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The timing of changes in CEO compensation from cash bonus to equity-based compensation: Determinants and performance consequences

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  • Matolcsy, Zoltan
  • Shan, Yaowen
  • Seethamraju, Vinay

Abstract

This study examines the determinants and performance consequences of changes in CEO compensation structure. The study uses the unique setting when Australian companies have changed from cash bonus to equity-based compensation. While most US CEOs receive some form of equity-based compensation, Australian CEOs have not always been paid equity-based compensation. According to efficient contracting theories, we argue that the change to equity-based compensation is driven by changes in firm characteristics and by the occurrence of CEO turnover, the latter of which provides a less costly opportunity for such change. Our results are consistent with the above arguments. We also document a significant negative association between changes in compensation structure and subsequent firm performance in the following year, even after controlling for CEO turnover and poor governance environments. Overall, our results suggest that the initial change to equity-based compensation is part of an error learning process made by firms that leads them towards efficient CEO compensation contracts.

Suggested Citation

  • Matolcsy, Zoltan & Shan, Yaowen & Seethamraju, Vinay, 2012. "The timing of changes in CEO compensation from cash bonus to equity-based compensation: Determinants and performance consequences," Journal of Contemporary Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 8(2), pages 78-91.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jocaae:v:8:y:2012:i:2:p:78-91
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcae.2012.06.002
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    4. Xin Qu & Daifei Yao & Majella Percy, 2020. "How the Design of CEO Equity-Based Compensation can Lead to Lower Audit Fees: Evidence from Australia," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 163(2), pages 281-308, May.
    5. Wei Jiang & Meiting Lu & Yaowen Shan & Tingting Zhu, 2016. "Evidence of Avoiding Working Capital Deficits in Australia," Australian Accounting Review, CPA Australia, vol. 26(1), pages 107-118, March.
    6. Hoa Luong & Abeyratna Gunasekarage & Syed Shams, 2021. "CEO pay slice and acquisitions in Australia: the role of tournament incentives," International Journal of Managerial Finance, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 18(5), pages 833-868, September.
    7. Ding, Chao & Ho, Choy Yeing & Chang, Millicent, 2021. "CEO and CFO equity compensation and dividend payout over the firm lifecycle," Global Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 49(C).
    8. Taylor, Grantley & Richardson, Grant, 2014. "Incentives for corporate tax planning and reporting: Empirical evidence from Australia," Journal of Contemporary Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 10(1), pages 1-15.
    9. Han, Feng & Qin, Qi & Peabody, S. Drew, 2022. "Does incentive conflict between CEOs and CFOs benefit firms? Implications for corporate decision-making," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 63(C).
    10. Mohamed Khenissi & Amal Hamrouni & Nadia Ben Farhat Toumi, 2022. "Executive compensation indexed to corporate social responsibility and firm performance: empirical evidence from France," Post-Print hal-03771680, HAL.
    11. Monem, Reza & Ng, Chew, 2013. "Australia’s ‘two-strikes’ rule and the pay-performance link: Are shareholders judicious?," Journal of Contemporary Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 9(2), pages 237-254.
    12. Khenissi, Mohamed & Hamrouni, Amal & Farhat, Nadia Ben, 2022. "Executive compensation indexed to corporate social responsibility and firm performance: Empirical evidence from France," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 50(C).
    13. Lyton Chithambo & Ishmael Tingbani & Godfred Afrifa Agyapong & Ernest Gyapong & Isaac Sakyi Damoah, 2020. "Corporate voluntary greenhouse gas reporting: Stakeholder pressure and the mediating role of the chief executive officer," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(4), pages 1666-1683, May.
    14. Yaowen Shan & Terry Walter, 2016. "Towards a Set of Design Principles for Executive Compensation Contracts," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 52(4), pages 619-684, December.
    15. Brown, Paul J & Matolcsy, Zoltan & Wells, Peter, 2014. "Group versus individual compensation schemes for senior executives and firm performance: Some evidence based on archival data," Journal of Contemporary Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 10(2), pages 100-114.
    16. Stacey Beaumont & Raluca Ratiu & David Reeb & Glenn Boyle & Philip Brown & Alexander Szimayer & Raymond Silva Rosa & David Hillier & Patrick McColgan & Athanasios Tsekeris & Bryan Howieson & Zoltan Ma, 2016. "Comments on Shan and Walter: ‘Towards a Set of Design Principles for Executive Compensation Contracts’," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 52(4), pages 685-771, December.
    17. Tauringana, Venancio & Chithambo, Lyton, 2015. "The effect of DEFRA guidance on greenhouse gas disclosure," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 47(4), pages 425-444.
    18. Kanapathippillai, Sutharson & Gul, Ferdinand & Mihret, Dessalegn & Muttakin, Mohammad Badrul, 2019. "Compensation committees, CEO pay and firm performance," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 57(C).

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