Bill Gates' Foundation Trust cuts Microsoft stake by 65% — dropping to a mere $4.7 billion in its vast portfolio
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Bill Gates' Foundation Trust cuts Microsoft stake by 65% — dropping to a mere $4.7 billion in its vast portfolio
The latest SEC filing reveals the Gates Foundation Trust has sharply reduced its Microsoft holdings, shifting billions across its portfolio.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Trust serve as the investment fund that underpins the Foundation’s charitable activities. It manages substantial assets contributed by Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, and the significant past and ongoing donations from Warren Buffett.
It operates independently from the Foundation, which is dedicated to awarding grants and managing global health and education initiatives. The Trust’s investments are publicly reported through regular SEC filings.
Notably, the Trust decreased its Microsoft holdings by approximately 65 percent in the quarter ending on September 30, 2025, selling over 17 million shares during that time. Prior to the sale, Microsoft was the Trust’s largest holding, valued at about $13 billion, accounting for nearly one-third of the entire portfolio.
How did Gates' Trust portfolio change after the Microsoft sale?
After selling 65 percent of its Microsoft shares, the stock moved from being the Trust's largest position to the fourth largest. The overall portfolio is now valued at $70 billion, but the managed portfolio is closer to $36 billion. Berkshire Hathaway has become the Trust's largest holding at approximately $10.9 billion.
As a result of the reduction, the value of the Microsoft position also decreased to about $4.7 billion. Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, is a major American holding company. It owns businesses such as Dairy Queen, various energy and utility companies, and holds significant investments in Apple, Coca-Cola, and several banks.
Bill Gates' Foundation Trust cuts Microsoft stake by 65% — dropping to a mere $4.7 billion in its vast portfolio
Waste Management and Canadian National Railway are now the next largest positions in the Trust's portfolio. These have been long-term holdings and continue to be central components of its asset mix.
The Trust also reduced several other holdings during the quarter and completely exited Crown Castle and United Parcel Service. It still retains over 9 million Microsoft shares, so it has not fully withdrawn from Microsoft and remains a significant investor in the company.
Bill Gates' Foundation Trust cuts Microsoft stake by 65% — dropping to a mere $4.7 billion in its vast portfolio
What’s next for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust?
The Trust intends to raise its yearly grant expenditures to approximately $9 billion by 2026. Additionally, it has a long-term objective to deplete its entire endowment by 2045, aiming to utilize all of its resources for charitable purposes by then.
Even after selling Microsoft shares, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Trust continue to be one of the largest investment pools globally.
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