Tesla Investors Divided Over Elon Musk's Trillion-Dollar Compensation Package
Tesla investors are split on CEO Elon Musk's proposed $1 trillion compensation package, with some major funds opposing it while others, including the company's chair, advocate for its approval to retain Musk.
Overview
Norway's sovereign wealth fund, a major Tesla investor, announced its decision to vote against the proposed $1 trillion compensation package for CEO Elon Musk.
Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm warned shareholders that rejecting the substantial pay plan could result in Elon Musk leaving the company, highlighting its importance for his retention.
In contrast, Baron Capital Management, another significant Tesla investor, publicly declared its support for Elon Musk's massive compensation package.
The controversial package, which could grant Musk shares up to 12% of Tesla if performance targets are met, has faced criticism from smaller shareholders and pension funds.
This current debate follows a 2024 instance where the Norwegian fund also voted against a $56 billion Musk compensation package, later canceled by a Delaware judge.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story as a high-stakes "battle" over Elon Musk's "massive" pay package, emphasizing the controversy and potential for a dramatic outcome. They highlight the "pushback" from proxy firms and a major sovereign wealth fund, while using vivid language to describe the contentious situation.
Sources (4)
FAQ
The compensation package could grant Elon Musk shares up to 12% of Tesla if performance targets are met, aligning his pay with the company's performance and market value growth.
Some major funds, including Norway's sovereign wealth fund, oppose the package due to its extremely high valuation and concerns over shareholder equity dilution, and smaller shareholders and pension funds also criticize it.
Tesla’s chair Robyn Denholm and supporting investors argue the package is essential to retain Elon Musk's leadership and talent, warning that rejecting it may risk his departure from the company.
In 2024, the Norwegian fund voted against a $56 billion compensation package for Musk, which was later canceled by a Delaware judge, indicating ongoing shareholder scrutiny of his pay.
The approval of such a large package could prompt reevaluation of CEO compensation across industries, potentially leading to demands for similarly substantial pay even at different companies, raising questions on compensation norms.
History
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