TripAdvisor, Inc DEF 14A, filed Apr 30, 2025
TripAdvisor, Inc. (TRIP)
About this DEF 14A
TripAdvisor, Inc filed this DEF 14A on April 30, 2025.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. ___)
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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April 30, 2025
Dear Fellow Shareholders:
In fiscal 2024, we made meaningful progress in our strategic priorities, the diversification of our portfolio, and our financial performance. Our consolidated revenue grew 3% year over year, reaching an all time high of more than $1.8 billion, and reflecting the distinct growth profiles of each contributing segment. More than half of our revenue now comes from the growth marketplaces in our experiences and dining segments, which delivered revenue growth in the mid- and high-teens, respectively, outpacing revenue performance in our legacy offerings within the Brand Tripadvisor segment. For the first time, all three of our segments positively contributed to the profit mix of the Group, with Viator and TheFork delivering an incremental $52 million to adjusted EBITDA versus last year. On a consolidated basis, GAAP net income was $5 million, adjusted EBITDA was $339 million, and free cash flow was $70 million1.
Operationally, we continued to strengthen our role as the world’s most trusted source for travel and experiences as we extended our leadership in the large and fast-growing experiences category, transforming how we leverage the largest global travel guidance platform and monetizing our unmatched audiences at scale, and reinforcing our position as the leading brand in the European dining market:
We exited 2024 with momentum, and in 2025 we will continue to build on our leadership position with experiences increasingly at the center of gravity of the Group. Travel is itself an enduring category that continues to evolve and innovate. As travelers shift the way they discover, book, and prioritize experiences, and as AI reshapes the traveler journey from beginning to end, we will reinforce our unique position as the world’s most trusted source for travel and experiences. We’ll do this by leaning into our Group capabilities and strengths, including our trusted brands, broad reach, authentic traveler content, high-quality data assets, and our deep supply base. We’ll also continue to leverage innovative technologies, including GenAI, to enhance our products, drive productivity across our operations, and create value through our partnerships.
1 Free cash flow for Fiscal 2024 included the impact of a net cash outflow of approximately $96 million related to a previously disclosed IRS settlement. Free cash flow and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. Please refer to “Non-GAAP Reconciliations” on the Company’s investor relations website for definitions of our non-GAAP financial measures, as well as reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.
Finally, we recently announced the closing of the merger transaction with our controlling shareholder, Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (“LTRIP”), and the retirement of our public shares previously held by LTRIP. The long-standing and supportive relationship with LTRIP has contributed to Tripadvisor Group’s strong foundation—one from which we’ve been able to grow and diversify revenue and profit, while focusing on a multi-year strategy. As we look to the future as an independent public company with
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a simplified capital structure, we believe we are well-positioned with strategic flexibility to accelerate our momentum and will remain focused on opportunities to further increase shareholder value.
To every one of our employees across the globe, we thank you for your persistence, hard work, and passion for our purpose. As we continue on this journey together, we will explore new ways to work, innovate and learn, and re-imagine how to deliver the best possible experience for all our customers and partners.
To our shareholders, we recognize the support you’ve continued to provide as we drive the business toward a future of sustainable growth in revenue and profit. We are excited to build on this relationship as we operate independently, and drive increasing value for our stakeholders.
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Tripadvisor, Inc. to be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Annual Meeting will be held virtually. You may attend the meeting, submit questions and vote your shares electronically during the meeting via the Internet by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/TRIP2025. To enter the Annual Meeting electronically, you will need the control number that is printed in the box marked by the arrow on your proxy card. We recommend logging in at least fifteen minutes before the meeting to ensure that you are logged in when the meeting starts. Online check-in will start shortly before the meeting on June 18, 2025.
At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will be asked to vote on the matters described in the accompanying notice of annual meeting and proxy statement, as well as such other business that may properly come before the meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. Your vote is very important to us. Please review the instructions for each voting option described in this Proxy Statement and the proxy materials. Your prompt cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
MATT GOLDBERG
President and Chief Executive Officer
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PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
400 1st Avenue
Needham, Massachusetts 02494
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held on June 18, 2025
The 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Tripadvisor, Inc., a Nevada corporation, will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Annual Meeting will be held via the Internet and will be a virtual meeting. You may attend the Annual Meeting, submit questions, and vote your shares electronically during the meeting via the Internet by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/TRIP2025. To enter the Annual Meeting, you will need the 16-digit control number that is printed in the box marked by the arrow on your proxy card. We recommend logging in at least fifteen minutes before the meeting to ensure that you are logged in when the Annual Meeting begins. The online check-in will start shortly before the Annual Meeting on June 18, 2025. At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will be asked to consider and vote on the following proposals:
Only holders of record of outstanding shares of Tripadvisor capital stock at the close of business on April 29, 2025 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and at any adjournments or postponements thereof. We will furnish over the Internet the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, Proxy Statement and Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we encourage you to access and read the Proxy Statement and Annual Report. We will send to our stockholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials on or about May 8, 2025, and provide access to our proxy materials over the Internet. You may request paper copies by following the instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
SETH J. KALVERT
Chief Legal Officer and Secretary
April 30, 2025
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials
for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to Be Held on June 18, 2025
This Proxy Statement and the 2024 Annual Report are available at:
http://ir.Tripadvisor.com/annual-proxy.cfm
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Proposal 2: Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management |
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Proposals by Stockholders for Presentation at the 2026 Annual Meeting |
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ANNUAL MEETING MATTERS
This Proxy Statement is being furnished to holders of common stock of Tripadvisor, Inc., a Nevada corporation, in connection with the solicitation of proxies by Tripadvisor’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) for use at its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or any adjournment or postponement thereof (the “Annual Meeting”). All references to “Tripadvisor,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” in this Proxy Statement are to Tripadvisor, Inc. and its subsidiaries. An Annual Report to Stockholders, containing financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, and this Proxy Statement are being made available to all stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
Tripadvisor’s principal executive offices are located at 400 1st Avenue, Needham, Massachusetts 02494. We will send our stockholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials on or about May 8, 2025, and provide access to our proxy materials over the Internet.
Date, Time and Place of Meeting
The Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Annual Meeting will be held via the Internet and will be a completely virtual meeting. You may attend the meeting, submit questions and vote your shares electronically during the meeting via the Internet by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/TRIP2025. To enter the Annual Meeting, you will need the 16-digit control number that is printed in the box marked by the arrow on your proxy card. We recommend logging in at least fifteen minutes before the meeting to ensure that you are logged in when the meeting starts.
If you encounter any difficulties accessing the virtual meeting during the check-in or meeting time, please call the technical support number that will be posted on the virtual meeting web portal. Technical support will be available during this time and will remain available until the Annual Meeting has ended. No recording of the Annual Meeting is allowed, including audio or video recording.
Record Date and Voting Rights
The Board established the close of business on April 29, 2025, as the record date for determining the holders of Tripadvisor common stock entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. On the record date, 118,090,851 shares of common stock were outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Tripadvisor stockholders are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held as of the record date, voting together as a single voting group, on (i) the election of eight director nominees; and (ii) the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as Tripadvisor’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2025. Stockholders have no right to cumulative voting as to any matter, including the election of directors.
Recent Changes
Until recently, Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (“LTRIP”) beneficially owned 14,023,684 shares of common stock and 12,799,999 shares of Class B common stock, which shares constituted approximately 11.0% of the outstanding shares of common stock and 100% of the outstanding shares of Class B common stock. Because each share of Class B common stock was entitled to ten votes per share and each share of common stock is entitled to one vote per share, LTRIP was deemed to beneficially own equity securities representing approximately 55.2% of our voting power. As such, Tripadvisor qualified as a "controlled company" under Nasdaq Stock Market ("Nasdaq") rules due to a majority of the voting power of Tripadvisor being held by LTRIP.
On December 18, 2024, Tripadvisor, LTRIP and Telluride Merger Sub Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Merger Sub”) and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Tripadvisor, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which, and subject to certain terms and conditions (i) Merger Sub would be merged with and into LTRIP (the “First Merger”), with LTRIP surviving the First Merger as an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and (ii) immediately following the First Merger, LTRIP (as the surviving corporation in the First Merger) would be merged with and into TellurideSub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“ParentSub LLC”) (such merger, the “ParentSub LLC Merger” and together with the First Merger, the "Merger"), with ParentSub LLC surviving the ParentSub LLC Merger as the surviving company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
The Merger was consummated on April 29, 2025, at which time, subject to certain exceptions, (i) the shares of LTRIP Series A Common Stock and Series B Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger were converted into the right to receive $0.2567 per share in cash; and (ii) all of the shares of LTRIP's 8% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger were converted into the right to receive, in the aggregate, approximately $42.5 million in cash, without interest, and 3,037,959 validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of the Company's common stock. In addition, LTRIP's 0.50% Exchangeable Senior Debentures due 2051 of approximately $326 million
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were repurchased in accordance with their terms, with the remaining approximately $4 million to be redeemed within approximately 30 days post-close.
Following the consummation of the Merger, the Board of Directors simultaneously retired and canceled the shares of Tripadvisor common stock and Class B common stock held by LTRIP. As a result of the Merger, the Company is no longer a controlled company under the Nasdaq Stock Market Listing Rules (the "Nasdaq Rules") and no longer subject to the Governance Agreement between Tripadvisor and Liberty, dated December 20, 2011 (the "Governance Agreement").
In addition, effective April 29, 2025, Tripadvisor effected the redomestication of the Company to the State of Nevada by conversion, which redomestication by conversion was approved by the Tripadvisor stockholders in June 2023. With respect to such redomestication, a Certificate of Conversion was filed with the Delaware Secretary of State and Articles of Conversion and Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Nevada Secretary of State. This summary of the redomestication by conversion and any reference to the Company's charter documents are qualified in their entirety by reference to Tripadvisor's Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 29, 2025 and the Company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws filed therewith.
Quorum; Abstentions; Broker Non-Votes
Transaction of business at the Annual Meeting may occur if a quorum is present. If a quorum is not present, the Annual Meeting will be adjourned or postponed in order to permit additional time for soliciting and obtaining additional proxies or votes. At any subsequent reconvening of the Annual Meeting, all proxies will be voted in the same manner as such proxies would have been voted at the original convening of the Annual Meeting, except for any proxies that have been effectively revoked or withdrawn.
The holders of a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Tripadvisor entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business, including (i) the election of eight director nominees; and (ii) the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as Tripadvisor’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. Virtual attendance at the Annual Meeting also constitutes presence in person for purposes of determining a quorum at the Annual Meeting.
Shares of Tripadvisor common stock represented by a properly executed proxy will be treated as present at the Annual Meeting for purposes of determining a quorum, without regard to whether the proxy is marked as casting a vote or abstaining.
Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum. A broker non-vote occurs when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote the shares on a proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power for a particular item and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner regarding voting. Brokers who hold shares for the accounts of their clients have discretionary authority to vote shares if specific instructions are not given with respect to the proposal to ratify the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm. Brokers do not have discretionary authority to vote on the proposal regarding the election of our directors, so we encourage you to provide instructions to your broker regarding the voting of your shares.
Required Vote for Each Proposal
For Proposal 1 regarding the election of directors, the vote required to approve is a plurality of the votes cast. You may vote "FOR" or "WITHHOLD" for the director nominees. If nominees are unopposed, election of a director requires only a single "FOR" vote or more. Withholding authority to vote your shares with respect to one or more director nominees and broker non-votes will have no effect on the election of those nominees.
The vote required to approve Proposal 2 relating to the ratification of the selection of our independent auditors is the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the matter. Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will have the same effect as votes “AGAINST” the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.
Solicitation of Proxies
Tripadvisor will bear the cost of the solicitation of proxies from its stockholders. In addition to solicitation by mail, the directors, officers and employees of Tripadvisor, without additional compensation, may solicit proxies from stockholders by telephone, by letter, by facsimile, in person or otherwise. We have engaged D.F. King & Co., Inc. to assist in the solicitation of proxies and provide related advice and informational support, for a services fee, which is not expected to exceed $15,000 in total, plus customary expenses and disbursements. In addition, D.F. King & Co., Inc. and certain related persons will be indemnified against certain liabilities arising out
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of or in connection with the engagement. D.F. King & Co., Inc. may solicit proxies by electronic mail, mail and telephone. Following the mailing of the proxy materials and other soliciting materials, Tripadvisor will ask brokers, trusts, banks or other nominees to forward copies of the proxy materials and other soliciting materials to persons for whom they hold shares of Tripadvisor capital stock and to request authority for the exercise of proxies. In such cases, Tripadvisor, upon the request of the brokers, trusts, banks and other stockholder nominees, will reimburse such holders for their reasonable expenses.
Voting of Proxies
The manner in which your shares may be voted depends on whether you are a:
Whether you hold shares directly as a registered stockholder or beneficially as a beneficial stockholder, you may direct how your shares are voted without attending the Annual Meeting. For directions on how to vote, please refer to the instructions below and those on the website listed on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, proxy card or voting instruction form provided. To vote using the Internet or by telephone, you will be required to enter the control number included on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or other voting instruction form provided by your broker, trust, bank or other nominee.
All proxies properly submitted and not revoked will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions indicated thereon. If no instructions are provided, such proxies will be voted FOR proposals (1) and (2).
The electronic voting procedures provided for the Annual Meeting are designed to authenticate each stockholder by use of a control number, to allow stockholders to vote their shares and to confirm that their instructions have been properly recorded.
Beneficial stockholders should refer to the voting instruction form provided by their broker, trust, bank or other nominee for instructions on voting and the voting methods they offer.
Voting in Person at the Annual Meeting
Virtual attendance at the Annual Meeting constitutes presence in person for purposes of each required vote. Votes cast at the Annual Meeting will replace and supersede any previous votes you have made by mail or telephone or via the Internet. Attendance at the Annual Meeting without voting or revoking a previous proxy in accordance with the voting procedures will not, by itself, revoke a proxy.
Holders of record may vote their shares electronically during the meeting via the Internet by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/TRIP2025. To enter the Annual Meeting, holders will need the 16-digit control number that is printed in the box marked by the arrow on their Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. We recommend logging in at least fifteen minutes before the meeting to ensure that you are logged in when the meeting starts. Online check-in will start shortly before the meeting.
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Your vote is very important. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please take the time to vote via the Internet, by telephone or by returning your marked, signed and dated proxy card so that your shares will be represented at the Annual Meeting. |
Revocation of Proxies
Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person giving it before the taking of the vote at the Annual Meeting.
If you are a beneficial stockholder, you may revoke your proxy or change your vote only by following the separate instructions provided by your broker, trust, bank or other nominee.
If you are a registered stockholder, you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is exercised at the Annual Meeting by (i) delivering written notice, bearing a date later than the revoked proxy, stating that the proxy is revoked and such notice is received before the start of the Annual Meeting, (ii) submitting a later-dated proxy relating to the same shares by mail or telephone or via the Internet prior to the vote at the Annual Meeting, or (iii) attending and casting a vote at the Annual Meeting. Registered stockholders may send any written notice or request for a new proxy card to Tripadvisor, Inc., c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717, or follow the instructions provided on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials and proxy card to submit a new proxy by telephone or via the Internet. Registered holders may also request a new proxy card by calling 1-800-579-1639. Your attendance at the Annual Meeting will not, by itself, revoke a prior vote or proxy from you.
Other Business
The Board does not presently intend to bring any business before the Annual Meeting other than the proposals discussed in this Proxy Statement and specified in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Board has no knowledge of any other matters to be presented at the Annual Meeting other than those described in this Proxy Statement. If any other matters should properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons designated in the proxy will vote on them according to their best judgment.
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PROPOSAL 1:
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Board of Directors Overview
Our Board currently consists of ten members. Pursuant to the terms of Tripadvisor’s bylaws, each director serves for a one-year term from the date of his or her election and until such director’s successor is elected or until such director’s earlier resignation or removal. The Board recommends that each of the eight nominees listed below be elected to serve a one-year term and until such director’s successor shall have been duly elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier resignation or removal:
Gregory B. Maffei
Matt Goldberg
Betsy L. Morgan
M. Greg O’Hara
Jeremy G. Philips
Albert E. Rosenthaler
Trynka Shineman Blake
Robert S. Wiesenthal
Tripadvisor only has common stock outstanding and the holders of Tripadvisor common stock are entitled to elect the directors. Election of each director requires a plurality of votes cast. Proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of individuals than nominees named. In connection with the Merger, the Governance Agreement permitting LTRIP the right to nominate and vote on directors is no longer in place. Therefore, holders of Tripadvisor common stock are entitled to elect all eight directors.
The nominees for election to the Board have each consented to their nomination. Although management does not anticipate that any of the nominees named above will be unable or subsequently unwilling to stand for election, in the event of such an occurrence, proxies may be voted for a substitute nominee designated by the Board. Jay C. Hoag and Jane Jie Sun will cease to be members of the Board following the Annual Meeting.
Information Regarding Director Nominees
The information provided below about each nominee is as of the date of this Proxy Statement. The information presented includes the name of each of the nominees, along with his or her age, any positions held with the Company, term of office as a director, principal occupations or employment for the past five years or more, involvement in certain legal proceedings, if applicable, and the names of all other publicly-held companies for which he or she currently serves as a director or has served as a director during the past five years. The information also includes a description of the specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of each nominee that led our Board to conclude that he or she should serve as a director of the Company for the ensuing term.
The eight nominees to the Board possess the experience and qualifications that we believe will allow them to make substantial contributions to the Board. In selecting nominees to the Board, we seek to ensure that the Board collectively has a balance of backgrounds, experience, and expertise, including chief executive officer experience, chief financial officer experience, international expertise, corporate governance experience and experience in other functional areas that are relevant to our business. The following contains a more detailed discussion of the business experience and qualifications of each of the nominees to the Board.
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Gregory B. Maffei
Age: 64 Director Since: 2013
Committee Memberships: • Compensation • Executive |
Mr. Maffei served as a director as well as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Media Corporation (“LMC”) (including its predecessor) from May 2007 to December 2024, LTRIP from July 2013 through April 29, 2025, the closing of the Merger, Liberty Broadband Corporation (“LBC”) from June 2014 through December 2024, the Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. from December 2022 through August 2024, Liberty Media Acquisition Corporation ("LMAC") from November 2020 through December 2022 and GCI Liberty, Inc. from March 2018 through December 2020. He served as Chairman of the board of directors of LTRIP from June 2015 through April 29, 2025, of QVC Group, Inc. (“QVC”) since March 2018, of Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. from July 2023 through August 2024 and of LMAC from April 2021 through December 2022. Mr. Maffei has served as a director of QVC (including its predecessor) since November 2005. He previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of QVC from February 2006 to March 2018 and CEO-Elect from November 2005 through February 2006. Prior to joining QVC, Mr. Maffei served as President and Chief Financial Officer of Oracle Corporation, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of 360 networks Corporation and Chief Financial Officer of Microsoft Corporation. Mr. Maffei currently serves on the board of directors of the following public companies: Sirius XM Holdings Inc. since March 2009, Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. since February 2011, Charter Communications, Inc. since May 2013, and Zillow Group, Inc. since February 2015. Mr. Maffei is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Mr. Maffei previously served on the Board of Trustees of Dartmouth College, the board of directors of Starz, Electronic Arts, Inc., Barnes & Noble, Inc., Citrix Systems, Inc., DirecTV, Starbucks Corp., and Dorling Kindersley Limited. Mr. Maffei holds an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, where he was a Baker Scholar, and an A.B. from Dartmouth College.
Board Membership Qualifications: Mr. Maffei brings to our Board significant financial and operational experience based on his previous senior positions at LMC, Qurate, LBC, Oracle, 360networks and Microsoft and his other public company board experience. He provides our Board with an executive and leadership perspective on the operation and management of large public companies and risk management principles. |
Matt Goldberg
Age: 54 Director Since: 2022
Committee Memberships: • Executive |
Mr. Goldberg has served as President and CEO of Tripadvisor, Inc. since July 2022. From February 2020 through June 2022, Mr. Goldberg held positions of increasing responsibility at The Trade Desk, a global technology company, including Executive Vice President, North America and Global Operations, before serving as founding director of Dataphilanthropy, a private foundation. Mr. Goldberg served as Global Head of M&A and Strategic Alliances and Head of India for News Corp from December 2016 through December 2019. Mr. Goldberg served as Senior Vice President, Global Market Development and Head of Corporate Development for Qurate, formerly known as QVC from October 2013 through November 2016. Prior to that, Mr. Goldberg was CEO of Lonely Planet, a global travel guide publisher for nearly five years. Mr. Goldberg served on the board of directors of Blue Ocean Acquisition Corp. from December 2021 through November 2024 and is active in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, including The Burning Man Project, Lumina Foundation, and Jim Joseph Foundation. Mr. Goldberg holds an M.B.A. from Stanford University, an M.A. in International Studies from The University of Melbourne, and a B.A. in English from Cornell University.
Board Membership Qualifications: Mr. Goldberg has extensive experience across global and multinational businesses with a particular focus on the global travel industry. Mr. Goldberg also possesses strategic and governance acumen gained through his executive and director roles with several companies across the travel, media, internet, and data sectors. |
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Betsy L. Morgan
Age: 56 Director Since: 2019
Committee Memberships: • Compensation—Chair • Section 16—Chair • Nominating and Corporate Governance |
Ms. Morgan is currently the co-founder of Magnet Companies, a private equity-backed company focused on media and commerce, and an associate professor at Columbia Business School and Columbia College. From February 2016 to July 2018, Ms. Morgan served as an Executive in Residence of LionTree, an advisory and merchant bank firm specializing in technology and media. From January 2011 to July 2015, Ms. Morgan was the CEO of TheBlaze, an early multi-platform and direct-to-consumer news and entertainment company. Prior to TheBlaze, Ms. Morgan was the CEO of The Huffington Post. Ms. Morgan currently serves on the board of directors of the following privately-held companies: Trusted Media Brands, Chartbeat and TheSkimm. Ms. Morgan has an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from Colby College, where she served as a member of the Board of Trustees for eight years. She is also a contributor to Riptide, an oral history of journalism and digital innovation created by Harvard’s Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy.
Board Membership Qualifications: Ms. Morgan has extensive experience leading digital media, subscription and original content businesses. This experience benefits Tripadvisor and its stockholders as we continue to execute on our strategy. Her financial background, investment knowledge and board experience also make her valuable to the Board, able to provide valuable insight and advice. |
M. Greg O’Hara
Age: 59 Director Since: 2020
Committee Memberships: • None |
Mr. O’Hara is the Founder and a Senior Managing Director of Certares Management (“Certares”), an investment services firm. Prior to forming Certares, he served as Chief Investment Officer of JPMorgan Chase’s Special Investments Group (“JPM SIG”). Prior to JPM SIG, Mr. O’Hara was a Managing Director of One Equity Partners (“OEP”), the private equity arm of JPMorgan. Before joining OEP in 2005, he served as Executive Vice President of Worldspan and was a member of its board of directors. Mr. O’Hara has served as the Chairman of American Express Global Business Travel since 2014. He has served as a director and chair of the World Travel & Tourism Council since 2019 and as its chair since November 2023. Mr. O’Hara has served on the boards of directors of Hertz Global Holdings since January 2024, after previously serving on the board from June 2021 to January 2023 and Certares Holdings, where he is the Head of the Investment Committee and is a member of the Management Committee of Certares, CK Opportunities Fund, where he is a member of the Investment Committee and the Management Committee, and Certares Real Estate Holdings, where he is a member of the Investment Committee and the Management Committee. Mr. O’Hara received his M.B.A. degree from Vanderbilt University.
Board Membership Qualifications: Mr. O’Hara’s extensive background in investment analysis and management and his particular expertise in the travel industry contribute to our Board’s evaluation of investment and financial opportunities and strategies and strengthen our Board’s collective qualifications, skills and attributes. |
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Jeremy G. Philips
Age: 52 Director Since: 2011
Committee Memberships: • Audit • Nominating and Corporate Governance • Executive |
Mr. Philips has been a general partner of Spark Capital since May 2014. From 2012 to 2014, Mr. Philips invested in private technology companies. From 2010 to 2012, Mr. Philips served as the Chief Executive Officer of Photon Group Limited, a holding company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. From 2004 to 2010, Mr. Philips held various roles of increasing responsibility with News Corporation, most recently as an Executive Vice President in the Office of the Chairman. Before joining News Corporation, he served in several roles, including co-founder and Vice-Chairman of ecorp, a publicly-traded Internet holding company. Mr. Philips has served on the board of directors of Angi Inc. since November 2021, and served on the board of Affirm Holdings from 2015 to 2021. He served on the board of directors of Affirm Holdings from 2015 to 2021. He holds a B.A. and LL.B. from the University of New South Wales and an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Board Membership Qualifications: Mr. Philips has significant strategic and operational experience acquired through his service as chief executive officer and other executive-level positions. He also possesses a high level of financial literacy and expertise regarding mergers, acquisitions, investments and other strategic transactions as well as an extensive background in the Internet industry. |
Albert E. Rosenthaler
Age: 65 Director Since: 2016
Committee Memberships: • None |
Mr. Rosenthaler has served as Senior Advisor of LMC since January 2024. Mr. Rosenthaler served as Chief Corporate Development Officer of LMC, QVC, LTRIP, and LBC from October 2016 to December 2023. He previously served as Chief Corporate Development Officer of GCI Liberty, Inc. from March 2018 to December 2020, Liberty Expedia from October 2016 to July 2019, LMAC from November 2020 to December 2022 and Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. from December 2022 to December 2023. Mr. Rosenthaler has served as a director of LTRIP from 2014 until the Merger. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Olivet College and a Master of Accounting Science from the University of Illinois.
Board Membership Qualifications: Mr. Rosenthaler has significant executive and financial experience gained through his service as an executive officer of Qurate and LMC for many years and as a partner of a major national accounting firm for more than five years prior to joining Qurate and Liberty. Mr. Rosenthaler brings a unique perspective to our Board, focused in particular on the areas of tax management, mergers and acquisitions and financial structuring. Mr. Rosenthaler’s perspective and expertise assist the Board in developing strategies that take into consideration the application of tax laws and capital allocation. |
12
Trynka Shineman Blake
Age: 51 Director Since: 2019
Committee Memberships: • Audit |
Ms. Shineman has served on the board of directors of SEMRush since November 2020, an online visibility and content marketing SaaS business, where she serves as chair of its Nominations and Governance Committee; Caputra since 2022 and Steer since 2024, two private vertically focused SaaS businesses; and MPower, a public benefit financial services company helping international students pursue their education since January 2025. From March 2004 through February 2019, Ms. Shineman held positions of increasing responsibility with Cimpress N.V., most recently was the Chief Executive Officer of its Vistaprint business. Previously, she was a member of the board of Ally Financial, and UBM PLC. Ms. Shineman has an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School and a B.A. in Psychology from Cornell University. Board Membership Qualifications: Ms. Shineman has many years of experience with customer-focused businesses and with digital transformations. She has extensive experience helping companies develop a deep understanding of customer needs and shaping the organization around those needs. She is able to provide the Board and management with important insight and counsel as Tripadvisor improves its platform to provide its users a better and more inspired travel planning experience. |
Robert S. Wiesenthal
Age: 58 Director Since: 2011
Committee Memberships: • Audit—Chair |
Since July 2015, Mr. Wiesenthal has served as founder and Chief Executive Officer of Blade Air Mobility, Inc., a technology-powered, global air mobility platform committed to reducing travel friction by providing cost-effective air transportation alternatives to some of the most congested ground routes in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and India. Mr. Wiesenthal also has served on the board of directors of Blade Air Mobility, Inc. since May 2021. From January 2013 to July 2015, Mr. Wiesenthal served as Chief Operating Officer of Warner Music Group Corp., a leading global music conglomerate. From 2000 to 2012, Mr. Wiesenthal served in various senior executive capacities with Sony Corporation ("Sony"), most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Sony, from 1988 to 2000, Mr. Wiesenthal served in various capacities with Credit Suisse First Boston, most recently as Managing Director, Head of Digital Media and Entertainment. Mr. Wiesenthal previously served on the board of directors of Starz. Mr. Wiesenthal has a B.A. from the University of Rochester.
Board Membership Qualifications: Mr. Wiesenthal possesses extensive strategic, operational and financial experience, gained through his wide range of service in executive-level positions with a strong focus on networked consumer electronics, entertainment, and digital media. He also has a high degree of financial literacy and expertise regarding mergers, acquisitions, investments and other strategic transactions. |
In addition to the information presented regarding each nominee’s specific experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills that led the Board to the conclusion that he or she should be nominated as a director, each nominee has proven business acumen, extensive management experience in complex organizations, and an ability to exercise sound judgment, as well as a commitment to Tripadvisor and its Board as demonstrated by each nominee’s past service. The Board considered the Nasdaq requirement that Tripadvisor’s Audit Committee be composed of at least three independent directors, as well as specific Nasdaq and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) requirements regarding financial literacy and expertise.
13
Required Vote
Election of each director requires a plurality of the votes cast.
We ask our stockholders vote "FOR" each of the director nominees. Valid proxies received pursuant to this solicitation will be voted in the manner specified. With respect to the election of directors, you may vote “FOR” or “WITHHOLD”. Where no specification is made, it is intended that the proxies received from stockholders will be voted "FOR" the election of the director nominees identified. Votes withheld and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR NAMED ABOVE. |
14
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Corporate Governance Highlights
As of April 29, 2025, we are no longer a “controlled company” as defined under the Nasdaq Rules. As such, subject to a transition period, we will no longer be exempt from certain requirements for public companies under the Nasdaq Rules.
The Company’s Board endeavors to conduct itself and to manage the Company in a way that best serves all of the Company’s stockholders. We strive to maintain high governance standards in our business and our commitment to effective corporate governance is illustrated by the following practices:
15
In addition, please note the summary information below regarding our Board:
|
|
Board of Directors
Director Qualifications, Skills and Experiences
The Board believes that a complementary mix of varied qualifications, skills, attributes and experiences will best serve our Company and our stockholders. Our Board is comprised of a high-performing group of individuals whose previous experience, financial and business acumen, personal ethics and dedication to our Company benefit the Company and our stockholders. The specific experience
16
and qualifications of each of our Board members are set forth above. Below is a summary of some of the qualifications, experience, and attributes of our director nominees:
17
Director Independence
Under the Nasdaq Rules, the Board has a responsibility to make an affirmative determination that those members of the Board who serve as independent directors do not have any relationships that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. The Board makes these determinations annually, typically at the first Board meeting following the election of directors. In connection with these independence determinations, the Board reviews information regarding transactions, relationships and arrangements relevant to independence, including those required by the Nasdaq Rules. This information is obtained from director responses to questionnaires circulated by management, as well as our records and publicly available information. Following this determination, management monitors those transactions, relationships and arrangements that were relevant to such determination, as well as solicits updated information potentially relevant to independence from internal personnel and directors, to determine whether there have been any developments that could potentially have an adverse impact on the Board’s prior independence determination.
Based on the information provided by each director concerning his or her background, employment and affiliations and upon review of this information, our Board previously determined that each of Mmes. Morgan, Shineman and Sun and Messrs. Hoag, Philips, O’Hara and Wiesenthal does not have a relationship that should interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director and that each of these directors is an “independent director” as defined under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq. In making its independence determinations, the Board considered the applicable legal standards and any relevant transactions, relationships or arrangements of which it was aware. In addition to the satisfaction of the director independence requirements set forth in the Nasdaq Rules, members of the Audit Committee also satisfied separate independence requirements under the current standards imposed by the SEC and the Nasdaq Rules for audit committee members. Mr. Maffei currently serves on our Compensation Committee and is not an independent director, but is relying on the applicable phase-in provisions under Nasdaq Rules following loss of controlled company status. All members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are independent. At the first meeting of the Board following the directors' election, the Board intends to conduct a review of director independence and to designate the members of the Board to serve on each of the committees and the Chair of each of the committees for the directors’ term.
As of April 29, 2025, upon the closing of the Merger, Tripadvisor ceased to be a "controlled company" under the Nasdaq Rules and is required to comply with all of Nasdaq’s corporate governance requirements subject to the phase-in schedule described below and certain other exceptions permitted under Nasdaq Rules. Subject to another available exemption under Nasdaq Rules, the Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (i) were each required to have one independent member by the closing of the Merger and are required to have (ii) a majority of independent members within 90 days of the closing of the Merger and (iii) all independent members within one year of the closing of the Merger. Additionally, within one year from the Company's ceasing to be a “controlled company” we are required to have a majority of independent directors on the Board of Directors. We are also required to hold regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present.
The Company currently satisfies these requirements except Mr. Maffei, the former Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board at LTRIP, is not considered independent under the Nasdaq Rules as a result of that relationship. Mr. Maffei serves on the Compensation Committee in reliance on the applicable phase-in period following loss of controlled company status.
Board Leadership Structure
Mr. Maffei serves as the Chair of the Board, and Mr. Goldberg serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Tripadvisor. The roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board are currently separated in recognition of the differences between the two roles. This leadership structure provides us with the benefit of Mr. Maffei’s oversight of Tripadvisor’s strategic goals and vision, coupled with the benefit of a full-time Chief Executive Officer dedicated to focusing on the day-to-day management and continued growth of Tripadvisor and its operating businesses.
Effective upon the consummation of the Merger, the Board appointed Mr. Philips as the lead independent director as the Board believes it is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders to elect a lead independent director in addition to the Chair to promote Board independence, accountability, and governance best practices. The lead independent director is empowered to, among other duties and responsibilities: approve meeting schedules and information sent to the Board members, including meeting agendas; act as liaison between the Chair and the independent directors and work with and communicate with the CEO and management; call meetings of the independent directors; act as a liaison to stockholders, as appropriate upon request; and preside over Board meetings in the absence of the Chair.
Independent members of the Board chair our Audit Committee, Compensation and Section 16 Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
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Meeting Attendance
The Board met eight times and acted by written consent three times in 2024. During such period, each member of the Board attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and the Board committees on which they served. The independent directors meet in regularly scheduled sessions, typically before or after each Board meeting, without the presence of management. Directors are encouraged but not required to attend annual meetings of stockholders. Six of the incumbent directors who were directors at the time attended the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board has the following standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Section 16 Committee and the Executive Committee. Each of the committees operates under written charters adopted by the Board. At each regularly scheduled Board meeting, the Chair of each committee typically provides the full Board with an update of all significant matters discussed, reviewed, considered and/or approved by the relevant committee since the last regularly scheduled Board meeting. The membership of our Audit, Compensation and Section 16 Committees ensures that directors with no direct ties to Company management are charged with oversight for all financial reporting and executive compensation related decisions made by Company management.
The following table sets forth the current members of the Board and the members of each committee of the Board. At the first meeting of the Board following the Annual Meeting, the Board intends to conduct a review of director independence and to designate the members of the Board to serve on each of the committees and the Chair of each of the committees for the directors’ term.
|
|
Audit |
|
Compensation |
|
Section 16 |
|
Executive |
|
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee |
Gregory B. Maffei |
|
— |
|
X |
|
— |
|
Chair |
|
— |
Matt Goldberg |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
X |
|
— |
Jay C. Hoag |
|
— |
|
X |
|
X |
|
— |
|
— |
Betsy L. Morgan |
|
— |
|
Chair |
|
Chair |
|
— |
|
X |
M. Greg O’Hara |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
Jeremy G. Philips |
|
X |
|
— |
|
— |
|
X |
|
Chair |
Albert E. Rosenthaler |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
Trynka Shineman Blake |
|
X |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
Jane Jie Sun |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
Robert S. Wiesenthal |
|
Chair |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
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|
|
|
|
Audit Committee |
|
Members:
Robert S. Wiesenthal (Chair) Trynka Shineman Blake Jeremy G. Philips |
The Audit Committee of the Board currently consists of three directors: Ms. Shineman and Messrs. Philips and Wiesenthal. Mr. Wiesenthal is the Chair of the Audit Committee. Each Audit Committee member satisfies the independence requirements under the current standards imposed by the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq. The Board has determined that each of Ms. Shineman and Messrs. Philips and Wiesenthal is an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined in the regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).
The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board to assist the Board with a variety of matters discussed in detail in the Audit Committee charter, including reviewing and discussing with management standards and/or metrics as recommended by regulators and Nasdaq, and monitoring:
• the integrity of our accounting, financial reporting and public disclosures process; • our relationship with our independent registered public accounting firm, including qualifications, performance and independence; • the performance of our internal audit department; • our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and the Company’s compliance policies and programs; and • the extent to which various issues (including but not limited to environmental, social and governance ("ESG") matters, cybersecurity risk, etc.) will impact the Company’s financial performance and the Company’s ability to create long-term value.
The Audit Committee met four times in 2024. The formal report of the Audit Committee with respect to the year ended December 31, 2024, is set forth in the section below titled “Audit Committee Report.” A copy of the Audit Committee Charter is available on our website. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation Committee |
|
|
Members:
Betsy L. Morgan (Chair) Gregory B. Maffei Jay C. Hoag |
The Compensation Committee currently consists of three directors: Messrs. Hoag and Maffei and Ms. Morgan, with Ms. Morgan serving as the Chair of the Compensation Committee. With the exception of Mr. Maffei, each member is an “independent director” as defined by the Nasdaq Rules. No member of the Compensation Committee is an employee of Tripadvisor.
The Compensation Committee is appointed by the Board to assist the Board with a variety of • designing and overseeing compensation with respect to our executive officers, including salary matters, bonus plans and stock compensation plans; • administrating our stock plans, including approving grants of equity awards but excluding matters governed by Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act (which are handled by the Section 16 Committee described below); • periodically reviewing and approving compensation of the members of our Board; and • overseeing the Company’s strategy and policies, programs, initiatives and actions related to human capital management within the Company’s workforce, that include talent recruitment, development and retention, promoting inclusion, Company culture and employee engagement.
The Compensation Committee met six times in 2024 and acted by written consent two times. A description of our policies and practices for the consideration and determination of executive compensation is included in the section below titled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” A copy of the Compensation Committee and Section 16 Committee Charter is available on our website. |
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|
|
|
|
|
Section 16 Committee |
|
|
Members:
Betsy L. Morgan (Chair) Jay C. Hoag |
The Section 16 Committee currently consists of two directors: Mr. Hoag and Ms. Morgan, with Ms. Morgan serving as the Chair of the Section 16 Committee. Each member is an “independent director” as defined by the Nasdaq Rules and satisfies the definition of “non-employee director” for purposes of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
The Section 16 Committee is authorized to exercise all powers of the Board with respect to matters governed by Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, including approving grants of equity awards to Tripadvisor’s executive officers. The Section 16 Committee met six times in 2024 and acted by written consent two times. A copy of the Compensation Committee and Section 16 Committee Charter is available on our website.
In this Proxy Statement, we refer to the Compensation Committee and Section 16 Committee collectively as the “Compensation Committees.” |
||
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Committee |
|
|
Members:
Gregory B. Maffei (Chair) Matt Goldberg Jeremy G. Philips (Lead Independent Director) |
The Executive Committee currently consists of three directors: Messrs. Goldberg, Maffei and Philips, with Mr. Maffei serving as Chair of the committee.
The Executive Committee is appointed by the Board to assist the Board with such matters as may be delegated by the Board from time to time, in the management of the business and affairs of the Company in the interim between meetings of the Board, including:
• major borrowings, issuances of equity or debt securities and other financing and capital raising transactions; • stock repurchases and dividends; • the Company's capital allocation strategy; and • strategic transactions and investments.
The Executive Committee met informally throughout 2024. |
||
|
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee |
Members:
Betsy L. Morgan (Chair) Jeremy G. Philips |
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board currently consists of two directors: Ms. Morgan and Mr. Philips with Ms. Morgan serving as Chair of the committee. Each member satisfies the independence requirements under the current standards imposed by the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is appointed by the Board to assist the Board with a variety of matters discussed in detail in the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee charter, including:
• identifying individuals qualified to become Board members and recommending to the Board any director nominees; • conducting periodic reviews of the performance of the Board and each of its committees; • recommending to the Board director nominees for each committee; • assisting the Board in overseeing any applicable corporate policies; and • considering, developing and recommending to the Board matters of corporate governance, including consideration of corporate governance guidelines.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee was established on April 29, 2025. A copy of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter is available on our website. |
21
Risk Oversight
Assessing and managing the day-to-day risk of our business is the responsibility of Tripadvisor’s management. Our Board as a whole is responsible for oversight of our overall risk landscape and risk management efforts. Our Board is involved in risk oversight through direct decision-making authority with respect to significant matters and the oversight of management by the Board and its committees. The President and Chief Executive Officer; the Chief Financial Officer; the Chief Legal Officer and the Chief Compliance Officer attend Board meetings and discuss operational risks with the Board, including risks associated with the geographies in which we operate or are considering operating. Management also provides reports and presentations on strategic risks to the Board. Among other areas, the Board is involved, directly or through its committees, in overseeing risks related to our corporate strategy, business continuity, data privacy and cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and other technology risks, crisis preparedness, and competitive and reputational risks.
The Board has delegated primary responsibility for oversight over certain risks to the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committees. The committees of the Board primarily execute their oversight responsibility for risk management as follows:
Ultimately, management is responsible for the day-to-day risk management process, including identification of key risks and implementation of policies and procedures to manage, mitigate and monitor risks. In fulfilling these duties, management conducts annually an enterprise and internal audit risk assessment and uses the results of these assessments in its risk management efforts. In addition, management has designated a Chief Compliance Officer and formed a Compliance Committee in connection with the implementation, management and oversight of our corporate compliance program with the goal of promoting operational excellence throughout the entire organization and adherence with all legal and regulatory requirements and with the highest ethical standards.
Director Nominations
The Board has established a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, consisting solely of independent directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for identifying individuals qualified to become Board members and to recommend to the Board any qualified director nominees to become Board members and to recommend any director nominees for each committee. The Board has not had specific requirements for eligibility to serve as a director of Tripadvisor or a specific diversity policy; however, the Board does consider, among other things, the background of potential director nominees when considering nominees to serve on our Board. We value an array of opinions, perspectives, and personal and professional experiences and backgrounds. In evaluating candidates, regardless of how recommended, the Board considers a number of factors, including whether the professional and personal ethics and values of the candidate are consistent with those of Tripadvisor; whether the candidate’s experience and expertise would be beneficial to the Board in rendering service to Tripadvisor, including in providing a mix of Board members that represent a range of backgrounds, perspectives and opinions; whether the candidate is willing and able to devote the
22
necessary time and energy to the work of the Board; and whether the candidate is prepared and qualified to represent the best interests of Tripadvisor’s stockholders.
The Board does not have a formal policy regarding the consideration of director candidates recommended by stockholders, as historically Tripadvisor has not received such recommendations. However, the Board would evaluate such recommendations in the same way it evaluates other potential director nominees if made in the future. Stockholders who wish to make such a recommendation should send the recommendation to Tripadvisor, Inc., 400 1st Avenue, Needham, Massachusetts 02494, Attention: Secretary. The envelope must contain a clear notation that the enclosed letter is a “Director Nominee Recommendation.” The letter must identify the author as a stockholder, provide a brief summary of the candidate’s qualifications and history and be accompanied by evidence of the sender’s stock ownership, as well as a consent by the potential candidate to serve as a director if nominated and elected. Any director candidate recommendations will be reviewed by the Secretary and, if deemed appropriate, forwarded to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee for further review. If the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes that the candidate fits the profile of a director nominee as described above, the recommendation will be shared with the entire Board.
Environmental, Social and Governance
When we travel we are reminded that the world is a friendly place, that people are generous, and that we share more in common with our fellow travelers than not. We strive to use our platform to not only help people around the world plan, book and experience their perfect trip but also to be an ally for social good, including on ESG issues. At Tripadvisor, we consider ESG in how we support our team, how we give back to the community, and how we can reduce our environmental impacts. In addition to the Corporate Governance section above, below are the three areas in which we engage in the most critical initiatives.
People Practices
We believe a critical driver of our Company’s success is our people. The Company’s management oversees various initiatives for talent acquisition, retention, and development and provides regular reports to the Board. Our objectives include hiring, retaining, and advancing a workforce of varied cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives. We have several initiatives and programs in place to achieve these goals.
We are committed to identifying and developing talent to help our employees accelerate their growth and achieve their career goals. Our overall talent acquisition and retention strategy is designed to attract and retain qualified employees who will help us achieve our performance goals and work to ensure the success of the Company.
We believe in recruiting the best people for the job without regard to gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other protected characteristics. We support and develop our employees through global training and development programs that build and strengthen employees’ leadership and professional skills. Leadership development includes programs for new leaders as well as programs designed to support more experienced leaders. We also partner with external training organizations to help provide our employees with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
We advance inclusion in our workplace by offering a variety of learning experiences focused on increasing awareness, reducing bias, upskilling managers, and fostering a work culture of belonging. These learning experiences are available to all levels of the organization, from senior leadership to individual contributors. In addition to our internal development, we are committed to enriching our employees' development through external learning experiences that are relevant to their roles in our organization.
To support our workforce, we have a variety of global, employee-driven Employee Resource Groups, or ERGs, designed to provide support, connection, and business impact, and all employees are welcome to join and participate. ERGs play an important role in supporting our strategy by shaping our organizational culture, offering learning and development experiences, and promoting community. Beyond their internal impact, ERGs also bring unique perspectives and insights that inform our markets, products, content, and employee experience.
Corporate Responsibility
Our corporate responsibility program is currently focused on supporting responsible business practices in our operations as well as strengthening our community impact through philanthropy and civic engagement. We believe in mobilizing our people, expertise, resources and community to tackle some of society’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. We recognize that by putting our purpose into action, we can have a positive impact on the communities we serve and help promote a world of understanding, empathy and care. For our users, we aim to deliver innovative products and services to give them the confidence and freedom to create memorable experiences that will improve their own lives and the lives of those around them. For our employees, we emphasize a working environment where sustainability matters, and a company culture that embraces varied talents and unique perspectives, where colleagues
23
feel valued as both individuals and members of the team. For stockholders, we are focused on increasing the fundamental value of the Company and driving long-term stockholder value. For communities where we live and work, we are dedicated to improving individual well-being and strengthening families and communities.
Internally, our TripGives program aims to inspire and enable our employees to be active global citizens by supporting the causes they care about in communities around the world. Through our Give, Serve, Learn model, we unite employees around pressing local and global issues and encourage them to lead community projects where they live and work. Starting in 2021, Tripadvisor committed to dedicating funding and resources for our ERGs to launch community impact projects with nonprofits.
We are committed to respecting human rights. As a global leader in the travel industry, we believe we have an opportunity to use our platform to effect positive change in people’s lives, including the advancement of human rights through our business activities. In this regard, in 2021, Tripadvisor adopted a Global Human Rights Policy setting forth our commitment to establishing and maintaining best practices in respecting fundamental human rights and the ability to contribute to positive human rights impacts. The policy formalizes our long-standing commitment to uphold and respect human rights for all people. This policy also consolidates our existing commitments and brings increased clarity on processes and procedures designed to assess and mitigate human rights risks, to avoid directly infringing on human rights and to prevent or mitigate adverse human rights impacts that are or potentially may be linked to our business.
Environmental Impact
We recognize that climate change and adverse impacts on the natural world are among the most pressing challenges facing humanity today. Environmental sustainability and how we manage our environmental impacts have implications for the geographies and markets in which we operate, our employees, our business partners, our customers, our investors and other stakeholders. We believe that we all have a responsibility to preserve and protect our planet and communities for generations to come. Internally, over the last few years, we have invested in energy reduction and waste management strategies across the globe.
Communications with the Board
Stockholders who wish to communicate with the Board or a particular director may send such communication to Tripadvisor, Inc., 400 1st Avenue, Needham, Massachusetts 02494, Attention: Secretary. The mailing envelope must contain a clear notation indicating that the enclosed letter is a “Stockholder-Board Communication” or “Stockholder-Director Communication.” All such letters must identify the author as a stockholder, provide evidence of the sender’s stock ownership and clearly state whether the intended recipients are all members of the Board or certain specified directors. The Secretary will then review such correspondence and forward it to the Board, or to the specified director(s), if deemed appropriate. Communications that are primarily commercial in nature, that are not relevant to stockholders or other interested constituents, or that relate to improper or irrelevant topics will generally not be forwarded to the Board or to the specified director(s).
24
PROPOSAL 2:
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Overview
The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the external accounting firm retained to audit the Company’s financial statements. The Audit Committee has retained KPMG LLP (“KPMG”) as Tripadvisor’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.
KPMG has served as Tripadvisor’s independent registered public accounting firm continuously since the audit of the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. In order to assure continuing auditor independence, the Audit Committee periodically considers whether there should be a regular rotation of the independent external audit firm. The members of the Audit Committee and the Board believe that the continued retention of KPMG to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is in the best interest of the Company and its investors. A representative of KPMG is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, and will be given an opportunity to make a statement if he or she so chooses and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
If the stockholders fail to vote to ratify the appointment of KPMG, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether to retain KPMG and may retain that firm or another firm without resubmitting the matter to our stockholders. Even if stockholders vote on an advisory basis in favor of the appointment, the Audit Committee may, in its discretion, direct the appointment of 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 Tripadvisor and our stockholders.
Required Vote
We ask our stockholders to ratify the appointment of KPMG as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. This proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the shares, present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting, and entitled to vote thereon. With respect to the ratification of KPMG, you may vote “FOR”, “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN”. Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will have the same effect as votes "AGAINST" the proposal. Brokers have discretion to vote on the proposal for ratification of the independent registered public accounting firm.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF KPMG LLP AS TRIPADVISOR’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025. |
Fees Paid to Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
KPMG was Tripadvisor’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. The following table sets forth aggregate fees for professional services rendered by KPMG for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
|
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
Audit Fees (1) |
|
$2,645,663 |
|
$2,560,712 |
|
Audit-Related Fees (2) |
|
74,459 |
|
— |
|
Tax Fees (3) |
|
84,020 |
|
35,163 |
|
Other Fees (4) |
|
2,700 |
|
2,730 |
|
Total Fees |
|
$2,806,842 |
|
$2,598,605 |
|
25
Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy
The Audit Committee has responsibility for appointing, setting the compensation of, retaining and overseeing the work of the independent registered public accounting firm. In recognition of this responsibility, the Audit Committee has adopted a policy governing the pre-approval of all audit and permitted non-audit services performed by Tripadvisor’s independent registered public accounting firm to ensure that the provision of such services does not impair the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence from Tripadvisor and our management. Unless a type of service to be provided by our independent registered public accounting firm has received general pre-approval from the Audit Committee, it requires specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee. The payment for any proposed non-audit services in excess of pre-approved cost levels requires specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee.
Pursuant to its pre-approval policy, the Audit Committee may delegate its authority to pre-approve services to one or more of its members, and it has currently delegated this authority to its Chair, subject to a limit of $250,000 per approval. The decisions of the Chair (or any other member(s) to whom such authority may be delegated) to grant pre-approvals must be presented to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Audit Committee may not delegate its responsibilities to pre-approve services to Company management.
All of the audit-related and all other services provided to us by KPMG in 2024 and 2023 were approved by the Audit Committee by means of specific pre-approvals or pursuant to the procedures contained in the Company’s pre-approval policy.
The Audit Committee has considered the non-audit services provided by KPMG in 2024 and 2023, as described above, and believes that they are compatible with maintaining KPMG’s independence in the conduct of their auditing functions.
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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
Management has primary responsibility for our financial statements, reporting process and system of internal control over financial reporting. Tripadvisor’s independent registered public accounting firm is engaged to audit and express opinions on the conformity of our financial statements to generally accepted accounting principles, and the effectiveness of Tripadvisor’s internal control over financial reporting.
The Audit Committee serves as a representative of the Board and assists the Board in monitoring (i) the integrity of our accounting, financial reporting and public disclosures process, (ii) our relationship with our independent registered public accounting firm, including qualifications, performance and independence, (iii) the performance of our internal audit department, and (iv) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. In this context, the Audit Committee met four times in 2024 and, among other things, took the following actions:
Relying on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the Board approved such inclusion.
No portion of this Audit Committee Report shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, through any general statement incorporating by reference in its entirety the Proxy Statement in which this report appears, except to the extent that Tripadvisor specifically incorporates this report or a portion of it by reference. In addition, this report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed” under either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
Members of the Audit Committee: Robert S. Wiesenthal (Chair)
Trynka Shineman Blake
Jeremy G. Philips
27
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Set forth below is certain background information, as of April 29, 2025, regarding Tripadvisor’s executive officers. There are no family relationships among directors or executive officers of Tripadvisor.
Name |
|
Age |
|
Position |
Matt Goldberg |
|
54 |
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
Michael Noonan |
|
56 |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
Seth J. Kalvert |
|
55 |
|
Chief Legal Officer and Secretary |
Kristen Dalton |
|
52 |
|
President of Brand Tripadvisor |
Almir Ambeskovic |
|
47 |
|
President of TheFork |
Refer to “Proposal 1: Election of Directors” above for information about our President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Goldberg.
Michael Noonan has served as Chief Financial Officer of Tripadvisor since October 31, 2022. Prior to Tripadvisor, from October 2020 to October 2022, Mr. Noonan was the Chief Financial Officer of Noom, Inc., a consumer-focused digital health company. Prior to Noom, from January 2016 to October 2020, Mr. Noonan served as Senior Vice President of Finance for Booking Holdings, Inc., where he led numerous corporate finance activities such as financial planning and capital budgeting, as well as investor relations. Mr. Noonan’s experience also includes several capital markets roles at RBC Capital Markets, NYSE Euronex, J.P. Morgan, and Bear Stearns & Co. Mr. Noonan holds an MBA from Duke University and a B.A. from Davidson College.
Seth J. Kalvert has served as Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of Tripadvisor since August 2011. Prior to joining Tripadvisor, from March 2005 to August 2011, Mr. Kalvert held positions at Expedia, a travel technology company that owns and operates travel fare aggregators and travel metasearch engines, most recently as Vice President and Associate General Counsel. Prior to that, Mr. Kalvert worked at IAC, Inc., a holding company with a portfolio of media and internet businesses. Mr. Kalvert began his career as an associate at Debevoise & Plimpton, LLP, a New York law firm. Mr. Kalvert holds a J.D. from Columbia Law School and an A.B. from Brown University.
Kristen Dalton has served as the President of Brand Tripadvisor since January 2024. Prior to that, Ms. Dalton held positions of increasing responsibility with Tripadvisor. From January 2023 until December 2023, Ms. Dalton served as Chief Operating Officer and, from October 2019 until January 2023, Ms. Dalton served as Vice President of Finance. Before joining Tripadvisor, Ms. Dalton was a Vice President at Vistaprint from 2014 through 2019. Ms. Dalton also held senior positions at ACE Group, AXA, and Zurich Financial Services. Ms. Dalton holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Villanova University.
Almir Ambeskovic has served as President of TheFork since February 2021. Prior to becoming President, Mr. Ambeskovic held the position of Vice President of Sales and Marketing for TheFork from May 2020 through January 2021. Mr. Ambeskovic joined TheFork in 2014 as the Italy Country Manager following TheFork's acquisition of RestOpolis, an online restaurant reservation startup he founded and led in Milan since 2011.
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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2024 Business Highlights
We exited 2024 with momentum, delivering meaningful progress against our strategic priorities, strengthening our portfolio positioning, and diversifying our revenue and adjusted EBITDA mix. Brand Tripadvisor, Viator and TheFork each contributed to profit this year through a disciplined balance of growth and investment. More specifically, the Company was able to achieve the following:
*Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to our 2024 Annual Report for a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to Net Income, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
The named executive officers ("NEOs") referred to herein are: (i) Matt Goldberg, our principal executive officer during Fiscal 2024; (ii) Michael Noonan, our principal financial officer during Fiscal 2024; and (iii) Seth J. Kalvert, the only other individual who served as an executive officer at any time during Fiscal 2024. Ms. Dalton and Mr. Ambeskovic were designated executive officers by the Board on April 29, 2025, and, since neither Ms. Dalton nor Mr. Ambeskovic served as an executive officer at any time during Fiscal 2024, they are not considered NEOs.
Compensation Program Objectives
Our compensation program is designed to achieve the following objectives:
To that end, management and the Compensation Committees believe the executive compensation packages provided by Tripadvisor to our NEOs should include both cash and equity-based compensation.
29
The table below sets forth information regarding the primary elements of our executive compensation program in 2024:
Compensation Element |
Compensation Objective |
Performance |
Characteristics |
Time Horizon |
|
|
|
|
|
Base Salary |
• Attract and retain qualified executives |
• None |
• Market-competitive, fixed level of compensation |
• Annual |
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Bonus |
• Attract and retain qualified executives
• Motivate employees to achieve specific short and long-term strategic goals and objectives |
• Revenue
• Adjusted EBITDA |
• At target, annual incentive provides market-competitive total cash opportunity
• At-risk compensation |
• Annual |
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Awards - Time-Based RSUs |
• Align employees' and stockholders’ interests
• Attract and retain qualified executives |
• N/A |
• Generally vest over four years to enhance retention • At-risk compensation |
• Four years |
Equity Awards - Performance-Based RSUs |
• Motivate performance of senior-level employees to achieve specific long-term financial and strategic objectives |
• Revenue
• Adjusted EBITDA |
• At-risk compensation
• Two-year performance period, with a three-year vesting period |
• Three years |
Roles and Responsibilities
Role of the Compensation and Section 16 Committees
The Compensation Committee is appointed by the Board and consists entirely of directors who are “outside directors” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code. The Compensation Committee currently consists of Messrs. Maffei and Hoag and Ms. Morgan, with Ms. Morgan acting as Chair of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee is responsible for (i) designing and overseeing our compensation with respect to our executive officers, including salary matters, bonus plans and stock compensation plans; and (ii) approving all grants of equity awards, but excluding matters governed by Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act (for which the Section 16 Committee has responsibility as described below). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Compensation Committee has delegated to the Company's Chief Executive Officer the authority to grant certain types of equity awards, subject to certain limitations, to employees other than executive officers.
The Section 16 Committee is also appointed by the Board and consists entirely of directors who are “non-employee directors” for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. The Section 16 Committee currently consists of Mr. Hoag and Ms. Morgan. The Section 16 Committee is responsible for administering and overseeing matters governed by Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, including approving grants of equity awards to our NEOs. Ms. Morgan is also the Chair of the Section 16 Committee.
Role of Executive Officers
Management participates in reviewing and refining our executive compensation program. Our President and Chief Executive Officer annually reviews the performance of Tripadvisor and each NEO other than himself with the Compensation Committees and makes recommendations with respect to the appropriate base salary, annual bonus and grants of equity awards for each NEO, other than himself. Based in part on these recommendations and the other factors discussed below, the Compensation Committees review and approve the annual compensation package of each NEO.
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Role of Compensation Consultant
Pursuant to the Compensation Committee and Section 16 Committee Charter, the Compensation Committees may retain compensation consultants for the purpose of assisting the Compensation Committees in their evaluation of the compensation for our NEOs. In July 2021, the Compensation Committees retained FW Cook, a premier provider of independent executive and non-employee director compensation consulting services to compensation committees and senior management. FW Cook has provided objective, independent and expert advice to the Compensation Committees and senior management on matters related to executive pay. More specifically, FW Cook provides the following services to the Compensation Committees:
While the Compensation Committees meet regularly with the Compensation Consultant, the Compensation Committees consider input from the Compensation Consultant as one factor in making decisions with respect to compensation matters, along with information and analysis they receive from management and their own judgment and experience.
Based on consideration of the factors set forth in the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq, the Compensation Committees have determined that their relationships with FW Cook and the work performed by FW Cook on behalf of the Compensation Committees have not raised any conflict of interest. In addition, in compliance with the Compensation Committee and Section 16 Committee Charter, the Compensation Committees approved the fees paid to FW Cook for work performed in 2024. FW Cook did not provide any other services to the Company or its affiliates in an amount in excess of $120,000 during the last completed fiscal year.
Role of Stockholders
Tripadvisor provides its stockholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote to approve the compensation of our NEOs every three years. The Company conducted a "say-on-frequency" vote in 2024 where stockholders indicated a preference for future advisory resolutions to approve the compensation of our NEOs to occur every three years. In evaluating our 2024 executive compensation program, the Compensation Committees considered the result of the stockholder advisory vote on our executive compensation (the “say-on-pay vote”) held at our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was approved by approximately 98% of the votes cast.
Our Compensation Committees takes into account input from our stockholders, the recommendations of major proxy advisory firms, the practices of companies in our peer group and the views of our compensation consultant in designing our executive compensation program and setting compensation for our NEOs. Specifically, our executive compensation program includes the following features that we believe ensure promotion of stockholders’ interests and strong corporate governance:
We will continue to evaluate ways to ensure that our executive compensation programs compensate our NEOs for performance that furthers our business strategy and initiatives, competitive performance, sound corporate governance principles and stockholder value and return. We will continue to seek to align our NEOs’ incentive compensation opportunities to the achievement of short-term and long-term performance objectives that are directly aligned with the interest of our stockholders.
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The Compensation Committees will continue to consider the outcome of the say-on-pay vote when making future compensation decisions for our NEOs.
Compensation Program Elements
General
The primary elements of our direct executive compensation program are base salary, annual bonus and equity awards. The program is designed to closely align executive compensation with performance by tying annual bonuses to performance and allocating a majority of target compensation to performance-based equity awards that directly link the value of executive compensation to our stock price performance.
Our pay-for-performance philosophy is reflected in the charts below showing the key design and structure aspects of our program. With the exception of base salary, all elements of annual compensation are performance-based, variable or “at-risk”.
|
One of the primary objectives of our compensation philosophy is to design pay opportunities that align with our performance and result in strong long-term value creation for our stockholders. The significant weighting of long-term incentive compensation aims to ensure that our NEOs’ primary focus is sustained long-term performance, while our short-term incentive compensation motivates consistent annual achievement.
Following recommendations from management or based on other considerations, the Compensation Committees may also adjust compensation for specific individuals at other times during the year when there are significant changes in responsibilities or under other circumstances that the Compensation Committees consider appropriate.
Base Salary
Base salary represents the fixed portion of an NEO’s total compensation and is intended to provide compensation for expected day-to-day performance. An NEO’s base salary is initially determined upon hire or promotion based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, his or her responsibilities, prior experience, and salary levels of other executives within Tripadvisor. Providing a competitive base salary to our executives is essential to achieving our objectives of attracting and retaining talent. Base salary is typically reviewed annually, at which time management makes recommendations to the Compensation Committees based on consideration of a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the following:
32
After careful consideration of the factors discussed above with respect to each of the NEOs, the Compensation Committees approved base salary changes for our NEOs for 2024. The table below sets forth, for each NEO, the 2023 base salary, the base salary increase and the 2024 base salary.
Name |
|
2023(1) |
|
Annual Salary |
|
2024(2) |
|
Matt Goldberg |
|
$900,000 |
|
$— |
|
$900,000 |
|
Michael Noonan |
|
$525,000 |
|
$20,000 |
|
$545,000 |
|
Seth J. Kalvert |
|
$525,000 |
|
$10,000 |
|
$535,000 |
|
Annual Bonus
Unless otherwise provided by the provisions of his or her employment agreement, the target annual bonus opportunities for our NEOs are generally established by the Compensation Committees, based on competitive market data and recommendations by the President and Chief Executive Officer (other than in connection with his own compensation). Annual bonuses are awarded to recognize and reward each NEO based on achievement of the Company’s annual operating plan as well as achievement of any strategic or business goals set for such NEO and such NEO’s specific contributions to the Company’s performance. The amount awarded each year is based on (i) with respect to 75%, the extent to which certain pre-established financial performance targets are achieved during the year; and (ii) with respect to the remaining 25%, the extent to which individual performance goals are achieved during the year. The annual bonus is “variable compensation” because the Company must achieve certain performance goals and/or the NEO must achieve individual performance goals aligned with strategic and business goals in order for the executive officers to receive an annual incentive bonus, with the amount of bonus based on the extent to which the targets and goals are achieved. The annual bonus is designed to motivate our executive officers to improve Company and individual performance. The annual bonus program aligns a portion of executive compensation with key financial targets and, as a result, provides a valuable link between compensation and stockholder value creation.
The financial performance consists of consolidated Company revenue goals (50%) and consolidated adjusted EBITDA goals (50%); the payout for threshold performance is 50% of target and the payout for maximum performance is 200% of target. The threshold payout of 50% of the target bonus requires achievement of 90% of the revenue and 85% of the adjusted EBITDA targets while the maximum payout of 200% of the target bonus requires achievement of 110% of the revenue and 117% of the adjusted EBITDA targets. The annual bonus was designed with such threshold, target and maximum payout goals in order to create more financial incentive for management to achieve a performance range of target or higher.
The table below describes the potential payout opportunities for the financial performance component of the annual bonus for Fiscal 2024 based on threshold, target and maximum achievement of the performance targets established, as well as the Company's performance and percentage payout for each such component.
Financial Performance |
Threshold |
Target Performance |
Maximum |
Fiscal 2024 |
Resulting |
Revenue (in thousands) |
$1,681,367 |
$1,868,185 |
$2,055,004 |
$1,834,561 |
99.2% |
Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands)1 |
$331,055 |
$389,476 |
$455,687 |
$384,642 |
99.6% |
33
In February 2025, the Compensation Committee approved payouts for bonuses with respect to Fiscal 2024 for each of our NEOs after taking into account a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the following:
The table below sets forth, for each NEO, the target bonus for Fiscal 2024, the actual bonus paid and percentage of bonus paid relative to annual bonus target for each NEO.
Name |
|
Target |
|
Target |
|
Bonus |
|
Percentage |
Matt Goldberg |
|
100% |
|
$900,000 |
|
$900,000 |
|
100.0% |
Michael Noonan |
|
80% |
|
$436,000 |
|
$450,000 |
|
103.2% |
Seth J. Kalvert |
|
80% |
|
$428,000 |
|
$440,000 |
|
102.8% |
Equity Awards
The Compensation Committees use equity awards to align executive compensation with our long-term performance. Equity awards link compensation to financial performance because their value depends on Tripadvisor’s performance and/or share price. Equity awards are also an important retention tool because they vest over a multi-year period, subject to continued service by the award recipient. Equity awards are typically granted to our NEOs upon hire or promotion and annually thereafter. Management generally recommends annual equity awards in the first quarter of each year when the Compensation Committees meet to make determinations regarding annual bonuses for the last completed fiscal year and to set compensation and financial targets for the current fiscal year.
The practice of the Compensation Committees is to generally grant equity awards to our NEOs only in open trading windows, although awards may occasionally be granted off-cycle, including awards for new hires. It is the policy of the Board and the Compensation Committee to
Under the Tripadvisor, Inc. 2023 Stock and Annual Incentive Plan (the "2023 Plan"), the Compensation Committees may grant a variety of long-term incentive vehicles. The following is a general description of the vehicles we used in 2024:
Service-Based Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs"). RSUs are a promise to issue shares of our common stock in the future provided that the NEO remains employed with us through the award’s vesting period. RSUs provide the opportunity for capital accumulation and long-term incentive value and are intended to assist in satisfying our retention objectives. As a result, RSUs typically vest over a four-year requisite service period. For our NEOs, in Fiscal 2024, the grant date fair value of RSUs represented 50% of the grant date fair value of all equity awards, with PSUs representing the remaining 50%.
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units (“PSUs”). PSUs are also a promise to issue shares of common stock in the future provided that the NEO remains employed with us through the awards vesting period and certain pre-determined financial performance metrics are achieved. The number of shares earned, if any, depends on the extent to which financial performance metrics established by the Compensation Committees are met, relative to the targets established by the Compensation Committees. For our NEOs, in Fiscal 2024, the grant date fair value of these PSUs represented 50% of the grant date fair value of all equity awards, with RSUs representing the remaining 50%.
34
The table below describes the threshold, target and maximum achievement performance targets for the PSU's granted in 2023 with a performance period of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2024, as well as the Company’s performance and percentage payout for each such component.
Financial Performance |
Threshold |
Target Performance |
Maximum Performance |
Fiscal 2023 & |
Achievement |
Revenue (in thousands) |
$3,240,000 |
$3,600,000 |
$3,816,000 |
$3,622,624 |
101.0% |
Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands) |
$657,000 |
$730,000 |
$788,400 |
$673,404 |
92.3% |
The Compensation Committees review various factors considered by management when they establish Tripadvisor’s equity award grant pool including, but not limited to, the following:
For specific awards to our NEOs, the Section 16 Committee considers a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the following:
After review and consideration of the recommendations of management and the President and Chief Executive Officer (other than with respect to awards for himself), the Section 16 Committee decides whether to grant equity awards to our NEOs. After consideration of the factors discussed above, in February 2024 the Section 16 Committee granted the equity awards set forth in the table below to Messrs. Goldberg, Noonan and Kalvert in connection with our annual equity award program.
Name |
|
Grant Date Fair |
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
Matt Goldberg |
|
$7,335,830 |
|
133,185 |
|
133,185 |
|
Michael Noonan |
|
$3,311,300 |
|
60,118 |
|
60,118 |
|
Seth J. Kalvert |
|
$2,292,430 |
|
41,620 |
|
41,620 |
|
The RSUs vest over four years, with 25% of such awards vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and 6.25% of the award vesting in equal quarterly installments commencing thereafter and for the remaining three years. The PSUs only vest if and to the extent the Company achieves pre-determined revenue and adjusted EBITDA financial metrics (each weighted 50%) over a two-year performance period. Based upon actual attainment relative to the financial metrics, employees may receive 0% to 200% of the target number of PSUs originally granted. Upon completion of the two-year performance period, a determination is made as to the actual number of PSUs awarded and such PSUs vest in two equal annual installments on each of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2026.
35
In August 2024, after review and consideration, including recommendation from FW Cook, the Section 16 Committee approved an additional equity grant to Mr. Goldberg in the amount and on the terms described below, which had the same terms as the 2024 annual grant.
Name |
|
Grant Date Fair |
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
Matt Goldberg |
|
$749,974 |
|
27,173 |
|
27,173 |
|
The RSUs vest over four years, with 25% of such awards vesting on August 16, 2025 and 6.25% of the award vesting in equal quarterly installments commencing thereafter and for the remaining three years. The PSUs only vest if and to the extent the Company achieves pre-determined revenue and adjusted EBITDA financial metrics (each weighted 50%) over a two-year performance period. Based upon actual attainment relative to the financial metrics, Messr. Goldberg may receive up to 200% of the target number of PSUs originally granted, or to be issued none at all. Upon completion of the two-year performance period, a determination is made as to the actual number of PSUs awarded and such PSUs vest in two equal annual installments on each of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2026.
Employee Benefits
In addition to the primary elements of compensation described above, our NEOs are also eligible to participate in employee benefits programs available to our employees generally, including the Tripadvisor Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-qualified 401(k) plan on the same basis as other employees. Under this plan, Tripadvisor matches 50% of each dollar contributed by a participant, up to the first 6% of eligible compensation, subject to tax limits.
In addition, we provide other benefits to our NEOs generally on the same basis as all of our domestic employees. These benefits include group health (medical, dental, and vision) insurance, group disability insurance, and group life insurance. Tripadvisor also sponsors a Global Lifestyle Benefit program generally available to all employees, including our NEOs, which provides for taxable reimbursement of up to $1,750 per year, depending on years of service, for qualifying services and products.
In situations where an NEO is required to relocate, Tripadvisor provides relocation benefits, including reimbursement of moving expenses, temporary housing and other relocation expenses as well as a tax gross-up payment on the relocation benefits. Mr. Goldberg received a temporary housing benefit in 2024. This Company benefit is described further in the footnote to the Summary Compensation Table.
Compensation-Related Policies
Clawback Policy
In light of the SEC’s adoption of final clawback rules and the Nasdaq's adoption of final listing standards consistent with the SEC rules in June 2023, Tripadvisor adopted a formal Clawback Policy on November 1, 2023. The Clawback Policy applies to current and former executive officers, and other employees of the Company who may from time to time be deemed subject to this policy by a majority of the independent directors (as defined in the policy). The policy requires the recovery of incentive-based compensation, which is broadly defined to cover any form of compensation that is granted, earned or vested based wholly or in part upon the attainment of a financial reporting measure, received in the prior three years and after the effective date of the Clawback Policy in the event Tripadvisor is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws.
Insider Trading and Hedging Policy
Tripadvisor has
36
Stock Ownership Guidelines
In October 2015, the Board of Directors adopted guidelines which require that our NEOs and members of our Board own shares of our common stock to further align their interests with those of our stockholders. These guidelines were reviewed in April 2022 and again in November 2023, after which revised guidelines were approved. Under the current guidelines our NEOs and directors are generally expected to directly hold securities having market or intrinsic value which is equal to or greater than a specified multiple of his or her base salary or cash retainer, as set forth below:
For the purpose of these calculations, shares of common stock and the after-tax value of time-based restricted stock units are counted but shares underlying performance-based restricted stock units and unexercised stock options, whether vested or unvested, are not counted. Individuals subject to these guidelines are expected to achieve the relevant ownership threshold on or before the later of January 31, 2028 or five years after commencing service. As of March 31, 2025, all of our NEOs and members of our Board either met the applicable ownership threshold or were within the permitted time period to attain the required ownership.
The Board recognizes that exceptions to this policy may be necessary or appropriate in individual cases and may approve such exceptions from time to time as it deems appropriate in the interest of our stockholders.
These stock ownership guidelines were established after consideration of the Compensation Committees' review of market practices of other companies in the Company’s peer group with respect to stock ownership guidelines and in an effort to enhance risk mitigation and to more closely align the interests of the Company’s executive officers and Board members with those of the Company’s stockholders.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
In November 2023, our Board adopted an amended and restated Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to all of our directors, officers, employees, consultants and independent contractors. A copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on our website at http://ir.Tripadvisor.com/corporate-governance.
Role of Competitive Compensation Market Data
The Compensation Committee and management consider multiple data sources when reviewing compensation information to ensure that the data reflects compensation practices of relevant companies in terms of size, industry and business complexity. Among other factors, the Compensation Committees considers the following information regarding compensation for our NEOs:
The Compensation Committees annually retain our compensation consultant to review the compensation peer group and to recommend possible changes. Our business model is specialized in that we use our innovative technology systems and software to attract users and then facilitate transactions between our business partners and those users. Accordingly, our compensation consultant identified comparable companies focusing on publicly traded companies in the business to consumer and software industries as well as revenue and market capitalization.
37
The compensation consultant reviewed the peer group in 2023 to evaluate compensation for 2024 and suggested no changes to the existing peer group. At the time the peer group was approved, Tripadvisor was positioned near the 50th percentile in terms of revenue, market capitalization and between the median and 75th percentile in terms of EBITDA. Based on the input from FW Cook, the Compensation Committee approved the peer group set forth below for purposes of informing 2024 target compensation levels for our NEOs.
Company Name |
Akamai Technologies |
Angi |
Box |
CarGurus |
Cimpress plc |
Etsy |
Expedia Group |
Groupon |
HubSpot |
IAC Inc. (fka IAC/InterActiveCorp) |
Redfin |
Sabre |
Shutterstock |
Stitch Fix |
Yelp |
Zillow Group |
When available, management and the Compensation Committees consider competitive market compensation paid by peer group companies but do not attempt to maintain a certain target percentile within the compensation peer group or otherwise rely solely on such data when making recommendations to the Compensation Committees regarding compensation for our NEOs. Management and the Compensation Committees strive to incorporate flexibility into our executive compensation program and the assessment process to respond to and adjust for the evolving business environment and the value delivered by our NEOs.
Post-Employment Compensation
The Company has entered into employment arrangements with each of our NEOs. Pursuant to these agreements, each of our NEOs is eligible to receive certain severance payments and benefits in the event of a qualifying termination of employment. The material terms of these employment agreements are described below under the heading “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” below. For further information regarding the severance payments and benefits received in connection with an NEO's resignation, please see “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”
We believe that a strong, experienced management team is essential and in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders. In addition, we recognize that the possibility of a change in control could arise and that such an event could result in the departure of our senior leaders to the detriment of the Company and our stockholders. As a result, in 2017 we adopted a severance plan applicable to certain senior leaders (the “Severance Plan”). The Severance Plan formalizes and standardizes our severance practices for certain of our senior leaders. Adoption of the Severance Plan was approved by the Compensation Committees. The Severance Plan applies to all NEOs as well as certain other senior leaders. While the benefits are generally consistent with the severance benefits provided for in individual employment agreements, there are some differences. Under the terms of the Severance Plan, in the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of any employment agreement and the Severance Plan, the terms more beneficial to the executive shall prevail. To the extent any non-U.S. law requires the Company to provide benefits of any kind to an employee or imposes terms more favorable than the terms of the Severance Plan in connection with the employees involuntary termination or similar event, the participant shall be entitled to the better of such mandatory benefits or terms and the benefits provided under the Severance Plan, without duplication. For a description and quantification of change in control payments and benefits for our NEOs, please see the section below entitled “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”
Tripadvisor's Inc. 2023 Stock and Annual Incentive Plan (the "2023 Plan") provides only for “double trigger” acceleration (i.e., acceleration upon termination by the Company other than for Cause or disability or resignation for Good Reason, in each case within three months prior to and 12 months following a Change in Control). The 2023 Plan also provides for acceleration of all equity awards upon the death of a participant. Please see “Estimated Potential Incremental Payments” below for further information regarding the treatment of equity awards held by our NEOs upon certain circumstances.
38
Tax Considerations
Section 162(m) of the Code generally precludes a tax deduction by any publicly-held company for compensation paid to the top executive officers in excess of $1 million. With respect to taxable years before January 1, 2018, compensation in excess of $1 million was exempt from this deduction limit if it qualified as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m). Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (i) expanded the scope of Section 162(m) such that all NEOs are “covered employees” and anyone who was an NEO in any year after 2016 will remain a covered employee for as long as such individual (or his or her beneficiaries) receives compensation from us and (ii) eliminated the exception to the deduction limit for commission-based compensation and performance-based compensation except with respect to certain grandfathered arrangements in effect as of November 2, 2017 that are not subsequently materially modified. Accordingly, compensation paid to our NEOs in excess of $1 million is generally not deductible.
The Board and the Compensation Committees believe that stockholder interests are best served if they retain maximum flexibility to design executive compensation programs that meet stated business objectives. For that reason, while our Board and Compensation Committees consider the potential effects of Section 162(m) of the Code on the compensation paid to our NEOs, in light of the constraints imposed by Section 162(m) and our desire to maintain flexibility in compensation decisions, the Board and the Compensation Committees do not necessarily limit compensation to amounts deductible under Section 162(m).
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During 2024 and currently, the Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Maffei and Hoag and Ms. Morgan and the Section 16 Committee consists of Mr. Hoag and Ms. Morgan. None of Messrs. Maffei and Hoag or Ms. Morgan was an employee of Tripadvisor during the one-year period ended December 31, 2024 and none of them has ever served as an officer of Tripadvisor.
During the 2024 fiscal year, none of our executive officers served as: (i) a member of the compensation committee (or other committee of the board of directors performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire board of directors) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on our Compensation Committee; (ii) a director of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on our Compensation Committee; or (iii) a member of the compensation committee (or other committee of the board of directors performing equivalent functions or, in the absence of any such committee, the entire board of directors) of another entity, one of whose executive officers served on our Board.
Compensation Committees Report
This report is provided by the Compensation Committee and the Section 16 Committee of the Board. The Compensation Committees have reviewed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and discussed that analysis with management. Based on this review and discussions with management, the Compensation Committees recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Proxy Statement.
No portion of this Compensation Committees Report shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, through any general statement incorporating by reference in its entirety the Proxy Statement in which this report appears, except to the extent that Tripadvisor specifically incorporates this report or a portion of it by reference. In addition, this report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed” under either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
Members of the Compensation Committee: |
Betsy L. Morgan (Chair) Jay C. Hoag
|
|
Gregory B. Maffei |
Members of the Section 16 Committee: |
Betsy L. Morgan (Chair) |
|
Jay C. Hoag |
39
CEO PAY RATIO
Overview
SEC rules require annual disclosure of the ratio of the annual total compensation of a company’s principal executive officer to such company’s median employee’s total annual compensation, excluding the principal executive officer for purposes of this calculation. The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a measure of the equitability of pay within the organization.
The 2024 annual total compensation of our median employee, excluding Mr. Goldberg, our President and CEO, calculated in accordance with the Summary Compensation Table requirements was $140,214.
The 2024 annualized total compensation of our President and CEO was $10,034,887.
The ratio of the annual total compensation of our President and CEO to that of our median employee was approximately 72 to 1. We believe this pay ratio is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with SEC rules. Please note the following information to provide important context related to our employee population and to describe the methodology and the material assumptions, adjustments, and estimates that we used to calculate this ratio.
Because the SEC rules for identifying the median employee and calculating the pay ratio based on that employee’s annual total compensation allow companies to adopt a variety of methodologies, to apply certain exclusions, and to make reasonable estimates and assumptions that reflect their employee populations and compensation practices, the pay ratio reported by other companies may not be comparable to our pay ratio, as other companies have offices in different countries, employee populations and compensation practices and may utilize different methodologies, exclusions, estimates and assumptions in calculating their pay ratios.
40
PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE
As required by Section 953(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”) and Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, the table below sets forth information about the relationship between compensation actually paid (“CAP”) to the our principal executive officer ("PEO") and non-PEO NEOs and certain financial performance measures of the Company and how the Company aligns executive compensation with the Company's performance. Included in our historical analysis is the compensation for former NEOs Mr. Teunissen and Mss. Soni and Nelson, who are no longer with the Company. For further information concerning the Company’s variable pay-for-performance philosophy and how the Company aligns executive compensation with Company performance, refer to the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this proxy statement.
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Value of Initial Fixed $100 |
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Year (1) |
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Summary |
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Compensation |
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Summary |
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Compensation |
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Average |
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Average |
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Total |
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Peer Group |
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Net |
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(a) |
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(b) |
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(c) |
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(b) |
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(c) |
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(d) |
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(e) |
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(f) |
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(g) |
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(h) |
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(i) |
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2024 |
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2023 |
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2022 |
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( |
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2021 |
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( |
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2020 |
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( |
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( |
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( |
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Mr. Goldberg |
|
Mr. Kaufer |
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|||||||
Compensation Actually Paid to PEO |
|
2024 ($) |
2023 ($) |
2022 ($) |
|
2022 ($) |
|
2021 ($) |
|
2020 ($) |
|
Summary Compensation Table Total |
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||||||
Deductions for Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards and Option Awards reported in Summary Compensation Table |
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( |
( |
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( |
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Addition of Year-End Fair Value Awards Granted in the Applicable Fiscal Year that are Outstanding and Unvested |
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||||||
Additions (Deductions) for Change in Fair Value of Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years' That Vested in the Applicable Fiscal Year |
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( |
( |
|
( |
|
|
( |
|
||
Deduction of Fair Value of Prior Fiscal Years' Awards Forfeited During the Fiscal Year |
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( |
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( |
|
( |
|
|||
Additions (Deductions) for Change in Fair Value of Prior Fiscal Years' Awards Unvested at Fiscal Year End |
|
( |
( |
|
( |
|
( |
|
( |
|
|
Compensation Actually Paid to PEO |
|
|
( |
|
|
( |
|
||||
41
Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs |
|
2024 ($) |
2023 ($) |
2022 ($) |
|
2021 ($) |
|
2020 ($) |
|
Summary Compensation Table Total |
|
|
|
|
|||||
Deductions for Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards and Option Awards reported in Summary Compensation Table |
|
( |
( |
( |
|
( |
|
( |
|
Addition of Year-End Fair Value Awards Granted in the Applicable Fiscal Year that are Outstanding and Unvested |
|
|
|
|
|||||
Additions (Deductions) for Change in Fair Value of Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years' That Vested in the Applicable Fiscal Year |
|
( |
|
|
( |
|
|||
Deduction of Fair Value of Prior Fiscal Years' Awards Forfeited During the Fiscal Year |
|
( |
( |
|
( |
|
( |
|
|
Additions (Deductions) for Change in Fair Value of Prior Fiscal Years' Awards Unvested at Fiscal Year End |
|
( |
( |
|
( |
|
( |
|
|
Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs |
|
|
|
|
Performance Measures Used to Link Company Performance and Compensation Actually Paid
The following is a list of our most important performance measures used by us to link CAP to our NEOs to Company performance for Fiscal 2024. Each metric below is used for purposes of determining payouts under either our annual incentive program or vesting of our PSUs. The performance measures included in this table are not ranked by relative importance.
Please see the section "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" for a further description of these metrics and how they are used in the Company's executive compensation program.
Relationship Between Compensation Actually Paid and Financial Performance
As described in more detail in the section "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," the Company's executive compensation programs reflect a variable pay for performance philosophy. The Company generally seeks to incentivize long-term performance, and therefore does not specifically align the Company's performance measures with CAP (as computed in accordance with SEC rules) for a particular fiscal year. In accordance with the SEC rules, the Company is providing the following descriptions of the relationships between information presented in the pay versus performance table.
42
The chart below reflects the relationship between the PEO and average non-PEOs CAP and our Net Income for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
The chart below reflects the relationship between our TSR and our Peer Group TSR, as well as the relationship between CAP and our TSR for the PEO and non-PEOs for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. TSR amounts reported in graphs assume an initial fixed investment of $100.00 on January 1, 2020, and that all dividends, if any, were reinvested.
43
The chart below reflects the relationship between the PEO and average non-PEO NEOs and the Company's Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
44
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation
The NEOs referred to herein encompasses: (i) each individual who served as our PEO at any time during Fiscal 2024; (ii) each individual who served as our principal financial officer at any time during Fiscal 2024; and (iii) the only other executive officer (other than any individual who served as our PEO or principal financial officer) who was serving in such capacity as of the last day of Fiscal 2024. Ms. Dalton and Mr. Ambeskovic were designated executive officers by the Board of Directors on April 29, 2025. Since neither Ms. Dalton nor Mr. Ambeskovic served as an executive officer at any time during Fiscal 2024, they are not considered NEOs and their information is not included in this section. The following table sets forth certain information regarding the compensation earned by, or paid to, each of our NEOs for services rendered in the fiscal years indicated.
Name and |
|
Year |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Non-Equity |
|
All Other |
|
Total |
|
Matt Goldberg |
|
2024 |
|
900,000 |
|
— |
|
8,085,804 |
|
— |
|
900,000 |
|
149,083 |
|
10,034,887 |
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
2023 |
|
900,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
891,000 |
|
151,733 |
|
1,942,733 |
|
|
|
2022 |
|
387,692 |
|
500,000 |
|
8,263,363 |
|
4,762,497 |
|
480,000 |
|
103,193 |
|
14,496,745 |
|
Michael Noonan |
|
2024 |
|
541,924 |
|
|
|
3,311,300 |
|
— |
|
450,000 |
|
22,165 |
|
4,325,389 |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
2023 |
|
525,000 |
|
400,000 |
|
2,744,377 |
|
— |
|
415,000 |
|
42,127 |
|
4,126,504 |
|
|
|
2022 |
|
80,769 |
|
— |
|
1,833,283 |
|
916,664 |
|
100,000 |
|
— |
|
2,930,716 |
|
Seth J. Kalvert |
|
2024 |
|
533,462 |
|
— |
|
2,292,430 |
|
— |
|
440,000 |
|
16,853 |
|
3,282,745 |
|
Chief Legal Officer and Secretary |
|
2023 |
|
523,462 |
|
— |
|
2,058,262 |
|
— |
|
400,000 |
|
6,783 |
|
2,988,507 |
|
|
|
2022 |
|
511,923 |
|
— |
|
2,499,976 |
|
— |
|
475,000 |
|
14,900 |
|
3,501,799 |
|
2024 All Other Compensation
Name |
Temporary |
Global |
Matching |
Employer |
Other |
Total ($) |
Matt Goldberg |
120,000 |
1,250 |
4,970 |
10,350 |
12,513 |
149,083 |
Michael Noonan |
— |
1,250 |
— |
10,350 |
10,565 |
22,165 |
Seth J. Kalvert |
— |
1,533 |
4,970 |
10,350 |
— |
16,853 |
45
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The table below provides information regarding the plan-based awards granted in 2024 to our NEOs.
|
|
|
Estimated Future Payouts |
|
Estimated Future Payouts |
|
All Other |
|
Grant Date |
|
||||||||
Name |
Grant Date |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
Units (#) |
|
($)(1) |
|
Matt Goldberg |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RSUs(2) |
3/4/2024 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
133,185 |
|
3,599,991 |
|
PSUs(2) |
3/4/2024 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
66,593 |
|
133,185 |
|
266,370 |
|
— |
|
3,735,839 |
|
RSUs(2) |
8/16/2024 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
27,173 |
|
374,987 |
|
PSUs(2) |
8/16/2024 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
13,587 |
|
27,173 |
|
54,346 |
|
— |
|
374,987 |
|
Annual Bonus |
3/4/2024 |
|
450,000 |
|
900,000 |
|
1,800,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
Michael Noonan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RSUs(2) |
3/4/2024 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
60,118 |
|
1,624,990 |
|
PSUs(2) |
3/4/2024 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
30,059 |
|
60,118 |
|
120,236 |
|
— |
|
1,686,310 |
|
Annual Bonus |
3/4/2024 |
|
218,000 |
|
436,000 |
|
872,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
Seth J. Kalvert |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RSUs(2) |
3/4/2024 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
41,620 |
|
1,124,989 |
|
PSUs(2) |
3/4/2024 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
20,810 |
|
41,620 |
|
83,240 |
|
— |
|
1,167,441 |
|
Annual Bonus |
3/4/2024 |
|
214,000 |
|
428,000 |
|
856,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table provides information regarding the holdings of all equity awards held by our NEOs as of December 31, 2024.
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|||||||||||||
Name |
|
Grant |
|
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
Number of |
|
Market |
|
Equity |
|
Equity |
|
Matt Goldberg |
|
7/1/2022 |
(1) |
|
290,142 |
|
225,666 |
|
18.47 |
|
7/1/2032 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
7/1/2022 |
(1) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
112,810 |
|
1,666,204 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
7/1/2022 |
(2) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
378,064 |
|
5,584,005 |
|
|
|
3/4/2024 |
(3) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
133,185 |
|
1,967,142 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
3/20/2024 |
(4) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
133,185 |
|
1,967,142 |
|
|
|
8/16/2024 |
(5) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
27,173 |
|
401,345 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
8/16/2024 |
(4) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
27,173 |
|
401,345 |
|
Michael Noonan |
|
10/31/2022 |
(6) |
|
38,492 |
|
38,494 |
|
23.62 |
|
10/31/2032 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
10/31/2022 |
(6) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
19,404 |
|
286,597 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
10/31/2022 |
(7) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
61,935 |
|
914,780 |
|
|
|
2/22/2023 |
(3) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
37,939 |
|
560,359 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
3/24/2023 |
(8) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
67,446 |
|
996,177 |
|
|
|
3/4/2024 |
(3) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
60,118 |
|
887,943 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
3/20/2024 |
(4) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
60,118 |
|
887,943 |
|
Seth J. Kalvert |
|
2/26/2015 |
|
|
22,601 |
|
— |
|
86.36 |
|
2/26/2025 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
2/22/2016 |
|
|
34,950 |
|
— |
|
59.61 |
|
2/22/2026 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
2/27/2017 |
|
|
43,776 |
|
— |
|
39.31 |
|
2/27/2027 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
2/27/2017 |
|
|
79,324 |
|
— |
|
39.31 |
|
2/27/2027 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
2/22/2018 |
|
|
26,910 |
|
— |
|
38.15 |
|
2/22/2028 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
2/27/2019 |
|
|
21,281 |
|
— |
|
50.63 |
|
2/27/2029 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
2/25/2020 |
|
|
44,378 |
|
— |
|
25.62 |
|
2/25/2030 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
2/23/2021 |
|
|
23,674 |
|
— |
|
46.05 |
|
2/23/2031 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
2/23/2021 |
(3) |
|
23,285 |
|
1,553 |
|
46.05 |
|
2/23/2031 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
2/23/2021 |
(3) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
1,358 |
|
20,058 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
2/22/2022 |
(9) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
7,688 |
|
113,552 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
2/22/2023 |
(3) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
28,454 |
|
420,266 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
3/24/2023 |
(8) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
50,584 |
|
747,126 |
|
|
|
3/4/2024 |
(3) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
41,620 |
|
614,727 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
3/20/2024 |
(4) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
41,620 |
|
614,727 |
|
47
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
The following table sets forth information regarding the vesting of stock awards held by the NEOs during 2024. None of our NEOs exercised stock options during 2024.
|
|
|
|
Stock Awards |
|||
Name |
|
Exercise or |
|
Number of Shares |
|
Value Realized |
|
Matt Goldberg |
|
1/1/2024 |
|
16,116 |
|
346,977 |
|
|
|
4/1/2024 |
|
16,115 |
|
447,836 |
|
|
|
7/1/2024 |
|
16,116 |
|
287,026 |
|
|
|
10/1/2024 |
|
16,116 |
|
233,521 |
|
Michael Noonan |
|
1/31/2024 |
|
2,425 |
|
53,496 |
|
|
|
2/15/2024 |
|
16,861 |
|
426,921 |
|
|
|
4/30/2024 |
|
2,426 |
|
65,502 |
|
|
|
5/15/2024 |
|
4,215 |
|
81,139 |
|
|
|
7/31/2024 |
|
2,425 |
|
43,699 |
|
|
|
8/15/2024 |
|
4,215 |
|
57,282 |
|
|
|
10/31/2024 |
|
2,426 |
|
39,156 |
|
|
|
11/15/2024 |
|
4,216 |
|
61,469 |
|
Seth J. Kalvert |
|
2/15/2024 |
|
21,682 |
|
548,988 |
|
|
|
5/15/2024 |
|
12,197 |
|
234,792 |
|
|
|
8/15/2024 |
|
12,207 |
|
165,893 |
|
|
|
11/15/2024 |
|
12,207 |
|
177,978 |
|
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation
We do not currently have any other defined contribution or other plan that provides for deferred compensation on a basis that is not tax-qualified for our employees.
48
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
We entered into employment agreements with each of Messrs. Goldberg, Noonan, and Kalvert. Pursuant to these agreements, each of our NEOs is eligible to receive certain severance payments and benefits in the event of a qualifying termination of employment. The material terms of these employment agreements are described below.
We believe that a strong and experienced management team is essential and in the best interests of our Company and our stockholders. In addition, we recognize that the possibility of a change in control could arise and that such an event could result in the departure of our senior leaders to the detriment of the Company and our stockholders. As a result, we adopted the Severance Plan applicable to certain senior leaders. The plan formalizes and standardizes our severance practices for our most senior leaders. Adoption of the Severance Plan was approved by the Compensation Committees. The Severance Plan applies to all of our current serving NEOs. While the benefits are generally consistent with the severance benefits provided for in individual employment agreements, there are some differences. In addition, under the terms of the Severance Plan, in the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of any employment agreement and the Severance Plan, the terms more beneficial to the officer will prevail. To the extent any non-US law requires the Company to provide benefits of any kind to an employee or imposes terms more favorable than the terms of the Severance Plan in connection with the employees involuntary termination or similar event, the participant shall be entitled to the better of such mandatory benefits or terms and the benefits provided under the Severance Plan, without duplication.
Change of Control Provisions
The 2023 Plan and the 2018 Plan provide that, unless otherwise specified in the applicable award agreement, upon an NEO’s termination of employment by the Company within three months prior to or within twelve months following a Change in Control other than for “Cause” or “Disability,” or by the participant for “Good Reason,” as each term is defined in the applicable plan, the following shall occur:
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Award Agreements with respect to the MSUs granted in 2022 to each of Messrs. Goldberg and Noonan provide for a single-trigger acceleration upon the occurrence of a Change in Control.
Matt Goldberg Employment Arrangement
On May 2, 2022, Tripadvisor LLC entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Goldberg. Pursuant to the employment agreement:
49
Mr. Goldberg participates in the Severance Plan and, as such, is eligible to receive severance benefits pursuant to the Severance Plan under certain circumstances, including a termination of employment by the Company without Cause more than three months prior to and more than 12 months following a Change in Control or a termination of his employment by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Goldberg for Good Reason within three months prior to or 12 months following a Change in Control, as each of those terms is defined in the Severance Plan. In addition to the benefits that he would otherwise be entitled to under the Severance Plan, Mr. Goldberg is entitled to the following rights and benefits:
Receipt of the severance payments and benefits set forth above is contingent upon Mr. Goldberg executing and not revoking a separation and release in favor of the Company. Mr. Goldberg has agreed to be restricted from competing with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or soliciting their employees, consultants, independent contractors, customers, suppliers or business partners, among others, from his start date through a 12-month period after termination of his service with the Company.
Michael Noonan Employment Arrangement
On October 10, 2022, Tripadvisor LLC entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Noonan. The employment agreement, provides that:
50
Mr. Noonan participates in the Severance Plan and, as such, is eligible to receive severance benefits pursuant to the Severance Plan under certain circumstances, including termination of employment by the Company without Cause other than within three months prior to or 12 months following a Change in Control (as such term is defined in the Severance Plan), and the termination of his employment by the Company without Cause or his resignation for Good Reason (as each such term is defined in the Severance Plan). In addition, pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Noonan is eligible to receive the same severance benefits he is eligible for in the event of a termination of his employment without Cause other than within three months prior to or 12 months following a Change in Control in the event he resigns for Good Reason (as defined in the employment agreement) not in connection with a Change in Control.
Receipt of the severance payments and benefits set forth above is contingent upon Mr. Noonan executing and not revoking a separation and release in favor of the Company. Mr. Noonan has agreed to be restricted from competing with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or soliciting their employees, consultants, independent contractors, customers, suppliers or business partners, among others, from his start date through the 12-month period after a termination of his service with the Company. The non-compete will not apply if Mr. Noonan’s employment is terminated by the Company without cause or in connection with a position elimination or layoff. All post-employment restrictions will be extended to 24 months if Mr. Noonan breaches his fiduciary duty to the Company or unlawfully takes, physically or electronically, property belonging to the Company or any of its parents, subsidiaries, divisions or units.
Seth J. Kalvert Employment Arrangement
Effective March 29, 2021, Tripadvisor LLC entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Kalvert. Pursuant to the employment arrangement with Mr. Kalvert, in the event that he terminates his employment for Good Reason or is terminated by the Company without Cause (in each case as such terms are defined in the employment agreement), then:
In the event that his employment terminates by reason of his death or disability, Mr. Kalvert will be entitled to continued payment of base salary through the end of the month in which such termination of employment occurs, offset by any amounts payable during such period to Mr. Kalvert under any disability insurance plan or policy provided by the Company. In the event Mr. Kalvert is absent from full-time performance of his duties due to disability, the Company will continue to pay, through the termination of employment, Mr. Kalvert’s base salary offset by any amounts payable during such period under any disability insurance plan or policy provided by the Company. In addition, any outstanding equity awards will continue to vest during such period and until his termination of employment.
Receipt of the severance payments and benefits set forth above is contingent upon Mr. Kalvert executing and not revoking a separation and release in favor of the Company. In addition, Mr. Kalvert agreed to be restricted from competing with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or soliciting their employees, consultants, independent contractors, customers, suppliers or business partners, among others, through one year after the effective date of the termination of his employment.
The summary of the employment arrangements for Messrs. Goldberg, Noonan and Kalvert is qualified in its entirety by reference to their employment arrangements, which were previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as follows: (i) for Mr. Goldberg, Exhibit 10.19 to the Company’s Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on May, 4, 2022, (ii) to Mr. Noonan, Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Form 8-K as filed with the SEC on October 11, 2022, and (iii) for Mr. Kalvert, Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC on May 6, 2021.
51
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2024 regarding shares of common stock that may be issued under Tripadvisor’s equity compensation plans consisting of the 2023 Plan, and the Tripadvisor 2018 Stock and Annual Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2018 Plan”), the Tripadvisor, Inc. Amended & Restated 2011 Stock and Annual Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”), the Viator, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan and the Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors
|
|
Equity Compensation Plan Information |
||||||
Plan category |
|
Number of |
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders |
|
15,267,808 |
(1) |
|
$31.57 |
(2) |
16,099,206 |
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders |
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
Total |
|
15,267,808 |
|
|
— |
|
16,099,206 |
|
Severance Plan
Effective August 7, 2017, the Company adopted the Severance Plan applicable to certain senior leaders of the Company, including all of the NEOs. The Severance Plan formalizes and standardizes the Company’s severance practices for certain designated employees. Employees covered by the Severance Plan generally will be eligible to receive severance benefits in the event of a termination of employment by the Company without Cause or, under certain circumstances, resignation by the employee for Good Reason. If a termination of employment occurs in connection with a Change in Control, the participants would generally be eligible to receive enhanced severance benefits. The severance benefits provided pursuant to the Severance Plan are determined based on the job classification of the employees and, in certain cases, his or her years of service with the Company. To the extent any non-U.S. law requires the Company to provide benefits of any kind to an employee or imposes terms more favorable than the terms of the Severance Plan in connection with the employees involuntary termination or similar event, the participant shall be entitled to the better of such mandatory benefits or terms and the benefits provided under the Severance Plan, without duplication.
Under the Severance Plan, in the event of a termination of employment by the Company without Cause more than three months prior to or more than 12-months following a Change in Control, eligible participants are generally eligible for the following severance benefits:
52
Under the Severance Plan, in the event of a termination by the Company without Cause or by the employee for Good Reason, in each case within three months prior to or 12 months following a Change in Control, eligible participants are generally eligible for the following severance benefits:
The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Severance Plan, which was filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC on August 7, 2017.
Estimated Potential Incremental Payments
The table below reflects the estimated amount of incremental compensation payable to each of our NEOs in the following circumstances: (i) termination of employment as a result of death of the NEO; (ii) a termination of employment by the Company without Cause not in connection with a Change in Control, (iii) resignation by NEO for Good Reason not in connection with a Change in Control, (iv) a Change in Control or (v) a termination of employment by the Company without Cause or by NEO for Good Reason in connection with a Change in Control. No benefits are payable upon a resignation by the NEO without Good Reason, or termination of employment by the Company for Cause. Upon a termination of employment due to the NEO's disability or retirement, no benefits are provided, other than an extension of time for the exercise of any outstanding options and, in the case of Mr. Kalvert, continued payment of his base salary through the end of the month in which his employment due to disability occurs.
The amounts shown in the table (i) assume that the triggering event was effective December 31, 2024; (ii) are based on the terms of the employment arrangements in effect as of December 31, 2024 and do not reflect any subsequent amendments; and (iii) are based on the “better of” the terms set forth in the respective employment arrangements or the terms of the Severance Plan. The price of the Company's common stock on which certain calculations are based was $14.77 per share, the closing price of the Company's common stock on Nasdaq on December 31, 2024, the last trading day of the year. These amounts are estimates of the incremental amounts that
53
would be paid out to each NEO upon such triggering event. The actual amounts to be paid out can only be determined at the time of the triggering event, if any.
Name and Benefit |
|
Death ($) |
|
Termination |
|
Resignation |
|
Change in |
|
Termination |
|
Matt Goldberg |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary |
|
— |
|
1,350,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
1,800,000 |
|
Bonus (1) |
|
— |
|
900,000 |
|
900,000 |
|
— |
|
1,800,000 |
|
Equity Awards (2) |
|
11,987,184 |
|
10,070,600 |
|
10,070,600 |
|
5,584,005 |
|
11,987,184 |
|
Health & Benefits (3) |
|
— |
|
52,336 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
69,781 |
|
Total estimated value |
|
11,987,184 |
|
12,372,935 |
|
10,970,600 |
|
5,584,005 |
|
15,656,965 |
|
Michael Noonan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary |
|
— |
|
545,000 |
|
545,000 |
|
— |
|
817,500 |
|
Bonus (1) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
654,000 |
|
Equity Awards (2) |
|
4,314,844 |
|
2,135,974 |
|
2,135,974 |
|
914,780 |
|
4,314,844 |
|
Health & Benefits (3) |
|
— |
|
33,888 |
|
33,888 |
|
— |
|
50,832 |
|
Total estimated value |
|
4,314,844 |
|
2,714,862 |
|
2,714,862 |
|
914,780 |
|
5,837,177 |
|
Seth J. Kalvert |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary |
|
— |
|
535,000 |
|
535,000 |
|
— |
|
802,500 |
|
Bonus (1) |
|
— |
|
440,000 |
|
440,000 |
|
— |
|
642,000 |
|
Equity Awards (2) |
|
2,366,240 |
|
1,479,597 |
|
1,479,597 |
|
— |
|
2,366,240 |
|
Health & Benefits (3) |
|
— |
|
34,164 |
|
34,164 |
|
— |
|
51,246 |
|
Total estimated value |
|
2,366,240 |
|
2,488,762 |
|
2,488,762 |
|
— |
|
3,861,987 |
|
54
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Overview
The Board sets non-employee director compensation which is designed to provide competitive compensation necessary to attract and retain high quality non-employee directors and to encourage ownership of Tripadvisor common stock to further align their interests with those of our stockholders. Each non-employee director of Tripadvisor is eligible to receive the following compensation:
We also pay reasonable travel and accommodation expenses of the non-employee directors in connection with their participation in meetings of the Board.
Tripadvisor employees do not receive compensation for serving as directors. Accordingly, Mr. Goldberg did not receive any compensation for his service as a director.
Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan
Under Tripadvisor’s Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan, the non-employee directors may defer all or a portion of their directors’ fees. Eligible directors who defer their directors’ fees may elect to have such deferred fees (i) applied to the purchase of share units representing the number of shares of Tripadvisor common stock that could have been purchased on the date such fees would otherwise be payable or (ii) credited to a cash fund. If any dividends are paid on Tripadvisor common stock, dividend equivalents will be credited on the share units. The cash fund will be credited with deemed interest at an annual rate equal to the average “bank prime loan” rate for such year identified in the U.S. Federal Reserve Statistical Release. Upon termination of service as a director of Tripadvisor, a director will receive (i) with respect to share units, such number of shares of Tripadvisor common stock as the share units represent and (ii) with respect to the cash fund, a cash payment. Payments upon termination will be made in either one lump sum or up to five installments, as elected by the eligible director at the time of the deferral election.
55
2024 Non-Employee Director Compensation Table
The following table shows the compensation information for the non-employee directors of Tripadvisor for the year ended December 31, 2024:
Name |
|
Fees Earned or |
|
Stock |
|
Total |
|
Gregory B. Maffei |
|
65,000 |
|
249,990 |
|
314,990 |
|
Jay C. Hoag |
|
65,000 |
|
249,990 |
|
314,990 |
|
Betsy L. Morgan |
|
75,000 |
|
249,990 |
|
324,990 |
|
M. Greg O’Hara |
|
50,000 |
|
249,990 |
|
299,990 |
|
Jeremy G. Philips |
|
70,000 |
|
249,990 |
|
319,990 |
|
Albert Rosenthaler |
|
50,000 |
|
249,990 |
|
299,990 |
|
Trynka Shineman Blake |
|
70,000 |
|
249,990 |
|
319,990 |
|
Jane Jie Sun |
|
50,000 |
|
249,990 |
|
299,990 |
|
Robert S. Wiesenthal |
|
80,000 |
|
249,990 |
|
329,990 |
|
56
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Beneficial Ownership Table
The following table presents information as of April 29, 2025, relating to the beneficial ownership of Tripadvisor’s capital stock by (i) each person or entity known to Tripadvisor to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Tripadvisor’s common stock or Class B common stock, (ii) each director and director nominee of Tripadvisor, (iii) the NEOs and (iv) our executive officers and directors, as a group. In each case, except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table, the shares are owned directly by the named owners, with sole voting and dispositive power. Unless otherwise indicated, beneficial owners listed in the table may be contacted at Tripadvisor’s corporate headquarters at 400 1st Avenue, Needham, Massachusetts 02494.
All shares of Tripadvisor Class B common stock were repurchased and retired on April 29, 2025 as part of the Merger. For each listed person, entity or group, the number of shares of Tripadvisor common stock also include shares of common stock that may be acquired by such person, entity or group on the conversion or exercise of equity securities, such as stock options, which can be converted or exercised, and RSUs that have or will have vested, within 60 days of April 29, 2025, but do not assume the conversion or exercise of any equity securities owned by any other person, entity or group.
The percentage of votes is based on one vote for each share of common stock. There were 118,090,851 shares of common stock outstanding on April 29, 2025.
|
|
Common Stock |
|
|||
Beneficial Owner |
|
Shares |
|
% |
|
|
5% Beneficial Owners |
|
|
|
|
|
|
BlackRock, Inc. |
|
13,382,953 |
(1) |
|
11.3% |
|
55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Vanguard Group |
|
12,876,614 |
(2) |
|
10.9% |
|
100 Vanguard Blvd, Malvern, PA 19355 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Named Executive Officers, Executive Officers and Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gregory B. Maffei |
|
135,907 |
(3) |
|
* |
|
Trynka Shineman Blake |
|
62,871 |
(4) |
|
* |
|
Jay C. Hoag |
|
68,674 |
(5) |
|
* |
|
Betsy Morgan |
|
62,871 |
(4) |
|
* |
|
Greg M. O’Hara |
|
1,772,062 |
(6) |
|
1.5 |
|
Jeremy G. Philips |
|
73,483 |
(4) |
|
* |
|
Jane Jie Sun |
|
55,764 |
(7) |
|
* |
|
Albert Rosenthaler |
|
79,061 |
(4) |
|
* |
|
Robert S. Wiesenthal |
|
73,483 |
(4) |
|
* |
|
Matt Goldberg |
|
487,441 |
(8) |
|
* |
|
Michael Noonan |
|
119,892 |
(9) |
|
* |
|
Seth J. Kalvert |
|
493,865 |
(10) |
|
* |
|
Kristen Dalton |
|
126,123 |
(11) |
|
* |
|
Almir Ambeskovic |
|
80,156 |
(12) |
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All executive officers, directors, and director nominees as a group (14 persons) |
|
3,691,653 |
(13) |
|
3.1% |
|
* The percentage of shares beneficially owned does not exceed 1% of the class.
57
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, Tripadvisor officers and directors and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the registered class of a registered class of Tripadvisor’s equity securities are required to file initial statements of beneficial ownership (Form 3) and statements of changes in beneficial ownership (Forms 4 and 5) with the SEC. Such persons are required by the rules of the SEC to furnish Tripadvisor with copies of all such forms they file. Based solely on a review of the copies of such forms furnished to the Company and/or written representations that no additional forms were required, Tripadvisor believes that all of the Company’s directors, officers and 10% beneficial holders complied with all of the reporting requirements applicable to them with respect to transactions during 2024.
58
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS
Review and Approval or Ratification of Related Person Transactions
Pursuant to the Company’s Related Party Transactions Policy, we will enter into or ratify a “related person transaction” only when it has been approved by the Audit Committee of the Board, in accordance with its written charter. Related persons include our executive officers, directors, 5% or more beneficial owners of our common stock or immediate family members of these persons and entities in which one of these persons has a direct or indirect material interest. Related person transactions are transactions that meet the minimum threshold for disclosure in the proxy statement under the relevant SEC rules (generally, transactions involving amounts exceeding $120,000 in which a related person or entity has a direct or indirect material interest). When a potential related person transaction is identified, management presents it to the Audit Committee to determine whether to approve or ratify such a transaction. When determining whether to approve, ratify, disapprove or reject any related person transaction, the Audit Committee considers all relevant factors, including the extent of the related person’s interest in the transaction, whether the terms are commercially reasonable and whether the related person transaction is consistent with the best interests of Tripadvisor and our stockholders.
The legal and accounting departments work with business units throughout Tripadvisor to identify potential related person transactions prior to execution. In addition, we take the following steps with regard to related person transactions:
If any related person transaction is not approved, the Audit Committee may take such action as it may deem necessary or desirable in the best interests of Tripadvisor and our stockholders.
Related Person Transactions
On August 27, 2014, the entire beneficial ownership of our common stock and Class B common stock previously held by Liberty Interactive Corporation (“Liberty”) was transferred to LTRIP. Simultaneously, Liberty, LTRIP’s former parent company, distributed, by means of a dividend, to the holders of its Liberty Ventures common stock, Liberty’s entire equity interest in LTRIP. We refer to this transaction as the Liberty Spin-Off. As a result of the Liberty Spin-Off, effective August 27, 2014, LTRIP became a separate, publicly traded company holding 100% of Liberty’s interest in Tripadvisor. Liberty also assigned to LTRIP its rights and obligations under the Governance Agreement.
Under the Governance Agreement, LTRIP had the right to nominate up to a number of directors equal to 20% of the total number of the directors for election to the Board and had certain other rights regarding committee participation, so long as certain stock ownership requirements applicable to LTRIP were satisfied. Immediately following the consummation of the Merger, the Board retired the shares of Tripadvisor common stock and Class B common stock held by LTRIP. As a result of the Merger, the Company is no longer a controlled company and no longer subject to the Governance Agreement.
On December 18, 2024, Tripadvisor, LTRIP and the Merger Sub entered into the Merger Agreement, as previously described. Simultaneously with the Company’s entry into the Merger Agreement, certain additional related-party agreements were entered into, including:
59
On April 29, 2025, the Merger was consummated. In connection with such Merger, (i) all shares of Tripadvisor common stock and Class B common stock held by LTRIP were repurchased and subsequently retired by Tripadvisor, (ii) the Governance Agreement was terminated, and (iii) the Maffei Voting Agreement and Certares Voting Agreement terminated in accordance with their terms.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
Tripadvisor files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Tripadvisor’s filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Tripadvisor’s SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial retrieval services.
The SEC allows Tripadvisor to “incorporate by reference” the information that Tripadvisor’s files with the SEC, which means that Tripadvisor can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this proxy statement.
ANNUAL REPORTS
Tripadvisor’s Annual Report to Stockholders for 2025, which includes our 2024 Annual Report (not including exhibits), is available at http://ir.Tripadvisor.com/annual-proxy.cfm. Upon written request to Tripadvisor, Inc., 400 1st Avenue, Needham, Massachusetts 02494, Attention: Secretary, Tripadvisor will provide, without charge, an additional copy of Tripadvisor’s 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Tripadvisor will furnish any exhibit contained in the 2024 Annual Report upon payment of a reasonable fee. Stockholders may also review a copy of the 2024 Annual Report (including exhibits) by accessing Tripadvisor’s corporate website at www.Tripadvisor.com or the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
PROPOSALS BY STOCKHOLDERS FOR PRESENTATION AT THE 2026 ANNUAL MEETING
You may present proposals for action at a future meeting or submit nominations for election of directors only if you comply with the requirements of the rules established by the SEC and our bylaws, as applicable.
Stockholders who wish to have a proposal considered for inclusion in Tripadvisor’s proxy materials for presentation at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, must ensure that their proposal is received by Tripadvisor no later than January 8, 2026, at its principal executive offices at 400 1st Avenue, Needham, Massachusetts 02494, Attention: Secretary. The proposal must be made in accordance with the provisions of Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act.
Stockholders who wish to bring a proposal or nominate a director at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders under our bylaws must provide notice and comply with the other requirements included in our bylaws. Such notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Company not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders or no earlier than February 18, 2026 and no later than March 20, 2026; provided, however, that if the annual meeting is not held within 30 days before or after such anniversary date, then for the notice by the stockholder to be timely it must be so received not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the date on which the notice of the meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of such meeting was made, whichever occurs first.
Stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Board's nominees must also provide written notice to the Secretary that sets forth all the information required by Rule 14a-19 of the Exchange Act, no later than April 19, 2026. Tripadvisor reserves the right to reject, rule out of order or take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with these and other applicable requirements.
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DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO STOCKHOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS
If you share an address with any of our other stockholders, your household might receive only one copy of the Proxy Statement, 2024 Annual Report and Notice, as applicable. If, at any time, you would prefer to receive a separate set of proxy materials, or if you are receiving multiple sets of proxy materials and would like to receive only one, please notify your broker, bank or other nominee if you are a beneficial stockholder or notify us if you are a registered stockholder. To request individual copies of any of these materials for each stockholder in your household if you are a registered stockholder, please contact Tripadvisor, Inc., 400 1st Avenue, Needham, Massachusetts 02494, Attention: Secretary, or call ups at (781) 800-5000. We will deliver copies of the Proxy Statement, 2024 Annual Report and/or Notice promptly following your request. If you are a beneficial stockholder, to ask that only one copy of any of these materials be mailed to your household, please contact your broker, bank or other nominee.
Needham, Massachusetts
April 30, 2025
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Your Vote Counts! TRIPADVISOR, INC. 2025 Annual Meeting Vote by June 17, 2025 11:59 PM EDT TRIPADVISOR, INC. 400 1ST AVENUE NEEDHAM, MA 02494 V74803-P32015 You invested in TRIPADVISOR, INC. and it’s time to vote! You have the right to vote on proposals being presented at the Annual Meeting. This is an important notice regarding the availability of proxy materials for the stockholder meeting to be held on June 18, 2025. Get informed before you vote View the Combined Document online OR you can receive a free paper or email copy of the material(s) by requesting prior to June 4, 2025. If you would like to request a copy of the material(s) for this and/or future stockholder meetings, you may (1) visit www.ProxyVote.com, (2) call 1-800-579-1639 or (3) send an email to sendmaterial@proxyvote.com. If sending an email, please include your control number (indicated below) in the subject line. Unless requested, you will not otherwise receive a paper or email copy Logo For complete information and to vote, visit www.ProxyVote.com Control # Smartphone users Point your camera here and vote without entering a control number Vote Virtually at the Meeting* June 18, 2025 1:00 PM EDT Virtually at: www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/TRIP2025 *Please check the meeting materials for any special requirements for meeting attendance.
Vote at www.ProxyVote.com THIS IS NOT A VOTABLE BALLOT This is an overview of the proposals being presented at the upcoming stockholder meeting. Please follow the instructions on the reverse side to vote these important matters. Voting Items Board Recommends 1. Election of Directors Nominees: 01) Gregory B. Maffei 02) Matt Goldberg 03) Betsy L. Morgan 04) M. Greg O’Hara 05) Jeremy Philips 06) Albert E. Rosenthaler 07) Trynka Shineman Blake 08) Robert S. Wiesenthal For 2. To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. For NOTE: In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Prefer to receive an email instead? While voting on www.ProxyVote.com, be sure to click “Delivery Settings”. V74804-P32015
TRIPADVISOR, INC. 400 1ST AVENUE NEEDHAM, MA 02494 Logo SCAN TO VIEW MATERIALS & VOTE VOTE BY INTERNET Before The Meeting - 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 cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the 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/TRIP2025 You may attend the meeting via the 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. TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: V74801-P32015 KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. TRIPADVISOR, INC. For All Withhold All For All Except To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark "For All Except" and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR each nominee listed below: 1. Election of Directors Nominees: 01) Gregory B. Maffei 02) Matt Goldberg 03) Betsy L. Morgan 04) M. Greg O'Hara 05) Jeremy Philips 06) Albert E. Rosenthaler 07) Trynka Shineman Blake 08) Robert S. Wiesenthal The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal: For Against Abstain 2. To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025; NOTE: In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. 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. Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Combined Document is available at www.proxyvote.com. V74802-P32015 TRIPADVISOR, INC. Annual Meeting of Stockholders June 18, 2025 1:00 PM EDT This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors The stockholder(s) hereby appoint(s) Seth Kalvert and Linda C. Frazier, or either of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint their 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 TRIPADVISOR, INC., that the stockholder(s) is/are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 1:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time on June 18, 2025, live via webcast at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/TRIP2025, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If 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