Non-uniform effects of CEO equity-based compensation on firm performance – An application of a panel threshold regression model

We use panel-data threshold models to examine the non-uniform relation between Chief Executive Officer (CEO) equity-based compensation and earnings-based performance. Prior studies examining this very issue have arbitrarily adopted various exogenous criteria to partition the sample, and thus the inferences could be misleading. To address this issue, we employ the threshold regression models that allow the data itself to endogenously generate several regimes identified by the thresholds. Our empirical results show that not only is the positive impact of CEO equity incentives on firm performance more pronounced for companies with lower and moderate levels of CEO stock-based incentive pay, but also for less-profitable firms. The results are consistent with the position that excessive equity-based awards are unable to benefit firm performance, and that share-based compensation is more effective for start-up firms with low profit.     

Effect of mandatory pro forma earnings disclosure on the relation between CEO share bonuses and firm performance

This paper examines the effect of mandatory pro forma earnings disclosure on the alignment of CEO share bonuses and firm performance (i.e., annual stock returns). Using 6,583 executive-level observations from 986 non-financial firms in Taiwan over the period 1999–2004, we find a significant shift in the CEO share bonus pay-earnings relation caused by a marked reduction in bonus shares after the new disclosure rule becomes effective. The change in CEO compensation structure in turn leads to a closer link between CEO stock bonuses and annual stock returns. The result suggests that a more transparent earnings disclosure could positively affect board choices regarding compensation arrangements, thus inducing a better convergence of manager and shareholder interests.     

Adoption of performance-vested equity incentives under investor pressure: window dressing or taking the window of opportunity?

Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting - Companies are increasingly adopting performance-vested equity compensation plans while the performance consequences are not clear. In this paper, we...     

Family firms,tax avoidance,and socioemotional wealth: evidence from tax reform in Taiwan

Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting - In 2018, Taiwan implemented a tax reform package that abolished the imputation regime, providing managers stronger incentive to engage in tax...