It's a common misconception that capital gains tax (CGT) treatment produces a better outcome than the tax deferral through an Employee Share Scheme. Using worked examples, here we demonstrate that ESS tax can produce an outcome equivalent to an effective CGT rate of nil/0%.
Recent government legislation and regulations support succession planning by unlisted companies with the transfer of equity from existing owners to employees over time. Understanding these provisions and the methods of implementation allows a successful ownership transition without expensive external financing options.
Our 2020 GRG Variable Remuneration Guide analysed the short and long term variable remuneration designs and practices of companies in the ASX200. Unfortunately their practices do not always reflect the good governance and modern approaches to variable remuneration that we would expect from Australia's largest corporations. However recent encouraging signs include a rapid rise in the use of financial return metrics and the abandonment of SIPs.
The current COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis have generated questions about FY20 STVR awards both in the media and for the current AGM season. Should STVR awards be paid? Should the quantum of STVR awards otherwise payable be moderated? How can companies that received government-funded JobKeeper payments still be paying executives bonuses? The logical answers can be derived from a review of the fundamental principles that should drive all STVR awards regardless of external circumstances.
While ASX listed companies have access to publicly disclosed KMP remuneration data, using it can be a burden so most rely on the proprietary databases of consultants such as GRG. However, not all databases are equal and it's important to understand the differences so that you can have confidence in the data.
Big data is arguably the buzzword of the decade, but its real power lies in how it's analysed and applied. As a case study, we use the latest market data from the largest database of KMP remuneration in Australia, to show how deep data that is also narrow can produce valid and reliable answers.
No business will be immune from the adverse effects of COVID-19 beyond the short term. With lessons from the GFC and the innovations since, we explore the key governance and practical issues for remuneration to be considered by boards and executives in tight times – as well as golden opportunities.
Over recent years, many ASX listed companies engaged in share buybacks, and yet little (if any) information has been provided in Remuneration Reports on the implications of such activities on executive incentive plans. We discuss relevant aspects of share buybacks and raises some issues that may warrant consideration by Boards in relation to remuneration governance.
2018 is shaping up to be a year of change in relation to key management personnel (KMP) remuneration. This GRG Remuneration Insight seeks to identify and comment on areas where change is underway or likely to occur in the next 12 months or so.
Other than superannuation, which has many limitations, a General Employee Equity Plan (GEEP) is the only benefit which companies can offer their employees to help put them on the road to financial security. When properly structured, GEEPs can provide employees with the powerful benefits of compounding, which is the foundation of wealth accumulation.