Stock windfall for top 20 US Inc CEOs

As per the list based on an analysis by executive compensation research firm Equilar,Ford Motor CEO Alan R Mulally comes at the top with gains of USD 46.5 million in around six months,as the company8217;s shares have risen significantly from November last year when they were granted to him.

8220;No one could8217;ve known it then,but 20098217;s stock market bust could be a boon for some executives8217; pay. Many were awarded options when their company8217;s shares were so low that their value skyrocketed as stock prices revived,8221; the magazine stated.

However,the total value represents hypothetical gains and the executive would not realise any actual value until the stock option award is exercised,the report added.

Other CEOs on the list include 8212; Liberty Media8217;s Gregory B Maffei with gains of USD 45.5 million,American Express8217; Kenneth I Chenault USD 27.7 million,General Dynamics8217; Jay L Johnson USD 23.2 million and Capital One Financial8217;s Richard D Fairbank USD 22.8 million.

The analysis by Equilar looked only at options granted during the 2009 calendar year at public US companies with revenue over USD 10 billion.

The total value of options represent the intrinsic value of the awards. Intrinsic value was calculated by taking the difference between stock price and exercise price then multiplying it by the number of options awarded. All stock prices were taken as of May 21,2010.

Others on the list includes Coca-Cola CEO Muhtar Kent,Dow Chemical8217;s Andrew N Liveris and Whirlpool8217;s Jeff M Fettig.