In a bold move that could reshape corporate treasury strategies, the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) has submitted a shareholder proposal urging Amazon to consider adopting Bitcoin (BTC) as part of its corporate reserve assets. The decision is expected to be put to vote at Amazon’s 2025 annual shareholder meeting, potentially positioning the tech giant alongside pioneers like MicroStrategy in embracing digital asset diversification.
This growing momentum reflects a broader shift in how companies evaluate long-term value preservation—especially in an era marked by persistent inflation and declining real yields on traditional cash holdings.
Protecting Shareholder Value with Bitcoin as an Inflation Hedge
At the heart of the NCPPR’s proposal is a critical concern: inflation erosion. While official Consumer Price Index (CPI) data reports inflation at around 4.95%, the think tank argues this figure significantly understates the true rate of currency devaluation. They suggest actual purchasing power loss may be double the reported number, posing a silent but serious threat to corporate balance sheets.
Amazon currently holds approximately $88 billion in cash and short-term equivalents—a massive reserve vulnerable to inflation-driven depreciation. To safeguard shareholder value, NCPPR recommends allocating at least 5% of Amazon’s assets to Bitcoin, citing its superior historical performance compared to traditional fixed-income instruments.
“Over the past year, Bitcoin has risen 131%, outperforming corporate bonds by 126%. Over five years, it has surged 1,246%, exceeding corporate bond returns by 1,242%,” the proposal states.
By integrating Bitcoin into its treasury strategy, Amazon could hedge against monetary debasement while aligning with forward-thinking financial practices already adopted by several public companies.
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MicroStrategy’s Success Inspires Corporate Bitcoin Adoption
No discussion about corporate Bitcoin reserves is complete without mentioning MicroStrategy. Under the leadership of CEO Michael Saylor, the company has become the poster child for Bitcoin-centric treasury management. Today, MicroStrategy holds over 190,000 BTC, with holdings valued at more than $40 billion**, generating an unrealized profit of roughly **$16.6 billion.
This aggressive strategy has delivered extraordinary returns, far outpacing many traditional tech stocks—including Microsoft—in recent years. According to NCPPR, MicroStrategy’s BTC investment has outperformed Microsoft’s stock by over 300% in one year alone.
The success of MicroStrategy has sparked a ripple effect across industries:
- MARA (formerly Marathon Digital Holdings) raised $1 billion through zero-coupon convertible notes in November 2024 and used the proceeds to acquire 6,474 BTC for its corporate reserves.
- Genius Group, an AI and entrepreneurship platform, announced in late 2024 that it would transition its treasury to Bitcoin, purchasing 110 BTC at an average price of $90,932 each.
These moves signal a growing consensus: Bitcoin is no longer just a speculative asset—it’s emerging as a legitimate tool for capital preservation and long-term wealth accumulation.
Microsoft Shareholders Weigh In on Bitcoin Investment Proposal
The same think tank pushing Amazon has also filed a similar proposal with Microsoft, urging the software giant to assess Bitcoin as a potential treasury asset. Although Microsoft’s board has recommended voting against the measure, the final decision rests with shareholders—and history shows that even non-binding proposals can influence corporate strategy.
The upcoming shareholder vote on December 10 will serve as a litmus test for institutional appetite toward digital assets. If major investors back the proposal despite board opposition, it could pressure other S&P 500 companies to reconsider their cash management policies.
Even if the Microsoft proposal fails, the conversation it sparks may prove invaluable. As more investors recognize the limitations of fiat-based reserves, demand for alternative stores of value is likely to grow.
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Why Bitcoin Makes Sense for Large Corporations
Bitcoin’s appeal to corporations lies in its unique properties:
- Scarcity: With a capped supply of 21 million coins, Bitcoin is inherently deflationary.
- Liquidity: As the most traded cryptocurrency, BTC offers high market depth and global accessibility.
- Decentralization: Free from central bank control or government interference, Bitcoin provides monetary sovereignty.
- Transparency: All transactions are recorded on a public ledger, enhancing auditability.
For companies sitting on large cash reserves, holding a small percentage in Bitcoin isn’t reckless—it’s strategic diversification. Just as firms allocate capital across equities, bonds, and real estate, adding a digital asset with low correlation to traditional markets can reduce overall portfolio risk.
Moreover, adopting Bitcoin sends a strong signal about innovation and long-term thinking—qualities investors increasingly value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can a company legally hold Bitcoin on its balance sheet?
A: Yes. Major accounting standards allow digital assets to be recorded as intangible assets. U.S.-listed companies like MicroStrategy and Tesla have already done so.
Q: Isn’t Bitcoin too volatile for corporate treasuries?
A: While price fluctuations occur in the short term, proponents argue that over multi-year horizons, Bitcoin has shown exceptional growth. Companies adopting this strategy typically take a long-term hold approach ("HODL"), minimizing sensitivity to volatility.
Q: What happens if Bitcoin’s price drops after purchase?
A: Like any investment, there is market risk. However, companies like MicroStrategy view BTC as a long-term store of value—not a trading instrument. Temporary drawdowns don’t negate the strategic rationale.
Q: How much should a company invest in Bitcoin?
A: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. NCPPR suggests 5% for Amazon, but the optimal allocation depends on risk tolerance, cash flow needs, and strategic goals.
Q: Could this affect Amazon’s credit rating?
A: Potentially, though modest allocations (e.g., 5%) are unlikely to have a material impact. Credit agencies focus more on leverage and cash flow stability than minor portfolio shifts.
Q: Is this trend limited to tech companies?
A: Not necessarily. While tech firms lead due to stronger balance sheets and innovation focus, sectors like finance, mining, and even pension funds are exploring Bitcoin adoption.
👉 Learn how enterprises are integrating cryptocurrency into mainstream finance.
The Road Ahead: A New Era of Corporate Finance?
The 2025 Amazon shareholder meeting could mark a turning point. If the proposal gains traction—or even sparks serious debate—it may accelerate wider acceptance of Bitcoin among Fortune 500 companies.
While adoption remains cautious, the momentum is undeniable. From MicroStrategy’s bold bets to MARA’s debt-financed purchases and Genius Group’s strategic pivot, the blueprint for corporate Bitcoin integration is being written in real time.
For investors and executives alike, the question is no longer if Bitcoin belongs in corporate treasuries—but how much and how soon.
As macroeconomic uncertainty persists and trust in traditional monetary systems wanes, Bitcoin stands out as a rare asset that combines scarcity, resilience, and global accessibility. Whether Amazon embraces it or not, one thing is clear: the conversation around digital asset reserves is only getting started.
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