Title

Stealth Compensation via Retirement Benefits

Document Type

Article

Comments

Subsequently published in Berkeley Business Law Journal, Vol. 1, No. 2, Fall 2004, 291-326.

Abstract

This paper analyzes an important form of “stealth compensation” provided to managers of public companies. We show how boards have been able to camouflage large amount of executive compensation through the use of retirement benefits and payments. Our study highlights the significant role that camouflage and stealth compensation play in the design of compensation arrangements. Our study also highlights the importance of having information about compensation arrangements not only publicly available but also communicated in a way that is transparent and accessible to outsiders. We propose requiring public companies to place a monetary value on all retirement benefits to which their executives become entitled. In particular, firms should disclose to investors the annual buildup in the monetary value of executives’ retirement benefits, including the value of tax savings reaped by executives at the company’s expense.

Date of Authorship for this Version

August 2004

Keywords

corporate governance