2020 Bonuses

Didn't see an existing thread, so wanted to get one up to chat about bonuses in this hellscape of a year. Depending on the sector, some firms are still really hurting, while some have escaped relatively unscathed.

I would typically have received a bonus+raise by this time of year, but have heard nothing yet. The senior leadership at my shop took preemptive pay cuts back in March, but things have really not turned out to be that bad (one could even argue a lot of our positions have been bettered). Wanted to hear some anecdotes from around the industry before I initiate the conversation.

78 Comments
 

I'll find out on my 12/31 paycheck. Haven't had any discussions about it, but that's not abnormal for my company. 

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

CRE

I'll find out on my 12/31 paycheck. Haven't had any discussions about it, but that's not abnormal for my company. 

Forgot about this. Full bonus received. It helped that we ended the year with a bang. 

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 

I was told it was a tough year company wide (flat to slightly down across the board) even though my specific fund put up a ridiculous return this year. Ended up flat cash comp wise, but was given 35bps in carry on an in the money fund, so not complaining.

 

I don’t know of any firms that give associates carry, but I imagine there are somewhere. 

really though, it is going to depend on how big the fund is and therefore what the projected carry is. If the projected carry is 100mm, getting 1% is pretty good. If it is 15mm, then getting 1% may not make you actually stay for 5 - 10 years to get paid out.

 
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Well the firm I'm with is offering me carry as an associate as we aren't very big, but I don't really have a basis for what I should expect. I am being promoted in the next year to Director level, but we have performance and salary/bonus adjustments at the end of the year. On top of that, there is no contingency to employment after a 1 year vest, so while I might not be there in 7 years, I could potentially have a few years of equity and I'm hoping to making at least worth something. Our fund sizes aren't huge, about $100M - $150M and we have a 8% hurdle. We only have 5 people sharing carry as well, 3 founders, CIO, and myself. Is it too much to expect 1% of the 20% considering we are pretty small?

 

My guess would be that Analysts / Associates will be less impacted

 

Friend in RX almost 100% base, not surprising given he was absolutely crushed this year

 

What were your expectations going into the year? Target bonus range?

 

Once smoke clears I assume most people will be on the move. What a crazy year. Part of working in CRE is the upside. If that's not there what's the point?

If you're so shortsighted that you think one atypical bad year is reason enough to quit the industry, you neither deserve nor will get to that upside.

 

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