Cash compensation for the chief executives of Canada's 100 largest publicly traded companies surged in 2025, while stock-based awards fell, according to a new analysis by The Globe and Mail.
The shift marks a notable departure from the traditional emphasis on long-term equity incentives that has defined executive pay structures in recent years.
The trend reflects a broader move toward upfront liquidity among top earners.
Executives are increasingly opting for guaranteed cash payouts rather than performance-linked stock options, which carry higher volatility and longer vesting periods.
This preference for immediate compensation suggests a heightened focus on short-term financial security in an environment of persistent economic flux.
Academics note that the pivot away from long-term incentives could alter corporate governance dynamics.