Here’s How Many Microsoft Shareholders Supported the Bitcoin Proposal

Microsoft shareholders recently delivered a resounding rejection to a proposal recommending the company diversify its vast cash reserves by investing in Bitcoin.

Despite being championed by billionaire investor Michael Saylor, the proposal garnered only 0.55% of votes in favor, leaving it firmly unapproved.

The pitch, presented by the National Center for Public Policy Research at Microsoft’s annual shareholder meeting, was aimed at encouraging the tech giant to follow the example set by Saylor’s company, MicroStrategy. MicroStrategy has significantly increased its exposure to Bitcoin, with its stock price soaring almost 500% this year, largely due to the company’s aggressive cryptocurrency purchases.

Saylor, who co-founded MicroStrategy and now serves as its executive chairman, has been vocal about his belief that Bitcoin represents the future of technology and finance. In his presentation, Saylor highlighted the cryptocurrency’s impressive returns—62% annually between August 2020 and November 2024—compared to Microsoft’s 18% and the S&P 500’s 14%. He argued that Microsoft could substantially boost its stock price by converting its cash reserves into Bitcoin.

However, despite Saylor’s fervent arguments, the proposal was met with skepticism by Microsoft’s shareholders. Microsoft’s board recommended voting against the proposal, and major proxy advisory firms, Glass Lewis and Institutional Shareholder Services, also advised shareholders to reject the idea. The vote reflected little support for Saylor’s bold vision, with just a minuscule fraction—0.55%—of the votes casting approval.

Microsoft, which currently holds over $78 billion in cash and investments, has been exploring cryptocurrency for years. The company first began accepting crypto payments in 2014, but it has so far refrained from directly investing in Bitcoin. In response to shareholder inquiries during the meeting, Microsoft’s finance chief, Amy Hood, reiterated the company’s cautious stance, stating that while the company continues to monitor crypto developments, it remains focused on ensuring stability and reducing financial risk.