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WYNDHAM HOTELS RESORTS INC

For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 13, 2025.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.

FY2024 · Filed Feb 13, 2025

WH$77.35-0.6%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Risk Factors?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-K

Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-15.

0001722684-24-000006

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Current report: 10-K

Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-13.

0001722684-25-000005

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 118 previous paragraphs and 107 current paragraphs.

79 unchanged; 24 reworded; 3 added; 15 removed; 0 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Added paragraphs (3)

Current report

We are subject to risks related to stockholder activism or an unsolicited takeover proposal or a proxy contest.

Current report

In recent years, proxy contests and other forms of stockholder activism have been directed against numerous public companies. We recently defended against an unsuccessful hostile takeover attempt, which required us to incur significant expenses and costs and was a distraction for our Board, management and team members. If such a proposal were to be made again, similar distractions and additional significant costs may occur, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Current report

Stockholder activists may also seek to involve themselves in our governance, strategic direction and operations through stockholder proposals or otherwise. Such proposals could result in substantial cost and divert our attention and resources from our business and our ability to execute our strategic objectives. Additionally, shareholder activism could give rise to perceived uncertainties as to our future, adversely affect our relationships with franchisees or make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified team members.
Removed paragraphs (15)

Previous report

The ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas, respectively, have and may continue to negatively impact macro-economic conditions, which may adversely affect discretionary consumer spending and, as a result, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous report

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war have negatively affected the global economy. Financial and economic sanctions imposed on certain industry sectors and parties in Russia by the U.S., United Kingdom and European Union, as well as retaliatory actions by Russia, could have a negative impact on the global economy. The current conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas, respectively, have not materially affected our overall operations and our operations in both regions are immaterial. However, these conflicts have negatively impacted global macro-economic conditions and prolonged conflicts, the potential expansion of the conflicts into other European and Middle Eastern countries, or the direct involvement of the U.S. or other countries where we source our guests could have more significant impacts on macro-economic conditions, which could adversely affect discretionary consumer spending and, consequently, our operations.

Previous report

Additional risks to our business relating to the Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas conflicts include potential interruptions in global supply chains and the availability of items essential to our operations, the heightened possibility of cyberattacks and terrorist activity, volatility or disruption in financial markets and the potential for travel restrictions affecting our guests’ ability to access our franchisees’ hotel locations.

Previous report

•Changes in labor markets affecting us and our suppliers;

Previous report

We have been the subject of unsolicited interest from Choice, which has been, and may continue to be, a distraction to our management and employees and could have a material adverse impact on our business and operations.

Previous report

On December 12, 2023, Choice commenced the Exchange Offer. The uncertainty regarding the Exchange Offer may be disruptive to our business, which could have a negative effect on our operations, financial condition or results of operations. Management and employee distraction related to Choice’s unsolicited interest also may adversely impact our ability to optimally conduct our business and pursue our strategic objectives.

Previous report

As discussed in our Solicitation/Recommendation Statement filed in response to the Exchange Offer on Schedule 14D-9, on December 18, 2023 (the “Solicitation/Recommendation Statement”), Choice previously made a series of proposals to acquire all of our outstanding shares of common stock (the “Proposals”). Our Board rejected each of the Proposals, concluding that the Proposals were inadequate in terms of price, consideration mix and other terms. Upon rejection of the Proposals, Choice subsequently commenced the Exchange Offer.

Previous report

On January 22, 2024, Choice sent us notice of their intent to nominate directors to replace our entire Board at the company’s 2024 annual meeting of stockholders and a proposal to repeal any amendments to our third amended and restated by-laws adopted subsequent to January 4, 2023. We believe Choice’s purported nominations are made in furtherance of its Proposals and Exchange Offer.

Previous report

Responding to and defending against the Proposals, the Exchange Offer and Choice’s potential proxy contest has been, and may continue to be, a distraction for our Board, management and employees, and has required, and may continue to require, us to incur additional expenses and costs.

Previous report

As of December 31, 2023, we had (i) an aggregate principal amount of $160 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility due April 2027, (ii) an aggregate principal amount of $385 million outstanding under our term loan A due April 2027, (iii) an aggregate principal amount of $1.14 billion outstanding under our term loan B due 2030 and (iv) an aggregate principal amount of $500 million outstanding of 4.375% senior unsecured notes due 2028 (the “2028 Notes”).

Previous report

In the event of a change of control, there is a potential risk of default under the credit agreement governing our term loans and revolving credit facility and under the indenture governing the 2028 Notes. Pursuant to the credit agreement, the Exchange Offer and subsequent change of control could result in an event of default permitting the lenders thereunder to terminate their commitments and declare any outstanding principal and accrued interest amounts immediately due and payable under our term loan A and term loan B. Pursuant to the indenture governing the 2028 Notes, in the event that the consummation of the Exchange Offer constitutes a change of control and such change of control is accompanied by a ratings downgrade of the 2028 Notes by each of Moody’s and S&P’s within a specified period of time and subject to certain conditions, then Wyndham would be required to offer to repurchase the 2028 Notes at a price of 101% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the date of repurchase.

Previous report

We cannot assure stockholders that any waiver or amendment of such change of control provisions would be obtainable or that any replacement financing would be available, in each case on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. In short, if the Exchange Offer is consummated, our liquidity and ability to operate our business could be materially and adversely impacted. Any of our future debt agreements could contain similar restrictions and provisions. We might not have sufficient funds to repay the amounts due in relation to our debt instruments following a change of control.

Previous report

The uncertain regulatory timeline and an extended period of time between commencement of the Exchange Offer and its closing or termination may present significant risks to our business.

Previous report

There may be an extended period between announcement and closing or termination of the transaction, which coupled with an uncertain and extended regulatory review period, exposes us and our stockholders to meaningful risks, including, among others (i) fewer room openings and new business development disruption (through both fewer new signings added to the pipeline and higher breakage of the existing pipeline) and deterioration in segment-leading retention rates, (ii) competitors (including Choice) capitalizing on franchisee uncertainty, (iii) stagnated development of our fast-growing ECHO Suites brand and (iv) challenges attracting and retaining team members. Such factors could have a material impact on our business, reducing its growth rate, EBITDA, cash flow, valuation multiple and, ultimately, the share price of our common stock.

Previous report

The consummation of the Exchange Offer also presents additional risks, as discussed in Item 4, “The Solicitation or Recommendation—Background of the Offer and Reasons for Recommendation” of the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement in our Schedule 14D-9 filed on December 18, 2023 with the SEC.
Reworded paragraphs (24)

Previous wording

Our continued success depends upon our ability to compete effectively in markets that contain numerous competitors, some of whom may have significantly greater financial, marketing and other resources than we have. We compete with other hotel franchisors for franchisees and we may not be able to grow our franchise system. New hotels may be constructed and these additions to supply create new competitors, in some cases without corresponding increases in demand for lodging. Competition may reduce fee structures, potentially causing us to lower our fees and/or offer other incentives, and may require us to offer terms to prospective franchisees less favorable to us than current franchise agreements, which may adversely impact our profits. Our franchisees also compete with alternative lodging channels, including third-party providers of short-term rental properties and serviced apartments. Increasing use of these alternative lodging channels could adversely affect the occupancy and/or average rates at franchised hotels and our revenues. The use of business models by competitors that are different from ours may require us to change our model so that we can remain competitive.

Current wording

Our continued success depends upon our ability to compete effectively in markets that contain numerous competitors, some of whom may have significantly greater financial, marketing and other resources than we have. We compete with other hotel franchisors for franchisees and we may not be able to grow our franchise system. New hotels may be constructed and these additions to supply create new competitors, in some cases without corresponding increases in demand for lodging. Competition may reduce fee structures, potentially causing us to lower our fees and/or offer other incentives, and may require us to offer terms to prospective franchisees less favorable to us than current franchise agreements, which may adversely impact our profits. Our franchisees also compete with alternative lodging channels, including third-party providers of short-term rental properties and serviced apartments, and vacation options, such as cruising. Increasing use of these alternative lodging channels or vacation options could adversely affect the occupancy and/or average rates at franchised hotels and our revenues. The use of business models by competitors that are different from ours may require us to change our model so that we can remain competitive.

Previous wording

We face risks affecting the travel and hotel industries that include, but are not limited to: economic slowdown and potential recessionary pressures; economic factors such as inflation, rising interest rates, employment layoffs, increased costs of living and reduced discretionary income, which may adversely impact decisions by consumers and businesses to use travel accommodations; domestic unrest, terrorist incidents and threats and associated heightened travel security measures; political instability or political and regional strife, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine; acts of God such as earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, floods, volcanoes and other natural disasters; war, including the Israel-Hamas war; concerns with or threats of known and novel contagious diseases or health epidemics or pandemics; environmental disasters; lengthy power outages; cyber threats, increased pricing, financial instability and capacity constraints of air carriers; airline job actions and strikes. Increases in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events and other consequences of climate change (including any related regulation) could impact travel demand generally, lead to supply chain interruptions, cause damage to physical assets or adversely impact the accessibility or desirability of travel to certain locations.

Current wording

We face risks affecting the travel and hotel industries that include, but are not limited to: economic slowdown and potential recessionary pressures; economic factors such as inflation, rising interest rates, employment layoffs, increased costs of living and reduced discretionary income, which may adversely impact decisions by consumers and businesses to use travel accommodations; domestic unrest, terrorist incidents and threats and associated heightened travel security measures; political instability or political and regional strife, including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East; acts of God such as earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, floods, volcanoes and other natural disasters; war; concerns with or threats of known and novel contagious diseases or health epidemics or pandemics; environmental disasters; lengthy power outages; cyber threats and attacks; increased pricing, financial instability and capacity constraints of air carriers; and job actions and strikes in the airline and hospitality industries generally. Increases in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events and other consequences of climate change (including any related regulations) could impact travel demand generally, lead to supply chain interruptions, cause damage to physical assets or adversely impact the accessibility or desirability of travel to certain locations.

Previous wording

For example, certain of our franchisees’ properties are located in coastal areas that could be threatened should sea levels dramatically rise, or are located in areas where the risk of natural or climate-related disaster or other catastrophic losses exists, and the occurrence of such an event could cause substantial damage to our franchisees and/or the surrounding area. Because a significant portion of our revenues is derived from fees based on room revenues, disruptions at our franchised properties due to such occurrences may adversely impact the fees we collect from these properties. In the event of a substantial loss, the insurance coverage carried by our franchisees may not be sufficient to pay the full value of financial obligations, liabilities or the replacement cost of any lost investment or property held by our franchisees. Additionally, certain types of losses may be uninsurable or prohibitively expensive to insure, and other types of losses or risks that our franchisees may face could fall outside of the general coverage terms and limits of our policies. Such factors could lead to certain losses by our franchisees being completely uninsured in which case we could lose future franchisee fees and may be exposed to a potential impairment of any development advance notes funded to the franchisee should the underlying guarantees provided to us prove to be insufficient.

Current wording

For example, certain of our franchisees’ properties are located in coastal areas that could be threatened should sea levels dramatically rise, or are located in areas where the risk of natural or climate-related disaster or other catastrophic losses exists, and the occurrence of such an event could cause substantial damage to our franchisees’ properties and/or the surrounding area. Because a significant portion of our revenues is derived from fees based on room revenues, disruptions at our franchised properties due to such occurrences may adversely impact the fees we collect from these properties. In the event of a substantial loss, the insurance coverage carried by our franchisees may not be sufficient to pay the full value of financial obligations, liabilities or the replacement cost of any lost investment or property held by our franchisees. Additionally, certain types of losses may be uninsurable or prohibitively expensive to insure, and other types of losses or risks that our franchisees may face could fall outside of the general coverage terms and limits of their policies. Such factors could lead to certain losses by our franchisees being completely uninsured in which case we could lose future fees we collect from these properties, may be exposed to a potential impairment of any development advance notes funded to the franchisee should the underlying guarantees provided to us prove to be insufficient and could result in unanticipated room terminations.

Previous wording

Consumers use third-party internet travel intermediaries, including search engines, and peer-to-peer online networks to search for and book their lodging accommodations. As the percentage of internet reservations increases, travel intermediaries may be able to obtain higher commissions and reduced room rates to the detriment of our business. Additionally, such travel intermediaries may divert reservations away from our direct online channels or increase the overall cost of internet reservations for our affiliated hotels through their fees and a variety of online marketing methods, including the purchase by certain travel intermediaries of keywords consisting of or containing our hotel brands from Internet search engines to influence search results and direct guests to their websites. If we fail to reach satisfactory agreements with travel intermediaries, our affiliated hotels may not appear on their websites and we could lose business as a result. Further, travel intermediaries may seek to offer distribution services under their own brands directly to lodging accommodations in competition with our core franchise business.

Current wording

Consumers use third-party internet travel intermediaries, including search engines, and peer-to-peer online networks to search for and book their lodging accommodations. As the percentage of internet reservations increases, travel intermediaries may be able to obtain higher commissions and reduced room rates to the detriment of our business. Additionally, such travel intermediaries may divert reservations away from our direct online channels or increase the overall cost of internet reservations for our affiliated hotels through their fees and a variety of online marketing methods, including the purchase by certain travel intermediaries of keywords consisting of or containing our hotel brands from Internet search engines to influence search results and direct guests to their websites. If we fail to reach satisfactory agreements with travel intermediaries, our affiliated hotels may not appear on their websites and we could lose business as a result. Further, travel intermediaries may seek to offer distribution services and/or rewards programs under their own brands directly to lodging accommodations in competition with our core franchise business and loyalty program.

Previous wording

The emergence, severity, magnitude and duration of global or regional health crises are uncertain and difficult to predict. A pandemic, such as another wave of COVID-19 which in the past had an adverse impact on our business, could again affect certain business operations, consumer demand in the hospitality industry, costs of doing business, availability of labor, access to inventory, supply chain operations, our ability to predict future performance, exposure to litigation, and our financial performance, among other things. Other factors and uncertainties related to potential pandemics and health crises include, but are not limited to:

Current wording

The emergence, severity, magnitude and duration of global or regional health crises are uncertain and difficult to predict. A pandemic, such as the COVID-19 pandemic which in the past had an adverse impact on our business, could again affect certain business operations, consumer demand in the hospitality industry, costs of doing business, availability of labor to us and our suppliers, access to inventory, supply chain operations, our ability to predict future performance, exposure to litigation, and our financial performance, among other things. Other factors and uncertainties related to potential pandemics and health crises include, but are not limited to:

Previous wording

•our ability to successfully market our current or any future hotel brands and programs, including our rewards program, and to service or pilot new initiatives;

Current wording

•our ability to successfully market our current or any future hotel brands and programs, including our rewards program, and to service or pilot new initiatives, including ancillary revenue growth initiatives;

Previous wording

•changes in the laws, regulations, legislation and government spending affecting our business, internationally and domestically, including changes relating to the U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS Act and the Inflation Reduction Act resulting from a change in governing party, if any;

Current wording

•changes in the laws, regulations, legislation and government spending affecting our business, internationally and domestically, including administration of, changes relating to, or our ability to capitalize on the government spend under the U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, including as a result of any change in governing party;

Previous wording

•corporate budgets and spending and cancellations, deferrals or renegotiations of group business;

Current wording

•corporate budgets and spending, and cancellations, deferrals or renegotiation of group business;

Previous wording

Our international operations are subject to numerous risks including: exposure to local economic conditions; potential adverse changes in the diplomatic relations of foreign countries with the U.S.; hostility from local populations; political instability, including as a result of the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas, respectively; trade disputes with trade partners, including China, potential military conflict resulting from escalating political tensions with Russia and China and other geopolitical risks; threats or acts of terrorism; the effect of disruptions caused by severe weather, natural disasters, outbreak of disease, such as pandemics or other health crises, or other events that make travel to a particular region less attractive or more difficult; the presence and acceptance of varying levels of business corruption in international markets; restrictions and taxes on the withdrawal of foreign investment and earnings; government policies against businesses or properties owned by foreigners; investment restrictions or requirements; diminished ability to legally enforce our contractual rights in foreign countries; forced nationalization of hotel properties by local, state or national governments; foreign exchange restrictions; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, including the negative impact of the weakening of foreign currencies in geographic regions in which we operate relative to the U.S. dollar; our ability to, or our decision whether or not in particular instances to, hedge against foreign currency effects, and whether we are successful in any such hedging transactions; the ability to comply with or the effect of complying with new and developing laws, regulations and policies of foreign governments, including with respect to climate change; conflicts between local laws and U.S. laws, including laws that impact our rights to protect our intellectual property; withholding and other taxes on remittances and other payments by subsidiaries; and changes in and application of foreign taxation structures including value added taxes. Any adverse outcome resulting from the financial instability or performance of foreign economies, the instability of other currencies and the related volatility on foreign exchange and interest rates could adversely impact our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Current wording

Our international operations are subject to numerous risks including: exposure to local economic conditions; potential adverse changes in the diplomatic relations of foreign countries with the U.S.; hostility from local populations; political instability, including as a result of the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and the conflicts in the Middle East, respectively; trade disputes with trade partners, including China; potential military conflict resulting from escalating political tensions with Russia and China and other geopolitical risks; threats or acts of terrorism; the effect of disruptions caused by severe weather, natural disasters, outbreak of disease, such as pandemics or other health crises, or other events that make widespread travel or travel to a particular region less attractive or more difficult; the presence and acceptance of varying levels of business corruption in international markets; restrictions and taxes on the withdrawal of foreign investment and earnings; government policies against businesses or properties owned by foreigners; investment restrictions or requirements; diminished ability to legally enforce our contractual rights in foreign countries; forced nationalization of hotel properties by local, state or national governments; foreign exchange restrictions; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, including the negative impact of the weakening of foreign currencies in geographic regions in which we operate relative to the U.S.

Previous wording

We believe that our future growth depends in part on the continued services of our senior management team. Losing the services of any member of our senior management team could adversely affect our strategic relationships and impede our ability to execute our business strategies. The market for qualified individuals may be highly competitive and finding and recruiting suitable replacements for senior management may be difficult, time-consuming and costly. While we have updated our policies and practices to provide more flexibility for remote work, we may experience increased attrition of employees to other opportunities as a result of the tightening and increasingly competitive labor market and, particularly as certain employees may seek more flexible work alternatives than we offer, may seek positions with companies outside of the geographic area in which they live that offer remote work opportunities, or may decide to scale back their work life for personal reasons. If we are unable to retain our personnel, particularly our executive officers and senior management team, our business could be harmed.

Current wording

We believe that our future growth depends in part on the continued services of our senior management team. Losing the services of any member of our senior management team could adversely affect our strategic relationships and impede our ability to execute our business strategies. The market for qualified individuals may be highly competitive and finding and recruiting suitable replacements for senior management may be difficult, time-consuming and costly. While we have updated our policies and practices to provide more flexibility for remote work, we may experience increased attrition of employees to other opportunities as a result of a competitive labor market and, particularly as certain employees may seek more flexible work alternatives than we offer, may seek positions with companies outside of the geographic area in which they live that offer remote work opportunities, or may decide to scale back their work life for personal reasons. If we are unable to retain our personnel, particularly our senior management team, our business could be harmed.

Previous wording

In connection with our 2018 spin-off (the “Spin-Off”) from Wyndham Worldwide, now known as Travel + Leisure Co. (“Travel + Leisure”), we entered into a number of agreements with Travel + Leisure that govern our ongoing relationship with Travel + Leisure. Our success depends, in part, on the maintenance of our ongoing relationship with Travel + Leisure, Travel + Leisure’s performance of its obligations under these agreements and continued strategic focus on sales of vacation ownership interests, including Travel + Leisure’s maintenance of the quality of products and services it sells under the “Wyndham” trademark and certain other trademarks and intellectual property that we license to Travel + Leisure. Under the License, Development and Noncompetition Agreement, Travel + Leisure pays us significant royalties and other fees based on the volume of Travel + Leisure’s sales of vacation ownership interests and other vacation products and services. If Travel + Leisure is unable to compete effectively for sales of vacation ownership interests, our royalty fees under such agreement could be adversely impacted. If we are unable to maintain a good relationship with Travel + Leisure, or if Travel + Leisure does not perform its obligations under these agreements, fails to maintain the quality of the products and services it sells under the “Wyndham” trademark and certain other trademarks or fails to pay such royalties, our earnings could decrease.

Current wording

In connection with our 2018 spin-off (the “Spin-Off”) from Wyndham Worldwide, now known as Travel + Leisure Co., we entered into a number of agreements with Travel + Leisure that govern our ongoing relationship with Travel + Leisure. Our success depends, in part, on the maintenance of our ongoing relationship with Travel + Leisure, Travel + Leisure’s performance of its obligations under these agreements and continued strategic focus on sales of vacation ownership interests, including Travel + Leisure’s maintenance of the quality of products and services it sells under the “Wyndham” trademark and certain other trademarks and intellectual property that we license to Travel + Leisure. Under the License, Development and Noncompetition Agreement, Travel + Leisure pays us significant royalties and other fees based on the volume of Travel + Leisure’s sales of vacation ownership interests and other vacation products and services. If Travel + Leisure is unable to compete effectively for sales of vacation ownership interests, our royalty fees under such agreement could be adversely impacted. If we are unable to maintain a good relationship with Travel + Leisure, or if Travel + Leisure does not perform its obligations under these agreements, fails to maintain the quality of the products and services it sells under the “Wyndham” trademark and certain other trademarks or fails to pay such royalties, our earnings could decrease.

Previous wording

Data breaches, viruses, ransomware, worms, malicious software, and other serious cyber incidents have increased globally, along with the methods, techniques and complexity of attacks, including efforts to discover and exploit any design flows, bugs or other security vulnerabilities. Additionally, continued geopolitical turmoil, including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas, respectively, has heightened the risk of cyber-attacks. We have been, and likely will continue to be, subject to such cyber-attacks. Also, the same cyber security issues exist for the third parties with whom we interact and share information, and cyber-attacks on third parties which possess or use our guest, personnel and other information could adversely impact us in the same way as would a direct cyber-attack on us. Although we do not believe we have incurred any ongoing material adverse impact on our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition as a result of any present or recent cyber-attack, there is no guarantee that cyber-attacks have not gone generally undetected or without general recognition of magnitude or will not occur in the future, any of which could materially adversely affect our brands, reputation, consumer confidence in us, costs and profitability. In addition, the security measures we deploy are not perfect or impenetrable, and we may be unable to anticipate or prevent all unauthorized access attempts made on our systems or those of our third-party service providers.

Current wording

Data breaches, viruses, ransomware, worms, malicious software, and other serious cyber incidents have increased globally, along with the methods, techniques and complexity of attacks, including efforts to discover and exploit any design flaws, bugs or other security vulnerabilities. Additionally, continued geopolitical turmoil, including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and the conflicts in the Middle East, respectively, has heightened the risk of cyber-attacks. We have been, and likely will continue to be, subject to such cyber-attacks. Also, the same cyber security issues exist for the third parties with whom we interact and share information, and cyber-attacks on third parties which possess or use our guest, personnel and other information could adversely impact us in the same way as would a direct cyber-attack on us. Although we do not believe we have incurred any ongoing material adverse impact on our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition as a result of any present or recent cyber-attack, there is no guarantee that cyber-attacks have not gone generally undetected or without general recognition of magnitude or will not occur in the future, any of which could materially adversely affect our brands, reputation, consumer confidence in us, costs and profitability. In addition, the security measures we deploy are not perfect or impenetrable, and we may be unable to anticipate or prevent all unauthorized access attempts made on our systems or those of our third-party service providers.

Previous wording

We rely on information technologies and systems to operate our business, which involves reliance on third-party service providers (including cloud-based service providers) such as Sabre Corporation and its SynXis Platform and uninterrupted operations of our and third-party service facilities, including those used for reservation systems, hotel/property management, communications, procurement, call centers, operation of our loyalty program and administrative systems. We and our vendors also maintain physical facilities to support these systems and related services. As a result, in addition to failures that occur from time to time in the ordinary course of business, we and our vendors may be vulnerable to system failures, computer hacking, cyber-terrorism, computer viruses and other intentional or unintentional interference, negligence, fraud, misuse and other unauthorized attempts to access or interfere with these systems and our personal and proprietary information. The increased scope and complexity of our information technology infrastructure and systems could contribute to the potential risk of security breaches or breakdown. Any natural disaster, disruption or other impairment in our technology capabilities and service facilities or those of our vendors could adversely affect our business. In addition, failure to keep pace with developments in technology could impair our operations or competitive position.

Current wording

We rely on information technologies and systems to operate our business, which involves reliance on third-party service providers (including cloud-based service providers), such as Sabre Corporation and its SynXis Platform and Oracle Hospitality, and uninterrupted operations of our and third-party service facilities, including those used for reservation systems, hotel/property management, communications, procurement, call centers, operation of our loyalty program and administrative systems. We and our vendors also maintain physical facilities to support these systems and related services. As a result, in addition to failures that occur from time to time in the ordinary course of business, we and our vendors may be vulnerable to system failures, computer hacking, cyber-terrorism, computer viruses and other intentional or unintentional interference, negligence, fraud, misuse and other unauthorized attempts to access or interfere with these systems and our personal and proprietary information. The increased scope and complexity of our information technology infrastructure and systems could contribute to the potential risk of security breaches or breakdown. Any natural disaster, disruption or other impairment in our technology capabilities and service facilities or those of our vendors could adversely affect our business. In addition, failure to keep pace with developments in technology could impair our operations or competitive position.

Previous wording

We may incorporate artificial intelligence (“AI”) solutions into our business, offerings, services and features, and these applications may become important in our operations over time. Our competitors or other third parties may incorporate AI into their products more quickly or more successfully than us, which could impair our ability to compete effectively and adversely affect our results of operations. Additionally, if the content, analyses, or recommendations that AI applications assist in producing are or are alleged to be deficient, inaccurate, or biased, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected. The use of AI applications may result in cybersecurity incidents that implicate the personal data of end users of such applications. Any such cybersecurity incidents related to our use of AI applications could adversely affect our reputation and results of operations. AI also presents emerging ethical issues and if our use of AI becomes controversial, we may experience brand or reputational harm, competitive harm, or legal liability. The rapid evolution of AI, including potential future regulation of AI, may also result in additional costs associated with compliance with emerging regulations. The rapid evolution of AI, including potential government regulation of AI, may require significant resources to develop, test and maintain our business, offerings, services, and features to help us implement AI ethically in order to minimize unintended, harmful impact.

Current wording

We may incorporate artificial intelligence (“AI”) solutions into our business, offerings, services and features, and these applications may become important in our operations over time. Our competitors or other third parties may incorporate AI into their products more quickly or more successfully than us, which could impair our ability to compete effectively and adversely affect our results of operations. Additionally, if the content, analyses, or recommendations that AI applications assist in producing are or are alleged to be deficient, inaccurate, or biased, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected. The use of AI applications may result in cybersecurity incidents that implicate the personal data of end users of such applications. Any such cybersecurity incidents related to our use of AI applications could adversely affect our reputation and results of operations. AI also presents emerging ethical issues and if our use of AI becomes controversial, we may experience brand or reputational harm, competitive harm, or legal liability. The rapid evolution of AI, including potential future regulation of AI, may also result in additional costs associated with compliance with emerging regulations. This evolution, including potential government regulation of AI, may require significant resources to develop, test and maintain our business, offerings, services, and features to help us implement AI ethically in order to minimize unintended, harmful impact.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had aggregate outstanding debt of $2,201 million. We may incur additional indebtedness in the future, which may magnify the potential impacts of the risks related to our debt. Our debt instruments contain restrictions, covenants and events of default that, among other things, could limit our ability to respond to changing business and economic conditions; take advantage of business opportunities; incur or guarantee additional debt; pay dividends or make distributions or repurchases; make investments or acquisitions; sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of certain assets; create liens; consolidate or merge; enter into transactions with affiliates; and prepay and repurchase or redeem certain indebtedness. Failure to meet our payment obligations or comply with other financial covenants could result in a default and acceleration of the underlying debt and under other debt instruments that contain cross-default provisions.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had aggregate outstanding debt of $2,463 million. We may incur additional indebtedness in the future, which may magnify the potential impacts of the risks related to our debt. Our debt instruments contain restrictions, covenants and events of default that, among other things, could limit our ability to respond to changing business and economic conditions; take advantage of business opportunities; incur or guarantee additional debt; pay dividends or make distributions or repurchases; make investments or acquisitions; sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of certain assets; create liens; consolidate or merge; enter into transactions with affiliates; and prepay and repurchase or redeem certain indebtedness. Failure to meet our payment obligations or comply with other financial covenants could result in a default and acceleration of the underlying debt and under other debt instruments that contain cross-default provisions.

Previous wording

In order to reduce or hedge our financial exposure to the effects of currency and interest rate fluctuations, we may use financial instruments, such as hedging transactions. Changes in interest rates may adversely affect our financing costs and/or change the market value of our hedging transactions. Any failure or non-performance of counterparties under our hedging transactions could result in losses. Changes in interest rates may also adversely change the market value of our hedging transactions and may adversely affect financing costs. While a significant portion of our debt is effectively at a fixed rate of interest and our nearest maturity is not until 2027, an increase in financing cost due to increased interest rates may hinder our efforts to expand our franchisee footprint, which could adversely affect our cash flows and business.

Current wording

In order to reduce or hedge our financial exposure to the effects of currency and interest rate fluctuations, we may use financial instruments, such as hedging transactions. Changes in interest rates may adversely affect our financing costs and/or change the market value of our hedging transactions. Any failure or non-performance of counterparties under our hedging transactions could result in losses. Changes in interest rates may also adversely change the market value of our hedging transactions and may adversely affect financing costs. While a significant portion of our debt is effectively at a fixed rate of interest and our nearest maturity is not until 2027, a significant increase in financing cost due to increased interest rates may hinder our efforts to expand our franchisee footprint, which could adversely affect our cash flows and business.

Previous wording

In addition, we extend credit to assist franchisees in converting to, or building a new hotel under, one of our hotel brands through development advance notes and mezzanine or other forms of subordinated financing and we have a program that guarantees a portion of loans taken by franchisees for certain new construction projects. The inability of franchisees to pay back such loans could materially and adversely affect our cash flows and business.

Current wording

In addition, we extend credit to assist franchisees in converting to, or building a new hotel under, one of our hotel brands through development advance notes and mezzanine or other forms of subordinated financing and we have a program that guarantees a portion of loans taken by franchisees for certain new construction projects. The inability of franchisees to pay back such loans could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Previous wording

Our business, along with the hospitality industry generally, faces risk that could cause damage to our reputation and the value of our hotel brands due to claims related to purported incidents of human trafficking. Along with many of our competitors, we and/or certain of our subsidiaries have been named as defendants in litigation matters filed in state and federal courts (and incurred litigation-related fees and costs), alleging statutory and common law claims arising from purported incidents of human trafficking perpetrated by third parties at certain franchised facilities and hotels once managed by certain of our subsidiaries. For additional information, see our Commitments and Contingencies note (Note 14) in the notes to our financial statements.

Current wording

Our business, along with the hospitality industry generally, faces risk that could cause damage to our reputation and the value of our hotel brands due to claims related to purported incidents of human trafficking. Along with many of our competitors, we and/or certain of our subsidiaries have been named as defendants in litigation matters filed in state and federal courts (and incurred litigation-related fees and costs), alleging statutory and common law claims arising from purported incidents of human trafficking perpetrated by third parties at certain franchised facilities and hotels once managed by certain of our subsidiaries. Due to the cadence of litigation filings, dismissals and settlements, including litigants attempting to preserve claims by filing within applicable statutory limitations periods, the number of pending matters may fluctuate from time to time. For additional information, see our Commitments and Contingencies note (Note 13) in the notes to our financial statements.

Previous wording

The market price for our common stock, and the market price of stock of other companies operating in the hospitality industry, has been highly volatile. For example, during the year ended December 31, 2023, the trading price of our common stock ranged between a low sales price of $63.69 and a high sales price of $81.73. The market price of our common stock may continue to fluctuate depending upon many factors, some of which may be beyond our control, including pandemics or other health crises, our ability to achieve growth and performance objectives, the success or failure of our business strategy, the Exchange Offer, general economic conditions, our quarterly or annual earnings and those of other companies in our industry, changes in financial estimates and recommendations by securities analysts, changes in laws and regulations, political instability, increased competition and changes affecting the travel industry and other events impacting our business. The stock market in general has experienced volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of a particular company. These market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.

Current wording

The market price for our common stock, and the market price of stock of other companies operating in the hospitality industry, has been highly volatile. For example, during the year ended December 31, 2024, the trading price of our common stock ranged between a low sales price of $67.67 and a high sales price of $105.16. The market price of our common stock may continue to fluctuate depending upon many factors, some of which may be beyond our control, including pandemics or other health crises, our ability to achieve growth and performance objectives, the success or failure of our business strategy, stockholder activism or unsolicited takeover proposals or proxy contests, general economic conditions, our quarterly or annual earnings and those of other companies in our industry, changes in financial estimates and recommendations by securities analysts, changes in laws and regulations, political instability, increased competition and changes affecting the travel industry and other events impacting our business. The stock market in general has experienced volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of a particular company. These market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.

Previous wording

Certain of our Directors and executive officers may have actual or potential conflicts of interest because of their ownership of Travel + Leisure equity or their current or former positions at Travel + Leisure.

Current wording

Certain of our Directors and executive officers may have actual or potential conflicts of interest because of their current positions at Travel + Leisure or their ownership of Travel + Leisure equity.

Previous wording

Two of our Directors also serve on the Travel + Leisure board of directors and certain of our executive officers and non-employee Directors own shares of Travel + Leisure common stock because of their current or former positions with Travel + Leisure. This could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest when our or Travel + Leisure’s management, officers and directors face decisions that could have different implications for us and Travel + Leisure.

Current wording

Two of our Directors serve on the Travel + Leisure board of directors and certain of our executive officers and non-employee Directors own shares of Travel + Leisure common stock. This could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest when our or Travel + Leisure’s management, officers and directors face decisions that could have different implications for us and Travel + Leisure.

Previous wording

Our business, along with the hospitality industry generally, faces scrutiny related to environmental, social and governance activities and the risk of damage to our reputation and the value of our hotel brands if we fail to act responsibly or comply with regulatory requirements in a number of areas, such as safety and security, responsible tourism, environmental stewardship, supply chain management, climate change, diversity, equity and inclusion, philanthropy and support for local communities. In particular, our stakeholders (notably our guests, stockholders and team members) are increasingly interested in our approach to managing climate-related risks and opportunities (including, but not limited to, targets that keep global average temperature rise to no more than 1.5°C, measure Scope 3 franchisee emissions and expand participation in the Wyndham Green Certification program) and may affect our guests’ travel choices and directly impact our revenue.

Current wording

Our business, along with the hospitality industry generally, faces scrutiny related to environmental, social and governance activities and the risk of damage to our reputation and the value of our hotel brands if we fail to act responsibly or comply with new or existing regulatory requirements in a number of areas, such as safety and security, responsible tourism, environmental stewardship, responsible sourcing, supply chain management, climate change, human rights, diversity, equity and inclusion, philanthropy and support for local communities. We have experienced and may continue to experience increased pressure from our stakeholders to provide additional transparency and to establish commitments, goals or targets with respect to various environmental, social and governance related issues and to act to meet those commitments, goals and targets. Our stakeholders may not agree with our strategies on these issues, and any perception that we have failed to achieve or to act responsibly with respect to such matters may adversely affect our reputation amongst our stakeholders and may affect our guests’ travel choices and directly impact our revenue.

Previous wording

We may not continue to pay dividends on, or effect repurchases of, our common stock, and the terms of our indebtedness could limit our ability to pay dividends on our common stock.

Current wording

We may not continue to pay dividends on, or effect repurchases of, our common stock, and the terms of our indebtedness or applicable law could limit our ability to pay dividends on or effect repurchases of our common stock.

Previous wording

The declaration and payment of dividends and share repurchases are at the sole discretion of our Board and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions under our indebtedness and other factors that our Board may deem relevant. Though we expect to make regular dividends, there can be no assurance that a payment of a dividend will occur in the future.

Current wording

The declaration and payment of dividends and share repurchases are at the sole discretion of our Board and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions under our indebtedness, limitations under applicable law and other factors that our Board may deem relevant. Though we expect to make regular dividends, there can be no assurance that a payment of a dividend will occur in the future.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

dollar; our ability to, or our decision whether or not in particular instances to, hedge against foreign currency effects, and whether we are successful in any such hedging transactions; the ability to comply with or the effect of complying with new and developing laws, regulations and policies of foreign governments, including with respect to climate change, data protection and privacy; conflicts between local laws and U.S. laws, including laws that impact our rights to protect our intellectual property; withholding and other taxes on remittances and other payments by subsidiaries; and changes in and application of foreign taxation structures including value added taxes. Any adverse outcome resulting from the financial instability or performance of foreign economies, the instability of other currencies and the related volatility on foreign exchange and interest rates could adversely impact our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.