This month, Mercer released a survey of CFO pay at S&P 500 companies in 2014. The consultancy analyzed data from 32 S&P 100 companies and 127 other companies in the S&P 500. Test your knowledge of pay practices in the S&P 500 by taking our quiz.
1. Total direct compensation for CFOs in the S&P 500 increased a median 5.6% in 2013. In 2014 it increased
A. 4.2%
B. 5.3%
C. 6.7%
D. 7.1
2. The median base salary for S&P 500 CFOs in 2014 was
A. $477,000
B. $565,000
C. $624,000
D. $681,000
3. According to salary.com, the median salary for U.S. CFOs in August was:
A. $180,000
B. $258,000
C. $302,000
D. $345,000
4. Short-term incentives for S&P 500 CFOs increased a median of 3% in 2013. In 2014 they increased
A. 2%
B. 4%
C. 6%
D. 8%
5. Long-term incentives for S&P 500 CFOs increased a median of
A. 5.1%
B. 6.4%
C. 7.2%
D. 8.0%
6. What percentage of S&P 500 companies used performance-based long-term incentives?
A. 69%
B. 75%
C. 87%
D. 92%
7. In 2012, 70% of S&P 500 companies granted stock options to their CFOs. What percentage granted options in 2014?
A. 56%
B. 66%
C. 75%
D. 80%
8. As a percentage of median CEO pay, CFO pay in the S&P 500 was 32% in 2012. In 2014 it was
A. 29%
B. 31%
C. 35%
D. 37%
Source: Mercer
Answers: 1–C; 2–C; 3–C; 4–D; 5–C; 6–C; 7–B; 8–C