Microsoft Stands Firm on Shareholder Rights Amid SEC Rule Change

Microsoft has agreed to keep shareholder proposal rights through next year, despite a contentious U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule change that critics say would sideline individual investors.

The agreement was reached with conservative activist Paul Chesser, who is looking to preserve investor rights.

Under the deal, Microsoft will continue to apply existing thresholds for investors to submit resolutions for a vote, even as the SEC considers changes that would shift power away from investors to corporate executives.

The agreement only lasts for one year and could effectively offset efforts by the regulatory agency to shift power away from investors.