46% of Votes Cast Against CEO’s £550,000 Bonus at AGM

  • WH Smith shareholders rebel over CEO bonus
  • 46% of votes against CEO Carl Cowling’s £550,000 bonus at AGM
  • Only 54% approval when including abstentions
  • Investor advisory groups opposed bonus amid furlough and business rates relief
  • New Remuneration Committee chair Marion Sears to engage in discussions with shareholders

WH Smith shareholders have expressed their disapproval over the company’s decision to pay CEO Carl Cowling a £550,000 bonus, with 46% of votes cast against its remuneration report. The bonus received 54% approval when including abstentions, meaning 53% of shareholders either stood against or chose not to vote in favor. Investor advisory groups opposed the move due to WH Smith taking furlough and business rates relief from the government. New Remuneration Committee chair Marion Sears plans to engage in discussions with shareholders over the coming months.

Factuality Level: 7
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about WH Smith’s shareholders’ reaction to its CEO’s bonus plan and includes relevant details about the company’s financial performance. However, it could be improved by providing more context on the reasons behind the opposition and including quotes from stakeholders.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about WH Smith’s shareholders rebelling against CEO Carl Cowling’s bonus and the company’s financial performance. However, it could benefit from more in-depth analysis of the reasons behind the decision and potential consequences for the company.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: WH Smith’s shareholders and its CEO’s bonus
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses WH Smith’s shareholders rebelling against their CEO’s bonus payment, which is a financial topic related to company management compensation. It also mentions the impact on the company’s financial situation with 85% of 2019 revenues for the same period.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the text.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk