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Tesla's $1 Trillion Pay Package Sparks Investor Backlash as Proxy Adviser Urges Rejection
A high-stakes showdown is brewing at Tesla, the electric carmaker, as investors push back against a proposed $1 trillion pay package for CEO Elon Musk. The compensation plan, unveiled in September, has raised eyebrows among investors and proxy adviser Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), which is urging them to vote against it.
According to ISS, the proposed grant could deliver astronomical payouts to Musk even if Tesla fails to meet some of its ambitious targets, while also diluting existing investors' stakes. The ISS valued the stock-based award at $104 billion, significantly higher than Tesla's own estimate of $87.8 billion.
The ISS recommendation comes as a blow to Tesla's board, which proposed the compensation plan in an effort to retain Musk due to his "track record and vision." However, the proxy adviser argues that the plan locks in extraordinarily high pay opportunities over the next ten years and reduces the board's ability to adjust future pay levels.
Tesla's shares have already risen on news of the compensation package, with investors betting that it will incentivize Musk to focus on the company's strategy. But with ISS weighing in against the deal, Musk's control over the company could be at risk.
The November 6 shareholder meeting is crucial, as Tesla's board seeks approval for the massive pay package. Musk, who already holds a significant stake in the company, would have about 13.5 percent of Tesla's voting power if he votes using his shares. That alone could secure his approval.
Despite the concerns raised by ISS, there are still many investors who believe that the compensation package is necessary to retain top talent and drive growth at Tesla. However, as the stakes grow higher, it remains to be seen whether Musk will emerge victorious or if the company's board will cave to investor pressure.
A high-stakes showdown is brewing at Tesla, the electric carmaker, as investors push back against a proposed $1 trillion pay package for CEO Elon Musk. The compensation plan, unveiled in September, has raised eyebrows among investors and proxy adviser Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), which is urging them to vote against it.
According to ISS, the proposed grant could deliver astronomical payouts to Musk even if Tesla fails to meet some of its ambitious targets, while also diluting existing investors' stakes. The ISS valued the stock-based award at $104 billion, significantly higher than Tesla's own estimate of $87.8 billion.
The ISS recommendation comes as a blow to Tesla's board, which proposed the compensation plan in an effort to retain Musk due to his "track record and vision." However, the proxy adviser argues that the plan locks in extraordinarily high pay opportunities over the next ten years and reduces the board's ability to adjust future pay levels.
Tesla's shares have already risen on news of the compensation package, with investors betting that it will incentivize Musk to focus on the company's strategy. But with ISS weighing in against the deal, Musk's control over the company could be at risk.
The November 6 shareholder meeting is crucial, as Tesla's board seeks approval for the massive pay package. Musk, who already holds a significant stake in the company, would have about 13.5 percent of Tesla's voting power if he votes using his shares. That alone could secure his approval.
Despite the concerns raised by ISS, there are still many investors who believe that the compensation package is necessary to retain top talent and drive growth at Tesla. However, as the stakes grow higher, it remains to be seen whether Musk will emerge victorious or if the company's board will cave to investor pressure.