Microsoft shareholders reject Bitcoin proposal

The proposal, put forward by the National Center for Public Policy Research, suggested that investing 1% to 5% of Microsoft’s profits in Bitcoin could generate significant value and mitigate risks.

Microsoft faces an FTC investigation into alleged anticompetitive cloud practices, raising concerns about restrictive licensing and AI integration.

Microsoft shareholders have voted against a proposal to add Bitcoin to the company’s balance sheet during the firm’s annual meeting on 10 December. The resolution, presented by the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), suggested that diversifying into Bitcoin could offer significant value to shareholders by tapping into the growing cryptocurrency market.

The NCPPR argued that Bitcoin adoption would not only generate potential profits but also mitigate risks for Microsoft’s investors. The proposal recommended investing between 1% and 5% of the company’s profits into Bitcoin, citing the example of major investors like BlackRock, who offer Bitcoin ETFs. However, the company’s board dismissed the proposal, stating that it was unnecessary and that Microsoft already carefully considered its investments.

Microsoft’s board emphasised that Bitcoin’s volatility made it unsuitable for the company’s treasury, which requires stable and predictable investments. Despite the push from Bitcoin proponents like Michael Saylor, who argued that Bitcoin could add trillions to Microsoft’s market value, shareholders sided with the board’s recommendation, rejecting the resolution. The NCPPR has made a similar proposal to Amazon, which will be discussed at its 2025 meeting.