UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Filed by the Registrant ☒(Amendment No. )

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐

Filed by the Registrant

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant

Check the appropriate box:

Preliminary Proxy Statement

Preliminary Proxy Statement

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e) (2))

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

Definitive Proxy Statement

Definitive Proxy Statement

Definitive Additional Materials

Definitive Additional Materials

Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

United ParksUNITED PARKS & Resorts Inc.RESORTS INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other thanOther Than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box)all boxes that apply):

No fee required.

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101) per Item 1 of this Schedule and Exchange Act Rules 14c-5(g) and 0-11

No fee required.

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i) (1) and 0-11.


LOGO

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6240 Sea Harbor Drive

Orlando, Florida 32821

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERSApril 29, 2024

TO BE HELD ON MARCH 25,Dear Fellow Stockholders:

You are cordially invited to attend the 2024

Notice is hereby given that a Special Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Special Meeting”) of United Parks & Resorts Inc. (“we”, “us” or the “Company(the “Annual Meeting”) willto be held on March 25,Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Saving Time. For your convenience, we are pleased that the Annual Meeting will be a completely virtual meeting, which will be conducted via live audio webcast. You canwill be able to attend the SpecialAnnual Meeting online, vote your shares electronically and submit your questions during the SpecialAnnual Meeting via a live audio webcast by visitingwww.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRKS2024.

As permitted by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we are also pleased to be furnishing our proxy materials to stockholders primarily over the Internet. We believe this process expedites stockholders’ receipt of the materials, lowers the costs of the Annual Meeting and conserves natural resources. We sent a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials on or about April 29, 2024 to our stockholders of record at the close of business on April 15, 2024. The notice contains instructions on how to access our Proxy Statement and 2023 Annual Report and vote online. If you would like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials from us instead of downloading a printable version from the Internet, please follow the instructions for requesting such materials included in the notice.

Your vote is important to us. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we strongly urge you to cast your vote promptly. You may vote over the Internet, as well as by telephone or by mail. Please review the instructions on the proxy or voting instruction card regarding each of these voting options.

Thank you for your continued support of United Parks & Resorts Inc.

Sincerely,

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Scott Ross

Chairperson of the Board of Directors

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Marc Swanson

Chief Executive Officer


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6240 Sea Harbor Drive

Orlando, Florida 32821

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 13, 2024

Notice is hereby given that the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of United Parks & Resorts Inc. (the “Annual Meeting”) will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Saving Time. You can attend the Annual Meeting online, vote your shares electronically and submit your questions during the Annual Meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRKS2024SM. PRKS2024. You will need to have your 16-Digit Control Number included on your Notice or your proxy card (if you received a printed copy of the proxy materials) to join the SpecialAnnual Meeting. The SpecialAnnual Meeting will be held for the following purposes:

1.

Proposal 1: To approve the amendment, entered into on February 27, 2024, to the Stockholders Agreement (the “Stockholders Agreement”), dated May 27, 2019, by and between Hill Path Capital LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Hill Path”) and the Company (the “Amendment Proposal”); and

2.

Proposal 2: If Proposal 1 is approved, to approve and authorize a new $500.0 million share repurchase program of the Company’s common stock, subject to the qualification that the Company will not repurchase additional shares if Hill Path’s common stock ownership interest percentage would, as a result of any such repurchase, equal or exceed 50% (excluding Hill Path’s and its affiliates’ non-voting derivative positions) (the “Share Repurchase Proposal”).

Approval

(1)
To elect the ten director nominees listed herein.
(2)
To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2024.
(3)
To approve, in a non-binding advisory vote, the Amendment Proposal is conditioned upon approval of the Share Repurchase Proposal, and vice versa. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Amendment Proposal is not approved, the Share Repurchase Proposal will not be voted on, and if the Share Repurchase Proposal is not approved, the Amendment Proposal, even if approved, will not become effective. Each of the Amendment Proposal and the Share Repurchase Proposal requires approval by the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock outstanding and entitled to vote as of the record date, other than any such shares (all such shares, “Excluded Shares”) beneficially owned by Hill Path or an affiliate of Hill Path (including Nomura Global Financial Products Inc., as derivative counterparty, who shall be deemed to be an affiliate of Hill Path solely for purposes of this approval requirement and James P. Chambers, who, for the purpose of the Amendment and the Stockholders Agreement, shall be deemed to be an affiliate of Hill Path). We refer to this as the “Disinterested Stockholder Approval.” The Excluded Shares will not be included in the numerator or denominator for purposes of determining whether the Disinterested Stockholder Approval has been obtained. We refercompensation paid to the holders of shares of our common stocknamed executive officers.
(4)
To consider such other than Hill Pathbusiness as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and its affiliates as the “Disinterested Stockholders.”

any adjournments or postponements thereof.

Stockholders of record asat the close of 9:00 a.m. Eastern Timebusiness on MarchApril 15, 2024 (“Qualified Stockholder”) are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the SpecialAnnual Meeting. Each Qualified Stockholderstockholder of record is entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held at that time. A list of these Qualified Stockholdersstockholders will be open for examination by any stockholder for any purpose germane to the SpecialAnnual Meeting for a period of 10 days prior to the SpecialAnnual Meeting at our principal executive offices at 6240 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, Florida 32821, and electronically during the Special Meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRKS2024SM when you enter your 16-Digit Control Number.32821.

You have three options for submitting your vote before the SpecialAnnual Meeting:

the

Internet, through computer or mobile device such as a tablet or smartphone;

Telephone; or
Mail.

telephone; or

mail.


Please vote as soon as possible to record your vote promptly, even if you plan to attend the SpecialAnnual Meeting via the Internet.

OUR BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE AMENDMENT PROPOSAL AND “FOR” THE SHARE REPURCHASE PROPOSAL.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the SpecialAnnual Meeting to be Held on March 25,Thursday, June 13, 2024: The Proxy Statement and 2023 Annual Report to Stockholders, iswhich includes the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, are available at www.proxyvote.com. In addition, a list of Qualified Stockholders entitled to vote at the Special Meeting will be available electronically during the Special Meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRKS2024SM when you enter your 16-Digit Control Number.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

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G. Anthony (Tony) Taylor

Corporate Secretary

April 29, 2024


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

General Information

1

Proposal No. 1 –– Election of Directors

5

Nominees for Election to the Board of Directors in 2024

LOGO

G. Anthony (Tony) Taylor
Corporate Secretary

5


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE SPECIAL MEETING AND THE PROPOSALSBoard Skills and Diversity

1

9

THE SPECIAL MEETINGThe Board of Directors and Certain Governance Matters

7

10

Date, Time and Place of the Special MeetingEngagement with Stockholders

7

10

Purposes ofCommunications with the Special MeetingBoard

7

10

Record Date, NoticeDirector Independence and QuorumIndependence Determinations

7

11

Required VoteBoard Structure

8

11

Stock OwnershipBoard Committees and Interests of Certain PersonsMeetings

8

11

Voting; Proxies; RevocationCommittee Membership

8

12

AbstentionsAudit Committee

9

12

Solicitation of ProxiesCompensation Committee

9

13

AdjournmentsNominating and PostponementsCorporate Governance Committee

10

14

Other InformationRevenue Committee

10

14

THE PROPOSALSSpecial Committees

11

14

Proposal 1: The Amendment ProposalOversight of Risk Management

11

14

Proposal 2: The Share Repurchase ProposalExecutive Sessions

11

15

Background of the ProposalsCommittee Charters and Corporate Governance Guidelines

11

15

Reasons for the Proposals; RecommendationCode of the BoardConduct

17

15

THE AMENDMENT TO THE STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENTDirector Nomination Process

21

16

SummaryExecutive Officers of Existing Hill Path Stockholders Agreementthe Company

21

17

SummaryProposal No. 2—Ratification of the AmendmentIndependent Registered Public Accounting Firm

22

21

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENTAudit and Non-Audit Fees

23

22

HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALSReport of the Audit Committee

25

23

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONProposal No. 3—Non-Binding Vote on Executive Compensation

26

24

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2024 ANNUAL MEETINGReport of the Compensation Committee

27

25

OTHER BUSINESSExecutive Compensation

26

Pay vs. Performance

28

47

Director Compensation for Fiscal 2023

51

Ownership of Securities

55

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

56

Transactions with Related Persons

56

Stockholder Proposals for the 2025 Annual Meeting

59

Householding of Proxy Materials

59

Other Business

60

Annex AHill Path Stockholders Agreement
Annex BFirst Amendment to the Hill Path Stockholders Agreement

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE SPECIAL

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6240 Sea Harbor Drive

Orlando, Florida 32821

PROXY STATEMENT
FOR ANNUAL
MEETING AND THE PROPOSALS
OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 13, 2024

The following questionsGeneral Information

Why am I being provided with these materials?

We have made these proxy materials available to you via the Internet or, upon your request, have delivered printed versions of these proxy materials to you by mail in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors (the “Board” or “Board of Directors”) of United Parks & Resorts Inc. (the “Company”) of proxies to be voted at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 13, 2024 (“Annual Meeting”), and answers address briefly some questions youat any postponements or adjournments of the Annual Meeting. D.F. King & Co., directors, officers and other Company employees also may have regardingsolicit proxies by telephone or otherwise. Brokers and other nominees will be requested to solicit proxies or authorizations from beneficial owners and will be reimbursed for their reasonable expenses. You are invited to attend the SpecialAnnual Meeting and vote your shares via the Internet in accordance with the instructions at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRKS2024.

What am I voting on?

There are three proposals scheduled to be voted on at the Special Meeting. These questions and answers may not address allAnnual Meeting:

Proposal No. 1: Election of the questionsten director nominees listed in this Proxy Statement (the “Nominee Proposal”).
Proposal No. 2: Ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2024 (the “Ratification Proposal”).
Proposal No. 3: Approval, in a non-binding advisory vote, of the compensation paid to the named executive officers (the “Say-on-Pay Proposal”).

Who is entitled to vote?

Stockholders as of the close of business on April 15, 2024 (the “Record Date”) may vote at the Annual Meeting. As of that date, there were 63,222,811 shares of common stock outstanding. You have one vote for each share of common stock held by you as of the Record Date, including shares:

Held directly in your name as “stockholder of record” (also referred to as “registered stockholder”);
Held for you in an account with a broker, bank or other nominee (shares held in “street name”)—Street name holders generally cannot vote their shares directly and instead must instruct the brokerage firm, bank or nominee how to vote their shares; and
Held for you by us as restricted shares (whether vested or non-vested) under any of our stock incentive plans.

1


What constitutes a quorum?

The holders of record of a majority of the voting power of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote must be present in person or represented by proxy to constitute a quorum for the Annual Meeting. Abstentions are counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum. Shares represented by “broker non-votes” that are present and entitled to vote are also counted for purposes of determining a quorum. However, as described below under “How are votes counted?”, if you hold your shares in street name and do not provide voting instructions to your broker, your shares will not be voted on any proposal on which your broker does not have discretionary authority to vote (a “broker non-vote”).

What is a “broker non-vote”?

A broker non-vote occurs when shares held by a broker are not voted with respect to a proposal because (1) the broker has not received voting instructions from the stockholder who beneficially owns the shares and (2) the broker lacks the authority to vote the shares at his/her discretion. Under current New York Stock Exchange interpretations that govern broker non-votes, each of the Nominee Proposal and Say-on-Pay Proposal are considered non-discretionary matters and a broker will lack the authority to vote shares at their discretion on such proposals. The Ratification Proposal is considered a discretionary matter and a broker will be permitted to exercise their discretion.

How many votes are required to approve each proposal?

With respect to the election of the Nominee Proposal, each director is elected at the Annual Meeting by the vote of the majority of the votes cast with respect to such director’s election, which means that the number of votes cast “for” a director’s election must exceed the number of votes cast “against” that director’s election. If any incumbent director nominee fails to receive a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election, our bylaws require that such person offer to tender his or her resignation to the Board and that the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee make a recommendation to the Board on whether to accept or reject such resignation or whether other action should be taken.

With respect to the Ratification Proposal and the Say-on-Pay Proposal, approval of each proposal requires a vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the proposal.

While the Say-on-Pay Proposal is advisory in nature and non-binding, the Board will review the voting results and expects to take it into consideration when making future decisions regarding executive compensation.

How are votes counted?

With respect to the Nominee Proposal, you may vote “FOR”, “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN”. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the Nominee Proposal.

With respect to the Ratification Proposal, you may vote “FOR”, “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN”. Abstentions will be counted as a vote “AGAINST” the Ratification Proposal.

With respect to the Say-on-Pay Proposal, you may vote “FOR”, “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN”. Abstentions will be counted as a vote “AGAINST” the Say-on-Pay Proposal. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the Say-on-Pay Proposal.

If you just sign and submit your proxy card without voting instructions, your shares will be voted “FOR” each director nominee listed herein and “FOR” the other proposals as recommended by the Board and in accordance with the discretion of the holders of the proxy with respect to any other matters that may be importantvoted upon.

Who will count the vote?

Representatives of Broadridge Investor Communications Services (“Broadridge”) will tabulate the votes, and representatives of Broadridge will act as inspectors of election.

2


How does the Board recommend that I vote?

Our Board recommends that you vote your shares:

“FOR” each of the nominees to the Board set forth in this Proxy Statement.
“FOR” the Ratification Proposal.
“FOR” the Say-on-Pay Proposal.

How can I attend and vote at the Annual Meeting?

We will be hosting the Annual Meeting live via audio webcast. Any stockholder can attend the Annual Meeting live online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRKS2024. If you aswere a stockholder as of the Company. Please referRecord Date, or you hold a valid proxy for the Annual Meeting, you can vote at the Annual Meeting. A summary of the information you need to attend the more detailed information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement and the annexes to this proxy statement, which you should read carefully and in their entirety. You may obtain supplemental information about the Company thatAnnual Meeting online is not incorporated by reference into this proxy under the section of this proxy statement entitled “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

Q:

Why am I receiving this proxy statement?

A:

We have made these proxy materials available to you via the Internet or, upon your request, have delivered printed versions of these proxy materials to you by mail in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors (the “Board” or “Board of Directors”) of United Parks & Resorts Inc. (the “Company”) of proxies to be voted at our Special Meeting of Stockholders to be held on March 25, 2024 (the “Special Meeting”), and at any postponements or adjournments of the Special Meeting. D.F. King, directors, officers and other Company employees also may solicit proxies by telephone or otherwise. Brokers and other nominees will be requested to solicit proxies or authorizations from beneficial owners and will be reimbursed for their reasonable expenses. You are invited to attend the Special Meeting and vote your shares via the Internet in accordance with the instructions at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRKS2024SM.

Q:

When and where is the Special Meeting?

A:

The Special Meeting will be held on March 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time. You can attend the Special Meeting online, vote your shares electronically and submit your questions during the Special Meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRKS2024SM. You will need to have your 16-Digit Control Number included on your Notice or your proxy card (if you received a printed copy of the proxy materials) to join the Special Meeting.

Q:

What matters will be voted on at the Special Meeting?

A:

There are two proposals scheduled to be voted on at the Special Meeting:

provided below:

Proposal 1: To approve the amendment, entered into on February 27, 2024, to the Stockholders Agreement (the “Stockholders Agreement”), dated May 27, 2019, by and between Hill Path Capital LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Hill Path”) and the Company (the “Amendment Proposal”); and

Proposal 2: If Proposal 1 is approved, to approve and authorize a new $500.0 million share repurchase program of the Company’s common stock, subject to the qualification that the Company will not repurchase additional shares if Hill Path’s common stock ownership interest percentage would, as a result of any such repurchase, equal or exceed 50% (excluding Hill Path and its affiliates non-voting derivative positions) (the “Share Repurchase Proposal,” and together with the Amendment Proposal, the “Proposals”).

Q:

Who is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting?

A:

Only holders of record of the Company’s common stock as of 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on March 15, 2024 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to receive these proxy materials and to vote their shares at the Special Meeting. Each share of common stock issued and outstanding as of the Record Date will be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at the Special Meeting. Our directors and executive officers who are eligible to cast a vote, except for such directors and officers who are affiliates of Hill Path, have informed us that they intend to vote all of their shares of common stock: (i) “FOR” the Amendment Proposal and (ii) “FOR” the Share Repurchase Proposal.

-1-


Q:

How do I attend the Special Meeting?

A:

We will be hosting the Special Meeting live via audio webcast. Any stockholder can attend the Special Meeting live online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRKS2024SM. If you were a stockholder as of the Record Date, or you hold a valid proxy for the Special Meeting, you can vote at the Special Meeting. A summary of the information you need to attend the Special Meeting online is provided below:

instructionsInstructions on how to attend and participate via the Internet, including how to demonstrate proof of stock ownership, are posted at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRKS2024SM;

PRKS2024;

assistance

Assistance with questions regarding how to attend and participate via the Internet will be provided at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRKS2024SM PRKS2024on the day of the SpecialAnnual Meeting;

webcast

Webcast starts at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time;

stockholders

Stockholders may vote and submit questions while attending the SpecialAnnual Meeting via the Internet; and

you

You will need your 16-Digit Control Number to enter the SpecialAnnual Meeting.

Q:

Will I be able to participate in the online Special Meeting on the same basis I would be able to participate in a live special meeting?

Will I be able to participate in the online Annual Meeting on the same basis I would be able to participate in a live annual meeting?

A:

The online meeting format for the Special Meeting will enable full and equal participation by all our stockholders from any place in the world at little to no cost. We believe that holding the Special Meeting online provides the opportunity for participation by a broader group of stockholders while reducing environmental impacts and the costs associated with planning, holding and arranging logistics for in-person meeting proceedings.

The online meeting format for the Annual Meeting will enable full and equal participation by all our stockholders from any place in the world at little to no cost. We believe that holding the Annual Meeting online provides the opportunity for participation by a broader group of stockholders while reducing environmental impacts and the costs associated with planning, holding and arranging logistics for in-person meeting proceedings.

We designed the format of the online SpecialAnnual Meeting to ensure that our stockholders who attend our SpecialAnnual Meeting will be afforded the same rights and opportunities to participate as they would at an in-person meeting and to enhance stockholder access, participation and communication through online tools. We will take the following steps to ensure such an experience:

providing stockholders with the ability to submit appropriate questions in advance of the meeting to ensure thoughtful responses from management and the Board;

providing stockholders with the ability to submit appropriate questions real-time via the meeting website, limiting questions to one per stockholder unless time otherwise permits; and

answering as many questions submitted in accordance with the meeting rules of conduct as possible in the time allotted for the meeting without discrimination.

Q:

How many shares are needed to constitute a quorum?

A:

The holders of record of a majority of the voting power of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote must be present virtually or represented by proxy to constitute a quorum for the Special Meeting. Abstentions are counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum. Shares represented by “broker non-votes” that are present and entitled to vote are also counted for purposes of determining a quorum. However, as described below under “What do I need to do now? How do I vote my shares of common stock?” if you hold your shares in street name and do not provide voting instructions to your broker, your shares will not be voted on any proposal on which your broker does not have discretionary authority to vote (a “broker non-vote”).

Q:

What vote of Company stockholders is required to approve each proposal?

A:

Approval of each Proposal requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock outstanding and entitled to vote as of the Record Date, other than any such shares (all such

How can I vote my shares without attending the Annual Meeting?

-2-


shares, “Excluded Shares”) beneficially owned by Hill Path or an affiliate of Hill Path (including Nomura Global Financial Products Inc., as derivative counterparty, who shall be deemed to be an affiliate of Hill Path solely for purposes of this approval requirement and James P. Chambers, who for the purpose of the Amendment and the Stockholders Agreement, shall be deemed to be an affiliate of Hill Path). We refer to this as the “Disinterested Stockholder Approval.” The Excluded Shares will not be included in the numerator or denominator for purposes of determining whether the Disinterested Stockholder Approval has been obtained. We refer to the holders of shares of our common stock other than Hill Path and its affiliates as the “Disinterested Stockholders.”

An abstention as to either Proposal, or a failure to vote your shares of common stock (including a failure to instruct your broker, bank or other nominee to vote shares held on your behalf), will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” such proposal.

Q:

Who will count the vote?

A:

Representatives of Broadridge Investor Communications Services (“Broadridge”) will tabulate the votes, and representatives of Broadridge will act as inspectors of election.

Q:

How does the Board recommend that I vote?

A:

The Board recommends that the Company’s stockholders vote:

FOR” the Amendment Proposal; and

FOR” the Share Repurchase Proposal.

For a discussion of the factors that the Board considered in determining to recommend in favor of the approval of the Proposals, see the section of this proxy statement entitled “The Proposals—Reasons for the Proposals; Recommendation of the Board.”

Q:

How many shares of common stock may the Company’s directors and officers vote?

A:

As of the Record Date, our directors and executive officers owned and were entitled to vote, in the aggregate, approximately 707,989 shares of common stock, or approximately 1.1% of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. Our directors and executive officers have informed us that they intend to vote all of their shares of common stock: (1) “FOR” the Amendment Proposal and (2) “FOR” the Share Repurchase Proposal. However, because of the Disinterested Stockholder Approval requirement, only 647,238 shares of common stock held by directors and officers will be taken into account in determining whether such condition has been satisfied.

Q:

How many shares of common stock must be voted in favor of the Proposals for the Proposals to be approved?

A:

As of the Record Date, there were 64,252,513 shares of common stock outstanding. Also, as of such date, there were 32,471,453 shares of common stock outstanding held by the Disinterested Stockholders. Therefore, for the Proposals to be approved, at least 16,235,727 shares of common stock held by the Disinterested Stockholders must be voted in favor of each Proposal in order for the Proposals to be approved.

Q:

What do I need to do now? How do I vote my shares of common stock?

A:

We urge you to read this entire proxy statement carefully, including its annexes, and to consider how the Proposals affect you. Your vote is important, regardless of the number of shares of common stock you own.

-3-


If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote by granting a proxy. Specifically, you may vote:

By Internet

By Internet—If you have Internet access, you may submit your proxy by going to www.proxyvote.com and by following the instructions on how to complete an electronic proxy card. You will need the 16-digit number included on your Notice or your proxy card in order to vote by Internet.

By Telephone—If you have access to a touch-tone telephone, you may submit your proxy by dialing 1-800-690-6903 and by following the recorded instructions. You will need the 16-digit number included on your Notice or your proxy card in order to vote by telephone.

By Mail—You may vote by mail by requesting a proxy card from us, indicating your vote by completing, signing and dating the card where indicated and by mailing or otherwise returning the card in the envelope that will be provided to you. You should sign your name exactly as it appears on the proxy card. If you are signing in a representative capacity (for example, as guardian, executor, trustee, custodian, attorney or officer of a corporation), indicate your name and title or capacity.

If you sign, date and return your proxy card without indicating how you wish to vote, your proxy will be voted “FOR” each of (i) the Amendment Proposal and (ii) the Share Repurchase Proposal.

We encourage youin order to vote by Internet.

By Telephone—If you have access to a touch-tone telephone, you may submit your proxy even if you planby dialing 1-800-690-6903 and by following the recorded instructions. You will need the 16-digit number included on attending the Special Meeting.

A failureyour Notice or your proxy card in order to vote by telephone.

3


By Mail—You may vote by mail by requesting a proxy card from us, indicating your vote by completing, signing and dating the card where indicated and by mailing or an abstentionotherwise returning the card in the envelope that will havebe provided to you. You should sign your name exactly as it appears on the same effectproxy card. If you are signing in a representative capacity (for example, as guardian, executor, trustee, custodian, attorney or officer of a vote “AGAINST” the approval of the Proposals.

corporation), indicate your name and title or capacity.

Shares of Common Stock Held in “Street Name”

If you hold your shares in “street name” through a broker, bank or other nominee,street name, you should follow the directions provided bymay also submit voting instructions to your broker, bank or other nominee regarding hownominee. In most instances, you will be able to instructdo this over the Internet, by telephone or by mail. Please refer to information from your bank, broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote your shares. Without those instructions, your shares will not be voted, which will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the Proposals.submit voting instructions.

Internet and telephone voting facilities will close at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Saving Time on March 24,June 12, 2024 for the voting of shares held by stockholders of record or held in street name.

Mailed proxy cards with respect to shares held of record or in street name must be received no later than March 24,June 12, 2024.

Q:

Can I revoke my proxy?

A:

Yes. You may change your vote and revoke your proxy at any time prior to the vote at the Special Meeting. If you are the stockholder of record, you may change your vote by granting a new proxy bearing a later date (which automatically revokes the earlier proxy) using any of the methods described above (and until the applicable deadline for each method), by providing a written notice of revocation to the Company’s Corporate Secretary at United Parks & Resorts Inc., 6240 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, Florida 32821 prior to your shares being voted, or by attending the Special Meeting via the Internet and voting. Attendance at the meeting via the Internet will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked unless you specifically so request. For shares you hold beneficially in street name, you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your broker, trustee or nominee following the instruction it has provided, or, if you have obtained a legal proxy from your broker or nominee giving you the right to vote your shares, by attending the Special Meeting via the Internet and voting.

Q:

What happens if I do not vote or if I abstain from voting on the proposals?

A:

The requisite number of shares to approve the Proposals is based on the Disinterested Stockholder Approval. As of the Record Date, there were 32,471,453 shares of common stock outstanding held by the

What does it mean if I receive more than one Notice on or about the same time?

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Disinterested Stockholders. Therefore, for the Proposals to be approved, at least 16,235,727 shares of common stock held by the Disinterested Stockholders must be voted in favor of each of the Proposals for the Proposals to be approved.

IfIt generally means you abstain from voting on (i) the Amendment Proposal and/or (ii) the Share Repurchase Proposalhold shares registered in more than one account. To ensure that all your shares are voted, please sign and return each proxy card or, if you do not return your proxy cardvote by Internet or otherwise fail totelephone, vote your shares of common stock (including a failure of your broker, bank or other nominee to vote shares held on your behalf), it will have the same effect as a vote against such Proposal.once for each Notice you receive.

Q:

WillMay I change my shares of common stock held in “street name” or held in another form of record ownership be combined for voting purposes with shares I hold of record?

A:

No. Because any shares of common stock you may hold in “street name” will be deemed to be held by a different stockholder (that is, your broker, bank, or other nominee) than any shares of common stock you hold of record, any shares of common stock held in “street name” will not be combined for voting purposes with shares of common stock held of record. Similarly, if you own shares of common stock in various registered forms, such as jointly with your spouse, as trustee of a trust or as custodian for a minor, you will receive, and will need to sign and return, a separate proxy card for those shares of common stock because they are held in a different form of record ownership. Shares of common stock held by a corporation or business entity must be voted by an authorized officer of the entity. Please indicate title or authority when completing and signing the proxy card.

Q:

What does it mean if I get more than one proxy card or voting instruction card?

A:

If your shares of common stock are registered differently or are held in more than one account, you will receive more than one proxy card or voting instruction card. Please complete and return all of the proxy cards and voting instruction cards you receive (or submit each of your proxies by telephone or the Internet) to ensure that all of your shares of common stock are voted.

Q:

What is householding and how does it affect me?

A:

The SEC permits companies to send a single set of proxy materials to any household at which two or more stockholders reside, unless contrary instructions have been received, but only if the company provides advance notice and follows certain procedures. In such cases, each stockholder continues to receive a separate notice of the meeting and proxy card. Certain brokerage firms may have instituted householding for beneficial owners of common stock held through brokerage firms. If your family has multiple accounts holding common stock, you may have already received a householding notification from your broker. Please contact your broker directly if you have any questions or require additional copies of this proxy statement. The broker will arrange for delivery of a separate copy of this proxy statement promptly upon your written or oral request. You may decide at any time to revoke your decision to household, and thereby receive multiple copies.

Q:

Where can I find more information about the Company?

A:

You can find more information about the Company from various sources described in the section of this proxy statement entitled “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

Q:

Who will solicit and pay the costs of soliciting proxies?

A:

We will pay the cost of soliciting proxies. Proxies may be solicited on our behalf by directors, officers or employees (for no additional compensation) virtually or by telephone, electronic transmission and facsimile transmission. Brokers and other nominees will be requested to solicit proxies or authorizations from

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beneficial owners and will be reimbursed for their reasonable expenses. The Company has also retained D.F. King & Co. (“D.F. King”) to assist with the solicitation of proxies for a fee not to exceed $20,000, plus reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses.

Q:

Who can help answer my other questions?

A:

If you have more questions about the Proposals or any of the other matters set forth in this proxy statement, or require assistance in submitting your proxy or voting your shares or need additional copies of this document or the enclosed proxy card, please contact D.F. King, which is acting as the proxy solicitation agent and information agent for the Company in connection with the Special Meeting. The Company’s stockholders can contact D.F. King, as to banks and brokers, collect (212) 269-5550 and, as to stockholders and all others, toll-free at (800) 949-2583.

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THE SPECIAL MEETING

We are furnishing this proxy statement to the Company’s stockholders as part of the solicitation of proxies by the Board for use at the Special Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. This proxy statement provides the Company’s stockholders with the information they need to know to be able to vote or instruct their vote to be cast at the Special Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.revoke my proxy?

Date, Time and Place of the Special Meeting

This proxy statement is being furnished to our stockholders as part of the solicitation of proxies by the Board for use at the Special Meeting to be held on March 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time, and at any postponements or adjournments of the Special Meeting. You are invited to attend the Special Meeting and vote your shares via the Internet in accordance with the instructions at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRKS2024SM.

For information regarding attending the Special Meeting, see “The Special Meeting — Voting; Proxies; Revocation—Attendance.”

Purposes of the Special Meeting

At the Special Meeting, the Company’s stockholders will be asked to consider and approve the following proposals:

the Amendment Proposal; and

the Share Repurchase Proposal.

Approval of the Amendment Proposal is conditioned upon approval of the Share Repurchase Proposal, and vice versa. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Amendment Proposal is not approved, the Share Repurchase Proposal will not be voted on and if the Share Repurchase Proposal is not approved, the Amendment Proposal, even if approved, will not become effective. Our stockholders must approve the Amendment Proposal and the Share Repurchase Proposal by the Disinterested Stockholder Approval for the Amendment to become effective. A copy of the Amendment is attached as Annex A to this proxy statement, and certain provisions of the Amendment are described in the section of this proxy statement entitled “The Amendment to the Stockholders Agreement.”

No matters other than the Proposals will be brought before the Special Meeting.

This proxy statement and the enclosed form of proxy are first being mailed to our stockholders on or about March 15, 2024.

Record Date, Notice and Quorum

The holders of record of common stock as of 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on March 15, 2024, the Record Date for the Special Meeting, are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting. As of the close of business on the Record Date, 64,252,513 shares of common stock were outstanding and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.

The presence at the Special Meeting, virtually or represented by proxy, of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to be cast on any matter to be acted on at the Special Meeting will constitute a quorum for purposes of the Special Meeting. Once a share is represented at the Special Meeting, it will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the Special Meeting. However, if a new Record Date is set for an adjourned Special Meeting, a new quorum will have to be established. Proxies received, but marked as abstentions, will be included in the calculation of the number of shares considered to be present at the Special Meeting.

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Required Vote

Each share of common stock outstanding as of the close of business on the Record Date is entitled to one vote on each of the proposals to be considered at the Special Meeting.

Approval of each of (i) the Amendment Proposal and (ii) the Share Repurchase Proposal requires the Disinterested Stockholder Approval. Therefore, an abstention as to either Proposal or as failure to return your proxy card or otherwise vote your shares of common stock (including a failure to instruct your broker, bank or other nominee to vote shares held on your behalf), will have the same effect as a vote against the Proposals.

Stock Ownership and Interests of Certain Persons

Voting by the Company’s Directors and Executive Officers

As of the close of business on the Record Date, directors and executive officers of the Company were entitled to vote approximately 707,989 shares of common stock, or approximately 1.1% of the shares of common stock issued and outstanding on that date and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. However, because of the Disinterested Stockholder Approval requirement, only 647,238 shares of common stock held by directors and officers of the Company will be applicable to the required vote.

Voting; Proxies; Revocation

Attendance

All holders of shares of common stock as of 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on March 15, 2024, the Record Date, including stockholders of record and beneficial owners of common stock registered in the “street name” of a broker, bank or other nominee, are invited to attend the Special Meeting.

Voting Online

Stockholders of record will be able to vote at the Special Meeting. We will be hosting the Special Meeting live via audio webcast. Any stockholder can attend the Special Meeting live online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRKS2024SM. If you were a stockholder as of the Record Date, or you hold a valid proxy for the Special Meeting, you can vote at the Special Meeting. If you hold your shares in “street name” through a broker, bank or other nominee, you should follow the directions provided by your broker, bank or other nominee regarding how to instruct your broker, bank or other nominee to vote your shares. Without those instructions, your shares will not be voted, which will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the Proposals.

Providing Voting Instructions by Proxy

If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote by granting a proxy. Specifically, you may vote:

By Internet—If you have Internet access, you may submit your proxy by going to www.proxyvote.com and by following the instructions on how to complete an electronic proxy card. You will need the 16-digit number included on your Notice or your proxy card in order to vote by Internet.

By Telephone—If you have access to a touch-tone telephone, you may submit your proxy by dialing 1-800-690-6903 and by following the recorded instructions. You will need the 16-digit number included on your Notice or your proxy card in order to vote by telephone.

By Mail—You may vote by mail by requesting a proxy card from us, indicating your vote by completing, signing and dating the card where indicated and by mailing or otherwise returning the card in the envelope that will be provided to you. You should sign your name exactly as it appears on the proxy card. If you are signing in a representative capacity (for example, as guardian, executor, trustee, custodian, attorney or officer of a corporation), indicate your name and title or capacity.

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If you sign, date and return your proxy card without indicating how you wish to vote, your proxy will be voted “FOR” each of (i) the Amendment Proposal and (ii) the Share Repurchase Proposal.

We encourage you to vote by proxy even if you plan on attending the Special Meeting.

A failure to vote or an abstention will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the approval of the Proposals.

Shares of Common Stock Held in “Street Name”

If you hold your shares in “street name” through a broker, bank or other nominee, you should follow the directions provided by your broker, bank or other nominee regarding how to instruct your broker, bank or other nominee to vote your shares. Without those instructions, your shares will not be voted, which will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the Proposals.

Internet and telephone voting facilities will close at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Saving Time on March 24, 2024 for the voting of shares held by stockholders of record or held in street name.

Mailed proxy cards with respect to shares held of record or in street name must be received no later than March 24, 2024.

Revocation of Proxies

You may change your vote and revoke your proxy at any time prior to the vote at the SpecialAnnual Meeting. If you are the stockholder of record, you may change your vote by granting a new proxy bearing a later date (which automatically revokes the earlier proxy) using any of the methods described above (and until the applicable deadline for each method), by providing a written notice of revocation to the Company’s Corporate Secretary at United Parks & Resorts Inc., 6240 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, Florida 32821 prior to your shares being voted, or by attending the SpecialAnnual Meeting via the Internet and voting. Attendance at the meeting via the Internet will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked unless you specifically so request. For shares you hold beneficially in street name, you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your broker, trustee or nominee following the instruction it has provided, or, if you have obtained a legal proxy from your broker or nominee giving you the right to vote your shares, by attending the SpecialAnnual Meeting via the Internet and voting.

AbstentionsCould other matters be decided at the Annual Meeting?

An abstention occurs whenAt the date this Proxy Statement went to press, we did not know of any matters to be raised at the Annual Meeting other than those referred to in this Proxy Statement.

If other matters are properly presented at the Annual Meeting for consideration and you are a stockholder attendsof record and have submitted a proxy card, the Special Meeting, either via the Internet or represented bypersons named in your proxy but abstains from voting. Abstentions will be included in the calculation of the number of shares of common stock present or represented at the Special Meeting for purposes of determining whether a quorum has been achieved.

Because of the Disinterested Stockholder Approval requirement, abstaining from votingcard will have the same effect as adiscretion to vote againston those matters for you.

Who will pay for the Proposals.cost of this proxy solicitation?

Solicitation of Proxies

The Board is soliciting your proxy, and weWe will bearpay the cost of soliciting proxies. This includes the chargesProxies may be solicited on our behalf by directors, officers or employees (for no additional compensation) in person or by telephone, electronic transmission and expenses of brokerage firmsfacsimile transmission. Brokers and others for forwarding solicitation materialother nominees will be requested to solicit proxies or authorizations from beneficial owners of our outstanding common stock.and will be reimbursed for their reasonable expenses. The Company has also retained D.F. King a proxy solicitation firm,& Co. to assist the Board inwith the solicitation of proxies for the Special Meeting, and we expecta fee not to pay D.F. King approximately $20,000,exceed $8,000, plus reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses.

4


Proposal No. 1—Election of reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses. Proxies mayDirectors

The entire Board will be solicited by mail, personal interview, email, telephone, or via the Internet by D.F. King or, without additional compensation, by certain of the Company’s directors, officers and employees.

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Adjournments and Postponements

The Chairman of the Special Meeting or the holders of a majority of shares of common stock present or represented by proxyelected at the Special2024 Annual Meeting whether or not constituting a quorum, may adjourn the Special Meeting.of Stockholders.

Other Information

You should not return your stock certificates or send in other documents evidencing ownership of common stock with the proxy card.

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THE PROPOSALS

Proposal 1: The Amendment Proposal

The Company is proposing to adopt and approve the Amendment (as further described below in the section of this proxy statement entitled “The Amendment to the Stockholders Agreement”).

Approval of the Amendment Proposal requires the Disinterested Stockholder Approval.

A copy of the existing Stockholders Agreement is attached to this proxy statement as Annex A. A copy of the Amendment to the Stockholders Agreement is attached to this proxy statement as Annex B.

Proposal 2: The Share Repurchase Proposal

The Company is proposing to approve and authorizeentered into a new $500.0 million share repurchase program of the Company’s common stock, subject to the qualification that the Company will not repurchase additional shares if Hill Path’s common stock ownership interest percentage would, as a result of any such repurchase, equal or exceed 50% (excluding Hill Path’s and its affiliates existing non-voting derivative positions).

Approval of the Share Repurchase Proposal requires the Disinterested Stockholder Approval.

Background of the Proposals

As part of the Company’s ongoing consideration and evaluation of its long-term strategic goals and plans, the Board and the Company’s senior management periodically review, consider, and assess the Company’s capabilities, operations, financial performance, business plans and prospects, as well as overall industry conditions, opportunities and risks for the Company as they may affect those strategic goals and plans. This review includes, among other matters, the consideration of potential opportunities for business combinations, uses of cash, capital allocation strategies, acquisitions, divestitures, strategic partnerships, and other financial and strategic alternatives.

The Company has historically authorized open-market share repurchases from time-to-time when they believed the Company’s shares were undervalued by the market and the returns that could be achieved from such purchases were attractive. In each of March and August 2022, as the Company was set to exhaust its then-existing share repurchase authorizations, the Board met several times to consider the valuation of the Company’s shares, the Company’s liquidity forecasts and potential uses of cash, including, among other things, proposed additional share repurchases, and the probable impact of such repurchases on the Company’s liquidity, solvency, surplus, capital structure and stockholders relative to other potential uses of cash. In the context of those discussions, Hill Path believed that a share repurchase was in the best interest of all stockholders, but indicated that Hill Path would not participate as a seller of shares in any such repurchase.

During these meetings in both March and August 2022, the Board also considered the impact that additional share repurchases would have on Hill Path’s share ownership percentage if Hill Path did not participate in such repurchases and the potential governance implications resulting therefrom. As part of its analysis, the Board reviewed the terms of the Stockholders Agreement with Hill Path. The Board also discussed certain risks that could result from continued share repurchases by the Company, including that, as Hill Path’s ownership percentage increased, Hill Path’s influence at the Company (through voting or otherwise) could increase relative to other stockholders, and it could become more difficult for the Disinterested Stockholders to ultimately realize a control premium alongside Hill Path if Hill Path sold all or substantially all of its shares directly to third parties in a series of block sales rather than through a sale of the entire Company. Additionally, the Board considered that through ongoing share repurchases in which Hill Path would not participate, Hill Path would continue to increase its ownership percentage without offering to acquire the balance of the Company’s shares at a premium.

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To address these governance concerns by returning capital to stockholders without increasing Hill Path’s ownership percentage, the Board, in consultation with its legal and financial advisors, suggested that Hill Path participate pro rata in any share repurchase program, but Hill Path made clear it would not do so.

Given the Board’s belief that the Company’s shares were undervalued, after weighing the benefits and drawbacks of additional share repurchases in light of all of the other potential uses of the Company’s cash, the Board approved the proposed share authorizations in both March and August 2022, subject to the limitation that Hill Path’s economic ownership percentage (inclusive of Hill Path’s existing non-voting derivative positions) would not exceed 49.9% (the “Initial 49.9% Threshold”) and that, should additional share repurchases be considered in the future, the Board would discussagreement with Hill Path potential changes to the Stockholders Agreement to address the governance issues before any future authorizationCapital LP (“Hill Path”) that became effective May 29, 2019 and which was approved.

On September 1, 2023, Hill Path sent a communication to the Board in light of the Company preparing to consider a new share repurchase authorization, noting that any future repurchases would be expected to further increase Hill Path’s percentage ownership since Hill Path did not expect to participate in the repurchase. Hill Path’s communication further noted that, to address any potential conflicts of interest raised by Hill Path’s increased ownership percentage, Hill Path supported the formation of a special committee of the Board for the purpose of determining whether to proceed with additional share repurchases, subject to the possibility of subsequent approval of the proposed share repurchase by a majority of the Disinterested Stockholders, also referred to as the Disinterested Stockholder Approval.

On September 8, 2023, the Board held a meeting to consider Hill Path’s proposal. Representatives of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz (“Wachtell Lipton”), were also in attendanceamended on February 27, 2024 and summarized for the Board the process and merits of forming a special committee to consider additional share repurchases in light of the governance concerns attending such repurchases and the Board’s previous decisions with respect thereto. After further discussion, the Board decided to form the special committee (the “Special Committee”) to consider whether to recommend additional share repurchases to the Board and if so, under what conditions.

Between September 8 and September 18, 2023, Wachtell Lipton conducted one-on-one interviews with members of the Board to determine the independence of such members from Hill Path and its affiliates.

On September 18, 2023, the Special Committee was formed, consisting of Mr. Timothy Hartnett as Chair, Mr. William Gray, Mr. Yoshikazu Maruyama, Mr. Thomas Moloney and Ms. Neha Jogani Narang.

On September 21, September 28, October 5, October 26 and November 2, 2023, the Special Committee held meetings to discuss the proposal for additional share repurchases and the various risks associated with a further increase in Hill Path’s ownership percentage. The Special Committee engaged Wachtell Lipton as its legal advisor and Centerview Partners LLC (“Centerview”) as its financial advisor, each of whom attended each meeting (other than the September 21 meeting, which Centerview did not attend) to advise the Special Committee on the legal and financial implications of its options. During these discussions, the Special Committee focused on Hill Path’s current ownership percentage—at the time, approximately 42.7% of the Company’s outstanding shares (without taking into account Hill Path’s existing non-voting derivative positions) and an economic ownership percentage of approximately 49.6% (inclusive of Hill Path’s existing non-voting derivative positions)—in light of the Board’s decision in August 2022 not to permit further share repurchases until the governance concerns raised by Hill Path’s accreting ownership percentage were addressed. To address these concerns, the Special Committee agreed to develop and send proposed changes to the Stockholders Agreement for Hill Path’s consideration that would, if adopted, provide enhanced governance and economic protections for the Disinterested Stockholders and permit the Board the flexibility to undertake additional share repurchases in the future, even if Hill Path’s ownership percentage were to exceed 49.9% of the Company’s outstanding shares. The Special Committee also considered the benefits and drawbacks, including the practicability, of undertaking a dividend or a premium self-tender instead of a share repurchase. Ultimately it was decided not to pursue a transaction that would impose undesired consequences on stockholders, and that it was

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preferable, in the interests of the Company and its stockholders, to pursue a simpler transaction like a share repurchase around which there could be a consensus of stockholder interests.

On November 6, 2023, Wachtell Lipton delivered the Special Committee’s proposed governance changes to Hill Path’s legal counsel, Sidley Austin LLP (“Sidley Austin”).The governance changes proposed included, among other things, (i) reducing the threshold applicable to Hill Path’s transfer restriction from 24.9% of the Company’s outstanding shares to 10%; (ii) permitting Disinterested Stockholders to have the right to participate pro rata in any proposed sale by Hill Path of 10% or more of the Company’s outstanding shares; (iii) requiring that any future take private, sale or merger of the Company proposed by Hill Path be approved by a special committee and a majority of the outstanding shares that are not owned or controlled by Hill Path; (iv) changing the standstill restriction to make clear that additional economic swap arrangements or any other derivative transactions by Hill Path are not permitted and reinstating the more strict requirements of the earlier standstill provision that applied to Hill Path before the Company’s Annual Meeting in 2020; (v) requiring approval of a special committee of independent directors before the Company engages in any material related party transaction with Hill Path or its affiliates; and (vi) requiring Hill Path to first present to the Company any proposed offer to sell a block of its shares to a third party or in a broad-based offering, which offer the Company could accept or reject or make a counterproposal, with Hill Path permitted to sell the shares on terms no less favorable than those offered by the Company.

On November 7, 2023, Sidley Austin, on behalf of Hill Path, sent a communication to the Special Committee reiterating Hill Path’s position that a share repurchase would benefit all shareholders and that Hill Path would not consider any changes to the governance arrangements in the Stockholders Agreement. The November 7 communication noted that the existing Stockholders Agreement already provides the Company with extensive protections, including a standstill, a voting agreement that effectively caps Hill Path’s voting power at 24.9%, transfer restrictions, an equal treatment covenant and an agreement to tender into a third-party tender offer recommended by the Board. The communication asked the Special Committee to recommend approval of the additional share repurchase authorization based on the benefits to the Company and all its stockholders.

On November 8, 2023, Mr. Hartnett received a call from Mr. Ross, during which Mr. Ross inquired about the status of the Special Committee deliberations. Mr. Ross reiterated Hill Path’s position on the proposed changes to the Stockholders Agreement.

On November 9, 2023, the Special Committee met to discuss Hill Path’s response to the governance changes it had proposed. Wachtell Lipton and Centerview were in attendance. After considering Hill Path’s response and considering advice from its advisors, the Special Committee agreed that its decision to first seek governance changes to the Stockholders Agreement before considering the additional share repurchases remained unchanged.

On November 12, 2023, the Board met for the purpose of allowing Mr. Ross the opportunity to ask questions and discuss his concerns regarding the Special Committee’s position with respect to additional share repurchases. Wachtell Lipton, Centerview and Sidley Austin were in attendance.

On November 16, 2023, the Special Committee met to consider the concerns raised by Hill Path during the November 12 meeting. Wachtell Lipton and Centerview were in attendance. After discussion, and in recognition of the fact that neither Hill Path’s nor the Special Committee’s position had changed, the Special Committee agreed to await further communications from Hill Path.

On November 19, 2023, the Board met to allow Mr. Ross the opportunity to again ask questions and raise concerns about the Special Committee’s position and rationale. Wachtell Lipton, Centerview and Sidley Austin were in attendance. Mr. Ross reiterated his position that the Company should proceed with additional share repurchases because the Company’s shares were materially undervalued, and therefore repurchases were the best use of the Company’s cash and would benefit all of the Company’s shareholders, and the governance

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concerns raised by Hill Path’s increased ownership percentage were already addressed by the protections previously negotiated and agreed upon in the existing Stockholders Agreement, but this time indicated that Hill Path would reconsider the Special Committee’s position.

On December 26, 2023, Sidley Austin, on behalf of Hill Path, sent a communication to the Special Committee, explaining Hill Path’s continued position that a share repurchase program would be in the best interest of the Company and all its shareholders, and that the Special Committee’s proposed governance changes to the Stockholders Agreement were not necessary for the Special Committee to approve a $500 million share repurchase authorization that would have the effect of increasing Hill Path’s common stock ownership percentage to approximately 50% (without taking into account Hill Path’s existing non-voting derivative positions) (the “New 50% Threshold”), at the conclusion of which Hill Path would be open to continuing discussions with the Special Committee as to whether certain of its proposed changes to the Stockholders Agreement were appropriate.

On January 4 and 11, 2024, the Special Committee met to discuss Hill Path’s most recent communication and consider next steps. Wachtell Lipton was in attendance for both of these meetings and Centerview was in attendance on January 11. After reviewing Hill Path’s recent communication and again discussing the governance concerns and risks posed to the Disinterested Stockholders by such an increase in Hill Path’s ownership percentage, the Special Committee agreed that its position remained unchanged and that a written response should be prepared to further explain its position to Hill Path.

On January 12, 2024, Wachtell Lipton, on behalf of the Special Committee, sent a communication to Hill Path that outlined the Special Committee’s concerns, which included, among other things, the risk that without additional protections in the Stockholders Agreement, Disinterested Stockholders might lose the ability to secure a control premium for their shares. The Special Committee’s communication also added context to Hill Path’s narrative of the Special Committee’s work since September 2023. The communication made clear that the Special Committee, along with its legal and financial advisors, remained ready to engage in further discussions with Hill Path to attempt to find a mutually agreeable path forward, but was not prepared to recommend that the Company undertake additional share repurchases that would increase Hill Path’s ownership percentage without negotiating protections for the Disinterested Stockholders.

On January 21, 2024, Sidley Austin, on behalf of Hill Path, sent a communication to the Special Committee that reiterated Hill Path’s disappointment with the pace at which the Special Committee was addressing the topic of additional share repurchases, but expressed a willingness to discuss the Special Committee’s requests that (i) any future take private of the Company by Hill Path would require approval of both a special committee of directors independent of Hill Path and its affiliates and a majority of the Company’s voting shares not owned or controlled by Hill Path (the “Proposed Take Private Approval”), and (ii) that any material related party transaction with Hill Path or its affiliates require approval of a special committee of directors independent of Hill Path and its affiliates (the “Proposed Related Party Transaction Approval”).

On January 23, 2024, the Special Committee met to discuss Hill Path’s most recent communication, consider Hill Path’s revised proposal and determine whether a single individual should be authorized to engage with Hill Path on its proposal. Wachtell Lipton and Centerview were in attendance. After discussion and consultation with its advisors, the Special Committee determined that Hill Path’s offer was constructive and that Mr. Hartnett should work with Wachtell Lipton to engage Hill Path in further negotiations.

On January 26, 2024, Mr. Hartnett met with Mr. Ross to discuss Hill Path’s latest proposal. Wachtell Lipton, Centerview and Sidley Austin were present. During the discussion, Mr. Ross reiterated Hill Path’s proposal for a share repurchase authorization in exchange for the Proposed Take Private Approval and the Proposed Related Party Transaction Approval. After further discussion, Mr. Hartnett said he would confer with the Special Committee.

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On January 28 and February 1, 2024, the Special Committee met to discuss its response to Hill Path’s proposal. Wachtell Lipton and Centerview were in attendance. In its discussions, the Special Committee considered and ultimately agreed to three elements of a counterproposal that, if accepted in full, would position the Special Committee to recommend providing the full Board with the flexibility to implement additional share repurchases even above the New 50% Threshold (the “Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization”): (i) accept the Proposed Take Private Approval and the Proposed Related Party Transaction Approval; (ii) amend the Stockholders Agreement to require Hill Path to vote any shares in excess of 24.9% of the Company’s outstanding voting shares solely in accordance with the vote of the majority of the Company’s outstanding voting shares not owned or controlled by Hill Path and eliminate the option to vote such shares in accordance with the Board’s recommendation (the “Proposed Voting Restriction”); and (iii) require that, if at any time Hill Path’s beneficial ownership percentage were to exceed 50% (exclusive of derivate arrangements where either Hill Path or its affiliates do not have the right to vote or take possession of the underlying shares), then, upon the sale by Hill Path of 10% or more of the Company’s outstanding shares for a price in excess of the then-prevailing market price, Hill Path would be required to offer all Disinterested Stockholders the right to participate in such sale on a pro rata basis (the “Proposed Tagalong Right”). After further discussion and consultation with Wachtell Lipton and Centerview, the Special Committee authorized Wachtell Lipton to communicate the counterproposal to Hill Path.

On February 4, 2024, Wachtell Lipton, on behalf of the Special Committee, sent the Special Committee’s counterproposal to Sidley Austin. On the same day, Sidley Austin communicated that Hill Path would agree to the Proposed Voting Restriction, but would not agree to the Proposed Tagalong Right.

On February 5, 2024, the Special Committee met to discuss Hill Path’s response. Wachtell Lipton and Centerview were in attendance. The Special Committee and its advisors discussed the history of the negotiations. After discussing the terms of Hill Path’s counteroffer, Wachtell Lipton advised that, in the view of Wachtell Lipton, the Special Committee had given due consideration to the benefits and risks of the Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization, including the resulting governance concerns raised by Hill Path’s increased ownership percentage and the Board’s belief that the Company’s shares were significantly undervalued. Wachtell Lipton further explained that the Special Committee had undertaken robust negotiations with Hill Path to secure additional protections for the Disinterested Stockholders and that the Proposed Take Private Approval, Proposed Related Party Transaction Approval, and Proposed Voting Restriction (collectively, the “Proposed Amendments”) represented specific legal concessions from Hill Path that would better protect the Disinterested Stockholders relative to the status quo in light of the associated risks and benefits that the Special Committee had identified and the extensive negotiations undertaken with Hill Path. The Special Committee recognized that Hill Path did not accept the Proposed Tagalong Right, but determined that if the Company in the future decided to undertake further share repurchases that would increase Hill Path’s common stock ownership percentage above the New 49.9% Threshold, a special committee could then propose the Proposed Tagalong Right at that later date before proceeding if the Special Committee determined it to be advisable; in the meantime, the Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization will be structured so as to ensure that Hill Path’s ownership interest (excluding Hill Path’s existing non-voting derivative position) does not equal or exceed 50%. Centerview then advised that, in the view of Centerview, Hill Path’s counteroffer contained governance protections that were reasonable in light of all the facts and circumstances. A discussion also ensued as to the possible impact additional repurchases could have on the Company’s trading volume and liquidity as the size of the public float is reduced. After additional discussions of the Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization and the Proposed Amendments, the Special Committee (i) approved and declared advisable the Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization and the Proposed Amendments, (ii) determined that the Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization and the Proposed Amendments are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Company and the Disinterested Stockholders, (iii) directed that the Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization and the Proposed Amendments be submitted to the Company’s stockholders for approval by a majority of shares held by the Company’s stockholders other than Hill Path, (iv) recommended that the Board recommend that the Company’s Disinterested Stockholders approve the Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization and the Proposed Amendments, and (v) directed Wachtell Lipton to engage with Sidley Austin to draft the Proposed Amendments.

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On February 8,on March 25, 2024 Sidley Austin, on behalf of Hill Path, sent a communication to the Special Committee noting Hill Path’s view that the Proposed Amendments should not take effect unless and until Hill Path’s common stock ownership percentage increased above the New 50% Threshold. Wachtell Lipton, on behalf of the Special Committee, responded that the Proposed Amendments needed to take effect upon approval by the shareholders. Sidley responded that the whole stated rationale for the Proposed Amendments was that the Stockholders Agreement provided adequate protection up to the New 50% Threshold, but enhanced protections would be required if Hill Path were to cross the New 50% Threshold.

On February 16, 2024, Sidley Austin, on behalf of Hill Path, sent a draft of the Proposed Amendments to the Special Committee. The draft included, among other things, (i) a condition that the Proposed Amendments would not go into effect until Hill Path’s common stock ownership percentage (exclusive of derivative arrangements where either Hill Path or its affiliates do not have the right to vote or take possession of the underlying shares) increased above 47.5%, and (ii) reinstatement and fallaway mechanics of the Proposed Amendments, whereby the Proposed Amendments would cease to be in effect if Hill Path’s common stock ownership percentage (inclusive of Hill Path’s existing non-voting derivative positions) ever decreased below 47.5% and would become effective again if Hill Path’s common stock ownership percentage (inclusive of Hill Path’s existing non-voting derivative positions) increased above 47.5% thereafter.

Between February 17 and February 27, 2024, Wachtell Lipton, on behalf of the Special Committee, and Sidley Austin, on behalf of Hill Path, engaged in further negotiations and discussed the terms that Hill Path had included in its initial draft of the Proposed Amendments on February 16, 2024. In the course of these discussions, the parties agreed that (i) the New 50% Threshold would be adjusted to reference Hill Path’s common stock ownership percentage (exclusive of derivative arrangements where either Hill Path or its affiliates do not have the right to vote or take possession of the underlying shares) not equaling or exceeding 50%, (ii) the Proposed Amendments would cease to be in effect if Hill Path’s ownership percentages—both inclusive and exclusive of derivative arrangements—ever decreased below their respective percentages as of the date of the Amendment, and then would become effective again if either percentage ever again increased above its current one, and (iii) any future amendment to or waiver by the Company of the Amendment will require the Disinterested Stockholder Approval.

On February 28, 2024, the Special Committee met to review the finalized Amendment. Wachtell Lipton and Centerview were in attendance. Wachtell Lipton summarized the Amendment for the Special Committee. After additional discussion of the Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization and the Amendment, the Special Committee (i) approved and declared advisable the Amendment, (ii) determined that the Amendment is fair to, and in the best interests of, the Company and its stockholders, (iii) made the recommendation to the Board that it adopt the Amendment, and if the full Board determines appropriate, approve the Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization, subject to the subsequent approval by the Company’s stockholders entitled to vote on the matter at a special meeting by the Disinterested Stockholder Approval, and (iv) that, if the Board approves the Amendment and the Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization, both be submitted to the Company’s stockholders entitled to vote on the matter at a special meeting of such stockholders for approval of each proposal by the Disinterested Stockholder Approval.

On February 28, 2024, shortly after the Special Committee meeting, the Board met to discuss the Special Committee’s recommendation and consider the Share Repurchase Authorization and the Amendment. Members of Company management and Wachtell Lipton were in attendance. Members of Company management referred to materials prepared for the Board regarding potential uses of the Company’s cash. After discussion with the Board, members of Company management advised that the Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization would not materially impair the Company’s liquidity position, solvency or surplus and that the Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization was a comparatively valuable use of cash relative to other potential uses. Wachtell Lipton then summarized the terms of the Amendment for the Board. After additional discussion of the Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization and the Amendment, the Board (i) approved and declared advisable the Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization and the Amendment, (ii) determined that the Proposed Share

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Repurchase Authorization and the Amendment are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Company and the Disinterested Stockholders, (iii) adopted and approved the Amendment and the Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization, subject to approval by the Company’s stockholders entitled to vote on the matter at a special meeting by the Disinterested Stockholder Approval, (iv) directed that the Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization and the Amendment be submitted to the Company’s stockholders for approval by the Disinterested Stockholder Approval, and (iv) recommended that the Company’s Disinterested Stockholders approve the Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization and the Amendment.

Reasons for the Proposals; Recommendation of the Board

The Board, based in part on the recommendation of the Special Committee (which was assisted by its legal and financial advisors), evaluated the Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization and the Amendment, and, on February 28, 2024, determined to approve, adopt and declare advisable the Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization and the Amendment and recommend that the Company’s Disinterested Stockholders approve and adopt the Proposals.

Reasons for Recommending the Share Repurchase Proposal: In the course of making its recommendation in support of the Share Repurchase Proposal, the Board, based in part on the work of the Special Committee, considered a range of factors, including those below (which are not necessarily in order of relative importance), each of which the Board believed supported its decision:

the Board’s assessment of the Company’s business, assets, liquidity forecasts, current and projected financial performance and condition, earnings, potential opportunities for business combinations, uses of cash, capital allocation strategies, acquisitions, divestitures, strategic partnerships, and other financial and strategic alternatives that might be available to the Company now or in the future;

the fact that the Board is not recommending implementation of a specific share repurchase transaction at this time, but instead recommending that the Board be given the flexibility to undertake share repurchases in the future up to the lesser of the $500 million or such less amount so as to ensure that Hill Path’s common stock ownership interest percentage does not equal or exceed 50% (excluding its non-voting derivative positions);

the fact that additional share repurchases would provide stockholders with enhanced flexibility relative to a dividend or other form of distribution, allowing stockholders to choose whether to participate in the share repurchase or maintain a position in the Company’s stock, recognizing that the Company may determine in the future to approve dividends based on the then-applicable facts and circumstances;

the Board’s view that the Company’s common stock is undervalued, making a share repurchase an attractive opportunity to deploy capital and return cash to the Company’s stockholders;

the fact that additional share repurchases represent a tax-advantaged form of distribution of cash to the Company’s stockholders relative to a pro rata dividend or other capital allocation strategy;

the Board’s view that the size of the contemplated share repurchase was not likely to meaningfully impact the trading volume of, or liquidity with respect to, the Company’s common stock;

the fact that the existing Stockholders Agreement, even without the proposed amendments, provides certain protections for the Disinterested Stockholders by limiting Hill Path’s ability to exercise control over the Company; and

that the Special Committee was able to successfully negotiate the additional changes to the Stockholders Agreement reflected in the Amendment Proposal that would provide the Disinterested Stockholders with additional governance and economic protections as a condition to recommending the Share Repurchase Proposal to the Disinterested Stockholders.

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In addition, the Board, based on the work of the Special Committee, also weighed the advantages and benefits against a variety of risks and other potentially negative factors (which are not necessarily in order of relative importance), including the following that would be applicable if the Board implements additional share repurchases:

the fact that additional share repurchases will reduce the number of outstanding shares of Company common stock and the risk that the reduced “float” could negatively impact the trading volume of, and liquidity in, the Company’s common stock and could negatively impact the trading value of the Company’s common stock;

the risk that using the Company’s cash to conduct additional share repurchases might divert Company resources away from other higher-return investment opportunities arising in the future or reduce the cash available to address unexpected circumstances that might arise in the future;

the risk of Hill Path obtaining additional influence and control over the Company (through voting or otherwise) relative to the Disinterested Stockholders as a result of additional share repurchases undertaken following approval of the Share Repurchase Proposal that will have the effect of increasing Hill Path’s economic ownership percentage to or above 50%, when taking into account Hill Path’s existing non-voting derivative arrangements; and

the Special Committee’s belief that an increase in Hill Path’s economic ownership percentage to or above 50% (when taking into account Hill Path’s existing non-voting derivative arrangements) could make it more difficult for the Disinterested Stockholders to ultimately realize a control premium alongside Hill Path in the event that Hill Path sold all or substantially all of its shares directly to third parties in a series of stock sales rather than a transaction that results in a sale of the entire Company in which all stockholders participate pro rata.

Reasons for Recommending the Amendment Proposal: In the course of making its recommendation in support of the Amendment Proposal, the Board, based in part on the work of the Special Committee, considered a range of factors, including those below (which are not necessarily in order of relative importance) relating to the Amendment Proposal, each of which the Board believed supported its decision:

the course and history of the negotiations between the Special Committee and Hill Path and their respective advisors, as described under “—Background of the Proposals,” including the fact that the Amendment Proposal reflects certain additional protections secured for the Disinterested Stockholders in light of Hill Path’s increasing ownership percentage;

the belief of the Board, based on the recommendation of the Special Committee, that the terms of the Amendment Proposal include the most favorable terms for the Company and the Disinterested Stockholders to which Hill Path is willing to agree at this time;

the fact that the proposed $500 million share repurchase authorization is structured to ensure that Hill Path’s common stock ownership percentage (exclusive of derivative arrangements where either Hill Path or its affiliates do not have the right to vote or take possession of the underlying shares) would not increase to or beyond 50% in connection with the Share Repurchase Proposal;

the advice of Centerview that the Amendment Proposal was reasonable, in light of all the facts and circumstances and the negotiating history of the Special Committee, to the Disinterested Stockholders;

the fact that, notwithstanding the Amendment Proposal, there is no guarantee that a share repurchase will ultimately be undertaken pursuant to the Proposed Share Repurchase Authorization;

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the ways in which the Amendment Proposal addresses certain limitations of the existing Stockholders Agreement, including, but not limited to:

the fact that any future transaction relating to a Proposed Take Private Approval would require the approval of a majority of the disinterested directors and a majority of the shares of common stock held by the Disinterested Stockholders, enhancing the ability of the Disinterested Stockholders to realize a control premium in the event that Hill Path in the future determines to seek to consummate a future transaction relating to a Take Private Approval;

the fact that with respect to most matters submitted to a vote of the Company’s stockholders, the Proposed Voting Restriction requires Hill Path to vote its shares in excess of 24.9% of the Company’s outstanding shares in proportion to the Disinterested Stockholders, instead of having a choice to vote either in proportion to the votes submitted by the Disinterested Stockholders or in accordance with the Board’s recommendation, limiting Hill Path’s ability to indirectly control the voting of its shares in excess of the 24.9% limit by leveraging Hill Path’s influence on the Board; and

the ways in which the existing Stockholders Agreement provides certain limitations on Hill Path, including, but not limited to:

the fact that Hill Path is subject to a standstill provision that prohibits Hill Path from engaging in certain actions, including acquiring or offering, proposing or agreeing to acquire securities of the Company (or certain derivatives related thereto) that would result in Hill Path’s owning an amount in excess of 34.9% (or, if beneficial ownership of 39.9% of the Company’s outstanding shares by Hill Path would not reasonably be expected to result in a breach of or default under any then-existing contract or agreement governing the Company’s indebtedness for borrowed money, 39.9%) of the Company’s outstanding shares (Hill Path’s current ownership percentage exceeds 39.9% as a result of prior share repurchases by the Company, which precludes Hill Path from acquiring additional Company securities or certain derivatives related thereto without the Board’s consent);

the fact that Hill Path may not transfer its shares of the Company’s common stock to a person that Hill Path knows beneficially owns more than 25% of the outstanding common stock, or would beneficially own 25% or more of the outstanding common stock as a result of the transfer, other than pursuant to certain permitted transfers (as defined in the Stockholders Agreement), which include (i) transfers to transferees who would enter into an agreement in substantially the same form as the Stockholders Agreement and (ii) transfers pursuant to Board approved acquisition transactions or tender or exchange offers;

the fact that, in any “Acquisition Transaction” (as defined in the Stockholders Agreement), the price per share of the Company’s common stock received by Hill Path must be equal to the price per share of the Company’s common stock received by other stockholders in connection with such Acquisition Transaction (or, if the form of consideration per share of the Company’s common stock received by Hill Path in connection with such Acquisition Transaction is not identical to the form of consideration per share received by the other stockholders of the Company, any of Hill Path’s designees must recuse themselves from the consideration, evaluation and other processes of the Board in connection with such transaction); and

the fact that, in the case of any Acquisition Transaction by a non-Hill Path party by means of a tender or exchange offer approved and recommended by the Board, Hill Path is required to tender into such offer all of its shares in excess of 24.9% of the Company’s outstanding shares either (i) in accordance with the recommendation of the Board or a duly authorized committee thereof, or (ii) in proportion to the Disinterested Stockholders.

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In addition, the Board, based on the work of the Special Committee, also weighed the advantages and benefits against a variety of risks and other potentially negative factors (which are not necessarily in order of relative importance), including the fact that, while the Amendment Proposal provides the Disinterested Stockholders with enhanced governance and economic protections in the context of increasing Hill Path economic ownership, the Stockholders Agreement does not provide complete “tagalong” (or pro rata participation) protection to the Disinterested Stockholders.

Recommendation of the Board: After considering the foregoing factors, the Board, based in part on the work of the Special Committee, concluded that overall, the potentially beneficial factors relating to the Proposals, outweighed the risks and potentially negative factors associated with the Proposals.

The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the Special Committee and the Board is not exhaustive, but is intended to reflect the material factors considered by the Special Committee and Board in their consideration of the Proposals. In view of the complexity and the large number of factors considered, neither the Special Committee nor the Board, individually and collectively, quantified or assigned any relative or specific weight to the various factors. Rather, the Special Committee and the Board based the recommendation on the totality of the information presented and considered. In addition, individual directors may have given different weights to different factors.

The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the Special Committee and the Board is forward-looking in nature. This information should be read in light of the factors described under the caption “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements.”

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE SHARE REPURCHASE PROPOSAL AND “FOR” THE AMENDMENT PROPOSAL.

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THE AMENDMENT TO THE STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

The following is a summary of the material provisions of the existing Stockholders Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Annex A, and the proposed Amendment to the Stockholders Agreement, a copy of which is attached as Annex B to this proxy statement. This summary does not purport to be complete and may not contain all of the information about the Stockholders Agreement and the Amendment that is important to you. We encourage you to read carefully the Stockholders Agreement and the Amendment in their entirety, as the rights and obligations of the parties thereto are governed by the express terms of the Stockholders Agreement and the Amendment and not by this summary or any other information contained in this proxy statement.

Summary of Existing Hill Path Stockholders Agreement

In May 2019, Hill Path and certain of its affiliates purchased 13,214,000 shares of the Company’s common stock that had been pledged by a former significant stockholder and subsequently foreclosed on by such stockholder’s lenders (the HP Purchase“Stockholders Agreement”). In connection with the HP Purchase, the Company entered into the Stockholders Agreement with Hill Path. Under the Stockholders Agreement, for so long as Hill Path owns at least 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, it haswill have the right to designate a number of individuals as directors (the “Hill Path Designees”) in proportion to its share ownership (rounded up or down as applicable to the nearest whole number), provided that the maximum number of Hill Path Designees mayshall not exceed three. Currently, Hill Path owns approximately 43.0% of the Company’s outstanding common stock and accordingly, is entitled to designate up to three Hill Path Designees to the Board. Two directors designated by Hill Path may be affiliated with Hill Path and, subject to the independence standards of the New York Stock Exchange, there shall be one Hill Path Designee on each committee of the Board, as determined by Hill Path and subject to the approval of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Scott Ross and James Chambers are each currently athe current Hill Path Designee.Designees.

Based on the recommendation of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Board of Directors has considered and nominated the following slate of nominees for a one-year term expiring in 2025: Ronald Bension, James Chambers, William Gray, Timothy Hartnett, Nathaniel Lipman, Yoshikazu Maruyama, Thomas E. Moloney, Neha Jogani Narang, Scott Ross and Kimberly Schaefer. Unless otherwise instructed, the persons named in the form of proxy card (the “proxyholders”) attached to this proxy statement intend to vote the proxies held by them for the election of Ronald Bension, James Chambers, William Gray, Timothy Hartnett, Nathaniel Lipman, Yoshikazu Maruyama, Thomas E. Moloney, Neha Jogani Narang, Scott Ross and Kimberly Schaefer. If any of the nominees ceases to be a candidate for election by the time of the Annual Meeting (a contingency which the Board does not expect to occur), such proxies may be voted by the proxyholders in accordance with the recommendation of the Board.

Nominees for Election to the Board of Directors in 2024

The following information describes the offices held, other business directorships of each director nominee and their ages as of the record date. In addition, each of our director nominees maintains a significant ownership interest in the Company in accordance with our stock ownership policy for directors, which is described below under “Director Compensation for Fiscal 2023―Stock Ownership Guidelines.” Beneficial ownership of equity securities of the director nominees is shown under “Ownership of Securities” below.

Nominees for Election:

Name

Age

Principal Occupation and Other Information

Scott Ross

Committees

Compensation (Chair)

Nominating and Corporate Governance

Revenue

44

Scott Ross has been a director of the Company since November 2017 and has served as Chairman of the Board since July 2019. Mr. Ross is the Founder and Managing Partner of Hill Path Capital LP, a private investment firm. Prior to founding Hill Path, Mr. Ross served as a Partner at Apollo Global Management LLC (“Apollo”), a firm he joined in 2004, where he focused on private equity and debt investments in the lodging, leisure, entertainment, consumer and business services sectors. Prior to that, Mr. Ross was a member of the Principal Investment Area in the Merchant Banking Division of Goldman, Sachs & Co. and a member of the Principal Finance Group in the Fixed Income, Currencies, and Commodities Division of Goldman, Sachs & Company. Mr. Ross was employed by Shumway Capital Partners from August 2008 to September 2009. Mr. Ross previously served on the board of directors of Diamond Eagle Acquisition Corp., Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., EVERTEC, Inc. and CEC Entertainment, Inc. (parent company of Chuck E. Cheese’s and Peter Piper Pizza). Mr. Ross graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University in 2002 with a B.A. degree in Economics and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

5


Ronald Bension

Committees

Revenue

69

Ronald Bension has been a director of the Company since April 2016. Mr. Bension has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of ASM Global since March 2021. ASM Global is a leading provider of innovative venue services and live experiences with a portfolio of more than 325 venues on five continents including arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. Prior to joining ASM Global, Mr. Bension was with Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. for 10 years serving as President of Venue Nation where he oversaw the operation of 120 clubs, theaters, and amphitheaters around the country. Before joining Live Nation, Mr. Bension held principal roles as Chief Executive Officer of TicketsNow.com, Gameworks, LLC and Tickets.com. Mr. Bension also served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Studios Recreation Group, a unit of Universal Studios, from 1990 to 1996, where he oversaw their multi-billion dollar expansion programs in Hollywood, Orlando and Osaka, Japan. He currently serves as a Trustee at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena and holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from California State University, Los Angeles.

James Chambers

Committees

Compensation

Nominating and Corporate Governance (Chair)

Revenue

38

James Chambers has been a director of the Company since June 2019. Mr. Chambers has been a Partner at Hill Path Capital LP, since 2016. From 2009 to 2016, Mr. Chambers was a Principal at Apollo where he worked on a wide range of transactions across a variety of industries. Prior to Apollo, Mr. Chambers was an analyst in the Consumer Retail Group in the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs & Co. Mr. Chambers has served on the board of directors of Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. since December 2020. Mr. Chambers has previously served on the board of directors of Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., CEC Entertainment Inc. (the parent company of Chuck E. Cheese's), Principal Maritime Tankers Corp. and Principal Chemical Carriers, LLC. Mr. Chambers graduated from Duke University in 2007 with a B.A. in Political Science and a Certificate in Markets and Management.

William Gray

Committees

Audit

Nominating and Corporate Governance

Revenue

72

William Gray has been a director of the Company since December 2014. He currently serves as Co-Founder and Executive Director of Hulls Highway Consulting, a Connecticut-based consulting company, which he co-founded in 2011. Mr. Gray has been a Senior Advisor to The Blackstone Group Inc. since 2010. Mr. Gray served as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of Ogilvy North America of Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide from 2005 to 2009. Mr. Gray served as the President of Ogilvy Mather Advertising New York from 1997 to 2005. He joined Ogilvy & Mather, Inc. in 1978 as an Assistant Account Executive. Mr. Gray served on the boards of Crocs, Inc. from 2018 to 2020, Harleysville Group Insurance from 2007 to 2011, HealthMarkets, Inc. from 2013 to 2019, the board of trustees of The Century Family of Mutual Funds from 2006 to 2018 and the board of directors of Zinio Publishing Group from 2011 to 2014. He has also been a trustee of the New York Public Library since 1997. He received his MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School and a BA from Harvard College.

Timothy Hartnett

Committees

Audit

58

Timothy Hartnett has been a director of the Company since December 2020. Mr. Hartnett has served as Chief Executive Officer of New Roc Management, a consulting firm focused on providing asset management and operational services and advice to a high net worth family since 2018. Mr. Hartnett has also served as Chief Executive Officer of White Fall Advisors, a consulting firm focused on providing financial and operational advice to various entities since 2016. From 2013 to 2016, Mr. Hartnett served as the Chief Executive Officer of HRS Management, a family office. Prior to that, Mr. Hartnett served as a Global Private Equity leader and held various other roles of increasing responsibility at PricewaterhouseCoopers during his tenure from 1998 to 2013. Mr. Hartnett received a B.A. in Accounting from Boston College, an M.B.A. in Finance from Columbia Business School and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).

6


Nathaniel Lipman

Committees

Audit

Nominating and Corporate Governance

59

Nathaniel J. Lipman has been a director of the Company since January 2024. Mr. Lipman served as Executive Chairman of CX Loyalty Holdings, Inc. (“CX Loyalty”), formerly known as Affinion Group Holdings, Inc. from 2012 until November 2015, and as President and Chief Executive Officer from October 2005 (when CX Loyalty was formed through the purchase of assets from Cendant Corporation (“Cendant”) by a coalition of certain selected management from Cendant Marketing Services Division and Apollo Management L.P.) to 2012. Mr. Lipman continues to actively serve as Senior Advisor to CX Loyalty since 2015. Mr. Lipman joined Cendant in June 1999 as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Strategic Planning. After a series of increasing responsibilities in business development and marketing, Mr. Lipman served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cendant’s domestic membership business, Trilegiant, from 2002 to April 2004, and served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cendant Marketing Services Division from April 2004 to 2005. Prior to that, Mr. Lipman served as Executive Vice President, Strategic Development of Planet Hollywood, Inc. from 1996 to 1999. Prior to that, Mr. Lipman served as General Counsel of House of Blues Entertainment, Inc. from 1995 to 1996. Prior to that, Mr. Lipman served as Senior Corporate Counsel of The Walt Disney Company from 1993 to 1995. Mr. Lipman began his career as Corporate Associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom from 1989 to 1993 where he focused on mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance. Mr. Lipman also serves on the boards of Trusted Media Brands, Inc. since 2018, and Apollo Aligned Alternatives, Inc. since June 2022. Mr. Lipman also served as an Observer to the board of directors of PLBY Group, Inc. from 2022 to 2023. Prior to that, Mr. Lipman served as Chairman of the board of directors of FTD.com in 2021 and previously serving as a Senior Advisor to FTD.com from 2019 to 2021. Mr. Lipman also served on the boards of Diamond Resorts International, Inc. from 2017 to 2021, Apollo Strategic Growth Capital II, Inc. from 2021 to 2023, Redbox Automated Holdings, LLC from 2016 to 2021, Exela Technologies, Inc. from 2017 to 2019, Walker Innovation, Inc. from 2013 to 2019, Novitex Enterprises, Inc. from 2013 to 2017, Evertec, Inc. from 2010 to 2013, Walker Digital Holdings, LLC in 2013, RDA Holdings, Inc. from 2013 to 2018, and Netmarket Group, Inc. from 2000 to 2003. Mr. Lipman also served as a Special Advisor to Upside Travel Group, LLC from 2016 to 2017 where he was a founding member of the board of managers from 2015 to 2016. Mr. Lipman received his B.A. from UC Berkeley and his Juris Doctorate from UCLA.

Yoshikazu Maruyama

Committees

Compensation

Revenue (Chair)

53

Yoshikazu Maruyama has been a director of the Company since June 2017 and served as Chairman of the Board from September 2017 until July 2019. Since May 2019, Mr. Maruyama has served as Chief Executive Officer and director of TOCA Football, Inc., a California-based, global soccer experiences company. Prior to that, he provided consulting services in the leisure industry, including to Zhonghong Zhuoye Group Co., Ltd., a real estate development and diversified leisure and tourism company in Asia from March 2017 to April 2018. Prior to that, Mr. Maruyama served as Global Head of Location Based Entertainment for DreamWorks Animation SKG, where he served from August 2010 until March 2017. From June 2004 to January 2009, he served as Chief Strategy Officer and was elected to the Board of Directors of USJ Co., Ltd, owner and operator of Universal Studios Japan theme park. Mr. Maruyama held multiple positions at Universal Parks and Resorts from June 1995 to June 2004, including as Senior Vice President of International Business Development and Vice President of Strategic Planning. Mr. Maruyama also served as a Financial Analyst at J.P. Morgan & Co. from July 1992 to June 1995. Mr. Maruyama holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Operations Research from Columbia University. Mr. Maruyama also serves on the board of Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles, a nonprofit organization.

7


Thomas E. Moloney

Committees

Audit (Chair)

Compensation

80

Thomas E. Moloney has been a director of the Company since January 2015. Mr. Moloney served as the interim Chief Financial Officer of MSC—Medical Services Company (“MSC”) from December 2007 to March 2008. He retired as the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. in December 2004. He had served in that position since 1992. Mr. Moloney served in various other roles at John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. during his tenure from 1965 to 1992, including Vice President, Controller, and Senior Accountant. Mr. Moloney also previously served as a director of MSC from 2005 to 2012. Mr. Moloney also served on the Board of Directors of Genworth Financial, Inc. from 2009 to 2021. Mr. Moloney is on the boards of Nashoba Learning Group and the Boston Children’s Museum (past Chairperson), both non-profit organizations. Mr. Moloney formerly served on the boards of Manulife International Board (Singapore), Nypro, Inc., 5 Star Life Insurance Company, and Shawmut Design and Construction Company. Mr. Moloney received a B.A. in Accounting from Bentley University and holds an Executive Masters Professional Director Certification (Silver Level) from the American College of Corporate Directors.

Neha Jogani Narang

Committees

Revenue

40

Neha Jogani Narang has served as a director of the Company since November 2019. Ms. Narang was most recently the interim Chief Marketing Officer for Roblox Corporation, a global platform for immersive experiences and user generated content where she led marketing from 2021 through March 2024. Prior to that, she served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Hello Mobile, Inc. d/b/a True, an early-stage private social app, from November 2020 through April 2021 and continued to serve as an advisor to the company until August 2021. Ms. Narang also founded G2M Consulting, LLC where she has been supporting companies as a marketing expert and fractional Chief Marketing Officer since 2018. Prior to that, Ms. Narang was a marketing leader at Facebook from 2011 to 2017, where she most recently led Global Developer Marketing and Consumer Product Marketing. Prior to joining Facebook, Ms. Narang was a consultant at The Boston Consulting Group from 2010 to 2011 and was a consultant at Cornerstone Research from 2005 to 2008. Ms. Narang holds a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University Graduate School of Business and a bachelor’s degree from University of Southern California. Ms. Narang also serves on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Francisco, a nonprofit organization.

Kimberly Schaefer

Committees

Audit

Revenue

58

Kimberly Schaefer has been a director of the Company since December 2020. Ms. Schaefer has served as Chief Executive Officer and a director of Alpine Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware blank Check company, since February 2021 and August 2021, respectively. Since 2020, Ms. Schaefer has been the Chief Executive Officer of Two Bit Circus, Inc., an experiential entertainment company, previously serving as President from 2017 to 2019 and as a consultant from 2015 to 2016. She has also served as an Advisor to Alpine Consolidated since 2018. From 2009 to 2015, Ms. Schaefer served as Chief Executive Officer and a director of Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. Prior to being appointed their Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Schaefer served as Chief Operating Officer/Chief Brand Officer from 2005 to 2008. Ms. Schaefer has served on the boards of Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment since July 2020 and Luxurban Hotels Inc. since March 2024. Ms. Schaefer formerly served on the board of Education Realty Trust from 2016 to 2018. Ms. Schaefer graduated from Edgewood College with a B.A. in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).

8


Board Skills and Diversity

Our Board of Directors is highly talented and diverse. The following matrix provides information regarding the members of our Board, including certain types of knowledge, skills, experiences and attributes possessed by one or more of our directors which our Board believes are relevant to our business or industry. The matrix does not encompass all of the knowledge, skills, experiences or attributes of our directors, and the fact that a particular knowledge, skill, experience or attribute is not listed does not mean that a director does not possess it. In addition, the absence of a particular knowledge, skill, experience or attribute with respect to any of our directors does not mean the director in question is unable to contribute to the decision-making process in that area. The type and degree of knowledge, skill and experience listed below may vary among the members of the Board.img209065934_6.jpg

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE

ELECTION OF EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES NAMED ABOVE.

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The Board of Directors and Certain Governance Matters

Our Board manages or directs the business and affairs of the Company, as provided by Delaware law, and conducts its business through meetings of the Board and four standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Revenue Committee and such other special or ad hoc committees as it determines appropriate from time-to-time.

Our Board evaluates the Company’s corporate governance policies on an ongoing basis with a view towards maintaining the best corporate governance practices in the context of the Company’s current business environment and aligning our governance practices closely with the interests of our stockholders. The Company has adopted a majority voting standard for director elections and all directors are elected annually.

Engagement with Stockholders

Our Board and management value the perspectives of our stockholders and work to provide our stockholders with continuous and meaningful engagement. During 2023, outreach to our stockholders was a priority for our Board of Directors and management team. We held one-on-one meetings with stockholders and potential investors from the United States as well as overseas. In addition, we have calls with stockholders on a regular basis, review correspondence submitted by stockholders to management and/or the Board and have discussions with proxy advisory services on various topics including implementing best practices in executive compensation and corporate governance. The Board and its committees received regular feedback on these meetings.

Our Board has also proactively taken steps to continue to ensure best governance practices, refresh its membership, and deepen its relevant experience, including:

having a majority voting standard for uncontested director elections;
establishing compensation plans which emphasize longer term performance-based compensation and provide a more balanced scorecard of performance metrics;
requiring, unless restricted by any legal, contractual or other obligations, that the pools of candidates to be considered by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and/or the Board for nomination to our Board include candidates with diversity of race, ethnicity and / or gender;
increasing board diversity (see Board Skills and Diversity table above); and
having an independent Chairman of the Board and a Lead Director of the Board.

Our Board and management value the perspectives of our stockholders and work to provide our stockholders with continuous and meaningful engagement. Consistent with our approach of proactively engaging stockholders, in the second half of 2023 and during the first quarter of 2024, we continued our strategic stockholder engagement program with investors focused on compensation and governance issues. Various members of management, the Compensation Committee and the Compensation Committee's independent compensation consultant participated in calls with stockholders. Through this process, we reached out to stockholders that we believe represent our top 20 largest stockholders, representing greater than 85% of our outstanding shares. We engaged with stockholders representing over 60% of our outstanding shares, including seven of our top ten largest stockholders. Our largest stockholder has two representatives on our Compensation Committee and one of its representatives serves as Chairman of the Compensation Committee.

Communications with the Board

As described in the Corporate Governance Guidelines, stockholders and other interested parties who wish to communicate with a member or members of the Board, including the chairperson of the Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance or Revenue Committees or to the non-management or independent directors as a group, may do so by addressing such communications or concerns to the General Counsel of the Company, 6240 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, Florida 32821. Such communications may be done confidentially or anonymously.

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Director Independence and Independence Determinations

Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines and NYSE rules, a director is not independent unless the Board affirmatively determines that he or she does not have a direct or indirect material relationship with the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

The Board has established guidelines of director independence to assist it in making independence determinations, which conform to the independence requirements in the NYSE listing standards. In addition to applying these guidelines, which are set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines (which may be found on the Corporate Governance page of the Investor Relations section on our website at www.unitedparks.com), the Board of Directors will consider all relevant facts and circumstances in making an independence determination. The Board’s policy is to review the independence of all directors at least annually. In the event a director has a relationship with the Company that is relevant to his or her independence and is not addressed by the independence guidelines, the Board will determine in its judgment whether such relationship is material.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee undertook its annual review of director independence and made a recommendation to our Board regarding director independence. As a result of this review, our Board affirmatively determined that each of Messrs. Ross, Bension, Chambers, Gray, Hartnett, Lipman, Maruyama, Moloney, and Mmes. Narang and Schaefer is independent under the guidelines for director independence set forth in the Corporate Governance Guidelines and for purposes of applicable NYSE standards, including with respect to committee service. Our Board has also determined that each member of our Audit Committee (Messrs. Gray, Hartnett, Lipman and Moloney and Ms. Schaefer) is “independent” for purposes of NYSE listing standards and Section 10A(m)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and that each member of our Compensation Committee (Messrs. Ross, Chambers, Maruyama and Moloney) is “independent” for purposes of NYSE listing standards and Section 10C(a)(3) of the Exchange Act.

Board Structure

In July 2019, the Board elected Mr. Scott Ross to serve as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide for the position of Lead Director whenever the Chairman of the Board is also the Chief Executive Officer or is a director who does not otherwise qualify as an independent director, or the Board otherwise determines it is appropriate to elect a Lead Director. In accordance with our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Lead Director is responsible for helping to assure appropriate oversight of Company management by the Board and optimal functioning of the Board. The independent directors elect the Lead Director from among the independent directors. A more complete description of the role of Lead Director is set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines. In June 2022, the Board elected Mr. Timothy Hartnett to serve as Lead Director of the Board. The Chief Executive Officer position is separate from the Chairman position. In May 2021, the Board appointed Marc G. Swanson to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

Our Board believes that this leadership structure is appropriate for us at this time as this structure encourages the free and open dialogue of competing views and provides for strong checks and balances.

Board Committees and Meetings

The following table summarizes the current membership of each of the Board’s standing committees as of April 15, 2024.

Audit Committee

Compensation Committee

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

Revenue Committee

Scott Ross

X, Chair

X

X

Ronald Bension

X

James Chambers

X

X, Chair

X

William Gray

X

X

X

Timothy Hartnett

X

Nathaniel Lipman

X

X

Yoshikazu Maruyama

X

X, Chair

Thomas E. Moloney

X, Chair

X

Neha Jogani Narang

X

Kimberly Schaefer

X

X

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All directors are expected to make every effort to attend meetings of the Board, meetings of the committees of which they are members and the annual meeting of stockholders. Seven of the directors then on the Board attended the Company’s 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Our Board is active and engaged and holds a significant number of Board and committee meetings as well as informal working sessions during the course of the year. During 2023, the Board held 23 meetings, and together with Board committees, held 60 meetings. This includes: (i) 16 Audit Committee meetings; (ii) 2 Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee meetings; (iii) 6 Compensation Committee meetings; and 13 meetings held by other committees. The Company believes that this number of Board and committee meetings is significantly greater than the number of Board and committee meetings held at most other similar public companies. Each board member attended a significant number of Board and committee meetings, and the Company believes that each member had a significant beneficial impact on the Company that would equal or exceed that of typical members of the board of directors of other similar public companies. Two incumbent members of the Board (Mr. Bension and Ms. Narang) attended a significant number of meetings, in both cases more than 16 meetings in total, but fewer than 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board and Board committees on which such director served during 2023. Given the high number of Board and committee meetings held by the Company during the year, we do not believe that 75% attendance is a meaningful measure of their board engagement.

Committee Membership

Audit Committee

All members of the Audit Committee are “independent,” consistent with our Corporate Governance Guidelines and the NYSE listing standards applicable to boards of directors in general and audit committees in particular. Our Board has determined that each of the members of the Audit Committee is “financially literate” within the meaning of the listing standards of the NYSE. In addition, our Board has determined that each of Messrs. Moloney, Hartnett and Lipman and Ms. Schaefer qualify as an audit committee financial expert as defined by applicable U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) regulations. The Board reached its conclusion as to Mr. Moloney’s qualification based on, among other things, Mr. Moloney’s previous experience as the Chief Financial Officer of John Hancock Financial Services. The Board reached its conclusion as to Mr. Hartnett’s qualification based on, among other things, Mr. Hartnett’s experience at PricewaterhouseCoopers and the fact that he is a Certified Public Accountant though currently inactive. The Board reached its conclusion as to Mr. Lipman’s qualification based on, among other things, Mr. Lipman’s previous experience as Chief Executive Officer of a publicly traded company, as well as his service on the audit committees of various public and private companies, including as chair, and his previous experience in the financial services sector. The Board reached its conclusion as to Ms. Schaefer’s qualification based on, among other things the fact that Ms. Schaefer is a Certified Public Accountant, though currently inactive, and her previous experience as Chief Executive Officer of a publicly traded company. During the course of 2023, our Audit Committee consisted of Messrs. Gray, Hartnett and Moloney and Ms. Schaefer, with Mr. Moloney serving as Chair of the Audit Committee. Mr. Lipman joined the Audit Committee on January 2, 2024.

The duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee are set forth in its charter, which may be found at www.unitedparks.com under Investor Relations: Corporate Governance: Governance Documents: Audit Committee Charter, and include the following:

carrying out the responsibilities and duties delegated to it by the Board, including its oversight of our financial reporting policies, our internal controls and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements applicable to financial statements and accounting and financial reporting processes;
selecting our independent registered public accounting firm and reviewing and evaluating its qualifications, performance and independence;
reviewing and pre-approving the audit and non-audit services and the payment of compensation to the independent registered public accounting firm;
reviewing reports and material written communications between management and the independent registered public accounting firm, including with respect to major issues as to the adequacy of the Company’s internal controls;
reviewing the work of our internal audit function;
reviewing and discussing with management and the independent registered public accounting firm our guidelines and policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management;
reviewing and receiving updates from management on the primary cybersecurity/information technology risk facing the Company and the measures the Company is taking to mitigate such risks; and
evaluating the adequacy of the Company's cybersecurity/information technology program, compliance and controls.

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With respect to our reporting and disclosure matters, the responsibilities and duties of the Audit Committee include reviewing and discussing with management and the independent registered public accounting firm our annual audited financial statements prior to inclusion in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our quarterly financial statements prior to inclusion in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or other public dissemination in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the SEC.

On behalf of the Board, the Audit Committee plays a key role in the oversight of the Company’s risk management policies and procedures. See “Oversight of Risk Management” below.

Compensation Committee

All members of the Compensation Committee are “independent,” consistent with our Corporate Governance Guidelines and the NYSE listing standards applicable to boards of directors in general and compensation committees in particular. During the course of 2023, our Compensation Committee consisted of Messrs. Chambers, Maruyama, Moloney and Ross, with Mr. Ross serving as Chair of the Compensation Committee.

The duties and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee are set forth in its charter, which may be found at www.unitedparks.com under Investor Relations: Corporate Governance: Governance Documents: Compensation Committee Charter, and include the following:

establishing and reviewing the overall compensation philosophy of the Company;
reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers’ compensation, including annual performance objectives, if any;
evaluating the performance of the Chief Executive Officer in light of these corporate goals and objectives and, either as a committee or together with the other independent directors (as directed by the Board), determining and approving the annual salary, bonus, equity-based incentives and other benefits, direct and indirect, of the Chief Executive Officer;
reviewing and approving or making recommendations to the Board on the annual salary, bonus, equity and equity-based incentives and other benefits, direct and indirect, of the other executive officers;
considering policies and procedures pertaining to expense accounts of senior executives;
reviewing and approving, or making recommendations to the Board with respect to incentive-compensation plans and equity-based plans that are subject to the approval of the Board, and overseeing the activities of the individuals responsible for administering those plans;
reviewing and approving equity compensation plans of the Company that are not otherwise subject to the approval of the Company’s stockholders;
reviewing and making recommendations to the Board, or approving, all equity-based awards, including pursuant to the Company’s equity-based plans;
monitoring compliance by executives with the rules and guidelines of the Company’s equity-based plans;
reviewing and monitoring all employee retirement, profit sharing and benefit plans of the Company; and
reviewing and approving any stock ownership guidelines for directors and executive officers of the Company and any “clawback” policy of the Company and monitoring compliance therewith.

With respect to our reporting and disclosure matters, the responsibilities and duties of the Compensation Committee include overseeing the preparation of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and recommending to the Board its inclusion in our annual proxy statement or Annual Report on Form 10-K in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. The charter of the Compensation Committee permits the Compensation Committee to delegate any or all of its authority to one or more subcommittees and to delegate to one or more officers of the Company the authority to make awards to any non-Section 16 officer of the Company under the Company’s incentive-compensation or other equity-based plan, subject to compliance with the plan and the laws of the state of the Company’s jurisdiction. The Compensation Committee has formed a Rule 16b-3 Subcommittee which consists of Messrs. Moloney and Maruyama to approve certain transactions between the Company and its officers or directors in compliance with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.

For additional information about our processes and procedures for the consideration and determination of our executive and director compensation, including the role of the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant and the role of executive officers in determining executive compensation, see “Executive Compensation―Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “Executive Compensation―Director Compensation for Fiscal 2023”.

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Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

All members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are “independent,” consistent with our Corporate Governance Guidelines and the applicable NYSE listing standards. During the course of 2023, our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consisted of Messrs. Chambers, Gray and Ross, with Mr. Chambers serving as Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Lipman joined the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee on January 2, 2024. The duties and responsibilities of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are set forth in its charter, which may be found at www.unitedparks.com under Investor Relations: Corporate Governance: Governance Documents: Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter, and include the following:

establishing the criteria for the selection of new directors;
identifying and recommending to the Board individuals to be nominated as directors;
evaluating candidates for nomination to the Board, including those recommended by stockholders;
conducting all necessary and appropriate inquiries into the backgrounds and qualifications of possible candidates;
considering questions of independence and possible conflicts of interest of members of the Board and executive officers;
reviewing and recommending the composition and size of the Board;
overseeing, at least annually, the evaluation of the Board and management;
recommending to the members of the Board to serve on the committees of the Board and, where appropriate, recommending the removal of any member of any of the committees; and
periodically reviewing the charter, composition and performance of each committee of the Board and recommending to the Board the creation or elimination of committees.

Revenue Committee

During 2023, the Revenue Committee consisted of Messrs. Bension, Chambers, Gray, Maruyama, and Ross, and Mmes. Narang and Schaefer, with Mr. Maruyama serving as Chair of the Revenue Committee. The duties and responsibilities of the Revenue Committee are set forth in its charter, and include the following:

reviewing and providing guidance to management with respect to the Company’s short-term and long-term revenue growth strategies and the Company’s implementation of strategic decisions; and
periodically, reviewing and evaluating the Company’s progress in implementing its short-term and long-term strategic revenue growth plans, discussing appropriate modifications to such plans to reflect changes in market or business conditions and discussing any other strategic concerns of the Board and/or management that are consistent with the purposes of the Revenue Committee as set forth in its charter.

Special Committees

From time to time the Board may form and appoint members to special committees with responsibility to address topics designated at the time of such committee formation.

Oversight of Risk Management

The Board has extensive involvement in the oversight of risk management related to us and our business and accomplishes this oversight through the regular reporting by management and through the Board’s committees. The Audit Committee represents the Board by periodically reviewing our accounting, reporting and financial practices, including the integrity of our financial statements, the surveillance of administrative and financial controls and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Through its regular meetings with management, including the finance, legal, and internal audit functions, the Audit Committee reviews and discusses all significant areas of our business and summarizes for the Board all areas of risk and the appropriate mitigating factors. Each of the other Board committees considers risks related to matters within the scope of its responsibilities as part of its regular meeting agendas, and the committee chairs report to the full Board regarding matters considered by their committees following each committee meeting. In addition, our Board receives periodic detailed operating performance reviews from management.

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Compensation Committee Risk Assessment

With the assistance of W.T. Haigh & Company, Inc. (“Haigh”), the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant, the Compensation Committee conducted a comprehensive compensation risk assessment. The assessment focused on the design and application of the Company’s executive and non-executive compensation programs and whether such programs encourage excessive risk taking by executive officers and other employees. Based on the outcomes of this assessment, the Compensation Committee believes, and Haigh concurs, that the Company’s compensation programs (i) do not motivate our executive officers or our nonexecutive employees to take excessive risks, (ii) are designed to encourage behaviors aligned with the long-term interests of stockholders, and (iii) are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Cybersecurity Risk

We recognize the critical importance of maintaining the safety and security of our systems and data and have a holistic process for overseeing and managing cybersecurity and related risks, which includes engagement with both senior management and the Board. Our Board is responsible for overseeing our enterprise risk management activities in general, including those related to cybersecurity, and each of our Board committees assists the Board in the role of risk oversight. The full Board receives an update on our risk management process and the risk trends related to cybersecurity at least annually. Further, the Audit Committee specifically assists the Board in its oversight of risks related to cybersecurity. To help ensure effective oversight, the Audit Committee receives reports on information security and cybersecurity from our Chief Information Officer at least four times a year.

Executive Sessions

Executive sessions, which are meetings of the non-management members of the Board, are regularly scheduled throughout the year. In addition, at least once a year, the independent directors meet in a private session that excludes management and non-independent directors. The Non-Executive Chairman or Lead Director, presides at the executive sessions. The Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance and Revenue Committees also meet regularly in executive session.

Committee Charters and Corporate Governance Guidelines

Our commitment to good corporate governance is reflected in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which describe the Board’s views on a wide range of governance topics. These Corporate Governance Guidelines are reviewed from time to time by the Board and, to the extent deemed appropriate in light of emerging practices, revised accordingly, upon recommendation to and approval by the full Board.

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which include our categorical standards of director independence, our Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance and Revenue Committee charters and other corporate governance information are available on the Corporate Governance page of the Investor Relations section on our website at www.unitedparks.com. Any stockholder also may request them in print, without charge, by contacting the Corporate Secretary at United Parks & Resorts Inc., 6240 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, Florida 32821.

Code of Conduct

We maintain a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that is applicable to all of our directors, officers, and employees, including our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and other senior financial officers (including those serving in such roles on an interim basis). The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics sets forth our policies and expectations on a number of topics, including conflicts of interest, compliance with laws, use of our assets, business conduct and fair dealing. This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics also satisfies the requirements for a code of ethics, as defined by Item 406 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC. The Company will disclose within four business days any substantive changes in or waivers of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics granted to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, by posting such information on our website as set forth above rather than by filing a Form 8-K.

The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics may be found on our website at www.unitedparks.com under Investor Relations: Corporate Governance: Governance Documents: Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

As described in our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, the Company’s directors, officers and employees are provided with three avenues through which they can report violations or suspected violations with respect to addressing any ethical questions or concerns: a toll-free phone line, in writing, and a website. The toll-free number for the Company’s directors, officers and employees is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Directors, officers and employees can choose to remain anonymous in reporting violations or suspected violations. In addition, we maintain a formal non-retaliation policy that prohibits action or retaliation against any director, officer or employee who makes a report in good faith even if the facts alleged are not confirmed by subsequent investigation.

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Director Nomination Process

The Board of Directors recognizes the value of diversity and its ability to bring to bear a wide range of experiences and perspectives that are relevant to the Company’s strategy and business. Consistent with the value of diversity, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee weighs the characteristics, experience, independence and skills of potential candidates for election to the Board and recommends nominees for director to the Board for election. In considering candidates for the Board, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also assesses the size, composition and combined expertise of the Board. As the application of these factors involves the exercise of judgment, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not have a standard set of fixed qualifications that is applicable to all director candidates, although the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does at a minimum assess each candidate’s strength of character, mature judgment, industry knowledge or experience, his or her ability to work collegially with the other members of the Board and his or her ability to satisfy any applicable legal requirements or listing standards. In addition, unless restricted by any legal, contractual or other obligations, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will require that the pools of candidates to be considered by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and/or the Board for nomination to our Board include candidates with diversity of race, ethnicity and / or gender. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is primarily responsible for this requirement and assesses its effectiveness by examining the diversity of all the directors on the Board when it selects director nominees. The Board does not establish specific goals with respect to diversity. However, since adopting this requirement in February 2020, the Board has added three directors, one of whom is a woman. In identifying prospective director candidates, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may seek referrals from other members of the Board, management, stockholders and other sources. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also may, but need not, retain a search firm in order to assist it in identifying candidates to serve as directors of the Company. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee utilizes the same criteria for evaluating candidates regardless of the source of the referral. When considering director candidates, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee seeks individuals with backgrounds and qualities that, when combined with those of our incumbent directors, provide a blend of skills and experience to further enhance the Board’s effectiveness.

The Stockholders Agreement generally requires described below under “Transactions with Related Persons—Hill Path Agreements” provides that Hill Path Capital LP, (“Hill Path”) has the right to votenominate to our Board up to three designees depending upon their percentage ownership of the Company. Messrs. Ross and Chambers were nominated by Hill Path and have been nominated for re-election this year, see “Proposal No. 1 – Election of Directors.”

In connection with its annual recommendation of a slate of nominees, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may also assess the contributions of those directors recommended for re-election in the context of the Board evaluation process and other perceived needs of the Board. When considering whether the directors and nominees have the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills, taken as a whole, to enable the Board to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively in light of the Company’s business and structure, the Board focused primarily on the information discussed in each of the board member’s biographical information set forth above. Each of the Company’s directors possesses high ethical standards, acts with integrity and exercises careful, mature judgment. Each is committed to employing his or her skills and abilities to aid the long-term interests of the stockholders of the Company. In addition, our directors are knowledgeable and experienced in one or more business, governmental, or civic endeavors, which further qualifies them for service as members of the Board. A significant number of our directors possess experience in owning and managing public and privately held enterprises and are familiar with corporate finance and strategic business planning activities that are unique to publicly traded companies like ours.

Mr. Bension has extensive e-commerce and entertainment company expertise from his experience leading several major e-commerce, recreation and entertainment companies to financial and strategic success.
Mr. Chambers has significant corporate finance and leisure and entertainment industry experience that he has gained from his various investment roles at Goldman, Sachs & Co, Apollo and his position as a Partner of Hill Path, as well as having served on the boards of various companies.
Mr. Gray has extensive experience in marketing, communications and management acquired from his leadership tenure of 30 plus years with Ogilvy Group and 15 plus years of experience in directorship roles.
Mr. Hartnett has significant experience working with companies across industry sectors and brings unique skills, particularly in finance and accounting.
Mr. Lipman has an extensive background in the entertainment, hospitality, marketing, media and financial services sectors and brings unique skills, particularly in business development and marketing, as well as having served on the boards of various companies.
Mr. Maruyama has financial, marketing and management expertise as well as knowledge of our industry having previously served in multiple positions at Universal Parks and Resorts and as Chief Strategy Officer of USJ Co., Ltd, owner and operator of Universal Studios Japan theme park.
Mr. Moloney has financial and management expertise and valuable experience gained from his position as Chief Financial Officer of John Hancock Financial Services, as well as experience as a director of other private and public companies.

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Ms. Narang has extensive digital, brand and product marketing expertise gained from her leadership roles at Facebook, her consulting experience and from serving as the Chief Marketing Officer at True and the interim Chief Marketing Officer at Roblox Corporation.
Mr. Ross has significant corporate finance and leisure and entertainment industry experience that he has gained from his various investment roles at Goldman, Sachs & Co, Shumway Capital Partners, Apollo and his position as a Managing Partner and founder of Hill Path, as well as having served on the boards of various public and private companies.
Ms. Schaefer has significant experience in the leisure, hospitality and entertainment sectors and brings unique skills, particularly in operations and marketing, as well as having served on the boards of various companies.

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that directors may not continue to serve on the Board of Directors after reaching the age of 75 without an express waiver by the Board. The Board believes that waivers of this policy should not be automatic and should be based upon the needs of the Company and the individual attributes of the director. After considering Mr. Moloney’s experience, dedication, and valuable contributions to the Board and its committees, pursuant to the Governance Guidelines, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommended to the Board that the mandatory retirement requirement be waived for Mr. Moloney. Based upon this recommendation, the Board determined that a waiver of this policy for Mr. Moloney with respect to his service until the next annual meeting in 2025 was in the best interests of the Company and, accordingly, approved such waiver. Accordingly, the annual director nomination process resulted in the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s recommendation to the Board, and the Board’s nomination, of the ten incumbent directors named in this Proxy Statement and proposed for election by you at the upcoming Annual Meeting.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee regularly considers director candidates recommended by stockholders. Any recommendation submitted to the Corporate Secretary should be in writing and should include any supporting material the stockholder considers appropriate in support of that recommendation, but must include information that would be required under the rules of the SEC to be included in a proxy statement soliciting proxies for the election of such candidate and a written consent of the candidate to serve as one of our directors, if elected. Stockholders wishing to propose a candidate for consideration may do so by submitting the above information to the attention of the Corporate Secretary, United Parks & Resorts Inc., 6240 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, Florida 32821. All recommendations for nomination received by the Corporate Secretary that satisfy our bylaw requirements relating to such director nominations will be presented to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee for its consideration. Stockholders must also satisfy the notification, timeliness, consent and information requirements set forth in our bylaws. These requirements are also described under the caption “Stockholder Proposals for the 2025 Annual Meeting”.

Executive Officers of the Company

Set forth below is certain information regarding each of our current executive officers including ages as of record date.

Name

Age

Principal Occupation and Other Information

Marc G. Swanson

53

Marc G. Swanson has served as Chief Executive Officer since May 2021. Prior to that, he served as Interim Chief Executive Officer from April 2020 to May 2021. Prior to that, he served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company from August 2017 to April 2020, except for from September 2019 to November 2019 when he served as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Prior to that, Mr. Swanson had served as Chief Accounting Officer from 2012 to 2017 and served as Interim Chief Financial Officer from June 2015 until September 2015 and as Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer from August 1, 2017 until his permanent appointment later that same month. Previously, he was Vice President Performance Management and Corporate Controller of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment from 2011 to 2012, the Corporate Controller of Busch Entertainment Corporation from 2008 to 2011 and the Vice President of Finance of Sesame Place from 2004 to 2008. Mr. Swanson holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Purdue University and a master’s degree in business administration from DePaul University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

James (Jim) W. Forrester Jr.

55

James (Jim) W. Forrester Jr. has served as Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company since January 2023. Prior to that, Mr. Forrester served as the Company’s Vice President, Finance for SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Discovery Cove since February 2019. Prior to that, he

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Name

Age

Principal Occupation and Other Information

served as Vice President of Operations, Finance, Human Resources and Revenue Management for ICON Orlando 360 from November 2017 to February 2019. During these periods, Mr. Forrester served as a Captain in the United States Navy, having progressed through various roles of increasing responsibility since his commissioning in May 1990. Mr. Forrester transitioned from Active Reserve to the Retired Reserve in September 2022. Additionally, Mr. Forrester has more than two decades of theme park finance and operations experience including at the Walt Disney Company, Walt Disney World Resort, and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, among others. Mr. Forrester is on the boards of West Orange County Chamber of Commerce (since 2019); and Orlando Economic Partnership (since 2021).

Shekufeh Shirazi Boyle

37

Shekufeh Shirazi Boyle was appointed Chief Accounting Officer of the Company in January 2023. Prior to that, she served as Corporate Controller & Vice President of Accounting of the Company from May 2022 to January 2023 and as Corporate Controller from 2021 to 2022. Previously, she served as Director of Corporate and Technical Accounting of the Company from 2019 to 2021 and as Corporate Accounting Manager from 2014 to 2019. Prior to her tenure at the Company, Ms. Boyle worked in public accounting at McDirmit Davis & Co LLC from 2007 to 2014, where she most recently served as an Audit Manager. Ms. Boyle is a Certified Public Accountant with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from University of Central Florida, and a Master of Accounting and Financial Management degree from DeVry University Keller Graduate School of Management.

Dr. Christopher (Chris) Dold

51

Dr. Christopher (Chris) Dold has been our Chief Zoological Officer since April 2016. Prior to that, Dr. Dold served as Vice President, Veterinary Services from October 2009 until April 2016 and Senior Veterinarian at SeaWorld Orlando from October 2005 to September 2009. Prior to joining the Company, Dr. Dold was a National Academies-National Research Council Postdoctoral Clinical Fellow with the US Navy Marine Mammal Program and completed a University of California-Davis Internship in Marine Mammal Medicine and Pathology at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California. Dr. Dold has held memberships in the American Veterinary Medical Association, International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine, European Association for Aquatic Mammals, and the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians. Dr. Dold received a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine.

Christopher (Chris) Finazzo

42

Christopher Finazzo has served as Chief Commercial Officer of the Company since January 1, 2022. Mr. Finazzo served as a consultant to the Company from August 2021 through December 31, 2021. Prior to that, Mr. Finazzo served in various roles at Burger King Corporation (“BKC”), including President of BKC, Americas from December 2017 to July 2021, Head of Marketing, North America from January 2017 until December 2017 and Head of Development from January 2016 until January 2017. Since joining BKC in 2014, Mr. Finazzo also held various roles in marketing and development. Prior to joining BKC in 2014, Mr. Finazzo was on the strategy team at Macy’s. Mr. Finazzo served as a director of Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. from February 2020 through July 2021. Mr. Finazzo also served as director of Burger King Foundation Inc. from 2018 to July 2021. Mr. Finazzo holds a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Connecticut.

James (Jim) Hughes

52

James (Jim) Hughes had served as Chief Human Resources Officer of the Company since August 2022. Mr. Hughes left the Company on April 22, 2024. Previously, Mr. Hughes served as Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer for Red Lobster Seafood Company (“Red Lobster”) since 2021. Prior to that, he served in various Human Resource ("HR") roles of increasing responsibility at Red Lobster and when Red Lobster was part of Darden Restaurants, Inc. ("Darden") from 2011 to 2021. Prior to his time with

18


Name

Age

Principal Occupation and Other Information

Darden and Red Lobster, Mr. Hughes progressed through various HR roles with PepsiCo from 1996 to 2011. Prior to his time with Pepsi, Mr. Hughes began his career in HR with General Electric as a member of their HR Leadership Program from 1995 to 1996. Mr. Hughes holds a master’s degree in Industrial and Labor Relations and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, both from West Virginia University.

Jayson Maxwell

52

Jayson Maxwell has served as the Company’s Interim Chief Human Resources Officer since April 23, 2024. He joined the Company in May 2020 as Vice President, Training & Organizational Development. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Maxwell served in various roles of increasing responsibility at Six Flags Entertainment Corporation and its parks, including Corporate Director of Workforce Strategies from 2014 to 2020, Director of Administration of Six Flags Great Adventure from 2004 to 2014, Senior Manager of Human Resources of Six Flags Worlds of Adventure from 2001 to 2004, and Manager of Operations & Human Resources of Six Flags Elitch Gardens from 1997 to 2001. Mr. Maxwell holds a master’s degree in Strategic Human Resources Management from University of Denver and a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University.

Kyle R. Miller

47

Kyle R. Miller has served as Chief Park Operations Officer – Florida Parks of the Company since January 2023. Prior to that, Mr. Miller served as Park President of SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica Orlando since 2018. He served as Vice President of Culinary Operations of SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica Orlando from 2016 to 2018, and Director of Merchandise Revenue Operations for SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica Orlando from 2007 to 2012. Mr. Miller began his theme park career with Busch Entertainment Corporation and progressed through various roles of increasing responsibility at multiple parks of the Company from 1995 to 2018. Mr. Miller has served as a board member of Visit Orlando since 2019.

Byron Surrett

66

Byron Surrett has served as Chief Park Operations Officer – Non-Florida Parks of the Company since January 2023. Prior to that, Mr. Surrett served as Park President of SeaWorld San Antonio, Discovery Point, and Aquatica San Antonio since 2018. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Operations of SeaWorld San Antonio, Discovery Point, and Aquatica San Antonio from 2014 to 2019 and Vice President of Merchandise for SeaWorld San Antonio from 2008 to 2014. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Park Operations for SeaWorld San Diego from 2005 to 2008; for SeaWorld San Antonio from 2003 to 2005; and for Sesame Place Philadelphia from 1999 to 2003. Prior to that, he served as Vice President, Culinary for Sesame Place Philadelphia from 1995 to 1999. Prior to that, he served as Director of Revenue for Adventure Island from 1989 to 1995. Mr. Surrett began his theme park career at Busch Gardens Tampa and progressed through various roles of increasing responsibility with Busch Entertainment Corporation from 1976 to 1989. Mr. Surrett is on the boards of San Antonio Chamber of Commerce (since 2020); Texas Travel and Tourism (since 2021); and San Antonio Symphony League Program (Chair, since 2020). Mr. Surrett holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida.

19


Name

Age

Principal Occupation and Other Information

G. Anthony (Tony) Taylor

58

G. Anthony (Tony) Taylor has been the Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since 2010 and has led the External Affairs team since 2017, which includes Governmental Affairs and Community Affairs. In addition, from 2013 until 2015, Mr. Taylor led the Company’s Corporate Affairs group, which included Industry & Governmental Affairs, Corporate Communications, Community Affairs, Risk Management and Corporate Social Responsibility. From 2012 to 2015, Mr. Taylor led the Company’s Governmental Affairs team, and from 2010 to 2016, Mr. Taylor led the Risk Management Group. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Taylor held the position of Associate General Counsel of Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. from 2000 to 2010, and was a Principal at Blumenfeld Kaplan in St. Louis from 1993 to 2000. He holds bachelors’ degrees in political science and speech communication from the University of Missouri and a juris doctor degree from Washington University.

20


PROPOSAL NO. 2—RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Audit Committee has selected KPMG LLP ("KPMG") to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2024.

Although ratification is not required by our bylaws or otherwise, the Board is submitting the selection of KPMG to our stockholders for ratification because we value our stockholders’ views on the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. If our stockholders fail to ratify the selection, it will be considered as notice to the Board and the Audit Committee to consider the selection of a different firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders.

Representatives of KPMG are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. They also will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so, and they are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.

The shares represented by your proxy will be voted for the ratification of the selection of KPMG LLP unless you specify otherwise.

Change in Auditors

On May 16, 2023, the Audit Committee approved the engagement of KPMG as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.

On May 16, 2023, the Committee dismissed Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The reports of Deloitte and KPMG on the Company’s financial statements for each of the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and in the subsequent interim period through May 16, 2023, there were no “disagreements” (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) between the Company and Deloitte on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures, which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Deloitte, would have caused Deloitte to make reference to the matter in its report on the financial statements for such periods.

In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and in the subsequent interim period through May 16, 2023, there were no “reportable events” (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K), except that, as initially reported in Part I, Item 4 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2021, as filed with the SEC on November 15, 2021, the Company reported a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting during such period due to the Company not having sufficient policies and procedures related to certain Board oversight responsibilities of Board engagement within the Company’s control environment including delegation of authority.

As reported in Part I, Item 4 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023, as filed with the SEC on May 10, 2023, the Board and management continued efforts to remediate the material weakness, but as of March 31, 2023, the material weakness was not considered remediated. As a result of the material weakness, management concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of March 31, 2023. As reported in Part II, Item 9A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the SEC on February 29, 2024, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company successfully completed the testing necessary to conclude that the material weakness has been remediated.

The change in independent auditors was previously disclosed in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 17, 2023. A copy of Deloitte’s related letter, dated May 17, 2023, was included as an exhibit to such Form 8-K filing.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and the subsequent interim period through May 16, 2023, neither the Company nor anyone on its behalf consulted with KPMG with respect to (a) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to the Company that KPMG concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue, or (b) any matter that was either the subject of a “disagreement” (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) or a “reportable event” (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).

21


Audit and Non-Audit Fees

The following tables present fees for professional services rendered by Deloitte and KPMG for the audit of our financial statements for 2023 and 2022 and fees billed for other services rendered for those periods:

KPMG

 

 

2023

 

Audit fees(1)

 

$

1,135,000

 

Audit-related fees(2)

 

 

20,000

 

Total:

 

$

1,155,000

 

(1)
Includes the aggregate fees in the last fiscal year for professional services rendered by KPMG for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements, internal controls over financial reporting and the review of interim financial statements included in SEC filings. Also, includes aggregate fees of $50,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 that are primarily related to the issuance of comfort letters.
(2)
Includes fees billed for assurance and related services performed by KPMG that are primarily related to other agreed upon procedures.

We paid no tax fees or fees other than audit and audit-related fees to KPMG in 2023.

Deloitte

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Audit fees(1)

 

$

564,970

 

 

$

1,883,096

 

Audit-related fees(2)

 

 

9,300

 

 

 

20,300

 

Total:

 

$

574,270

 

 

$

1,903,396

 

(1)
Includes the aggregate fees in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by Deloitte for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements, internal controls over financial reporting and the review of interim financial statements included in SEC filings. Also, includes aggregate fees of $172,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 that are primarily related to the issuance of comfort letters.
(2)
Includes fees billed for assurance and related services performed by Deloitte that are primarily related to other agreed upon procedures.

We paid no tax fees or fees other than audit and audit-related fees to Deloitte in 2023 or 2022.

Consistent with SEC policies regarding auditor independence and the Audit Committee’s charter, the Audit Committee has responsibility for engaging, setting compensation for and reviewing the performance of the independent registered public accounting firm. In exercising this responsibility, the Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permitted non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm prior to each engagement.

Each year, the Audit Committee approves an annual budget for such audit and permitted non-audit services and requires the independent registered public accounting firm and management to report actual fees versus the budget periodically throughout the year. The Audit Committee has authorized KPMG’s commencement of work on such permitted services within that budget, although the Chair of the Audit Committee may pre-approve any such audit and permitted non-audit services that exceed the initial budget. During the year, circumstances may arise that make it necessary to engage the independent registered public accounting firm for additional services that would exceed the initial budget. The Audit Committee has delegated the authority to the Chair of the Audit Committee to review such circumstances and to grant approval when appropriate. All such approvals are then reported by the Audit Committee Chair to the full Audit Committee at its next meeting.

22


YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF KPMG LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2024.

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a charter which is reviewed annually by the Audit Committee. Additionally, a brief description of the primary responsibilities of the Audit Committee is included in this Proxy Statement under the discussion of “The Board of Directors and Certain Governance Matters—Committee Membership—Audit Committee.” The Audit Committee charter is available on our Investor Relations website at www.unitedparks.com/corporate-governance/governance-documents/. Under the Audit Committee charter, our management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of our financial statements, the application of accounting and financial reporting principles and our internal controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing our financial statements and expressing an opinion as to their conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for auditing our internal control over financial reporting and expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

In the performance of its oversight function, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements of the Company with management and with the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission, (the “SEC”). In addition, the Audit Committee received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent registered public accounting firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm their independence.

Based upon the review and discussions described in the preceding paragraph, our Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements of the Company be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC.

Submitted by the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors:

Thomas E. Moloney, Chair

William Gray

Timothy Hartnett

Nathaniel Lipman

Kimberly Schaefer

23


Proposal No. 3—Non-Binding Vote on Executive Compensation

In accordance with the requirements of Section 14A of the Exchange Act and the related rules of the SEC, we are including in these proxy materials a separate resolution subject to stockholder vote to approve, in a non-binding, advisory vote, the compensation paid to our named executive officers as disclosed on pages 26 to 47. At the Company’s 2020 annual meeting of stockholders, our stockholders indicated their preference to hold the non-binding stockholder vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers each year. Accordingly, the Company currently intends to hold such votes annually. The next vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers is expected to be held at the Company’s 2025 annual meeting of stockholders. While the results of the vote are non-binding and advisory in nature, the Board intends to carefully consider the results of this vote.

The text of the resolution in respect of Proposal No. 3 is as follows:

RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narrative discussion is hereby APPROVED.”

In considering their vote, stockholders may wish to review with care the information on the Company’s compensation policies and decisions regarding the named executive officers presented in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis on pages 26 to 47, as well as the discussion regarding the Compensation Committee on page 13.

In particular, stockholders should note the following:

We design our pay programs to support the achievement of aggressive annual and long-term goals and drive stockholder value.
We place significant emphasis on performance-based variable compensation. Almost 75% of named executive officer (“NEO”) compensation is based on company and individual performance.
We place strong emphasis on equity compensation to align our interests with those of our stockholders and over 60% of our 2023 NEO target pay is equity-based.
We have share ownership guidelines that require our NEOs to own a significant amount of Company stock and strengthens alignment with our stockholders.

The Company values the opinions expressed by its stockholders, and the Compensation Committee will continue to carefully review and take into account the results of the vote when designing and considering future executive compensation arrangements.

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF
THE COMPENSATION PAID TO OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.

24


Report of the Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management. Based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement relating to our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Submitted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors:

Scott Ross, Chair

James Chambers

Yoshikazu Maruyama

Thomas Moloney

25


Executive Compensation

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes our compensation strategy, philosophy, policies, programs, and practices for our Named Executive Officers, or NEOs, and the executive positions they held in 2023 as set forth below:

Marc G. Swanson

Chief Executive Officer

James (Jim) W. Forrester Jr. (1)

Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Michelle (Chelle) Adams(2)

Former Chief Transformation Officer, Former Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

James (Jim) Hughes(3)

Former Chief Human Resources Officer

Kyle R. Miller(4)

Chief Parks Operations Officer - Florida Parks

Byron Surrett(4)

Chief Parks Operations Officer - Non-Florida Parks

(1)
On January 27, 2023, the Board appointed Mr. Forrester to serve as Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.
(2)
On January 27, 2023, the Board promoted Ms. Adams to the role of Chief Transformation Officer. Ms. Adams resigned as Chief Transformation Officer, effective as of August 4, 2023.
(3)
Mr. Hughes left the Company on April 22, 2024.
(4)
On January 27, 2023, the Board promoted Mr. Miller to the role of Chief Parks Operations Officer for all the Florida parks and promoted Mr. Surrett to Chief Parks Operations Officer for all the non-Florida parks.

2023 Business Highlights (in millions except per share and per capita amounts)

2023 was another fiscal year of strong financial results including record Total revenue per capita. The following highlights our 2023 financial performance:

 

 

Fiscal Year

 

 

 

 

Financial Metric (In millions except per share and per capita amounts)

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

 

Variance

 

Total revenues

 

$

1,726.6

 

 

$

1,731.2

 

 

-0.3%

 

Net income

 

$

234.2

 

 

$

291.2

 

 

-19.6%

 

Earnings per share, diluted

 

$

3.63

 

 

$

4.14

 

 

-12.3%

 

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

 

$

713.5

 

 

$

728.2

 

 

-2.0%

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

504.9

 

 

$

564.6

 

 

-10.6%

 

Attendance

 

 

21.6

 

 

 

21.9

 

 

-1.5%

 

Total revenue per capita

 

$

79.91

 

 

$

78.91

 

 

1.3%

 

Admission per capita

 

$

44.16

 

 

$

44.00

 

 

0.4%

 

In-Park per capita spending

 

$

35.75

 

 

$

34.91

 

 

2.4%

 

26


In addition to our core financial metrics, we maintained our focus on stockholder value and significantly outperformed relevant U.S. equity markets on a three- and five-year basis:

img209065934_7.jpg 

Also, in 2023, our rescue teams came to the aid of 335 animals in need in the wild bringing the total number of animals we have helped over our history to more than 41,000.

(1)
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) plus (i) income tax (benefit) provision, (ii) interest expense, consent fees and similar financing costs, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) equity-based compensation expense, (v) loss on extinguishment of debt, (vi) non-cash charges/credits related to asset disposals, (vii) certain business optimization, development and strategic initiative costs, (viii) merger, acquisition, integration and certain investment costs, and (ix) other nonrecurring costs including incremental costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic or similar unusual events. Adjusted EBITDA as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facilities is consistent with our reported Adjusted EBITDA. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”), see “— Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Our Indebtedness—Adjusted EBITDA” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC.

2023 Say-On-Pay Vote and Stockholder Outreach

Stockholders voted 99.4% in support of our executive compensation programs at the 2023 stockholder meeting (excluding abstained and broker non-votes). Even though the results of the 2023 advisory Say-On-Pay vote were overwhelmingly positive, we continued to reach out to our stockholders to engage and gather feedback. We reached out to 20 of our largest stockholders representing greater than 85% of our outstanding shares and had discussions with seven stockholders representing over 60% of our outstanding shares (these seven shareholders were all top 10 holders of our stock).

Below, we include more detail on specific areas where we believe, based on our engagement process, shareholders may be interested in excessmore information and background.

Additional disclosure on compensation risk:

Annually, we review our executive and broad-based compensation plans to determine if any of 24.9%our plans encourage inappropriate risk taking that could potentially adversely impact the company and/or stockholder value. As part of our review, we focus on performance metrics and objectives, compensation mix, incentive plan design and compensation governance processes. In 2023, after review of 18 risk factors, we determined that there were no factors that contribute to potential risk with material impact.

Annual bonus design with no maximum payout levels:

We believe that the concept of “no maximum payout” is appropriate as it provides motivation for employees to exceed performance targets, which aligns with shareholder goals.

Certain executive annual bonus plans include a maximum payout set at 150% to 200% of target with accompanying performance that typically represents 10% to 15% over target financial performance levels. Our plan pays an additional 0.5% of target for every $1M of additional Adjusted EBITDA above target. To achieve a payout of 150% of target, our Adjusted EBITDA would need to be $100M or 11.1% above our challenging 2023 target. To achieve a payout of 200% of target, our Adjusted EBITDA would be $200M or 22.2% above target.

27


Use of time-based equity awards and alignment with the Company’s compensation philosophy:

We believe our core annual long-term incentive plans are fully performance-based and have both Company performance and stock price risk. 75% of the award is granted as PSUs based on challenging Adjusted EBITDA and certain growth goals over a three- to four-year performance period. 25% of the award is granted in the form of stock options that only have value if our stock price increases and will only achieve their full, targeted value if our stock price doubles over the exercise period. More information on our long-term equity incentive plans can be found below.
We strongly value alignment and selectively offer time-based RSUs which we believe align employees' interests with shareholders and generally have vesting terms in lieu of cash compensation or a portion of cash compensation. We strongly believe this approach is in the best interest of shareholders.
To complement our core, performance-based long-term incentive plan, we selectively grant time-based RSUs for the following reasons:
o
New Hire Awards: We offer certain executive new hire equity awards as an inducement to join our Company. This is a common market practice and it provides our newly hired executives an opportunity to participate in a service-based equity incentive plan and create immediate alignment with our stockholders. In addition, 50% of our target annual incentives are denominated in PSUs based solely on our annual performance.
o
Promotion Awards: When we promote our employees to positions with roles and responsibilities that have greater impact on our future success, we typically grant time-based RSUs to recognize the increase in the scope of their job and to recognize promotion to a higher organization level. We believe a time-based equity award is an appropriate award to recognize promotions and also helps create longer-term retention.
o
Retention Awards: From time to time, we grant time-based RSUs to certain employees, including our NEOs, as a means to promote retention, team member continuity and long-term service to the Company.
o
Special Circumstances: In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Compensation Committee determined that our annual 2020 long-term equity incentive plan would be granted 100% in time-based RSUs. This decision was based on the uncertain business climate (closure of parks, state-mandated attendance limitations, etc.) and the fact that our executives had voluntarily agreed to reduce their salaries beginning April 2020 through November 2020.

Our Compensation Policies and Practices at a Glance

What We Do

What We Don’t Do

Place significant emphasis on performance-based compensation that considers both operating performance goals and stock performance.
    Place strong emphasis on equity compensation to align our interests with those of our stockholders.
    Set challenging annual and long-term incentive award performance objectives.
    Limit the use of perquisites.
    Maintain reasonable termination and change in control provisions including double trigger equity vesting.
    Maintain stock ownership guidelines that require owning a significant amount of Company stock.
    Maintain clawback provisions to recover cash and equity incentive compensation.
    Conduct Say-On-Pay vote annually.
    Engage with our stockholders at least annually.
    Retain an independent compensation advisor reporting directly to the Compensation Committee

   No guaranteed incentive payments or guaranteed annual salary increases.
    No plans that encourage excessive risk-taking (and we monitor risk annually across all of our plans)
   No hedging or pledging Company stock.
    No excise tax gross-ups upon change in control.
    No excessive annual burn rate or equity dilution.
    No repricing stock options without stockholder approval.

28


Our Total Rewards Philosophy and Key Rewards Principles

We believe we must provide total rewards that will attract, retain and motivate an outstanding executive team to achieve our challenging business goals and create value for our stockholders. To accomplish this, our compensation program is designed to support the following key reward principles:

Performance-Driven Pay

Our total compensation program is designed to encourage high performance, recognize future potential for growth and motivate the achievement of challenging performance objectives. We design our program to strike an appropriate balance between short-term and longer-term performance.

Competitive Compensation Opportunities

We strive to ensure the total value of our compensation package is fully competitive within our industry consistent with our performance. Variable compensation elements including annual bonus and equity awards are intended to deliver our competitive target when we achieve our goals. Value delivered above or below this targeted amount is entirely dependent on our performance.

Alignment With Stockholders

Our executive total compensation program has a significant equity component. In addition to our long-term equity incentives, we deliver 50% of our NEOs’ annual bonus opportunity in the form of performance share units (PSUs).

Reasonable Cost Consistent With

Our Performance

Our goal is to establish plans which are affordable and consistent with our performance versus our challenging annual and long-term business goals and are fundamentally aligned with our longer-term business strategy.

2023 Compensation Elements and Mix

Elements of 2023 Compensation

Our compensation program is made up of the following three direct compensation elements:

Compensation Element

Purpose

Base Salary

Fixed cash compensation that is adjusted from time-to-time based on individual performance and development in their role.
Attracts and retains executives by offering fixed compensation that is generally competitive with market opportunities and that recognizes each executive’s position, role, responsibility and experience.

Annual Incentives

Variable compensation typically paid in a combination of cash and performance-vesting restricted stock units based on performance versus pre-established annual goals.
Designed to motivate and reward the achievement of a balanced scorecard of our annual performance as measured by Adjusted EBITDA, revenue, guest satisfaction, and an individual, department and/or discretionary components.
50% of the target opportunity is denominated as performance share units (PSUs) at the beginning of the performance period to align our executives’ interests with those of our stockholders.

Long-Term Equity Incentives

Variable compensation payable in the form of time-vesting options, RSUs and performance-vesting restricted stock units (PSUs) based on performance versus pre-established long-term goals (see description below).
Intended to align executives' interests with the interests of our stockholders through equity-based compensation with performance- based and time-based vesting features.
Promotes the long-term retention of equity by our executives and key management personnel.

29


Our 2023 Mix of Target Compensation

Our compensation is structured to meet the following key objectives for our NEOs and other key executives:

Fixed Versus Performance Variable Compensation: We ensure that a significant portion of the total outstandingcompensation opportunity for our named executive officers is directly related to our performance and other factors that directly and indirectly influence stockholder value.
Cash Versus Equity: We believe our executive compensation should be structured to appropriately balance cash compensation with equity-based compensation. By design, a significant portion of target total compensation opportunity is weighted to short- and long-term equity awards for our NEOs to strengthen alignment with stockholders.

The following chart illustrates our 2023 targeted compensation mix and structure for our NEOs on average. The chart is based on the NEOs who were employed by us and in their positions with the Company on December 31, 2023:

img209065934_8.jpg 

Compensation Determination Process

Role of the Compensation Committee, Management and Consultant

Compensation Element

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Compensation Committee

Responsible for making all executive compensation decisions.
Determines the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers.
At the beginning of each performance cycle, the Compensation Committee, in conjunction with the annual budget process overseen by the Board of Directors, typically approves annual and long-term financial goals designed to align executive pay with company performance and stockholder interests.
Reviews compensation programs for material risk.
May engage its own advisors to assist in carrying out its responsibilities.

30


Senior Management

Our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and our Chief Human Resources Officer work closely with the Compensation Committee and Board to develop annual and longer-term financial goals and objectives.
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer monitor performance versus goals and apprises the Compensation Committee of progress on a regular basis.
Our Chief Human Resources Officer works closely with the Compensation Committee and the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant in developing and modifying compensation programs and is also responsible for our ongoing performance management processes.
None of our NEOs participate in discussions with the Compensation Committee regarding their own compensation.

Independent Compensation Consultant

In 2023, the Compensation Committee continued to engage the services of W.T. Haigh & Company (“Haigh”) as its independent compensation consultant. The Compensation Committee reviewed the Company’s relationships with Haigh and has determined there are no conflicts of interest.
Reviews and advises the Compensation Committee regarding the components and levels of our compensation program for our NEOs and other senior management.
Reviews and advises the Compensation Committee regarding the components and levels of our non-employee director compensation program.
Annually reviews and develops the peer companies used for executive and non-employee director compensation comparison.

Development of Peer Companies

Annually, the Compensation Committee directs Haigh to develop a comparable group of companies engaged in the same or similar industries as our Company. Due to the limited number of “pure leisure facilities” public companies, our Compensation Committee determined that it was appropriate to also include other companies in the compensation peer group that are in the entertainment, restaurant and hospitality industries and compete with us for executive talent. The peer companies are selected based on a combination of factors including industry, market capitalization, enterprise value, revenue and number of employees. No specific weighting is applied to any of these selection factors.

Generally, the Compensation Committee uses peer company data provided by Haigh to guide its review of the total compensation of our executive officers and non-employee directors and generally reviews the compensation data of our peer companies and industry to understand market competitive compensation levels and practices. The Compensation Committee focuses to ensure that our executive compensation program is competitive on a total compensation basis. However, no specific competitive level is targeted by the Compensation Committee based on this review.

The Compensation Committee approved the following 14 companies as our peer group for 2023 based on analysis and recommendations by Haigh. There were no changes versus the 2022 peer group:

AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.

Cedar Fair, L.P.

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation

The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated

Norwegian Cruise Lines Holdings Ltd.

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc.

Travel + Leisure Company

Hilton Grand Vacations, Inc.

Vail Resorts, Inc.

31


2023 Compensation Design and Decisions

Base Salaries

Our philosophy is to pay base salaries that reflect each executive’s performance, experience and scope of responsibilities and provide levels of pay competitive with our industry practices for similar roles. Base salaries are reviewed periodically for potential adjustments typically based upon promotion and/or change in job responsibilities.:

Name

 

Position in 2023

 

2022 Ending Base Salary

 

 

2023 Ending Base Salary

 

 

2023 % Increase

 

Marc G. Swanson

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

$

450,000

 

 

$

450,000

 

 

 

0

%

James (Jim) W. Forrester Jr.(1)

 

Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

$

153,500

 

 

$

285,000

 

 

 

86

%

Michelle (Chelle) Adams(2)

 

Former Chief Transformation Officer, Former Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

$

400,000

 

 

$

400,000

 

 

 

0

%

James (Jim) Hughes(3)

 

Former Chief Human Resources Officer

 

$

250,000

 

 

$

250,000

 

 

 

0

%

Kyle R. Miller(4)

 

Chief Parks Operations Officer - Florida Parks

 

$

220,000

 

 

$

250,000

 

 

 

14

%

Byron Surrett(4)

 

Chief Parks Operations Officer - Non-Florida Parks

 

$

200,000

 

 

$

250,000

 

 

 

25

%

(1)
On January 27, 2023, the Board appointed Mr. Forrester to serve as Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.
(2)
On January 27, 2023, the Board promoted Ms. Adams to the role of Chief Transformation Officer. Ms. Adams resigned as Chief Transformation Officer, effective as of August 4, 2023.
(3)
Mr. Hughes left the Company on April 22, 2024.
(4)
On January 27, 2023, the Board promoted Mr. Miller to the role of Chief Parks Operations Officer for all the Florida parks and promoted Mr. Surrett to Chief Parks Operations Officer for all the non-Florida parks.

2023 Annual Bonus, Performance Objectives and Performance Results

Target Opportunity for Our NEOs

Annual incentive awards are a key component of our total compensation program. Typically, these incentives are available to all of our salaried exempt employees including our named executive officers and are based on financial and non-financial metrics typically established in the first quarter of the year and communicated to annual incentive program participants. At the beginning of the performance period, 50% of the total target bonus potential is denominated as cash while the remaining 50% is denominated as stock, with the number of shares granted at the beginning of the performance period based on the Company’s stock price on the date of grant. The stock portion of our annual incentive program vest subject to performance and are settled in shares of our common stock following the performance period.

The following illustrates the 2023 target bonus opportunity for our NEOs.

Name

 

Position in 2023

 

2023 Bonus
Percentage of Salary

 

 

2023
Ending Base Salary

 

 

2023 Bonus
Potential Target

 

Marc G. Swanson

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

150

%

 

$

450,000

 

 

$

675,000

 

James (Jim) W. Forrester Jr.

 

Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

80

%

 

$

285,000

 

 

$

228,000

 

Michelle (Chelle) Adams(1)

 

Former Chief Transformation Officer, Former Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

100

%

 

$

400,000

 

 

$

400,000

 

James (Jim) Hughes(1)

 

Former Chief Human Resources Officer

 

 

80

%

 

$

250,000

 

 

$

200,000

 

Kyle R. Miller

 

Chief Parks Operations Officer - Florida Parks

 

 

80

%

 

$

250,000

 

 

$

200,000

 

Byron Surrett

 

Chief Parks Operations Officer - Non-Florida Parks

 

 

80

%

 

$

250,000

 

 

$

200,000

 

(1)
Ms. Adams and Mr. Hughes were not eligible for payout due to their departures on August 4, 2023 and April 22, 2024, respectively.

32


2023 Annual Bonus Performance Targets, Weighting and Results & Calculation of 2023 Annual Bonus Awards as a Percent of Target

Our 2023 financial and non-financial objectives, weightings, actual results and weighted payouts by performance objective as a percent of target are shown in the table below:

CORPORATE PARTICIPANTS (Messrs. Swanson, Miller and Surrett):

Performance Metric

 

Threshold #1 ($M)(1)

 

 

Threshold #2 ($M)(1)

 

 

Target ($M)

 

 

Maximum ($M)(2)

 

2023 Actual ($M)

 

 

Payout

 

Measure Weighting

 

Weighted Payout

Adjusted EBITDA (pre-bonus basis)

$

815.0

 

 

$

855.0

 

 

$

899.0

 

 

No Max

 

$

715.1

 

 

0.0%

 

60.0%

 

0.0%

Guest Satisfaction(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20.0%

 

1.0%

Discretionary & Individual Objectives(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20.0%

 

15.0%

Performance Calculation as a Percent of Target Before Cost Objectives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16.0%

Cost Objectives(5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

+/-25%

 

 

 

 

>-25%

 

 

 

 

 

 

-25.0%

Final Performance Calculation as a Percent of Target

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100.0%

 

12.0%

CUSTOM DEPARTMENT PLAN (Forrester):

Performance Metric

 

Threshold #1 ($M)(1)

 

 

Threshold #2 ($M)(1)

 

 

Target ($M)

 

 

Maximum ($M)(2)

 

2023 Actual ($M)

 

 

Payout

 

Measure Weighting

 

Weighted Payout

Adjusted EBITDA (pre-bonus basis)

$

815.0

 

 

$

855.0

 

 

$

899.0

 

 

No Max

 

$

715.1

 

 

0.0%

 

50.0%

 

0.0%

Guest Satisfaction(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20.0%

 

1.0%

Discretionary & Individual Objectives(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20.0%

 

15.0%

Department Cost Basis(6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.0%

 

10.0%

Performance Calculation as a Percent of Target Before Cost Objectives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26.0%

Cost Objectives(5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

+/-25%

 

 

 

 

>-25%

 

 

 

 

 

 

-25.0%

Final Performance Calculation as a Percent of Target

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100.0%

 

19.5%

(1)
Threshold #1 achievement for Adjusted EBITDA results in a 33% payout. Threshold #2 achievement for Adjusted EBITDA, results in a 50% payout.
(2)
There is no maximum payout for Adjusted EBITDA. Achievement above 100% results in an additional 0.5% for each $1.0 million achieved above target level. There is no maximum payout for Discretionary & Individual Objectives and payout above target is determined by the Compensation Committee for each NEO.
(3)
Guest satisfaction is measured on a park-by-park basis each quarter. Based on the Company’s guest satisfaction scores in 2023 as compared to the Company’s goals and expectations, the Compensation Committee determined that the guest satisfaction scores achieved had met at least the threshold level for certain parks for certain quarters. The Compensation Committee further determined that this achievement resulted in a payout of 5.2% of the portion of the annual incentive awards that were tied to guest satisfaction. This 5.2% payout translates to a 1.0% payout of the total target bonus opportunity for each executive.

33


(4)
The Compensation Committee considered 2023 results and performance and at its discretion approved a Discretionary and Individual achievement of 75% for each of our NEOs. The below was also evaluated in the approved bonus for Discretionary & Individual performance for 2023:
Mr. Swanson: The Compensation Committee considered his continued leadership in achieving 2023 financial results.
Mr. Forrester: The Compensation Committee considered his performance as Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, his leadership of all finance and accounting related functions, and his role in the transition of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.
Mr. Miller: The Compensation Committee considered his leadership over the operations and safety standards of our Florida parks.
Mr. Surrett: The Compensation Committee considered his leadership over the operations and safety of our non-Florida parks.
(5)
Cost Objectives: For 2023, cost targets are set for the Company as a whole, each park and key functional areas. If the cost target is not met, bonus awards are reduced by 25%. For each percent a cost objective beats the objective, awards are adjusted by the percentage such target was beat. The Compensation Committee evaluated 2023 actual costs and determined the cost target had not been met, and as such, bonus award payouts for our NEOs were reduced by 25%.
(6)
For Mr. Forrester, represents certain departmental cost goals which were deemed to be met for 2023.

Based on our 2023 performance versus objectives as described in its sole discretion, either (i) affirmativelydetail above, the following bonus awards for our NEOs were earned:

Name

 

Position in 2023

 

2023 Bonus Potential @ Target

 

 

2023 Annual Bonus Paid in Cash

 

 

2023 Annual Bonus Paid in Stock(1)

 

 

2023 Annual Bonus Earned

 

Marc G. Swanson

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

$

675,000

 

 

$

40,601

 

 

$

41,942

 

 

$

82,543

 

James (Jim) W. Forrester Jr.

 

Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

$

228,000

 

 

$

22,264

 

 

$

23,007

 

 

$

45,271

 

Kyle R. Miller

 

Chief Parks Operations Officer - Florida Parks

 

$

200,000

 

 

$

12,030

 

 

$

12,429

 

 

$

24,459

 

Byron Surrett

 

Chief Parks Operations Officer - Non-Florida Parks

 

$

200,000

 

 

$

12,030

 

 

$

12,429

 

 

$

24,459

 

(1)
Annual bonus paid in favorstock equals number of shares vested on April 23, 2024 at $52.89 per share.

2023 Long-Term Incentive Awards

The long-term incentive award program is designed to align the executives with the Company’s key longer-term performance objectives, align the executives’ interest with our stockholders, provide an opportunity to increase their ownership interest in the Company through grants of equity-based awards and retain executives through vesting of awards over multiple years. Under our equity plans, equity-based awards may be awarded in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares and units and other stock-based awards.

Our 2023 Long-Term Incentive Awards (the “2023 LTIP”) cover the 2023-2025 performance period. For 2023, we determined to award the 2023 LTIP in the following forms of equity:

25% in the form of stock options vesting in substantially equal annual installments over three years:
o
In determining the number of stock options to be granted, we calculated the number of options granted using the closing price of a share of stock on the date of grant based on the assumption that the stock price will double in value over the performance period versus using a Black-Scholes valuation model. The Black-Scholes valuation model was used to value stock options for accounting purposes and required reporting purposes, including the compensation tables below.
75% in the form of performance-vesting restricted stock units (PSUs) vesting based on the following:
o
Achievement of a predefined Adjusted EBITDA target to be met by the end of fiscal year 2025 (75% weighting);
o
Achievement of a predefined Adjusted EBITDA target related to certain growth initiatives to be met by the end of fiscal year 2025 (12.5% weighting); and,
o
Achievement of certain other predefined non-Adjusted EBITDA growth objectives to be met by the end of fiscal year 2025 (12.5% weighting).

34


The following awards were made to our NEOs under our 2023 LTIP:

Name

 

Position in 2023

 

2023
Base Salary at the Time of 2023 LTIP Grant

 

 

2023 LTIP Target Percentage of Salary

 

 

2023 LTIP Target Value

 

Marc G. Swanson

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

$

450,000

 

 

 

400

%

 

$

1,800,000

 

James (Jim) W. Forrester Jr.

 

Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

$

285,000

 

 

 

150

%

 

$

427,500

 

Michelle (Chelle) Adams(1)

 

Former Chief Transformation Officer, Former Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

$

400,000

 

 

 

200

%

 

$

800,000

 

James (Jim) Hughes(1)

 

Former Chief Human Resources Officer

 

$

250,000

 

 

 

100

%

 

$

250,000

 

Kyle R. Miller

 

Chief Parks Operations Officer - Florida Parks

 

$

250,000

 

 

 

150

%

 

$

375,000

 

Byron Surrett

 

Chief Parks Operations Officer - Non-Florida Parks

 

$

250,000

 

 

 

150

%

 

$

375,000

 

(1)
The awards for Ms. Adams and Mr. Hughes were forfeited in connection with their departures on August 4, 2023 and April 22, 2024, respectively.

2023 Special Awards

On January 27, 2023, the Compensation Committee approved the following awards for Mr. Forrester in connection with his appointment as Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer:

A number of stock options determined by dividing $200,000 by the stock price on the date of grant and vesting in equal annual installments over four years;
A number of RSUs determined by dividing $200,000 by the stock price on the date of grant and vesting in equal annual installments over four years;
A number of PSUs under the 2023 LTIP determined by dividing $200,000 by the stock price on the date of grant and vesting based on terms set forth under the plan.

On February 22, 2023, the Compensation Committee approved the following award for Mr. Hughes to recognize his substantial contributions since he joined the Company:

A number of RSUs determined by dividing $600,000 by the stock price on the date of grant and vesting in equal annual installments over four years;

On January 27, 2023, the Compensation Committee approved the following awards for Mr. Miller in connection with his appointment as Chief Parks Operations Officer - Florida Parks:

A number of stock options determined by dividing $200,000 by the stock price on the date of grant and vesting in equal annual installments over four years;
A number of RSUs determined by dividing $400,000 by the stock price on the date of grant and vesting in equal annual installments over four years;
A number of PSUs under the 2023 LTIP determined by dividing $200,000 by the stock price on the date of grant and vesting based on terms set forth under the plan.

On January 27, 2023, the Compensation Committee approved the following awards for Mr. Surrett in connection with his appointment as Chief Parks Operations Officer - Non-Florida Parks:

A number of stock options determined by dividing $200,000 by the stock price on the date of grant and vesting in equal annual installments over four years;
A number of RSUs determined by dividing $400,000 by the stock price on the date of grant and vesting in equal annual installments over four years;
A number of PSUs under the 2023 LTIP determined by dividing $200,000 by the stock price on the date of grant and vesting based on terms set forth under the plan.

35


2022 Long-Term Incentive Awards

The long-term incentive award program is designed to align the executives with the Company’s key longer-term performance objectives, align the executives’ interest with our stockholders, provide an opportunity to increase their ownership interest in the Company through grants of equity-based awards and retain executives through vesting of awards over multiple years. Under our equity plans, equity-based awards may be awarded in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares and units and other stock-based awards.

Our 2022 Long-Term Incentive Awards (the “2022 LTIP”) cover the 2022-2024 performance period. For 2022, we determined to award the 2022 LTIP in the following forms of equity:

25% in the form of stock options vesting in substantially equal annual installments over three years:
o
In determining the number of stock options to be granted, we calculated the number of options granted using the closing price of a share of stock on the date of grant based on the assumption that the stock price will double in value over the performance period versus using a Black-Scholes valuation model. The Black-Scholes valuation model was used to value stock options for accounting purposes and required reporting purposes, including the compensation tables below.
75% in the form of performance-vesting restricted stock units (PSUs) vesting based on the following:
o
Achievement of a predefined Adjusted EBITDA target to be met by the end of fiscal year 2024 (75% weighting);
o
Achievement of a predefined Adjusted EBITDA target related to certain growth initiatives to be met by the end of fiscal year 2024 (12.5% weighting); and,

Achievement of certain other predefined non-Adjusted EBITDA growth objectives to be met by the end of fiscal year 2024 (12.5% weighting). 2022 LTIP awards vested in 2023.

2019-2022 Long-Term Incentive Awards

Our 2019 Long-Term Incentive Awards (the “2019 LTIP”) cover the 2019-2022 performance period and the extended test period in 2023. The 2019 LTIP also provides an opportunity to vest the award earlier than the end of the Board’s recommendation (or,performance period if goals are achieved in any fiscal year during the performance period. The 2019 LTIP is based on the following two performance metrics:

1.
Adjusted EBITDA 75% weighting
2.
Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) 25% weighting
The total number of performance-vesting awards eligible to vest during the performance period related to the Adjusted EBITDA Metric is based on the level of achievement of the performance goals and ranges from 0% (if below threshold performance) to 50% (for threshold performance) to 100% (for target performance). There is no interpolation of payouts between the specified threshold and target levels. When a level of achievement is met, 50% of the award will vest following approval of the performance result by the Compensation Committee. The remaining 50% subject to an additional year performance test whereby the remaining shares will vest only if the achieved level of Adjusted EBITDA performance is maintained for one more fiscal year. If Target performance is achieved in the year after achievement of Threshold performance, a maximum of 50% of the total award will be paid out in that year. If in the next subsequent year, Target performance is again achieved, the remaining 50% of the award will be paid out.
The ROIC portion of the 2019 LTIP is achieved only if the Adjusted EBITDA goal is met at threshold or target and the ROIC goal is met through the end of the early achievement period, performance period or extended performance period. If the ROIC metric is achieved in a future period, an adjustment is made during that future period on the non-achievement in a prior period.

The following table illustrates performance versus goals and amounts which vested based on 2023 performance:

Performance Metric

 

Threshold ($M)

 

 

Target ($M)

 

 

Actual ($M)

 

 

Achievement Payout Percentage of Target

 

Performance Metric Weighting

 

Weighted Achievement Factor

2023 Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

650.0

 

 

$

700.0

 

 

$

713.5

 

 

50%

 

75%

 

37.50%

2020-2023 Cumulative ROIC

 

N/A

 

 

20%

 

 

62%

 

 

50%

 

25%

 

12.50%

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50.00%

36


2021-2023 Long-Term Incentive Awards

Our 2021 Long-Term Incentive Awards (the “2021 LTIP”) cover the 2021-2023 performance period. The 2021 LTIP is based on the achievement of a predefined Adjusted EBITDA target:

The total number of Adjusted EBITDA PSUs eligible to vest during the 2021-2023 performance period will be based on the level of achievement of the performance goal and ranges from 0% (if below threshold performance) to 50% (for threshold performance) to 100% (for target performance) with results between threshold and target interpolated on a straight-line basis.
When a level of achievement at or above threshold is met at any time during the performance period, 50% of the earned award will vest following approval of the performance result by the Compensation Committee. The remaining 50% is subject to an additional one-year performance test whereby the remaining shares will vest only if the achieved level of Adjusted EBITDA performance is maintained or exceeded for one more fiscal year.

The following table illustrates performance versus goals and amounts which vested based on 2023 performance:

Performance Metric

 

Threshold ($M)

 

 

Target ($M)

 

 

Actual ($M)

 

 

Achievement Payout Percentage(1)

2022 Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

700.0

 

 

$

750.0

 

 

$

728.2

 

 

39.12%

2023 Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

700.0

 

 

$

750.0

 

 

$

713.5

 

 

31.75%

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

70.87%

(1)
Includes linear interpolation on highest achieved Adjusted EBITDA year of 2022 and successful remeasurement in 2023 with associated interpolation applied. No further remeasurement, remaining unvested shares were forfeited in accordance with 2021 LTIP terms.

Benefits & Perquisites

We provide all of our employees, including our named executive officers, broad-based benefits that are intended to attract and retain employees while providing them with retirement and health and welfare security. Broad-based employee benefits include:

401(k) savings plan;
medical, dental, vision, life and accident insurance, disability coverage, dependent care and healthcare flexible spending accounts; and
employee assistance program benefits.

Under our 401(k) savings plan, we match a portion of the funds set aside by the employee. The matching contributions by us become vested either on the two-year anniversary of the participant’s hire date or on a 5-year graded vesting schedule, depending on hire date. At no cost to our employees, we provide an amount of basic life and accident insurance coverage valued at two times our employee’s annual base salary. Employees may also select supplemental life and accident insurance, for a premium to be paid by the employee.

We also provide our executive officers with limited perquisites and personal benefits that are not generally available to all employees, such as complimentary access to our theme parks. These benefits and limited perquisites are reflected in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table and the accompanying footnote.

Severance Arrangements

We offer our executive officers severance benefits under our Amended and Restated Key Employee Severance Plan (the “Severance Plan”) which we believe is necessary to attract and retain the talent key to our long-term success. Each executive officer is entitled to severance benefits under the Severance Plan if his or her employment is terminated as a result of (1) job elimination resulting from a business reorganization, reduction in force, facility closure, or business consolidation; (2) job elimination resulting from a sale or merger; or (3) lack of an available position following a return from a certified medical leave of absence or work related injury or illness, in each case subject to the approval of director elections,the Chief Human Resources Officer and the Chairman of our Compensation Committee. The Severance Plan is described in favormore detail below under “Potential Payments Upon Termination”.

37


Executive Compensation Governance Practices

2023 Stock Ownership Guidelines

In order to align management and stockholder interests, the Company maintains stock ownership guidelines for our executive officers. These guidelines, stated as a multiple of each person nominatedbase salary are:

Employee Group

Multiple of Base Salary

CEO

6x

Other NEOs

3x

Other Covered Executives

2x-3x

An executive covered by the ownership guidelines must hold at least 50% of the net after-tax shares acquired from the Company pursuant to any equity-based awards received from the Company until the individual ownership guideline is met. There is no minimum time period to meet the ownership requirement. As of April 15, 2024, all currently employed NEOs, who are subject to the ownership guidelines were in compliance.

Hedging and Pledging Policies

The Company’s Securities Trading Policy requires executive officers and directors to consult the Company’s Legal department prior to engaging in transactions involving the Company’s securities. The Company’s Securities Trading Policy prohibits directors, officers and employees from hedging or monetization transactions including, but not limited to, through the use of financial instruments such as exchange funds, variable forward contracts, equity swaps, puts, calls, and other derivative instruments, or through the establishment of a short position in the Company’s securities. The Company’s Securities Trading Policy limits the pledging of Company securities to those situations approved by the Company’s General Counsel.

Tax and Accounting Considerations

The Compensation Committee may consider the impact of tax and accounting consequences when developing and implementing the Company’s executive compensation programs to structure a program that we consider to be the most effective in attracting, motivating and retaining the Company’s executives and key employees.

Clawback Policy

We have adopted a clawback and recoupment policy that covers all executive officers as well as all participants receiving awards under our incentive compensation plans and certain other individuals designated by the Board or the NominatingCompensation Committee (collectively, the “Covered Individuals”). Under the policy, any incentive award or payment that is in excess of the amount that a Covered Individual should otherwise have received under the terms of such award for any reason, the Covered Individual is required to repay any such excess amount to the Company. In addition, the Compensation Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide for the cancellation of outstanding awards or forfeiture and Corporate Governance Committee),repayment of any gain or (ii)amount realized on the vesting, exercise or payment of awards if a participant engages in Detrimental Activity (as defined in the same proportion as the shares owned by other stockholders are voted.

The Stockholders Agreement also requires Hill Path to not transfer any sharesPlan). In light of the Company unless it isSEC’s adoption of final clawback rules in October 2022, on November 13, 2023, we adopted a “Permitted Transfer”supplemental clawback and recoupment policy pursuant to NYSE Rule 303A.14.

Our equity awards are subject to restrictive covenants and may be subject to clawback or forfeiture as well if the recipient breaches any of the restrictive covenants or otherwise engages in any "Detrimental Activity", as defined in the Stockholders Agreement. Plan.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table provides summary information concerning compensation paid or accrued by us to or on behalf of our named executive officers for services rendered to us for the fiscal years indicated.

38


Name and Principal Position

 

Year

 

Salary
($)
(1)

 

 

Bonus
($)
(2)

 

 

Stock
Awards
($)
(3)

 

 

Option
Awards
($)
(3)

 

 

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
(4)

 

 

All Other
Compensation
($)
(5)

 

 

Total
($)

 

Marc G. Swanson

 

2023

 

 

450,000

 

 

 

37,969

 

 

 

337,451

 

 

 

270,746

 

 

 

2,632

 

 

 

7,733

 

 

 

1,106,531

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

2022

 

 

450,000

 

 

 

44,176

 

 

 

337,488

 

 

 

261,401

 

 

 

36,723

 

 

 

7,232

 

 

 

1,137,020

 

 

 

2021

 

 

432,757

 

 

 

126,563

 

 

 

758,142

 

 

 

454,061

 

 

 

236,774

 

 

 

1,103

 

 

 

2,009,400

 

James (Jim) W. Forrester Jr.(6)

 

2023

 

 

275,868

 

 

 

12,825

 

 

 

331,209

 

 

 

187,139

 

 

 

9,439

 

 

 

7,120

 

 

 

823,600

 

Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michelle (Chelle) Adams(7)

 

2023

 

 

237,778

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

120,320

 

 

 

 

 

 

630

 

 

 

358,728

 

Former Chief Transformation Officer, Former Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

2022

 

 

215,343

 

 

 

13,089

 

 

 

1,700,305

 

 

 

2,256,427

 

 

 

10,881

 

 

 

75,504

 

 

 

4,271,549

 

James (Jim) Hughes(8)

 

2023

 

 

250,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

699,947

 

 

 

37,607

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,456

 

 

 

991,010

 

Former Chief Human Resources Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kyle R. Miller(9)

 

2023

 

 

247,500

 

 

 

16,250

 

 

 

499,932

 

 

 

179,262

 

 

 

780

 

 

 

740

 

 

 

944,464

 

Chief Parks Operations Officer - Florida Parks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Byron Surrett(9)

 

2023

 

 

245,833

 

 

 

15,450

 

 

 

499,932

 

 

 

179,262

 

 

 

780

 

 

 

7,088

 

 

 

948,345

 

Chief Parks Operations Officer - Non-Florida Parks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)
Amounts included in this column reflect actual salary earned during each fiscal year while employed by the Company.
(2)
Amounts included in this column for 2023 reflect actual cash discretionary bonus amounts earned in 2023 under the 2023 Annual Bonus Plan. Amount included in this column for Mr. Miller and Mr. Surrett for 2023 include a one-time stay cash bonus of $5,000 and $4,200, respectively.
(3)
Amounts included for 2023 reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of restricted stock units and option awards, as applicable, calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718 utilizing the assumptions discussed in Note 18 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. These amounts include RSUs, PSUs and option awards. In accordance with ASC Topic 718, for awards subject to performance conditions, the amounts shown in the table reflect the probable outcome of the performance conditions, if any, as of the grant date. Assuming the highest level of achievement on performance awards as of the grant date, as approved by the Compensation Committee, the aggregate grant date fair value of all performance-based stock granted in fiscal 2023 would have added additional value as follows: Mr. Swanson– $2,109,292; Mr. Forrester– $809,268; Ms. Adams– $899,962; Mr. Hughes– $306,208; Mr. Miller– $746,712; and Mr. Surrett– $746,712.
(4)
Amounts included in this column for 2023 reflect actual cash non-discretionary bonus amounts earned in 2023 under the 2023 Annual Bonus Plan.
(5)
Amounts reported under All Other Compensation for fiscal 2023 include the following:

Description

 

Marc
G. Swanson

 

 

James (Jim) W. Forrester Jr.

 

 

Michelle (Chelle) Adams

 

 

James (Jim) Hughes

 

 

Kyle R. Miller

 

 

Byron Surrett

 

 

Life and long-term disability insurance premiums
   paid by us on behalf of our named executive
   officers

 

$

1,133

 

 

$

520

 

 

$

630

 

 

$

876

 

 

$

740

 

 

$

488

 

 

Contributions to our 401(k) plan on behalf of our
   named executive officers

 

 

6,600

 

 

 

6,600

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,580

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,600

 

 

Total All Other Compensation

 

$

7,733

 

 

$

7,120

 

 

$

630

 

 

$

3,456

 

 

$

740

 

 

$

7,088

 

 

In addition, Hill Path may effect any other transfer providedthe named executive officers (and their spouses) each receive a Corporate Executive Card that other than inentitles them and an underwritten public offering or underwritten or registered block trade, or a Permitted Transfer, Hill Pathunlimited number of guests to complimentary access to our theme parks. There is not permittedno incremental cost to transfer sharesus associated with the use of the CompanyCorporate Executive Card.

(6)
On January 27, 2023, the Board appointed Mr. Forrester to certain restricted entities or,serve as Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.
(7)
On January 27, 2023, the Board promoted Ms. Adams to the knowledgerole of Hill Path or its broker, a person or group who is a 25% stockholder or who would thereby become a 25% stockholder.

The Stockholders Agreement also includes a customary standstill provision,Chief Transformation Officer. Ms. Adams resigned as Chief Transformation Officer, effective as of which certain limitations expired 15 days priorAugust 4, 2023.

(8)
Mr. Hughes left the Company on April 22, 2024.
(9)
On January 27, 2023, the Board promoted Mr. Miller to the expirationrole of Chief Parks Operations Officer for all the Florida parks and promoted Mr. Surrett to Chief Parks Operations Officer for all the non-Florida parks.

39


Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2023

The following table provides information relating to grants of plan-based awards made to our named executive officers during 2023.

 

 

 

 

Estimated Possible
Payouts Under Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Awards
(1)

 

Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive
Plan Awards

 

All
Other
Stock
Awards:
Number
of Shares
of Stock
or Units

 

All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options

 

Exercise
Price of
Option
Awards

 

Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards
(2)

 

Name

Award
Type

Grant
Date

 

Threshold
($)

 

Target
($)

 

Maximum
($)

 

Threshold
(#)

 

Target
(#)

 

Maximum
(#)

 

(#)

 

(#)

 

($/Sh)

 

($)

 

Marc G. Swanson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Cash Incentive

 

 

 

121,838

 

 

270,000

 

 

354,375

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance-Vesting
   Restricted Stock Units
(3)

5/11/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,929

 

 

23,717

 

 

35,575

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Equity Incentive(4)

8/10/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,381

 

 

6,596

 

 

8,245

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

337,451

 

 

Stock Options(5)

5/11/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,905

 

 

56.92

 

 

270,746

 

James (Jim) W. Forrester Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Cash Incentive

 

 

 

26,933

 

 

91,200

 

 

119,700

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

Time-Vesting
   Restricted Stock Units
(6)

3/2/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

266

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,274

 

 

Time-Vesting
   Restricted Stock Units
(6)

3/2/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,079

 

 

 

 

 

 

199,951

 

 

Performance-Vesting
   Restricted Stock Units
(3)

5/11/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

878

 

 

3,513

 

 

5,269

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance-Vesting
   Restricted Stock Units
(3)

5/11/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,408

 

 

5,632

 

 

8,448

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Equity Incentive(4)

8/10/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

526

 

 

2,228

 

 

2,785

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

113,984

 

 

Stock Options(5)

3/2/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,079

 

 

64.94

 

 

122,852

 

 

Stock Options(5)

5/11/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,877

 

 

56.92

 

 

64,287

 

Michelle (Chelle) Adams

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance-Vesting
   Restricted Stock Units
(3)

5/11/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,635

 

 

10,541

 

 

15,811

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock Options(5)

5/11/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,513

 

 

56.92

 

 

120,320

 

James (Jim) Hughes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Cash Incentive

 

 

 

33,625

 

 

90,000

 

 

105,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time-Vesting
   Restricted Stock Units
(6)

3/2/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,239

 

 

 

 

 

 

599,980

 

 

Performance-Vesting
   Restricted Stock Units
(3)

5/11/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

823

 

 

3,294

 

 

4,941

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Equity Incentive(4)

8/10/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

657

 

 

1,954

 

 

2,442

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99,967

 

 

Stock Options(5)

5/11/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,098

 

 

56.92

 

 

37,607

 

Kyle R. Miller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Cash Incentive

 

 

 

36,100

 

 

80,000

 

 

105,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time-Vesting
   Restricted Stock Units
(6)

3/2/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,159

 

 

 

 

 

 

399,965

 

 

Performance-Vesting
   Restricted Stock Units
(3)

5/11/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

878

 

 

3,513

 

 

5,269

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance-Vesting
   Restricted Stock Units
(3)

5/11/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,235

 

 

4,941

 

 

7,411

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Equity Incentive(4)

8/10/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

705

 

 

1,954

 

 

2,442

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99,967

 

 

Stock Options(5)

3/2/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,079

 

 

64.94

 

 

122,852

 

 

Stock Options(5)

5/11/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,647

 

 

56.92

 

 

56,410

 

Byron Surrett

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Cash Incentive

 

 

 

36,100

 

 

80,000

 

 

105,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time-Vesting
   Restricted Stock Units
(6)

3/2/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,159

 

 

 

 

 

 

399,965

 

 

Performance-Vesting
   Restricted Stock Units
(3)

5/11/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

878

 

 

3,513

 

 

5,269

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance-Vesting
   Restricted Stock Units
(3)

5/11/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,235

 

 

4,941

 

 

7,411

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Equity Incentive(4)

8/10/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

705

 

 

1,954

 

 

2,442

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99,967

 

 

Stock Options(5)

3/2/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,079

 

 

64.94

 

 

122,852

 

 

Stock Options(5)

5/11/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,647

 

 

56.92

 

 

56,410

 

(1)
Reflects possible cash payouts under the non-discretionary portion of our 2023 Annual Bonus Plan. Maximum achievement assumed at 125%. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Calculation of 2023 Annual Bonus Awards as a Percent of Target” for a discussion of threshold, target and maximum cash incentive compensation payouts.
(2)
Reflects grant date fair value of the advance notice deadlinerestricted stock unit and option awards, calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718 and utilizing the assumptions discussed in Note 17 to our consolidated financial statements for the Company’s 2020 Annual Meeting. Other standstill limitations, which impose limitations on Hill Path for so long asyear ended December 31, 2023. For awards that are subject to performance conditions, these amounts reflect the Stockholders Agreement is in effect, include prohibiting Hill Path and its affiliates from, among other things, acquiring or proposing to acquire securitiesprobable outcome of the Company (or derivatives thereto) if, after giving effect to such acquisition, Hill Path and its affiliates would own an amount in excess of 34.9%performance conditions as of the Company’sgrant date, which is below threshold for the 2023 Long-Term Incentive Plan, and target for the 2023 Annual Bonus Plan.
(3)
Amounts shown reflect possible payouts relating to the three-year performance period for performance-vesting restricted stock granted under our 2023 Long-term Incentive Plan. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—2023 Long-Term Incentive Awards” for further discussion.
(4)
Amounts shown reflect possible equity payouts under our 2023 Annual Bonus Plan. Maximum achievement assumed at 125%.
(5)
Amounts shown reflect grants of stock options in 2023.

40


(6)
Amounts shown reflect grants of time-vesting restricted stock unit awards in 2023, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Special Awards” for grants to Messrs. Forrester, Hughes, Miller and Surrett.

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2023 Fiscal-Year End

The following table provides information regarding outstanding equity awards made to our named executive officers as of December 31, 2023.

 

 

Option Awards

 

Stock Awards

 

Name

 

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
(1)

 

 

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
(2)

 

 

Option
Exercise
Price ($)

 

 

Option
Expiration
Date

 

Number of
Shares or
Units That
Have Not
Vested (#)
(3)

 

 

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units That
Have Not
Vested ($)
(4)

 

 

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested (#)
(5)

 

 

Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or
Other Rights
That
Have Not
Vested ($)
(4)

 

Marc G. Swanson

 

 

6,306

 

 

 

9,460

 

 

 

50.74

 

 

3/14/2031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,318

 

 

 

4,636

 

 

 

64.71

 

 

3/15/2032

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,905

 

 

 

56.92

 

 

5/11/2033

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

38,968

 

 

 

2,058,679

 

 

 

11,144

 

 

 

588,738

 

James (Jim) W. Forrester Jr.

 

 

895

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

25.70

 

 

3/14/2029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

120

 

 

 

182

 

 

 

50.74

 

 

3/14/2031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

39

 

 

 

79

 

 

 

64.71

 

 

3/15/2032

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

94

 

 

 

188

 

 

 

54.67

 

 

8/8/2032

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,079

 

 

 

64.94

 

 

3/2/2033

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,877

 

 

 

56.92

 

 

5/11/2033

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,653

 

 

 

351,478

 

 

 

2,585

 

 

 

136,566

 

James (Jim) Hughes

 

 

311

 

 

 

623

 

 

 

53.49

 

 

8/29/2032

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

125

 

 

 

252

 

 

 

55.25

 

 

11/11/2032

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,098

 

 

 

56.92

 

 

5/11/2033

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,862

 

 

 

521,009

 

 

 

1,338

 

 

 

70,687

 

Kyle R. Miller

 

 

692

 

 

 

1,042

 

 

 

50.74

 

 

3/14/2031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

226

 

 

 

453

 

 

 

64.71

 

 

3/15/2032

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,079

 

 

 

64.94

 

 

3/2/2033

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,647

 

 

 

56.92

 

 

5/11/2033

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,856

 

 

 

1,365,972

 

 

 

2,622

 

 

 

138,520

 

Byron Surrett

 

 

1,069

 

 

 

 

 

 

18.17

 

 

3/1/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

972

 

 

 

 

 

 

25.70

 

 

3/14/2029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

962

 

 

 

 

 

 

25.70

 

 

3/14/2029

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,837

 

 

 

 

 

 

27.21

 

 

2/28/2030

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

630

 

 

 

946

 

 

 

50.74

 

 

3/14/2031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

206

 

 

 

412

 

 

 

64.71

 

 

3/15/2032

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,079

 

 

 

64.94

 

 

3/2/2033

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,647

 

 

 

56.92

 

 

5/11/2033

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18,046

 

 

 

953,370

 

 

 

2,576

 

 

 

136,090

 

41


(1)
Reflects time-vesting nonqualified stock options that vested and were exercisable as of December 31, 2023.
(2)
Reflects time-vesting nonqualified stock options that had not vested as of December 31, 2023. The following provides information with respect to the remaining vesting schedule of the time-vesting nonqualified stock options that had not vested as of December 31, 2023:

Mr. Swanson—of these outstanding nonqualified stock options: (i) 9,460 with an exercise price of $50.74 vested on March 14, 2024; (ii) 2,318 with an exercise price of $64.71 vested on March 15, 2024 and 2,318 vest on March 15, 2025; and (iii) 7,905 with an exercise price of $56.92 vest in equal installments on May 11, 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Mr. Forrester—of these outstanding nonqualified stock options: (i) 769 with an exercise price of $64.94 vested on March 2, 2024 and the remaining 2,310 vest in equal installments on March 2, 2025, 2026, and 2027; (ii) 182 with an exercise price of $50.74 vested on March 14, 2024; (iii) 39 with an exercise price of $64.71 vested on March 15, 2024 and 40 vest on March 15, 2025; (iv) 625 with an exercise price of $56.92 vest on May 11, 2024, 626 vest on May 11, 2025, and 626 vest on May 11, 2026; and (v) 188 with an exercise price of $54.67 vest in equal installments on August 8, 2024 and 2025.

Mr. Hughes—All remaining options that had not vested as of April 22, 2024 forfeited on such date in connection with Mr. Hughes' departure from the Company.

Mr. Miller—of these outstanding nonqualified stock options: (i) 769 with an exercise price of $64.94 vested on March 2, 2024 and the remaining 2,310 vest in equal installments on March 2, 2025, 2026, and 2027; (ii) 1,042 with an exercise price of $50.74 vested on March 14, 2024; (iii) 226 with an exercise price of $64.71 vested on March 15, 2024 and 227 vest on March 15, 2025; and (iv) 1,647 with an exercise price of $56.92 vest in equal installments on May 11, 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Mr. Surrett—of these outstanding nonqualified stock options: (i) 769 with an exercise price of $64.94 vested on March 2, 2024 and the remaining 2,310 vest in equal installments on March 2, 2025, 2026, and 2027; (ii) 946 with an exercise price of $50.74 vested on March 14, 2024; (iii) 206 with an exercise price of $64.71 vested on March 15, 2024 and 206 vest on March 15, 2025; and (iv) 1,647 with an exercise price of $56.92 vest in equal installments on May 11, 2024, 2025, and 2026.

(3)
Reflects time-vesting shares or units of commonrestricted stock (or 39.9% if permittedthat had not vested as of December 31, 2023 and performance-vesting units of restricted stock where performance conditions have been satisfied but units have not vested as of December 31, 2023 due to service conditions. In particular, includes performance-vesting units of restricted stock under the 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan and 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan that relate to the 2023 performance period and performance-vesting units of restricted stock under the Company’s indebtedness)2023 annual bonus plan. The following provides information with respect to the remaining vesting schedule of the shares or units of restricted stock that had not vested as of December 31, 2023:

Mr. Swanson—of these outstanding restricted awards: (i) 22,982 are performance-vesting units of restricted stock pertaining to the 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan which vested on March 8, 2024 based on the Company’s performance in 2023; (ii) 11,174 are performance-vesting units of restricted stock pertaining to the 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan which vested on March 8, 2024 based on the Company’s performance in 2023; (iii) 793 are performance-vesting units of restricted stock pertaining to the 2023 annual bonus plan which vested on April 23, 2024; and (iv) 4,019 are time-vesting units of restricted stock that will vest on May 10, 2024.

Mr. Forrester—of these outstanding restricted awards: (i) 1,343 are performance-vesting units of restricted stock pertaining to the 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan which vested on March 8, 2024 based on the Company’s performance in 2023; (ii) 214 are performance-vesting units of restricted stock pertaining to the 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan which vested on March 8, 2024 based on the Company’s performance in 2023; (iii) 435 are performance-vesting units of restricted stock pertaining to the 2023 annual bonus plan which vested on April 23, 2024; (iv) 3,079 are time-vesting units of restricted stock of which 769 vested on March 2, 2024, and the remaining will vest in equal installments on March 2, 2025, 2026, and 2027; (v) 266 are time-vesting units of restricted stock of which 133 vested on March 2, 2024, and the remaining will vest on March 2, 2025; (vi) 240 are time-vesting units of restricted stock which vested on March 15, 2024; and (vii) 1,076 are time-vesting units of restricted stock of which 269 will vest on May 9, 2024, 269 will vest on May 9, 2025, and the remaining will vest on May 9, 2026.

Mr. Hughes—of these outstanding restricted awards 2,309 are time-vesting units of restricted stock which vested on March 2, 2024. All remaining restricted awards that had not vested as of April 22, 2024 forfeited on such date in connection with Mr. Hughes' departure from the Company.

Mr. Miller—of these outstanding restricted awards: (i) 13,356 are performance-vesting units of restricted stock pertaining to the 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan which vested on March 8, 2024 based on the Company’s performance in 2023; (ii) 1,228 are performance-vesting units of restricted stock pertaining to the 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan which vested on March 8, 2024 based on the Company’s performance in 2023; (iii) 235 are performance-vesting units of restricted stock pertaining to the 2023 annual bonus plan which vested on April 23, 2024; (iv) 6,159 are time-vesting units of restricted stock of which 1,539 vested on March 2, 2024, and the remaining will vest in equal installments on March 2, 2025, 2026, and 2027; (v) 4,304 are time-vesting units of restricted stock of which 1,076 will vest on May 9, 2024, 1,076 will vest on May 9, 2025, and the remaining will vest on May 9, 2026; and (vi) 574 are time-vesting units of restricted stock that will vest on May 10, 2024.

Mr. Surrett—of these outstanding restricted awards: (i) 5,657 are performance-vesting units of restricted stock pertaining to the 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan which vested on March 8, 2024 based on the Company’s performance in 2023; (ii) 1,117 are performance-vesting units of restricted stock pertaining to the 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan which vested on March 8, 2024 based on the Company’s performance in 2023; (iii) 235 are performance-vesting units of restricted stock pertaining to the 2023 annual bonus plan which vested on April 23, 2024; (iv) 6,159 are time-vesting units of restricted stock of which 1,539 vested on March 2, 2024, and the remaining will vest in equal installments on March 2, 2025, 2026, and 2027; (v) 4,304 are time-vesting units of restricted stock of which 1,076 will vest on May 9, 2024, 1,076 will vest on

42


May 9, 2025, and the remaining will vest on May 9, 2026; and (vi) 574 are time-vesting units of restricted stock that will vest on May 10, 2024.

(4)
Market value is based upon the closing market price of our common stock on December 29, 2023.
(5)
Reflects performance-vesting shares of restricted stock under the 2023 Long-Term Incentive Plan and 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan that have not been earned as of December 31, 2023.

The performance-vesting units of restricted stock granted to Messrs. Swanson, Forrester, Hughes, Miller and Surrett under the 2023 Long-Term Incentive Plan will vest, if at all, based on the Company’s achievement of growth metrics in Adjusted EBITDA and other growth related metrics for the performance period beginning on January 1, 2023 and ending on December 31, 2025. As of December 31, 2023, the achievement level with respect to these metrics was below threshold, accordingly, the number and value of the units of performance-vesting restricted stock that are expected to vest reported in the table reflect amounts based on threshold performance. The actual number of units that will vest with respect to the performance-vesting units of restricted stock granted to Messrs. Swanson, Forrester, Hughes, Miller and Surrett under the 2023 Long-Term Incentive Plan is not determinable.

The performance-vesting units of restricted stock granted to Messrs. Swanson, Forrester, Hughes, Miller and Surrett under the 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan will vest, if at all, based on the Company’s achievement of growth metrics in Adjusted EBITDA and other growth related metrics for the performance period beginning on January 1, 2022 and ending on December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, the achievement level with respect to these metrics was below threshold, accordingly, the number and value of the units of performance-vesting restricted stock that are expected to vest reported in the table reflect amounts based on threshold performance. The actual number of units that will vest with respect to the performance-vesting units of restricted stock granted to Messrs. Swanson, Forrester, Hughes, Miller and Surrett under the 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan is not determinable.

The following table provides information regarding the number of shares or units at threshold under the 2023 Long-Term Incentive Plan and the 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan outstanding as of December 31, 2023:

 

 

2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan

 

 

2023 Long-Term Incentive Plan

 

Name

 

Number of
Shares or
Units That
Have Not
Vested (#)

 

 

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units That
Have Not
Vested ($)

 

 

Number of
Shares or
Units That
Have Not
Vested (#)

 

 

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units That
Have Not
Vested ($)

 

Marc G. Swanson

 

 

5,215

 

 

 

275,508

 

 

 

5,929

 

 

 

313,230

 

James (Jim) W. Forrester Jr.

 

 

299

 

 

 

15,796

 

 

 

2,286

 

 

 

120,770

 

James (Jim) Hughes(1)

 

 

515

 

 

 

27,207

 

 

 

823

 

 

 

43,480

 

Kyle R. Miller

 

 

509

 

 

 

26,890

 

 

 

2,113

 

 

 

111,630

 

Byron Surrett

 

 

463

 

 

 

24,460

 

 

 

2,113

 

 

 

111,630

 

(1)
The awards for Mr. Hughes were forfeited in connection with his departure on April 22, 2024.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested in 2023

The following table provides information regarding the values realized by our named executive officers upon the vesting of stock awards in 2023.

 

 

Option Awards

 

 

Stock Awards

 

Name

 

Number of Shares
Acquired on
Exercise (#)

 

 

Value Realized on
Exercise ($)
(1)

 

 

Number of Shares
Acquired on
Vesting (#)

 

 

Value Realized on
Vesting ($)
(2)

 

Marc G. Swanson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23,293

 

 

 

1,494,486

 

James (Jim) W. Forrester Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,351

 

 

 

84,897

 

Michelle (Chelle) Adams

 

 

12,115

 

 

 

68,569

 

 

 

12,553

 

 

 

738,476

 

James (Jim) Hughes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

455

 

 

 

24,607

 

Kyle R. Miller

 

 

12,568

 

 

 

422,553

 

 

 

10,003

 

 

 

638,649

 

Byron Surrett

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,154

 

 

 

325,511

 

(1)
The value realized on exercise is based on the market price of our common stock at the time of exercise.

43


(2)
The value realized on vesting is based on the closing market price of our common stock on the applicable vesting date (or the previous trading day if the vesting date was not a trading day). (Hill Path’s current ownership percentage exceeds 39.9%

Pension Benefits

We have no pension benefits for the executive officers.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for 2023

We have no nonqualified defined contribution or other nonqualified deferred compensation plans for executive officers.

Potential Payments upon Termination

The following table describes the potential payments and benefits that would have been payable to our named executive officers under existing plans assuming a termination of their employment for reasons other than willful misconduct on December 29, 2023, which was the last business day of fiscal 2023.

The amounts shown in the table do not include payments and benefits to the extent they are provided generally to all salaried employees upon termination of employment and do not discriminate in scope, terms or operation in favor of the named executive officers. These include accrued but unpaid salary, accrued but unpaid vacation and distributions of plan balances under our 401(k) savings plan.

Name

 

Cash Severance
Payment
($)
(1)

 

 

Continuation of
Group Health Plans
($)
(2)

 

 

Value of Accelerated
Vesting of Equity
Awards
($)
(3)

 

 

Total ($)

 

Marc G. Swanson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voluntary resignation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination under Severance Plan(4)

 

 

940,601

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

965,601

 

Termination due to death or "disability"

 

 

40,601

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,961,821

 

 

 

2,002,422

 

Change in Control (double trigger)(5)

 

 

940,601

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

2,078,451

 

 

 

3,044,052

 

Change in Control (good reason)(6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,036,557

 

 

 

2,036,557

 

James (Jim) W. Forrester Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voluntary resignation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination under Severance Plan(4)

 

 

307,264

 

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

322,264

 

Termination due to death or "disability"

 

 

22,264

 

 

 

 

 

 

142,365

 

 

 

164,629

 

Change in Control (double trigger)(5)

 

 

307,264

 

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

351,858

 

 

 

674,122

 

Change in Control (good reason)(6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

328,877

 

 

 

328,877

 

James (Jim) Hughes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voluntary resignation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination under Severance Plan(4)

 

 

375,000

 

 

 

20,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

395,000

 

Termination due to death or "disability"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

107,229

 

 

 

107,229

 

Change in Control (double trigger)(5)

 

 

375,000

 

 

 

20,000

 

 

 

521,228

 

 

 

916,228

 

Change in Control (good reason)(6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

521,228

 

 

 

521,228

 

Kyle R. Miller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voluntary resignation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination under Severance Plan(4)

 

 

262,030

 

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

277,030

 

Termination due to death or "disability"

 

 

12,030

 

 

 

 

 

 

898,158

 

 

 

910,188

 

Change in Control (double trigger)(5)

 

 

262,030

 

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

1,368,150

 

 

 

1,645,180

 

Change in Control (good reason)(6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,355,735

 

 

 

1,355,735

 

Byron Surrett

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voluntary resignation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination under Severance Plan(4)

 

 

262,030

 

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

277,030

 

Termination due to death or "disability"

 

 

12,030

 

 

 

 

 

 

485,395

 

 

 

497,425

 

Change in Control (double trigger)(5)

 

 

262,030

 

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

955,347

 

 

 

1,232,377

 

Change in Control (good reason)(6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

942,932

 

 

 

942,932

 

(1)
Cash severance includes amounts payable to executive with respect to salary and bonus. See “Severance Arrangements and Restrictive Covenants” below for information about how these amounts are calculated.
(2)
Reflects a lump sum cash payment intended to be used to defray the employee’s post-termination health insurance expenses.

44


(3)
Upon a termination of employment without cause (other than due to death or disability) or, by some executives to the extent they are entitled to terminate employment for “good reason”, for good reason, in each case, within 12 months following a change in control, our named executive officers’ unvested options and time-vesting units or shares of restricted stock generally immediately vest.

Upon a termination of executive’s employment due to death or disability, the number of performance-vesting units granted under the 2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan and 2021 Long-Term Incentive Plan earned immediately vest.

Upon a termination of employment due to death or “disability,” a pro rata portion of the next installment of unvested options and time-vesting units or shares immediately vest.

See “Treatment of Long-Term Incentive and Equity Awards Upon a Termination or Change of Control.

The amounts reported in this column represent the value of unvested restricted units or shares based on the closing market price of our stock on December 29, 2023. The value of unvested stock options is calculated as the difference between the close price on December 29, 2023 and the stock option exercise price, unless the stock option exercise price is higher than the close price, in which case these stock options were not assigned a value. Amounts reported in this column with respect to the 2019 and 2021 performance-vesting unit awards earned as of December 31, 2023. Includes terminations relating to (1) job elimination resulting from a business reorganization, reduction in force, facility closure, or business consolidation, (2) job elimination resulting from a sale or merger; or (3) a lack of available position following a return from a certified medical leave of absence or work-related injury or illness.

(4)
Includes terminations relating to (1) job elimination resulting from a business reorganization, reduction in force, facility closure, or business consolidation, (2) job elimination resulting from a sale or merger; or (3) a lack of available position following a return from a certified medical leave of absence or work-related injury or illness.
(5)
For purposes of this table, Change in Control (double trigger) assumes that both a termination of employment without cause and a change in control occur on December 31, 2023.
(6)
For purposes of this table, Change in Control (good reason) assumes that both a termination by the executive for “good reason” and a change in control occur on December 31, 2023.

Severance Arrangements and Restrictive Covenants

None of our named executive officers have employment agreements. However, we have adopted the Key Employee Severance Plan (the “Severance Plan”) for the benefit of certain key employees. Each of the named executive officers employed at year-end was eligible for severance pay and benefits under the Severance Plan. All severance pay and benefits under the Severance Plan must be approved by the Chief Human Resources Officer and the Chairman of the Compensation Committee.

Messrs. Swanson, Forrester, Hughes, Miller and Surrett.

Pursuant to the Severance Plan, if the employment of Messrs. Swanson, Forrester, Hughes, Miller and Surrett terminates as a result of (1) job elimination resulting from a business reorganization, reduction in force, facility closure, or business consolidation; (2) job elimination resulting from a sale or merger; or (3) lack of an available position following a return from a certified medical leave of absence or work related injury or illness, in each case subject to the approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer and the Chairman of our Compensation Committee, Messrs. Swanson, Forrester, Hughes, Miller and Surrett will be entitled to receive:

Severance pay equal to 24 months of annual base salary for Mr. Swanson, 18 months of annual base salary for Mr. Hughes, and 12 months of annual base salary for Messrs. Forrester, Miller and Surrett, payable in substantially equal, bi-monthly installments made in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll schedule;
the pro-rata portion (pro-rated through the date of termination) of the annual cash bonus he or she would have otherwise been entitled to receive based on actual performance had he or she remained employed through the payment date (not to exceed his or her annual target bonus amount); and
a lump sum cash payment equal to $25,000 for Mr. Swanson, $20,000 for Mr. Hughes, and $15,000 for Messrs. Forrester, Miller and Surrett, which is intended to defray post-termination health insurance expenses.

In order to be eligible for the Severance Plan benefits, an eligible key employee must sign and return a release and waiver of claims that will include but is not limited to (1) a one-year non-compete covenant; (2) a two-year non-solicitation covenant; (3) a non-disparagement covenant; (4) confidentiality clauses prohibiting the disclosure of confidential information and the existence of the separation agreement and release and waiver of claims; (5) an agreement to cooperate in any current or future legal matters relating to activities or matters occurring during such employee’s term of employment; and (6) the release of any and all claims that such employee may have against us.

45


No benefits are payable under the Severance Plan if (1) the eligible key employee fails or refuses to return the separation agreement and release and waiver of claims; (2) the eligible employee voluntarily terminates his or her employment for any reason; (3) the eligible employee terminates as a result of (or grounds for termination existed at the time of termination by reason of the following) (i) misconduct; or (ii) violation of Company rules, policies or practices; or (iii) poor performance; or (4) death, disability or failure to return after an approved leave of absence.

Treatment of Long-Term Incentive and Equity Awards upon Termination or Change in Control

Except as otherwise noted above in “Potential Payments Upon Termination—Severance Agreements and Restrictive Covenants”, in connection with a termination of employment or change in control (as defined in the applicable award agreement), long-term incentive and equity awards are generally subject to the following treatment:

Stock options and time-vesting awards. With respect to stock option and time-vesting share or unit awards granted prior share repurchasesto calendar year 2019, to the extent unvested, upon a termination of an executive’s employment by the Company which precludes Hill Path from acquiring additional Company securitieswithout cause or certain derivatives related thereto withouta termination due to the Board’s consent).

executive’s death or disability, in each case within 12 months following a change in control, all unvested stock option and time-vesting share or unit awards will immediately vest and become exercisable. In connection with any acquisition transaction involving moreaddition, generally, upon a termination due to the executive’s death or disability, other than 50%within 12 months following a change in control, or “qualified retirement” (as defined in the applicable award agreement), a pro-rata portion of the Company’s equity securities, assets, revenues or net income, Hill Path has agreed that the price per share received by Hill Path in connection with the acquisition transaction shall be identical to the price per share received by other stockholders.next installment of such awards will immediately vest. If the formexecutive’s employment terminates for any other reason other than as described above, all unvested stock options and time-vesting shares will immediately be forfeited.

With respect to stock options and time-vesting units granted in calendar year 2019 and later, upon a termination of consideration per share receivedan executive’s employment by Hill Path is not identicalthe Company without cause (other than due to the form of consideration per share receiveddeath or disability) or, by other stockholders, the Hill Path Designees shall recuse themselves from the consideration, evaluationcertain executives, for good reason, in each case, within 12 months following a change in control, all unvested stock options/time-vesting units will immediately vest and other processes of the Board or any duly authorized committee thereofbecome exercisable. In addition, with respect to certain executives, all unvested stock-options will vest and become exercisable, subject to continued employment, on the acquisition transaction.

-21-


The Stockholders Agreement terminates when Hill Path and its affiliates, in12-month anniversary of a change of control. Generally upon a termination due to the aggregate, hold less than 5%executive’s death or disability, a pro-rata portion of the Company’s common stock.next installment of such stock options and time-vesting units will immediately vest. If the executive’s employment terminates for any other reason other than as described above, all unvested stock options and time-vesting units will be forfeited.

SummaryPerformance-vesting shares/units. Upon a change in control during the performance period, the number of performance-vesting units that would have been earned at the end of the Amendment

In connectionfiscal year in which a change in control occurs as determined in good faith based on anticipated performance (the “specified number”), are eligible to vest on the first anniversary of such change in control, subject to continued employment. Any remaining performance-vesting units will remain outstanding and eligible to vest in accordance with the Share Repurchase Proposal, the Board has directed that the Amendmentoriginal terms, subject to the Stockholders Agreement be submitted to the Company’s stockholders for the Disinterested Stockholder Approval. The material termsadjustments. In addition, upon a termination of the Amendment are set forth below.

Amendment Waiver Approval: The Amendment provides that any waiveran executive’s employment by the Company fromwithout cause (other than due to death or amendmentdisability) or, by certain executives, for good reason, in each case, within 12 months following a change in control, the specified number of performance-vesting units will vest and all other performance-vesting units will be forfeited. Upon a termination of executive’s employment due to death or disability prior to the Amendment will require approval of a majorityend of the directors that are independent of Hill Path and its affiliates.

Take Private Approval: The Amendment provides that any take private transaction, sale or mergerperformance period, a pro-rata portion of the performance-vesting units will be eligible to vest based on actual performance. Any performance-vesting units that do not vest in accordance with the above shall immediately be forfeited. If the executive’s employment terminates for any reason other than as described above, all unvested performance-vesting units will be forfeited.

CEO Pay Ratio

Under Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K, we are required to determine and disclose the pay ratio of our Chief Executive Officer to that of our median employee.

As allowed under the rules, for 2023, we used the same median employee that was identified in 2022 since there has been no change in our employee population or employee compensation arrangements that we believe would significantly impact our pay ratio disclosure. For 2022, we identified the median employee by examining the 2022 total taxable cash wages for all of our employees, excluding our CEO, who were employed by us on November 22, 2022. We included all employees, whether employed on a full-time, part-time or seasonal basis. 2022 taxable cash wages, which information we obtained from our internal payroll records, included 2022 base salary or hourly wages, including overtime, paid through November 22, 2022 and actual annual bonus paid in 2022 for 2021 performance (if any). For our permanent full-time and part-time employees, base wages were annualized for those employees who joined the Company proposedin 2022. No normalization adjustments were made for our seasonal part-time employees. On December 21, 2023, we determined the median employee identified in 2022 was still active and the compensation paid in 2023 versus 2022 was largely unchanged. We believe this consistently applied compensation measure reasonably reflects annual compensation across our employee base.

We calculated annual total compensation for the median employee identified in 2023 for the full 2023 fiscal year using the same methodology we use for our named executive officers as set forth in the 2023 Summary Compensation Table elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. We believe the pay ratio disclosed herein is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K.

46


Based on the above, our Chief Executive Officer to median employee pay ratio is 64.3 to 1.

the median employee had 2023 annual total compensation of $17,206; and
the annual total compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, as reported in the 2023 Summary Compensation Table, was $1,106,531.

Pay Versus Performance

As required by Hill PathSection 953(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship between executive “compensation actually paid” and certain financial performance of our company for the last four fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Value of Initial $100 Investment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year

 

SCT Compensation for PEO

 

 

CAP Compensation for PEO

 

 

SCT Compensation for Sergio (Serge) Rivera

 

 

CAP Compensation for Sergio (Serge) Rivera

 

 

Average SCT Compensation for Other NEOs

 

 

Average CAP Compensation for Other NEOs

 

 

Company TSR

 

 

S&P Midcap 400

 

 

Net Income

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

 

(c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(d)

 

 

(e)

 

 

(f)

 

 

(g)

 

 

(h)

 

 

(i)

 

2023

 

$

1,106,531

 

 

$

1,084,459

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

813,230

 

 

$

(127,539

)

 

$

166.62

 

 

$

143.55

 

 

$

234.2

 

 

$

713.5

 

2022

 

$

1,137,020

 

 

$

511,807

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

2,336,474

 

 

$

1,947,828

 

 

$

168.73

 

 

$

123.29

 

 

$

291.2

 

 

$

728.2

 

2021

 

$

2,009,400

 

 

$

11,274,977

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

932,443

 

 

$

7,581,878

 

 

$

204.54

 

 

$

141.81

 

 

$

256.5

 

 

$

662.0

 

2020

 

$

1,993,055

 

 

$

3,145,415

 

 

$

208,248

 

 

$

(3,019,853

)

 

$

1,526,400

 

 

$

2,249,471

 

 

$

99.62

 

 

$

113.66

 

 

$

(312.3

)

 

$

(73.2

)

Column (a): Reflects related amounts for the respective years shown.

Column (b): For fiscal years 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020 reflects compensation amounts reported in the “Summary Compensation Table” ("SCT") for our CEO, Marc G. Swanson, (our principal executive officer ("PEO")), for the respective years shown. As previously disclosed, Sergio (Serge) Rivera served as our CEO from January 1, 2020 until his resignation on April 4, 2020, at which time Marc G. Swanson was appointed CEO.

Column (c): “Compensation actually paid” ("CAP") to our CEO in each of 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020, and for our former CEO in 2020, reflects the respective amounts set forth in column (b) of the table above, adjusted as set forth in the table below, as determined in accordance with SEC rules and calculation methodology. The dollar amounts reflected in column (c) of the table above do not reflect the actual amount of compensation earned by or directors affiliatedpaid to our CEO during the applicable year. We offer no pension benefits for executive officers so no adjustment for pension benefits is included in the table below. Additionally, the value of dividends, if any, or other earnings paid on stock and option awards are not included as such amounts are reflected in the fair value of awards and are only paid upon vesting. For information regarding the decisions made by our Compensation Committee regarding the CEO’s compensation for each fiscal year, please see the Compensation Discussion & Analysis sections of the proxy statements reporting pay for the fiscal years covered in these tables.

47


 

 

Marc G. Swanson

 

 

Sergio (Serge) Rivera

 

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

 

2020

 

SCT Total Compensation

 

$

1,106,531

 

 

$

1,137,020

 

 

$

2,009,400

 

 

$

1,993,055

 

 

$

208,248

 

LESS Stock and Option Award Values Reported in SCT for Covered Year

 

 

(608,197

)

 

 

(598,889

)

 

 

(1,212,203

)

 

 

(1,626,631

)

 

 

(51,236

)

PLUS Year End Fair Value of Unvested Stock and Option Awards Granted in the Covered Year

 

 

583,577

 

 

 

257,738

 

 

 

2,611,426

 

 

 

4,478,925

 

 

 

 

Year over Year CHANGE in Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Stock and Option Awards

 

 

(258,024

)

 

 

(865,018

)

 

 

6,104,682

 

 

 

26,687

 

 

 

 

PLUS Fair Value as of the Vesting Date of Stock and Option Awards Granted and Vested in the Covered Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

43,568

 

 

 

 

CHANGE in Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards granted in Prior Years that Vested in Covered Year

 

 

260,572

 

 

 

580,956

 

 

 

1,761,672

 

 

 

(249,001

)

 

 

(3,079

)

LESS Fair Value at the End of the Prior Year of Stock and Equity Awards that Failed to Meet Vesting Conditions in the Covered Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,521,188

)

 

 

(3,173,786

)

"Compensation Actually Paid"

 

$

1,084,459

 

 

$

511,807

 

 

$

11,274,977

 

 

$

3,145,415

 

 

$

(3,019,853

)

Column (d): For fiscal years 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020, non-CEO named executive officers were as follows and are included in the average figures shown:

2023: James (Jim) W. Forrester Jr., Michelle (Chelle) Adams, James (Jim) Hughes, Kyle R. Miller and Byron Surrett.
2022: Michelle (Chelle) Adams, Elizabeth C. Gulacsy, Dr. Christopher (Chris) Dold, Christopher (Chris) Finazzo, Daniel (Dan) Mayer and G. Anthony (Tony) Taylor.
2021 and 2020: Elizabeth C. Gulacsy, Dr. Christopher (Chris) Dold, Thomas (Tom) Iven, Sharon (Sherri) Nadeau and G. Anthony (Tony) Taylor.
2020: Elizabeth C. Gulacsy, Walter Bogumil, Dr. Christopher (Chris) Dold, and G. Anthony (Tony) Taylor.

Column (e): Average CAP for our non-CEO named executive officers in each of 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020 reflects the respective amounts set forth in column (d) of the table above, adjusted as set forth in the table below, as determined in accordance with Hill Path will require approvalSEC rules and calculation methodology. The dollar amounts reflected in column (e) of the table above do not reflect the actual amount of compensation earned by or paid to our non-CEO named executive officers during the applicable year. We offer no pension benefits for executive officers so no adjustment for pension benefits is included in the table below. Additionally, the value of dividends, if any, or other earnings paid on stock and option awards are not included as such amounts are reflected in the fair value of awards and are only paid upon vesting. For information regarding the decisions made by our Compensation Committee regarding the non-CEO named executive officers’ compensation for each fiscal year, please see the Compensation Discussion & Analysis sections of the proxy statements reporting pay for the fiscal years covered in these tables.

48


Average of NEOs (excluding CEO)

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

 

2020

 

SCT Total Compensation

 

$

813,230

 

 

$

2,336,474

 

 

$

932,443

 

 

$

1,526,400

 

LESS Stock and Option Award Values Reported in SCT for Covered Year

 

 

(546,922

)

 

 

(1,985,378

)

 

 

(548,803

)

 

 

(1,240,117

)

PLUS Year End Fair Value of Unvested Stock and Option Awards Granted in the Covered Year

 

 

436,606

 

 

 

1,791,166

 

 

 

845,928

 

 

 

3,352,263

 

Year over Year CHANGE in Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Stock and Option Awards

 

 

10,278

 

 

 

(600,536

)

 

 

5,405,633

 

 

 

38,038

 

PLUS Fair Value as of the Vesting Date of Stock and Option Awards Granted and Vested in the Covered Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29,631

 

CHANGE in Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards granted in Prior Years that Vested in Covered Year

 

 

(9,829

)

 

 

406,102

 

 

 

1,127,536

 

 

 

(353,093

)

LESS Fair Value at the End of the Prior Year of Stock and Equity Awards that Failed to Meet Vesting Conditions in the Covered Year

 

 

(830,902

)

 

 

 

 

 

(180,859

)

 

 

(1,103,651

)

"Compensation Actually Paid"

 

$

(127,539

)

 

$

1,947,828

 

 

$

7,581,878

 

 

$

2,249,471

 

Equity Valuations: Stock option grant date fair values are calculated based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model as of date of grant. Adjustments have been made using stock option fair values as of each measurement date using the stock price as of the measurement date and updated assumptions (i.e., term, volatility, risk free rates) as of the measurement date. Adjustments have been made using the stock price as of year end and as of each date of vest. Performance-based PSU grant date fair values are calculated using the stock price as of the date of grant assuming probable performance at the time of the grant. Adjustments have been made using the stock price and performance accrual modification as of year-end and as of the date of vesting. Time-based RSU grant date fair values are calculated using the stock price as of the date of grant. Adjustments have been made using the stock price as of year-end and as of the date of vesting.

Column (f): For the relevant fiscal year, represents the cumulative total shareholder return (TSR) of United Parks for the measurement periods ending on December 31 of each of 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Column (g): For the relevant fiscal year, represents the cumulative total shareholder return (TSR) of the S&P Midcap 400 Index, as used in our performance graph pursuant to Item 201(e) of Regulation S-K contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K ("Peer Group TSR") for the measurement periods ending on December 31 of each of 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Column (h): Reflects “Net Income” in our Consolidated Income Statements included in the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K for each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020.

Column (i): Our Company-selected Measure is Adjusted EBITDA which is described below.

Relationship between Pay and Performance

Below are graphs showing the relationship of “compensation actually paid” to our Chief Executive Officer and other named executive officers in 2022, 2021 and 2020 to (i) TSR of both (i) a special committee of directors independent of Hill PathUnited Parks and its affiliates,the S&P Midcap 400 Index, (ii) United Parks’ net income and (ii)(iii) United Parks’ Adjusted EBITDA.

CAP, as required under SEC rules, reflects adjusted values to unvested and vested equity awards during the Disinterested Stockholder Approval.

Related Party Transaction Approval: The Amendment provides that any material related party transaction with Hill Path or its affiliates will require approval of a special committee of directors independent of Hill Path and its affiliates.

Voting Restriction: The Amendment provides that, for most matters put to a stockholder vote (including director elections, acquisition transactions and other routine matters), Hill Path may only vote its shares in excess of 24.9% solelyyears shown in the same proportiontable based on year-end stock prices, various accounting valuation assumptions, and projected performance modifiers but does not reflect actual amounts paid out for those awards. CAP generally fluctuates due to stock price achievement, varying levels of projected and actual achievement of performance goals and accounting assumptions. For a discussion of how our Compensation Committee assessed our performance and our named executive officers’ pay each year, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in this proxy statement and in the proxy statements for 2022, 2021 and 2020.

49


img209065934_9.jpg 

img209065934_10.jpg 

50


img209065934_11.jpg 

Listed below are the financial and non-financial performance measures which in our assessment represent the most important performance measures we use to link CAP to our named executive officers to company performance for 2023. For a discussion of how our Compensation Committee assessed our performance and our named executive officers’ pay each year, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in this proxy statement and in the proxy statements for 2022, 2021 and 2020.

Performance Measure

Type of Measure

Description

Adjusted EBITDA

Financial

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus (i) income tax provision (benefit), (ii) loss on extinguishment of debt, (iii) interest expense, consent fees and similar financing costs, (iv) depreciation and amortization, (v) equity-based compensation expense, (vi) certain non-cash charges/credits including those related to asset disposals and self-insurance reserve adjustments, (vii) certain business optimization, development and strategic initiative costs, (viii) merger, acquisition, integration and certain investment costs, and (ix) other nonrecurring costs including incremental costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic or similar unusual events.

Total Revenue

Financial

Our total revenue as reported for fiscal year 2020-2023.

Total Revenue per Capita

Financial

Total revenue per capita is defined as total revenue divided by attendance, both as reported for fiscal year 2020-2023.

Guest Satisfaction (GSAT)

Non-Financial

Our ongoing measurement of GSAT using a variety of in-park and online survey tools.

Director Compensation for Fiscal 2023

The following table summarizes all compensation for our non-employee directors for fiscal year 2023.

Name

 

Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)(1)

 

 

Stock Awards ($)(2)

 

 

Total ($)

 

Ronald Bension(3)

 

 

 

 

 

368,284

 

 

 

368,284

 

James Chambers(4)

 

 

 

 

 

398,449

 

 

 

398,449

 

William Gray(5)

 

 

 

 

 

439,651

 

 

 

439,651

 

Timothy J. Hartnett(6)

 

 

 

 

 

804,642

 

 

 

804,642

 

Yoshikazu Maruyama(7)

 

 

 

 

 

393,290

 

 

 

393,290

 

Thomas Moloney(8)

 

 

 

 

 

374,162

 

 

 

374,162

 

Neha Jogani Narang(9)

 

 

 

 

 

346,017

 

 

 

346,017

 

Scott Ross(10)

 

 

 

 

 

554,911

 

 

 

554,911

 

Kimberly Schaefer(11)

 

 

 

 

 

390,412

 

 

 

390,412

 

51


(1)
Once per calendar year, each Outside Director may timely elect to receive any or all cash compensation paid in DSUs or immediately vesting RSUs in lieu of cash. All directors elected to receive DSUs or RSUs in lieu of cash for 2023. The amount of DSUs or RSUs granted were calculated using the equivalent applicable quarterly payment amount divided by the grant date previous day closing price.
(2)
Amounts included in this column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of DSUs or RSUs granted during fiscal year 2023, calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718. The assumptions used in the valuation are discussed in Note 17: “Equity-Based Compensation” to our Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023: each of Messrs. Bension, Chambers, Maruyama, Moloney, Hartnett and Mmes. Schaefer and Narang owned 3,383 unvested DSUs; and Messrs. Ross and Gray owned 3,383 unvested RSUs.
(3)
In addition to an annual retainer of $100,000, Mr. Bension received (a) a fee of $15,000 for his service as the votesa member of the Company’s outstanding voting shares not owned or controlled by Hill Path. This amends the existing Stockholders Agreement that provides that Hill Path may vote its shares in excessRevenue Committee; (b) fees of 24.9% either (i) affirmatively in favor$50,000 for his service on special committees. and (c) meeting fees of $2,000 as discussed under “Outside Director Compensation Policy- Cash Compensation.” The grant date fair value of the Board’s recommendation (or,equity issued related to these 2023 quarterly retainer payments (as discussed in footnote (1)) was $188,303.
(4)
In addition to an annual retainer of $100,000, Mr. Chambers received (a) a fee of $15,000 for his service as a member of the caseCompensation Committee; (b) a fee of director elections, in favor$25,000 for his service as Chairperson of each person nominated by the Board or the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee) or (ii)Committee; (c) a fee of $15,000 for his services as a member of the Revenue Committee; (d) a fee of $20,000 for his service on special committees; and (e) meeting fees of $22,000 as discussed under “Outside Director Compensation Policy- Cash Compensation.” The grant date fair value of the equity issued related to these 2023 quarterly retainer payments (as discussed in footnote (1)) was $218,468.
(5)
In addition to an annual retainer of $100,000, Mr. Gray received (a) a fee of $20,000 for his service as a member of the Audit Committee; (b) a fee of $15,000 for his services as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee; (c) a fee of $15,000 for his services as a member of the Revenue Committee; (d) fees of $70,000 for his service on special committees; and (e) meeting fees of 18,000 as discussed under “Outside Director Compensation Policy- Cash Compensation.” The grant date fair value of the equity issued related to these 2023 quarterly retainer payments (as discussed in footnote (1)) was $259,670.
(6)
In addition to an annual retainer of $200,000, Mr. Hartnett received (a) a fee of $20,000 for his service as a member of the Audit Committee; (b) fees of $110,000 for his service on special committees; (c) a one-time grant of $250,000 to recognize contributions as lead director; and (d) meeting fees of $22,000 as discussed under “Outside Director Compensation Policy- Cash Compensation.” The grant date fair value of the equity issued related to these 2023 quarterly retainer payments (as discussed in footnote (1)) was $624,661.
(7)
In addition to an annual retainer of $100,000, Mr. Maruyama received (a) a fee of $25,000 for his service as Chairman of the Revenue Committee; (b) a fee of $15,000 for his service as a member of the Compensation Committee (c) a fee of $30,000 for his service on a special committee; and (d) meeting fees of $22,000 as discussed under “Outside Director Compensation Policy- Cash Compensation.” The grant date fair value of the equity issued related to these 2023 quarterly retainer payments (as discussed in footnote (1)) was $213,309.
(8)
In addition to an annual retainer of $100,000, Mr. Moloney received (a) a fee of $30,000 for his service as Chairman of the Audit Committee; (b) a fee of $15,000 for his services as a member of the Compensation Committee; (c) a fee of $10,000 for his service on a special committee; and (d) meeting fees of $18,000 as discussed under “Outside Director Compensation Policy- Cash Compensation.” The grant date fair value of the equity issued related to these 2023 quarterly retainer payments (as discussed in footnote (1)) was $194,181.
(9)
In addition to an annual retainer of $100,000, Ms. Narang received (a) a fee of $15,000 for her service on the Revenue Committee; and (b) a fee of $30,000 for her service on special committees. The grant date fair value of the equity issued related to these 2023 quarterly retainer payments (as discussed in footnote (1)) was $166,036.
(10)
In addition to an annual retainer of $225,000 for his service as Chairman of the Board, Mr. Ross received (a) a fee of $15,000 for his service as a member of the Revenue Committee; (b) a fee of $15,000 for his service as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee; (c) a fee of $25,000 for his service as Chairperson of the Compensation Committee; (d) fees of $50,000 for his service on special committees; and (e) meeting fees of $22,000 as discussed under “Outside Director Compensation Policy- Cash Compensation.” The grant date fair value of the equity issued related to these 2023 quarterly retainer payments (as discussed in footnote (1)) was $374,930.
(11)
In addition to an annual retainer of $100,000, Ms. Schaefer received (a) a fee of $15,000 for her service on the Revenue Committee; (b) fees of $40,000 for her service on special committees; (c) a fee of $20,000 for her service as a member of the Audit Committee; and (d) meeting fees of $14,000 as discussed under “Outside Director Compensation Policy- Cash Compensation.” The grant date fair value of the equity issued related to these 2023 quarterly retainer payments (as discussed in footnote (1)) was $210,431.

52


Outside Director Compensation Policy

Cash Compensation

Under the Outside Director Compensation Policy, each non-employee director was entitled to receive annual cash retainers, which were paid quarterly, for service in 2023 to the extent they served in the same proportion as the shares not owned or controlled by Hill Path.

Reinstatement and Fallaway Provisions:following positions. The AmendmentDirector Compensation Policy provides that its termsany or all of the above referenced cash compensation may be paid in DSUs or immediately vesting RSUs if a timely election is made by the Outside Director. All directors elected to receive DSUs or RSUs in lieu of cash for 2023. The amount of DSUs or RSUs granted were calculated using the equivalent applicable quarterly payment amount divided by the closing price of a share of common stock of the Company on the date immediately prior to the date the cash payment would have otherwise been made.

Position

 

2023 Annual Cash
Retainer

 

Chairperson of the Board of Directors

 

$

225,000

 

Member of the Board of Directors other than the Chairperson of the Board of Directors

 

$

100,000

 

Lead Director

 

$

100,000

 

Audit Committee Chairperson

 

$

30,000

 

Compensation Committee Chairperson

 

$

25,000

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chairperson

 

$

25,000

 

Revenue Committee Chairperson

 

$

25,000

 

Special/Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson*

 

$

30,000

 

Audit Committee Member

 

$

20,000

 

Compensation Committee Member

 

$

15,000

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Member

 

$

15,000

 

Revenue Committee Member

 

$

15,000

 

Special/Ad Hoc Committee Member*

 

$

20,000

 

*May be such other amounts as may be determined by the Board of Directors upon establishment of the Special/Ad Hoc Committee

To recognize the significant contributions and time required of directors, the Outside Director Compensation Policy provides for a meeting fee of $2,000 per meeting for each Outside Director that attends more than 12 meetings in a calendar year. During 2023, the Board met 23 times in order to respond to macroeconomic factors.

Equity Compensation

The Outside Director Compensation Policy provides that equity awards to non-employee directors will ceasetake the form of DSUs or, if timely elected, RSUs payable in shares of our common stock upon settlement. Each DSU awarded to have effectnon-employee directors represents the right to receive one share of our common stock in the future. The DSUs will be paid out beginning (a) for awards granted before our annual meeting of stockholders in 2019, one year after the non-employee director leaves the Board, or, if earlier, upon the death of the director or (b) for awards granted on or after our annual meeting of stockholders in 2019, three months after the non-employee director leaves the Board, or six months after the non-employee director leaves the Board if such director is considered a specified employee under 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

In 2023, non-employee directors were eligible to receive all types of equity awards (except incentive stock options) under our 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan including discretionary awards not covered under the Outside Director Compensation Policy. The Outside Director Compensation Policy provided in 2023 that on the date of the annual meeting of stockholders, (i) each non-employee director would be granted an annual award of DSUs or if timely elected, RSUs under the 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan having a Fair Market Value (as defined in the 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan) equal to $200,000 and (ii) each new non-employee director to our Board of Directors, would be granted an initial award of DSUs or if timely elected, RSUs having a Fair Market Value equal to $200,000 prorated based upon their date of election.

In accordance with our Amended and Restated Outside Director Compensation Policy, each annual equity award granted to our non-employee directors will vest 100% on the day before the next annual meeting of stockholders of the Company occurring after the date of grant, subject to the non-employee director’s continued service through such date. Notwithstanding the vesting schedule described above, the vesting of all equity awards granted to a non-employee director in 2023 will vest in full upon a “change in control” (as defined in the 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan).

Stock Ownership Guidelines

53


In order to align directors and stockholder interests, the Company has adopted stock ownership guidelines for our directors. The Company’s stock ownership guidelines provide that each director is required to hold shares of common stock with a value at any time if bothleast equal to five times the aggregate beneficialdirector’s annual cash retainer. If a director is not in compliance with the stock ownership andguidelines, the aggregate economicdirector is required to maintain ownership of Hill Path and its affiliates fall below their current levels. The Amendment will again become effective at any time thereafter if either the aggregate beneficial ownership or the aggregate economic ownership of Hill Path and its affiliates again equals or exceeds their current levels.

Termination upon Disapprovalleast 50% of the Share Repurchase Proposal: The Amendment provides that its terms will be contingent onnet after-tax shares acquired from the approvalCompany pursuant to any equity-based awards received from the Company, until such individual’s stock ownership requirement is met. This retention requirement only applies to net after-tax shares acquired from the Company after the date of initial adoption of the Share Repurchase Proposal. If the Share Repurchase Proposal is not approvedstock ownership guidelines in 2014. Because an individual covered by the Company’s stockholders,stock ownership guidelines must retain a percentage of net after-tax shares acquired from Company equity-based awards until such individual satisfies the Amendment will automatically terminate and havespecified guideline level of ownership, there is no effect onminimum time period required to achieve the Stockholders Agreement.specified guideline level of ownership. As of December 31, 2023, all outside directors were in compliance with the guidelines. The Company also has stock ownership guidelines applicable to executives. See “Executive Compensation ― Executive Compensation Governance Practices ― Stock Ownership Guidelines.”

54


Ownership of Securities

-22-


SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table and accompanying footnotes set forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on MarchApril 15, 2024 by: (1) each person known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock, (2) each of the named executive officers, (3) each of our directors and (4) all of our directors and executive officers as a group.

The amounts and percentages of shares beneficially owned are reported on the basis of SEC regulations governing the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under SEC rules, a person is deemed to be a “beneficial owner” of a security if that person has or shares voting power or investment power, which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any securities of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days. Securities that can be so acquired are deemed to be outstanding for purposes of computing such person’s ownership percentage, but not for purposes of computing any other person’s percentage. Under these rules, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same securities and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities as to which such person has no economic interest.

As of 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on MarchApril 15, 2024, there were 64,252,51363,222,811 shares of our common stock outstanding. Also, as of such date, there were 32,471,453

Name of beneficial owner

 

Amount and Nature
of Beneficial
Ownership

 

 

Percent of Common
Stock Outstanding

Beneficial Owners of More than 5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hill Path Capital LP(1)

 

 

27,205,306

 

 

 

43.0

%

 

The Vanguard Group(2)

 

 

3,834,060

 

 

 

6.1

%

 

Directors and Named Executive Officers:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marc G. Swanson(3)(5)(8)

 

 

192,992

 

 

*

 

 

James (Jim) W. Forrester Jr.(3)(4)(5)(8)

 

 

6,150

 

 

*

 

 

Michelle (Chelle) Adams

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

James (Jim) Hughes(3)(4)(5)

 

 

2,765

 

 

*

 

 

Kyle R. Miller(3)(4)(5)(8)

 

 

28,132

 

 

*

 

 

Byron Surrett(3)(4)(5)(8)

 

 

11,119

 

 

*

 

 

Ronald Bension(6)

 

 

19,053

 

 

*

 

 

James Chambers(6)

 

 

19,019

 

 

*

 

 

William Gray(6)(7)

 

 

38,402

 

 

*

 

 

Timothy Hartnett(6)

 

 

10,903

 

 

*

 

 

Nathaniel J. Lipman(6)

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

Yoshikazu Maruyama(6)

 

 

15,000

 

 

*

 

 

Thomas Moloney(6)(9)

 

 

34,753

 

 

*

 

 

Neha Jogani Narang(6)

 

 

5,374

 

 

*

 

 

Scott Ross(6)(7)

 

 

47,510

 

 

*

 

 

Kimberly Schaefer(6)

 

 

116

 

 

*

 

 

All current directors and executive officers as a
   group (18 persons)
(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)

 

 

710,906

 

 

 

1.1

%

 

* Less than 1%.

(1)
Information regarding Hill Path Capital LP (“Hill Path”) is based solely on a Schedule 13D filed by Hill Path with the SEC on February 29, 2024. Hill Path owns 27,205,306 shares of our common stock outstanding that are held by Disinterested Stockholders. Therefore, for the Proposals to be approved, at least 16,235,727and certain affiliated entities as follows: 5,885,065 shares of our common stock not held by Hill Path or its affiliates must be votedCapital Partners LP (“Hill Path Capital”); 176,201 shares of our common stock held by Hill Path Capital Co-Investment Partners LP (“Hill Path Co-Investment”); 1,334,162 shares of our common stock held by Hill Path Capital Partners-H LP (“Hill Path H”); 6,109,961 shares of our common stock held by Hill Path Capital Partners Co-Investment E LP (“Hill Path E”); 402,017 shares of our common stock held by Hill Path Capital Partners Co-Investment E2 LP (“Hill Path E2”); 83,900 shares of our common stock held by Hill Path Capital Partners Co-Investment S LP (“Hill Path S”); 10,518,006 shares of our common stock held by HEP Fund LP (“HEP Fund”); and 2,695,994 shares of our common stock held by HM Fund LP (“HM Fund”). Hill Path Capital Partners GP LLC (“Hill Path GP”) is the general partner of each of Hill Path Capital, Hill Path Co-Investment and Hill Path H. Hill Path Capital Partners E GP LLC (“Hill Path E GP”) is the general partner of each of Hill Path E and Hill Path E2. Hill Path Capital Partners S GP LLC (“Hill Path S GP”) is the general partner of Hill Path S. HE GP LLC (“HE GP”) is the general partner of HEP Fund. HM GP LLC (“HM GP”) is the general partner of HM Fund. Hill Path Investment Holdings LLC (“Hill Path Investment Holdings”) is the managing member of each of Hill Path GP, Hill Path E GP, Hill Path S GP, HE GP and HM GP. Hill Path is the investment manager of each of Hill Path Capital, Hill Path Co-Investment, Hill Path H, Hill Path E, Hill Path E2, Hill Path S, HEP Fund and HM Fund. Hill Path Holdings LLC (“Hill Path Holdings”) is the general partner of Hill Path. Scott Ross is the managing partner of each of Hill Path Investment Holdings, Hill Path and Hill Path Holdings.

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Amount reported in favorthe table above excludes 47,510 shares of our common stock and 24,297 DSUs held directly by Mr. Ross.

Mr. Ross disclaims beneficial ownership of the Proposals.shares beneficially owned by the Hill Path entities except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.

Name of Beneficial Owner  Amount and Nature
of Beneficial
Ownership
   Percent of Common
Stock Outstanding
 

Beneficial Owners of More than 5%

    

Hill Path Capital LP(1)

   27,205,306    42.3

The Vanguard Group(2)

   3,834,060    6.0

Directors and Named Executive Officers:

    

Marc G. Swanson(3)(5)(8)

   192,199  

James (Jim) W. Forrester Jr.(3)(4)(5)(8)

   5,818  

James (Jim) Hughes(3)(4)(5)

   2,765  

Kyle R. Miller(3)(4)(5)(8)

   29,897  

Byron Surrett(3)(4)(5)(8)

   15,967  

Ronald Bension(6)

   19,053  

James Chambers(6)

   18,166  

William Gray(6)(7)

   33,915  

Timothy Hartnett(6)

   10,903  

Nathaniel Lipman(6)

   —    

Yoshikazu Maruyama(6)

   15,000  

Thomas Moloney(6)(9)

   34,753  

Neha Jogani Narang(6)

   5,374  

Scott Ross(6)(7)

   42,585  

Kimberly Schaefer(6)

   116  

All current directors and executive officers as a group (19 persons)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)

   707,989    1.1

*

Less than 1%.

(1)

Information regarding Hill Path Capital LP (“Hill Path”) is based solely on a Schedule 13D filed by Hill Path with the SEC on February 29, 2024. Hill Path owns 27,205,306 shares of our common stock and certain affiliated entities as follows: 5,885,065 shares of our common stock held by Hill Path Capital

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Partners LP (“Hill Path Capital”); 176,201 shares of our common stock held by Hill Path Capital Co-Investment Partners LP (“Hill Path Co-Investment”); 1,334,162 shares of our common stock held by Hill Path Capital Partners-H LP (“Hill Path H”); 6,109,961 shares of our common stock held by Hill Path Capital Partners Co-Investment E LP (“Hill Path E”); 402,017 shares of our common stock held by Hill Path Capital Partners Co-Investment E2 LP (“Hill Path E2”); 83,900 shares of our common stock held by Hill Path Capital Partners Co-Investment S LP (“Hill Path S”); 10,518,006 shares of our common stock held by HEP Fund LP (“HEP Fund”); and 2,695,994 shares of our common stock held by HM Fund LP (“HM Fund”). Hill Path Capital Partners GP LLC (“Hill Path GP”) is the general partner of each of Hill Path Capital, Hill Path Co-Investment and Hill Path H. Hill Path Capital Partners E GP LLC (“Hill Path E GP”) is the general partner of each of Hill Path E and Hill Path E2. Hill Path Capital Partners S GP LLC (“Hill Path S GP”) is the general partner of Hill Path S. HE GP LLC (“HE GP”) is the general partner of HEP Fund. HM GP LLC (“HM GP”) is the general partner of HM Fund. Hill Path Investment Holdings LLC (“Hill Path Investment Holdings”) is the managing member of each of Hill Path GP, Hill Path E GP, Hill Path S GP, HE GP and HM GP. Hill Path is the investment manager of each of Hill Path Capital, Hill Path Co-Investment, Hill Path H, Hill Path E, Hill Path E2, Hill Path S, HEP Fund and HM Fund. Hill Path Holdings LLC (“Hill Path Holdings”) is the general partner of Hill Path. Scott Ross is the managing partner of each of Hill Path Investment Holdings, Hill Path and Hill Path Holdings. Amount reported in the table above excludes 42,585 shares of our common stock and 24,297 DSUs held directly by Mr. Ross. Mr. Ross disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares beneficially owned by the Hill Path entities except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.

The address of the Hill Path entities and Mr. Ross is 150 East 58th Street, 32nd33rd Floor, New York, New York 10155.

(2)

Information regarding The Vanguard Group (“Vanguard Group”) is based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed by Vanguard Group with the SEC on February 13, 2024. Vanguard Group reported shared voting power with respect to 71,271 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 3,723,531 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 110,529 shares. The address of Vanguard Group is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355.

(3)

Does not include performance vesting restricted stock units held by officers and received as part of their equity compensation as follows: Mr. Swanson, 49,172 PSUs; Mr. Forrester, 10,436 PSUs; Mr. Hughes , 5,988 PSUs; Mr. Miller, 13,359 PSUs; Mr. Surrett, 13,128 PSUs; and other officers, 50,382 PSUs.

(4)

Does not include time vesting restricted stock units held by officers and received as part of their equity compensation as follows: Mr. Forrester, 7,970 RSUs; Mr. Hughes, 8,182 RSUs; Mr. Miller, 12,568 RSUs; Mr. Surrett, 12,568 RSUs; and other officers, 117,551 RSUs.

(5)

Includes shares of the Company’s common stock issuable upon the exercise of options exercisable on or within 60 days after March 15, 2024, as follows: Mr. Swanson, 23,037 shares; Mr. Forrester 2,763 shares; Mr. Hughes, 802 shares; Mr. Miller , 3,504 shares; Mr. Surrett, 8,146 shares; and other officers, 67,772 shares.

(6)

Does not include DSUs granted to directors for the equity portion of their annual or quarterly compensation as follows: Mr. Bension, 35,656 DSUs; Mr. Chambers, 20,527 DSUs; Mr. Gray, 16,261 DSUs; Mr. Hartnett, 33,223 DSUs; Mr. Lipman, 1,687 DSUs; Mr. Maruyama, 36,397 DSUs; Mr. Moloney, 35,898 DSUs; Ms. Narang, 26,865 DSUs; Mr. Ross 24,297 DSUs; and Ms. Schaefer, 21,961 DSUs.

(7)

Does not include RSUs granted to directors for the equity portion of their annual compensation as follows: Mr. Gray, 3,383 RSUs; and Mr. Ross 3,383 RSUs.

(8)

Includes RSUs granted to officers which will convert to stock on or within 60 days after March 15 ,2024, as follows: Mr. Swanson, 4,019 shares; Mr. Forrester, 509 shares; Mr. Miller, 1,650 shares, Mr. Surrett 1,650 shares; and other officers, 4,372 shares.

(9)

Consists of (i) 6,000 shares of common stock held jointly by Mr. Moloney and his spouse and (ii) 28,753 shares of common stock held individually by Mr. Moloney.

(10)

Represents ownership by all current directors and executive officers.

(2)
Information regarding The Vanguard Group (“Vanguard Group”) is based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed by Vanguard Group with the SEC on February 13, 2024. Vanguard Group reported shared voting power with respect to 71,271 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 3,723,531 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 110,529 shares. The address of Vanguard Group is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355.
(3)
Does not include performance vesting restricted stock units held by officers and received as part of their equity compensation as follows: Mr. Swanson, 44,579 PSUs; Mr. Forrester, 10,347 PSUs; Mr. Hughes, 5,359 PSUs; Mr. Miller, 10,493 PSUs; Mr. Surrett, 10,308 PSUs; and other officers, 47,342 PSUs.
(4)
Does not include time vesting restricted stock units held by officers and received as part of their equity compensation as follows: Mr. Forrester, 7,970 RSUs; Mr. Hughes, 8,182 RSUs; Mr. Miller, 12,568 RSUs; Mr. Surrett, 12,568 RSUs; and other officers, 117,551 RSUs.
(5)
Includes shares of the Company’s common stock issuable upon the exercise of options exercisable on or within 60 days after April 15, 2024, as follows: Mr. Swanson, 23,037 shares; Mr. Forrester, 2,763 shares; Mr. Hughes, 802 shares; Mr. Miller, 3,504 shares; Mr. Surrett, 8,146 shares; and other officers, 67,772 shares.
(6)
Does not include DSUs granted to directors for the equity portion of their annual or quarterly compensation as follows: Mr. Bension, 36,471 DSUs; Mr. Chambers, 20,527 DSUs; Mr. Gray, 16,261 DSUs; Mr. Hartnett, 34,899 DSUs; Mr. Lipman, 1,987 DSUs; Mr. Maruyama, 36,472 DSUs; Mr. Moloney, 35,973 DSUs; Ms. Narang, 27,554 DSUs; Mr. Ross, 24,297 DSUs; and Ms. Schaefer, 22,519 DSUs.
(7)
Includes RSUs granted to directors which will convert to stock on or within 60 days after April 15 ,2024, as follows: Mr. Gray, 3,383 RSUs; and Mr. Ross, 3,383 RSUs.
(8)
Includes RSUs granted to officers which will convert to stock on or within 60 days after April 15, 2024, as follows: Mr. Swanson, 4,019 shares; Mr. Forrester, 269 shares; Mr. Miller, 1,650 shares, Mr. Surrett, 1,650 shares; and other officers, 4,072 shares. Includes PSUs granted to officers which will convert to stock on or within 60 days after April 15, 2024, as follows: Mr. Swanson, 793 shares; Mr. Forrester, 435 shares; Mr. Miller, 235 shares, Mr. Surrett, 235 shares; and other officers, 994 shares.
(9)
Consists of (i) 6,000 shares of common stock held jointly by Mr. Moloney and his spouse and (ii) 28,753 shares of common stock held individually by Mr. Moloney.
(10)
Represents ownership by all current directors and executive officers.

DELINQUENT SECTION 16(a) REPORTS

-24-Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires executive officers and directors, a company’s chief accounting officer and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of a company’s common stock, to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the SEC and the NYSE. Executive officers, directors, the chief accounting officer and beneficial owners with more than 10% of our common stock are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

Based solely on our review of copies of such reports and written representations from our executive officers, and directors, we believe that our executive officers, directors and Hill Path complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements during 2023 except that (i) a Form 4 filed on February 15, 2023 for one transaction for Mr. Miller which was due on February 10, 2023 and was delinquent due to a processing error, (ii) a Form 4 filed on March 6, 2023 for three transactions for each of Ms. Boyle, Dr. Dold, Mr. Finazzo, Mr. Forrester, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Miller, Mr. Surrett, Mr. Swanson and Mr. Taylor which were each due on March 2, 2023 and were delinquent due to a processing delay, and (iii) a Form 4 filed on April 2, 2024 for three transactions for Ms. Schaefer which were due on April 4, 2023, July 5, 2023, and October 3, 2023 respectively and were delinquent due to a calculation error.

Our Board of Directors recognizes the fact that transactions with related persons present a heightened risk of conflicts of interests and/or improper valuation (or the perception thereof). Our Board of Directors has adopted a written policy on transactions with related persons that is in conformity with the requirements upon issuers having publicly-held common stock that is listed on the NYSE. Under this policy:

any related person transaction, and any material amendment or modification to a related person transaction, must be reviewed and approved or ratified by a committee of the Board of Directors composed solely of independent directors who are disinterested or by the disinterested members of the Board of Directors; and

56


HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS

any employment relationship or transaction involving an executive officer and any related compensation must be approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors or recommended by the Compensation Committee to the Board of Directors for its approval.

In connection with the review and approval or ratification of a related person transaction:

management must disclose to the committee or disinterested directors, as applicable, the name of the related person and the basis on which the person is a related person, the material terms of the related person transaction, including the approximate dollar value of the amount involved in the transaction, and all the material facts as to the related person’s direct or indirect interest in, or relationship to, the related person transaction;
management must advise the committee or disinterested directors, as applicable, as to whether the related person transaction complies with the terms of our agreements governing our material outstanding indebtedness that limit or restrict our ability to enter into a related person transaction;
management must advise the committee or disinterested directors, as applicable, as to whether the related person transaction will be required to be disclosed in our applicable filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or the Exchange Act, and related rules, and, to the extent required to be disclosed, management must ensure that the related person transaction is disclosed in accordance with such Acts and related rules; and
management must advise the committee or disinterested directors, as applicable, as to whether the related person transaction constitutes a “personal loan” for purposes of Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

In addition, the related person transaction policy provides that the committee or disinterested directors, as applicable, in connection with any approval or ratification of a related person transaction involving a non-employee director or director nominee, should consider whether such transaction would compromise the director or director nominee’s status as an “independent,” “outside,” or “non-employee” director, as applicable, under the rules and regulations of the SEC, the NYSE and the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

Transactions with Certain Stockholders

In May 2019, Hill Path Capital LP (“Hill Path”) and certain of its affiliates purchased 13,214,000 shares of our common stock that had been pledged by a former significant stockholder and subsequently foreclosed on by such stockholder’s lenders (the “HP Purchase”).

Hill Path Stockholders Agreement

In connection with the HP Purchase, the Company entered into a stockholders agreement with Hill Path (the “Stockholders Agreement”). The Stockholders Agreement was amended on February 27, 2024, which amendment was approved by the Company’s stockholders on March 25, 2024 (the “Amendment”). Under the Stockholders Agreement, for so long as Hill Path owns at least 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, it will have the right to designate a number of individuals as directors (the “Hill Path Designees”) in proportion to its share ownership, provided that the maximum number of Hill Path Designees shall not exceed three. Scott Ross and James Chambers are each currently a Hill Path Designee.

57


The Stockholders Agreement, as amended by the Amendment, generally requires Hill Path to vote all of its shares in excess of 24.9% solely in the same proportion as the votes of the Company’s outstanding voting shares not owned or controlled by Hill Path. The Stockholders Agreement requires Hill Path to not transfer any shares of the Company unless it is a “Permitted Transfer” as defined in the Stockholders Agreement. In addition, other than in an underwritten public offering or underwritten or registered block trade, or a Permitted Transfer, Hill Path is not permitted to transfer shares of the Company to certain restricted entities or, to the knowledge of Hill Path or its broker, a person or group who is a 25% stockholder or who would thereby become a 25% stockholder.

In addition, for so long as the Stockholders Agreement is in effect, the Stockholders Agreement prohibits Hill Path and its affiliates from, among other things, acquiring or proposing to acquire securities of the Company if, after giving effect to such acquisition, Hill Path and its affiliates would own an amount in excess of 34.9% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock (or 39.9% if permitted under the Company’s indebtedness). In addition, the Amendment provides that any material related party transaction with Hill Path or its affiliates will require approval of a special committee of directors independent of Hill Path and its affiliates.

In connection with any acquisition transaction involving more than 50% of the Company’s equity securities, assets, revenues or net income, Hill Path has agreed that the price per share received by Hill Path in connection with the acquisition transaction shall be identical to the price per share received by other stockholders. If the form of consideration per share received by Hill Path is not identical to the form of consideration per share received by other stockholders, the Hill Path Designees shall recuse themselves from the consideration, evaluation and other processes of the Board or any duly authorized committee thereof with respect to the acquisition transaction.

The Amendment provides that any take private transaction, sale or merger of the Company proposed by Hill Path or directors affiliated with Hill Path will require approval of both (i) a special committee of directors independent of Hill Path and its affiliates, and (ii) the Disinterested Stockholder Approval.

The Hill Path Stockholders Agreement will terminate when Hill Path and its affiliates, in the aggregate, hold less than 5% of the Company’s common stock. The Amendment provides that its terms will cease to have effect at any time if both the aggregate beneficial ownership and the aggregate economic ownership of Hill Path and its affiliates fall below their current levels. The Amendment will again become effective at any time thereafter if either the aggregate beneficial ownership or the aggregate economic ownership of Hill Path and its affiliates again equals or exceeds their current levels. The Amendment also provides that any waiver by the Company from or amendment to the Amendment will require approval of a majority of the directors that are independent of Hill Path and its affiliates.

Hill Path Registration Rights Agreements

In connection with the HP Purchase, the Company also entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Hill Path Registration Rights Agreement”) with Hill Path and certain of its affiliates. The Hill Path Registration Rights Agreement provides that, subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in the Hill Path Stockholders Agreement, Hill Path has customary “demand” and “piggyback” registration rights. The Hill Path Registration Rights Agreement also requires the Company to pay certain expenses relating to such registrations and to indemnify the registration rights holders against certain liabilities under the Securities Act.

Hill Path Undertaking Agreement

In connection with the HP Purchase, the Company also entered into an amended and restated undertaking agreement with Hill Path, Scott Ross and James Chambers (the “Hill Path Undertaking Agreement”). Pursuant to the Hill Path Undertaking Agreement, Scott Ross and James Chambers will, subject to and in accordance with the terms of the Hill Path Undertaking Agreement, be permitted to and may provide information to certain personnel of Hill Path and certain of Hill Path’s advisors. The undertakings of Hill Path, Scott Ross and James Chambers pursuant to the Hill Path Undertaking Agreement are effective for 12 months following the date on which there is no director serving on the Board who is designated by Hill Path.

Repurchase of Securities

As market conditions warrant, we and our major stockholders, including Hill Path and its affiliates, may from time to time, depending upon market conditions, seek to repurchase our debt securities or loans in privately negotiated or open market transactions, by tender offer or otherwise.

58


STOCKHOLDER Proposals for the 2025 Annual Meeting

If any stockholder wishes to propose a matter for consideration at our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the proposal should be mailed by certified mail return receipt requested, to our Corporate Secretary, United Parks & Resorts Inc., 6240 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32821. To be eligible under the SEC’s stockholder proposal rule (Rule 14a-8(e) of the Exchange Act) for inclusion in our 2025 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement and form of proxy, a proposal must be received by our Corporate Secretary on or before December 30, 2024. Failure to deliver a proposal in accordance with this procedure may result in it not being deemed timely received.

In addition, our bylaws permit stockholders to nominate directors and present other business for consideration at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders. To make a director nomination or present other business for consideration at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2025, you must submit a timely notice in accordance with the procedures described in our bylaws. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered to the Corporate Secretary at the principal executive offices of our Company not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting. Therefore, to be presented at our Annual Meeting to be held in 2025, such a proposal must be received on or after February 13, 2025, but not later than March 15, 2025. Any notice of director nomination must include the additional information required by Rule 14a-19(b) under the Exchange Act. In the event that the date of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2025 is advanced by more than 30 days, or delayed by more than 70 days, from the anniversary date of this year’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders, such notice by the stockholder must be so received no earlier than 120 days prior to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2025 and not later than the 90th day prior to such Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2025 or 10 calendar days following the day on which public announcement of the date of such Annual Meeting is first made. Any such proposal will be considered timely only if it is otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in our bylaws. The proxy solicited by the Board for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will confer discretionary authority to vote as the proxy holders deem advisable on such stockholder proposals which are considered untimely.

Householding of Proxy Materials

SEC rules permit companies and intermediaries such as brokers to satisfy delivery requirements for proxy statements and notices with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement or a single notice addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding”, provides cost savings for companies. Some brokers household proxy materials, delivering a single proxy statement or notice to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that they will be householding materials to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in householding and would prefer to receive a separate proxy statement or notice, or if your household is receiving multiple copies of these documents and you wish to request that future deliveries be limited to a single copy, please notify your broker. You can also request prompt delivery of a copy of the proxy statement and annual report by contacting G. Anthony (Tony) Taylor, 6240 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, Florida 32821, (407) 226-5011.

59


Other Business

-25-


WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Company is subject to the reporting requirementsBoard does not know of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, the Company files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements andany other information with the SEC. The Company’s SEC filings are available to the public at the Internet website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. The Company also makes available free of charge through its website its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished under Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, its definitive proxy statements and Section 16 reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5, as soon as reasonably practicable after it electronically files such reports or amendments with, or furnishes them to, the SEC. The Company’s Internet website address is www.unitedparks.com. The information located on, or hyperlinked or otherwise connected to, the Company’s website is not, and shall not be deemedmatters to be a part of thisbrought before the meeting. If other matters are presented, the proxy statement or incorporated into any other filings that we make with the SEC.

-26-


STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2024 ANNUAL MEETING

If any stockholder wishes to propose a matter for consideration at our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the proposal should be mailed by certified mail return receipt requested, to our Corporate Secretary, United Parks & Resorts Inc., 6240 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32821. To be eligible under the SEC’s stockholder proposal rule (Rule 14a-8(e) of the Exchange Act) for inclusion in our 2024 Annual Meeting Proxy Statement and form of proxy, a proposal mustholders have been received by our Corporate Secretary on or before January 2, 2024. Failure to deliver a proposal in accordance with this procedure may result in it not being deemed timely received.

In addition, our bylaws permit stockholders to nominate directors and present other business for consideration at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders. To make a director nomination or present other business for consideration at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2024, you must submit a timely notice in accordance with the procedures described in our bylaws. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered to the Corporate Secretary at the principal executive offices of our Company not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting. Therefore, to be presented at our Annual Meeting to be held in 2024, such a proposal must be received on or after February 14, 2024, but not later than March 15, 2024. In the event that the date of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2024 is advanced by more than 30 days, or delayed by more than 70 days, from the anniversary date of the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, such notice by the stockholder must be so received no earlier than 120 days prior to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2024 and not later than the 90th day prior to such Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2024 or 10 calendar days following the day on which public announcement of the date of such Annual Meeting is first made. Any such proposal will be considered timely only if it is otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in our bylaws. The proxy solicited by the Board for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will confer discretionary authority to vote as the proxy holders deem advisable on such stockholder proposals which are considered untimely.

In addition to satisfying the foregoing requirements under our Bylaws, to comply with the universal proxy rules, stockholders who intend to solicitall proxies in support of director nominees other than the Company’s nominees must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act no later than April 15, 2024.accordance with their best judgment.

-27-


OTHER BUSINESS

No other matters will be brought before the Special Meeting.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

LOGO

img209065934_12.jpg 

G. Anthony (Tony) Taylor

Corporate Secretary

We make available, free of charge on our website, all of our filings that are made electronically with the SEC, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. To access these filings, go to our website (www.unitedparks.com) and click on “SEC Filings” under the “Investor Relations” heading.

Copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, including financial statements and schedules thereto, filed with the SEC, are also available without charge to stockholders upon written request addressed to:

Corporate Secretary

United Parks & Resorts Inc.

6240 Sea Harbor Drive

Orlando, Florida 32821

-28-60


Annex A

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

Dated as of May 27, 2019

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STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

This Stockholders Agreement (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of May 27, 2019, is by and between Hill Path Capital LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“ Hill Path ”), and SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”). Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings set forth in Section 23(a) below.

BACKGROUND:

WHEREAS, Hill Path, certain of its affiliates, the Company and Lord Central Opportunity V Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (“ Seller ”), as of the date hereof, have entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, Hill Path has agreed to purchase from Seller, and Seller has agreed to sell to Hill Path, shares of Common Stock, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein (the “ Stock Purchase Agreement ”);

WHEREAS, the Company is entering into this Agreement as a condition to Hill Path’s willingness to enter into the Stock Purchase Agreement;

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, the Company and Hill Path are entering into a Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”), providing for certain registration rights which the Company is granting to Hill Path;

WHEREAS, in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company and Hill Path wish to set forth certain understandings between such parties, including with respect to certain governance matters; and

WHEREAS, the Company and Hill Path wish the rights and obligations set forth herein to become automatically effective simultaneously with the Closing.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of and reliance upon the mutual, covenants and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

APPOINTMENT AND NOMINATION.

(a) The Company agrees that, in accordance with the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (as amended from time to time, the “ Certificate of Incorporation ”) and Third Amended and Restated Bylaws (as amended from time to time, the “ Bylaws ”) and Delaware Law, and effective immediately following the later of the Closing and the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, the Board shall (i) if there are not sufficient vacant seats on the Board at such time to be filled by the Hill Path Designees pursuant to Section 1(b) , expand the size of the Board to create the number of vacancies to be filled by the Hill Path Designees pursuant to Section 1(b) and (ii) subject to Sections 1(d) and 1(e) , appoint James P. Chambers (or his replacement as chosen in accordance with Section 1(f) ) to fill a vacancy on the Board.

(b) From and after the later of the Closing and the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 1 , Hi ll Path shall have the right (but not the obligation) to designate a number of individuals as Directors (each, a “ Hill Path Designee ”) equal to (i) the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the Total Share Ownership of the Hill Path Affiliates divided by (B) t he total number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding multiplied by (ii) the then-current number of authorized directorships on the Board (rounded up or down, as applicable, to the nearest whole number); provided , that the number of Hill Path Designee s shall not exceed three (3). It is understood and agreed that Mr. Scott I. Ross is a Hill Path Designee.

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The Company will recommend, support and solicit proxies for the election of the Hill Path Designees in the same manner as it recommends, supports and solicits proxies for the election of the Company’s other Director nominees.

(c) The Company agrees that at all times at least one (1) Hill Path Designee shall be appointed to each committee of the Board (as determined by Hill Path and approved by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board (“ NCGC ”), such approval not to be unreasonably withheld); provided , that with respect to any such committee appointment, each Hill Path Designee is and continues to remain eligible to serve as a member of such committee pursuant to applicable Law and the listing standards of the Exchange, if any, that are applicable to the composition of such a committee. The Board shall take all actions necessary to ensure that the Hill Path Designees have proportional representation (but no less than one Hill Path Designee) on any executive committee of the Board formed on or after the date of this Agreement; provided , that with respect to such committee appointment, each Hill Path Designee is and continues to remain eligible to serve as a member of such committee pursuant to applicable Law and the applicable listing standards of the Exchange. Each Hill Path Designee may attend any meeting of any committee on a non-voting basis, if such attendance would not present an actual or potential conflict of interest for such Hill Path Designee in the good faith opinion of the applicable committee.

(d) Each Hill Path Designee shall, at the time of his or her nomination or appointment as a Director and at all times thereafter until such individual ceases to serve as a Director: (i) not be involved in any of the events enumerated in Item 2(d) or Item 2(e) of Schedule 13D under the Exchange Act; and (ii) not be an employee, officer, or director of, or consultant to, or be receiving any compensation or benefits from, any Person described in clause (a) of the definition of Restricted Entity (unless otherwise agreed to by the NCGC). Each Hill Path Designee (other than Scott Ross) shall be interviewed by the NCGC on the same basis as any other new candidate for appointment or election to the Board and approved by the NCGC, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld. Not more than two (2) Hill Path Designees may be a Hill Path Affiliated Director, and any other Hill Path Designee that is not a Hill Path Affiliated Director shall qualify as independent under applicable Exchange rules. Each new Hill Path Designee shall provide to the Company a completed D&O Questionnaire in the form then-used by the Company and shall consent to customary background checks and credit reviews by the Company. Each new Hill Path Designee shall receive the Company’s customary new Director orientation and shall be required to enter into the Company’s form of Director Confidentiality Agreement.

(e) Hill Path acknowledges that, at the time of his or her appointment as a Director and at all times while any Hill Path Affiliated Director serves as a member of the Board, each such Hill Path Affiliated Director shall, and Hill Path shall cause each such Hill Path Affiliated Direc tor to, comply with all current and future policies, procedures, processes, codes, rules, standards and guidelines applicable to all Board members (or any applicable subset thereof) (the “ Company Policies ”) (and any future policies to be so provided prompt ly following adoption thereof), including, without limitation, the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and all trading and confidentiality obligations and guidelines (including the obligation to preserve the confi dentiality of all information, whether written or oral, received in one’s capacity as a Director), subject to the following:

(i) notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained therein and except to the extent the Board reasonably determines is required by applicable Law, no Company Policy (whether currently in effect or adopted after the date hereof and including the Company’s Securities Trading Policy) shall apply to a Hill Path Designee from after the time such Hill Path Designee ceases to be a member of the Board, but, for the avoidance of doubt, Hill Path acknowledges and agrees that (A) it is aware, and will advise each of the Hill Path Affiliates and other representatives who are informed as to the matters that are the subject of this Agreement, that the United States securities laws may prohibit any Person who directly or indirectly has received from an issuer material, non-public information from purchasing or selling securities of such issuer or from communicating such information to any other Person under circumstances in which it is reasonably foreseeable that such Person is

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likely to purchase or sell such securities and (B) certain of Hill Path’s and the Hill Path Affiliated Director’s obligations set forth in the Undertaking Agreement, or in the Director Confidentiality Agreement referred to in the Undertaking Agreement shall continue after the time a Hill Path Affiliated Director ceases to be a member of the Board;

(ii) subject to and in accordance with the terms of the Undertaking Agreement, the Hill Path Affiliated Directors are permitted to and may provide information to the Hill Path Associates (as defined therein);

(iii) the General Counsel will consider any requests for pre-clearance under the Company’s Securities Trading Policy or any similar policy in good faith; and

(iv) all future Company Policies, including any amendment or supplement to any existing Company Policies, shall (A) be adopted in good faith and (B) not be inconsistent in any material respect with Hill Path’s rights under this Agreement, the Undertaking Agreement or any other agreement to which the Company and Hill Path are party (except to the extent required by applicable law).

(f) If, prior to the termination of this Agreement, (i) a Hill Path Designee resigns (including by reason of a change in principal business occupation or position or service on additional boards), is removed or refuses to serve, or if a Hill Path Designee is unable to serve due to death or disability, in each case provided that such Hill Path Designee is otherwise then entitled to be appointed, to be nominated or to serve, as applicable, as a Director of the Company pursuant to this Agreement, then Hill Path may, in its sole discretion, select a replacement Director to serve as a Hill Path Designee who is (A) reasonably acceptable to the NCGC (such acceptance not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) and who shall (B) be permitted to serve as a Director pursuant to this Section 1 , and thereafter such individual shall be promptly appointed to the Board to fill the remaining term of such Hill Path Designee and shall be considered to be a “Hill Path Designee” under this Agreement.

(g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company’s obligations under this Section 1 shall terminate immediately if either (i) Hill Path ceases to satisfy the Minimum Condition, (ii) the consummation of a Transfer to a Hill Path Stake Permitted Transferee in accordance with Section 4(b)(i) or (iii) any Hill Path Affiliate is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have breached any of the terms of this Agreement or the Undertaking Agreement, in each case, in any material respect (the “ Material Terms ”), and such breach is not cured within thirty (30) days after receipt by Hill Path of written notice from the Company specifying such breach. In furtherance of this Section 1(g) , each Hill Path Designee will, prior to and as a condition to such Hill Path Designee’s appointment to the Board, execute an irrevocable resignation letter in the form of Exhibit B (the “ Irrevocable Resignation Letter ”) and deliver it to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of the Company’s obligations under this Section 1 terminating or a decrease in the number of Hill Path Designees that Hill Path is entitled to nominate in accordance with Section 1(b) (including as a result of a termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms), the Irrevocable Resignation Letter shall become effective only after the NCGC has concluded that the applicable Hill Path Designee(s) should resign. As used herein, “ Minimum Condition ” means the Total Share Ownership of Hill Path (together with its Affiliates or “Associates” (as such term is defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act; provided , that the term “associates” in such definition shall be deemed to be preceded by the word “controlled”, as such term is defined in Rule 12-b-2 under the Exchange Act) (collectively with Hill Path, the “ Hill Path Affiliates ”)) is at least 5.0% of the total number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding. Hill Path shall notify the Company promptly in the event (and in no less than three (3) Business Days after) the Hill Path Affiliates cease to satisfy the Minimum Condition. For purposes of calculating the Minimum Condition, the total number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding at any time (x) shall be based on the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as most recently disclosed by the Company on the cover of a publicly filed Form 10-K or Form 10-Q, or (y) shall be otherwise communicated in writing by the Company to Hill Path, either in response to a request from Hill Path or as separately initiated by the Company.

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(h) The Company shall at all times provide (i) each Hill Path Designee (in his or her capacity as a member of the Board) with the same rights to indemnification, advancement or reimbursement of expenses and exculpation that it provides to other Directors, and (ii) any reimbursement of travel and travel-related expenses incurred by any employee of Hill Path or any entity that manages an investment fund of a Hill Path Affiliate, in each case, that are submitted in a timely manner in connection with activities related directly for or on behalf of the Company and consistent with the expense reimbursement policy of the Company; provided, that the Board may review such expenses in this subclause (ii) to determine reasonableness.

(i) Hill Path acknowledges and shall cause the Hill Path Designees to acknowledge in writing that the Hill Path Designees shall have all of the rights and obligations, including fiduciary duties to the Company and its stockholders, of a Director under applicable Law and the Company’s organizational documents while the Hill Path Designee is serving on the Board.

(j) Without the prior approval of Hill Path, the Board shall not increase in size to more than nine (9) Directors; provided , that the size of the Board shall be not more than ten (10) Directors until the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders.

STANDSTILL.

(a) During the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the earliest of:

1. the date that is fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration of the Company’s advance notice period for the nomination of Directors at the 2020 annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders;

2. the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms;

3. the commencement of a tender offer that constitutes an Acquisition Transaction by a third Person (and not involving any breach by any Hill Path Affiliate of this Section 2 ), and the Board or a duly authorized committee of the Board (in each case, acting by a majority of disinterested Directors with respect to such transaction) recommends that the stockholders of the Company tender their shares in response to such offer or do not recommend against the tender offer or exchange offer within ten (10) Business Days after the commencement thereof or such longer period as shall then be permitted under U.S. federal securities Laws;

4. Company enters into material discussions in response to a proposal made by one or more Persons (other than any Hill Path Affiliate) for an Acquisition Transaction regarding such Acquisition Transaction or the Company makes a public announcement that it is seeking to sell itself and, in such event, such announcement is made with the approval of the Board or a duly authorized committee of the Board (in each case, acting by a majority of disinterested Directors with respect to such transaction);

5. the date on which the aggregate Beneficial Ownership of the Hill Path Affiliates is less than 17.5% of the total number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding; and

6. the date that the Company is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have breached any of the Material Terms, and such breach is not cured within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of written notice from Hill Path specifying such breach;

unless specifically requested in writing by the Company, acting through a resolution of a majority of the Board or a duly authorized committee of the Board (in each case, acting by a majority of disinterested Directors and not including the Hill Path Designees), Hill Path shall not, and shall cause each of the Hill Path Affiliates not to, in each case directly or indirectly, in any manner, acting alone or in concert with others:

(i) make, engage in, or in any way participate in or knowingly and expressly encourage any solicitation of “proxies” or consents or become a “participant” in a “solicitation” (as such terms are defined in

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Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, but without r egard to the exclusion set forth in Rule 14a1(l)(2)(iv) of the Exchange Act) of proxies or consents (including, without limitation, any solicitation of consents that seeks to call a special meeting of stockholders or seeks to pass an action by written cons ent), in each case, with respect to securities of the Company or any securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for any such securities (collectively, “ securities of the Company ”);

(ii) form, join, encourage, influence, advise or in any way participate in any Group with respect to the securities of the Company (other than a Group that includes all or some of the Hill Path Affiliates, but does not include any other entities or Persons that are not Hill Path Affiliates as of the date hereof);

(iii) deposit, or otherwise in any manner agree, attempt, seek or propose to deposit, any shares of Common Stock in any voting trust or subject any shares of Common Stock to any arrangement or agreement with respect to the voting of any shares of Common Stock, other than any such voting trust, arrangement or agreement solely among Hill Path and the Hill Path Affiliates and otherwise in accordance with this Agreement;

(iv) seek or submit, or knowingly encourage any Person or entity to seek or submit, nomination(s) in furtherance of a contested “solicitation” (as such term is defined or used under the Exchange Act) for the appointment, election or removal of Directors with respect to the Company or seek, knowingly encourage or take any other action with respect to the appointment, election or removal of any Directors;

(v) (A) make or be the proponent of any stockholder proposal (pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act or otherwise) for consideration by stockholders at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Company or through any referendum of stockholders, (B) call or seek to call a special meeting of stockholders (including, without limitation, any solicitation of consents that seeks to call a special meeting of stockholders or seek to pass an action by written consent), (C) make a request for any stockholder list or other Company books and records pursuant to Section 220 of the Delaware General Corporate Law or similar statutory requirement, or (D) present or seek to present at any annual meeting or any special meeting of the Company’s stockholders;

(vi) knowingly advise or encourage any Person or entity (other than any Hill Path Affiliate) with respect to the voting of any securities of the Company at the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, except in accordance with the Board’s recommendation with respect to the matters presented for approval by the stockholders at such meeting;

(vii) other than discussions, negotiations, agreements or understandings with any Third Party with respect to the financing of an Extraordinary Transaction by such Third Party, (A) enter into any discussions, negotiations, agreements or understandings with any Third Party to take any action with respect to any of the foregoing, (B) advise, assist, knowingly encourage or seek to persuade any Third Party to take any action or make any statement with respect to any of the foregoing, or (C) otherwise take or cause any action or make any public statement inconsistent with respect to any of the foregoing; or

(viii) contest the validity of any of the foregoing.

(b) During the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the earlier of (x) the date of termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, unless specifically requested in writing by the Company, acting through a resolution the Board or a duly authorized committee of the Board (in each case acting by a majority of disinterested Directors and not including the Hill Path Designees), and (y) the date that the Company is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have breached any of the Material Terms, and such breach is not cured within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of written notice from Hill Path specifying such breach, Hill Path shall not, and shall cause each of the Hill Path Affiliates not to, in each case directly or indirectly, in any manner, acting alone or in concert with others:

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(i) make, engage in, or in any way participate in or knowingly and expressly encourage any solicitation of “proxies” or consents or become a “participant” in a “solicitation” (as such terms are defined in Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, but without regard to the exclusion set forth in Rule 14a1(l)(2)(iv) of the Exchange Act) of proxies or consents (including, without limitation, any solicitation of consents that seeks to call a special meeting of stockholders or seeks to pass an action by written consent), in each case, regarding the nomination, appointment, removal or election of any Person that is or would be a Hill Path Affiliated Director (other than in accordance with Section 1 );

(ii) form, join, encourage, influence, advise or in any way participate in any Group regarding the nomination, appointment, removal or election of any Person that is or would be a Hill Path Affiliated Director (other than in accordance with Section 1 );

(iii) other than as permitted under Section 2(d) , acquire, offer or propose to acquire, or agree to acquire any securities of the Company (including any option, warrant, convertible security, stock appreciation right, or other similar right (including any call option or “swap” transaction with respect to any security (other than a broad based market basket or index)) that includes, relates to or derives any significant part of its value from the market price or value of the securities of the Company) if, after giving effect to such acquisition, Hill Path and the Hill Path Affiliates (together with any individual or entity that would be deemed to be part of a Group with Hill Path or any Hill Path Affiliate) would own, control or otherwise have any Beneficial Ownership interest in an amount in excess of the Maximum Ownership Percentage;

(iv) deposit, or otherwise in any manner agree, attempt, seek or propose to deposit, any shares of Common Stock in any voting trust or subject any shares of Common Stock to any arrangement or agreement regarding the nomination, appointment, removal or election of any Person that is or would be a Hill Path Affiliated Director, other than any such voting trust, arrangement or agreement solely among Hill Path and the Hill Path Affiliates and otherwise in accordance with this Agreement;

(v) advise, encourage, support or influence any Person or entity (other than any Hill Path Affiliate) with respect to the voting or disposition of any securities of the Company at any annual or special meeting of s tockholders, in each case, regarding the nomination, appointment, removal or election of any Person that is or would be a Hill Path Affiliated Director (other than in accordance with Section 1 );

(vi) make any request or submit any proposal to amend the terms of this Agreement other than through non-public communications with the Company that would not be reasonably expected to trigger public disclosure obligations for any party to this Agreement;

(vii) make any public disclosure, announcement or statement regarding any intent, purpose, plan or proposal with respect to the nomination, appointment, removal or election of any Person that is or would be a Hill Path Affiliated Director that is inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement;

(viii) other than discussions, negotiations, agreements or understandings with any Third Party with respect to the financing of an Extraordinary Transaction by such Third Party, (A) enter into any discussions, negotiations, agreements or understandings with any Third Party to take any action with respect to any of the foregoing, (B) advise, assist, knowingly encourage or seek to persuade any Third Party to take any action or make any statement with respect to any of the foregoing, or (C) otherwise take or cause any action or make any public statement inconsistent with respect to any of the foregoing; or

(ix) contest the validity of any of the foregoing.

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(c) Nothing in this Section 2 shall be deemed to limit the exercise in good faith by a Hill Path Designee of such Person’s fiduciary duties solely in such Person’s capacity as a Director of the Company.

(d) The provisions of this Section 2 shall not be deemed to prohibit Hill Path or its directors, officers, partners, employees, members or agents (acting in such capacity) (“ Representatives ”) from (i) privately requesting a waiver of any of the provisions of this Section 2 from the Board, so long as such requests are in accordance with the Undertaking Agreement and are not intended to, and would not reasonably be expected to, trigger public disclosure obligations for any party to this Agreement, (ii) making statements or engaging in discussions in its capacity as a stockholder of the Company, including statements made directly to other stockholders of the Company, the Company, or advisors of the Company or Hill Path Affiliates, so long as such statements do not violate the Undertaking Agreement or any Director Confidentiality Agreement and without limiting a Hill Path Designee’s obligations under Section 1 , or (iii) from making public or private proposals regarding an Extraordinary Transaction.

(e) For purposes of this Agreement, the “ Maximum Ownership Percentage ” shall mean 34.9%. Notwithstanding the foregoing, references to “34.9%” in this Section 2 and in Section 4(b) shall be replaced with “39.9%” if Beneficial Ownership of 39.9% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding would not reasonably be expected to result in a breach of or default under any then-existing contract or agreement governing the Company’s indebtedness for borrowed money. For purposes of this Section 2(e) , the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at any time (x) shall be based on the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as most recently disclosed by the Company on the cover of a publicly filed Form 10-K or Form 10-Q, or (y) shall be otherwise communicated in writing by the Company to Hill Path, either in response to a request from Hill Path or as separately initiated by the Company .

VOTING AGREEMENT.

Voting in Elections.

At any meeting of stockholders of the Company involving the election of Directors (or if action is taken by written consent of stockholders of the Company in lieu of a meeting in respect of an election of Directors), the Hill Path Affiliates shall vote, or cause to be voted (including, if applicable, by written consent), all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates in excess of the Voting Percentage Limit, at their sole discretion, either (i) affirmatively in favor of the election of each Person nominated to serve as a Director by the Board or the NCGC or (ii) in the same proportion as the Voting Securities not Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates are voted (including, if applicable, by written consent, or by voting by ballot or by submitting any alternative proxy card necessary to accomplish the proportionate voting contemplated by this subclause (ii)) affirmatively for or against, or to withhold authority with respect to, as applicable, the election of each Person nominated to serve as a Director (or, as applicable, the removal of any Director) (it being understood that the Hill Path Affiliates must elect to vote as contemplated by subclause (i) or (ii) of this Section 3(a) and cannot elect not to vote or to vote in any other manner). The Hill Path Affiliates shall be free to vote or cause to be voted (including by abstaining or, if applicable, taking action by written consent), in their sole discretion, all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates up to and including the Voting Percentage Limit affirmatively for or against, or to withhold authority with respect to, as applicable, the election of each Person nominated to serve as a Director (or, as applicable, the removal of any Director).

Voting with Respect to Acquisition Transactions.

At any meeting of stockholders of the Company at which an Acquisition Transaction is submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company (or if action is taken with respect to such matter(s) by written consent of stockholders of the Company in lieu of a meeting), the Hill Path Affiliates shall vote or cause to be voted (including by abstaining or, if applicable, taking action by written consent) all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates in excess of the Voting Percentage Limit, at their sole discretion, either

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(i) affirmatively in favor of the recommendation of the Board or a duly authorized committee of the Board, in each case acting by a majority of disinterested Directors with respect to such Acquisition Transaction, or (ii) in the same proportion as the Voting Securities not Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates are voted (including by written consent) for or against, or abstain with respect to, such Acquisition Transaction (and such related matter(s)) (it being understood that the Hill Path Affiliates must elect to vote as contemplated by subclause (i) or (ii) of this Section 3(b) and cannot elect not to vote or to vote in any other manner). For the avoidance of doubt, in calculating the voting requirements of the Hill Path Affiliates under this Section 3(b) , all broker non-votes and all Voting Securities that are not present or represented at the applicable stockholder meeting shall be considered as abstentions. The Hill Path Affiliates shall be free to vote or cause to be voted (including by abstaining or, if applicable, taking action by written consent), in their sole discretion, all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates up to and including the Voting Percentage Limit.

Voting on Routine Matters.

At any annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders, with respect to the annual stockholder vote regarding the selection of the Company’s auditor and the Company’s executive compensation (or if action is taken wi th respect to such matter(s) by written consent of stockholders of the Company in lieu of a meeting), the Hill Path Affiliates shall vote, or cause to be voted (including by abstaining or, if applicable, taking action by written consent), all Voting Securi ties Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates in excess of the Voting Percentage Limit, at their sole discretion, either (i) affirmatively in favor of the Board’s recommendation with respect to such matters or (ii) in the same proportion as the Votin g Securities not Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates are voted (including by written consent) for or against, or abstain with respect to, such matter (it being understood that the Hill Path Affiliates must elect to vote as contemplated by subcla use (i) or (ii) of this Section 3(c) and cannot elect not to vote or to vote in any other manner). The Hill Path Affiliates shall be free to vote or cau se to be voted (including by abstaining or, if applicable, taking action by written consent), in their sole discretion, all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates up to and including the Voting Percentage Limit for or against, or to abstain from voting on, each such matter.

Voting with Respect to Other Matters.

At any meeting of stockholders of the Company at which any matter, other than an Other Specified Matter or a matter that is subject to Section 3(a) , Section 3(b) or Section 3(c) , is submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company (or if action is taken with respect to such matter(s) by written consent of stockholders of the Company in lieu of a meeting), the Hill Path Affiliates shall vote, or cause to be voted (including by abstaining or, if applicable, taking action by written consent), all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates in excess of the Voting Percentage Limit, at their sole discretion, either (i) affirmatively in favor of the recommendation of the Board or a duly authorized committee of the Board, in each case acting by a majority of disinterested Directors with respect to such matters or (ii) in the same proportion as the Voting Securities not Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates are voted (including by written consent) for or against, or abstain with respect to such matter (it being understood that the Hill Path Affiliates must elect to vote as contemplated by subclause (i) or (ii) of this Section 3(d) and cannot elect not to vote or to vote in any other manner). The Hill Path Affiliates shall be free to vote or cause to be voted (including by abstaining or, if applicable, taking action by written consent), in their sole discretion, all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates up to and including the Voting Percentage Limit for or against, or to abstain from voting on, each such matter.

Quorum.

At each meeting of stockholders, Hill Path shall cause all of the Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates to be present in person or by proxy for quorum purposes.

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TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS.

(a) No Hill Path Affiliate shall Transfer any shares of Common Stock, other than pursuant to a Permitted Transfer or in accordance with Section 4(c) .

(b) “Permitted Transfer” means:

(i) a Transfer of shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates to any Person or Group (other than Restricted Entities) who, after giving effect to such Transfer would Beneficially Own more than 24.9% and less than or equal to 34.9% of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock (a “ Hill Path StakePermitted Transferee ”); provided , that (A) as a condition of such Hill Path Stake Permitted Transferee’s ability to take ownership of any shares of Common Stock in connection with such Transfer, such Hill Path Stake Permitted Transferee must enter into a stock holders agreement with the Company in substantially the same form as this Agreement (the “ Transferee Stockholders Agreement ”) under which it receives the benefits of and agrees to comply with all of the restrictions under this Agreement; provided , further , that clause (1) of Section 2(a) of this Agreement shall be amended for purposes of the Transferee Stockholders Agreement to refer to the date that is the later of (x) fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration of the Company’s advance notice period for the nomination of Directors at the first annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders after the effective date of such Transferee Stockholders Agreement , and (y) three (3) months after the effective date of such Transferee Stockholders Agreement or, if a regularly scheduled quarterly meeting of the Board does not occur in such three (3) month period, then the day following the completion of the first regu larly scheduled quarterly meeting of the Board after such three (3) month period; and (B) such Hill Path Stake Permitted Transferee shall inure to the rights of Hill Path under the Registration Rights Agreement with respect to such shares of Common Stock;

(ii) a Transfer that has been approved in advance by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board or a duly-authorized committee thereof;

(iii) a Transfer to another Hill Path Affiliate if such Hill Path Affiliate shall have agreed in writing to be bound to the same extent as Hill Path by the obligations of this Agreement by executing a joinder agreement substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C to this Agreement;

(iv) a Transfer in connection with any Acquisition Transaction approved by the Board or a duly-authorized committee thereof (including if the Board or such committee (A) recommends that the Company’s stockholders tender in response to a tender or exchange offer that, if consummated, would constitute an Acquisition Transaction, or (B) does not recommend that the Company’s stockholders reject any such tender or exchange offer within the ten (10) Business Day period specified in Rule 14e-2(a) under the Exchange Act);

(v) a Transfer that constitutes a tender into a tender or exchange offer commenced by the Company or any of its Affiliates or pursuant to Section 10 ;

(vi) a Transfer in connection with any bona fide mortgage, encumbrance or pledge to a financial institution in connection with any bona fide loan or debt transaction or enforcement thereunder; provided , that as a condition to such financial institution’s ability to take ownership of any shares of Common Stock in connection with enforcement under any such loan or debt transaction, such financial institution or its assignee (as applicable) shall agree to comply with the restrictions in this Section 4 with respect to such shares of Common Stock (it being acknowledged and agreed that such financial institution or its assignee shall inure to the rights of Hill Path under the Registration Rights Agreement with respect to such shares of Common Stock); or

(vii) a Transfer pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act; provided , that such Transfer complies with the manner of sale requirements of Rule 144(f) .

(c) In addition to Permitted Transfers, each Hill Path Affiliate shall be free to Transfer any shares of Common Stock; provided , that (i) with respect to any Transfer, other than Permitted Transfer or an underwritten

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public offering or an underwritten or registered block trade, the Hill Path Affiliates shall not Transfer any shares of Common Stock to (A) any Restricted Entity or (B) any Person or Group known to such Hill Path Affiliate (or to the broker in an ordinary course brokerage transaction) to be a 25% Stockholder or that would become the Beneficial Owner of 25% or more of the total outstanding Comm on Stock as a result of the Transfer, except with the prior written consent of the Company, and (ii) with respect to any Transfer that is an underwritten public offering or an underwritten or registered block trade, such Hill Path Affiliate shall instruct the managing underwriter(s) or broker(s) not to Transfer any shares of Common Stock to any Person or Group that is a 25% Stockholder or that would become the Beneficial Owner of 25% or more of the total outstanding Common Stock as a result of the Transfer (unless, in each case, the identity of the Person purchasing the shares of Common Stock is not known to the managing underwriter(s) or broker(s)). At any point in time, Hill Path may deliver a notice to the Company setting forth information regarding a Pe rson reasonably necessary for the Company to determine if such person is Unsuitable, and requesting that the Company consent to a Transfer to such Person notwithstanding the restrictions set forth in Section 4(c)(i)(A). If the Company does not notify Hill Path within five (5) Business Days after delivery of such notice that the Person is Unsuitable and that it is not willing to consent to such Transfer, then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, the Company shall be deemed to have consented to such Transfer in accordance with Section 4(c)(i). If the applicable Transfer is not completed within ninety (90) days of the Company’s consent or deemed consent, then such consent or deemed consent under this paragraph shall be deemed to be rescinded. For purposes of this Section 4(c) , the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at any time (x) shall be based on the numbe r of shares of Common Stock outstanding as most recently disclosed by the Company on the cover of a publicly filed Form 10-K or Form 10-Q, or (y) shall be otherwise communicated in writing by the Company to Hill Path, either in response to a request from Hill Path or as separately initiated by the Company.

(d) Any Transfer or attempted Transfer of Equity Securities of the Company in violation of this Section 4 shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, be null and void ab initio , and the Company shall not, and shall instruct its transfer agent and other third parties not to, record or recognize any such purported transaction on the books of the Company.

(e) Following any Transfer by a Hill Path Affiliate contemplated by Section 4(b)(vi) , Hill Path shall (i) promptly notify the Company in writing upon receipt of any notice of acceleration or foreclosure from a financial institution under the applicable loan or debt transaction, and (ii) reimburse any reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Company in connection with (x) the establishment of such mortgage, encumbrance or pledge or (y) any Transfer of shares of Common Stock to such financial institution in connection with such event of acceleration or foreclosure.

(f) The Company shall use reasonable efforts to have the shares of Common Stock purchased pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement registered directly on the books and records of the transfer agent in the name of the applicable Hill Path Affiliate and maintained in book entries directly on the books and records of the transfer agent in the name of the applicable Hill Path Affiliate. The certificates for such shares of Common Stock held by a Hill Path Affiliate as of the Closing Date shall bear a legend or legends (and appropriate comparable notations or other arrangements will be made with respect to shares maintained in the form of book entries) referencing restrictions on transfer of such shares under the Securities Act, which legend shall state in substance:

THESE SECURITIES AND THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON THE EXCHANGE THEREOF HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION. THE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED, TRANSFERRED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF EXCEPT (1) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (2) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO SUCH SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH CASE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS AND THE SECURITIES LAWS OF OTHER JURISDICTIONS.

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the request of the applicable Hill Path Affiliate, (i) following receipt by the Company of an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company to the effect that such legend (or notation) may be lifted in connection with the Transfer of Common Stock, the Company shall promptly cause the legend (or notation) to be removed from any Common Stock to be Transferred in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and (ii) to the extent the legend (or notation) would be removed pursuant to this paragraph in connection with any Transfer of Common Stock, the Company shall use reasonable efforts to cause such Common Stock to be registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company’s nominee.

RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL.

(a) If the Company, at any time or from time to time following the Closing, proposes to issue (a “ New Issuance ”) any New Securities, for cash in an offering that is not an underwritten public offering or an offering pursuant to Rule 144A (or a successor rule) under the Securities Act (any such offering, a “ Private Placement ”), the Company shall provide Hill Path with written notice (an “ Issuance Notice ”) of such New Issuance at least fifteen (15) days prior to the issuance of such New Securities. The Issuance Notice shall set forth the material terms and conditions of the New Issuance, including (i) the proposed number of New Securities if known or, if not known, an estimate thereof, (ii) a description of the New Securities and proposed manner of sale, (iii) the purchase price per New Security (or conversion price or premium in the event of an offering of convertible debt) (the “ Per Security Offering Price ”) if known or, if not known, an estimate thereof, and (iv) the proposed issuance date if known or, if not known, an estimate thereof. Hill Path shall be entitled to purchase (either directly or through any other Hill Path Affiliate), at the Per Security Offering Price and on the other terms and conditions specified in the Issuance Notice, up to the number of such New Securities that would result in the aggregate Total Share Ownership of the Hill Path Affiliates, as a percentage of the total number of outstanding shares of Common Stock immediately following such New Issuance being equal to the aggregate Total Share Ownership of the Hill Path Affiliates, as a percentage of the total number of outstanding shares of Common Stock immediately prior to such New Issuance; provided , that for this purpose such percentage shall not exceed the Maximum Ownership Percentage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the number of New Securities that Hill Path (directly or through any other Hill Path Affiliate) shall be entitled to purchase pursuant to this Section5 with respect to any New Issuance shall be limited to the maximum amount that may be issued by the Company to Hill Path (directly or through any other Hill Path Affiliate) without requiring approv al of such issuance by the stockholders of the Company under the rules of the Exchange, as determined in good faith by the Company (which such determination shall be binding on the parties).

(b) Hill Path may exercise its rights under this Section 5 by delivering written notice of its election to purchase (either directly or through any other Hill Path Affiliate) such New Securities to the Company within ten (10) days after receipt of the Issuance Notice, which notice shall specify the number of New Securities requested to be purchased by Hill Path. Delivery of such notice shall constitute a binding commitment of Hill Path to purchase (either directly or through any other Hill Path Affiliate) the amount of New Securities so specified at the Per Security Offering Price and on the terms and conditions specified in the Issuance Notice. If, at the termination of such ten (10) day period, Hill Path has not exercised its right to purchase any such New Securities, Hill Path shall be deemed to have waived its rights under this Section 5 with respect to, and only with respect to, the purchase of the New Securities specified in the applicable Issuance Notice.

(c) The closing of any sale of New Securities to Hill Path or any other Hill Path Affiliate pursuant to this Section 5 shall take place concurrently with the consummation of the sale of the New Securities on the terms set forth in the Issuance Notice to all other Persons purchasing such New Securities (the “ New Issuance Closing ”).

(d) If the Company issues, at the New Issuance Closing, less than all of the New Securities described in the Issuance Notice, then the number of New Securities that Hill Path (and any other Hill Path Affiliate) shall be entitled to purchase in connection with such New Issuance pursuant to this Section 5 shall be reduced proportionately and Hill Path’s notice delivered pursuant to this Section 5 shall be deemed amended to reflect

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such reduction. If the number of New Securities is reduced as contemplated by this Section 5 , the Company shall not issue or sell the remainder of the New Securities described in the Issuance Notice without again complying with the provisions of this Section 5 .

(e) If the New Issuance Closing (other than any over-allotment closing) does not occur within ninety (90) days after the date of the Issuance Notice, the Company shall not issue or sell the New Securities described in the Issuance Notice without again complying with the provisions of this Section 5 .

(f) Hill Path (or any other Hill Path Affiliate) shall, prior to the closing of any Private Placement in which any of them has elected to purchase New Securities pursuant to this Section 5 , execute and deliver all such documents and instruments as are customarily required in connection with such an offering or are reasonably requested by the Company, including, without limitation, customary investment representations and representations as to its status as the type of offeree to whom a private sale may be made pursuant to the Securities Act, and any failure to deliver or enter into any such documents and instruments at or prior to such closing shall constitute a waiver of the right of first refusal set forth in this Section 5 with respect to such New Issuance.

(g) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section5 , this Section 5 shall not apply and the Hill Path Affiliates shall ha ve no rights under this Section 5 if, at any time, any Hill Path Affiliate is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have breached any of the Material Term s, and such breach is not cured within thirty (30) days after receipt by Hill Path of written notice from the Company specifying such breach.

REPRESENTATIONS OF THE COMPANY.

The Company represents and warrants to Hill Path as follows: (a) the Company has the power and authority to execute, deliver and carry out the terms and provisions of this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; (b) this Agreement has been duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company, constitutes a valid and binding obligation and agreement of the Company and is enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms; (c) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Company does not and will not (i) violate or conflict with any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree applicable to the Company, or (ii) result in any breach or violation of or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute such a breach, violation or default) under or pursuant to, or result in the loss of a material benefit under, or give any right of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, any organizational document or agreement to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound, except in the case of clause (c), for any such violation, conflict, breach, default or otherwise that would not, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company, taken as a whole.

REPRESENTATIONS OF HILL PATH.

Hill Path represents and warrants to the Company as follows: (a) Hill Path is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization and has the requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and carry out the terms and provisions of this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; (b) this Agreement has been duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered by Hill Path, constitutes a valid and binding obligation and agreement of Hill Path and is enforceable against Hill Path in accordance with its terms; (c) each of Hill Path and the Hill Path Affiliates, Beneficially Owns, directly or indirectly, such number of shares of Common Stock as indicated on Exhibit A (which exhibit includes a complete and accurate specification of which Person is the Beneficial Owner and the form of ownership (including (i) shares that such Person has the right to acquire pursuant to the exercise of any rights in connection with any securities or any agreement, regardless of when such rights may be exercised and whether they are conditional, (ii) shares of which such Person has economic ownership pursuant to a cash settled call

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option or other derivative security, contract or instrument related to the price of shares of Common Stock, (iii) shares over which such Person controls or owns the voting power and (iv) the extent to which such Person has entered into a derivative or other agreement, arrangement or understanding that directly hedges or transfers, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, any of the economic consequences of ownership of such shares), and such shares of Common Stock constitute all of the Common Stock Beneficially Owned by Hill Path and the Hill Path Affiliates or in which Hill Path or the Hill Path Affiliates have any interest or right to acquire or vote, whether through derivative securities, voting agreements or otherwise and (d) Hill Path has, and at all relevant times shall have, the requisite power and authority to cause each of the Hill Path Affiliates to comply with the terms hereof applicable to Hill Path Affiliates.

8. Equal Treatment . In connection with any Acquisition Transaction, the p rice per share of Common Stock received by the Hill Path Affiliates in connection with such Acquisition Transaction shall be identical to the price per share of Common Stock received by the other holders of Common Stock of the Company in connection with su ch Acquisition Transaction. If the form of consideration per share of Common Stock received by Hill Path Affiliates in connection with any Acquisition Transaction is not identical to the form of consideration per share of Common Stock received by the othe r holders of Common Stock of the Company, the Hill Path Designees shall recuse themselves from the consideration, evaluation and other processes of the Board or any duly authorized committee thereof with respect to such Acquisition Transaction.

9. Information and Access Rights . The books and records of the Company shall be available for inspection by Hill Path at the principal place of business of the Company. The Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, (a) afford Hill Path and their respective agents access at all reasonable times to its officers, employees, auditors, legal counsel, properties, offices and other facilities and to all of its books and records, (b) afford Hill Path and their respective agents with the opportunity to consult with its officers from time to time as Hill Path may reasonably request regarding the affairs, finances and accounts of the Company and its Subsidiaries, (c) to the extent otherwise prepared by the Company, provide annual operating and capital expenditure budgets and periodic information packages relating to the operations and cash flows of the Company and its Subsidiaries and (d) subject to applicable Law, provide any additional information regarding the affairs, finances and accounts of the Company and its Subsidiaries that is reasonably requested by Hill Path from time to time (it being acknowledged that the Company may reasonably withhold information that constitutes a trade secret or other competitively sensitive intellectual property or is subject to attorney-client privilege). Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, as provided in Section 13 , Hill Path and the Hill Path Affiliates shall be provided confidential information in accordance with and subject to the terms of the Undertaking Agreement.

TENDER OF SHARES IN CERTAIN ACQUISITIONS.

If, at any time when (a) the Hill Path Affiliates Beneficially Own Voting Securities in excess of the Voting Percentage Limit, and (b) any Acquisition Transaction by a Person other than a Hill Path Affiliate is to be effected by means of a tender or exchange offer that has been approved and recommended (and such recommendation has not been withdrawn) by the Board, the Hill Path Affiliates shall tender into such offer, prior to any expiration thereof (as such offer may be extended from time to time), all the shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates in excess of the Voting Percentage Limit either (i) in accordance with the recommendation of the Board or a duly authorized committee of the Board, in each case, acting by a majority of disinterested Directors with respect to such offer or (ii) in the same proportion as the shares of Common Stock not Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates are so tendered. The Hill Path Affiliates shall be free, in their sole discretion, to tender or not tender into such offer, any and all shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates up to and including the Voting Percentage Limit.

11. Waiver of Restrictions on Business Combinations . On or before the Closing, the Company and the Board (or a duly authorized committee thereof) shall, in compliance with applicable Law, take all actions necessary to duly adopt resolutions approving this Agreement and the waiver of the restrictions under

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Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware applicable to a business combination with an interested stockholder, or any similar provision under the Company’s organizational document, up to the Maximum Ownership Percentage for Hill Path Affiliates and any subsequent transferee of a Transfer pursuant to and in accordance with Sections 4(b) or 4(c) , substantially as set forth in Exhibit D to this Agreement.

12. Public Announcement .

(a) Hill Path and the Company shall announce this Agreement by means of a joint press release in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E (the “ Press Release ”) no later than 9 a.m., New York City time, on May 28, 2019.

(b) The Company shall promptly prepare and file a Form 8-K reporting entry into this Agreement and appending or incorporating by reference this Agreement and the Press Release as exhibits thereto.

(c) Hill Path shall, and shall cause each of the Hill Path Affiliates to, cause any public filings that reference the entry into this Agreement to be consistent with the Press Release and the terms of this Agreement.

(d) Other than as contemplated by Section 12(a) or Section 12(c) , none of Hill Path, the Hill Path Affiliates or the Hill Path Designees shall issue a press release in connection with entering into this Agreement or the actions contemplated hereby.

UNDERTAKING AGREEMENT.

The parties hereby agree that, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, Hill Path may be provided confidential information in accordance with and subject to the terms of the Undertaking Agreement. Hill Path acknowledges and agrees, on its own behalf and on behalf of the Hill Path Affiliates, that non-public materials provided to the Board or committees thereof and written or verbal communications relating thereto shall be deemed confidential information.

REMEDIES; JURISDICTION AND VENUE; GOVERNING LAW.

The parties agree that irreparable damage may occur in the event any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with the terms hereof and that such damage would not be adequately compensable in monetary damages. Accordingly, the parties hereto shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement, to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement exclusively in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if such court shall not have jurisdiction, any state or federal court sitting in the State of Delaware, and to require the resignation of the Hill Path Designees from the Board following such time as any of the conditions in Section 1(g) is satisfied, in addition to any other remedies at Law or in equity, and each party agrees it will not take any action, directly or indirectly, in opposition to another party seeking or obtaining such relief. Each of the parties hereto agrees to waive any bonding requirement under any applicable law, in the case any other party seeks to enforce the terms by way of equitable relief. Furthermore, each of the parties hereto (a) consents to submit itself to the personal jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and the federal and other state courts sitting in the State of Delaware in the event any dispute arises out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (b) agrees that it shall not attempt to deny or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from any such court, (c) agrees that it shall not bring any action relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in any court other than such federal or state courts of the State of Delaware, and each of the parties irrevocably waives the right to trial by jury, a nd (d) each of the parties irrevocably consents to service of process by a reputable overnight mail delivery service, signature requested, to the address set forth in Section 17 hereof or as otherwise provided by applicable law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED IN ALL RESPECTS, INCLUDING VALIDITY, INTERPRETATION AND EFFECT, BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS EXECUTED

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AND TO BE PERFORMED WHOLLY WITHIN SUCH STATE WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CONFLICT OR CHOICE OF LAW PRINCIPLES THAT MAY RESULT IN THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.

EXPENSES.

At the Closing, the Company shall reimburse Hill Path for its reasonable, documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses (including legal expenses) incurred in connection with Hill Path’s and the Hill Path Affiliates’ negotiation and execution of this Agreement (and excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any fees and expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation and execution of the Stock Purchase Agreement and/or consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Stock Purchase Agreement); provided , that such reimbursement shall not exceed $250,000 in the aggregate.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENT.

This Agreement, the Irrevocable Resignation Letters and the Registration Rights Agreement, together with the Undertaking Agreement and any previously existing written non-disclosure agreement executed by the parties or any Hill Path Designee, contain the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all prior and contemporaneous agreements, memoranda, arrangements, letters and understandings, both written and oral, between the parties, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be amended only by an agreement specifically amending this Agreement in writing executed by the parties hereto, and no waiver of compliance with any provision or condition of this Agreement and no consent provided for in this Agreement shall be effective unless evidenced by a written instrument executed by the party against whom such waiver or consent is to be effective. No failure or delay by a party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any right, power or privilege hereunder.

NOTICES.

All notices, notifications, consents, requests, instructions, approvals and other communications provided for herein and all legal process in regard hereto shall be in writing and shall be deemed validly given, made or served, when actually received during normal business hours at the address specified in this subsection:

if to the Company:

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.

9205 South Park Center Loop , Suite 400

Orland, Florida 32819

Attention: G. Anthony (Tony) Taylor

Email: tony.taylor@seaworld.com

Facsimile: (40 7) 226-5039

if to Hill Path:

Hill Path Capital LP

150 East 58 th Street, 32nd Floor

New York, NY 10155

Attention: Scott I. Ross

Email: ross@hillpathcap.com

Facsimile: (646) 619-4844

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with copies to:

Olshan Frome Wolosky

LLP 1325 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10019

Attention: Steve Wolosky

Email: swolosky@olshanlaw.com

Facsimile: (212) 451-2222

and

Sidley Austin LLP

787 Seventh Avenue

New York, New York 10019

Attention: Adam Weinstein

Email: aweinstein@sidley.com

Facsimile: (212) 839-5599

SEVERABILITY.

If at any time subsequent to the date hereof, any provision of this Agreement shall be held by any court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void or unenforceable, such provision shall be of no force and effect, but the illegality or unenforceability of such provision shall have no effect upon the legality or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

TERMINATION.

Unless otherwise specified herein, this Agreement shall automatically terminate on the earliest to occur of (a) the date on which the aggregate Total Share Ownership of the Hill Path Affiliates is less than 5% of the total number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding and (b) the termination of the Stock Purchase Agreement prior to the Closing in accordance with its terms; provided , that Sections 1(g) , 13 , 14 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 20 , 21 and 23 and this Section 19 shall survive such termination. Termination shall not relieve any party hereto from liability for breach of any provision of this Agreement prior to such termination.

COUNTERPARTS.

This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts either manually or by electronic or digital signature (including by email transmission), each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall constitute a single binding agreem ent on the parties, notwithstanding that not all parties are signatories to the same counterpart.

NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES; ASSIGNMENT.

This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the parties hereto and is not binding upon (other than successors to the parties hereto) or enforceable by any other Persons. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding on the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. This Agreement may not be assigned, except by any Hill Path Affiliate to any other Hill Path Affiliate that has executed a joinder agreement substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C to the Agreement, without the express prior written consent of the other parties hereto, and any attempted assignment, without such consent, will be null and void. Nothing in this Agreement, whether express or implied, is intended to or shall confer any rights, benefits or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement on any Persons other than the parties hereto, nor is anything in this Agreement intended to relieve or discharge the obligation or liability of any third Persons to any party.

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EFFECTIVENESS.

This Agreement shall become automatically effective upon the Closing, without the requirement of any further action by any Person, and until the Closing (if any), this Agreement shall be of no force or effect and shall create no rights or obligations on the part of any party hereto.

INTERPRETATION AND CONSTRUCTION.

Defined Terms.

In addition to the terms defined elsewhere herein, the following terms have the following meanings when used herein with initial capital letters:

25% Stockholder ” means, in connection with a proposed Transfer of Equity Securities of the Company, any Person or Group that has filed or is required to file a statement of beneficial ownership report on Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G with the SEC which reports such Person’s or Group’s Beneficial Ownership of 25% or more of the total outstanding Common Stock as of the time of and after giving effect to such proposed Transfer.

Acquisition Transaction ” means any transaction or series of related transactions involving: (i) (a) any acquisition (whether direct or indirect, including by way of merger, share exchange, consolidation, business combination or other similar transaction) or purchase from the Company that would result in any Person or Group Beneficially Owning more than fifty percent (50%) of the total outstanding Equity Securities of the Company (measured by voting power or economic interest), or (b) any tender offer, exchange offer or other secondary acquisition that would result in any Person or Group Beneficially Owning more than fifty percent (50%) of the total outstanding Equity Securities of the Company (measured by voting power or economic interest), or (c) any merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination or similar transaction involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that would result in the stockholders of the Company immediately preceding such transaction Beneficially Owning less than fifty percent (50%) of the total outstanding Equity Securities in the surviving or resulting entity of such transaction (measured by voting power or economic interest); or (ii) any sale or lease or exchange, transfer, license or disposition of a business or assets that constitute more than fifty percent (50%) of the assets, revenues or net income of the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

Affiliate ” has the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act.

Agreement ” means this Stockholders Agreement, as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof.

Beneficially Own ” (including its correlative meanings, “Beneficial Owner” and “Beneficial Ownership”) has the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that notwithstanding anything in Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) to the contrary, the determination of “Beneficial Ownership” of a Person shall be made after giving effect to the conversion of all options, warrants, rights and convertible or other similar securities outstanding as of any date in question that are held by such Person, irrespective of any vesting period of any such security.

Board ” means the board of directors of the Company.

Business Day ” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday, holiday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York are authorized or required by Law to close.

Bylaws ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(a) .

Certificate of Incorporation ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(a) .

Closing ” has the meaning set forth in the Stock Purchase Agreement.

Closing Date ” means the date on which the Closing occurs.

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Common Stock ” means the shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Company, and any other capital stock of the Company into which such common stock is reclassified or reconstituted and any other common stock of the Company.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Company Policies ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(e) .

Control ” (including its correlative meanings, “ Controlled ” and “ Controlled by ”) means possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by contract or otherwise) of a Person.

Director ” means any director of the Company.

Equity Securities ” means any and all (i) shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock or other Voting Securities of a corporation, any and all equivalent or analogous ownership (or profit) or voting interests in a Person (other than a corporation), (ii) securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock or Voting Securities of (or other ownership or profit or voting interests in) such Person, and (iii) any and all warrants, rights or options to purchase any of the foregoing, whether voting or nonvoting, and, in each case, whether or not such shares, interests, participations, equivalents, securities, warrants, o ptions, rights or other interests are authorized or otherwise existing on any date of determination.

Exchange ” shall mean the New York Stock Exchange LLC or any other exchange on which the Common Stock is listed from time to time.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time.

Extraordinary Transaction ” means any merger, scheme of arrangements, takeover offer, acquisition, recapitalization, restructuring, disposition, other business combination or other extraordinary transaction involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries or joint ventures or any of their respective securities or a material amount of any of their respective assets or businesses, including any Acquisition Transaction.

Governmental Authority ” means any nation, government, or supra-national body of competent jurisdiction, any state or other political subdivision thereof, and any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, and, any arbitrator or arbitral body or panel of competent jurisdiction or other entity with quasi-governmental authority.

Group ” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act and Rule 13d-5 thereunder.

Hill Path ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Hill Path Affiliated Director ” means any Director that (i) at any time during the three (3) year period prior to his or her election or appointment to the Board, or during his or her service as a Director, has been or is an employee, director or officer of Hill Path or any entity that manages an investment fund of a Hill Path Affiliate or (ii) unless otherwise determined by the NCGC acting reasonably, would not be independent of Hill Path or any Hill Path Affiliate under the standards set forth in Sections 303A.02(b)(i), (ii), (iv) or (v) of the Exchange rules (provided that, for purposes of this clause (ii), (a) Hill Path or such Hill Path Affiliate shall be deemed the issuer for purposes of such rules, (b) the reference to “during any twelve-month period within the last three years, more than $120,000 in direct compensation from the listed company” shall be replaced with “(a) during each twelve-

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month period within the last three years, more than $750,000, or (b) during the last three years, more than $2,500,000 in the aggregate, in each case, in direct cash compensation (excluding the value of any equity or distribution relating to equity or other related interests) from the listed company”, (c) the reference to “a company that has made payments to, or received payments from, the listed company for property or services in an amount which, in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of $1 million, or 2% of such other company’s consolidated gross revenues” shall be replaced with “a company that has made payments to, or received payments from, the listed company for property or services in an amount which, in any of the last three fiscal years, exceeds the greater of $2.5 million, or 10% of such other company’s consolidated gross revenues”, and (d) a Person shall only be deemed to be a Hill Path Affiliate if Hill Path or any other Hill Path Affiliate Beneficially Owns, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of such Person’s equity interests); provided that the parenthetical “(excluding the value of any equity or distribution rel ating to equity or other related interests)” in clause (b) above shall not be included in the Transferee Stockholders Agreement.

Hill Path Affiliates ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(g) .

Hill Path Designee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(b) .

Hill Path Stake Permitted Transferee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4(b)(i) .

Irrevocable Resignation Letter ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(g) .

Issuance Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(a) .

Law ” means any statute, law (including common law), regulation, ordinance, rule, injunction, order, decree, award, governmental approval, directive, requirement, or other governmental restriction or any similar form of decision of, or determination by, or any interpretation or administration of any of the foregoing by, any Governmental Authority.

Market Price ” means, as of any date, the last reported trading price of the Common Stock as of the end of regular trading hours on the Exchange on such date or, if the Common Stock is not listed on an Exchange, the fair market value per share of the Common Stock as determined in good faith by the Board as of such date.

Material Terms ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(g) .

Maximum Ownership Percentage ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(e) .

Minimum Condition ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(g) .

NCGC ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(c) .

New Issuance ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(a) .

New Issuance Closing ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(c) .

New Securities ” means (A) any shares of Common Stock or (B) any preferred, debt or other securities that are convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of Common Stock, other than, in each case, any shares of Common Stock or such other securities that are: (i) issued to employees, officers or directors of, or consultants to, the Company or any of its Affiliates pursuant to any plan, agreement or arrangement approved by the Board (or a committee thereof); (ii) issued as consideration for the acquisition by the Company (or any of its Affiliates) of any business, assets or property of any third party, by merger, sale of assets, sale of stock or otherwise; (iii) issued upon conversion or exercise of convertible securities, options, warrants or other similar securities; (iv) distributed or set aside ratably to all holders of Common Stock on a per share equivalent basis; or

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(v) issued in connection with any equipment or real property loan or leasing arrangement; provided , that with respect to any convertible or exchangeable security or option issued in connection with any debt financing from a financial institution, if the underwriter, the bookrunner or similar financial institution advises in writing that the number of securities requested to be purchased by Hill Path (either directly or through any other Hill Path Affiliate) exceeds the number which can be sold in such offeri ng to Hill Path or any other Hill Path Affiliate without adversely affecting the marketability, proposed offering price, timing or method of distribution of the offering, then Hill Path (either directly or through any other Hill Path Affiliate) may purchas e only such number of securities which may be purchased without such adverse effect.

Other Specified Matter ” means (a) any amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation or by-laws that adversely affects Hill Path or any other Hill Path Affiliate disproportionately as compared to other stockholders of the Company, or (b) any issuance of Common Stock representing twenty percent (20%) or more of the Company’s total outstanding shares of Common Stock (other than as non-cash consideration in an acquisition of the business, assets or property of a third party or parties) at a price per share below the Market Price on the last Business Day prior to the date on which the Company entered into the definitive agreement pursuant to which such Common Stock will be issued.

Per Security Offering Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(a) .

Permitted Transfer ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4(b) .

Person ” means any individual, corporation (including not-for-profit), general or limited partnership, limited liability or unlimited liability company, joint venture, estate, trust, association, organization or other entity of any kind or nature.

Press Release ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12(a) .

Private Placement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(a) .

Registration Rights Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Representatives ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(d) .

Restricted Entity ” means a Person (a) principally engaged in the business of owning, operating, managing, franchising or branding theme parks and other entertainment destinations that, in each case, competes with the Company and is listed on Exhibit F attached hereto, as such list may be amended by the Company acting reasonably and in good faith from time to time, but not more than once every twelve (12) months, by delivery of written notice to Hill Path no less than forty-five (45) days prior to such amendment or (b) that is Unsuitable.

SEC ” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor agency.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time.

securities of the Company ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(i) .

Seller ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Stock Purchase Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in th e Preamble.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity of which: (i) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of

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stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, representatives or trustees thereof is at the time owned or Controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof; or (ii) if a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity (other than a corporation), a majority of the total voting power of stock (or equivalent ownership interest) of such limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity is at the time owned or Controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons shall be deemed to own, control or have a majority ownership interest in a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity (other than a corporation) if such Person or Persons shall be allocated a majority of such limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity gains or losses or shall be or Control the managing director or member, or general partner, of such limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity.

Total Share Ownership ” means, as of any applicable date hereunder, and with respect to any Person, the total number of shares of Common Stock both (i) Beneficially Owned by such Person and (ii) in which such Person has the pecuniary interest. For the avoidance of doubt, a Person shall not be deemed to have ownership of a share of Common Stock, for purposes of calculating Total Share Ownership, if such Person has Beneficial Ownership of such share of Common Stock but does not also have the pecuniary interest in such share or, conversely, if such Person has the pecuniary interest in such share of Common Stock but does not also have Beneficial Ownership of such share.

Transfer ” (including its correlative meaning, “ Transferred ”) shall mean, with respect to any Equity Security, directly or indirectly, by operation of Law, contract or otherwise, (i) to sell, contract to sell, give, assign, hypothecate, pledge, encumber, grant a security interest in, offer, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of any economic, voting or other rights in or to such Equity Security, (ii) to engage in any hedging, swap, forward contract or other similar transaction that is designed to or which reasonably could be expected to lead to or result in a sale or disposition of Beneficial Ownership of, or pecuniary interest in, such Equity Security, including any short sale or any purchase, sale or grant of any right (including without limitation any put or call option) with respect to such Equity Security, or (iii) to enter into a short sale of, or trade in, derivative securities representing the right to vote or economic benefits of, such Equity Security. When used as a noun, “ Transfer ” shall have such correlative meaning as the context may require.

Transferee Stockholders Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4(b)(i) .

Undertaking Agreement ” means that certain amended and restated letter agreement from Scott I. Ross and James P. Chambers and agreed to by the Company and Hill Path dated as of even date herewith.

Unsuitable ” means, with respect to any Person, that such Person (a) ha s been, during the last five years, (i) convicted in a criminal proceeding involving fraud, theft or other crimes of moral turpitude or (ii) a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of suc h proceeding is subject to a judgment, decree or final order (x) enjoining such Person from owning securities of a publicly traded person or serving on the board of directors, or as an executive officer of a publicly traded corporation or (y) revoking such Person’s license, approval or authorization under federal or sta te securities Laws, or (b) is a non-profit organization that (i) has historically generated negative publicity about the Company’s operations and such organization has not publicly changed its position with respect to the Company’s operations or (ii) at th e relevant time of determination is generating, negative publicity about the Company’s operations. 

Voting Percentage Limit ” means the number of Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates equal to (i) 24.9% of the Voting Securities entitled to vote at the applicable meeting of stockholders of the Company as disclosed in the proxy or information statement for such meeting; or (ii) in a tender offer or exchange offer, 24.9% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the expiration of the tender offer or exchange offer.

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Voting Securities ” means shares of Common Stock and any other securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors.

(b) Construction . When a reference is made in this Agreement to a Section, such reference shall be to a Section of this Agreement, unless otherwise indicated. The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words “include,” “includes” and “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” The words “hereof, “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning as the word “shall.” The words “date hereof” will refer to the date of this Agreement. The word “or” is not exclusive. The definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms. Any agreement, instrument, law, rule or statute defined or referred to herein means, unless otherwise indicated, such agreement, instrument, law, rule or statute as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented. Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that it has been represented by counsel of its choice throughout all negotiations that have preceded the execution of this Agreement, and that it has executed the same with the advice of said independent counsel. Each party cooperated and participated in the drafting and preparation of this Agreement and the documents referred to herein, and any and all drafts relating thereto exchanged among the parties shall be deemed the work product of all of the parties and may not be construed against any party by reason of its drafting or preparation. Accordingly, any rule of law or any legal decision that would require interpretation of any ambiguities in this Agreement against any party that drafted or prepared it is of no application and is hereby expressly waived by each of the parties hereto, and any controversy over interpretations of this Agreement shall be decided without regards to events of drafting or preparation.

[Signature Page Follows]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has executed this Agreement, or caused the same to be executed by its duly authorized representative as of the date first above written.

HILL PATH CAPITAL LP
By:

/s/ Scott I. Ross

Name:Scott I. Ross
Title:Managing Partner
SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
By:

/s/ Gustavo Antorcha

Name:Gustavo (Gus) Antorcha
Title:Chief Executive Officer

[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]


Annex B

FIRST AMENDMENT TO

STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

This First Amendment to the Stockholders Agreement (this “Amendment”), dated as of February 27, 2024, is by and between Hill Path Capital LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Hill Path”), and United Parks & Resorts Inc., a Delaware corporation (formerly known as SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.) (the “Company”). Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Stockholders Agreement by and between Hill Path and the Company dated as of May 27, 2019 (the “Original Agreement” and, as amended by this Amendment, the “Agreement”).

BACKGROUND:

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders for the Company to authorize repurchases from time to time of up to $500 million of shares of Common Stock or such lesser amount as to ensure that the Beneficial Ownership Percentage of all Hill Path Affiliates (including James P. Chambers, who for the purpose of this Amendment and the Original Agreement, shall be deemed to be a Hill Path Affiliate), in the aggregate, does not equal or exceed 50% (the “Repurchase Program”);

WHEREAS, the Board has authorized the Repurchase Program, subject to Disinterested Stockholder Approval (as defined below);

WHEREAS, the Board has determined (i) to call a special meeting of the Company’s stockholders (the “Special Meeting”); (ii) to submit the Repurchase Program and this Amendment for approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock not held by the Hill Path Affiliates (Nomura Global Financial Products Inc., as counterparty on the Derivatives (as defined below), and James P. Chambers, as a Partner at Hill Path, shall be deemed to be Hill Path Affiliates solely for purposes of this approval requirement) (such approval, the “Disinterested Stockholder Approval” and such stockholders, the “Disinterested Stockholders”); and (iii) to recommend that such stockholders vote in favor of the Disinterested Stockholder Approval;

WHEREAS, Hill Path Affiliates (i) currently have Beneficial Ownership of 27,314,264 shares of Common Stock, representing approximately 42.7% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (the “Current Beneficial Ownership Percentage”); and (ii) have entered into cash-settled total return swap agreements (any such swap agreements or other derivative arrangements, collectively, the “Derivatives” and the economic ownership interest represented by such Derivatives taken together with those shares of Common Stock with respect to which there is Beneficial Ownership, “Economic Ownership Percentage”) that establish economic exposure to an aggregate of 4,421,431 additional shares of Common Stock, representing approximately 6.9% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (the “Current Derivative Ownership Percentage,” together with the Current Beneficial Ownership Percentage, the “Current Economic Ownership Percentage”, which as of the date hereof is approximately 49.6%) that provide economic results comparable to ownership but do not provide the power to vote or direct the voting of or to dispose or direct the disposition of shares of Common Stock;

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WHEREAS, in connection with its consideration of the Repurchase Program, a special committee of the Board, consisting of directors who are not Hill Path Affiliated Directors and who are disinterested from Hill Path, requested that Hill Path agree to certain amendments to the Original Agreement; and

WHEREAS, to facilitate the Repurchase Program and for the benefit of all the Company’s stockholders, Hill Path is willing to amend the Original Agreement as set forth herein, to become effective when the Company has acquired any shares under the Repurchase Program.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of and in reliance upon the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Effectiveness of Amendments.

(a) Disinterested Stockholder Approval Not Obtained. If the Special Meeting occurs and the Disinterested Stockholder Approval is not obtained, this Amendment shall without further action automatically terminate and shall have no effect on the Original Agreement.

(b) Effectiveness. If the Special Meeting occurs and the Disinterested Stockholder Approval is obtained, this Amendment shall become effective when the Company has acquired any shares under the Repurchase Program, and Section 3 [Voting Agreement] of the Original Agreement shall without further action automatically be deemed to be amended to read in its entirety as follows in Section 2 below.

(c) Fallaway Event. Following the effectiveness of this Amendment, if at any time thereafter each of (i) the aggregate Beneficial Ownership of the Hill Path Affiliates is less than the Current Beneficial Ownership Percentage and (ii) the aggregate Economic Ownership Percentage of the Hill Path Affiliates, is less than the Current Economic Ownership Percentage (a “Fallaway Event”), the amendments set forth in Section 2 below shall cease to have any effect and Section 3 [Voting Agreement] of the Agreement shall without further action automatically be deemed to read in its entirety as it appeared in the Original Agreement.

(d) Reinstatement Event. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, if at any time subsequent to a Fallaway Event, either (i) the aggregate Beneficial Ownership of the Hill Path Affiliates again equals or exceeds the Current Beneficial Ownership Percentage or (ii) the aggregate Economic Ownership Percentage of the Hill Path Affiliates, again equals or exceeds the Current Economic Ownership Percentage, then Section 3 [Voting Agreement] shall again, without further action, automatically be deemed to be amended to read in its entirety as follows in Section 2 below (a “Reinstatement Event”). For the avoidance of doubt, there may be multiple Fallaway Events and/or Reinstatement Events.

2. Voting Agreement.

(a) Voting in Elections. At any meeting of stockholders of the Company involving the election of Directors (or if action is taken by written consent of stockholders of the Company in lieu of a meeting in respect of an election of Directors), the Hill Path Affiliates shall vote, or cause to be voted (including, if applicable, by written consent), all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates in excess of the Voting Percentage Limit in the same proportion as the Voting Securities not Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates are voted (including, if applicable, by written consent, or by voting by ballot or by submitting any alternative proxy card necessary to accomplish the proportionate voting contemplated by this section) affirmatively for or against, or to withhold authority with respect to, as applicable, the election of each Person nominated to serve as a Director (or, as applicable, the removal of any Director). The Hill Path Affiliates shall be free to vote or cause to be voted (including by abstaining or, if applicable, taking action by written consent), in their sole discretion, all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates up to and including the Voting Percentage Limit affirmatively for or against, or to withhold authority with respect to, as applicable, the election of each Person nominated to serve as a Director (or, as applicable, the removal of any Director).

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(b) Voting with Respect to Acquisition Transactions. At any meeting of stockholders of the Company at which an Acquisition Transaction is submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company (or if action is taken with respect to such matter(s) by written consent of stockholders of the Company in lieu of a meeting), the Hill Path Affiliates shall vote or cause to be voted (including by abstaining or, if applicable, taking action by written consent) all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates in excess of the Voting Percentage Limit in the same proportion as the Voting Securities not Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates are voted (including by written consent) for or against, or abstain with respect to, such Acquisition Transaction (and such related matter(s)). For the avoidance of doubt, in calculating the voting requirements of the Hill Path Affiliates under this Section 3(b), all broker non-votes and all Voting Securities that are not present or represented at the applicable stockholder meeting shall be considered as abstentions. The Hill Path Affiliates shall be free to vote or cause to be voted (including by abstaining or, if applicable, taking action by written consent), in their sole discretion, all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates up to and including the Voting Percentage Limit.

(c) Voting on Routine Matters. At any annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders, with respect to the annual stockholder vote regarding the selection of the Company’s auditor and the Company’s executive compensation (or if action is taken with respect to such matter(s) by written consent of stockholders of the Company in lieu of a meeting), the Hill Path Affiliates shall vote, or cause to be voted (including by abstaining or, if applicable, taking action by written consent), all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates in excess of the Voting Percentage Limit in the same proportion as the Voting Securities not Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates are voted (including by written consent) for or against, or abstain with respect to, such matter. The Hill Path Affiliates shall be free to vote or cause to be voted (including by abstaining or, if applicable, taking action by written consent), in their sole discretion, all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates up to and including the Voting Percentage Limit for or against, or to abstain from voting on, each such matter.

(d) Voting with Respect to Other Matters. At any meeting of stockholders of the Company at which any matter, other than an Other Specified Matter or a matter that is subject to Section 3(a), Section 3(b) or Section 3(c), is submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company (or if action is taken with respect to such matter(s) by written consent of stockholders of the Company in lieu of a meeting), the Hill Path Affiliates shall vote, or cause to be voted (including by abstaining or, if applicable, taking action by written consent), all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates in excess of the Voting Percentage Limit in the same proportion as the Voting Securities not Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates are voted (including by written consent) for or against, or abstain with respect to such matter. The Hill Path Affiliates shall be free to vote or cause to be voted (including by abstaining or, if applicable, taking action by written consent), in their sole discretion, all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates up to and including the Voting Percentage Limit for or against, or to abstain from voting on, each such matter.

(e) Quorum. At each meeting of stockholders, Hill Path shall cause all of the Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by the Hill Path Affiliates to be present in person or by proxy for quorum purposes.

(f) Acquisition by Hill Path. Any Acquisition of the Company proposed by Hill Path or Hill Path Affiliated Directors shall, in each case, be subject to (i) approval of a special committee of the Board comprised solely of directors who are not Hill Path Affiliated Directors and are disinterested from Hill Path and (ii) approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock not held by the Hill Path Affiliates. “Acquisition of the Company” means the acquisition by Hill Path Affiliates of all or substantially all of the Common Stock not owned by Hill Path Affiliates, whether by merger, consolidation, tender offer, or otherwise.

(g) Related Party Transactions with Hill Path Affiliates. Any material transaction between any Hill Path Affiliate, on the one hand, and the Company or any of its subsidiaries, on the other hand shall be subject to approval of a special committee of the Board comprised solely of directors who are not Hill Path Affiliated Directors and who are disinterested from Hill Path.

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3. Expenses. The Company shall reimburse Hill Path, promptly upon request from time to time, for its reasonable, documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses (including legal expenses) incurred in connection with or related to the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Amendment and the Special Meeting, provided, that such reimbursement shall not exceed $750,000 in the aggregate.

4. Effect on Original Agreement. Except as otherwise set forth herein, the Original Agreement shall remain unaffected by the terms of this Amendment and shall continue in full force and effect.

5. Amendment; Waiver. Other than as provided in Section 1 above, any amendment to or waiver by the Company of this Amendment shall require the approval of a majority of the directors on the Board who are not Hill Path Affiliated Directors and are disinterested from Hill Path and any such amendment shall be an agreement specifically amending this Amendment in writing executed by the parties hereto.

6. Certain Provisions of Original Agreement. Sections 14 (Remedies; Jurisdiction and Venue; Governing Law), 20 (Counterparts) and 23 (Interpretation and Construction) of the Original Agreement shall apply to this Amendment mutatis mutandis.

[Signature Page Follows]

B-4


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has executed this Amendment, or caused the same to be executed by its duly authorized representative as of the date first above written.

HILL PATH CAPITAL LP
By:

/s/ Scott I. Ross

Name:Scott I. Ross
Title:Managing Partner
UNITED PARKS & RESORTS INC.
By:

/s/ Marc G. Swanson

Name:Marc G. Swanson
Title:Chief Executive Officer

B-5


LOGO

SCAN TO VIEW MATERIALS & VOTEs. VOTE BY INTERNET Before The MeetingPHONE - Go to www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode above Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the above web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form. During The Meeting - Go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRKS2024SM You may attend the Meeting via Internet and vote during the Meeting. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions. VOTE BY PHONE—1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. UNITED PARKS & RESORTS INC. 6240 SEA HARBOR DRIVE ORLANDO, FL 32821 V39715-S84427 UNITED PARKS & RESORTS INC. For Against Abstain The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 1 and 2.1. To approve the amendment, entered into on February 27, 2024, to the Stockholders Agreement, dated May 27, 2019, by and between Hill Path Capital LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Hill Path”) and United Parks & Resorts Inc. (the “Company”). 2. If Proposal 1 is approved, to approve and authorize a new $500.0 million share repurchase program of the Company’s common stock, subject to the qualification that the Company will not repurchase additional shares if Hill Path’s common stock ownership interest percentage would, as a result of such repurchase, equal or exceed 50% (excluding Hill Path’s and its affiliates’ non-voting derivative positions). Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.img209065934_13.jpg


LOGO

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Special Meeting to be Held on March 25, 2024: The Proxy Statement is available at www.proxyvote.com. V39716-S84427 UNITED PARKS & RESORTS INC. Special Meeting of Stockholders March 25, 2024 11:00 AM, EDT This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors The stockholder(s) hereby appoint(s) Marc G. Swanson and G. Anthony (Tony) Taylor, or either of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorize(s) them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side of this ballot, all of the shares of Common Stock of UNITED PARKS & RESORTS INC. held of record by the stockholder(s) at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on March 15, 2024 that the stockholder(s) is/are entitled to vote if personally present on all other matters properly coming before the Special Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 11:00 AM, EDT on March 25, 2024,at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PRKS2024SM, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. The stockholder(s) hereby acknowledge(s) receipt of the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials and/or Proxy Statement. The stockholder(s) hereby revoke(s) all proxies heretofore given by the stockholder(s) to vote at the Special Meeting and any adjournment or postponements thereof. If you just sign and submit your proxy card without voting instructions, these shares will be voted “FOR” proposals1 and 2 as recommended by the Board and in accordance with the discretion of the holders of the proxy with respect to any other matters that may be voted upon. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If the proxy is signed and no such direction is made, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations. Continued and to be signed on reverse side

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