Doing nothing may be the best choice, according to many compensation experts.

And compensation experts do not see them going away soon.

Company inquiries about such plans were common at the time, compensation experts said.

In such cases, the executive probably would not even have to pay income taxes on any of the benefits, compensation experts say.

Compensation experts estimated that the package was worth about $3.7 million.

At the same time, compensation experts were surprised by the large number of people who may be subject to the excise tax.

Until recently, many compensation experts considered them a more attractive alternative than restricted stock.

But those uncertainties are not reflected in the company's pay policies, compensation experts say.

And bonuses - which had been cut by more than a half in recent years - could swell again this year, compensation experts said.

While many investors frown upon the practice, compensation experts say such companies have little choice if they hope to keep or attract key people.