Michael Saylor, the chairman of Strategy, has suggested that Apple should consider investing in Bitcoin, following criticism of the tech giant's stock buyback program. The suggestion comes amid concerns that Apple's buyback strategy is not yielding the desired results, prompting a debate about corporate financial strategies in the digital era.

Jim Cramer, a financial program host, recently voiced skepticism about Apple's current stock buyback approach, stating that it "has not been effective." Cramer suggested that Apple should explore alternative investment strategies to better utilize its capital. In response to Cramer's critique, Michael Saylor, a well-known Bitcoin proponent, proposed that Apple should allocate a portion of its substantial cash reserves to Bitcoin. Saylor has consistently advocated for companies to incorporate Bitcoin into their holdings as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation. His recommendation for Apple reflects his belief in Bitcoin's potential to revolutionize the financial sector.

Apple's buyback program, which aims to reduce the number of outstanding shares and return value to investors, involves the company repurchasing its own shares in the open market. In May 2024, Apple announced a \$110 billion stock buyback strategy. However, despite these efforts, Apple's stock has reportedly declined more than 17% since the beginning of the year.

Saylor's argument rests on the premise that Bitcoin could offer a more lucrative financial opportunity for Apple. He has previously suggested that Apple should buy \$100 billion worth of Bitcoin, projecting that it would grow to \$500 billion. He posited that such an investment could generate \$100 billion in annual investment gains for Apple. Data indicates that Bitcoin has surged over 1,000% in the past five years, compared to a 137% increase in Apple shares.

Apple's potential entry into the cryptocurrency market could significantly bolster Bitcoin's acceptance as an institutional asset. Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, acknowledged owning cryptocurrency in 2021 but clarified that Apple had no immediate plans for crypto integration.

Notably, Apple's financial performance remains robust. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, the company reported revenue of \$95.4 billion, a 5% increase year-over-year, and diluted earnings per share of \$1.65, an 8% increase year-over-year. Apple's board of directors has declared a cash dividend of \$0.26 per share, a 4% increase, and authorized an additional program to repurchase up to \$100 billion of the company's common stock. Apple has a history of aggressive buybacks, totaling \$650 billion since 2012.

The discussion between Cramer and Saylor highlights the evolving landscape of corporate finance. While Cramer favors traditional investment approaches, Saylor champions the integration of cryptocurrencies into larger financial portfolios. As major companies navigate an increasingly digital financial world, the ideas presented by Cramer and Saylor are likely to play a significant role in shaping the future of corporate finance.