Tesla (TSLA) shareholders on Thursday approved CEO Elon Musk’s $1 trillion pay package, with more than three-quarters of all shareholders approving the historic package. The plan has high hurdles for Musk, with his $1 trillion salary only going into effect if TSLA reaches a market capitalization of about $8.5 trillion. As volatility increases for this hotly debated member of the “Magnificent Seven,” I would like to generate income using put options. Tesla’s current market capitalization is just under $1.5 trillion. AI stocks, which secretly hide the names of car companies, have risen more than 7% since the beginning of the year. This high beta (2.06 beta) and volatile technology company has historically traded with high implied volatility. Tesla’s evolution and chip design aspirations continue to encourage shareholders, despite the company’s lack of tangible results in the world of chip production to date. But Musk said the company may need to build a large semiconductor factory to produce chips for next-generation AI systems. Musk said at Tesla’s annual meeting that the company is designing a fifth-generation AI processor, called AI5, to support self-driving and robotics efforts. Musk told investors that it probably makes sense to talk to Intel (INTC, Finance) about working together, and also mentioned doing its own chip manufacturing. With Tesla falling from around $20 to $425 at the opening bell and Tesla’s near-term direction correlating with recent profit taking in the broader technology sector, I think now is the time to take advantage of option premiums and a higher volatility regime as VIX month-over-month futures are above 20. TSLA 12/26/25 $350 Put to $7.50 Tesla was hovering around $425 when this put spread was sold. If Tesla closes below $350 at the end of the year, investors would be risking $37.50 on this credit spread. Investors are looking to recoup $12.50 per spread if Tesla ends the year above $400. Disclosure: Kilberg sold this TSLA spread and is long Tesla. All opinions expressed by CNBC Pro contributors are solely their own and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, its parent or affiliate companies, and may have been previously disseminated on television, radio, the Internet, or another medium. The above is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice or a recommendation to purchase any securities or other financial assets. The Content is general in nature and does not reflect any individual’s unique personal circumstances. The above may not be appropriate for your particular situation. Before making any financial decisions, you should strongly consider seeking the advice of your own financial or investment advisor. Click here for full disclaimer.
