Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD) chief executive August Busch IV took a pay cut this year, receiving only $12.2 million in 2007. The compensation included a base salary of $1.2 million, a bonus of $2.5 million, $8.3 million in stock options, and $206,000 in other compensation, according to a proxy filing with the SEC. He also received other small perks like use of a company jet for him and his family members for business purposes and free admission to the company's theme parks. All in all, this compares to a total compensation of $12.7 million in 2006 - a 10% cut in pay.

The move comes after the Budweiser-maker has been struggling to boost sales with stagnant demand for beer in the United States. The stock did manage to rise nearly 10% in 2007 thanks to distribution deals that added import revenues. However, rising incredient costs is forcing a rise in prices that is curbing the growth. As a result, it was forced to lower its estimates for this upcoming year and faces some concern about its future direction. Regardless, it is good to see an executive that has his pay tied to company performance for once!