COVID-19 and Public Company Executive Compensation Programs

The spread of COVID-19 is having an unimaginable impact on all facets of life, including our economy. While executive compensation programs might not be the most pressing issue facing corporate boards right now, volatility in the stock market, slowing supply chains, closed retail stores and restaurants, and the inevitable staff and expense reductions facing certain industries will undoubtedly have an impact on executive compensation programs and designs. READ MORE

GOP Plan Caps Pay, Severance at Companies Getting Virus Aid

The Senate Republican proposal for aiding businesses harmed by the coronavirus crisis would impose restrictions on executive pay and other limits often sought by Democrats. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Thursday released a massive stimulus plan that provides $208 billion worth of loans for businesses suffering because of the pandemic, including $58 billion for the airline industry and $150 billion for other distressed areas of the economy. READ MORE

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS

In the week ending March 14, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 281,000, an increase of 70,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 211,000. This is the highest level for initial claims since September 2, 2017 when it was 299,000. The 4-week moving average was 232,250, an increase of 16,500 from the previous week's revised average. This is the highest level for this average since January 27, 2018 when it was 234,500. The previous week's average was revised up by 1,750 from 214,000 to 215,750. READ MORE