Insights from the Latest 13F Filing Highlight Significant Changes
Bill Gates (Trades, Portfolio), renowned for founding Microsoft and his extensive philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust, has recently made notable adjustments in his investment portfolio according to the third quarter 13F filing of 2024. Gates, who was the world's richest man for 15 consecutive years, now influences investments that align not only with financial growth but also with the ethical values upheld by his foundation. Managed by external portfolio managers under the guidance of Bill and Melinda Gates, the foundation's investments are carefully chosen to reflect the principles of good governance and management while avoiding sectors they find morally questionable.
Summary of New Buys
During the third quarter of 2024, Bill Gates (Trades, Portfolio) introduced new stocks to his portfolio, including:
- A significant new position in PACCAR Inc (PCAR, Financial), purchasing 1,000,000 shares. This addition makes up 0.22% of the portfolio, with a total value of $98.68 million.
Key Position Increases
Bill Gates (Trades, Portfolio) also strategically increased his holdings in existing stocks:
- Notably, he augmented his stake in FedEx Corp (FDX, Financial) by an additional 1,000,000 shares, bringing the total to 2,534,362 shares. This increase represents a substantial 65.17% rise in share count, impacting the current portfolio by 0.61% with a total value of $693.6 million.
Key Position Reductions
Conversely, Gates reduced his positions in several key stocks:
- Microsoft Corp (MSFT, Financial) saw a reduction of 5,932,350 shares, a 17% decrease, impacting the portfolio by -5.56%. The stock, which traded at an average price of $427.47 during the quarter, has returned 2.59% over the past three months and 14.14% year-to-date.
- Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK.B, Financial) shares were reduced by 2,482,589, a 10.08% decrease, with a -2.12% portfolio impact. The stock's average trading price was $442.18 this quarter, with a 6.67% return over the past three months and a 31.13% year-to-date gain.
Portfolio Overview
As of the third quarter of 2024, Bill Gates (Trades, Portfolio)'s investment portfolio comprises 24 stocks. The top holdings include 27.64% in Microsoft Corp (MSFT), 22.6% in Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK.B), 14.84% in Waste Management Inc (WM, Financial), 14.25% in Canadian National Railway Co (CNI, Financial), and 6.38% in Caterpillar Inc (CAT, Financial). The investments span across nine industries, including Industrials, Technology, and Financial Services, showcasing a diverse and strategic allocation.
This latest filing underscores Bill Gates (Trades, Portfolio)'s ongoing commitment to managing a robust and ethically aligned portfolio, reflecting both his business acumen and his philanthropic priorities. Investors and market watchers will undoubtedly keep a close eye on how these adjustments play out in the market, offering valuable insights into the investment strategies of one of the world's most influential figures.
This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.
