Survey: CEO Pay Grows By Leaps And Bounds

Total compensation for CEOs in the S&P 500 grew by more than 20% in 2003, according to survey results released by The Corporate Library, a Portland, Maine-based independent provider of corporate governance research. Total compensation for all CEOs -- a sample size of 1,429 -- rose by a median 15.04%. More specifically, total compensation in the S&P 500 grew by a median 22.18% in 2003, the organization said, with increases of more than 1,000% identified at four companies in the S&P 500: Oracle Corp., Apple Computer Inc., Yahoo! and Colgate-Palmolive Co. Total compensation includes the exercise of stock options and the award of restricted stock. Total compensation rose by 9.49% for 2002, according to the research group. The Corporate Library said value increased for nearly every element of pay: base salary, including annual bonus, restricted stock and long-term incentive payouts. The value of stock option grants did not rise in value. To buy the full report, visit The Corporate Library at www.thecorporatelibrary.com.