The median value of accumulated pension benefits for chief executives running companies in the S&P 500 rose to US$6.1 million in 2007, according to a study by executive compensation research firm Equilar.
The increase was a 29.5% jump from 2006’s median value of $4.7 million. The prevalence of chief executives with accumulated pension benefits was flat, remaining at 77.7% in both years.
From 2006 to 2007, the total median compensation for S&P 500 chief executives in place for at least two years increased by 1.3%, rising to $8.8 million.
Total compensation includes base salary, discretionary bonuses, non-equity incentive plan payouts, the grant date value of stock awards, the grant date value of option awards and other compensation.
The median base salary for S&P 500 CEOs increased by 3% to $1.03 million last year from an even $1 million in 2006.
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