Half of all US Executives eying a year-end bonus

Despite a cloudy outlook for corporate profit growth threatening to put executive compensation under increased scrutiny, a recent survey conducted by ExecuNet, an exclusive network of global business leaders, reveals many C-level executives, vice presidents, and their direct reports are expecting bigger bonus checks this year.

According to the survey of 426 senior executives, 50 percent are anticipating a year-end bonus in 2007. On average, this yearís bonus checks are expected to be 7 percent larger than those received in 2006 and account for 18 percent of total annual compensation.

ìIn light of the strong profit growth many companies enjoyed in 2007, it is not surprising to see executives are expecting larger bonuses,î says Mark Anderson, President of ExecuNet. ìThereís no question that the current executive talent crunch is also helping to create a bigger pay day.î

Corporate performance was singled out as the most important variable in determining year-end bonuses by 55 percent of all executives, followed by individual performance (26 percent), department/team performance (17 percent), and tenure (3 percent).

ExecuNetís survey also revealed that if given the choice, 72 percent of CEOs and Presidents would rather receive a year-end bonus than more time off from work, compared to 59 percent of Vice Presidents, and 55 percent of senior managers.