Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary is defending a board-drafted share rewards scheme that would award him €150 million, roughly $171 million, in Ryanair stock options if he meets key objectives, after shareholder approval fell short of the 75% threshold needed to sign off without further consultation. Just over 60% of shareholders holding stock backed the plan, which requires the carrier to clear €4 billion in net income and/or see its shares, presently worth €23.24, rise to or above the €42 mark for at least 28 days straight. O'Leary told the Financial Times that opponents need to "grow up," calling the targets "very ambitious, very aggressive" and arguing that if they are delivered, shareholders will almost double their money from today's share price. The targets call for O'Leary to increase the low-cost airline's full-year after-tax profits by at least 77% and/or boost share value by 81% or more, and shareholder Andrew Hollingworth of Holland Advisors, a supporter of the package, called O'Leary "one of Europe's very best CEOs." O'Leary also predicted airfares will rise 10% to 20% by the summer 2027 travel season, warning that if jet fuel stays at $140 a barrel for the next five years, the average fare will go from €50 to €80-€90 a ticket.
Ryanair Holdings plcBoard-drafted €150M share reward plan for CEO O'Leary fell short of the 75% shareholder approval threshold, forcing further consultation.
Central Holding Group Co Ltd
