On Friday, the Gates Foundation disclosed the sale of 7.7 million shares of Microsoft, valued at about $3.2 billion, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This marks the conclusion of a significant divestment strategy started in late 2023, as the foundation transitions away from its previous heavy reliance on Microsoft stock.
At one point, Microsoft shares comprised 27% of the foundation's investment portfolio, a peak reached in 2022. However, the foundation's trust now operates independently from Microsoft, which is based in Redmond, Washington. Bill Gates, who co-founded Microsoft, established the foundation to address global health issues.
On the same day as the Gates Foundation's selloff, hedge fund manager Bill Ackman acquired approximately 5.65 million Microsoft shares worth around $2.09 billion, funded by selling holdings in Alphabet. Ackman praised Microsoft's robust franchises, M365 and Azure, which are responsible for a substantial portion of the company's profits.
The Gates Foundation, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in May 2025, has distributed over $110 billion since its inception, focusing on initiatives such as global vaccinations and women's health. The foundation plans to wind down operations by 2045, with Gates committed to donating $200 billion in the coming decades.