CEOs at low-wage corporations earn 614 times median workers’ wage
The 2025 Executive Excess report highlights that CEOs of America's 100 largest low-wage corporations earned an average of $17.5 million, 614 times the median worker's wage. IBM's CEO had the highest pay at $38 million, while Lumentum had the widest pay gap at 2,884 to 1. The report links high CEO pay to stock buybacks, with $718 billion spent on buybacks from 2019 to 2025. Lowe's, Walmart, and Home Depot were top spenders.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
The data underscores growing disparity and may spur ESG‑focused investor scrutiny, but lacks immediate actionable catalysts.
Market read
Primarily of interest to ESG and governance analysts; limited direct trading impact.
What to watch
The report does not account for recent share price movements or upcoming earnings.
Background
The Institute for Policy Studies released its 32nd Executive Excess report, analyzing CEO‑to‑worker pay ratios for the 100 S&P 500 companies with the lowest median wages.
Ticker impact
IBM CEO Arvind Krishna earned $38 million in 2025, the highest among the Low‑Wage 100 firms.
minimal
The fact is a data point from a report, not a corporate action.
Western Digital posted the lowest median wage ($8,740) among the Low‑Wage 100 firms.
minimal
Statistical detail from a study.
Walmart led 2025 buyback spending with $8.1 billion and its CEO earned $29.2 million in 2025.
minimal
Report data, not a fresh corporate event.
Home Depot was among the biggest buyback spenders in the Low‑Wage 100 group.
minimal
Historical figure from the report.
Market effects
Highlights governance and compensation concerns across low‑wage S&P 500 firms.
U.S. large‑cap equities may see modest attention from ESG investors.
Potential influence on global discussions of corporate pay equity.
Counterpoint
Investors may view high CEO pay as a sign of strong leadership despite wage gaps.
Key entities
- research organizationInstitute for Policy Studies
Publisher of the Executive Excess report.
