Amazon Under Pressure to Add Bitcoin to Reserves Amid Growing Corporate Adoption

As the price of Bitcoin (BTC) continues to surge, having increased by 125% this year, some shareholders argue that it’s the perfect moment for Amazon to diversify its financial reserves by adding Bitcoin to the mix.

Shareholders Push for Bitcoin Adoption

Shareholders have pushed for Amazon to at least consider holding a small percentage of its reserves in Bitcoin β€” just 5%, according to one proposal from the National Center for Public Policy Research. This suggestion stems from a growing trend seen in other major corporations, such as MicroStrategy, Tesla, and Block, all of which have embraced Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and a way to potentially enhance long-term shareholder value.

Bitcoin’s Volatility and Potential

Bitcoin remains a volatile asset, often subject to dramatic swings in price. However, proponents argue that, much like Amazon’s own stock, Bitcoin’s volatility should not overshadow its potential to outperform traditional assets like bonds.

Microsoft Faces Its Own Bitcoin Dilemma

Microsoft is also facing a similar crossroads when it comes to Bitcoin. As Bitcoin continues its impressive surge, Microsoft shareholders have urged the company to follow in the footsteps of firms like MicroStrategy by adding Bitcoin to its balance sheet.

The Proposal and Microsoft’s Stance

The proposal, titled β€œAssessment of Investing in Bitcoin,” will be up for a vote. However, Microsoft’s board has advised against the proposal, with co-founder Bill Gates warning that the current crypto market is driven by what he calls the β€œgreater fool theory” β€” essentially, a speculative bubble.

MicroStrategy’s Shift to Bitcoin

MicroStrategy has undergone a radical transformation in recent years, shifting large portions of its capital into Bitcoin. The pivot was driven by concerns over the depreciating value of cash in a low-interest, inflationary environment.

MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin Holdings

As of December 9, MicroStrategy holds a staggering 423,650 Bitcoin, purchased at an average cost of $60,324 per coin, with a total investment of $25.6 billion, making it one of the largest corporate holders of Bitcoin.

Bitcoin Could Change Corporate Treasury Practices

If companies like Amazon and Microsoft integrate Bitcoin into their reserves, it could redefine corporate treasury practices on a global scale. Including Bitcoin β€” a digital asset with a finite supply β€” might seem unconventional, but it aligns with the growing trend of seeking inflation-resistant and high-performing alternatives.

The Approval of the First Spot Bitcoin ETF

The approval of the first spot Bitcoin ETF in January was a key milestone for institutional adoption. It legitimized Bitcoin as a regulated investment vehicle and sparked a wave of interest from both corporates and individual investors.

Crypto’s Growing Role and the Road Ahead

In the last few years, the crypto world has changed dramatically, and a lot of this shift can be traced back to how major figures, companies, and governments have started to get involved.

As more companies look for ways to gain exposure to crypto, it’s clear that we’re entering a new phase. The next few years will likely see these shifts become even more normalized, and in the process, crypto could become as ubiquitous as any other asset class in corporate treasuries and investment strategies.

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