Executive Compensation
Also known as: CEO pay · named executive officers · NEO
DEFINITION
SEC rules require detailed disclosure of pay for Named Executive Officers (NEOs — typically the CEO, CFO, and the three other highest-paid officers). The Summary Compensation Table aggregates total reported pay; the Compensation Discussion & Analysis (CD&A) explains the philosophy and metrics used. Detailed tables break down stock awards, option grants, perquisites, and pension/deferred compensation.
WHY IT MATTERS FOR RETAIL INVESTORS
Executive comp tables tell you what management is being paid to do. If the CEO's bonus is tied 80% to revenue growth and 20% to margins, they will optimize revenue at the expense of margins — and that is rational, not corrupt. The CD&A is also where you learn about retention concerns (large one-time awards), clawback provisions, and how aligned management is with long-term shareholder outcomes.
OFFICIAL SEC SOURCE
https://www.sec.gov/answers/execomp.htm ↗RELATED TERMS
See Executive Compensation in a real filing
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