Meta executives are cashing in big this year, even as the company slashes jobs and cuts employee stock options. A recent corporate filing reveals that Meta’s top brass will now receive bonuses worth 200% of their base salary which more than double the previous 75%. This boost, approved by Meta’s board of directors on February 13, 2025 excludes CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Given the close timing to the recent wave of layoffs, the decision has sparked criticism. Just a week before the announcement, Meta laid off 5% of its workforce, cutting thousands of jobs and slashing stock option distributions by 10%, mainly targeting the company’s lowest-performing employees.
According to Meta’s board, the hefty bonus hike was necessary to stay competitive. They argued that executive pay at Meta previously fell below the 15th percentile compared to industry peers. With the new bonus structure, Meta’s executive compensation now aligns with the 50th percentile, making it more in line with similar tech giants.
While employees feel the sting of layoffs and reduced benefits, Meta’s investors are celebrating. The company’s stock has surged over 47% in the past year, fueled by strong advertising sales and increased investments in AI. Meta’s Q4 revenue also went up by 21% year-over-year, hitting an impressive $48.39 billion.
This surge in stock price and revenue growth suggests that Wall Street remains confident in Meta’s long-term vision, even as cost-cutting measures hit its workforce hard. But for many employees, the generous executive bonuses highlight a growing divide between the boardroom and the rest of the company.
