Meta Platforms Inc. Faces Shareholder Pressure to Explore Bitcoin as a Way to Protect Cash Reserves From Inflation

Shareholders are urging Meta Platforms Inc. to investigate Bitcoin as a potential hedge against inflation for its $72 billion cash reserves.

One shareholder, Ethan Peck, has formally requested an evaluation, arguing that the company's cash holdings are being eroded in value and highlighting Bitcoin's potential as a hedge. The cryptocurrency's remarkable growth — 124% in 2024 alone and 1,265% over the past five years — presents an alternative to traditional assets like bonds, which have offered much lower returns.

With total assets of $256 billion as of late 2024, Meta has the financial strength to consider such strategies.

Peck also points to examples like MicroStrategy, whose Bitcoin-focused approach has led to its stock outperforming Meta's by over 2,190%, and BlackRock, which recently launched a successful Bitcoin ETF and supports limited portfolio allocations to the cryptocurrency.

While Bitcoin's volatility and regulatory uncertainties raise concerns, proponents argue that it provides long-term protection against inflation. Shareholders like Peck and others view Bitcoin as an opportunity for Meta to align with forward-thinking companies and modernize its approach to managing cash reserves.