During Tesla’s earnings call, Elon Musk explicitly connected the company’s future to the outcome of the November 6 compensation vote, arguing that his trillion-dollar pay package is essential for continued innovation. The bold connection came as shareholders prepare to cast decisive votes at the annual meeting.
Tesla’s quarterly financial review had covered advances in artificial intelligence, robotaxi technology, and humanoid robotics before Musk’s intervention. His decision to link compensation directly to Tesla’s future demonstrated his belief that maintaining adequate control is fundamental to the company’s success.
Musk explained his need for sufficient voting influence to protect Tesla’s strategic vision while remaining subject to shareholder oversight. He presented the compensation issue as essential for continuing ambitious projects in robotics and AI without facing removal based on recommendations from proxy advisors he characterized as unqualified.
ISS and Glass Lewis received Musk’s harshest criticism, with the CEO suggesting their recommendations demonstrate a lack of understanding about Tesla’s business model and technological mission. His passionate denunciation included specific concerns about being ousted while developing what he termed a “robot army” based on their advice.
The earnings call concluded with CFO Vaibhav Taneja defending the compensation arrangement’s shareholder alignment. Taneja emphasized that the board committee structured the package to ensure Musk benefits only when investors achieve substantial returns, making multiple final appeals for favorable votes.