CEO parachute deals come to light in new filings

[ck4829]

Companies will have to reveal just how much chief executives stand to take home if they're forced out.

As part of revised regulatory disclosures on executive pay, companies now must calculate potential severance costs as well as the "parachute pay" top executives are eligible to collect if their company is acquired and they lose their job.

CEOs typically earn a handsome salary and bonus but, as shareholders of Home Depot Inc. (NYSE:HD - news) and other companies have discovered, the really big money can come when they depart.

Top executives often walk away with large lump-sum cash payments, a package of retirement benefits and tax "gross-ups" to cover their IRS obligations. Some can even stay eligible for perks like private use of the corporate jet.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070302/bs_nm/column_lifting_dc