Tesla, Inc. (TSLA.US) stock price rises to an 8-month high, the board supports Musk

The trillion-dollar compensation plan proposed by Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, Inc. (TSLA.US), did not seem "over-the-top" or "risky" to the Tesla, Inc. board of directors, but rather received unanimous support - the board believes that only Musk can lead the company through the next phase of disruptive change, so this "sky-high compensation" is completely reasonable and worth it. Robin Denholm, chairman of Tesla, Inc.'s board of directors, stated that this generous compensation plan "reserves" the different roles that Musk may play in this car company, and that Musk's political activities are "his own decision." She emphasized, "From a political standpoint, his actions and motivations depend on personal choices...we are in a democratic country, and everyone has the freedom to express their opinions." These comments are reminiscent of the time when Tesla, Inc. faced strong resistance from dealers, owners, and individuals during Musk's tenure with DOGE, causing the stock price to plummet by nearly 50%. However, Denholm denied that political stances would have a long-term negative impact on Tesla, Inc.'s stock price, and firmly believes that "people will buy what they truly like, and Tesla, Inc. cars are exactly that kind of product." Despite Musk's possible public expression of political views, the Tesla, Inc. board of directors still attracted him to stay on through an unprecedented compensation plan - if Musk can lead Tesla, Inc. to achieve a series of ambitious goals and continue to focus on company affairs, shareholders will vote in November 2025 to decide whether to grant him an additional 423 million shares of Tesla, Inc. stock, accounting for approximately 12% of the current total shares outstanding, which will increase Musk's voting rights from the current 13% to around 25%. To achieve this huge reward, Musk must meet multiple operational targets: Tesla, Inc.'s market value must reach and maintain $2 trillion (currently valued at $1.3 trillion, still short of $700 billion), and then unlock another bonus for every additional $500 billion in market value, until the market value reaches $8.5 trillion, and collect all 12 bonuses in full. In addition, the company also needs to deliver 20 million vehicles, achieve 20 million active fully autonomous driving subscription users, deliver 1 million OptimusSiasun Robot & Automation vehicles, deploy 1 million autonomous taxi robotaxi vehicles for commercial use, reach EBITDA targets, and Musk must continue to serve or fully commit in another capacity for the next 7.5 to 10 years. In the compensation negotiations, Musk promised the board that he will gradually reduce his political activities and discussed succession plans. Denholm stated, "Tesla, Inc. is prepared for succession in the leadership team," and Musk has already engaged in succession negotiations with the board. These statements have increased investor confidence, driving Tesla, Inc.'s stock price to a new high in 8 months at $396.69, closing on Friday with a 7.36% increase.