A remuneração dos administradores de sociedades anônimas

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the legal framework of executive compensation in Brazilian corporations. The analysis is conducted from three perspectives: (i) the incentives that compensation structures can create towards the enhancement of executives' performance; (ii) the problems and conflicts arising from compensation schemes, particularly between controlling and non-controlling shareholders, as well as between managers and shareholders in general; and (iii) the solutions provided by compensation schemes, especially by aligning the interests of managers with those of the company and its shareholders. Some of its intended objectives are contributing to theoretical discussions about executive compensation and improving the application of its legal framework. For these purposes, comments on the need for improvement of corporate governance practices are noteworthy, particularly when it comes to: (i) disclosure, as a measure capable of mitigating information asymmetry and inducing appropriate behavior; and (ii) the compensation committee, as an element capable of promoting independence and reducing conflicts of interest. In terms of structure, this study is divided into six (6) chapters. The first chapter contextualizes the importance of theoretical discussion on the topic, taking into account three recent events: (i) the issue of CVM Instruction No. 480, of 2009, by the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission; (ii) the growth of the Brazilian capital market; and (iii) the ongoing shareholding dispersion noticed in some companies and the relationship between such dispersion and executive pay. The second chapter tours the discussion about executive compensation in the United States, dealing with agency problems and with compensation schemes as either part of such problems or a partial remedy to them. The third chapter addresses the legal framework of executive compensation as established by Law No. 6,404, of 1976. Chapters 4 and 5 encompass two specific compensation schemes among the most historically important ones for Brazilian companies: profit sharing and equity-based compensation, particularly stock options. At last, Chapter 6 concludes this study with final remarks on the analysis conducted herein and on the reflections and studies to be yet carried out.