Analytics Economy USA

Europe’s Largest Pension Fund Sells Tesla Stake Amid Disagreement Over Musk’s Compensation

Europe’s Largest Pension Fund Sells Tesla Stake Amid Disagreement Over Musk’s Compensation
Elon Musk on Capitol Hill on Dec. 5 (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images)
  • PublishedJanuary 13, 2025

Stichting Pensioenfonds ABP, Europe’s largest pension fund, has divested its entire €571 million ($585 million) stake in Tesla Inc., citing concerns over CEO Elon Musk’s remuneration package as one of the key factors behind the decision.

ABP’s spokesperson confirmed the fund’s dissatisfaction with Musk’s pay package, describing it as “controversial and exceptionally high.” The package, initially valued at $2.6 billion and later soaring to $56 billion, was invalidated by a Delaware judge last month despite previous shareholder support and Musk’s request for reconsideration.

In June, ABP had publicly voted against the package, aligning with its stance on responsible investment practices.

In addition to Musk’s compensation, ABP cited other factors influencing its decision, including financial costs, returns, and compliance with its responsible investment standards. Dutch newspaper Het Financieele Dagblad reported that poor working conditions at Tesla were also a consideration for the pension fund.

The decision to exit its Tesla investment underscores ABP’s commitment to balancing financial performance with ethical considerations in its portfolio. The divestment marks a significant move by one of Europe’s most influential institutional investors, potentially signaling increased scrutiny of executive pay and workplace conditions in the corporate world.

With input from Fortune and Bloomberg.

Joe Yans

Joe Yans is a 25-year-old journalist and interviewer based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. As a local news correspondent and an opinion section interviewer for Wyoming Star, Joe has covered a wide range of critical topics, including the Israel-Palestine war, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the 2024 U.S. presidential election, and the 2025 LA wildfires. Beyond reporting, Joe has conducted in-depth interviews with prominent scholars from top US and international universities, bringing expert perspectives to complex global and domestic issues.