• Amazon shareholders are advocating for the tech giant to allocate a portion of its $88 billion cash reserves into Bitcoin, citing inflation concerns.

• Amid this push, similar proposals are being considered by Microsoft and other leading firms, reflecting a growing interest in cryptocurrency adoption.

• Critics, however, raise concerns about Amazon’s cash flow demands, arguing that significant Bitcoin investments might strain the company’s financial stability.

Amazon shareholders push for Bitcoin allocation to hedge against inflation, reflecting a broader corporate trend toward cryptocurrency adoption.

Amazon Shareholders Advocate for Bitcoin Treasury

In a recent proposal, Amazon’s shareholders, led by the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), expressed serious concerns about the potential erosion of purchasing power due to inflation. They pointed out that Amazon’s substantial cash reserves, estimated at $88 billion, could become less valuable if not allocated to more appreciating assets, citing Bitcoin’s historical performance against traditional assets like corporate bonds.

Specifically, the NCPPR’s proposal warns that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) may not fully encapsulate the real inflation experienced by consumers, suggesting a more accurate rate around 10%. The letter argues that, despite Bitcoin’s renowned volatility, its long-term appreciation makes it a compelling alternative for a corporate treasury.

“Amazon should – and perhaps has a fiduciary duty to – consider adding assets to its treasury that appreciate more than bonds, even if those assets are more volatile short term,” stated the NCPPR in their proposal.

Tim Kotzman, a prominent podcaster, also highlighted the significance of this movement on social media, signaling a trend towards corporations adopting Bitcoin as a treasury asset. Notable examples include MicroStrategy and Tesla, which have made significant investments in Bitcoin. Currently, MicroStrategy holds more than 402,000 Bitcoin, valued over $40 billion, as a primary treasury reserve asset, according to Bitcoin Treasuries data.

While Amazon has explored blockchain technology—through initiatives such as managed services and hiring blockchain experts—it has yet to integrate cryptocurrency payments into its operations or allocate digital assets to its balance sheet. Analysts posit that if Amazon moves forward with a Bitcoin treasury, it might trigger a substantial shift among other corporate leaders, potentially influencing giants like Apple.

“First Microsoft, now Amazon. Apple is next…then every single boardroom,” predicted a commentary account on social media.

Additionally, Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) emphasized the importance of Amazon accepting Bitcoin payments. In contrast, some users on social media have pointed out the complexities behind such decisions.

“What most [shareholders] do not realize is that Amazon has $88 billion of cash, but also has $67 billion in debt and $87 billion in lease liabilities. It requires cash to run its daily operations. The company’s net cash is minimal compared to sales and market cap,” a commenter noted, anticipating a lukewarm reaction to the proposal, which is slated for discussion during the 2025 annual shareholder meeting.

Microsoft is Also in the Bitcoin Treasury Spotlight

Amazon is not the only tech giant facing pressure regarding Bitcoin adoption. Microsoft’s shareholders are set to vote on a similar proposal at their annual meeting scheduled for December 10. However, company management has recommended shareholders reject the plan, labeling it “unnecessary.” The board pointed out that their financial strategies, including treasury asset allocations, are under continual review.

Despite management’s stance, analysts expect the proposal may still pass, particularly given the substantial influence of BlackRock, which stands as Microsoft’s second-largest investor after Vanguard.

“Guess who Microsoft’s second-largest shareholder is? Guess who made the Bitcoin ETFs happen?” commented Terrence Michael, an author whose works focus on Bitcoin economics.

Moreover, MicroStrategy’s executive chairman, Michael Saylor, boldly claimed that adopting a firm Bitcoin strategy could potentially add almost $5 trillion to Microsoft’s market capitalization. Meanwhile, the company Rumble has recently made headlines by formally establishing a Bitcoin treasury, a move reportedly influenced by discussions with Saylor.

These developments mark a significant cultural shift toward considering Bitcoin not just as a speculative investment but as a viable treasury reserve asset. Macro factors such as inflation and fears regarding fiat currency devaluation are essential drivers of this growing trend.

Conclusion

The ongoing discussions surrounding Amazon and Microsoft’s potential Bitcoin integration illustrate a notable shift in corporate financial strategies. With inflation concerns looming large, a move towards Bitcoin as a treasury asset could redefine conventional practices in corporate finance. As these companies deliberate on their treasury strategies, the actions they take—or choose not to take—will be pivotal in shaping the cryptocurrency landscape in the coming years.