Tesla Shareholders Face Historic Vote on Elon Musk’s $1 Trillion Pay Package and AI Future

Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) is approaching one of its most crucial moments as shareholders prepare to vote on CEO Elon Musk’s proposed $1 trillion compensation plan—a decision that could shape the company’s leadership and future in artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomy.

Wedbush analyst Dan Ives reaffirmed his Outperform rating and $600 price target, predicting overwhelming shareholder approval despite resistance from proxy advisors ISS and Glass Lewis. “Tomorrow is a big day for Musk and Tesla,” Ives said, emphasizing Musk’s role as a “wartime CEO” during Tesla’s most transformative phase. The proposed plan ties Musk’s rewards to exceptional performance targets—like achieving 1 million robotaxis, 1 million Optimus robot deliveries, and 20 million vehicles produced—alongside profitability milestones starting at $50 billion in adjusted EBITDA. If fully achieved, Musk would earn 423 million shares, giving him about 25% voting control. Ives called the package “a smart move” to keep Musk focused on autonomy and AI, adding that it complements Tesla’s growing integration with Musk’s xAI initiative.

However, Morgan Stanley’s Adam Jonas cautioned that rejection could be disastrous, calling the vote “one of the most important in Tesla’s history.” A failed outcome could signal a lack of confidence in Musk’s leadership, trigger a 10% stock drop, and cast doubt on Tesla’s strategic direction.

Gene Munster of Deepwater Asset Management noted that beyond money, this vote is about control. He warned Musk’s involvement might “decline meaningfully” if the proposal fails, citing Musk’s emotional response to opposition from proxy firms.

Institutional investors remain divided. While CalPERS and Norway’s sovereign wealth fund oppose the plan, firms like Charles Schwab Asset Management support it. Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm warned that rejecting the plan risks losing Musk’s “time, talent, and vision.”

Whether approved or not, Thursday’s vote marks a defining moment for Tesla’s future as it accelerates toward an AI-driven era.