finance
Ryanair Proposes Share Options Worth Up to 274 Million Euros for CEO Michael O'Leary
Ryanair said it is finalizing a contract extension for CEO Michael O'Leary that includes share options potentially worth 274 million euros if performance targets are met. The proposal comes as the airline reports annual results and amid a nearly 20 percent decline in its share price since February.
May 18, 11:56 AM·1m read1 source
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Ryanair said it has nearly concluded discussions on extending CEO Michael O'Leary's contract until 2032. The proposed extension would replace his current contract, which runs until 2028. The new contract would grant O'Leary options to purchase more than 10 million shares at a discounted price. The options would vest only if the company meets unspecified profit or share-price growth targets.
42 euros on February 27. At that price, the options would be worth approximately 274 million euros. The company said it would provide further details on the targets and exercise price in due course. 1 percent stake in Ryanair, valued at more than 1 billion dollars according to the airline's 2025 annual report.
O'Leary's current contract, he was eligible for options worth over 111 million euros if the share price rose from 11 euros to 21 euros. He met that target last May when the share price exceeded 21 euros for 28 days. If the new options follow a similar structure, O'Leary could realize a profit of around 300 million dollars if performance conditions are satisfied. 2 million euros.
