CDF E-Alerts



"Results of CDF Hot Topic Survey:
Director Compensation at Private, For-Profit Companies"

 
July 25, 2006

The Corporate Directors Forum conducted a survey of director pay practices at privately-held, for profit companies in the San Diego area. Although the sample for the survey was small (fewer than 20 companies), the findings are informative:

  • Over half (54%) of boards surveyed pay directors an annual cash retainer for board service
    • The median annual cash retainer for board service is $15,000
    • The range is $2,000 to $26,000

  • Nearly one-third (31%) of boards surveyed pay directors a cash fee per board meeting attended
    • The median cash board meeting fee is $1,000
    • The range is $500 to $2,000

  • One board grants directors an equity-based award (rather than a cash fee) for attendance at board meetings

  • Two boards pay directors a cash fee for attending board meetings via telephone
    • One board pays a flat fee per telephonic board meeting
    • Another board pays directors an hourly rate for attending telephonic board meetings

  • Very few boards surveyed (15%) pay audit and compensation committee members a separate fee for attending committee meetings
    • One board pays a flat fee per committee meeting
    • Another board pays directors an hourly rate for attending telephonic committee meetings

  • Committee chairs are not paid an additional fee for their service, among surveyed boards

  • Nearly one half (46%) of boards surveyed provide an equity-based award to directors upon their election to the board

  • Nearly two out of five (38%) boards surveyed offer directors an equity-based award each year

  • It is most common for the equity-based awards to take the form of stock options

Provided By:
Annalisa Barrett
The Corporate Library