Tesla shares declined even after shareholders approved CEO Elon Musk’s record $1 trillion compensation plan. Analysts suggest that investors are now refocusing on Tesla’s future in AI and automation technologies.
On Friday, Tesla’s stock dropped 5.04% to $423.40 but later rebounded slightly to $429.44, remaining down 3.69%. The fall appears paradoxical considering the strong shareholder endorsement of Musk’s leadership.
Analysts said the decline likely represents a “buy the rumor, sell the news” effect—a common phenomenon when investors have already priced in expected news.
During Tesla’s annual meeting on Thursday, approximately 75% of shareholders voted in favor of Musk’s substantial equity-based pay package, according to company chair Robyn Denholm. The plan, composed entirely of stock grants, could raise Musk’s ownership stake by around 12% if Tesla achieves several demanding performance goals.
Robyn Denholm commended Musk for repeatedly achieving what many thought impossible, describing his continued leadership as “vital” as Tesla evolves from a car manufacturer into a broader force in artificial intelligence and industrial automation.
Tesla’s stock slid despite Musk’s massive pay approval, highlighting investor caution as attention shifts toward the company’s AI-driven transformation and ambitious growth targets.