Is Merck & Co., Inc.'s CEO Being Overpaid?

Ken Frazier became the CEO of Merck & Co., Inc. in 2011. First, this article will compare CEO compensation with compensation at other large companies. Next, we'll consider growth that the business demonstrates. Third, we'll reflect on the total return to shareholders over three years, as a second measure of business performance. This method should give us information to assess how appropriately the company pays the CEO. READ MORE

Executive compensation excise taxes due soon

Companies that have a private foundation (or are otherwise related to a tax-exempt organization) should take immediate action to determine whether they owe an excise tax under new section 4960 of the Internal Revenue Code. Both publicly-traded and privately-held companies that have executives who serve as officers or employees of a private foundation controlled by the company are at particular risk, even if the executives receive no pay from the private foundation. Excise tax returns reporting liability under section 4960, and payments of any tax, are due by May 15 for calendar year taxpayers (although standard extension rules apply). https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/executive-compensation-excise-taxes-due-31915/

Stock-based compensation: Back to basics

Many companies find stock-based compensation is a great way to attract and retain key employees. Over the past year, many employers focused primarily on changes from the law known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), P.L. 115-97. Now that the TCJA dust has settled a bit, it may be a good time for employers to go back to basics and review some important but complex tax rules involving compensatory transfers of employer stock. This discussion summarizes some fundamental income tax considerations for employers related to stock-based compensation under U.S. federal income tax laws. READ MORE

How Nonqualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) Plans Work

A nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plan is an arrangement that an employer and employee agree to where the employer accepts to pay the employee sometime in the future. Executives often utilize NQDC plans to defer income taxes on their earnings. They differ drastically from qualified plans, like 401(k)s. As you explore how NQDC plans work and how they compare to qualified ones, you may also consider finding a financial advisor who can give you hands-on attention throughout the process. READ MORE