>>the board of directors reduced Mr. Chesky’s base salary from $110,000 to $1, set his target bonus at $0, and granted him a long-term, multi-year equity award comprised of 12,000,000 RSUs (the “Multi-Year Award”).
Its quite surprising that CEO of Airbnb should make just $110k/ annum in base salary before the company goes public. I would expect it to be around $500k.
It's much more tax efficient for Chesky to get loans against his equity in lieu of cash compensation -- especially if he believes that the equity will grow dramatically in value due to an IPO.
For public securities, margin or a pledged asset line. If it's private equity (structured lending), you'll need to speak with a banker who can structure a deal specifically for you based on an illiquid PE holding.
I've heard this before, but what advantage does the loan have? Doesn't the CEO still pay just as much tax when he/she sells the stock to pay down the loan? Is it just to allow the stock a chance to appreciate?
That's not how taxes on RSUs work (at least federally in the US). Nothing happens when RSUs are granted because they have no value until they vest. Once the RSUs vest, you are taxed based on the cost basis of $0 (since you pay nothing for RSUs).
No, money is the thing you use to allow yourself to spend 200% of your time at work. Private tutors to school your kids so you don't have to. Cleaning services so you don't have to spend time cleaning. First class plane tickets so you can relax, sleep or work on the flight. Private driver or Ubers so you can work while driving places. A personal assistant to book travel, appointments and everything else mentioned so far.
Uber XL or black (need space and comfort to work efficiently) for 1 hour a day probably adds up to $200/day or around $50k/year. Which isn't cheap.
edit: That's a rough estimate and probably a low estimate. You'd be using Uber for commuting, going to work social events, driving kids on weekends, driving out of the city on vacation, etc.
Its quite surprising that CEO of Airbnb should make just $110k/ annum in base salary before the company goes public. I would expect it to be around $500k.