Tesla’s Legal Battle Over Musk’s $56B Pay Package Reaches Delaware Supreme Court
The Delaware Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in Tesla's appeal to reinstate Elon Musk's voided $56 billion compensation package. Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick nullified the 2018 shareholder-approved plan in January 2024, citing Musk's undue influence over Tesla's board and inadequate disclosures to investors.
Tesla's legal team contends the performance-based equity award—which required hitting ambitious market cap and operational milestones—was properly structured and fully earned. The outcome could set precedent for executive compensation in growth-stage tech companies, particularly those with dominant founder-CEOs.