Stocks

Billionaire Philanthropist Bill Gates Allocates 20% of Foundation's Portfolio to Berkshire Hathaway

Published August 25, 2024

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. BRK-A, BRK-B, the conglomerate led by the iconic investor Warren Buffett, has long been a favorite stock among long-term investors. Its diverse interests, ranging from insurance and railroads to consumer goods and energy, have underpinned its consistent growth over the years. For Bill Gates, the billionaire co-founder of Microsoft Corp. MSFT, Berkshire Hathaway represents more than just a smart investment choice; it is a cornerstone asset, making up a significant portion of the portfolio for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust.

Why Berkshire Hathaway Dominates the Foundation's Portfolio

Berkshire Hathaway's reliability and robust performance are the key reasons why the Gates Foundation has vested such a large percentage of its holdings in the company. Gates, who has served on Berkshire's board, has a longstanding friendship with Buffet, further solidifying the trust and alignment in investment philosophy between the Gates Foundation and the Berkshire entity. This trust is evident by the fact that a hefty 20% of the Gates Foundation's portfolio is comprised of Berkshire Hathaway stock, underscoring the Foundation's conviction in the value and future performance of the company.

The Continued Confidence in Berkshire Hathaway

The Gates Foundation's portfolio strategists likely view Berkshire Hathaway as a low-risk investment with considerable upside potential, thanks to its historically strong balance sheet and profit-generating capabilities. Despite Bill Gates's Microsoft legacy, the Foundation's heavy leaning towards Berkshire indicates a belief that the conglomerate's future is as promising as its past. Given the stewardship of Warren Buffett and his team, the Gates Foundation's substantial stake in Berkshire Hathaway is not just a testament to past friendship but also to an expected continuation of the conglomerate's role as a bulwark of stability and growth in an ever-changing economic landscape.

Berkshire, Gates, Investment