Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora sees pay cut after investor pushback

Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora’s total compensation for fiscal 2026 was reported at approximately $80.27 million, representing a 19.5% decrease from the $99.74 million reported in fiscal 2025.

The reduction follows a weak advisory ‘say-on-pay’ vote at the company’s 2025 annual meeting, where only 46% of shares voted in favor of the executive compensation program. In response to shareholder pressure, the board implemented lower future payout limits and established tougher performance conditions for compensation.

While the reported compensation decreased, the package still includes a significant equity opportunity oriented toward retention. The fiscal 2026 figure is based on SEC summary compensation table standards, which include the grant-date fair values of stock awards.