Tim Cook Receives Time-Based and Performance RSUs at Apple (AAPL)
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Timothy D. Cook, Apple Inc. CEO and Director, reported two awards of restricted stock units (RSUs). On 09/28/2025 he was granted 48,932 time-based RSUs that vest in three equal annual installments on April 1, 2028, 2029 and 2030. He was also granted 146,795 performance-based RSUs
Positive
- Combination of time-based and performance-based RSUs aligns executive incentives with multi-year retention and shareholder returns
- Performance RSUs include a 0%–200% payout range, tying potential upside directly to relative total shareholder return
Negative
- Performance outcome is uncertain—the reported 146,795 RSUs are at target and actual payout may be 0% if performance thresholds are not met
- Vesting is multi-year, so there is no immediate increase in freely tradable shares
Insights
TL;DR: CEO received time-based and performance-based RSUs aligned with multi-year retention and performance goals.
The grants combine standard retention (time-based RSUs vesting in thirds) with performance-based RSUs tied to relative total shareholder return over a three-year performance period. Reporting the performance grant at target is consistent with disclosure norms; actual share delivery will depend on measured performance and may range from 0%–200% of target. These awards preserve alignment between leadership incentives and shareholder returns without immediate cash flow impact.
TL;DR: Grants reflect typical executive pay design emphasizing long-term retention and performance metrics.
The time-based RSUs vest in fixed tranches while the performance RSUs depend on TSR relative performance for fiscal 2026–2028, reinforcing long-term orientation. The filing shows direct beneficial ownership of the reported units and discloses settlement dates and performance parameters explicitly, meeting disclosure requirements.