Palo Alto Networks insider withholding: 1,964 RSU shares net-settled at $208.19
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Palo Alto Networks Inc. (PANW) Form 4 shows that Josh D. Paul, Chief Accounting Officer, had 1,964 shares withheld on 09/20/2025 at a price of $208.19 per share. The filing clarifies this was not an open-market sale but shares withheld by the issuer to satisfy income tax and withholding obligations tied to the vesting and net settlement of previously reported restricted stock units. After the withholding, Mr. Paul beneficially owns 33,174 shares. The form was signed by an attorney-in-fact on 09/23/2025.
Positive
- Transaction was a withholding for taxes, not an open-market sale, indicating no insider cash liquidation reported.
- Clear disclosure of number of shares withheld (1,964), price ($208.19), and resulting beneficial ownership (33,174) provides transparency.
Negative
- Beneficial ownership decreased by 1,964 shares due to withholding, reducing reported holdings to 33,174 shares.
- Limited detail on prior RSU grant is provided; the form references previously reported restricted stock units but does not restate grant date or original quantity.
Insights
TL;DR: Officer withheld 1,964 shares to cover taxes on vested RSUs; not an open-market disposition.
This Form 4 documents a routine withholding to settle tax obligations from RSU vesting rather than a sale for liquidity. The quantity withheld (1,964 shares) and the per-share value ($208.19) reduce the officer's beneficial stake to 33,174 shares. For investors, this is an administrative equity adjustment with no direct cash-market impact or signal of diversification.
TL;DR: Transaction is standard payroll tax withholding on net-settled RSUs; governance procedures appear followed.
The filing explicitly states the withholding was performed by the issuer to satisfy income tax and remittance obligations related to vested restricted stock units. The presence of a Rule 10b5-1 indicator box checked on the form and the attorney-in-fact signature dated 09/23/2025 indicate procedural compliance. This is a common administrative action and does not reflect a discretionary insider sale.