Elon Musk Wins Appeal as Court Restores His 2018 Tesla Pay Deal

Post by : Saif Nasser

A major court decision in the United States has restored Elon Musk’s 2018 pay deal from Tesla, a compensation package that is now valued at around $139 billion due to the sharp rise in Tesla’s share price. The ruling came from the Delaware Supreme Court, which overturned an earlier decision that had canceled the package.

The judgment ends nearly two years of legal uncertainty around one of the largest executive pay deals in corporate history. It also strengthens Musk’s position and control within Tesla, the electric vehicle company he leads.

What Was the 2018 Pay Deal?

In 2018, Tesla’s board approved a performance-based pay package for Musk. Under this plan, Musk would receive stock options only if Tesla met strict targets related to market value, revenue, and profits. At the time, the deal was valued at about $56 billion, already considered extremely large.

Tesla later met those goals, and the value of the package grew as the company’s stock price climbed. Musk did not receive a salary or cash bonus under this plan. Instead, everything depended on Tesla’s success.

Why Was the Deal Cancelled Earlier?

In 2024, a lower Delaware court canceled the pay deal after a lawsuit by a small shareholder. The judge ruled that Tesla’s board was too closely tied to Musk and did not fully inform shareholders before approving the plan. The court described the package as excessive and ordered it to be withdrawn.

That decision angered Musk. He publicly criticized Delaware courts and said they were unfair to business leaders. He also warned that such rulings could drive companies away from Delaware, which is known for being friendly to corporations.

Supreme Court Reverses the Decision

On Friday, the Delaware Supreme Court overturned that ruling. The judges said canceling the entire pay package was unfair and left Musk unpaid for years of work and leadership.

The court noted that shareholders had approved the deal and that fully removing it was not the right solution. With this decision, the 2018 pay package is now back in place and valued at about $139 billion based on Tesla’s current stock price.

Musk reacted by posting that he felt “vindicated.”

What Does This Mean for Tesla and Musk?

If Musk uses all the stock options from the restored package, his ownership in Tesla would rise from about 12.4% to 18.1%. This gives him greater voting power and influence over the company’s future direction.

Tesla shares rose slightly after the ruling, showing that investors were not shocked by the decision. Analysts say Musk values control of Tesla even more than the money.

Tesla shareholders also recently approved a new pay plan that could be worth up to $878 billion if the company reaches very ambitious future targets. This new plan is separate and designed to reduce legal risks.

Bigger Questions About Corporate Pay

The case has reopened debates about executive pay, corporate governance, and the role of courts. Supporters of the ruling say shareholders should have the final say on pay decisions. Critics argue that boards must be held accountable when pay packages grow too large.

The decision may also affect Delaware’s reputation. While some companies have moved their legal base to states like Texas or Nevada, Delaware remains the most popular home for U.S. public companies.

For now, the ruling marks a clear legal win for Elon Musk and a turning point in one of the most closely watched corporate pay battles in history.