During Tesla’s earnings call, Elon Musk explicitly linked the company’s robot development to the outcome of the compensation vote, arguing that his continued leadership is essential for innovation. The statement came as shareholders prepare to decide on his trillion-dollar pay package at the November 6 annual meeting.
Tesla’s quarterly earnings presentation had addressed technological advances in AI, autonomous vehicles, and the Optimus humanoid robot before Musk’s dramatic intervention. His decision to connect compensation directly to robotics leadership demonstrated his belief that the issues are fundamentally intertwined.
Musk articulated his position that meaningful voting control is necessary to maintain strategic influence over Tesla while accepting appropriate shareholder accountability. He presented the issue as crucial for continuing ambitious projects in robotics and artificial intelligence without facing removal based on external recommendations.
The CEO directed his sharpest criticism toward ISS and Glass Lewis, accusing these proxy advisory firms of incompetence regarding Tesla’s business model and technological objectives. Musk specifically expressed discomfort with the possibility of being ousted while building what he termed a “robot army” based on their advice.
CFO Vaibhav Taneja wrapped up the controversial call by emphasizing the performance-based nature of Musk’s compensation package. The CFO stressed that the board designed the plan to ensure Musk receives nothing unless shareholders achieve substantial returns, making multiple requests for investor approval.