More research from our August Executive Compensation Trends newsletter:

The weakened global economy and retention of key personnel are often cited as key reasons for changes in equity grant practices. We examined the effects of the current environment on equity grant practices and reviewed stock and option awards disclosed in Form 4 filings for S&P 500 CEOs in the first half of 2009 and compared that against grants made in the first half of 2008. Our analysis includes data for a total of 381 CEOs in place for at least two full years. While the results of our study point to an overall reduction in the grant value of stock and options, companies are granting an increased number of shares in an attempt to maintain award values.

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