Meta Shareholder Proposes Bitcoin Allocation to Combat Inflation
A shareholder proposal submitted by Ethan Peck has urged Meta to allocate a portion of its $72 billion in cash and short-term cash equivalents to Bitcoin (BTC) as a hedge against currency debasement.
Peck’s proposal, rooted in concerns over inflation eroding the value of Meta’s cash reserves, comes amid Bitcoin’s significant outperformance of traditional assets in recent years.
The Case for Bitcoin at Meta
In his proposal, Peck argued that Meta is losing 28% of its cash value over time due to inflation. He pointed to Bitcoin’s remarkable 1,262% outperformance of bonds over the past five years as a compelling reason for Meta to adopt the cryptocurrency as part of its treasury strategy. Peck also invoked company culture and leadership, stating:
“Mark Zuckerberg named his goats ‘Bitcoin’ and ‘Max.’ Meta director Marc Andreessen has praised Bitcoin and is also a director at Coinbase. Do Meta shareholders not deserve the same kind of responsible asset allocation for the Company that Meta directors and executives likely implement for themselves?”
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Peck, an employee of The National Center for Public Policy Research — a Washington, DC-based think tank promoting free market policies — submitted the proposal on behalf of his family’s Meta shares. This marks another instance of the organization advocating for Bitcoin adoption, having made similar shareholder proposals to Microsoft and Amazon in recent months.
Resistance Among Big Tech Firms
Meta’s potential Bitcoin adoption is part of a broader conversation among Big Tech firms about diversifying corporate treasuries with digital assets. In December 2024, Microsoft shareholders voted against a proposal recommending that the company allocate at least 1% of its $484 billion in assets to Bitcoin. Similarly, Amazon shareholders are expected to consider a Bitcoin diversification strategy at their April 2025 meeting.
Proponents of such strategies argue that traditional inflation metrics like the Consumer Price Index (CPI) fail to reflect the true rate of inflation, which they estimate to be double the official figures. These proponents view Bitcoin as a hedge against this hidden inflation and a tool for preserving purchasing power.
Challenges to Bitcoin Adoption
Despite Bitcoin’s appeal as a hedge against inflation, some industry leaders remain skeptical. Nick Cowan, CEO of fintech firm Valereum, suggested that Big Tech firms are hesitant to adopt Bitcoin due to its volatility and lack of native yield-bearing opportunities. He noted that such companies, as leaders in highly profitable sectors, are reluctant to take on the perceived risks of significant cryptocurrency investments.
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The Road Ahead for Meta
The decision on Peck’s proposal will be a significant test of shareholder sentiment toward Bitcoin in one of the world’s largest tech companies. While Bitcoin advocates argue for its long-term viability and inflation-resistant properties, skeptics highlight the risks associated with its price fluctuations and regulatory uncertainty.
As the debate unfolds, Meta’s potential Bitcoin allocation could serve as a bellwether for broader cryptocurrency adoption in the tech sector. Shareholders and industry observers alike will be watching closely for Meta’s response to this bold proposal.
