Judge’s Voiding Of Musk’s $56 Billion Tesla Pay Package Throws Board Off Balance

A Delaware judge voided Elon Musk’s Tesla pay package of $56 billion on Tuesday, January 30. The decision is seen as a threat to Tesla’s CEO Musk and the company, throwing them to a starting point.

Moreover, the decision has set a landmark that could influence the approach to CEO compensation in entities across America. 

Musk and his Tesla board will enter into another negotiating section to devise a suitable contract for replacement. 

Court Ruling Voids Musk’s Pay Package

According to the court’s ruling, Judge Kathleen McCormick regarded the pay package as an “unfathomable sum.” She noted that while the pay reflects injustice to shareholders, it also questions the independence of the board.

The trend in the court proceeding indicated the situation is a hard nut to crack.

Notably, many view the case as the first overturn of a board’s decision on compensation. So, the decision serves as an encouragement for investors who have shown concern over the years regarding Tesla’s board independence. 

Also, Elon Musk may see a different dimension change to the entire setting in his company.

According to a previous report from Reuters, the billionaire planned to lay out 25% voting control at Tesla before bringing his AI goals to the company. A Tesla shareholder, Ross Gerber, reacted to the situation as disclosed by Reuters.

He noted that the decision has thrown Tesla out of control from an executive perspective. 

Gerber mentioned that the court’s decision needs new independent board members to provide guidelines for the CEO. Carving out a replacement package would be a difficult process.

Moreover, there is no certainty on who will advocate for Tesla on the issue. Meanwhile, Musk is yet to react to the situation, though he may opt for an appeal.

However, if the ruling stands, Musk will return all he received. Based on the company’s contract terms since 2018, the CEO got twelve tranches of options worth almost $51 billion.

Also, the court ruling indicated that the options grant sits unexercised and undisturbed. This means it may not be complicated for Musk to give up his earnings.

Tesla Shareholder Tornetta Position In The Filing

The recent court’s ruling voiding Musk’s pay package has raised several reactions in different sectors. A report from Forbes revealed the argument of Tesla shareholder Richard Tornetta in the filing.

Tornetta highlighted that the company’s board breached its fiduciary duties by giving Musk the performance-based plan.

The shareholder noted that the plan stands as

the largest potential compensation opportunity ever observed in public markets.

Meanwhile, in her ruling, Judge McCormick stated that both Tornetta and Tesla would negotiate on a form of final order that would implement the decision. Also, they need to submit a joint letter pointing out all the issues to be addressed to resolve the matter completely during the trial level.