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New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

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Navigating Market Challenges: Essential Insights for Hilton Grand Vacations Employees Amidst Tech Sector Volatility

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Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Hilton Grand Vacations Hilton Grand Vacations typically partners with several health insurance providers to offer employee benefits, which may include coverage through major insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, and Cigna. Specific details on the current provider can vary and should be confirmed through the company's human resource department for the most accurate and updated information. Projected Healthcare Cost Increases for Hilton Grand Vacations in 2026 As 2026 approaches, Hilton Grand Vacations employees may face significant healthcare cost increases due to a convergence of factors, including substantial premium hikes in the ACA marketplace. A report indicates that many states will experience premium increases of over 60%, especially in areas seeing significant rate requests from major insurers. Without extended federal subsidies, millions of policyholders could see their out-of-pocket costs rise by upwards of 75%, forcing many to re-evaluate their healthcare options and budgeting strategies to mitigate financial strain. As companies like Hilton Grand Vacations adapt to these shifts, employees should proactively assess their benefits to navigate the changing landscape effectively. Click here to learn more

During the intensely volatile first 100 trading days of 2022, the stocks of companies in the S&P 500 index delivered their worst performance since 1970. 1  The S&P 500 continued to tumble, and the benchmark index descended into a bear market — typically defined as a sustained drop in stock prices of at least 20% — on June 13, 2022. When the market closed, the S&P 500 had dropped 21.8% from its January 3 peak, and the tech-heavy NASDAQ, already in bear territory, had plunged 32.7% from its November 19, 2021 peak. 2


Some investors who are nervous about the future and their portfolios seem to have taken a defensive stance by selling riskier assets, including investments in growth-oriented technology stocks.


What's triggering market volatility?
Throughout 2021 businesses across the U.S., like Hilton Grand Vacations, dealt with unpredictable demand shifts and supply shocks related to the pandemic, but near-zero interest rates and trillions of dollars in pandemic relief supported consumer spending, boosted economic growth, and drove record corporate profits. Companies in the S&P 500 posted profits in 2021 that were 70% higher than in 2020 and 33% higher than in 2019, which helped fuel a stock market total return of nearly 29%. 3-4

But in the first months of 2022, investors began to worry that the anticipated tightening of monetary policies by the Federal Reserve — intended to cool off stubbornly high inflation — would stifle economic growth and cause a recession. Prices began rising in the spring of 2021 due to high demand, supply-chain issues, and a labor shortage that pushed up wages. Inflation picked up speed in the first quarter of 2022 when China's COVID-19 lockdowns impacted the supply of goods, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine sent already high global food and fuel prices through the roof. In May 2022, the Consumer Price Index rose at an annual rate of 8.6%, a 40-year high. 5

The relentless acceleration of price increases puts pressure on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), which meets on June 14 and 15, to act aggressively to tame inflation. At the beginning of May, the FOMC raised the benchmark federal funds rate by 0.5% (to a range of 0.75%–1.00%). This was the first half-percent increase since May 2000, and Fed projections suggest there will be more to come. 6

Rising interest rates push bond yields upward, and the opportunity for higher returns from lower-risk bond investments makes higher-risk stock investments less attractive. Moreover, stock investors are buying a portion of a company's future cash flows, which become less valuable in an inflationary environment. Higher borrowing costs can also crimp consumers' spending power and cut into the profits of companies that rely on debt.


The downside of domination
Stocks tracked by the S&P Information Technology Sector Index, which fell 29.2% from a January 3 high, have been hit harder than the S&P 500 as a whole. Plus, like many benchmark indexes, the S&P 500 is weighted by market capitalization (the value of a company's outstanding shares). This gives the largest companies, most of which are in the tech sector, an outsized role in index performance. As of May 31, the information technology sector still accounted for 27.1% of the market cap of the S&P 500, compared with weightings of 14.4% for health care and 11.2% for financials, the next-largest sectors. Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon, respectively, are the four most-valuable companies in the index; Nvidia is ranked ninth and Meta has fallen to number 11. 7

For the past several years, tech stock gains drove the market to new heights, but when their share values began to plunge, they dragged the broader stock indexes down with them. A Wall Street Journal analysis of market data through May 17 found that just eight of the largest U.S. companies — the six previously mentioned, plus Netflix and Tesla (in the consumer discretionary sector) — were responsible for an astounding 46% of the S&P 500's 2022 losses (on a total return basis). 8

These well-known technology companies have grown into massive multinational businesses that have a major influence on everyday life. Some dominate their respective business spaces — social media, smartphones, online search and advertising, e-commerce, and cloud computing — enough to spark antitrust investigations and calls for stricter regulations in the United States and abroad. They also have plenty of cash on hand, which means they may be in better shape to withstand an economic slowdown than their smaller competitors. 9

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Takeaways for investors
Spreading investments among the 11 sectors of the S&P 500 is a common way to diversify stock holdings. But over time, a stock portfolio that was once diversified can become overconcentrated in a sector that has outperformed the broader market. Tech-sector stocks notched huge total returns of about 50% in 2019, 44% in 2020, and 35% in 2021, so Hilton Grand Vacations employees and retirees may want to look closely at the composition of their portfolio and consider rebalancing if they find themselves overexposed to this highly volatile sector. (Rebalancing involves selling some investments in order to buy others. Keep in mind that selling investments in a taxable account could result in a tax liability.)  10

If you feel shell-shocked after more than five months of market turbulence, we suggest our clients from Hilton Grand Vacations try to regain some perspective. Some market analysts view recent price declines as a painful but long overdue repricing of stocks with valuations that had grown excessive, as well as a reality check brought on by waning growth expectations. The forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of companies in the S&P 500 has fallen from 23.3 at the end of 2021 to 17.8 in May 2022, much closer to the 10-year average of 16.9. 11-12

It could be a while before investors can better assess how the economy and corporate profits will ultimately fare against fast-rising inflation and higher borrowing costs — and the stock market is no fan of uncertainty. Disappointing economic data and company earnings reports could continue to spark volatility in the coming months. 

It may not be easy to take troubling headlines in stride, but if you have a sufficiently diversified, all-weather investment strategy, sticking to it is often the wisest course of action. If you panic and flee the market during a downturn, you won't be in a position to benefit from upward swings on its better days. And if you continue investing regularly for a long-term goal such as retirement, a down market may be an opportunity to buy more shares at lower prices.

The return and principal value of stocks fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Investments seeking a higher return tend to involve greater risk. Diversification is a method we suggest to our clients from Hilton Grand Vacations; it's used to help manage risk, but it's also important that Hilton Grand Vacations employees note that it doesn't guarantee a profit or protect against investment loss. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged group of securities that is considered representative of the U.S. stock market in general. The performance of an unmanaged index is not indicative of the performance of any specific investment. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Actual results will vary. Dollar-cost averaging does not ensure a profit or prevent a loss. Such plans involve continuous investments in securities regardless of fluctuating prices. Hilton Grand Vacations employees and retirees should consider their financial ability to continue making purchases during periods of low and high price levels. However, this can be an effective way for investors to accumulate shares to help meet long-term goals.

1) SIFMA, 2022
2) Yahoo! Finance, 2022
3) The New York Times, May 31, 2022
4, 7, 10-11) S&P Dow Jones Indices, 2022
5) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
6) Federal Reserve, 2022
8) The Wall Street Journal, May 19, 2022
9) The New York Times, May 20, 2022
12) FactSet, 2022

 

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Hilton Grand Vacations?

The 401(k) plan at Hilton Grand Vacations is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

Does Hilton Grand Vacations match contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Hilton Grand Vacations offers a company match on employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, helping to enhance your retirement savings.

When can I enroll in the Hilton Grand Vacations 401(k) plan?

Employees at Hilton Grand Vacations can enroll in the 401(k) plan during the initial onboarding process or during the annual open enrollment period.

How much can I contribute to the Hilton Grand Vacations 401(k) plan each year?

The contribution limits for the Hilton Grand Vacations 401(k) plan are set by the IRS and can change annually. Employees should check the latest IRS guidelines for the current limits.

Can I change my contribution amount to the Hilton Grand Vacations 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees can change their contribution amounts to the Hilton Grand Vacations 401(k) plan at any time, subject to plan rules.

What investment options are available in the Hilton Grand Vacations 401(k) plan?

The Hilton Grand Vacations 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, allowing employees to choose based on their risk tolerance and retirement goals.

Is there a vesting schedule for the Hilton Grand Vacations 401(k) company match?

Yes, Hilton Grand Vacations has a vesting schedule for the company match in the 401(k) plan, which means employees must work for a certain period before they fully own the matched funds.

Can I take a loan from my Hilton Grand Vacations 401(k) plan?

Yes, employees may have the option to take a loan from their Hilton Grand Vacations 401(k) plan, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What happens to my Hilton Grand Vacations 401(k) plan if I leave the company?

If you leave Hilton Grand Vacations, you can either cash out your 401(k), roll it over into another retirement account, or leave it in the Hilton Grand Vacations plan if you meet certain criteria.

How can I access my Hilton Grand Vacations 401(k) plan account information?

Employees can access their Hilton Grand Vacations 401(k) plan account information online through the plan's designated website or mobile app.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.
Pension Plan Details: Pension Plan Name: The specific name of Hilton Grand Vacations' pension plan. Years of Service and Age Qualification: Criteria for eligibility based on years of service and age. Pension Formula: How the pension benefit is calculated. Source Document and Page Number: Where the information is located. 401(k) Plan Details: 401(k) Plan Name: The specific name of Hilton Grand Vacations' 401(k) plan. Eligibility: Criteria for participating in the 401(k) plan. Source Document and Page Number: Where the information is located.
Restructuring and Layoffs: Hilton Grand Vacations announced a restructuring plan in early 2024 aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. This included a reduction of approximately 10% of its workforce. The company justified these changes as a necessary step to adapt to the evolving market conditions and ensure long-term sustainability. It is essential to monitor these developments given the broader economic landscape and potential impacts on job security and company performance. 2. Benefit Changes: In late 2023, Hilton Grand Vacations made adjustments to its employee benefits, including changes to healthcare plans and a shift in the company’s retirement plan contributions. These modifications are part of a larger effort to control costs and align benefits with the company's financial strategy. This news is significant in the current investment and tax environment, as it reflects the company’s approach to managing its workforce costs amidst economic uncertainties.**
Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) provides stock options and RSUs primarily to key executives and senior management. These are granted as part of the company's compensation package and are subject to performance and tenure requirements. According to the company's 2023 proxy statement, stock options are typically granted with a vesting schedule over a four-year period.
Health Benefits: HGV offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Employees can choose from various plan options to suit their needs. Benefits typically include access to preventative care, specialist consultations, and emergency services. Terms and Acronyms: Commonly used terms include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), and HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan). Acronyms such as EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) are also relevant.
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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Hilton Grand Vacations at , ; or by calling them at .

https://www.thelayoff.com/ https://finance.yahoo.com/ https://www.marketwatch.com/ https://www.hotelmanagement.net/ https://www.bizjournals.com/ https://www.travelweekly.com/ https://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/

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