Insight Article Desktop Banner
 
 
Consilient Observer
  •  
April 18, 2023

Stock-Based Compensation

Insight Video Mobile Banner
 
April 18, 2023

Stock-Based Compensation


Consilient Observer

Stock-Based Compensation

Share Icon

April 18, 2023

 
 

Unpacking the Issues

  • U.S. companies are increasingly paying employees with stock-based compensation (SBC) rather than cash, with SBC rising to $270 billion in calendar year 2022, according to our analysis.
  • We begin by giving data showing overall trends, then turn to the accounting issues, and wrap up by evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of SBC and whether this shift is achieving its objectives.
  • Ongoing shareholders typically realize more dilution with young companies than with old ones because SBC tends to be more significant for young companies, whereas stock buybacks are generally more modest for small companies.
  • Research is equivocal on the benefits commonly cited for SBC, which include it being an incentive for employees to deliver results, a tool for retaining workers, and a means to foster an overall sense of ownership.
 
Article Team Image
 
Counterpoint Global’s culture fosters collaboration, creativity, continued development, and differentiated thinking.
 
 
 
 
 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The views and opinions are those of the author as of the date of publication and are subject to change at any time due to market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. The views expressed do not reflect the opinions of all investment personnel at Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM) and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively the "Firm"), and may not be reflected in all the strategies and products that the Firm offers.

This material is for the benefit of persons whom the Firm reasonably believes it is permitted to communicate to and should not be forwarded to any other person without the consent of the Firm. It is not addressed to any other person and may not be used by them for any purpose whatsoever. It is the responsibility of every person reading this material to fully observe the laws of any relevant country, including obtaining any governmental or other consent which may be required or observing any other formality which needs to be observed in that country.

This material is a general communication, which is not impartial, is for informational and educational purposes only, not a recommendation to purchase or sell specific securities, or to adopt any particular investment strategy. Information does not address financial objectives, situation or specific needs of individual investors.

Any charts and graphs provided are for illustrative purposes only. Any performance quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All investments involve risks, including the possible loss of principal.

Prior to making any investment decision, investors should carefully review the strategy’s relevant offering document. For the complete content and important disclosures, refer to the article pdf.

 

It is important that users read the Terms of Use before proceeding as it explains certain legal and regulatory restrictions applicable to the dissemination of information pertaining to Morgan Stanley Investment Management's investment products.

The services described on this website may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all persons. For further details, please see our Terms of Use.


Subscriptions    •    Privacy & Cookies    •    Your Privacy Choices Your Privacy Choices Icon    •    Terms of Use

©  Morgan Stanley. All rights reserved.