How Should Investors React To Roxgold Inc.'s (TSE:ROXG) CEO Pay?

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John Dorward has been the CEO of Roxgold Inc. (TSE:ROXG) since 2012. This analysis aims first to contrast CEO compensation with other companies that have similar market capitalization. Next, we'll consider growth that the business demonstrates. Third, we'll reflect on the total return to shareholders over three years, as a second measure of business performance. The aim of all this is to consider the appropriateness of CEO pay levels.

See our latest analysis for Roxgold

How Does John Dorward's Compensation Compare With Similar Sized Companies?

At the time of writing our data says that Roxgold Inc. has a market cap of CA$327m, and is paying total annual CEO compensation of US$1.6m. (This number is for the twelve months until December 2017). While this analysis focuses on total compensation, it's worth noting the salary is lower, valued at US$525k. We looked at a group of companies with market capitalizations from CA$134m to CA$538m, and the median CEO total compensation was CA$897k.

As you can see, John Dorward is paid more than the median CEO pay at companies of a similar size, in the same market. However, this does not necessarily mean Roxgold Inc. is paying too much. We can better assess whether the pay is overly generous by looking into the underlying business performance.

The graphic below shows how CEO compensation at Roxgold has changed from year to year.

TSX:ROXG CEO Compensation, May 7th 2019
TSX:ROXG CEO Compensation, May 7th 2019

Is Roxgold Inc. Growing?

Over the last three years Roxgold Inc. has grown its earnings per share (EPS) by an average of 91% per year (using a line of best fit). In the last year, its revenue is up 5.9%.

Overall this is a positive result for shareholders, showing that the company has improved in recent years. It's good to see a bit of revenue growth, as this suggests the business is able to grow sustainably. You might want to check this free visual report on analyst forecasts for future earnings.

Has Roxgold Inc. Been A Good Investment?

Given the total loss of 31% over three years, many shareholders in Roxgold Inc. are probably rather dissatisfied, to say the least. It therefore might be upsetting for shareholders if the CEO were paid generously.

In Summary...

We compared total CEO remuneration at Roxgold Inc. with the amount paid at companies with a similar market capitalization. Our data suggests that it pays above the median CEO pay within that group.

However we must not forget that the EPS growth has been very strong over three years. However, the returns to investors are far less impressive, over the same period. Considering the per share profit growth, but keeping in mind the weak returns, we'd need more time to form a view on CEO compensation. If you think CEO compensation levels are interesting you will probably really like this free visualization of insider trading at Roxgold.

Important note: Roxgold may not be the best stock to buy. You might find something better in this list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. 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. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading.

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