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Performance-vested stock options and interest alignment

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  • Kuang, Yu Flora
  • Qin, Bo

Abstract

This paper investigates the effects of performance-vested stock options (PVSOs) in aligning management interests and shareholder wealth. Using 4238 executive-level observations for 1383 executive directors from the largest 244 UK non-financial firms over the 1999–2004 period, we find that the use of PVSO schemes in executive compensation contracts is associated with greater interest alignment. The evidence also shows that PVSOs outperform traditional stock options (TSOs) in providing incentives. Moreover, the results suggest that difficult vesting targets negatively affect managers' choice of effort, resulting in the divergence of managers' and shareholders' interests.

Suggested Citation

  • Kuang, Yu Flora & Qin, Bo, 2009. "Performance-vested stock options and interest alignment," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 41(1), pages 46-61.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:bracre:v:41:y:2009:i:1:p:46-61
    DOI: 10.1016/j.bar.2008.10.001
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    9. Pinto, Helena & Widdicks, Martin, 2014. "Do compensation plans with performance targets provide better incentives?," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 29(C), pages 662-694.
    10. Gao, Zhan & Hwang, Yuhchang & Wu, Wan-Ting, 2017. "Contractual features of CEO performance-vested equity compensation," Journal of Contemporary Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 13(3), pages 282-303.
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    12. Bennett, Benjamin & Bettis, J. Carr & Gopalan, Radhakrishnan & Milbourn, Todd, 2017. "Compensation goals and firm performance," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 124(2), pages 307-330.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Stock options; Pay-performance sensitivity; Equity incentive;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • G39 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Other
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting

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