Tesla Shareholders Face Crucial Vote on Elon Musk’s $56 Billion Pay Package
Tesla shareholders are gearing up for a pivotal vote on June 13th to decide the fate of CEO Elon Musk’s $56 billion pay package. The decision comes after a Delaware judge voided the initial approval earlier this year, citing flaws in the process. The outcome could significantly impact Musk’s future with the company.
Key Takeaways
- Event Date: June 13th, 2024
- Pay Package: $56 billion
- Initial Approval: Voided by Delaware judge
- Potential Impact: Musk may leave Tesla if not approved
Background
Tesla’s board chair, Robyn Denholm, has been vocal in urging shareholders to approve the massive pay package for Elon Musk. She argues that Musk is not a typical executive and that his compensation should reflect his unique contributions to the company. Denholm has warned that failing to approve the package could drive Musk to focus his efforts elsewhere, potentially jeopardizing Tesla’s future.
Shareholder Concerns
Several proxy firms have recommended against approving Musk’s pay proposal, citing concerns over its size and structure. Norway’s $1.7 trillion sovereign wealth fund, Tesla’s eighth-largest shareholder, has also announced its intention to vote against the package. The fund has expressed concerns about the total size of the award, performance triggers, and the lack of mitigation of key person risk.
Musk’s Other Ventures
Elon Musk is involved in multiple ventures, including SpaceX, The Boring Company, Neuralink, X, and xAI. His attention is divided among these projects, raising concerns among Tesla investors about his level of focus on the electric vehicle company. Musk has hinted that he could take his work to other companies if his pay package is not approved.
Voting Trends
Early voting indicates that Musk may get the approval he seeks. A report by trading platform eToro showed that about 25% of Tesla’s shares have already voted, with more than 80% in favor of the package. However, the final outcome remains uncertain.
Potential Consequences
If the pay package is not approved, Musk has threatened to spin out Tesla’s AI work into a separate company. He has also expressed a desire for more control over Tesla, aiming for a 25% stake to further his goals in AI and self-driving cars. Currently, Musk holds about 13% of the company after selling billions of dollars of shares to acquire Twitter.
Conclusion
The upcoming vote on June 13th is crucial for both Tesla and Elon Musk. While some shareholders and proxy firms are against the $56 billion pay package, early voting trends suggest that Musk may secure the approval he needs. The decision will have far-reaching implications for Tesla’s future and Musk’s role within the company.
Sources
- Tesla CEO Elon Musk could leave if $56 billion pay package not approved, shareholders warned – The Verge, The Verge.
- Tesla chair hints that Elon Musk could take his work ‘other places’ if he doesn’t get his big payday, Business Insider.
- Norway wealth fund to vote against Musk’s $56 bln Tesla pay package | Reuters, Reuters.
- Elon Musk’s $56 billion pay package to get no vote from Norway fund | Fortune, Fortune.
- Tesla Pay Fight Gives Elon Musk Taste of Karma – WSJ, WSJ.