Tesla’s $30B Ultimatum: Board Pays Musk to Stay, Stock Up 2.2%

Vladimir Popescu
Tesla TSLA shares stock
Source: Finbold

Tesla & Musk’s pay deal actually made major waves on Monday when the board went ahead and approved a massive $30 billion compensation package for CEO Elon Musk. The Tesla stock reaction was pretty immediate, with shares climbing up 2.2% right after the weekend announcement came out. This Elon Musk pay package is really aimed at addressing some growing Musk leadership concerns while also securing his commitment to stay with the company.

Tesla & Musk’s Pay Deal Sparks Board Approval and Stock Reaction

Robotaxis Roll Out in Austin
Source: Not A Tesla App

The Tesla board’s decision basically centers around a 96 million share award that’s worth about $30 billion, and it was designed specifically to keep Musk around amid his growing business empire. This Tesla-Musk pay deal actually comes with some conditions attached – Musk has to forfeit the award if he ends up winning his legal battle over his previously voided 2018 compensation package.

Tesla stock chart showing 2.19% daily gain and recent trading performance
Tesla stock chart showing 2.19% daily gain and recent trading performance – Source: TradingView

Tesla’s board had this to say in their letter to shareholders:

“Retaining Elon is more important than ever before… we are confident this award will incentivize him to remain at Tesla.”

Also Read: Cathie Wood: Tesla Is Earth’s Biggest AI Project, Stock to Soar

Strategic Move Actually Addresses Leadership Concerns

The Elon Musk pay package directly responds to what Musk said back in January 2024 as an ultimatum. He had posted on X that he was “uncomfortable growing Tesla to be a leader in AI & robotics” without having more control over things. This Tesla Musk pay deal effectively calls his bluff by offering some substantial incentives to stay put.

Tesla financial performance charts showing quarterly revenue and earnings data
Tesla financial performance charts showing quarterly revenue and earnings data – Source: TradingView

Right now, Musk owns about 13% of Tesla through his 400 million shares, which are worth around $125 billion, and this new package brings him closer to his stated goal of 25% voting control. The Tesla stock reaction suggests that investors are actually supporting the move to retain Musk, even with his other ventures like SpaceX, xAI, along with Neuralink taking up his time.

Market Response Actually Validates Board Decision

The positive Tesla stock reaction reflects investor confidence in this strategy, and it makes sense. Recent quarters have seen lower revenue that coincided with Musk’s divided attention, which probably prompted this decisive board action. The Elon Musk pay package represents Tesla’s commitment to keeping their visionary CEO focused on the company’s ambitious goals right now.

Also Read: Amazon Tanks 7% While Tesla Surges 83% in Norway Market Split

This Tesla Musk pay deal addresses those Musk leadership concerns while also positioning Tesla for future growth in AI and robotics. The board’s message was pretty clear – securing Musk’s attention is actually worth the substantial investment they’re making.