We Think EPR Properties' (NYSE:EPR) CEO Compensation Package Needs To Be Put Under A Microscope

EPR Properties (NYSE:EPR) has not performed well recently and CEO Greg Silvers will probably need to up their game. Shareholders will be interested in what the board will have to say about turning performance around at the next AGM on 28 May 2021. This will be also be a chance where they can challenge the board on company direction and vote on resolutions such as executive remuneration. The data we present below explains why we think CEO compensation is not consistent with recent performance.

See our latest analysis for EPR Properties

Comparing EPR Properties' CEO Compensation With the industry

According to our data, EPR Properties has a market capitalization of US$3.5b, and paid its CEO total annual compensation worth US$5.8m over the year to December 2020. We note that's an increase of 39% above last year. While we always look at total compensation first, our analysis shows that the salary component is less, at US$808k.

On comparing similar companies from the same industry with market caps ranging from US$2.0b to US$6.4b, we found that the median CEO total compensation was US$5.4m. From this we gather that Greg Silvers is paid around the median for CEOs in the industry. Moreover, Greg Silvers also holds US$26m worth of EPR Properties stock directly under their own name, which reveals to us that they have a significant personal stake in the company.

Component	2020	2019	Proportion (2020)
Salary	US$808k	US$770k	14%
Other	US$5.0m	US$3.4m	86%
Total Compensation	US$5.8m	US$4.2m	100%

Speaking on an industry level, nearly 15% of total compensation represents salary, while the remainder of 85% is other remuneration. Although there is a difference in how total compensation is set, EPR Properties more or less reflects the market in terms of setting the salary. It's important to note that a slant towards non-salary compensation suggests that total pay is tied to the company's performance.

EPR Properties' Growth

Over the last three years, EPR Properties has shrunk its funds from operations (FFO) by 83% per year. It saw its revenue drop 43% over the last year.

The decline in FFO is a bit concerning. This is compounded by the fact revenue is actually down on last year. So given this relatively weak performance, shareholders would probably not want to see high compensation for the CEO. Historical performance can sometimes be a good indicator on what's coming up next but if you want to peer into the company's future you might be interested in this free visualization of analyst forecasts.

Has EPR Properties Been A Good Investment?

With a three year total loss of 10% for the shareholders, EPR Properties would certainly have some dissatisfied shareholders. This suggests it would be unwise for the company to pay the CEO too generously.

To Conclude...

Along with the business performing poorly, shareholders have suffered with poor share price returns on their investments, suggesting that there's little to no chance of them being in favor of a CEO pay raise. At the upcoming AGM, management will get a chance to explain how they plan to get the business back on track and address the concerns from investors.

It is always advisable to analyse CEO pay, along with performing a thorough analysis of the company's key performance areas. In our study, we found 2 warning signs for EPR Properties you should be aware of, and 1 of them is concerning.

Arguably, business quality is much more important than CEO compensation levels. So check out this free list of interesting companies that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
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