Microsoft Rejects Bitcoin: Shareholders Decline Proposal to Allocate Cryptocurrency to Treasury
Microsoft is not ready to incorporate Bitcoin into its corporate treasury, as shareholders voted against a proposal influenced by Michael Saylor’s recommendations and the success of his company, MicroStrategy.
The tech giant, best known for its Windows operating system, has opted not to invest in Bitcoin. During a shareholder meeting on Tuesday, Microsoft’s partners voted down a proposal to explore adding the cryptocurrency to its corporate balance sheet. According to reports, the vote aligns with the board’s recommendation to reject the idea.
Microsoft Shareholders Opt for Stability Over Bitcoin
Microsoft’s largest shareholders include institutional investors such as Vanguard and BlackRock, according to data from Wall Street Zen. The proposal, submitted in October by the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), advocated for diversifying 1% of Microsoft’s $78 billion in cash and marketable securities into Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation.
The board raised concerns about Bitcoin’s volatility and reiterated Microsoft’s preference for stable and predictable investments. This decision also aligns with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates’ long-standing skepticism of Bitcoin. Gates has frequently criticized the speculative nature of cryptocurrencies, even as he expressed enthusiasm for blockchain technology.
MicroStrategy’s Advocacy Falls Flat
MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor, whose company has invested billions in Bitcoin, presented a three-minute pitch to the Microsoft board and CEO Satya Nadella in an attempt to sway the vote
Saylor argued that Microsoft had “squandered $200 billion in potential capital gains over the past five years by prioritizing dividends and share buybacks over Bitcoin.” He highlighted his company’s success, noting that MicroStrategy, which began aggressively acquiring Bitcoin during the pandemic, has seen its shares surge more than 500% this year. The Bitcoin accumulation strategy has not only generated significant shareholder returns but also resulted in unrealized gains exceeding $15 billion.
Despite his compelling case, the proposal failed to gain traction. MicroStrategy remains the largest public corporate holder of Bitcoin, with 423,650 BTC in its portfolio. Other companies, including Metaplanet, Semler Scientific, Rumble, MARA, and Riot, have similarly incorporated Bitcoin into their treasuries as an alternative long-term store-of-value asset.
Amazon May Be Next
While Microsoft shareholders declined the Bitcoin proposal, Amazon might follow a different path. This week, a group of Amazon shareholders submitted a proposal urging the company to allocate 5% of its treasury assets to Bitcoin. A key decision is expected next week, drawing significant attention from the investment community
Conclusion
Microsoft’s decision reflects a cautious approach to Bitcoin adoption, prioritizing financial stability over the speculative gains associated with cryptocurrency. However, with companies like MicroStrategy reaping significant benefits and others like Amazon exploring similar moves, the debate over Bitcoin’s role as a corporate treasury asset is far from over.