Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s CEO, is expected to receive bonuses of over €100 million, which may be among the largest payouts in the history of European corporations. This follows a crucial performance objective being met on Thursday, when shares of the low-cost airline ended over €21 (£17.65) for the 28th day in a row.
If he continues to work for the airline through the end of July 2028, Mr. O’Leary will be eligible to receive 10 million shares, which are valued at about €111.2 million (£93.3 million). Ryanair was “delivering exceptional value” to shareholders earlier this month, according to the Irish chief, who is known for his witty remarks, even though the airline reported a decline in full-year earnings.
On an analyst call earlier this month, he was asked about the share option. “I believe that Ryanair shareholders are receiving a specific value out of our share options – both mine and the rest of the management team,” he said. In a time when Premiership football players or managers receive 20 to 25 million dollars annually, we’re providing Ryanair shareholders with outstanding value.
In a statement, Ryanair stated that the bonus’s share price component was “on only one of two conditions.” The second condition was that Michael and the other management team members had to stay with Ryanair until the end of July 2028, which meant that these share options wouldn’t vest for another three years.
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