Posted: 12/15/2024 07:56 am
Copart, Inc. (NASDAQ: CPRT), a prominent player in the retail-auto dealers and gasoline stations industry, has seen notable changes in its executive compensation over recent years, alongside a dynamic stock market presence. Examining the compensation structures reveals a strategic approach to rewarding their executives, aligning their pay with long-term company performance and shareholder value.
In 2024, Leah C. Stearns, serving as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, received a total compensation of approximately $4.3 million. Her compensation structure was heavily weighted towards option awards, accounting for over $3.2 million of the total package. This significant emphasis on stock options suggests Copart's strategy to incentivize executives towards achieving long-term growth and performance goals, linking their success to that of the company's shareholders[1].
In contrast, for 2023, John North, who held the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for a portion of the year, had a total compensation of $393,373. Notably absent were stock and option awards, with a significant portion of his compensation categorized under "other compensation," which totaled $352,750. This figure could possibly represent severance or transition-related payments following his departure[2].
Comparatively, Jeffrey Liaw, who has been a significant figure at Copart, received $6.9 million as President and CEO North America in 2021, inclusive of a substantial $750,000 bonus. Liaw's 2020 compensation as President was slightly over $4.3 million, with $3 million in stock awards alone[3][4]. These numbers underline Copart's emphasis on stock-based compensation as a key facet of their executive reward system.
On the financial front, Copart's stock is currently priced at $61.23, reflecting a slight decline of 1.37% from the previous day. The company's market capitalization stands at an impressive $58.9 billion, with a P/E ratio of 42.82, suggesting robust investor confidence in future earnings potential. Despite recent volatility with a year-high of $64.38, the stock is trading well above its year-low of $46.21[5]. This financial performance underscores the company's maintained growth trajectory and strong market presence despite the ever-changing market conditions.
This interplay of high-valued compensation packages and steady stock performance illustrates Copart's commitment to aligning executive interests with shareholder outcomes, fostering a culture of growth and performance excellence.
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1. Copart, Inc. SEC Filing for Leah C. Stearns, 2024. [Link](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/900075/000119312524242623/0001193125-24-242623-index.htm).
2. Copart, Inc. SEC Filing for John North, 2023. [Link](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/900075/000119312523263822/0001193125-23-263822-index.htm).
3. Copart, Inc. SEC Filing for Jeffrey Liaw, 2021. [Link](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/900075/000162828021020392/0001628280-21-020392-index.htm).
4. Copart, Inc. SEC Filing for Jeffrey Liaw, 2020. [Link](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/900075/000162828020015267/0001628280-20-015267-index.htm).
5. Stock market data for Copart, Inc. as of current date.
