Bang for Google's Buck

One thing Google (GOOG Quote) shareholders can't complain about is runaway executive pay.

Co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page and Chief Executive Eric Schmidt are each taking $1 in salary this year, the same as last year, according to the company's proxy statement filed Friday with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

"Due to our continued strong performance, the leadership by Eric, Sergey and Larry throughout the year, and below-market cash compensation levels, the (Compensation) Committee determined that an increase in cash compensation opportunities was merited, and we offered Eric, Sergey and Larry an increase in salary and bonus for 2006," the Mountain View, Calif.-based company said. "Due to their own preferences not to receive salary and bonus compensation at this time, Eric, Sergey and Larry rejected the offers and continue to receive salaries of $1." ...