IBM CEO's pay hit $21.2 million in 2009

His total compensation rose slightly compared to 2008, when his pay package was . 

Palmisano’s 2009 salary was $1.8 million, which is unchanged from 2008. He earned a $4.75 million performance-based cash bonus, down 14% from $5.5 million in 2008.

The bulk of his pay package came in the form of performance-based stock awards, which were valued at $13.5 million at the time they were granted (up 11% from $12.2 million in 2008).

Palmisano also received $1.1 million in perks and other compensation. His perks included personal travel on company aircraft of $320,065; use of company autos; financial planning; personal security; and other personal expenses.

As a company, IBM reported in fiscal 2009, a decrease of 8% compared to $103.6 billion in 2008. However, Big Blue managed to grow its profit during the year ended Dec. 31. Income came in at $13.4 billion, a gain of 9% compared to $12.3 billion in 2008.

Palmisano’s total pay is calculated using data supplied in a proxy statement filed with the SEC on March 8. The following figures are taken from the summary compensation table: salary, bonus, non-equity incentive plan compensation, nonqualified compensation earnings, and all other compensation (perks). Added to those figures is the estimated value of stock options and awards granted during the year; that figure is taken from the table that summarizes grants of plan-based awards. The calculations don't include changes in the value of pension benefits or changes in retention plan value.

Read more about data center in Network World's Data Center section.