Apple CEO Tim Cook’s total compensation for 2025 fell by 0.4% to $74.29 million, driven by a minor reduction in stock awards despite steady salary and incentives. While Apple’s shares rose 11.5% last year, they trailed the S&P 500’s 16.6% and Nasdaq 100’s 20.4% gains, likely influencing the adjustment. Cook remains among the top-paid executives, with his leadership boosting Apple stock 1,829% since taking over from Steve Jobs in 2011.
Compensation Breakdown
Cook’s base salary held at $3 million, non-equity incentives stayed at $12 million, and “other compensation” rose 17.3% to $1.76 million. Stock awards dropped less than 1% from $58.09 million to $57.54 million, including retirement perks for his long tenure. This package reflects Apple’s SEC filings, underscoring Cook’s stability at the helm since 2011.
Other Executives’ Pay
Top leaders also saw adjustments, though totals remained substantial:
- General counsel Kate Adams: $27.03 million
- Retail chief Deirdre O’Brien: $27.05 million
- New CFO Kevan Parekh: $22.46 million
- Former CFO Luca Maestri: $15.48 million
These figures highlight Apple’s robust executive rewards amid performance metrics.
Bright Outlook for Apple
Despite the pay tweak, optimism surrounds Apple’s fiscal Q1 2026 earnings on January 29, with Cook forecasting record revenue and iPhone sales potentially topping $76 billion—up from $69.14 billion last year. Analysts predict overall revenue of $136-139 billion, a 10-12% jump from the prior record $124.3 billion. A PhoneArena poll debates if Cook’s pay matches his value, pitting “overpaid” against “worth it.”