CEO Compensation Soared in 2024

CEO pay for S&P 500 companies surged by almost 10% in 2024, with a median package hitting $17.1 million. The increase is attributed to a strong stock market and rising corporate profits. Shareholders are pushing for performance-based pay, with a significant portion of compensation now in stock awards tied to company achievements. Rick Smith of Axon Enterprises topped the list with a $164.5 million package. Notably, Warren Buffett’s compensation was $405,000, while Elon Musk received no pay in 2024 but has a multiyear package valued at $56 billion. The pay gap between CEOs and employees remains a concern, with workers needing 192 years to match CEO earnings at half the surveyed companies.(Newser)