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Lower Salaries and No Options? On the Optimal Structure of Executive Pay

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  • INGOLF DITTMANN
  • ERNST MAUG

Abstract

We calibrate the standard principal–agent model with constant relative risk aversion and lognormal stock prices to a sample of 598 U.S. CEOs. We show that this model predicts that most CEOs should not hold any stock options. Instead, CEOs should have lower base salaries and receive additional shares in their companies; many would be required to purchase additional stock in their companies. These contracts would reduce average compensation costs by 20% while providing the same incentives and the same utility to CEOs. We conclude that the standard principal–agent model typically used in the literature cannot rationalize observed contracts.

Suggested Citation

  • Ingolf Dittmann & Ernst Maug, 2007. "Lower Salaries and No Options? On the Optimal Structure of Executive Pay," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 62(1), pages 303-343, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jfinan:v:62:y:2007:i:1:p:303-343
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6261.2007.01208.x
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • M52 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Compensation and Compensation Methods and Their Effects
    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General

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