Inside Bill Gates' Stock Portfolio: His Top Investments and Their Value
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, has built an impressive stock portfolio through both personal investments and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust. While Microsoft remains a cornerstone of his wealth, Gates has strategically diversified his holdings over the years. His investments span across technology, finance, and even waste management—demonstrating a blend of innovation, stability, and long-term growth potential.
Let’s take a closer look at the stocks Gates owns, how much they are worth, and whether Microsoft remains a good investment today.
What Stocks Does Bill Gates Own?
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust, which manages the foundation’s endowment, holds $44 billion in equity investments, with a large portion concentrated in three key stocks:
1. Microsoft (26% of Portfolio – $11.8 Billion)
Even though Gates has gradually sold off most of his Microsoft shares, it remains the largest single holding in the foundation’s portfolio. After donating over 38 million shares in 2022, the trust still holds 28.5 million shares as of early 2025. With Microsoft’s stock price climbing over 70% since the end of 2022, largely due to its dominance in artificial intelligence (AI), this investment continues to grow in value.
Microsoft is a leader in AI technology through its Azure cloud computing platform and its multi-billion-dollar partnership with OpenAI. The company is integrating AI-powered tools across Microsoft 365, GitHub, and its enterprise solutions, fueling further demand.
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2. Berkshire Hathaway (22% of Portfolio – $9.5 Billion)
One of Gates’ biggest supporters, Warren Buffett, makes annual donations of Berkshire Hathaway Class B shares to the Gates Foundation. While the trust does sell off some shares to fund philanthropic efforts, it still holds 19.7 million shares worth about $9.5 billion.
Berkshire Hathaway is valued at over $1 trillion, with strong revenue growth from its insurance, railroads, and equity investments. Although it trades at a high price-to-book ratio compared to historical averages, Buffett’s company remains a financial powerhouse.
3. Waste Management (17% of Portfolio – $7.5 Billion)
A more unexpected yet strategic investment, Waste Management (WM) is a staple in Gates' portfolio. It is the largest waste collection and disposal company in the U.S., benefiting from high regulatory barriers that limit competition.
With strong revenue growth and rising operating margins, Waste Management recently acquired Stericycle, boosting its market dominance. In 2025, management expects 16% revenue growth and 15% EBITDA growth, making this a solid long-term investment.
Is Microsoft a Good Stock to Buy?
Microsoft continues to be one of the most valuable tech companies in the world, currently valued at $3 trillion. It has positioned itself as a leader in cloud computing and artificial intelligence, making it an attractive option for long-term investors.
Here’s why Microsoft is a strong buy:
- AI Dominance: Microsoft's Azure cloud services power AI applications, and its OpenAI partnership gives it an edge over competitors like Google and Amazon.
- Recurring Revenue Model: Subscription-based services like Microsoft 365, Copilot AI tools, and enterprise cloud solutions provide a stable revenue stream.
- Share Buybacks & Dividends: Microsoft generates billions in free cash flow, which it uses to buy back shares and increase dividends—a sign of financial strength.
Although Microsoft trades at 31x forward earnings, its continued AI growth justifies the premium. If AI spending continues to rise in 2025, Microsoft could deliver even stronger returns.
How Much Has Bill Gates Earned from Stocks?
While Bill Gates’ current net worth exceeds $100 billion, it could have been over $1 trillion had he held onto all of his Microsoft shares from its 1986 IPO. Instead, Gates wisely diversified his wealth by:
- Selling Microsoft shares to fund philanthropic efforts
- Investing in stable, high-growth companies like Berkshire Hathaway and Waste Management
- Building a trust portfolio valued at $44 billion in stocks
Over the last 30 years, Gates and the foundation have donated $47.7 billion—with Warren Buffett also contributing billions to the cause. Despite these massive donations, his investments continue to generate billions in returns.
Bill Gates’ Investment Strategy
Bill Gates’ investment strategy reflects a balance of tech innovation and financial stability. While Microsoft remains a core holding, his foundation’s investments in Berkshire Hathaway and Waste Management provide diversification and long-term security.
For investors looking to follow a Gates-inspired approach, focusing on AI, cloud computing, and infrastructure-driven businesses could be a smart move in 2025.
