executive’s duties and obligations under this Agreement, subject to the Executive’s compliance with such limitations and reporting requirements with respect to expenses as may be established by the Company from time to time. The Company will reimburse all taxable business expenses to the Executive promptly following submission but in no event later than the last day of the Executive’s taxable year following the taxable year in which the expenses are incurred.
SECTION IV
DEATH AND DISABILITY
The Period of Employment will end upon the Executive’s death. If the Executive becomes Disabled (as defined below) during the Period of Employment, the Period of Employment may be terminated at the option of the Executive upon notice of resignation to the Company, or at the option of the Company upon notice of termination to the Executive. For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” will have the meaning set forth in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (“Code Section 409A”). The Company’s obligation to make payments to the Executive under this Agreement will cease as of such date of termination due to death or Disability, except for (a) any Base Salary earned but unpaid, (b) any Incentive Compensation Awards earned but unpaid for a prior completed fiscal year, if any, and (c) any Long Term Incentive Awards earned and vested but unpaid for a prior completed fiscal year, if any, as of the date of such termination, which will be paid in accordance with the terms set forth in Sections III-A, III-B and III-C, respectively, unless otherwise prohibited by law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company will not take any action with respect to the Executive’s employment status pursuant to this Section IV earlier than the date on which the Executive becomes eligible for long-term disability benefits under the terms of the Company’s long-term disability plan in effect from time to time.
SECTION V
EFFECT OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
A. Without Cause Termination and Constructive Discharge. If the Executive’s employment terminates during the Period of Employment due to either a Without Cause Termination or a Constructive Discharge (each as defined below), the Company will pay or provide the Executive, as applicable (or the Executive’s surviving spouse, estate or personal representative, as applicable), subject to Section XVIII:
i. a lump sum payment (the “Severance Payment”) equal to 299% multiplied by the sum of (x) the Executive’s then current Base Salary, plus (y) an amount equal to the highest Incentive Compensation Award paid to the Executive (disregarding voluntary deferrals) with respect to the three fiscal years of the Company immediately preceding the fiscal year in which Executive’s termination of employment occurs, but in no event will the amount set forth in this subsection (y) exceed the Executive’s then target Incentive Compensation Award, provided that the Company shall have the right to offset against such Severance Payment any then-existing documented and bona fide monetary debts owed by the Executive to the Company or any of its subsidiaries;
ii. subject to Section V-D below, (x) all time-based Long Term Incentive Awards (including all stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units) granted on or after the Original Effective Date, which would have otherwise vested within one (1) year
following the Executive’s termination of employment, will vest upon the Executive’s termination of employment; and (y) any performance-based Long Term Incentive Awards (including restricted stock units but excluding stock options and stock appreciation rights) granted on or after the Original Effective Date will vest and be paid on a pro rata basis (to the extent that the performance goals applicable to the Long Term Incentive Award are achieved), with such proration to be determined based upon the portion of the full performance period the Executive was employed by the Company plus twelve (12) months (but not to exceed 100%), with the payment of any such vested performance-based Long Term Incentive Awards to occur at the time that such performance-based long term incentive awards are paid, if applicable, to actively-employed employees generally. The provisions relating to Long Term Incentive Awards set forth in this Section will not supersede or replace any provision or right of the Executive relating to the acceleration of the vesting of such awards in the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the Equity Plan) of the Company or the Executive’s death or Disability, whether pursuant to an applicable stock plan document or award agreement;
iii. the Executive will be entitled to a two (2)-year post-termination exercise period (but in no event beyond the original expiration date) for all vested and outstanding stock appreciation rights and options held by the Executive on the date of termination;
iv. the Executive shall be eligible to continue to participate in the Company health plans in which the Executive participates (medical, dental and vision) through the end of the month in which the Executive’s termination becomes effective. Following such time, the Executive may elect to continue health plan coverage in accordance with the provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”), and if the Executive elects such coverage, the Company will reimburse the Executive for the costs associated with such continuing health coverage under COBRA until the earlier of (x) eighteen (18) months from the coverage commencement date and (y) the date on which the Executive becomes eligible for health and medical benefits from a subsequent employer; and
v. any of the following amounts that are earned but unpaid through the date of such termination: (x) Incentive Compensation Award for a prior completed fiscal year and (y) Base Salary. The Executive shall retain any Long Term Incentive Awards that have vested and been paid to the Executive as of the date of such termination, unless otherwise prohibited by law.
B. Termination for Cause; Resignation. If the Executive’s employment terminates due to a Termination for Cause or a Resignation, Base Salary earned but unpaid as of the date of such termination will be paid to the Executive in accordance with Section V-D below. Outstanding stock options and other equity awards held by the Executive as of the date of termination will be treated in accordance with their terms. Except as provided in this paragraph, the Company will have no further obligations to the Executive hereunder.
C. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:
i. “Termination for Cause” means a termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company due to (a) the Executive’s willful failure to substantially perform the Executive’s duties as an employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness) or material breach of the Company’s Business Principles, policies or standards, (b) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct by the Executive against the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (c) the Executive’s conviction or plea of nolo contendere for a felony (or its state law equivalent) or any crime involving moral turpitude or dishonesty (which conviction, due to the passage of time or otherwise, is not subject to further appeal), (d) the Executive’s gross negligence in the performance of the Executive’s duties, or (e) the Executive purposely or
negligently making a false certification regarding the Company’s financial statements. The Company will provide a detailed written notice to the Executive of its intention to terminate the Executive’s employment and that such termination is a Termination for Cause, along with a description of the Executive’s conduct that the Company believes gives rise to the Termination for Cause, and provide the Executive with a period of fifteen (15) days to cure such conduct (unless the Company reasonably determines in its discretion that the Executive’s conduct is not subject to cure) and/or challenge the Company’s determination that such termination is a Termination for Cause; provided, however, that (i) the determination of whether such conduct has been cured and/or gives rise to a Termination for Cause will be made by the Company, in its sole discretion, and (ii) the Company will be entitled to immediately and unilaterally restrict or suspend the Executive’s duties during such fifteen (15)-day period pending its determination.
ii. “Constructive Discharge” means, without the consent of the Executive, (a) any material breach by the Company of the terms of this Agreement (including Section XI), (b) a material diminution in the Executive’s Base Salary or Target Award, (c) a material diminution in the Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities, (d) a relocation (other than a temporary relocation due to the COVID-19 pandemic) of the Executive’s primary office to a location more than fifty (50) miles from the Executive’s then current primary business, or (e) the Company not offering to renew the Executive’s employment agreement on substantially similar terms prior to the end of the Period of Employment (as may be extended from time to time). The Executive must provide the Company a detailed written notice that describes the circumstances being relied on for such termination with respect to this Agreement within thirty (30) days after the event, circumstance or condition first arose giving rise to the notice. The Company will have thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice to remedy the situation prior to the termination for Constructive Discharge. If no such cure occurs, the Executive’s employment will be terminated on the close of business on the thirtieth (30) day after the Executive provided the required written notice.
iii. “Without Cause Termination” or “Terminated Without Cause” means termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company other than due to (a) the Executive’s death or Disability or (b) a Termination for Cause.
iv. “Resignation” means a termination of the Executive’s employment by the Executive, other than in connection with a Constructive Discharge.
D. Conditions to Payment and Acceleration. In the event of a termination under this Section V, any earned but unpaid Base Salary as of the date of such termination will be paid in accordance with Section III-A, and in the event of a Termination Without Cause or a Constructive Discharge, any earned but unpaid Incentive Compensation Award for a prior completed fiscal year as of the date of such termination will be paid in accordance with Section III-B, and for the avoidance of doubt, the Executive shall retain any Long Term Incentive Awards that have vested and been paid to the Executive as of the date of such termination, unless otherwise prohibited by law. All payments due to the Executive under Sections V-A(i) will be made to the Executive in a lump sum no later than the sixtieth (60th) day following the date of termination; provided, however, that (i) all payments and benefits under Sections V-A(i) - (iii) will be subject to, and contingent upon, the execution by the Executive (or the Executive’s beneficiary or estate) of a release of claims substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, and (ii) in the event that the period during which the Executive is entitled to consider the general release (and to revoke the release, if applicable) spans two calendar years, then any payment that otherwise would have been payable during the first calendar year will be made on the later of (A) the end of the revocation period (assuming that the Executive does not revoke), or (B) the first business day of the second calendar year (regardless of whether the Executive used the full time period allowed for consideration), all as required for purposes of Code Section 409A. The payments due to the Executive under Section V-A will be in lieu of any
other severance benefits otherwise payable to the Executive under any severance plan of the Company or its affiliates. The Company will provide the general release to the Executive within ten (10) business days following the Executive’s last day of employment.
SECTION VI
OTHER DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE
DURING AND AFTER THE PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT
A. The Executive will, with reasonable notice during or after the Period of Employment, furnish information as may be in the Executive’s possession and fully cooperate with the Company and its affiliates as may be requested in connection with any claims or legal action in which the Company or any of its affiliates is or may become a party. During the Period of Employment, the Executive will comply in all respects with the Company’s Business Principles, policies and standards. After the Period of Employment, the Executive will cooperate as reasonably requested with the Company and its affiliates in connection with any claims or legal actions in which the Company or any of its affiliates is or may become a party. The Company agrees to reimburse the Executive for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Executive by reason of such cooperation, including any loss of salary due, to the extent permitted by law, and the Company will make reasonable efforts to minimize interruption of the Executive’s life in connection with the Executive’s cooperation in such matters as provided for in this Section VI-A.
B. The Executive recognizes and acknowledges that all information pertaining to this Agreement or to the affairs; business; results of operations; accounting methods, practices and procedures; members; acquisition candidates; financial condition; clients; customers or other relationships of the Company or any of its affiliates (“Information”) is confidential and is a unique and valuable asset of the Company or any of its affiliates. Access to and knowledge of certain of the Information is essential to the performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement. The Executive will not during the Period of Employment or thereafter, except to the extent reasonably necessary in performance of the Executive’s duties under this Agreement, give to any person, firm, association, corporation, or governmental agency any Information, except as may be required by law. The Executive will not make use of the Information for the Executive’s own purposes or for the benefit of any person or organization other than the Company or any of its affiliates. The Executive will also use the Executive’s best efforts to prevent the disclosure of this Information by others. All records, memoranda, etc. relating to the business of the Company or its affiliates, whether made by the Executive or otherwise coming into the Executive’s possession, are confidential and will remain the property of the Company or its affiliates.
C. During the Period of Employment (as may be extended from time to time) and the Post Employment Period (as defined below and, together with the Period of Employment, the “Restricted Period”), irrespective of the cause, manner or time of any termination, the Executive will not use the Executive’s status with the Company or any of its affiliates to obtain loans, goods or services from another organization on terms that would not be available to the Executive in the absence of the Executive’s relationship to the Company or any of its affiliates. Notwithstanding the provisions set forth herein, the Executive may disclose the Executive’s employment relationship with the Company in connection with a personal loan application.
i. During the Restricted Period, the Executive will not make any statements or perform any acts intended to advance or which reasonably could have the effect of advancing the interest of any competitors of the Company or any of its affiliates or in any way injuring or intending to injure the interests of the Company or any of its affiliates. During the Restricted Period, the Executive will not, without the express prior written consent of the Company which may be withheld in the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, engage in, or directly or
indirectly (whether for compensation or otherwise), own or hold any proprietary interest in, manage, operate, or control, or join or participate in the ownership, management, operation or control of, or furnish any capital to or be connected in any manner with, any party or business which competes with the business of the Company or any of its affiliates, as such business or businesses may be conducted from time to time, either as a general or limited partner, proprietor, common or preferred shareholder, officer, director, agent, employee, consultant, trustee, affiliate, or otherwise. The Executive acknowledges that the Company’s and its affiliates’ businesses are conducted nationally and internationally and agrees that the provisions in the foregoing sentence will operate throughout the United States and the world.
ii. During the Restricted Period, the Executive will not, without the express prior written consent of the Company which may be withheld in the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, directly or indirectly, request or advise any then current client, customer or supplier of the Company to withdraw, curtail or cancel its business with the Company or any of its affiliates, or solicit or contact any such client, customer or supplier with a view to inducing or encouraging such client, customer or supplier to discontinue or curtail any business relationship with the Company or any of its affiliates. The Executive will not have discussions with any employee of the Company or any of its affiliates regarding information or plans for any business intended to compete with the Company or any of its affiliates.
iii. During the Restricted Period, the Executive will not, without the express prior written consent of the Company which may be withheld in the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, directly or indirectly cause, solicit, entice or induce (or endeavor to cause, solicit, entice or induce) any present or future employee or independent contractor of the Company or any of its affiliates to leave the employ of, or otherwise terminate its relationship with, the Company or any of its affiliates or to accept employment with, provide services to or receive compensation from the Executive or any person, firm, company, association or other entity with which the Executive is now or may hereafter become associated. The Executive hereby represents and warrants that the Executive has not entered into any agreement, understanding or arrangement with any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates pertaining to any business in which the Executive has participated or plans to participate, or to the employment, engagement or compensation of any such employee.
iv. For the purposes of this Agreement, the term “proprietary interest” means legal or equitable ownership, whether through stock holding or otherwise, of an equity interest in a business, firm or entity, or ownership of any class of equity interest in a publicly-held company (unless such ownership of a publicly-held company is 5% or less); the term “affiliate” includes without limitation all subsidiaries, joint venturers and licensees of the Company (including, without limitation, any affiliated individuals or entities); and the term, “Post Employment Period” means either (1) if the Executive’s employment terminates for any reason at such time following the expiration of the Period of Employment hereunder, a period of one year following the Executive’s termination of employment; or (2) if the Executive’s employment terminates during the Period of Employment hereunder, a period of two years following the Executive’s termination of employment.
D. The Executive hereby acknowledges that damages at law may be an insufficient remedy to the Company if the Executive violates the terms of this Agreement and that the Company will be entitled, upon making the requisite showing, to preliminary and/or permanent injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to restrain the breach of or otherwise to specifically enforce any of the covenants contained in this Section VI without the necessity of posting any bond or showing any actual damage or that monetary damages would not provide an adequate remedy. Such right to an injunction will be in addition to, and not in limitation of, any other rights or remedies the Company may have. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, neither party will oppose any motion the other party may make for any expedited discovery or hearing in connection with any alleged breach of this Section VI.
E. The period of time during which the provisions of this Section VI will be in effect will be extended by the length of time during which the Executive is in breach of the terms hereof as determined by any court of competent jurisdiction on the Company’s application for injunctive relief.
F. The Executive agrees that the restrictions contained in this Section VI are an essential element of the compensation the Executive is granted hereunder and but for the Executive’s agreement to comply with such restrictions, the Company would not have entered into this Agreement.
G. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to nor shall it limit or prohibit Executive, or waive any right on the Executive’s part, to initiate or engage in communication with, respond to any inquiry from, or otherwise provide information to, any federal or state regulatory, self-regulatory, or enforcement agency or authority, as provided for, protected under or warranted by applicable law, in all events without notice to or consent of the Company.
H. Nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement between Executive and the Company or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates shall prohibit or restrict Executive, Executive’s attorneys or any other individual from: (a) making any disclosure of relevant and necessary information or documents in any action, investigation, or proceeding relating to this Agreement, or as required by law or legal process, including with respect to possible violations of law; (b)participating, cooperating, or testifying in any action, investigation, or proceeding with, or providing information to, any governmental agency or legislative body, any self-regulatory organization, including, but not limited to, the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General; (c) accepting any U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission awards; and/or (d) making any other disclosures under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation, including pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In addition, nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement between Executive and the Company or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates prohibits or restricts Executive from initiating communications with, or responding to any inquiry from, any administrative, governmental, regulatory or supervisory authority regarding any good faith concerns about possible violations of law or regulation. Executive does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such reports or disclosures and Executive will not be not required to notify the Company that such reports or disclosures have been made. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b), Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret of the Company or its affiliates that (i) is made (x) in confidence to a Federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to Executive’s attorney and (y) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. If Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, Executive may disclose the trade secret to Executive’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if Executive files any document containing the trade secret under seal, and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Nothing in this Agreement or any other agreement between the Company and Executive or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by such section.
SECTION VII
INDEMNIFICATION
The Company will indemnify the Executive to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the state of the Company’s incorporation in effect at that time, or the certificate of incorporation and by-laws of the Company, whichever affords the greater protection to the Executive (including payment of expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding as permitted by such laws, certificate of incorporation or by-laws).
SECTION VIII
MITIGATION
The Executive will not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for hereunder by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor will the amount of any such payment be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as the result of employment by another employer after the date the Executive’s employment hereunder terminates.
SECTION IX
WITHHOLDINGS
The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Company may withhold from applicable payments under this Agreement all federal, state, city or other taxes and other applicable withholdings that will be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation.
SECTION X
EFFECT OF PRIOR AGREEMENTS
Upon the Effective Date, this Agreement will be deemed to have superseded and replaced each of any prior employment or consultant agreement between the Company (and/or its affiliates, including without limitation, its respective predecessors) and the Executive, including, without limitation, the Prior Agreement.
SECTION XI
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER OR SALE OF ASSETS; ASSIGNMENT
Nothing in this Agreement will preclude the Company from consolidating or merging into or with, or transferring all or a portion of its business and/or assets to, another corporation. The Company may assign this Agreement to any successor to all or a portion of the business and/or assets of the Company, provided, that in the event of such an assignment, the Company shall require such successor to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place, the failure of which shall constitute a Constructive Discharge pursuant to Section V-C(ii) herein.
SECTION XII
MODIFICATION
This Agreement may not be modified or amended except in writing signed by the parties. No term or condition of this Agreement will be deemed to have been waived except in writing by the party charged with waiver. A waiver will operate only as to the specific term or condition waived and will not constitute a waiver for the future or act as a waiver of anything other than that which is specifically waived.
SECTION XIII
GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement has been executed and delivered in the State of New Jersey and its validity, interpretation, performance and enforcement will be governed by the internal laws of that state. In any action brought by the Company under Section VI-D above, Executive consents to exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the federal and state courts in, at the election of the Company, (a) the State of New Jersey; and/or (b) any state and county in which the Company contends that Executive has breached any agreement with or duty to the Company. In any action brought by Executive under Section VI-D above, the Company consents to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue in the federal and state courts of the State of New Jersey.
SECTION XIV
ARBITRATION
A. Executive and the Company mutually consent to the resolution by final and binding arbitration of any and all disputes, controversies, or claims related in any way to Executive’s employment and/or relationship with the Company, including, without limitation, any dispute, controversy or claim of alleged discrimination, harassment, or retaliation (including, but not limited to, claims based on race, sex, sexual preference, religion, national origin, age, marital or family status, medical condition, or disability); any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to any agreements between Executive and the Company, including this Agreement (other than with respect to the matters covered by Section VI for which the Company may, but will not be required to, seek injunctive relief in a court of competent jurisdiction); and any dispute as to the ability to arbitrate a matter under this Agreement (collectively, “Claims”); provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall require arbitration of any Claims which, by law, cannot be the subject of a compulsory arbitration agreement, and nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted to mean that Executive is precluded from filing complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the National Labor Relations Board.
B. Any party who is aggrieved will deliver a notice to the other party setting forth the specific points in dispute within the same statute of limitations period applicable to such Claims. Any points remaining in dispute twenty (20) days after the giving of such notice may be submitted to arbitration in New York, New York, in the Borough of Manhattan, to JAMS, before a single arbitrator appointed in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures of JAMS (“JAMS Rules”) then in effect, modified only as herein expressly provided. The arbitrator shall be selected in accordance with the JAMS Rules; provided that the arbitrator shall be an attorney (i) with at least ten (10) years of significant experience in employment matters and/or (ii) a former federal or state court judge. After the aforesaid twenty (20) days, either party, upon ten (10) days’ notice to the other, may so submit the points in dispute to arbitration. The arbitrator may enter a default decision against any party who fails to participate in the arbitration proceedings. The arbitrator will be empowered to award either party
any remedy, at law or in equity, that the party would otherwise have been entitled to, had the matter been litigated in court; provided, however, that the authority to award any remedy is subject to whatever limitations, if any, exist in the applicable law on such remedies. The arbitrator shall issue a decision or award in writing, stating the essential findings of fact and conclusions of law. Any judgment on or enforcement of any award, including an award providing for interim or permanent injunctive relief, rendered by the arbitrator may be entered, enforced, or appealed in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Any arbitration proceedings, decision, or award rendered hereunder, and the validity, effect, and interpretation of this arbitration provision, shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.
C. Each party to any dispute shall pay its own expenses, including attorneys’ fees; provided, however, that the Company shall pay all reasonable costs, fees, and expenses that Executive would not otherwise have been subject to paying if the Claim had been resolved in a court of competent jurisdiction.
D. The parties agree that this Section XIV has been included to rapidly, inexpensively and confidentially resolve any disputes between them, and that this Section XIV will be grounds for dismissal of any court action commenced by either party with respect to this Agreement, except as otherwise provided in Section XIV-A herein, other than (i) any action seeking a restraining order or other injunctive or equitable relief or order in aid of arbitration or to compel arbitration from a court of competent jurisdiction, (ii) any action seeking interim injunctive or equitable relief from the arbitrator pursuant to the JAMS Rules or (iii) post-arbitration actions seeking to enforce an arbitration award from a court of competent jurisdiction. IN THE EVENT THAT ANY COURT DETERMINES THAT THIS ARBITRATION PROCEDURE IS NOT BINDING, OR OTHERWISE ALLOWS ANY LITIGATION REGARDING A DISPUTE, CLAIM, OR CONTROVERSY COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT TO PROCEED, THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY WAIVE, UNLESS OTHERWISE PROHIBITED BY LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN OR WITH RESPECT TO SUCH LITIGATION.
E. The parties will keep confidential, and will not disclose to any person, except to counsel for either of the parties and/or as may be required by law, the existence of any controversy hereunder, the referral of any such controversy to arbitration or the status or resolution thereof. Accordingly, Executive and the Company agree that all proceedings in any arbitration shall be conducted under seal and kept strictly confidential. In that regard, no party shall use, disclose, or permit the disclosure of any information, evidence, or documents produced by any other party in the arbitration proceedings or about the existence, contents, or results of the proceedings, except as necessary and appropriate for the preparation and conduct of the arbitration proceedings, or as may be required by any legal process, or as required in an action in aid of arbitration, or for enforcement of or appeal from an arbitral award. Before making any disclosure permitted by the preceding sentence, the party intending to make such disclosure shall give the other party reasonable written notice of the intended disclosure and afford such other party a reasonable opportunity to protect its interests (e.g., by application for a protective order and/or to file under seal).
SECTION XV
SURVIVAL
Sections VI, VII, VIII, IX, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, and XV will continue in full force in accordance with their respective terms notwithstanding any termination of the Period of Employment.
SECTION XVI
SEVERABILITY
All provisions of this Agreement are intended to be severable. In the event any provision or restriction contained herein is held to be invalid or unenforceable in any respect, in whole or in part, such finding will in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. The parties hereto further agree that any such invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed modified so that it will be enforced to the greatest extent permissible under law, and to the extent that any court of competent jurisdiction determines any restriction herein to be unreasonable in any respect, such court may limit this Agreement to render it reasonable in the light of the circumstances in which it was entered into and specifically enforce this Agreement as limited.
SECTION XVII
NO CONFLICTS
The Executive represents and warrants to the Company that the Executive is not a party to or otherwise bound by any agreement or arrangement (including, without limitation, any license, covenant, or commitment of any nature), or subject to any judgment, decree, or order of any court or administrative agency, that would conflict with or will be in conflict with or in any way preclude, limit or inhibit the Executive’s ability to execute this Agreement or to carry out the Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder.
SECTION XVIII
SECTION 409A OF THE CODE
A. Section 409A. Although the Company does not guarantee to the Executive any particular tax treatment relating to the payments and benefits under this Agreement, it is intended that such payments and benefits be exempt from, or comply with, Code Section 409A and this Agreement will be construed and interpreted in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Code Section 409A.
B. Separation From Service. A termination of employment will not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of amounts or benefits subject to Code Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “Separation from Service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “resignation,” “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms will mean Separation from Service.
C. Reimbursement. With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits will not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits, provided during any taxable year will not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year, and such reimbursement will be made no later than the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense is incurred, provided that the foregoing clause will not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Section 105(b) of the Code solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect.
D. Specified Employee. If the Executive is deemed on the date of termination of employment to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the Code and using the identification methodology selected by the Company from time to time, or if none, the default methodology, then:
i. With regard to any payment, the providing of any benefit or any distribution of equity that constitutes “deferred compensation” subject to Code Section 409A, payable upon separation from service, such payment, benefit or distribution will not be made or provided prior to the earlier of (x) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of the Executive’s Separation from Service or (y) the date of the Executive’s death, to the extent required to comply with Code Section 409A; and
ii. On the first day of the seventh (7th) month following the date of the Executive’s Separation from Service or, if earlier, on the date of death, (x) all payments delayed pursuant to this Section XVIII will be paid or reimbursed to the Executive in a lump sum, and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement will be paid or provided in accordance with the normal dates specified for them herein and (y) all distributions of equity delayed pursuant to this Section XVIII will be made to the Executive.
E. Company Discretion. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., “payment will be made within 60 days following the date of termination”), the actual date of payment within the specified period will be within the sole discretion of the Company and the number of days referenced will refer to the number of calendar days.
F. Compliance. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in no event whatsoever will the Company or any of its affiliates be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalties that may be imposed on the Executive by Code Section 409A or any damages for failing to comply with Code Section 409A.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.
WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS, INC.
By: /s/ Monica Melancon
Name: Monica Melancon
Title: Chief Human Resource Officer
/s/ Geoffrey Ballotti
Geoffrey Ballotti
EXHIBIT A
RELEASE
As a condition precedent to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (the “Company”) providing the consideration set forth in [Section V of the employment letter agreement]/[Section V(A)(i)-(iii) of the Amended & Restated Employment Agreement], dated as of February __, 2021 (the “Employment Agreement”), to which this Release is attached as Exhibit A (this “Release”), on or following the “ADEA Release Effective Date” (as defined below) to the undersigned executive (“Executive”), Executive hereby agrees to the terms of this Release as follows:
1. Release. (1)
(a) Subject to Section 1(c) below, Executive, on behalf of Executive and Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, hereby voluntarily, unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely releases and discharges the Company, Travel + Leisure Co. (formerly known as Wyndham Worldwide Corporation and Wyndham Destinations, Inc.), each of their parents, subsidiaries, affiliates and joint venture partners, and all of their past and present employees, officers, directors, agents, owners, shareholders, representatives, members, attorneys, partners, insurers and benefit plans, and all of their predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Released Parties” and each a “Released Party”)) from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, suits, controversies, actions, cross-claims, counter-claims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, any other damages, claims for costs and attorneys’ fees, losses or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity and any other liabilities, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected of any nature whatsoever (hereinafter, “Claims”) that Executive has or may have against the Released Parties: (i) from the beginning of time through the date upon which Executive signs this Release; (ii) arising from or in any way related to Executive’s employment or termination of employment with any of the Released Parties; (iii) arising from or in any way related to any agreement with any of the Released Parties, including but not limited to the Employment Agreement; and/or (iv) arising from or in any way related to awards, policies, plans, programs or practices of any of the Released Parties that may apply to Executive or in which Executive may participate, in each case, including, but not limited to, under any federal, state or local law, act, statute, code, order, judgment, injunction, ruling, decree, writ, ordinance or regulation, including, but not limited to, any Claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended (the “ADEA”).
(b) Executive understands that Executive may later discover claims or facts that may be different than, or in addition to, those which Executive now knows or believes to exist with regards to the subject matter of this Release and the releases in this Section 1, and which, if known at the time of executing this Release, may have materially affected this Release or Executive’s decision to enter into it. Executive hereby waives any right or claim that might arise as a result of such different or additional claims or facts.
(c) This Release is not intended to bar or affect (i) any Claims that may not be waived by private agreement under applicable law, such as claims for workers’ compensation or unemployment insurance benefits, (ii) vested rights under the Company’s 401(k) or pension plan, [(iii) rights to indemnification under Section VII of the Employment Agreement,] (iv) any right to the payments and benefits set forth in [Paragraph V]/[Section V(A)(i)-(iii)] of the Employment Agreement, and/or (v) any earned, but unpaid, wages or paid-time-off payable upon a
(1) Note to Draft: The Company reserves the right to edit the Release to provide as full a release of claims as is possible under applicable law at the time of the termination of employment.
termination of employment that may be owed pursuant to Company policy and applicable law or any unreimbursed expenses payable in accordance with Company policy.
(d) Nothing in this Release is intended to prohibit or restrict Executive’s right to file a charge with, or participate in a charge by, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other local, state, or federal administrative body or government agency; provided, however, that Executive hereby waives the right to recover any monetary damages or other relief against any Released Parties to the fullest extent permitted by law, excepting any benefit or remedy to which Executive is or becomes entitled to pursuant to Section 922 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Release to the contrary, Executive’s release of Claims under the ADEA (the “ADEA Release”) shall only become effective upon: (i) Executive’s separate signature set forth on the signature page of this Release reflecting his assent to his release of Claims under the ADEA and (ii) the occurrence of the ADEA Release Effective Date.
(f) Executive represents that Executive has made no assignment or transfer of any right or Claim covered by this Section 1 and that Executive further agrees that he is not aware of any such right or Claim covered by this Section 1.
(g) Executive acknowledges that, as of the date upon which Executive signs this Release, Executive has not (i) filed a Claim with any local, state, or federal administrative body or government agency or (ii) furnished information or assistance to any non-governmental person or entity, who or which is taking or considering whether to take legal action against any of the Released Parties.
2. Return of Company Property. Executive represents that he has returned to the Company all Company property and confidential and proprietary information in his possession or control, in any form whatsoever, including without limitation, equipment, telephones, smart phones, PDAs, laptops, credit cards, keys, access cards, identification cards, security devices, network access devices, pagers, documents, manuals, reports, books, compilations, work product, e-mail messages, recordings, tapes, removable storage devices, hard drives, computers and computer discs, files and data, which Executive prepared or obtained during the course of his employment with the Company. Executive has also provided the Company with the passcodes to any lock devices or password protected work-related accounts. If Executive discovers any property of the Company or confidential or proprietary information in his possession after the date upon which he signs this Agreement, Executive shall immediately return such property.
3. Nondisparagement. Subject to Section 6 below, Executive agrees not to (a) make any statement, written or oral, directly or indirectly, which in any way disparages the Released Parties or their business, products or services in any manner whatsoever, or portrays the Released Parties or their business, products or services in a negative light or would in any way place the Released Parties in disrepute; and/or (b) encourage anyone else to disparage or criticize the Released Parties or their business, products or services, or put them in a bad light.
4. Consultation/Voluntary Agreement. Executive acknowledges that the Company has advised Executive to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release. Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Release. Executive is entering into this Release, knowingly, freely and voluntarily in exchange for good and valuable consideration to which Executive would not be entitled in the absence of executing and not revoking this Release.
5. Review and Revocation Period. Executive has been given twenty-one (21) calendar days to consider the terms of this Release, although Executive may sign it at any time sooner. Executive has seven (7) calendar days after the date on which Executive executes this Release for purposes of the ADEA Release to revoke Executive’s consent to the ADEA Release. Such revocation must be in writing and must be e-mailed to [ ] at [ ]. Notice of such revocation of the ADEA Release must be received within the seven (7) calendar days referenced above. In the event of such revocation of the ADEA Release by Executive, with the exception of the ADEA Release (which shall become null and void), this Release shall otherwise remain fully effective. Provided that Executive does not revoke his execution of the ADEA Release within such seven (7) day revocation period, the “ADEA Release Effective Date” shall occur on the eighth calendar day after the date on which he signs the signature page of this Release reflecting Executive’s assent to the ADEA Release. If Executive does not sign this Release (including the ADEA Release) within twenty-one (21) days after the Company presents it to him, or if Executive timely revokes the ADEA Release within the above-referenced seven day period, Executive shall have no right to the payments and benefits set forth in [Paragraph V]/[Section V(A)(i)-(iii)] of the Employment Agreement.
6. Permitted Disclosures. Nothing in this Release or any other agreement between Executive and the Company or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates shall prohibit or restrict Executive, Executive’s attorneys or any other individual from: (a) making any disclosure of relevant and necessary information or documents in any action, investigation, or proceeding relating to this Release, or as required by law or legal process, including with respect to possible violations of law; (b)participating, cooperating, or testifying in any action, investigation, or proceeding with, or providing information to, any governmental agency or legislative body, any self-regulatory organization, including, but not limited to, the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General; (c) accepting any U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission awards; and/or (d) making any other disclosures under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation, including pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In addition, nothing in this Release or any other agreement between Executive and the Company or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates prohibits or restricts Executive from initiating communications with, or responding to any inquiry from, any administrative, governmental, regulatory or supervisory authority regarding any good faith concerns about possible violations of law or regulation. Executive does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such reports or disclosures and Executive will not be not required to notify the Company that such reports or disclosures have been made. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b), Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret of the Company or its affiliates that (i) is made (x) in confidence to a Federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to Executive’s attorney and (y) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. If Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, Executive may disclose the trade secret to Executive’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if Executive files any document containing the trade secret under seal, and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Nothing in this Release or any other agreement between the Company and Executive or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by such section.
7. No Admission of Wrongdoing. Neither this Release, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this Release, shall be deemed or construed at any time to be an admission by the parties of any improper or unlawful conduct, and all of the parties expressly deny any improper or unlawful conduct.
8. Third-Party Beneficiaries. Executive acknowledges and agrees that all Released Parties are third-party beneficiaries of this Release and have the right to enforce this Release.
9. Amendments and Waivers. No amendment to or waiver of this Release or any of its terms will be binding unless consented to in writing by Executive and an authorized representative of the Company. No waiver by any Released Party of a breach of any provision of this Release, or of compliance with any condition or provision of this Release to be performed by Executive, will operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach with respect to any other Released Party or any similar or dissimilar provision or condition at the same or any subsequent time. The failure of any Released Party to take any action by reason of any breach will not deprive any other Released Party of the right to take action at any time.
10. Governing Law; Jury Waiver. This Release shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New Jersey, without regard to the application of any choice-of-law rules that would result in the application of another state’s laws. Subject to Section 13 below, Executive irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of, and exclusive venue in, the state and federal courts in New Jersey with respect to any matters pertaining to, or arising from, this Release. EXECUTIVE EXPRESSLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO OR ARISING IN ANY WAY FROM THIS RELEASE OR THE MATTERS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
11. Savings Clause. If any term or provision of this Release is invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this Release or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. Upon such determination that any term or other provision of this Release is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, this Release shall be enforceable as closely as possible to its intent of providing the Released Parties with a full release of all legally releasable claims through the date upon which Executive signs this Release.
12. Continuing Obligations. Sections VI, VII, VIII, IX and XI of the Employment Agreement are incorporated herein by reference (the “Continuing Obligations”). If Executive breaches the Continuing Obligations, all amounts and benefits payable under this Release shall cease and, upon request, Executive shall immediately repay to the Company any and all amounts already paid pursuant to this Release. If any one or more of the Continuing Obligations shall be held by an arbitrator or a court of competent jurisdiction to be excessively broad as to duration, geography, scope, activity or subject, such provisions shall be construed by limiting and reducing them so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent allowed by applicable law.
13. Arbitration. [Appendix A]/[Section XIV] of the Employment Agreement is incorporated herein by reference and such terms and conditions shall apply to any disputes under this Agreement.
14. Entire Agreement. Except as expressly set forth herein, Executive acknowledges and agrees that this Release constitutes the complete and entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Executive with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes in its entirety any and all prior understandings, commitments, obligations and/or agreements, whether written or oral, with respect thereto; it being understood and agreed that this Release, including the mutual covenants, agreements, acknowledgments and affirmations contained herein, is intended to constitute a complete settlement and resolution of all matters set forth in Section 1 hereof. Executive represents that, in executing this Release, Executive has not relied upon any representation or statement made by any of the Released Parties, other than those set forth in this Release, with regard to the subject matter, basis, or effect of this Release.
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive has executed this Release as of the below-indicated date(s).
EXECUTIVE
(Signature)
Print Name:
Date:
ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED
WITH RESPECT TO ADEA RELEASE
EXECUTIVE
(Signature)
Print Name:
Date:
Exhibit 10.3
May 16, 2018 (amended and restated February 13, 2023)
Paul Cash
[__]
[__]
Dear Mr. Cash:
We are pleased to confirm the terms and conditions of your employment with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (the "Company") as General Counsel effective as of June 1, 2018 (the "Effective Date"). This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
Your base salary, paid on a biweekly basis, will be $15,384.62, which equates to an annualized base salary of $400,000, subject to annual review by the Company's Board of Directors' Compensation Committee (the “Committee”)in its sole discretion.
You will be eligible to participate in the Company's annual incentive compensation plan as in effect from time to time (the "AIP"), with a target annual incentive compensation award opportunity equal to no less than 75% of your eligible base salary, and with your actual annual incentive compensation award (if any) determined based upon the attainment of one or more performance goals established by the Compensation Committee. However, for the period of January 1, 2018 through the date immediately before the Effective Date (the "Pre-Spin Period"), your annual incentive compensation award will be determined pursuant to the guidelines provided under the Wyndham Worldwide Corporation 2018 AIP, and based on your Pre-Spin annual incentive compensation target, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation. For the balance of 2018, your annual incentive compensation award will be subject to the terms of the AIP and based upon your eligible base salary during that period and your new incentive compensation target opportunity. Your annual incentive compensation award, including any annual incentive compensation award for the Pre-Spin Period, (if any) will be paid to you at such time as shall be determined by the Compensation Committee, but in no event later than the last day of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which such annual incentive compensation award is earned.
You will be eligible for executive perquisites, which currently include Company-provided automobile and financial planning assistance; however, our program is subject to change from time to time. In accordance with our reimbursement policy, as the same may be amended from time to time, the Company will reimburse all taxable business expenses to you on or before the last day of your taxable year following the taxable year in which the expenses are incurred.
Per the Company's standard policy, this letter agreement (this "Agreement") is not intended, nor should it be considered, to be an employment contract for a definite or indefinite period of time. As you know, employment with the Company is at will, and either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without Cause and with or without prior notice. For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" means any of the following: (a) your willful failure to substantially perform your duties as an employee of the Company or any subsidiary (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), (b) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct by you against the Company or any subsidiary, (c) your conviction of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude (which conviction, due to the passage of time or otherwise, is not subject to further appeal), (d) your gross negligence in the performance of your duties, or (e) your purposefully or negligently making (or having been found to have made) a false certification to the Company pertaining to its financial statements. Unless the Company reasonably determines in its sole discretion that your conduct is not subject to cure, then the Company will provide notice to you of its intention to terminate your employment for Cause hereunder, along with a description of your conduct which the Company believes gives rise to Cause, and provide you with a period of fifteen (15) days in which to cure such conduct and/or challenge the Company's determination that Cause exists hereunder; provided, however, that (i) the determination of whether such conduct has been cured and/or gives rise to Cause shall be made by the Company in its sole discretion; and (ii) the Company shall be entitled to immediately and unilaterally restrict or suspend your duties during such fifteen (15)-day period pending such determination.
In the event your employment with the Company is terminated by the Company other than for Cause (not, for the avoidance of doubt, due to your death or your Disability (as such term is defined in the Company's long-term disability plan)) (a "Qualifying Termination"), subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, you will receive severance pay equal to 200% multiplied by the sum of: (a) your then current base salary; plus (b) an amount equal to the highest annual incentive compensation award paid to you with respect to the three (3) fiscal years of the Company immediately preceding the fiscal year in which your termination of employment occurs, but in no event shall the amount (b) exceed your then target compensation incentive award. In the event you become entitled to severance pay under the circumstances described in this Agreement during the three (3) years following the Effective Date, the amount
(b) above shall be no less than your target annual incentive compensation award.
The severance pay will be paid to you in the form of a cash lump sum payment, less all applicable withholdings and deductions, in the first payroll period following the date on which the separation agreement referenced in the following paragraph becomes effective and non revocable; provided that, to the extent your severance payment is subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and guidance issued thereunder (collectively, "Code Section 409A"), your termination of employment must constitute a "separation from service" under Code Section 409A; provided, further, that in the event the period during which you are entitled to consider (and revoke, if applicable) such separation agreement spans two calendar years, then any payment that otherwise would have been payable during the first calendar year will in no case be made until the later of (a) the end of the revocation period (assuming that you do not revoke) and (b) the first business day of the second calendar year (regardless of whether you used the full time period allowed for consideration), as and to the extent required for purposes of Code Section 409A; and provided, further, that the
Company shall have the right to offset against such severance pay any then-existing documented and bona fide monetary debts you owe to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, to the extent permissible under Code Section 409A.
The above provision of severance pay is subject to, and contingent upon, your execution and non-revocation of a separation agreement, in such form as is determined by the Company, within sixty (60) days of your termination date. Such separation agreement will require you to release all of your actual and purported claims against the Company and its affiliates (including, without limitation, the Company's affiliated individuals and entities) and will be in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.
You will be eligible to continue to part1c1pate in the Company health plans in which the Executive participates (medical, dental and vision) through the end of the month in which the Executive's termination becomes effective. Following such time, the Executive may elect to continue health plan coverage in accordance with the provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act ("COBRA"), and if the Executive elects such coverage, the Company will reimburse the Executive for the costs associated with such continuing health coverage under COBRA until the earlier of (x) eighteen (18) months from the coverage commencement date and
(y) the date on which the Executive becomes eligible for health and medical benefits from a subsequent employer.
You agree that you will, with reasonable notice during or after your employment with the Company, furnish such information as may be in your possession and fully cooperate with the Company and its affiliates as may be requested in connection with any claims or legal action in which the Company or any of its affiliates is or may become a party. During your employment, you will comply in all respects with the Company's Business Principles, policies and standards. After your employment with the Company, you will cooperate as reasonably requested with the Company and its affiliates in connection with any claims or legal actions in which the Company or any of its affiliates is or may become a party. The Company agrees to reimburse you for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by you by reason of such cooperation, including any loss of salary due, to the extent permitted by law, and the Company will make reasonable efforts to minimize interruption of your life in connection with your cooperation in such matters as provided for in this paragraph.
You recognize and acknowledge that all information pertaining to this Agreement or to the affairs; business; results of operations; accounting methods, practices and procedures; members; acquisition candidates; financial condition; clients; customers or other relationships of the Company or any of its affiliates ("Information") is confidential and is a unique and valuable asset of the Company or any of its affiliates. Access to and knowledge of certain of the Information is essential to the performa ce of your duties under this Agreement. You will not, during your employment with the Company or thereafter, except to the extent reasonably necessary in performance of your duties under this Agreement, give to any person, firm, association, corporation, or governmental agency any Information, except as may be required by law. You will not make use of the Information for your own purposes or for the benefit of any person or organization other than the Company or any of its affiliates. You will also use your best efforts to prevent the disclosure of this Information by others. All records, memoranda, etc. relating to the business of the Company or its affiliates, whether made by you or otherwise
coming into your possession, are confidential and will remain the property of the Company or its affiliates.
Upon a Qualifying Termination, you will be eligible to vest in and be paid a pro-rata portion of any performance-based long-term incentive award (excluding stock options and stock appreciation rights) that you may hold at the time of such Qualifying Termination, with such pro ration based upon the portion of the full performance period during which you were employed by the Company plus twelve (12) months (or, if less, assuming your continued employment for the entire performance period remaining after your Qualifying Termination); provided that the performance goals applicable to the performance-based long-term incentive award are achieved. Payment of any such vested performance-based long-term incentive award will occur at the same time that such performance-based long-term incentive awards are paid to actively-employed employees generally. In addition, all long-term incentive awards that are not subject to performance-based vesting and that would have otherwise vested within the twelve (12)-month period following your Qualifying Termination will become vested upon your Qualifying Termination, and any such long-term incentive awards which are stock options or stock appreciation rights will remain outstanding for a period of two (2) years (but not beyond the original expiration date) following your Qualifying Termination. This paragraph shall not supersede or replace any provision or right relating to the acceleration of the vesting of any long term incentive award (whether or not performance-based) in the event of a change in control of the Company or your death or disability, whether pursuant to an applicable stock plan document or award agreement.
Although the Company does not guarantee to you any particular tax treatment relating to any payments made or benefits provided to you in connection with your employment with the Company, it is intended that such payments and benefits be exempt from, or comply with, Code Section 409A, and all provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Code Section 409A.
You hereby acknowledge and agree to the dispute resolution provisions set forth in Appendix A attached hereto.
This Agreement has been executed and delivered in the State of New Jersey and its validity, interpretation, performance and enforcement will be governed by the internal laws of that state.
We are excited to have you contribute to the success of our newly-formed company and look forward to having you as a member of our team.
Sincerely,
By: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
/s/ Monica Melancon
Name: Monica Melancon
Title: Chief Human Resource Officer
ACKNOWLEDGED AND ACCEPTED:
/s/ Paul Cash
Name: Paul Cash
Date: March 31, 2023
APPENDIX A
1.You and the Company mutually consent to the resolution by final and binding arbitration of any and all disputes, controversies, or claims related in any way to your employment and/or relationship with the Company, including, without limitation, any dispute, controversy or claim of alleged discrimination, harassment, or retaliation (including, but not limited to, claims based on race, sex, sexual preference, religion, national origin, age, marital or family status, medical condition, or disability); any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to any agreements between you and the Company, including this Agreement; and any dispute as to the ability to arbitrate a matter under this Agreement (collectively, "Claims"); provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall require arbitration of any Claims which, by law, cannot be the subject of a compulsory arbitration agreement, and nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted to mean that you are precluded from filing complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the National Labor Relations Board.
2.Any party who is aggrieved will deliver a notice to the other party setting forth the specific points in dispute within the same statute of limitations period applicable to such Claims. Any points remaining in dispute twenty (20) days after the giving of such notice may be submitted to arbitration in New York, New York, in the Borough of Manhattan, to JAMS, before a single arbitrator appointed in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures of JAMS ("JAMS Rules") then in effect, modified only as herein expressly provided. The arbitrator shall be selected in accordance with the JAMS Rules; provided that the arbitrator shall be an attorney (i) with at least ten (10) years of significant experience in employment matters and/or (ii) a former federal or state court judge. After the aforesaid twenty (20) days, either party, upon ten (10) days' notice to the other, may so submit the points in dispute to arbitration. The arbitrator may enter a default decision against any party who fails to participate in the arbitration proceedings. The arbitrator will be empowered to award either party any remedy, at law or in equity, that the party would otherwise have been entitled to, had the matter been litigated in court; provided, however, that the authority to award any remedy is subject to whatever limitations, if any, exist in the applicable law on such remedies. The arbitrator shall issue a decision or award in writing, stating the essential findings of fact and conclusions of law. Any judgment on or enforcement of any award, including an award providing for interim or permanent injunctive relief, rendered by the arbitrator may be entered, enforced, or appealed in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Any arbitration proceedings, decision, or award rendered hereunder, and the validity, effect, and interpretation of this arbitration provision, shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.
3.Each party to any dispute shall pay its own expenses, including attorneys' fees; provided, however, that the Company shall pay all reasonable costs, fees, and expenses that you would not otherwise have been subject to paying if the Claim had been resolved in a court of competent jurisdiction.
4.The parties agree that this Appendix A has been included to rapidly, inexpensively and confidentially resolve any disputes between them, and that this Appendix A will be grounds for dismissal of any court action commenced by either party with respect to this Agreement,
except as otherwise provided in Paragraph 1 herein, other than (i) any action seeking a restraining order or other injunctive or equitable relief or order in aid of arbitrati,on or to compel arbitration from a court of competent jurisdiction, (ii) any action seeking interim injunctive or equitable relief from the arbitrator pursuant to the JAMS Rules or (iii) post arbitration actions seeking to enforce an arbitration award from a court of competent jurisdiction. IN THE EVENT THAT ANY COURT DETERMINES THAT THIS ARBITRATION PROCEDURE IS NOT BINDING, OR OTHERWISE ALLOWS ANY LITIGATION REGARDING A DISPUTE, CLAIM, OR CONTROVERSY COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT TO PROCEED, THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN OR WITH RESPECT TO SUCH LITIGATION.
5.The parties will keep confidential, and will not disclose to any person, except to counsel for either of the parties and/or as may be required by law, the existence of any controversy hereunder, the referral of any such controversy to arbitration or the status or resolution thereof. Accordingly, you and the Company agree that all proceedings in any arbitration shall be conducted under seal and kept strictly confidential. In that regard, no party shall use, disclose, or permit the disclosure of any information, evidence, or documents produced by any other party in the arbitration proceedings or about the existence, contents, or results of the proceedings, except as necessary and appropriate for the preparation and conduct of the arbitration proceedings, or as may be required by any legal process, or as required in an action in aid of arbitration, or for enforcement of or appeal from an arbitral award. Before making any disclosure permitted by the preceding sentence, the party intending to make such disclosure shall give the other party reasonable written notice of the intended disclosure and afford such other party a reasonable opportunity to protect its interests (e.g., by application for a protective order and/or to file under seal).
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF RELEASE
As a condition precedent to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (the “Company”) providing the consideration set forth in [Paragraph 6 of the employment letter agreement]/[Section 6(A)(i)-(iii) of the Employment Agreement], dated ______, 2018 (the “Employment Agreement”), to which this Release is attached as Exhibit A (this “Release”), on or following the “ADEA Release Effective Date” (as defined below) to the undersigned executive (“Executive”), Executive hereby agrees to the terms of this Release as follows:
1.Release.
(a)Subject to Section 1(c) below, Executive, on behalf of Executive and Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, hereby voluntarily, unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely releases and discharges the Company, its parent, and each of their subsidiaries, affiliates and joint venture partners, and all of their past and present employees, officers, directors, agents, owners, shareholders, representatives, members, attorneys, partners, insurers and benefit plans, and all of their predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, suits, controversies, actions, cross-claims, counter-claims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, any other damages, claims for costs and attorneys’ fees, losses or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity and any other liabilities, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected of any nature whatsoever (hereinafter, “Claims”) that Executive has or may have against the Released Parties: (i) from the beginning of time through the date upon which Executive signs this Release; (ii) arising from or in any way related to Executive’s employment or termination of employment with any of the Released Parties; (iii) arising from or in any way related to any agreement with any of the Released Parties, including but not limited to the Employment Agreement; and/or (iv) arising from or in any way related to awards, policies, plans, programs or practices of any of the Released Parties that may apply to Executive or in which Executive may participate, in each case, including, but not limited to, under any federal, state or local law, act, statute, code, order, judgment, injunction, ruling, decree, writ, ordinance or regulation, including, but not limited to, any Claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended (the “ADEA”).
(b)Executive understands that Executive may later discover claims or facts that may be different than, or in addition to, those which Executive now knows or believes to exist with regards to the subject matter of this Release and the releases in this Section 1, and which, if known at the time of executing this Release, may have materially affected this Release or Executive’s decision to enter into it. Executive hereby waives any right or claim that might arise as a result of such different or additional claims or facts.
(c)This Release is not intended to bar or affect (i) any Claims that may not be waived by private agreement under applicable law, such as claims for workers’ compensation or unemployment insurance benefits, (ii) vested rights under the Company’s 401(k) or pension plan, [(iii) rights to indemnification under Section 9 of the Employment Agreement,] (iv) any right to the payments and benefits set forth in [Paragraph 6]/[Section 6(A)(i)-(iii)] of the Employment Agreement, and/or (v) any earned, but unpaid, wages or paid-time-off payable upon a termination of employment that may be owed pursuant to Company policy and applicable law or any unreimbursed expenses payable in accordance with Company policy.
(d)Nothing in this Release is intended to prohibit or restrict Executive’s right to file a charge with, or participate in a charge by, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other local, state, or federal administrative body or government agency; provided, however, that Executive hereby waives the right to recover any monetary damages or other relief against any Released Parties to the fullest extent permitted by law, excepting any benefit or remedy to which Executive is or becomes entitled to pursuant to Section 922 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
(e)Notwithstanding anything in this Release to the contrary, Executive’s release of Claims under the ADEA (the “ADEA Release”) shall only become effective upon: (i) Executive’s separate signature set forth on the signature page of this Release reflecting his assent to his release of Claims under the ADEA and (ii) the occurrence of the ADEA Release Effective Date.
(f)Executive represents that Executive has made no assignment or transfer of any right or Claim covered by this Section 1 and that Executive further agrees that he is not aware of any such right or Claim covered by this Section 1.
(g)Executive acknowledges that, as of the date upon which Executive signs this Release, Executive has not (i) filed a Claim with any local, state, or federal administrative body or government agency or (ii) furnished information or assistance to any non-governmental person or entity, who or which is taking or considering whether to take legal action against any of the Released Parties.
2.Return of Company Property. Executive represents that he has returned to the Company all Company property and confidential and proprietary information in his possession or control, in any form whatsoever, including without limitation, equipment, telephones, smart phones, PDAs, laptops, credit cards, keys, access cards, identification cards, security devices, network access devices, pagers, documents, manuals, reports, books, compilations, work product, e-mail messages, recordings, tapes, removable storage devices, hard drives, computers and computer discs, files and data, which Executive prepared or obtained during the course of his employment with the Company. Executive has also provided the Company with the passcodes to any lock devices or password protected work-related accounts. If Executive discovers any property of the Company or confidential or proprietary information in his possession after the date upon which he signs this Agreement, Executive shall immediately return such property.
3.Nondisparagement. Subject to Section 6 below, Executive agrees not to (a) make any statement, written or oral, directly or indirectly, which in any way disparages the Released Parties or their business, products or services in any manner whatsoever, or portrays the Released Parties or their business, products or services in a negative light or would in any way place the Released Parties in disrepute; and/or (b) encourage anyone else to disparage or criticize the Released Parties or their business, products or services, or put them in a bad light.
4.Consultation/Voluntary Agreement. Executive acknowledges that the Company has advised Executive to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release. Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Release. Executive is entering into this Release, knowingly, freely and voluntarily in exchange for good and valuable consideration to which Executive would not be entitled in the absence of executing and not revoking this Release.
5.Review and Revocation Period. Executive has been given twenty-one (21) calendar days to consider the terms of this Release, although Executive may sign it at any time sooner. Executive has seven (7) calendar days after the date on which Executive executes this Release for purposes of the ADEA Release to revoke Executive’s consent to the ADEA Release. Such revocation must be in writing and must be e-mailed to [__] at [__]. Notice of such revocation of the ADEA Release must be received within the seven (7) calendar days referenced above. In the event of such revocation of the ADEA Release by Executive, with the exception of the ADEA Release (which shall become null and void), this Release shall otherwise remain fully effective. Provided that Executive does not revoke his execution of the ADEA Release within such seven (7) day revocation period, the “ADEA Release Effective Date” shall occur on the eighth calendar day after the date on which he signs the signature page of this Release reflecting Executive’s assent to the ADEA Release. If Executive does not sign this Release (including the ADEA Release) within twenty-one (21) days after the Company presents it to him, or if Executive timely revokes the ADEA Release within the above-referenced seven day period, Executive shall have no right to the payments and benefits set forth in [Paragraph 6]/[Section 6(A)(i)-(iii)] of the Employment Agreement.
6.Permitted Disclosures. Nothing in this Release or any other agreement between Executive and the Company or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates shall prohibit or restrict Executive or
Executive’s attorneys from: (a) making any disclosure of relevant and necessary information or documents in any action, investigation, or proceeding relating to this Release, or as required by law or legal process, including with respect to possible violations of law; (b) participating, cooperating, or testifying in any action, investigation, or proceeding with, or providing information to, any governmental agency or legislative body, any self-regulatory organization, and/or pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; or (c) accepting any U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission awards. In addition, nothing in this Release or any other agreement between Executive and the Company or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates prohibits or restricts Executive from initiating communications with, or responding to any inquiry from, any regulatory or supervisory authority regarding any good faith concerns about possible violations of law or regulation. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b), Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret of the Company or its affiliates that (i) is made (x) in confidence to a Federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to Executive’s attorney and (y) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. If Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, Executive may disclose the trade secret to Executive’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if Executive files any document containing the trade secret under seal, and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Nothing in this Release or any other agreement between the Company and Executive or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by such section.
7.No Admission of Wrongdoing. Neither this Release, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this Release, shall be deemed or construed at any time to be an admission by the parties of any improper or unlawful conduct, and all of the parties expressly deny any improper or unlawful conduct.
8.Third-Party Beneficiaries. Executive acknowledges and agrees that all Released Parties are third-party beneficiaries of this Release and have the right to enforce this Release.
9.Amendments and Waivers. No amendment to or waiver of this Release or any of its terms will be binding unless consented to in writing by Executive and an authorized representative of the Company. No waiver by any Released Party of a breach of any provision of this Release, or of compliance with any condition or provision of this Release to be performed by Executive, will operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach with respect to any other Released Party or any similar or dissimilar provision or condition at the same or any subsequent time. The failure of any Released Party to take any action by reason of any breach will not deprive any other Released Party of the right to take action at any time.
10. Governing Law; Jury Waiver. This Release shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New Jersey, without regard to the application of any choice-of-law rules that would result in the application of another state’s laws. Subject to Section 13 below, Executive irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of, and exclusive venue in, the state and federal courts in New Jersey with respect to any matters pertaining to, or arising from, this Release. EXECUTIVE EXPRESSLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO OR ARISING IN ANY WAY FROM THIS RELEASE OR THE MATTERS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
11.Savings Clause. If any term or provision of this Release is invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this Release or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. Upon such determination that any term or other provision of this Release is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, this Release shall be enforceable as closely as possible to its intent of providing the Released Parties with a full release of all legally releasable claims through the date upon which Executive signs this Release.
12.Continuing Obligations. [Paragraphs 9 and 10]/[Section 7] of the Employment Agreement [are/][is] incorporated herein by reference (the “Continuing Obligations”). If Executive breaches the Continuing Obligations, all amounts and benefits payable under this Release shall cease and, upon request,
Executive shall immediately repay to the Company any and all amounts already paid pursuant to this Release. If any one or more of the Continuing Obligations shall be held by an arbitrator or a court of competent jurisdiction to be excessively broad as to duration, geography, scope, activity or subject, such provisions shall be construed by limiting and reducing them so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent allowed by applicable law.
13.Arbitration. [Appendix A]/[Section 15] of the Employment Agreement is incorporated herein by reference and such terms and conditions shall apply to any disputes under this Agreement.
14.Entire Agreement. Except as expressly set forth herein, Executive acknowledges and agrees that this Release constitutes the complete and entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Executive with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes in its entirety any and all prior understandings, commitments, obligations and/or agreements, whether written or oral, with respect thereto; it being understood and agreed that this Release, including the mutual covenants, agreements, acknowledgments and affirmations contained herein, is intended to constitute a complete settlement and resolution of all matters set forth in Section 1 hereof. Executive represents that, in executing this Release, Executive has not relied upon any representation or statement made by any of the Released Parties, other than those set forth in this Release, with regard to the subject matter, basis, or effect of this Release.
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive has executed this Release as of the below-indicated date(s).
EXECUTIVE
_______________________________________
(Signature)
Print Name: _____________________________
Date: ___________________________________
ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED
WITH RESPECT TO ADEA RELEASE
EXECUTIVE
_______________________________________
(Signature)
Print Name: _____________________________
Date: ___________________________________
Exhibit 10.4
February 25, 2020 (Amended and Restated February 13, 2023)
Lisa Checchio
[__]
[__]
Dear Ms. Checchio:
We are pleased to confirm the terms and conditions of your employment with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (the “Company”) as Chief Marketing Officer effective as of February 15, 2020 (the “Effective Date”). This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
Your base salary, paid on a biweekly basis, will be $16,346.15, which equates to an annualized base salary of $425,000, subject to annual review by the Company's Board of Directors' Compensation Committee ( the “Compensation Committee”) in its sole discretion.
You will be eligible to participate in the Company’s annual incentive compensation plan as in effect from time to time (the “AIP”), with a target annual incentive compensation award opportunity equal to no less than 75% of your eligible base salary, and with your actual annual incentive compensation award (if any) determined based upon the attainment of one or more performance goals established by the Compensation Committee. Your annual incentive compensation award will be paid to you at such time as shall be determined by the Compensation Committee, but in no event later than the last day of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which such annual incentive compensation award is earned.
You will be eligible for executive perquisites, which currently include Company-provided automobile and financial planning assistance; however, our program is subject to change from time to time. In accordance with our reimbursement policy, as the same may be amended from time to time, the Company will reimburse all taxable business expenses to you on or before the last day of your taxable year following the taxable year in which the expenses are incurred.
Per the Company’s standard policy, this letter agreement (this “Agreement”) is not intended, nor should it be considered, to be an employment contract for a definite or indefinite period of time. As you know, employment with the Company is at will, and either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without Cause and with or without prior notice. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means any of the following: (a) your willful failure to substantially perform your duties as an employee of the Company or any subsidiary (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), (b) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct by you against the Company or any subsidiary, (c) your conviction of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude (which conviction, due to the passage of time or otherwise, is not subject to further appeal), (d) your gross negligence in the performance of your duties, or (e) your purposefully or negligently making (or having been found to have made) a false certification to the Company pertaining to its financial statements. Unless the Company reasonably determines in its sole discretion that your conduct is not subject to cure, then the Company will provide notice to you of its intention to terminate your employment for Cause hereunder, along with a description of your conduct which the Company believes gives rise to Cause, and provide you with a period of fifteen (15)
days in which to cure such conduct and/or challenge the Company’s determination that Cause exists hereunder; provided, however, that (i) the determination of whether such conduct has been cured and/or gives rise to Cause shall be made by the Company in its sole discretion; and (ii) the Company shall be entitled to immediately and unilaterally restrict or suspend your duties during such fifteen (15)-day period pending such determination.
In the event your employment with the Company is terminated by the Company other than for Cause (not, for the avoidance of doubt, due to your death or your Disability (as such term is defined in the Company’s long-term disability plan)) (a “Qualifying Termination”), subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, you will receive severance pay equal to 200% multiplied by the sum of: (a) your then current base salary; plus (b) an amount equal to the highest annual incentive compensation award paid to you with respect to the three (3) fiscal years of the Company immediately preceding the fiscal year in which your termination of employment occurs, but in no event shall the amount (b) exceed 100% of your then current base salary. In the event you become entitled to severance pay under the circumstances described in this Agreement during the three (3) years following the Effective Date, the amount in subsection (b) above shall be no less than your then current base salary.
The severance pay will be paid to you in the form of a cash lump sum payment, less all applicable withholdings and deductions, in the first payroll period following the date on which the separation agreement referenced in the following paragraph becomes effective and non-revocable; provided that, to the extent your severance payment is subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and guidance issued thereunder (collectively, “Code Section 409A”), your termination of employment must constitute a “separation from service” under Code Section 409A; provided, further, that in the event the period during which you are entitled to consider (and revoke, if applicable) such separation agreement spans two calendar years, then any payment that otherwise would have been payable during the first calendar year will in no case be made until the later of (a) the end of the revocation period (assuming that you do not revoke) and (b) the first business day of the second calendar year (regardless of whether you used the full time period allowed for consideration), as and to the extent required for purposes of Code Section 409A; and provided, further, that the Company shall have the right to offset against such severance pay any then-existing documented and bona fide monetary debts you owe to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, to the extent permissible under Code Section 409A.
You will be eligible to continue to participate in the Company’s health plans in which you participate (medical, dental and vision) through the end of the month in which your termination becomes effective. Following such time, you may elect to continue health plan coverage in accordance with the provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”), and if you elect such coverage, the Company will reimburse you for the costs associated with such continuing health coverage under COBRA until the earlier of (x) eighteen (18) months from the coverage commencement date and (y) the date on which you become eligible for health and medical benefits form a subsequent employer.
The above provision of severance pay is subject to, and contingent upon, your execution and non-revocation of a separation agreement, in such form as is determined by the Company, within sixty (60) days of your termination date. Such separation agreement will require you to release all of your actual and purported claims against the Company and its affiliates (including, without limitation, the Company’s affiliated individuals and entities) and will be in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.
You agree that you will, with reasonable notice during or after your employment with the Company, furnish such information as may be in your possession and fully cooperate with the Company and its affiliates as may be requested in connection with any claims or legal action in
which the Company or any of its affiliates is or may become a party. During your employment, you will comply in all respects with the Company’s Business Principles, policies and standards. After your employment with the Company, you will cooperate as reasonably requested with the Company and its affiliates in connection with any claims or legal actions in which the Company or any of its affiliates is or may become a party. The Company agrees to reimburse you for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by you by reason of such cooperation, including any loss of salary due, to the extent permitted by law, and the Company will make reasonable efforts to minimize interruption of your life in connection with your cooperation in such matters as provided for in this paragraph.
You recognize and acknowledge that all information pertaining to this Agreement or to the affairs; business; results of operations; accounting methods, practices and procedures; members; acquisition candidates; financial condition; clients; customers or other relationships of the Company or any of its affiliates (“Information”) is confidential and is a unique and valuable asset of the Company or any of its affiliates. Access to and knowledge of certain of the Information is essential to the performance of your duties under this Agreement. You will not, during your employment with the Company or thereafter, except to the extent reasonably necessary in performance of your duties under this Agreement, give to any person, firm, association, corporation, or governmental agency any Information, except as may be required by law. You will not make use of the Information for your own purposes or for the benefit of any person or organization other than the Company or any of its affiliates. You will also use your best efforts to prevent the disclosure of this Information by others. All records, memoranda, etc. relating to the business of the Company or its affiliates, whether made by you or otherwise coming into your possession, are confidential and will remain the property of the Company or its affiliates.
Upon a Qualifying Termination, you will be eligible to vest in and be paid a pro-rata portion of any performance-based long-term incentive award (excluding stock options and stock appreciation rights) that you may hold at the time of such Qualifying Termination, with such pro-ration based upon the portion of the full performance period during which you were employed by the Company plus twelve (12) months (or, if less, assuming your continued employment for the entire performance period remaining after your Qualifying Termination); provided that the performance goals applicable to the performance-based long-term incentive award are achieved. Payment of any such vested performance-based long-term incentive award will occur at the same time that such performance-based long-term incentive awards are paid to actively-employed employees generally. In addition, all long-term incentive awards that are not subject to performance-based vesting and that would have otherwise vested within the twelve (12)-month period following your Qualifying Termination will become vested upon your Qualifying Termination, and any such long-term incentive awards which are stock options or stock appreciation rights will remain outstanding for a period of two (2) years (but not beyond the original expiration date) following your Qualifying Termination. This paragraph shall not supersede or replace any provision or right relating to the acceleration of the vesting of any long-term incentive award (whether or not performance-based) in the event of a change in control of the Company or your death or disability, whether pursuant to an applicable stock plan document or award agreement.
Although the Company does not guarantee to you any particular tax treatment relating to any payments made or benefits provided to you in connection with your employment with the Company, it is intended that such payments and benefits be exempt from, or comply with, Code Section 409A, and all provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Code Section 409A.
You hereby acknowledge and agree to the dispute resolution provisions set forth in Appendix A attached hereto.
This Agreement has been executed and delivered in the State of New Jersey and its validity, interpretation, performance and enforcement will be governed by the internal laws of that state.
Thank you for your continued contribution to the success of our company.
Sincerely,
By: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
/s/ Monica Melancon
Name: Monica Melancon
Title: Chief Human Resource Officer
ACKNOWLEDGED AND ACCEPTED:
/s/ Lisa Checchio
Name: Lisa Checchio
Date: April 7, 2023
APPENDIX A
1.You and the Company mutually consent to the resolution by final and binding arbitration of any and all disputes, controversies, or claims related in any way to your employment and/or relationship with the Company, including, without limitation, any dispute, controversy or claim of alleged discrimination, harassment, or retaliation (including, but not limited to, claims based on race, sex, sexual preference, religion, national origin, age, marital or family status, medical condition, or disability); any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to any agreements between you and the Company, including this Agreement; and any dispute as to the ability to arbitrate a matter under this Agreement (collectively, “Claims”); provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall require arbitration of any Claims which, by law, cannot be the subject of a compulsory arbitration agreement, and nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted to mean that you are precluded from filing complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the National Labor Relations Board.
2.Any party who is aggrieved will deliver a notice to the other party setting forth the specific points in dispute within the same statute of limitations period applicable to such Claims. Any points remaining in dispute twenty (20) days after the giving of such notice may be submitted to arbitration in New York, New York, in the Borough of Manhattan, to JAMS, before a single arbitrator appointed in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures of JAMS (“JAMS Rules”) then in effect, modified only as herein expressly provided. The arbitrator shall be selected in accordance with the JAMS Rules; provided that the arbitrator shall be an attorney (i) with at least ten (10) years of significant experience in employment matters and/or (ii) a former federal or state court judge. After the aforesaid twenty (20) days, either party, upon ten (10) days’ notice to the other, may so submit the points in dispute to arbitration. The arbitrator may enter a default decision against any party who fails to participate in the arbitration proceedings. The arbitrator will be empowered to award either party any remedy, at law or in equity, that the party would otherwise have been entitled to, had the matter been litigated in court; provided, however, that the authority to award any remedy is subject to whatever limitations, if any, exist in the applicable law on such remedies. The arbitrator shall issue a decision or award in writing, stating the essential findings of fact and conclusions of law. Any judgment on or enforcement of any award, including an award providing for interim or permanent injunctive relief, rendered by the arbitrator may be entered, enforced, or appealed in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Any arbitration proceedings, decision, or award rendered hereunder, and the validity, effect, and interpretation of this arbitration provision, shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.
3.Each party to any dispute shall pay its own expenses, including attorneys' fees; provided, however, that the Company shall pay all reasonable costs, fees, and expenses that you would not otherwise have been subject to paying if the Claim had been resolved in a court of competent jurisdiction.
4.The parties agree that this Appendix A has been included to rapidly, inexpensively and confidentially resolve any disputes between them, and that this Appendix A will be grounds for dismissal of any court action commenced by either party with respect to this Agreement, except as otherwise provided in Paragraph 1 herein, other than (i) any action seeking a restraining order or other injunctive or equitable relief or order in aid of arbitration or to compel arbitration from a court of competent jurisdiction, (ii) any action seeking interim injunctive or equitable relief from the arbitrator pursuant to the JAMS Rules or (iii) post-arbitration actions seeking to enforce an arbitration award from a court of competent jurisdiction. IN THE EVENT THAT ANY COURT DETERMINES THAT THIS ARBITRATION PROCEDURE IS NOT BINDING, OR OTHERWISE ALLOWS ANY
LITIGATION REGARDING A DISPUTE, CLAIM, OR CONTROVERSY COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT TO PROCEED, THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN OR WITH RESPECT TO SUCH LITIGATION.
5.The parties will keep confidential, and will not disclose to any person, except to counsel for either of the parties and/or as may be required by law, the existence of any controversy hereunder, the referral of any such controversy to arbitration or the status or resolution thereof. Accordingly, you and the Company agree that all proceedings in any arbitration shall be conducted under seal and kept strictly confidential. In that regard, no party shall use, disclose, or permit the disclosure of any information, evidence, or documents produced by any other party in the arbitration proceedings or about the existence, contents, or results of the proceedings, except as necessary and appropriate for the preparation and conduct of the arbitration proceedings, or as may be required by any legal process, or as required in an action in aid of arbitration, or for enforcement of or appeal from an arbitral award. Before making any disclosure permitted by the preceding sentence, the party intending to make such disclosure shall give the other party reasonable written notice of the intended disclosure and afford such other party a reasonable opportunity to protect its interests (e.g., by application for a protective order and/or to file under seal).
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF RELEASE
As a condition precedent to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (the “Company”) providing the consideration set forth in [Paragraph 6 of the employment letter agreement]/[Section 6(A)(i)-(iii) of the Employment Agreement], dated ______, [____] (the “Employment Agreement”), to which this Release is attached as Exhibit A (this “Release”), on or following the “ADEA Release Effective Date” (as defined below) to the undersigned executive (“Executive”), Executive hereby agrees to the terms of this Release as follows:
1. Release.
(a) Subject to Section 1(c) below, Executive, on behalf of Executive and Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, hereby voluntarily, unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely releases and discharges the Company, its parent, and each of their subsidiaries, affiliates and joint venture partners, and all of their past and present employees, officers, directors, agents, owners, shareholders, representatives, members, attorneys, partners, insurers and benefit plans, and all of their predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, suits, controversies, actions, cross-claims, counter-claims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, any other damages, claims for costs and attorneys’ fees, losses or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity and any other liabilities, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected of any nature whatsoever (hereinafter, “Claims”) that Executive has or may have against the Released Parties: (i) from the beginning of time through the date upon which Executive signs this Release; (ii) arising from or in any way related to Executive’s employment or termination of employment with any of the Released Parties; (iii) arising from or in any way related to any agreement with any of the Released Parties, including but not limited to the Employment Agreement; and/or (iv) arising from or in any way related to awards, policies, plans, programs or practices of any of the Released Parties that may apply to Executive or in which Executive may participate, in each case, including, but not limited to, under any federal, state or local law, act, statute, code, order, judgment, injunction, ruling, decree, writ, ordinance or regulation, including, but not limited to, any Claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended (the “ADEA”).
(b) Executive understands that Executive may later discover claims or facts that may be different than, or in addition to, those which Executive now knows or believes to exist with regards to the subject matter of this Release and the releases in this Section 1, and which, if known at the time of executing this Release, may have materially affected this Release or Executive’s decision to enter into it. Executive hereby waives any right or claim that might arise as a result of such different or additional claims or facts.
(c) This Release is not intended to bar or affect (i) any Claims that may not be waived by private agreement under applicable law, such as claims for workers’ compensation or unemployment insurance benefits, (ii) vested rights under the Company’s 401(k) or pension plan, [(iii) rights to indemnification under Section 9 of the Employment Agreement,] (iv) any right to the payments and benefits set forth in [Paragraph 6]/[Section 6(A)(i)-(iii)] of the Employment Agreement, and/or (v) any earned, but unpaid, wages or paid-time-off payable upon a termination of employment that may be owed pursuant to Company policy and applicable law or any unreimbursed expenses payable in accordance with Company policy.
(d) Nothing in this Release is intended to prohibit or restrict Executive’s right to file a charge with, or participate in a charge by, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
or any other local, state, or federal administrative body or government agency; provided, however, that Executive hereby waives the right to recover any monetary damages or other relief against any Released Parties to the fullest extent permitted by law, excepting any benefit or remedy to which Executive is or becomes entitled to pursuant to Section 922 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Release to the contrary, Executive’s release of Claims under the ADEA (the “ADEA Release”) shall only become effective upon: (i) Executive’s separate signature set forth on the signature page of this Release reflecting her assent to her release of Claims under the ADEA and (ii) the occurrence of the ADEA Release Effective Date.
(f) Executive represents that Executive has made no assignment or transfer of any right or Claim covered by this Section 1 and that Executive further agrees that she is not aware of any such right or Claim covered by this Section 1.
(g) Executive acknowledges that, as of the date upon which Executive signs this Release, Executive has not (i) filed a Claim with any local, state, or federal administrative body or government agency or (ii) furnished information or assistance to any non-governmental person or entity, who or which is taking or considering whether to take legal action against any of the Released Parties.
2.Return of Company Property. Executive represents that she has returned to the Company all Company property and confidential and proprietary information in her possession or control, in any form whatsoever, including without limitation, equipment, telephones, smart phones, PDAs, laptops, credit cards, keys, access cards, identification cards, security devices, network access devices, pagers, documents, manuals, reports, books, compilations, work product, e-mail messages, recordings, tapes, removable storage devices, hard drives, computers and computer discs, files and data, which Executive prepared or obtained during the course of her employment with the Company. Executive has also provided the Company with the passcodes to any lock devices or password protected work-related accounts. If Executive discovers any property of the Company or confidential or proprietary information in her possession after the date upon which she signs this Agreement, Executive shall immediately return such property.
3.Nondisparagement. Subject to Section 6 below, Executive agrees not to (a) make any statement, written or oral, directly or indirectly, which in any way disparages the Released Parties or their business, products or services in any manner whatsoever, or portrays the Released Parties or their business, products or services in a negative light or would in any way place the Released Parties in disrepute; and/or (b) encourage anyone else to disparage or criticize the Released Parties or their business, products or services, or put them in a bad light.
4.Consultation/Voluntary Agreement. Executive acknowledges that the Company has advised Executive to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release. Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Release. Executive is entering into this Release, knowingly, freely and voluntarily in exchange for good and valuable consideration to which Executive would not be entitled in the absence of executing and not revoking this Release.
5.Review and Revocation Period. Executive has been given twenty-one (21) calendar days to consider the terms of this Release, although Executive may sign it at any time sooner. Executive has seven (7) calendar days after the date on which Executive executes this Release for purposes of the ADEA Release to revoke Executive’s consent to the ADEA Release. Such revocation must be in writing and must be e-mailed to [__] at [__]. Notice of such revocation of the ADEA Release must be received within the seven (7) calendar days referenced above. In the event of such revocation of the ADEA Release by Executive, with the exception of the ADEA Release (which shall become null and void), this Release shall otherwise remain fully effective. Provided that Executive does not revoke her execution of the ADEA Release within such seven (7) day revocation period, the “ADEA Release Effective Date” shall occur on the eighth calendar day after the date on which she signs the signature page of this Release reflecting Executive’s assent to the ADEA Release. If Executive does not sign this Release (including the ADEA Release) within twenty-one (21) days after the Company presents it to her, or if Executive timely revokes the ADEA Release within the above-referenced seven day period, Executive shall have no right to the payments and benefits set forth in [Paragraph 6]/[Section 6(A)(i)-(iii)] of the Employment Agreement.
6.Permitted Disclosures. Nothing in this Release or any other agreement between Executive and the Company or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates shall prohibit or restrict Executive or Executive’s attorneys from: (a) making any disclosure of relevant and necessary information or documents in any action, investigation, or proceeding relating to this Release, or as required by law or legal process, including with respect to possible violations of law; (b) participating, cooperating, or testifying in any action, investigation, or proceeding with, or providing information to, any governmental agency or legislative body, any self-regulatory organization, and/or pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; or (c) accepting any U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission awards. In addition, nothing in this Release or any other agreement between Executive and the Company or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates prohibits or restricts Executive from initiating communications with, or responding to any inquiry from, any regulatory or supervisory authority regarding any good faith concerns about possible violations of law or regulation. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b), Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret of the Company or its affiliates that (i) is made (x) in confidence to a Federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to Executive’s attorney and (y) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. If Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, Executive may disclose the trade secret to Executive’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if Executive files any document containing the trade secret under seal, and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Nothing in this Release or any other agreement between the Company and Executive or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by such section.
7.No Admission of Wrongdoing. Neither this Release, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this Release, shall be deemed or construed at any time to be an admission by the parties of any improper or unlawful conduct, and all of the parties expressly deny any improper or unlawful conduct.
8.Third-Party Beneficiaries. Executive acknowledges and agrees that all Released Parties are third-party beneficiaries of this Release and have the right to enforce this Release.
9.Amendments and Waivers. No amendment to or waiver of this Release or any of its terms will be binding unless consented to in writing by Executive and an authorized
representative of the Company. No waiver by any Released Party of a breach of any provision of this Release, or of compliance with any condition or provision of this Release to be performed by Executive, will operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach with respect to any other Released Party or any similar or dissimilar provision or condition at the same or any subsequent time. The failure of any Released Party to take any action by reason of any breach will not deprive any other Released Party of the right to take action at any time.
10. Governing Law; Jury Waiver. This Release shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New Jersey, without regard to the application of any choice-of-law rules that would result in the application of another state’s laws. Subject to Section 13 below, Executive irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of, and exclusive venue in, the state and federal courts in New Jersey with respect to any matters pertaining to, or arising from, this Release. EXECUTIVE EXPRESSLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO OR ARISING IN ANY WAY FROM THIS RELEASE OR THE MATTERS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
11. Savings Clause. If any term or provision of this Release is invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this Release or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. Upon such determination that any term or other provision of this Release is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, this Release shall be enforceable as closely as possible to its intent of providing the Released Parties with a full release of all legally releasable claims through the date upon which Executive signs this Release.
12. Continuing Obligations. [Paragraphs 9 and 10]/[Section 7] of the Employment Agreement [are/][is] incorporated herein by reference (the “Continuing Obligations”). If Executive breaches the Continuing Obligations, all amounts and benefits payable under this Release shall cease and, upon request, Executive shall immediately repay to the Company any and all amounts already paid pursuant to this Release. If any one or more of the Continuing Obligations shall be held by an arbitrator or a court of competent jurisdiction to be excessively broad as to duration, geography, scope, activity or subject, such provisions shall be construed by limiting and reducing them so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent allowed by applicable law.
13. Arbitration. [Appendix A]/[Section 15] of the Employment Agreement is incorporated herein by reference and such terms and conditions shall apply to any disputes under this Agreement.
14. Entire Agreement. Except as expressly set forth herein, Executive acknowledges and agrees that this Release constitutes the complete and entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Executive with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes in its entirety any and all prior understandings, commitments, obligations and/or agreements, whether written or oral, with respect thereto; it being understood and agreed that this Release, including the mutual covenants, agreements, acknowledgments and affirmations contained herein, is intended to constitute a complete settlement and resolution of all matters set forth in Section 1 hereof. Executive represents that, in executing this Release, Executive has not relied upon any representation or statement made by any of the Released Parties, other than those set forth in this Release, with regard to the subject matter, basis, or effect of this Release.
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive has executed this Release as of the below-indicated date(s).
EXECUTIVE
_______________________________________
(Signature)
Print Name: _____________________________
Date: ___________________________________
ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED
WITH RESPECT TO ADEA RELEASE
EXECUTIVE
_______________________________________
(Signature)
Print Name: _____________________________
Date: ___________________________________
Exhibit 10.5
February 15, 2020 (amended and restated February 13, 2023)
Scott Strickland
[__]
[__]
Dear Mr. Strickland:
We are pleased to confirm the terms and conditions of your employment with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (the “Company”) as Chief Information Officer effective as of February 15, 2020 (the “Effective Date”). This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
Your base salary, paid on a biweekly basis, will be $15,384.62, which equates to an annualized base salary of $400,000, subject to annual review by the Company's Board of Directors' Compensation Committee ( the “Committee”) in its sole discretion.
You will be eligible to participate in the Company’s annual incentive compensation plan as in effect from time to time (the “AIP”), with a target annual incentive compensation award opportunity equal to no less than 75% of your eligible base salary, and with your actual annual incentive compensation award (if any) determined based upon the attainment of one or more performance goals established by the Compensation Committee. Your annual incentive compensation award will be paid to you at such time as shall be determined by the Compensation Committee, but in no event later than the last day of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which such annual incentive compensation award is earned.
You will be eligible for executive perquisites, which currently include Company-provided automobile and financial planning assistance; however, our program is subject to change from time to time. In accordance with our reimbursement policy, as the same may be amended from time to time, the Company will reimburse all taxable business expenses to you on or before the last day of your taxable year following the taxable year in which the expenses are incurred.
Per the Company’s standard policy, this letter agreement (this “Agreement”) is not intended, nor should it be considered, to be an employment contract for a definite or indefinite period of time. As you know, employment with the Company is at will, and either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without Cause and with or without prior notice. For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means any of the following: (a) your willful failure to substantially perform your duties as an employee of the Company or any subsidiary (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), (b) any act of fraud, misappropriation, dishonesty, embezzlement or similar conduct by you against the Company or any subsidiary, (c) your conviction of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude (which conviction, due to the passage of time or otherwise, is not subject to further appeal), (d) your gross negligence in the performance of your duties, or (e) your purposefully or negligently making (or having been found to have made) a false certification to the Company pertaining to its financial statements. Unless the Company reasonably determines in its sole discretion that your conduct is not subject to cure, then the Company will provide notice to you of its intention to terminate your employment for Cause hereunder, along with a description of your conduct which the Company believes gives rise to Cause, and provide you with a period of fifteen (15) days in which to cure such conduct and/or challenge the Company’s determination that Cause
exists hereunder; provided, however, that (i) the determination of whether such conduct has been cured and/or gives rise to Cause shall be made by the Company in its sole discretion; and (ii) the Company shall be entitled to immediately and unilaterally restrict or suspend your duties during such fifteen (15)-day period pending such determination.
In the event your employment with the Company is terminated by the Company other than for Cause (not, for the avoidance of doubt, due to your death or your Disability (as such term is defined in the Company’s long-term disability plan)) (a “Qualifying Termination”), subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, you will receive severance pay equal to 200% multiplied by the sum of: (a) your then current base salary; plus (b) an amount equal to the highest annual incentive compensation award paid to you with respect to the three (3) fiscal years of the Company immediately preceding the fiscal year in which your termination of employment occurs, but in no event shall the amount (b) exceed 100% of your then current base salary. In the event you become entitled to severance pay under the circumstances described in this Agreement during the three (3) years following the Effective Date, the amount in subsection (b) above shall be no less than your then current base salary.
The severance pay will be paid to you in the form of a cash lump sum payment, less all applicable withholdings and deductions, in the first payroll period following the date on which the separation agreement referenced in the following paragraph becomes effective and non-revocable; provided that, to the extent your severance payment is subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and guidance issued thereunder (collectively, “Code Section 409A”), your termination of employment must constitute a “separation from service” under Code Section 409A; provided, further, that in the event the period during which you are entitled to consider (and revoke, if applicable) such separation agreement spans two calendar years, then any payment that otherwise would have been payable during the first calendar year will in no case be made until the later of (a) the end of the revocation period (assuming that you do not revoke) and (b) the first business day of the second calendar year (regardless of whether you used the full time period allowed for consideration), as and to the extent required for purposes of Code Section 409A; and provided, further, that the Company shall have the right to offset against such severance pay any then-existing documented and bona fide monetary debts you owe to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, to the extent permissible under Code Section 409A.
You will be eligible to continue to participate in the Company’s health plans in which you participate (medical, dental and vision) through the end of the month in which your termination becomes effective. Following such time, you may elect to continue health plan coverage in accordance with the provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (“COBRA”), and if you elect such coverage, the Company will reimburse you for the costs associated with such continuing health coverage under COBRA until the earlier of (x) eighteen (18) months from the coverage commencement date and (y) the date on which you become eligible for health and medical benefits form a subsequent employer.
The above provision of severance pay is subject to, and contingent upon, your execution and non-revocation of a separation agreement, in such form as is determined by the Company, within sixty (60) days of your termination date. Such separation agreement will require you to release all of your actual and purported claims against the Company and its affiliates (including, without limitation, the Company’s affiliated individuals and entities) and will be in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.
You agree that you will, with reasonable notice during or after your employment with the Company, furnish such information as may be in your possession and fully cooperate with the Company and its affiliates as may be requested in connection with any claims or legal action in which the Company or any of its affiliates is or may become a party. During your employment,
you will comply in all respects with the Company’s Business Principles, policies and standards. After your employment with the Company, you will cooperate as reasonably requested with the Company and its affiliates in connection with any claims or legal actions in which the Company or any of its affiliates is or may become a party. The Company agrees to reimburse you for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by you by reason of such cooperation, including any loss of salary due, to the extent permitted by law, and the Company will make reasonable efforts to minimize interruption of your life in connection with your cooperation in such matters as provided for in this paragraph.
You recognize and acknowledge that all information pertaining to this Agreement or to the affairs; business; results of operations; accounting methods, practices and procedures; members; acquisition candidates; financial condition; clients; customers or other relationships of the Company or any of its affiliates (“Information”) is confidential and is a unique and valuable asset of the Company or any of its affiliates. Access to and knowledge of certain of the Information is essential to the performance of your duties under this Agreement. You will not, during your employment with the Company or thereafter, except to the extent reasonably necessary in performance of your duties under this Agreement, give to any person, firm, association, corporation, or governmental agency any Information, except as may be required by law. You will not make use of the Information for your own purposes or for the benefit of any person or organization other than the Company or any of its affiliates. You will also use your best efforts to prevent the disclosure of this Information by others. All records, memoranda, etc. relating to the business of the Company or its affiliates, whether made by you or otherwise coming into your possession, are confidential and will remain the property of the Company or its affiliates.
Upon a Qualifying Termination, you will be eligible to vest in and be paid a pro-rata portion of any performance-based long-term incentive award (excluding stock options and stock appreciation rights) that you may hold at the time of such Qualifying Termination, with such pro-ration based upon the portion of the full performance period during which you were employed by the Company plus twelve (12) months (or, if less, assuming your continued employment for the entire performance period remaining after your Qualifying Termination); provided that the performance goals applicable to the performance-based long-term incentive award are achieved. Payment of any such vested performance-based long-term incentive award will occur at the same time that such performance-based long-term incentive awards are paid to actively-employed employees generally. In addition, all long-term incentive awards that are not subject to performance-based vesting and that would have otherwise vested within the twelve (12)-month period following your Qualifying Termination will become vested upon your Qualifying Termination, and any such long-term incentive awards which are stock options or stock appreciation rights will remain outstanding for a period of two (2) years (but not beyond the original expiration date) following your Qualifying Termination. This paragraph shall not supersede or replace any provision or right relating to the acceleration of the vesting of any long-term incentive award (whether or not performance-based) in the event of a change in control of the Company or your death or disability, whether pursuant to an applicable stock plan document or award agreement.
Although the Company does not guarantee to you any particular tax treatment relating to any payments made or benefits provided to you in connection with your employment with the Company, it is intended that such payments and benefits be exempt from, or comply with, Code Section 409A, and all provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Code Section 409A.
You hereby acknowledge and agree to the dispute resolution provisions set forth in Appendix A attached hereto.
This Agreement has been executed and delivered in the State of New Jersey and its validity, interpretation, performance and enforcement will be governed by the internal laws of that state.
Thank you for your continued contribution to the success of our company.
Sincerely,
By: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
/s/ Monica Melancon
Name: Monica Melancon
Title: Chief Human Resource Officer
ACKNOWLEDGED AND ACCEPTED:
/s/ Scott Strickland
Name: Scott Strickland
Date: March 31, 2023
APPENDIX A
1.You and the Company mutually consent to the resolution by final and binding arbitration of any and all disputes, controversies, or claims related in any way to your employment and/or relationship with the Company, including, without limitation, any dispute, controversy or claim of alleged discrimination, harassment, or retaliation (including, but not limited to, claims based on race, sex, sexual preference, religion, national origin, age, marital or family status, medical condition, or disability); any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to any agreements between you and the Company, including this Agreement; and any dispute as to the ability to arbitrate a matter under this Agreement (collectively, “Claims”); provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall require arbitration of any Claims which, by law, cannot be the subject of a compulsory arbitration agreement, and nothing in this Agreement shall be interpreted to mean that you are precluded from filing complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the National Labor Relations Board.
2.Any party who is aggrieved will deliver a notice to the other party setting forth the specific points in dispute within the same statute of limitations period applicable to such Claims. Any points remaining in dispute twenty (20) days after the giving of such notice may be submitted to arbitration in New York, New York, in the Borough of Manhattan, to JAMS, before a single arbitrator appointed in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules and Procedures of JAMS (“JAMS Rules”) then in effect, modified only as herein expressly provided. The arbitrator shall be selected in accordance with the JAMS Rules; provided that the arbitrator shall be an attorney (i) with at least ten (10) years of significant experience in employment matters and/or (ii) a former federal or state court judge. After the aforesaid twenty (20) days, either party, upon ten (10) days’ notice to the other, may so submit the points in dispute to arbitration. The arbitrator may enter a default decision against any party who fails to participate in the arbitration proceedings. The arbitrator will be empowered to award either party any remedy, at law or in equity, that the party would otherwise have been entitled to, had the matter been litigated in court; provided, however, that the authority to award any remedy is subject to whatever limitations, if any, exist in the applicable law on such remedies. The arbitrator shall issue a decision or award in writing, stating the essential findings of fact and conclusions of law. Any judgment on or enforcement of any award, including an award providing for interim or permanent injunctive relief, rendered by the arbitrator may be entered, enforced, or appealed in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Any arbitration proceedings, decision, or award rendered hereunder, and the validity, effect, and interpretation of this arbitration provision, shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.
3.Each party to any dispute shall pay its own expenses, including attorneys' fees; provided, however, that the Company shall pay all reasonable costs, fees, and expenses that you would not otherwise have been subject to paying if the Claim had been resolved in a court of competent jurisdiction.
4.The parties agree that this Appendix A has been included to rapidly, inexpensively and confidentially resolve any disputes between them, and that this Appendix A will be grounds for dismissal of any court action commenced by either party with respect to this Agreement, except as otherwise provided in Paragraph 1 herein, other than (i) any action seeking a restraining order or other injunctive or equitable relief or order in aid of arbitration or to compel arbitration from a court of competent jurisdiction, (ii) any action seeking interim injunctive or equitable relief from the arbitrator pursuant to the JAMS Rules or (iii) post-arbitration actions seeking to enforce an arbitration award from a court of competent jurisdiction. IN THE EVENT THAT ANY COURT DETERMINES THAT THIS ARBITRATION PROCEDURE IS NOT BINDING, OR OTHERWISE ALLOWS ANY
LITIGATION REGARDING A DISPUTE, CLAIM, OR CONTROVERSY COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT TO PROCEED, THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN OR WITH RESPECT TO SUCH LITIGATION.
5.The parties will keep confidential, and will not disclose to any person, except to counsel for either of the parties and/or as may be required by law, the existence of any controversy hereunder, the referral of any such controversy to arbitration or the status or resolution thereof. Accordingly, you and the Company agree that all proceedings in any arbitration shall be conducted under seal and kept strictly confidential. In that regard, no party shall use, disclose, or permit the disclosure of any information, evidence, or documents produced by any other party in the arbitration proceedings or about the existence, contents, or results of the proceedings, except as necessary and appropriate for the preparation and conduct of the arbitration proceedings, or as may be required by any legal process, or as required in an action in aid of arbitration, or for enforcement of or appeal from an arbitral award. Before making any disclosure permitted by the preceding sentence, the party intending to make such disclosure shall give the other party reasonable written notice of the intended disclosure and afford such other party a reasonable opportunity to protect its interests (e.g., by application for a protective order and/or to file under seal).
EXHIBIT A
RELEASE
As a condition precedent to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (the “Company”) providing the consideration set forth in Section ___ of the Separation and Release Agreement dated ______, 20__ (“the Separation Agreement”), to which this Release is attached as Exhibit A, on or following the “ADEA Release Effective Date” (as defined below) to the undersigned executive (“Executive”), Executive hereby agrees to the terms of this Release as follows:
1.Release.
(a)Subject to Section 1(c) below, Executive, on behalf of Executive and Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, hereby voluntarily, unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely releases and discharges the Company, its parent entities, and each of its subsidiaries, affiliates, and all of its past and present employees, officers, directors, agents, owners, shareholders, representatives, members, attorneys, insurers and benefit plans, and all of their predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Released Parties”, and each a “Released Party”) from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, suits, controversies, actions, cross-claims, counter-claims, demands, debts, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive or exemplary damages, any other damages, claims for costs and attorneys’ fees, losses or liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law and in equity and any other liabilities, known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected of any nature whatsoever (hereinafter, “Claims”) that Executive has or may have against the Released Parties: (i) from the beginning of time through the date upon which Executive signs this Release; (ii) arising from or in any way related to Executive’s employment or termination of employment with any of the Released Parties; (iii) arising from or in any way related to any agreement with any of the Released Parties, including but not limited to the employment letter agreement executed by Executive on _________, 20__ (“Agreement”); and/or (iv) arising from or in any way related to awards, policies, plans, programs or practices of any of the Released Parties that may apply to Executive or in which Executive may participate, in each case, including, but not limited to, under any federal, state or local law, act, statute, code, order, judgment, injunction, ruling, decree or writ, ordinance or regulation, including, but not limited to:
•Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
•Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code;
•The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") (as modified below);
•The Immigration Reform and Control Act;
•The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990;
•The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (“ADEA”);
•The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act;
•The Fair Credit Reporting Act;
•The Family and Medical Leave Act;
•The Equal Pay Act;
•The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008;
•The Occupational Safety and Health Act;
•The Family First Coronavirus Response Act;
•The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination;
•The New Jersey Civil Rights Act;
•The New Jersey Family Leave Act;
•The New Jersey State Wage and Hour Law;
•The Millville Dallas Airmotive Plant Job Loss Notification Act;
•The New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act;
•The New Jersey Equal Pay Law;
•The New Jersey Occupational Safety and Health Law;
•The New Jersey Smokers’ Rights Law;
•The New Jersey Genetic Privacy Act;
•The New Jersey Fair Credit Reporting Act;
•The New Jersey Paid Sick Leave Act;
•The New Jersey Statutory Provision Regarding Retaliation/Discrimination for Filing A Workers' Compensation Claim;
•The New Jersey Public Employees' Occupational Safety and Health Act;
•New Jersey laws regarding Political Activities of Employees, Lie Detector Tests, Jury Duty, Employment Protection, and Discrimination;
•any other federal, state or local law, rule, regulation, or ordinance;
•any public policy, contract, tort, or common law; or
•any basis for recovering costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys' fees incurred in these matters.
(b)Executive understands that Executive may later discover claims or facts that may be different than, or in addition to, those which Executive now knows or believes to exist with regards to the subject matter of this Release and the releases in this Section 1, and which, if known at the time of executing this Release, may have materially affected this Release or Executive’s decision to enter into it. Executive hereby waives any right or claim that might arise as a result of such different or additional claims or facts.
(c)This Release is not intended to bar or affect: (i) any Claims that may not be waived by private agreement under applicable law, such as claims for workers’ compensation or unemployment insurance benefits; (ii) vested rights under the Company’s 401(k) or pension plan; (iii) any right to the payments and benefits set forth in Section __ of the Separation Agreement; and/or (iv) any earned, but unpaid, wages or paid-time-off payable upon a termination of employment that may be owed pursuant to Company policy and applicable law or any unreimbursed expenses payable in accordance with Company policy.
(d)Nothing in this Release is intended to prohibit or restrict Executive’s right to file a charge with, or participate in a charge by, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other local, state, or federal administrative body or government agency; provided, however, that Executive hereby waives the right to recover any monetary damages or other relief against any Released Parties to the fullest extent permitted by law, excepting any benefit or remedy to which Executive is or becomes entitled to pursuant to Section 922 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
(e)Notwithstanding anything in this Release to the contrary, Executive’s release of Claims under the ADEA (“the ADEA Release”) shall become effective only upon: (i) Executive’s separate signature set forth on the signature page of this Release reflecting his assent to his release of Claims under the ADEA; and (ii) the occurrence of the ADEA Release Effective Date.
(f)Executive represents that Executive has made no assignment or transfer of any right or Claim covered by this Section 1 and that Executive further agrees that he is not aware of any such right or Claim covered by this Section 1.
(g)As of the date upon which Executive executes this Release, Executive acknowledges that he does not have any current charge, complaint, grievance or other proceeding against any of the Released Parties pending before any local, state or federal agency regarding his employment or separation from employment. This provision shall in all respects be subject to Subsection (d) herein and Section 6 of this Release.
(h)As of the date upon which Executive executes this Release, Executive affirms that he has not knowingly provided, either directly or indirectly, any information or assistance to any non-governmental party that may be considering or is taking legal action against any of the Released Parties with the purpose of assisting such person in connection with such legal action. Executive understands that if this Release, and the Separation Agreement to which this Release is attached, were not signed, he would have the right to voluntarily provide information or assistance to any party who may be considering or is taking legal action against any of the Released Parties. Executive hereby waives that right and agrees that he will not provide any such assistance other than the assistance to a governmental party or pursuant to a valid subpoena or court order. This provision shall in all respects be subject to Subsection (d) herein and Section 6 of this Release.
2.Return of Company Property. Executive represents that he has returned to the Company all Company property and confidential and proprietary information in his possession or control, including but not limited to Confidential Information as defined in the Separation Agreement, in any form whatsoever, including without limitation, equipment, telephones, smart phones, PDAs, laptops, credit cards, keys, access cards, identification cards, security devices, network access devices, pagers, documents, manuals, reports, books, compilations, work product, e-mail messages, recordings, tapes, removable storage devices, hard drives, computers and computer discs, files and data, which Executive prepared or obtained during the course of his employment with the Company. Executive has also provided the Company with the passcodes to any lock devices or password protected work-related accounts. If Executive discovers any property of the Company (or any Released Party) or confidential or proprietary information in his possession after the date upon which he signs this Separation Agreement and Release, Executive shall immediately return such property.
3.Non-disparagement. Subject to Section 6 below, Executive agrees not to: (a) make any statement, written or oral, directly or indirectly, which in any way disparages the Released Parties or their business, products or services in any manner whatsoever, or portrays the Released Parties or their business, products or services in a negative light or would in any way place the Released Parties in disrepute; and/or (b) encourage anyone else to disparage or criticize the Released Parties or their business, products or services, or put them in a bad light.
4.Consultation/Voluntary Agreement. Executive acknowledges that the Company has advised Executive to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Release. Executive has carefully read and fully understands all of the provisions of this Release. Executive is entering into this Release, knowingly, freely and voluntarily in exchange for good and valuable consideration to which Executive would not be entitled in the absence of executing and not revoking this Release.
5.Review and Revocation Period. Executive has been given twenty-one (21) calendar days to consider the terms of this Release, although Executive may sign it at any time sooner. Executive has seven (7) calendar days after the date on which Executive executes this Release for purposes of the ADEA Release to revoke Executive’s consent to the ADEA Release. Such revocation must be in writing and must be e-mailed to ________________, at ____________@wyndham.com. Notice of such revocation of the ADEA Release must be received within the seven (7) calendar days referenced above. In the event of such revocation of the ADEA Release by Executive, with the exception of the ADEA Release (which shall become null and void), this Release shall otherwise remain fully effective. Provided that Executive does not revoke his execution of the ADEA Release within such seven (7) day revocation period, the “ADEA Release Effective Date” shall occur on the eighth (8th) calendar day after the date on which Executive signs the signature page of this Release reflecting his assent to the ADEA Release. If Executive does not sign this Release within twenty-one (21) days after the Company presents it to him, or if Executive revokes this Release within the permissible period, Executive shall have no right to the payments and benefits set forth in the Separation Agreement.
6.Permitted Disclosures. Nothing in this Release or any other agreement between Executive and the Company or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates shall prohibit or restrict Executive or Executive’s attorneys from: (a) making any disclosure of relevant and necessary information or documents in any action, investigation, or proceeding relating to this Release, or as required by law or legal process, including with respect to possible violations of law; (b) participating, cooperating, or testifying in any action, investigation, or proceeding with, or providing information to, any governmental agency or legislative body, any self-regulatory organization, and/or pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; or (c) accepting any U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission awards. In addition, nothing in this Release or any other agreement between Executive and the Company or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates prohibits or restricts Executive from initiating communications with, or responding to any inquiry from, any regulatory or supervisory authority regarding any good faith concerns about possible violations of law or regulation. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1833(b), Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret of the Company or its affiliates that: (i) is made (x) in confidence to a Federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to Executive’s attorney and (y) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. If Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, Executive may disclose the trade secret to Executive’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if Executive files any document containing the trade secret
under seal, and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Nothing in this Release or any other agreement between the Company and Executive or any other policies of the Company or its affiliates is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. §1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by such section.
7.No Admission of Wrongdoing. Neither this Release, nor the furnishing of the consideration for this Release, shall be deemed or construed at any time to be an admission by the parties or any of the Released Parties of any improper or unlawful conduct, all of which is denied.
8.Third-Party Beneficiaries. Executive acknowledges and agrees that all Released Parties are third-party beneficiaries of this Release and have the right to enforce this Release.
9.Amendments and Waivers. No amendment to or waiver of this Release or any of its terms will be binding unless consented to in writing by Executive and an authorized representative of the Company. No waiver by any Released Party of a breach of any provision of this Release, or of compliance with any condition or provision of this Release to be performed by Executive, will operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach with respect to any other Released Party or any similar or dissimilar provision or condition at the same or any subsequent time. The failure of any Released Party to take any action by reason of any breach will not deprive any other Released Party of the right to take action at any time.
10.Governing Law; Jury Waiver. This Release shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New Jersey, without regard to the application of any choice-of-law rules that would result in the application of another state’s laws. Subject to Section 13 below, Executive irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of, and exclusive venue in, the state and federal courts in New Jersey with respect to any matters pertaining to, or arising from, this Release. UNLESS OTHERWISE PROHIBITED BY LAW, EXECUTIVE EXPRESSLY, KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO OR ARISING IN ANY WAY FROM THIS RELEASE OR THE MATTERS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
11.Savings Clause. If any term or provision of this Release is invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this Release or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. Upon such determination that any term or other provision of this Release is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, this Release shall be enforceable as closely as possible to its intent of providing the Released Parties with a full release of all legally releasable claims through the date upon which Executive signs this Release.
12.Continuing Obligations. Executive’s post-termination obligations set forth in the Agreement and Separation Agreement, as well as Executive’s obligations set forth in the Agreement and Separation Agreement, are incorporated herein by reference (the “Continuing Obligations”). If Executive breaches the Continuing Obligations, all amounts and benefits payable under this Release shall cease and, upon request, Executive shall immediately repay to
the Company any and all amounts already paid pursuant to this Release. If any one or more of the Continuing Obligations shall be held by an arbitrator or a court of competent jurisdiction to be excessively broad as to duration, geography, scope, activity or subject, such provisions shall be construed by limiting and reducing them so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent allowed by applicable law.
13.Arbitration. Appendix A of the Agreement is incorporated herein by reference and such terms and conditions shall apply to any disputes under the Agreement, the Separation Agreement and under this Release.
14.Continuing Cooperation. Executive agrees, in addition to obligations set forth in this Release, the Agreement and the Separation Agreement to which this Release is attached, to cooperate and make himself available to the Company or any of its successors (including any past or future subsidiary of the Company), any of the Released Parties, or its or their General Counsel, as the Company may reasonably request, to assist in any matter, including giving truthful testimony in any litigation or potential litigation, over which Executive may have knowledge, information or expertise. Executive shall be reimbursed, to the extent permitted by law, any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses associated with such cooperation, provided those expenses are pre-approved by the Company (or Released Party, as applicable) prior to the Executive incurring them. Executive acknowledges that his agreement to this provision is a material inducement to the Company to enter into the Separation Agreement and pay the consideration described therein.
15.Business Expenses. As of the date upon which Executive executes this Release, Executive confirms that any business-related expenses for which he seeks or will seek reimbursement have been, or will be, documented and submitted to the Company within 10 business days after the Termination Date. Furthermore, Executive represents that any amounts owed by him to the Company have been paid. In the event Executive has been reimbursed for business expenses, but has failed to pay any Company-issued charge card or credit card bill related to such reimbursed expenses, Executive shall promptly pay any such amounts within 7 days after any request by the Company and, in addition, the Company has the right and is hereby authorized to deduct the amount of any unpaid charge card or credit card bill from the severance payments or otherwise suspend payments or other benefits in an amount equal to the unpaid business expenses without being in breach of the Separation Agreement.
16.Entire Agreement. Except as expressly set forth herein, Executive acknowledges and agrees that this Release and the Separation Agreement to which this Release is attached constitutes the complete and entire agreement and understanding between the Company and Executive with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes in its entirety any and all prior understandings, commitments, obligations and/or agreements, whether written or oral, with respect thereto; it being understood and agreed that this Release, and the Separation Agreement to which this Release is attached, including the mutual covenants, agreements, acknowledgments and affirmations contained herein and therein, is intended to constitute a complete settlement and resolution of all matters set forth in Section 1 hereof. Executive
represents that, in executing this Release, Executive has not relied upon any representation or statement made by any of the Released Parties, other than those set forth in this Release and the Separation Agreement to which this Release is attached, with regard to the subject matter, basis, or effect of this Release.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive has executed this Release as of the below-indicated date(s).
EXECUTIVE
Exhibit 15.1
April 27, 2023
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
22 Sylvan Way
Parsippany, New Jersey 07054
We are aware that our report dated April 27, 2023, on our review of the interim financial statements of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. appearing in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, is incorporated by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-224923 on Form S-8 and Registration Statement No. 333-232421 on Form S-8.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
New York, New York
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION
I, Geoffrey A. Ballotti, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
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Date: April 27, 2023 | |
| /s/ GEOFFREY A. BALLOTTI |
| PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER |
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION
I, Michele Allen, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
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Date: April 27, 2023 | |
| /s/ MICHELE ALLEN |
| CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER |
Exhibit 32
CERTIFICATION OF PRESIDENT AND CEO AND CFO PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), Geoffrey A. Ballotti, as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Michele Allen, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company (each, the “Reporting Person”), each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of the Reporting Person’s knowledge:
(1.)The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2.)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
| | |
/s/ GEOFFREY A. BALLOTTI |
GEOFFREY A. BALLOTTI |
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER |
April 27, 2023 |
| | |
/s/ MICHELE ALLEN |
MICHELE ALLEN |
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER |
April 27, 2023 |