In fact, without massive fiscal stimuli, subdued compensation and the recession would have pushed consumer outlays down substantially.

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Under a new compensation plan covering the fiscal year ending in June 2014, most of Murdoch's compensation will be tied to 21st Century Fox.

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The AP formula calculates an executive's total compensation during the last fiscal year by adding salary, bonuses, perks, above-market interest that the company pays on deferred compensation and the estimated value of stock and stock options awarded during the year.

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Earnings Flashback and Other Driving Catalysts : On August 2, Microchip Technology Inc. reported fiscal first quarter 2013 adjusted earnings per share (including stock-based compensation) of 43 cents, 2.3% behind the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 44 cents and 15.7% below the year-ago earnings.

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These sums can include deferred compensation and one-time bonuses and might be for a different fiscal year.

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