Microsoft shareholders are preparing to vote on a proposal to invest in Bitcoin, despite opposition from the company’s board. The proposal, titled Assessment of Investing in Bitcoin, will be one of several important topics on the agenda at Microsoft’s annual shareholder meeting in December 2024. The proposal was introduced by a member of the somewhat unconventional ‘Project 2025’ advisory board think tank, a group known for its bold and sometimes controversial ideas.

The Microsoft Board of Directors has recommended a vote against this proposal. Their reasoning is that the company already evaluates a wide range of investable assets, including Bitcoin, as part of its broader investment strategy. The board’s stance reflects a cautious approach, advising shareholders to avoid concentrating on a single asset like Bitcoin, particularly given the volatility and regulatory uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrencies.

Microsoft’s leadership has traditionally focused on more conventional investments, and the board believes that this diverse strategy continues to serve the company’s long-term goals. Nevertheless, the growing interest in Bitcoin within the corporate sector has prompted this push for a more direct crypto investment, signaling that the topic is becoming harder for even the largest corporations to ignore.

Shareholders will have the final say, with the voting deadline set for December 9th. Results are expected to be revealed during a virtual meeting on December 10th. The decision could influence Microsoft’s future stance on cryptocurrency investments and set a precedent for how other major tech companies might approach Bitcoin and other digital assets moving forward.

Resources:

sec.gov