Highlights
- t42 IoT Tracking Solutions (LON:TRAC) reports a significant increase in earnings per share (EPS), growing by 49% annually.
- Despite robust EPS growth, t42 IoT Tracking Solutions has experienced a -67% return over three years.
- The upcoming AGM on December 16th will offer shareholders an opportunity to voice concerns regarding CEO compensation.
At t42 IoT Tracking Solutions PLC (LON:TRAC), a player in the LON technology stocks sector, CEO Avi Hartmann’s compensation is currently a subject of scrutiny as shareholders look at the company’s performance and its executive pay structure. Despite impressive growth in earnings per share (EPS) and revenue, the company's stock price has significantly underperformed in the last few years, leaving many to wonder whether the CEO’s compensation is truly in line with the company’s results.
CEO Compensation in Context
As of the year ending December 2023, t42 IoT Tracking Solutions reported a CEO compensation of approximately US$178k, including a salary of US$165k. This represents a decrease of 11% compared to the previous year. When compared to the broader British Software industry, where companies with similar market capitalizations pay a median CEO compensation of US$357k, t42 IoT Tracking Solutions’ CEO compensation is notably lower.
A closer look at the compensation structure reveals that the company allocates a larger proportion of total pay to salary, which makes up the majority of the CEO’s compensation. The typical industry structure, by contrast, has a larger portion of total compensation allocated to bonuses and stock options, which can serve to better align CEO interests with those of shareholders.
Growth Metrics A Strong Upsurge in EPS and Revenue
Despite the negative return for shareholders over the past three years, t42 IoT Tracking Solutions has made impressive strides in its earnings growth. EPS has increased by 49% annually over the past three years, and its revenue saw a 21% uptick in the past year. These figures suggest that the company is on a growth trajectory, with signs of improving business fundamentals.
However, the negative share price performance — a decline of 67% over the last three years — raises important questions. While EPS growth and revenue increases are positive signals, the stock price has not yet reflected this progress. This disparity between growth and stock performance may warrant a closer look at management's decision-making and whether shareholders’ interests are being adequately addressed.
The Upcoming AGM and Shareholder Influence
The upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) on December 16th provides an important opportunity for shareholders to express their concerns regarding executive pay. With a significant disconnect between the company’s strong financial metrics and the stock price performance, shareholders may wish to use this platform to ensure that the board’s decision-making aligns more closely with their expectations.
The results at t42 IoT Tracking Solutions highlight a crucial point for shareholders — that the proper balance of compensation incentives is critical in driving company performance. As the company moves forward, it remains to be seen how these discussions at the AGM will shape both the future of the company and its leadership compensation structure.