AerCap (NYSE: AER) maps 2026 AGM, say-on-pay, dividend and buyback plans
AerCap Holdings N.V. has called its annual general meeting for April 15, 2026 in Amsterdam and released detailed proxy materials. Shareholders of record on March 18, 2026 will be entitled to attend and vote, with staged mailings of materials to allow more review time.
Key items include introducing an annual non-binding say‑on‑pay vote, approval of 2025 financial statements, director discharges and the (re)appointment of several non‑executive directors plus aviation veteran Doug Parker. The Board seeks renewed authority to issue up to 10% new shares, limit pre‑emptive rights, and repurchase up to 20% of share capital over 18 months, with the option to cancel repurchased shares.
The materials highlight a dividend policy targeting roughly $200 million annually, with the quarterly dividend recently increased to $0.40 per share, and note that AerCap repurchased 22.1 million shares in 2025 at an average price of $109.92. The Nomination and Compensation Committee describes a highly performance‑based pay framework, citing record 2025 GAAP net income of $3.8 billion, adjusted net income of $2.7 billion and adjusted EPS of $15.37, alongside about $6.9 billion returned to shareholders over three years and a leverage ratio of 2.1x.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
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For the month of March 2026
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Commission File Number 001-33159
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Form 20-F ☒
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Form 40-F ☐
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99.1
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Notice and Agenda for Annual General Meeting.
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99.2
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Explanation to the Agenda for the Annual General Meeting.
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99.3
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Report of the Nomination & Compensation Committee for 2025.
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| AERCAP HOLDINGS N.V. | ||||
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By:
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/s/ Aengus Kelly | |||
| Name: | Aengus Kelly | |||
| Title: | Authorized Signatory | |||
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99.1
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Notice and Agenda for Annual General Meeting.
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99.2
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Explanation to the Agenda for the Annual General Meeting.
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99.3
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Report of the Nomination & Compensation Committee for 2025.
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| 1. |
Opening.
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| 2. |
Report of the Nomination & Compensation Committee for the 2025 financial year (advisory vote).
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| 3. |
Report of the Board of Directors for the 2025 financial year (for discussion).
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| 4. |
Adoption of the annual accounts for the 2025 financial year (voting item).
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| 5. |
Reservation and dividend policy (for discussion).
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| 6. |
Release of liability of the directors with respect to their management during the 2025 financial year (voting item).
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| 7. | (a) | Re-appointment of Ms. Stacey Cartwright as non-executive director for a period of three years (voting item). |
| (b) |
Re-appointment of Ms. Rita Forst as non-executive director for a period of three years (voting item).
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| (c) |
Re-appointment of Mr. Robert Warden as non-executive director for a period of four years (voting item).
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| (d) |
Appointment of Mr. William Douglas Parker as non-executive director for a period of four years (voting item).
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| 8. |
Appointment of Mr. Peter L. Juhas as the person referred to in article 16, paragraph 8 of the Company’s articles of association (voting item).
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| 9. |
Appointment of KPMG Accountants N.V. for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts for the 2026 financial year (voting item).
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| 10. | (a) | Authorization of the Board of Directors to issue shares and to grant rights to subscribe for shares (voting item). |
| (b) |
Authorization of the Board of Directors to limit or exclude pre-emptive rights in relation to agenda item 10(a) (voting item).
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| 11. | (a) | Authorization of the Board of Directors to repurchase shares (voting item). |
| (b) |
Conditional authorization of the Board of Directors to repurchase additional shares (voting item).
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| 12. |
Approval of increase in number of ordinary shares in the Company’s capital available for issuance under the Company’s equity incentive plan (voting item).
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| 13. |
Reduction of capital through cancellation of shares (voting item).
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| 14. |
Questions.
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| 15. |
Closing.
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End of Current Term
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Name & Principal Occupation
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Age
|
Director Since
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Committee Membership
|
Other Current Public Company Boards
|
||||
|
AC
|
P&I
|
T&A
|
NCC
|
CS
|
|||||
|
2026
|
Stacey Cartwright Former CEO and Deputy Chairman, Harvey Nichols Group
|
62
|
2019
|
X
|
X*
|
The Magnum Ice Cream Company; Savills PLC
|
|||
|
Rita Forst
Founder, FORST
Automotive Technology
Consulting
|
70
|
2019
|
X
|
X
|
Johnson Matthey PLC;
Norma Group SE
|
||||
|
Doug Parker
Former Chairman & CEO, American Airlines
|
64
|
2026
|
Qantas Airways LTD
|
||||||
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Robert (Bob) Warden Managing Director, Global Co-Head of Private Equity, Fortress Group
|
54
|
2006
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
||||
|
2027
|
James (Jim) Lawrence Chairman, Lake Harriet Capital
|
73
|
2017
|
X*
|
|||||
|
Michael Walsh
Former Senior Aircraft
Leasing Industry
Executive
|
59
|
2017
|
X
|
X
|
|||||
|
2029
|
Paul T. Dacier - Chairman
Chief Administrative Officer, IonQ Inc.
|
68
|
2010
|
X
|
X*
|
Progress Software Corporation
|
|||
|
Victoria Jarman Former COO of London
& Middle East Operations, Lazard
|
53
|
2025
|
Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings;
Great Portland Estates PLC
|
||||||
|
Jennifer VanBelle Former Group Treasurer, GE
|
58
|
2021
|
X
|
X
|
Loews Corp
|
||||
|
2030
|
Aengus Kelly CEO, AerCap
|
53
|
2011
|
X
|
X
|
||||
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End of Term
|
2026
|
2027
|
2029
|
2030
|
||||||
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Cartwright
|
Forst
|
Parker
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Warden
|
Lawrence
|
Walsh
|
Dacier
|
Jarman
|
Van Belle
|
Kelly
|
|
|
Aircraft Leasing Expertise
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
||||
|
Airline Industry / Aviation Expertise
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
||||||
|
Technical / Manufacturing /
Supplier
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|||||||
|
Strategy / Mergers and Acquisitions
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
Capital Allocation
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|||
|
Financial Services / Accounting
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
||||
|
Governance / Legal / Corporate & Government Affairs
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|||||
|
Risk Management / Information Technology
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|||
|
Outside Public Company Board Experience
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|||
|
Public Company Executive
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
||||
|
Nationality
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Skill
|
Description
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Relevance to AerCap
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|
Aircraft Leasing Expertise
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Specialized expertise in the niche aircraft leasing industry, including lease structuring, asset valuation, portfolio and residual value risk management, and full-lifecycle aircraft asset management
|
Fundamental to governing AerCap’s core business by enabling informed oversight of capital allocation, risk management, and long-term asset value through industry cycles
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Airline Industry / Aviation Expertise
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Understanding of airline business models, fleet planning, customer demand and financial decision-making, including how airlines evaluate capacity, fleet, and capital commitments across market cycles
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Enhances Board oversight of customer strategy and demand trends by grounding AerCap’s decisions in a clear understanding of airline priorities, future portfolio fleet / demand, operational constraints, credit
risk factors, and behavior across regions and economic conditions
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Technical / Manufacturing / Supplier
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Experience overseeing manufacturing and technical matters, including meaningful engagement with OEMs on aircraft programs, delivery schedules, technical performance, and in-service reliability
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Enables effective oversight of fleet quality, OEM production factors, OEM execution risk, and technology evolution by informing decisions that affect aircraft selection, delivery timing, and long-term asset value
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Strategy / Mergers & Acquisitions
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First-hand experience guiding corporate strategy including mergers and acquisitions
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Serves a critical role in identifying and executing transformative acquisition and merger opportunities that enhance AerCap’s strategic positioning and scale
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Capital Allocation
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Ability to evaluate investment priorities and optimize capital deployment
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Aligns with AerCap’s disciplined approach to fleet investment, M&A considerations, and shareholder returns over a 25-year asset lifecycle
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Financial Services / Accounting
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Expertise in banking, capital markets, structured finance, and accounting principles, including financial reporting and controls
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Supports AerCap’s ability to access global funding markets, structure complex leasing transactions, and maintain rigorous financial reporting and compliance across its large- scale asset portfolio
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Governance / Legal / Corporate & Government Affairs
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First-hand experience as a corporate governance, legal, government affairs and/or regulatory leader
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Ensures an appropriate oversight and risk lens around AerCap’s complex aviation regulations and best practices in multiple jurisdictions
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Risk Management / Information Technology
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First-hand experience overseeing information technology systems, cybersecurity, and/or digital transformation, combined with the capability to identify and manage financial, operational, and strategic risks
across global business operations
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Ensures oversight of AerCap’s risk exposure, including those related to assets, credit risk, financial risks, operational risks, compliance risks, portfolio risks, financing considerations, and geopolitical
factors relevant to the aircraft leasing industry
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|
Skill
|
Description
|
Relevance to AerCap
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|
Outside Public Company Board Experience
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Prior service on corporate boards ensures familiarity with governance frameworks and fiduciary responsibilities
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Supports strong, holistic oversight of AerCap’s strategy and operations, leveraging governance best practices and in alignment with appropriate governance standards
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Public Company Executive
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Experience leading a public company and managing complex operations while navigating investor, regulatory and broader stakeholder expectations
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Provides oversight and guidance to management in navigating the complexities, expectations, and dynamics unique to operating as a global publicly traded company.
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| ● |
Former Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chairman of Harvey Nichols Group, a premier British department store offering high-end fashion, beauty, and lifestyle retailing
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| ● |
Former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Burberry Group, a leading international luxury brand specializing in high-end outerwear, fashion, and accessories
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| ● |
Former Chief Financial Officer at Egg PLC, a leading UK online banking and financial services provider specializing in digital banking, credit cards, and savings products
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| ● |
Served on the Boards of GlaxoSmithKline PLC and Genpact
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| ● |
Previously served in various finance roles at Granada Group PLC, a leading UK media and hospitality company with operations in broadcasting, production, and leisure services
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| ● |
Chartered Accountant with Price Waterhouse
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| ● |
The Magnum Ice Cream Company (Senior Independent Director & Vice Chair)
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| ● |
Savills PLC (Chair)
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| ● |
Received a BSc from the London School of Economics
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| ● |
Deep financial leadership and capital discipline developed through decades as a Chartered Accountant and former Chief Financial Officer roles, providing strong oversight of capital allocation, financial reporting, and accounting for
complex, multi- jurisdictional businesses
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| ● |
Extensive senior executive leadership experience, having served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer for a variety of business sectors and economic cycles, bringing a proven operator’s perspective on strategic
decision-making, scaling global businesses, and driving disciplined execution
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| ● |
Significant governance and board leadership capabilities through chair and non-executive roles on multiple global public and private company boards
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| ● |
Currently serves as an independent business consultant specializing in powertrain and vehicle technology
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| ● |
Spent more than 35 years at the Opel European division of General Motors in senior engineering and management roles, and a member of the management board responsible for the development of new generations of engines and car models for Opel
and General Motors
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| ● |
Served on the Boards of Westport Fuel Systems and ElringKlinger AG
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| ● |
Johnson Matthey Plc
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| ● |
Norma Group SE
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| ● |
Received a BS from the Kettering University and Darmstadt University of Applied Technology
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| ● |
Robust technical/manufacturing and engineering leadership, including direct experience developing new engine generations and automotive platforms, strengthening the Board’s oversight of AerCap’s fleet technologies
|
| ● |
Deep OEM and industrial oversight perspectives informed by responsibility for engine and vehicle technology programs, relevant to AerCap’s technology evolution
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| ● |
Strong board-level governance and controls experience through service on multiple global public company boards
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| ● |
Currently serves as Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Private Equity at Fortress Investment Group, a leading global investment manager specializing in alternative asset strategies
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| ● |
Former Global Head of Private Equity at Cerberus Capital Management, a global alternative investment firm
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| ● |
Spent over 30 years in the private equity industry, including at Pamplona Capital Management, J.H. Whitney, Cornerstone Equity Investors, and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
|
| ● |
Served on the Boards of GeoEye Inc. and BlueLinx Holdings
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| ● |
None
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| ● |
Received an A.B. from Brown University
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| ● |
Proven track record as a long-serving AerCap director and member of the Group Portfolio and Investment and Group Treasury and Accounting Committees, providing strong private equity leadership and supporting disciplined capital allocation
|
| ● |
Strong transaction and strategic oversight skillsets through prior senior roles across major investment platforms to support the Board’s oversight of AerCap’s capital allocation and portfolio optimization
|
| ● |
Provides governance continuity and market discipline informed by decades of investment decision-making and private board service
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| ● |
Former Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of American Airlines, following the merger of American and US Airways
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| ● |
Former Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of US Airways and America West Airlines; previously served as Chief Financial Officer at America West Airlines
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| ● |
Former Vice President, Assistant Treasurer and Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis at Northwest Airlines
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| ● |
Served on the Boards of Pinnacle West Capital and Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings
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| ● |
Currently serves on the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust and the Medal of Honour Museum Foundation Board of Directors
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| ● |
Qantas Airways LTD
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| ● |
Received a BA from Albion College and an MBA from Vanderbilt University
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| ● |
Over 35 years of aviation industry and customer insight, including as Chief Executive Officer of a global network airline, bringing a strong understanding of airline operations, fleet strategy, and market behavior to support AerCap’s
customer- focused strategy
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| ● |
Significant leadership experience through industry restructuring and consolidation, providing insight into managing financial stress, capacity decisions, and long-term planning to inform AerCap’s assessment of customer risk and long-term
demand
|
| ● |
Proven oversight of large, capital-intensive aviation operations, contributing an operator’s perspective on balancing fleet investment, cost discipline and operation priorities in a highly cyclical environment
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| ● |
Currently serves as the Chairman of Lake Harriet Capital, a private investment firm
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| ● |
Served in various senior leadership roles at Rothschild, including Chairman of Rothschild North America, Chief Executive Officer of Rothschild North America and Global Co-Head of Investment Banking
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| ● |
Former Chief Financial Officer roles at Unilever, General Mills and Northwest Airlines
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| ● |
Previously served in leadership roles across Pepsi-Cola Asia, Middle East and Africa
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| ● |
Cofounded The LEK Partnership, a corporate strategy and M&A advisory firm
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| ● |
Former Partner at Bain and Company
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| ● |
Served on the Boards of 18 public companies, several private companies and non-profits
|
| ● |
None
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| ● |
Received a B.A. from Yale University and an MBA from Harvard Business School
|
| ● |
Deep strategy and M&A experience through senior leadership roles, enhancing the Board’s ability to evaluate strategic alternatives, competitive positioning, and value-creation opportunities
|
| ● |
Direct airline industry experience, including as Chief Financial Officer and non-executive director in commercial aviation, bringing insight into airline customer economics and cycle dynamics
|
| ● |
Extensive capital markets and finance experience gained through leadership roles in investment banking, strategic advisory, and Chief Financial Officer roles
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| ● |
Currently serves as Chair of Shannon Foynes Port Company, one of Ireland’s largest port operators
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| ● |
Serves as Non-Executive Director of Uisce Éireann, the Irish government owned national water utility, and of Limerick Civic Trust, a charitable organization
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| ● |
Held General Counsel roles at GPA Group, a leading aircraft leasing and financing business, and at debis AirFinance following GPA’s acquisition
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| ● |
Former Chief Legal Officer of Bord Gáis Éireann, Ireland’s national gas utility
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| ● |
Previously served as a Non-Executive Director and Chair across multiple international private companies engaged in aircraft and train financing and leasing
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| ● |
Former diplomat in the Irish Diplomatic Service
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| ● |
None
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| ● |
Law graduate of University College Cork, Ireland, Barrister
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| ● |
Over 30 years of legal and industry expertise in aircraft leasing and financing, developed through leadership roles as a non-executive director, senior executive, and commercial lawyer
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| ● |
Extensive leadership, legal, and corporate governance expertise, strengthened by decades of senior-level responsibility for complex legal, compliance, and human capital matters, enhancing the Board’s oversight of risk management,
organizational leadership, and long-term strategic execution
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| ● |
Contributes deep, specialized leasing industry knowledge to complement airline and technical/OEM perspectives on the Board
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| ● |
Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at IonQ, a leader in quantum computing and networking
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| ● |
Former Partner at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, a leading law firm devoted to business litigation and arbitration
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| ● |
Previously served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Indigo Agriculture, a privately held technology company
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| ● |
Previously served as the General Counsel of EMC Corp., responsible for EMC’s worldwide legal affairs and also oversaw the company’s internal audit, real estate and facilities organizations, sustainability, aviation and government affairs
departments
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| ● |
Previously served as an attorney with Apollo Computer Inc., a computer workstation company
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| ● |
Progress Software Corporation
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| ● |
Received a B.A. and J.D. from Marquette University
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| ● |
Over a decade of experience on aircraft leasing boards, providing deep insight into industry cycles and governance for long-term asset strategies
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| ● |
Extensive legal and governance expertise, advising on complex global transactions and compliance
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| ● |
Strong technology and data-driven business background, supporting oversight of AerCap’s digital transformation and risk management
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| ● |
Extensive experience advising on complex global transactions, including through AerCap’s major acquisitions of ILFC and GECAS, bringing strong oversight of capital allocation strategy and strategic growth initiatives
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| ● |
Former Chief Operating Officer for London and Middle East operations at Lazard; previously served over 10 years on the Investment Banking team at Lazard
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| ● |
Served on the Boards of Equiniti Group plc, Hays plc and De La Rue plc, Melrose plc, Entain, and Signature Aviation
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| ● |
Began career as a qualified Chartered Accountant at KPMG
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| ● |
Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC
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| ● |
Great Portland Estates PLC
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| ● |
Received a BEng (Hons) from the University of Leicester
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| ● |
Deep financial and commercial experience, along with strong international perspective, gained through her Chief Operating Officer role, providing insight into managing complex global operations
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| ● |
Significant public company board and committee experience, highlighted by leadership roles on audit and risk committees, bringing disciplined oversight of financial reporting and risk governance
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| ● |
Experience in transaction execution and corporate governance shaped by investment banking and senior oversight roles, supporting the Board’s oversight of strategic initiatives
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| ● |
Spent over 25 years at General Electric (GE), serving as Senior Vice President and Treasurer before assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer of GE Capital
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| ● |
Previously held various leadership roles within GE across capital markets, risk management, treasury, and finance
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| ● |
Held various roles at several international investment banks, including Chemical Bank and ING
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| ● |
Loews Corporation
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| ● |
Received a B.A. from Bates College and an MSc in Finance from London Business School
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| ● |
Extensive leadership experience in large, complex financial organizations, including service as Chief Executive Officer, providing perspective on overseeing global lending, financing, and asset management operations
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| ● |
Proven track record of guiding large-scale strategic transformations, demonstrated by leading GE’s Separation Management Office and overseeing the creation of three independent, publicly listed, industry-leading global companies
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| ● |
Strong financial acumen shaped by more than two decades in senior finance and treasury roles, supporting disciplined Board oversight of capital allocation and financial risk management
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| ● |
Previously served as Chief Executive Officer of AerCap’s US operations, and prior to that, as the Company’s Group Treasurer
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| ● |
Previously spent significant time in the aviation leasing and financing business at Guinness Peat Aviation and its subsequent successors, AerFi and debis AirFinance
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| ● |
Began career as a qualified Chartered Accountant at KPMG
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| ● |
None
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| ● |
Received a BA and an MA from University College, Dublin
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| ● |
More than 25 years of aviation leasing and financing experience, contributing to AerCap’s transformation into the global industry leader, as reflected in strong long-term stock price performance during his tenure as Chief Executive Officer
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| ● |
Significant capital allocation and M&A experience, having led AerCap through transformative acquisitions that expanded the Company’s scale, capabilities, and competitive positioning
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| ● |
Broad international perspective, developed through leading AerCap’s operations across multiple geographies and expanding businesses globally, enhancing the Board’s oversight of regional market dynamics and growth opportunities
|
| (1) |
the closing price of the Company’s shares quoted on the New York Stock Exchange on the last trading day prior to the day that, at the discretion of the Board, (x) the acquisition of such shares (“Acquisition”)
is effected or (y) the binding commitments (through contract, tender offer or otherwise) with respect to an Acquisition (“Binding Commitments”) are entered into, in each case outside opening hours of
the New York Stock Exchange; or
|
| (2) |
the price of the Company’s shares quoted on the New York Stock Exchange or, should such quotation not exist, the last previous quotation on the New York Stock Exchange, at the time that, at the discretion of the Board, (x) the Acquisition
is effected or (y) the Binding Commitments are entered into, in each case during opening hours of the New York Stock Exchange; or
|
| (3) |
in the case of an accelerated repurchase arrangement or similar program, the volume weighted average price, or such other average price as determined by the Board, of the Company’s shares quoted on the New York Stock Exchange over the term
of the arrangement, as such average price may be adjusted as a result of market disruptions or similar factors in accordance with the terms of such arrangement; provided that the number of shares which the Company may at any time hold in its
own capital will not exceed 10%.
|
| (1) |
the closing price of the Company’s shares quoted on the New York Stock Exchange on the last trading day prior to the day that, at the discretion of the Board, (x) the Acquisition is effected or (y) the Binding Commitments are entered into,
in each case outside opening hours of the New York Stock Exchange; or
|
| (2) |
the price of the Company’s shares quoted on the New York Stock Exchange or, should such quotation not exist, the last previous quotation on the New York Stock Exchange, at the time that, at the discretion of the Board, (x) the Acquisition
is effected or (y) the Binding Commitments are entered into, in each case during opening hours of the New York Stock Exchange; or
|
| (3) |
in the case of an accelerated repurchase arrangement or similar program, the volume weighted average price, or such other average price as determined by the Board, of the Company’s shares quoted on the New York Stock Exchange over the term
of the arrangement, as such average price may be adjusted as a result of market disruptions or similar factors in accordance with the terms of such arrangement; provided that the number of shares which the Company may at any time hold in its
own capital will not exceed 10% (and that the authorization pursuant to this agenda item 11b shall thus be conditional upon cancellation of shares pursuant to agenda item 13).
|
| ● |
The Board proposes to increase the number of ordinary shares in the Company’s capital available for issuance (the “Equity Pool”) under the Plans as part of our standard renewal process. Accordingly,
the Board proposes an Equity Pool increase of 3,500,000 additional ordinary shares in the Company’s capital to each of the Plans (the “Equity Pool Increase”). This proposed request is expected to
sustain our standard compensation program and includes equity already approved by shareholders and granted to our CEO, as well as a reasonable reserve to address potential unforeseen events, such as acquisitions, significant stock price
volatility, or substantial shifts in headcount. A separate proposal may be submitted in the future should additional equity be required for purposes outside the standard program, including potential leadership-related grants. The proposed
increase is consistent with the previous equity request approved by shareholders at the Company’s general meeting of shareholders on May 12, 2021
|
| ● |
Equity-based awards remain central to aligning executive compensation with shareholder interests. The Plans continue to be a critical component of AerCap’s pay-for-performance philosophy and support our ability to attract, retain, and
motivate a team of highly talented individuals
|
| ● |
The Nomination and Compensation Committee oversees the design and administration of our compensation program, including the intentional granting of shares under the Plans. In exercising this oversight, the Committee considers the Company’s
overall strategy, human capital priorities, and capital allocation objectives to support all employees and generate long-term shareholder returns
|
| ● |
The ability to grant equity awards under the Plans is essential for attracting, retaining, and rewarding all of our employees who are critical to driving our long-term success, particularly in an increasingly competitive talent market
|
| ● |
Equity incentives are a significant component of our compensation for GEC members and our broader employee population. In 2025, all employees1 globally received stock-based awards, reinforcing performance, ownership mindset, and
alignment with shareholder interests
|
| ● |
The Nomination and Compensation Committee believes that these awards strengthen exceptional long-term performance, help reduce turnover, promote leadership continuity, increase employee satisfaction and align employee interests with those
of our shareholders
|
| ● |
Equity awards, whose realized value is tied to our stock price performance, and (where applicable) achievement of performance goals, create a direct link between employee pay outcomes and Company results
|
| ● |
Equity compensation motivates employees to act as long-term owners of the Company, creating strong alignment between employees and shareholders and reinforcing incentives to drive sustained growth and long-term value creation
|
| ● |
Requiring continued service and achievement of performance-based metrics encourages long-term decision-making and accountability for delivering strong results
|
| ● |
The Board regularly reviews the Plans to ensure that equity usage is appropriately retentive in nature and aligned with shareholder interests. For further information on the Board’s philosophy and approach to equity incentives, please
refer to the Nomination and Compensation Committee letter in the accompanying Say on Pay report
|
| ● |
We manage long-term shareholder dilution by carefully controlling equity grant levels and regularly evaluating the equity practices of companies with which we compete for talent
|
| ● |
The Plans incorporate strong governance features, including clawback provisions, no evergreen provision, extended holding periods for our GECs, and oversight by the independent Nomination and Compensation Committee In accordance with
Article 2:135(5) of the Dutch Civil Code and article 15.8 of the Company’s articles of association, the Equity Pool Increase is now proposed to the Company’s general meeting of shareholders for approval.
|
| ● |
Long-Term Focus for Management: Periodic Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) awards are designed to incentivize and challenge management over a multi-year period, in lieu of more traditional use of
recurring annual LTIP awards. AerCap’s compensation program is heavily weighted towards LTIP awards, which vest after a four- or five-year period only if rigorous vesting conditions are met, with no interim vesting, and we evaluate the total
amount of our executives’ economic opportunity through this long-term lens. This long-term focus aligns with AerCap’s business model and with the interests of shareholders. While the magnitude of LTIP awards is significant in the grant year,
grants only occur every four to five years rather than annually. We encourage shareholders to consider the value over the entire vesting period, rather than in the grant year alone. We also encourage shareholders to consider that the value
delivered to shareholders in recent years demonstrates that the LTIP awards result in a strong alignment between pay and long-term performance.
|
| ● |
Rigorous Vesting Conditions: Our CEO’s LTIP award is 72% performance-based and 28% time-based. While the program offers a meaningful earnings opportunity, payouts are contingent on delivering
superior performance over the multi-year period and are subject to cliff vesting at the end of the period; as a result, their full value remains at risk for the duration of the vesting period. This approach benefits both shareholders and
executives as, by nature, the structure of our awards completely aligns pay with long-term performance. For example, 20% of our CEO’s 2025 share awards are linked to the achievement of a pre-set share price target, established by the Board,
to deliver a significant increase in the share price.
|
| ● |
Extended Required Holding Period: Our CEO is required to hold 50% of any shares that vest and are received under the LTIP from his 2011 appointment until retirement. This long-term holding period is
an uncommon and shareholder-friendly feature, with only 17 companies in the S&P 500 index and only six EMEA-listed companies (none of which are AerCap peers) including such a requirement in their compensation programs.1 The
Board established these requirements in 2006 with the deliberate objective of enhancing alignment between executive compensation and long-term shareholder interests and it has proved successful. Other members of our executive team are
required to hold 25% of any shares that vest and are received under the LTIP. We believe this long-term orientation appropriately aligns the CEO’s and other executives’ long-term interests with those of shareholders over the course of
AerCap’s extended business cycle, during which time the actions of our CEO and executive team can influence results.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
Aengus Kelly
Chief Executive Officer
(“CEO”) and Executive
|
Peter Anderson
Chief Commercial
|
Peter Juhas
Chief Financial
Officer
|
|
Committee’s Compensation Principles
|
How Principles Are Overseen and Accomplished
|
|
Align executive pay with long-term shareholder interests
|
● The Committee typically meets at least three times per year. During the year the Committee reviews our compensation program
and ongoing performance against the pre-determined targets, that support our strategic initiatives and are established to drive superior business performance and value creation for investors
● The Committee consistently ensures executive pay is concentrated heavily in long-term equity compensation in order to reflect
the long duration of AerCap’s business and investment cycle
● The Committee designs incentives to motivate senior executives, and all AerCap employees, to generate long-term shareholder
returns, to prioritize a focus on the quality of the Company’s asset portfolio and to avoid short-term decision making
● The Committee requires material senior executive equity ownership and long-term retention of shares, with our CEO required to
hold 50% of all vested shares received through retirement (25% for other senior executives)
|
|
Attract and retain a team of highly talented individuals
|
● The Committee has a strong track record of designing rigorous compensation structures that enable AerCap to compete
effectively for industry-leading executive talent and attract executives with industry and functional knowledge and with leadership abilities, who fit with the Company’s culture
● The Committee ensures that the compensation structure, and opportunity over the long-term, support retention of AerCap’s
high-performing executive team
● The long-term focus of AerCap’s business, and extended time horizon of the outcomes of business decisions, underpins the
benefits of retaining high-performing executives through business cycles. The program design ensures that executive compensation is at-risk over multi-year periods, that executives are rewarded with market-leading compensation for
market-leading performance and that avoids short-term decision making
● The Committee performs market analyses to understand compensation trends and practices, including practices of companies with
which AerCap may compete for talent, to ensure both our annual incentive program and broader compensation framework remain competitive and effectively support our ability to attract, retain, and motivate a highly skilled leadership team
|
|
Incentivize performance over both the short- and long-term
|
● The Committee determines the payout of our annual incentive awards based on performance relative to pre-determined and
challenging targets
● The Committee rewards consistent long-term growth and value creation by placing a larger emphasis of the earning potential in
the LTIP
● The Committee ensures that incentives are aligned with our risk profile and reflect the time horizon of the outcomes arising
from key commercial decisions, including the useful life of the Company’s assets (25 years for passenger aircraft and longer for freighters and helicopters), the duration of leases to airlines (typically 12 years for new aircraft), and the
Company’s long-term funding profiles
● The Committee ties long-term incentive awards to the achievement of multi-year adjusted earnings per share (“EPS”) and
pre-determined share price targets. Given the Board’s focus on achieving strong performance over the long term, rather than on short-term outperformance, LTIP incentives do not have an upside feature if targets are exceeded
● While annual incentive awards are not the key element of the compensation program, the Committee does reward high performers
with above-target annual performance incentive pay when predetermined goals are exceeded. Executives may elect to take these annual incentives as shares, further aligning compensation with shareholder interests and the long-term value of the
Company
|
|
Manage and balance risk
|
● The Committee designs equity awards to emphasize long-term performance and encourage executives to apply a long-range lens on
risk and reward decisions that impact shareholders
● The Committee focuses on clear quantitative performance metrics, particularly adjusted EPS. The primary focus on EPS
performance, through the significant weighting of compensation towards multi-year cliff-vesting share awards with extended holding requirements, ensures adherence to the principles that have made AerCap the industry leader. These include
disciplined focus on operational performance, accretive capital deployment, the identification of counter-cyclical commercial opportunities, efficient financing and robust liquidity, and asset portfolio optimization
● The inclusion of the cliff-vesting features and the weighting of compensation towards LTIP awards (coupled with the extended
holding period), ensures a focus on the Company’s position at the end of the LTIP period and beyond
● The Committee subjects executives’ incentive compensation to clawback provisions under U.S. and Dutch law
● The Committee sets and oversees policies that prohibit the hedging of Company securities and the pledging of AerCap stock
prior to vesting
|
| ● |
Returned $2.6 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends
|
| ● |
Return on equity of 21% and adjusted return on equity of 15%
|
| ● |
Strong total shareholder returns through a share price increase of 50% in 2025, compared to 16% for the S&P 500
|
| ● |
Record $3.9 billion of asset sales and unlevered gain-on-sale margin of 27%, or 2.0x book value on an equity basis
|
| ● |
Book value per share grew 19% year-over-year to $112.59 as of December 31, 2025
|
| ● |
Approximately $1.5 billion of insurance receipts and other net recoveries related to the Ukraine conflict
|
| ● |
Adjusted debt/equity ratio of 2.1 to 1 as of December 31, 2025
|
| ● |
Upgraded to BBB+ by Fitch in March 2025, bringing all unsecured credit ratings to BBB+
|
| ● |
Cash flow from operating activities of $5.4 billion
|
|
Key Compensation Themes Raised by Investors
|
The Board’s Perspective and Relevant Actions
|
|
Shareholders expressed a preference for AerCap to hold a regular advisory Say- on-Pay vote
|
● The Board has committed that beginning with the 2026 AGM, shareholders will be provided an annual Say-on-Pay vote, regardless
of whether a long-term share award is being proposed in that year
● In connection with this initiative, we are committed to providing an annual corresponding level of transparent disclosures to
shareholders to support continued understanding of our practices and provide insight that informs vote decisions
● We also remain committed to maintaining our approach of providing shareholders with a binding vote on changes to both the
CEO’s compensation structure and long-term share awards in applicable years, which are typically every four years
● The Committee will continue seeking out investor perspectives on our program and related disclosures
|
|
Shareholders were generally supportive of the long-term structure and alignment of our compensation program
|
● We have maintained a consistent approach to the program’s long-term structure and emphasis on performance-based compensation,
aligned with the framework established upon Mr. Kelly’s appointment in 2011; this approach has resulted in significant upside for shareholders
● We have provided detailed disclosures in relation to our 2026 Say-on-Pay vote to describe the long-term philosophy and
alignment of our compensation structure and how it supports strong business and shareholder results
|
|
● We have continued to utilize AerCap’s differentiated program, whereby share awards typically vest only every four or five
years (with no interim vesting), rather than annually, thus further aligning executive compensation to long-term shareholder interests
● We continue to require that our CEO retain 50% of all share awards received after vesting, from his appointment in 2011 to
retirement
● We have structured compensation such that 20% of our CEO’s 2025 share awards is based upon achievement of a rigorous share
price target, strengthening alignment with shareholder interests
● We believe that the four- or five-year time-based vesting conditions included in the LTIP effectively manage retention risk
given AerCap’s long business cycle, and ensure a long-term mindset
|
|
|
Shareholders requested additional details regarding the Board’s compensation program decision-making
|
● In considering how to best achieve AerCap’s key objectives, the Board believes it is critical to ensure the continued
long-term enhancement of shareholder value
● The Committee structures and oversees the compensation program to ensure alignment between the executives’ compensation
earned and long-term shareholder interests, while supporting retention
● The Committee applies a consistent philosophy to ensure that executives’ highest potential earnings opportunity aligns with a
long-term time horizon and is only received if challenging, shareholder-aligned vesting conditions are met
● In response to shareholder feedback, we have enhanced disclosures provided through this CD&A to describe the Board
and Committee’s role in designing and overseeing AerCap’s executive compensation program, including how each component of the program supports our shareholder-aligned objectives (see page 20 for additional
detail)
|
|
Shareholders inquired about additional metrics in the compensation program, with a focus on the rationale for metrics and diversification
|
● The Committee reviewed our compensation practices and associated disclosures in the context of AerCap’s evolving business and
shareholder feedback, and beginning in 2026, we decided to formally incorporate risk management and portfolio management metrics into the annual incentive awards
● As part of these changes, we are also providing greater transparency regarding the weightings of the metrics in our incentive
programs
● We have provided additional details regarding these enhancements on page 15
|
|
Shareholders requested greater transparency regarding targets and performance metrics
|
● We believe it is important for shareholders to understand how our compensation program is designed to maximize alignment with
shareholders’ long-term interests and how it is split between fixed and variable compensation, with significant elements at-risk, and have enhanced our disclosures to provide greater transparency
● We have expanded our disclosures to provide further details regarding share awards that were granted in 2025, including those
awarded to the CEO following shareholder approval at the 2025 AGM
● We have added a new section to our disclosures that further details the 2025 compensation payable to GEC members, including
the variable compensation payable in the form of company stock (see page 36 for additional detail)
|
|
● We have also provided comprehensive information on the targets relevant for 2026 compensation, including details regarding
the 2026 adjusted EPS target range and the associated financial performance factors (see page 29 and 30 for additional detail). This has been provided to facilitate ongoing shareholder engagement going forward
|
|
|
Shareholders were interested in understanding the rationale for the quantum of our CEO’s total compensation opportunity
|
● We have enhanced our disclosures regarding the compensation-setting process and key shareholder-friendly features of the
program, such as the uncommon cliff-vesting feature and the onerous stock retention requirements
● We have expanded disclosures regarding the Committee’s principles, the design and oversight of our compensation program,
describing its relevance to our long business cycle and our balanced approach in considering that our CEO’s earnings opportunity drives and aligns with shareholders’ long-term interests by incentivizing achievement of rigorous targets, and
requires an extended holding period
|
|
Shareholders requested additional disclosures regarding our engagement efforts and feedback received
|
● We maintain an active dialogue with shareholders throughout the year, and following the 2025 AGM we met with shareholders
representing 51% of outstanding shares; these conversations primarily focused on our compensation structure and associated disclosures
● We have enhanced our disclosures regarding our shareholder engagement practices and shareholder feedback received in this
report
|
| ● |
Annual Incentive Award
|
| ● |
Providing a more granular formula to determine award payouts
|
| ● |
Providing an overview of the Board’s process for selecting key performance metrics relevant to the business and value creation
|
| ● |
Incorporation of additional long-term-oriented business metrics, including risk management and portfolio management
|
| ● |
Providing metrics for 2026 to facilitate proactive investor engagement going forward
|
| ● |
Long-Term Incentive Plan Targets
|
| ● |
Detailed elements and weightings for performance targets, consistent with ongoing communications with shareholders The charts below show the breakdown of 2026 target compensation for our GEC members. Note that we have not granted, nor do
we plan to grant, LTIP awards for 2026 to our GEC members, consistent with our approach of making single grants to cover a multi-year period. However, in order to provide a breakdown of our GEC members’ entire compensation opportunity, we
have included an LTI component based on the estimated stock-based compensation expense for 2026:
|
| ● |
Review and adjust each GEC member’s compensation considering, among other factors, each individual’s particular role, responsibilities and performance, as well as to ensure an appropriate mix of cash and equity and an appropriate balance
of fixed and at-risk compensation. The Committee also consistently evaluates how effectively the program incentivizes the GEC to deliver superior results that support exceptional long-term value creation for shareholders. The CEO’s
compensation and annual incentive must then also be approved by the Board, with changes to the CEO’s compensation and long-term stock awards also requiring shareholder approval
|
| ● |
Engage with its independent compensation consultant to help ensure that the total compensation paid to GEC members is appropriate in light of our industry, peer group, Company compensation objectives and evolving market and compensation
best practices. The Committee and our independent compensation consultant also assess the competitiveness of our GEC members’ compensation to determine if adjustments are warranted
|
| ● |
Consider input from shareholders on the design of our executive compensation program and associated disclosures
|
| ● |
Design annual incentive awards with quantitative factors that further our overall business objectives and approve award payouts based on actual performance and achievement of these factors
|
| ● |
Revenue and revenue growth
|
| ● |
Whether we compete with the company for executive talent
|
| ● |
Market capitalization
|
| ● |
Relevant exposure to the aviation industry
|
| ● |
Relevant exposure to real assets
|
| ● |
Dependence on a highly skilled management team
|
| ● |
Credit exposure/underwriting expertise
|
| ● |
Significant capital expenditures
|
|
Global Aviation Leasing
|
Aerospace and Defense
|
Transportation and Equipment Leasing
|
Asset Management
|
|
Aircastle
Air Lease Corporation
Avolon
BOC Aviation Ltd.
|
Boeing
GE Aerospace Lockheed Martin RTX Corporation
|
Ryder System
United Rentals
|
Ameriprise Financial BlackRock
Equinix
Morgan Stanley
Prologis
State Street
T. Rowe Price
Wells Fargo Welltower
|
| (1) |
annual base salary
|
| (2) |
annual performance-based incentive award
|
| (3) |
long-term equity incentive awards (LTIP awards)
|
|
Pay Element
|
Form
|
2025
Components
|
Link to Board Philosophy and Objectives
|
|
Base Salary
|
Cash
|
Provide market-competitive fixed pay reflective of each executive’s role, responsibilities and individual performance
|
|
|
Annual Performance-Based Incentive Award
(see page 29 and 30 for additional metrics added for 2026)
|
Cash and Share Awards - based on target incentive award to the extent that metrics are achieved, with an individual performance factor then applied. Maximum incentive award is 3.5x annual performance-based
incentive target1
|
Adjusted EPS2
|
Investor feedback indicates that adjusted EPS is the key metric investors use to evaluate our annual performance. Adjusted EPS excludes items such as net recoveries from the Ukraine conflict and the impact of
purchase accounting adjustments that are not representative of the ongoing operational performance of the Company
Annual performance-based incentive awards provide for higher potential payouts in the event that performance targets are exceeded. This is designed to incentivize over-achievement against annual targets to the
benefit of shareholders
Given the Board’s focus on overall profitable growth and the impact of capital deployment, AerCap’s consolidated adjusted EPS results are used for all executives / awards, rather than the use of individual
metrics. This ensures complete and consistent alignment of focus on the long-term interests of shareholders
Executives may elect to take these annual awards in cash or shares. GEC members typically elect to receive in shares, further aligning their interests with shareholders and the long-term position of the Company
|
|
Long-Term Incentive Awards
|
Share Awards
|
Adjusted EPS Targets
|
As described above, long-term multi-year adjusted EPS targets ensure alignment with shareholders’ long-term interests and ensure that executives prioritize long-term value creation
This primary focus on EPS performance, enabled through the significant weighting of compensation towards multi-year cliff-vesting share awards with extended holding requirements, ensures adherence to the
principles that have made AerCap the industry leader, including disciplined focus on operational performance, accretive capital deployment, the identification of counter-cyclical commercial opportunities, efficient financing and robust
liquidity, and asset portfolio optimization
Unlike the annual performance-based incentive award, there is no upside if the performance targets are exceeded. This reflects the Board’s focus on achieving continuity of progressive performance over the long
term, rather than on short-term outperformance. However, unless 84.5% of the target is met, none of the awards will vest
|
|
Pay Element
|
Form
|
2025
Components
|
Link to Board Philosophy and Objectives
|
|
Time-Based Conditions
|
Multi-year, time-based vesting conditions provide a long-term retention incentive through the vesting date
Long-term focus of business and extended time horizon of the outcomes of business decisions underpin benefits of retaining high-performing executives through AerCap’s business and investment cycles, ensuring that
their compensation is at-risk over multi-year periods
|
||
|
Share Price Targets
|
Share price targets ensure alignment with shareholders’ interest in stock price appreciation
Maintains a high-caliber management team that is incentivized to produce consistently strong and sustainable results over the long term
|
|
Pay Element
|
Form
|
2026 Components (and Weightings)
|
Link to Board Philosophy and Objectives
|
|
Annual Performance-Based Incentive Award
|
Cash and Share Awards - based on target incentive award to the extent metrics are achieved, with an individual performance factor then applied.
Maximum incentive award is 3.5x annual performance-based incentive target
|
Adjusted EPS1 (80%)
|
Investor feedback indicates that adjusted EPS is the key metric investors use when evaluating the Company’s annual performance. Adjusted EPS excludes items such as net recoveries from the Ukraine conflict and the
impact of purchase accounting adjustments that are not representative of the ongoing operational performance of the Company
Annual performance-based incentive awards provide for higher potential payouts in the event that performance targets are exceeded. This is designed to incentivize over-achievement against annual targets to the
benefit of shareholders
|
|
Risk
Management (10%)
|
Ensure that in seeking to maximize adjusted EPS, our executives manage risks appropriately
Maintain sufficient credit metrics, including leverage, liquidity and ratings, to meet the Company’s short- and long-term obligations
|
||
|
Portfolio
Management (10%)
|
Ensure that the Company maintains an attractive portfolio of liquid, in-demand assets, which is key to the Company’s long-term success
|
||
|
Individual
Component
|
Enables the Committee to recognize individual achievements and contributions to the Company’s success
Modifier will increase or decrease total payout as determined by the Committee’s assessment of the individual’s impact in their role and achievement of pre-determined objectives
|
| ● |
It results in the potential total value of the compensation package being heavily weighted towards the successful vesting of long-term equity awards. For example, 91% of the CEO’s compensation since his initial appointment in 2011 to
December 31, 2025 has been derived from equity awards
|
| ● |
50% of any shares that vest and are received by the CEO under the long-term equity incentive program are required to be held until retirement; assuming a retirement age of 65, this results in a 27-year holding period for the CEO’s first
stock grant in 2011. This lengthy holding period aligns with the typical useful life of the assets the Company purchases and manages In relation to the CEO award approved by shareholders at the 2025 AGM, 72% of the CEO’s long-term equity
award is contingent upon the achievement of long-term growth in shareholder value (52% is contingent on the achievement of annual adjusted EPS targets, and 20% is contingent on the achievement of the share price target). Vesting of these
awards is contingent on the CEO remaining with the Company until the relevant vesting dates in April 2029 (52%) and April 2030 (48%).
|
|
Financial Metrics
|
Weighting
|
||||
|
Adjusted EPS (target range outlined in the table below)
|
80%
|
||||
|
Strategic/Operational Metrics
|
|||||
|
Risk Management
|
10%
|
||||
|
- Leverage ratio at or below target (current company target is 2.7x)
|
|||||
|
- Liquidity coverage at or above target (current company target is 1.5x)
|
|||||
|
- Maintain investment grade credit ratings (currently BBB+/ BBB+/Baa1)
|
|||||
|
- Management of risk exposures and customer / regional concentrations
|
|||||
|
Portfolio Management
|
10%
|
||||
|
- Management of portfolio concentration risks through active trading / acquisitions
|
|||||
|
- Management of aircraft, engine and helicopter portfolio to maintain in-demand assets
|
|||||
|
Total
|
20%
|
||||
|
2026 Adjusted EPS Target Range
|
|||||
|
Well Below
|
Below
|
Achievement Level
|
Outperform
|
Significantly Outperform
|
|
|
Adjusted EPS
|
$13
|
$14
|
$15
|
$18
|
$20
|
|
Financial
Performance Factor
|
0.5x
|
0.75x
|
1.0x
|
1.5x
|
2.0x
|
|
Metric (and Weighting)
|
Nomination and Compensation Committee Rationale
|
|
|
Financial
|
Adjusted EPS (80%)
|
We believe Adjusted EPS is the most suitable measure for assessing shareholder value creation, and many investors value AerCap shares on a price-to-earnings basis. Adjusted net income is calculated as net income
excluding the after-tax impact of the amortization of maintenance rights and lease premium assets recognized under purchase accounting and net recoveries related to the Ukraine Conflict. Adjusted earnings per share is calculated by dividing
adjusted net income by the weighted average of our diluted ordinary shares outstanding. The $15 adjusted EPS target for 2026 represents a return of approximately 13% on the book value per share of $112.59 as of December 31, 2025
|
|
Metric (and Weighting)
|
Nomination and Compensation Committee Rationale
|
|
|
Strategic /Operational Metrics
|
Risk
Management (10%)
|
While we seek to incentivize our executive officers to maximize adjusted EPS, we also want to ensure that they do so while maintaining appropriate risk management. In the aviation leasing industry, it is
important to maintain sufficient access to capital and sufficient liquidity, which is the lifeblood of our business. Therefore, we have incorporated into our performance metrics a number of items designed to ensure that the Company maintains
an appropriate risk profile. These include maintaining a leverage ratio at or below our target level, maintaining liquidity at or above our target level, maintaining the Company’s high credit ratings and maintaining a portfolio that is
diversified by customer and geographical region. We have assigned a weighting of 10% in the aggregate across these metrics
|
|
Portfolio Management (10%)
|
In the aviation leasing business, it is critical to maintain an attractive portfolio of liquid, in-demand assets. We have assigned a weighting of 10% to this metric
|
|
|
CEO
|
Weighting
|
|
Adjusted EPS
|
52%
|
|
Share Price Target
|
20%
|
|
Time-based Conditions
|
28%
|
|
Total
|
100%
|
|
Other GEC Members
|
Weighting
|
|
Adjusted EPS
|
64%
|
|
Share Price Target
|
4%
|
|
Time-based Conditions
|
32%
|
|
Total
|
100%
|
|
Award Type
|
Shares Granted in 2025
|
Alignment to Shareholder Value
|
|
Performance-
Based Awards
|
1,300,000 shares
|
Will vest in April 2029 only if specified levels of EPS are achieved during the vesting period, and subject to continued employment until the vesting date in 2029
None of the adjusted EPS performance-based shares will vest if 84.5% or less of the adjusted EPS target is achieved
A portion of the adjusted EPS performance-based shares will vest if more than 84.5%, but less than 100% of the EPS target is achieved, and all adjusted EPS performance-based shares will vest if the EPS target is
achieved or exceeded. No more than 100% of the performance-based shares will vest, even if the adjusted EPS target is significantly exceeded
Designed to encourage superior performance over a prolonged period of time and structured consistently with prior long-term equity awards granted to Mr. Kelly in 2011, 2014, 2018 and 2021 following shareholder
approval
|
|
Share Price Target Awards
|
500,000 shares
|
Will vest if the trailing 30-calendar-day average closing price of the Company’s ordinary shares on the NYSE equals or exceeds $140 during the period beginning from the 2025 AGM and ending on April 30, 2030,1
and subject to continued employment until the vesting date in 2030
|
|
Time-Based Awards
|
700,000 shares
|
Subject to time-based vesting conditions through 2030
|
|
Award Type
|
Shares Granted in 2024
|
Alignment to Shareholder Value
|
|
Performance-
Based Awards
|
266,667 shares in 2024
|
Similar vesting conditions as CEO
|
|
Time-Based Awards
|
133,333 shares in 2024
|
Subject to time-based vesting conditions through 2029
|
|
Award Type
|
Shares Granted in 2025
|
Alignment to Shareholder Value
|
|
Performance-
Based Awards
|
193,000 shares
|
Similar vesting conditions as CEO
|
|
Share Price
Target Awards
|
30,000 shares
|
Similar vesting conditions as CEO
|
|
Time-Based Awards
|
97,000 shares
|
Subject to time-based vesting conditions through 2030
|
| ● |
Align GEC members’ compensation with shareholders’ interests: We believe the best way to align our GEC members’ incentives with our long-term goals is to ensure that their financial rewards as
shareholders will, over the long term, far outweigh any cash compensation they earn as employees. In this regard, the interests of our GEC members and our shareholders are strongly aligned. Our GEC members as a group beneficially owned
approximately 5% of our outstanding shares as of December 31, 2025
|
| ● |
Binding approval of CEO compensation by shareholders: Under Dutch law, CEO compensation is subject to a binding vote by shareholders. At the 2025 AGM, 95% of AerCap shareholder votes were in favor of the reappointment of our CEO and for
his long-term share awards. This level of approval is consistent with previous approvals of CEO reappointment and CEO compensation. No long-term share awards are being proposed this year
|
| ● |
Performance-based long-term incentive awards: 71% of the share awards in our GEC members’ long-term incentive program vesting in 2029 and 2030 are based on the achievement of EPS targets or share
price performance and are contingent on continued employment at these vesting dates
|
| ● |
Long-dated retention requirements: The remaining 29% of the share awards in our GEC members’ long-term incentive program require executives to remain employed by the Company until 2030 (2029 in the
case of Peter Anderson). In addition, assuming the CEO remains at the Company, 50% of all of his share awards that vest are restricted from sale until his retirement
|
| ● |
Clawback: As an additional safeguard, our Board of Directors has adopted clawback policies related to incentive compensation, as described below We believe that the design of our executive
compensation program as a whole aligns our executives’ incentives with the creation of long-term value for our investors, which is bolstered by the above safeguards that encourage achieving such value creation in a manner that is sustainable
and avoids taking on undue risk.
|
|
Name and principal position
|
Year
|
Salary1
($)
|
Stock awards2
($)
|
Non-equity incentive plan compensation3 ($)
|
All other compensation4 ($)
|
Total
($)
|
|
Aengus Kelly
|
2025
|
961,161
|
232,139,656
|
3,513,641
|
852,015
|
237,466,473
|
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
2024
|
919,988
|
2,762,236
|
3,436,917
|
645,289
|
7,764,430
|
|
2023
|
919,460
|
1,803,892
|
3,040,025
|
403,943
|
6,167,320
|
|
|
2022
|
895,356
|
2,939,002
|
1,902,783
|
380,540
|
6,117,681
|
|
|
Peter Anderson
|
2025
|
735,006
|
-
|
1,535,373
|
543,545
|
2,813,924
|
|
Chief Commercial Officer
|
2024
|
649,403
|
33,496,000
|
1,166,356
|
614,433
|
35,926,192
|
|
2023
|
649,031
|
-
|
1,227,744
|
564,859
|
2,441,634
|
|
|
2022
|
632,016
|
-
|
858,132
|
449,517
|
1,939,665
|
|
|
Peter Juhas
|
2025
|
789,355
|
32,817,500
|
1,900,000
|
1,792,367
|
37,299,222
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
2024
|
749,776
|
-
|
1,738,589
|
2,215,178
|
4,703,543
|
|
2023
|
753,189
|
-
|
1,614,112
|
1,890,714
|
4,258,015
|
|
|
2022
|
748,925
|
-
|
1,331,031
|
2,202,403
|
4,282,359
|
|
Name
|
Award
|
Grant Date
|
Approval Date
|
Estimated future payouts under non-equity incentive plan awards (share awards)
|
Estimated future payouts under equity incentive plan awards (share awards)
|
All Other stock awards: Number of shares of stock or units (#)
|
Grant date fair value of stock awards ($)
|
||||
|
Threshold ($)
|
Target ($) (6)
|
Maximum ($) (6) (7)
|
Threshold (#)
|
Target (#)
|
Maximum (#)
|
||||||
|
Aengus
Kelly
CEO
|
Annual incentive
|
-
|
1,003,897
|
3,513,641
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||
|
Restricted Stock Awards
|
|||||||||||
|
Annual equity incentive1
|
Mar 5, 2025
|
Feb 25, 2025
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
30,637
|
3,109,656
|
|
|
Long-term incentive award - EPS Target2
|
May 12, 2025
|
Apr 16, 2025
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1,098,630
|
1,300,000
|
1,300,000
|
-
|
123,669,000
|
|
|
Long-term incentive award3
|
May 12, 2025
|
Apr 16, 2025
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
700,000
|
66,591,000
|
|
|
Restricted
Stock Units
|
|||||||||||
|
Long-term incentive award - Share Price Target
|
May 12, 2025
|
Apr 16, 2025
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
500,000
|
500,000
|
38,770,000
|
||
|
Peter Anderson
CCO
|
Annual incentive
|
-
|
767,686
|
2,686,902
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||
|
Annual incentive
|
-
|
950,000
|
3,325,000
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||
|
Restricted Stock Awards
|
|||||||||||
|
Peter
Juhas
CFO
|
Long-term incentive award - EPS
Target4
|
May 12, 2025
|
Apr 28, 2025
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
166,485
|
197,000
|
197,000
|
-
|
20,491,940
|
|
Long-term incentive award5
|
May 12, 2025
|
Apr 28, 2025
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
93,000
|
9,673,860
|
|
|
Restricted
Stock Units
|
|||||||||||
|
Long-term incentive award - Share Price Target
|
May 12, 2025
|
Apr 28, 2025
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
30,000
|
30,000
|
-
|
2,651,700
|
|
|
Name
|
Award
|
Grant date
|
Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested
|
Market value of shares or units of stock that have not vested6 ($)
|
Equity incentive plan awards: number of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested
|
Equity incentive plan awards: market value of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested6 ($)
|
|
Aengus Kelly
Chief Executive
Officer
|
Restricted Stock Awards
|
|||||
|
2021 Long-term incentive award - Share price target1
|
Nov 1, 2021
|
174,418
|
25,074,332
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
2021 Long-term incentive award - Share price target1
|
Nov 1, 2021
|
174,418
|
25,074,332
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
2021 Long-term incentive award – Retention1
|
Jun 18, 2021
|
833,333
|
119,799,952
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
2021 Long-term incentive award - Retention1
|
Nov 15, 2021
|
166,667
|
23,960,048
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
2022 Annual equity incentive2
|
Mar 13, 2023
|
28,890
|
4,153,226
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
2023 Annual equity incentive1
|
Mar 22, 2024
|
24,681
|
3,548,141
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
2024 Annual equity incentive1
|
Mar 5, 2025
|
21,348
|
3,068,988
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
2025 Long-term incentive award - EPS Target3
|
May 12, 2025
|
905,877
|
130,228,878
|
|||
|
2025 Long-term incentive award – Retention4
|
May 12, 2025
|
487,779
|
70,123,109
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
Restricted Stock Units
|
||||||
|
2025 Long-term incentive award - Share price target4
|
May 12, 2025
|
500,000
|
71,880,000
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
Peter Anderson
Chief Commercial
Officer
|
Restricted Stock Awards
|
|||||
|
2025 Long-term incentive award - EPS Target5
|
Apr 18, 2024
|
-
|
-
|
93,023
|
13,372,986
|
|
|
2025 Long-term incentive award – Retention5
|
Apr 18, 2024
|
186,046
|
26,745,973
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
Peter Juhas
Chief Financial
Officer
|
Restricted Stock Awards
|
|||||
|
2021 Long-term incentive award - Share price target1
|
Nov 1, 2021
|
22,743
|
3,269,534
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
2021 Long-term incentive award - Share price target1
|
Nov 1, 2021
|
22,743
|
3,269,534
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
2021 Long-term incentive award - Retention1
|
Jun 18, 2021
|
75,812
|
10,898,733
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
2025 Long-term incentive award - EPS Target3
|
May 12, 2025
|
-
|
-
|
117,054
|
16,827,683
|
|
|
2025 Long-term incentive award - Retention4
|
May 12, 2025
|
58,830
|
8,457,401
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
Restricted Stock Units
|
||||||
|
2025 Long-term incentive award - Share price target4
|
May 12, 2025
|
30,000
|
4,312,800
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
Name
|
Number of shares acquired on vesting
|
Value realized upon vesting ($)
|
|
A Kelly1
Chief Executive Officer
|
2,053,996
|
217,016,750
|
|
P Anderson2
Chief Commercial Officer
|
313,953
|
32,073,438
|
|
P Juhas3
Chief Financial Officer
|
151,625
|
16,032,828
|
|
Name
|
Type of Payment
|
Voluntary Termination ($)
|
Involuntary termination without cause ($)
|
Involuntary termination with cause ($)
|
Death / Disability1 ($)
|
|
A Kelly
|
Cash Severance
|
-
|
1,118,998
|
-
|
-
|
|
Equity Incentives2
|
-
|
39,324,085
|
-
|
39,324,085
|
|
|
Total
|
-
|
40,443,083
|
-
|
39,324,085
|
|
|
P Anderson
|
Cash Severance
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Equity Incentives2
|
-
|
13,672,928
|
-
|
13,672,928
|
|
|
Total
|
-
|
13,672,928
|
-
|
13,672,928
|
|
|
P Juhas
|
Cash Severance
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Equity Incentives2
|
-
|
4,362,046
|
-
|
4,362,046
|
|
|
Total
|
-
|
4,362,046
|
-
|
4,362,046
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2025
|
||||||||
|
Net income
|
Earnings per Share
|
|||||||
|
(U.S. Dollars in millions, except per share data)
|
||||||||
|
Net income / earnings per share
|
$
|
3,751
|
$
|
21.30
|
||||
|
Adjusted for:
|
||||||||
|
Net recoveries related to Ukraine Conflict
|
(1,490
|
)
|
(8.46
|
)
|
||||
|
Amortization of maintenance rights and lease premium assets recognized under purchase accounting (*)
|
262
|
1.49
|
||||||
|
Income tax effect of the above adjustments
|
184
|
1.05
|
||||||
|
Adjusted net income / earnings per share
|
$
|
2,706
|
$
|
15.37
|
||||
|
Average AerCap Holdings N.V. shareholders’ equity
|
$
|
17,759
|
||||||
|
Return on equity
|
21
|
%
|
||||||
|
Adjusted return on equity
|
15
|
%
|
||||||
|
Year ended December 31, 2026
Net income / Earnings per Share
|
||||
|
(U.S. Dollars in billions, except per share data)
|
||||
|
Net income
|
$
|
2.1
|
||
|
Adjusted for:
|
||||
|
Amortization of maintenance rights and lease premium assets recognized under purchase accounting
|
0.3
|
|||
|
Income tax effect of the above adjustments
|
(0.0
|
)
|
||
|
Adjusted net income
|
$
|
2.4
|
||
|
Adjusted earnings per share
|
$
|
15
|
||
| ● |
Adjusted debt means consolidated total debt less cash and cash equivalents, and less a 50% equity credit with respect to certain long-term subordinated debt.
|
| ● |
Adjusted equity means total equity plus the 50% equity credit related to the long-term subordinated debt.
|
|
December 31, 2025 (U.S. Dollars in millions, except debt/equity ratio)
|
||||
|
Debt
|
$
|
43,565
|
||
|
Adjusted for:
|
||||
|
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents
|
(1,379
|
)
|
||
|
50% equity credit for long-term subordinated debt
|
(1,125
|
)
|
||
|
Adjusted debt
|
$
|
41,061
|
||
|
Equity
|
$
|
18,323
|
||
|
Adjusted for:
|
||||
|
50% equity credit for long-term subordinated debt
|
1,125
|
|||
|
Adjusted equity
|
$
|
19,448
|
||
|
Adjusted debt/equity ratio
|
2.1 to 1
|
|||
FAQ
What are the key proposals at AerCap (AER) 2026 annual general meeting?
When is AerCap (AER) shareholders’ meeting and who can vote?
How is AerCap (AER) changing dividends and share repurchases?
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How did AerCap (AER) perform financially in 2025 according to the CD&A?
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Filing Exhibits & Attachments
21 documentsPress Releases
- EX-99 NOTICE AND AGENDA FOR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 22.5 KB
- EX-99 EXPLANATION TO THE AGENDA FOR THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 236.6 KB
- EX-99 REPORT OF THE NOMINATION & COMPENSATION COMMITTEE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2025 398.0 KB
- EX-99 ex99-3p04a.jpg 5.6 KB
- EX-99 ex99-3p04b.jpg 6.3 KB
- EX-99 ex99-3p04c.jpg 6.3 KB
- EX-99 ex99-3p07.jpg 72.6 KB
- EX-99 ex99-3p9_01.jpg 57.9 KB
- EX-99 ex99-3p9_02.jpg 71.9 KB
- EX-99 ex99-3p10_01.jpg 65.8 KB
- EX-99 ex99-3p10_02.jpg 65.8 KB
- EX-99 ex99-3p11_01.jpg 15.3 KB
- EX-99 ex99-3p11_02.jpg 44.5 KB
- EX-99 ex99-3p14.jpg 36.3 KB
- EX-99 ex99-3p28_01.jpg 20.3 KB
- EX-99 ex99-3p28_02.jpg 11.7 KB
- EX-99 ex99-3_p15.jpg 38.7 KB
- EX-99 ex99-3_p16.jpg 41.1 KB
- EX-99 ex99-3_p25.jpg 31.4 KB
- EX-99 ex99-3_p27.jpg 38.5 KB
- EX-99 ex99-3_p30.jpg 33.1 KB






