How much of Microsoft did Bill Gates sell?

Bill Gates has sold almost 8 million shares of Microsoft, bringing his total to roughly 330 million shares, which is less than the number of shares owned by Microsoft’s former CEO Steve Ballmer, who owns 333 million shares. This significant reduction in shares is a notable shift in Gates’ role, allowing him to focus on his philanthropic endeavors through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Understanding Bill Gates’ Microsoft Stake

To delve deeper into Bill Gates’ relationship with Microsoft, let’s explore some frequently asked questions that provide insight into his investments, philanthropy, and the current state of Microsoft’s ownership.

FAQs

1. Who is the largest shareholder of Microsoft? The largest shareholders of Microsoft include Vanguard Group Inc. and BlackRock Inc., with Steve Ballmer and Bill Gates being the biggest individual shareholders.
2. Does Bill Gates own $100 of Microsoft? The claim that Bill Gates owns 100% of Microsoft is false; as of September 2021, Gates owns approximately 1.3% of Microsoft’s outstanding shares.
3. Why did Bill Gates sell his shares of Microsoft? One possible reason for Gates’ decision could be his desire to prioritize his philanthropic work through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
4. How much would Bill Gates be worth if he didn’t sell Microsoft shares? If Gates had kept all his MSFT stock since the IPO, his net worth would be over $1 trillion, making him the world’s first trillionaire.
5. What if I invested $1000 in Microsoft in 1986? Had you invested $1000 in Microsoft at its IPO, you would have acquired 47 shares at $21 per share, which would translate to a return of 327,401% today.
6. How much of Amazon does Jeff Bezos own? Jeff Bezos owns about 10% of Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer.
7. Who is the actual owner of Microsoft? Microsoft is owned by its shareholders, with Vanguard and BlackRock being the largest shareholders, owning 8.6% and 7.1% of the corporation, respectively.
8. Does Microsoft still own Apple? Microsoft sold off all of its shares in Apple for $550 million in 2003.
9. How much of Apple does Bill Gates own? Bill Gates does not own any part of Apple.
10. Does Bill Gates own Costco? Bill Gates does not own any shares in Costco Wholesale anymore, having sold all his shares in Q4 2012.
11. Who took over Microsoft from Bill Gates? Steve Ballmer became Microsoft’s second CEO, succeeding Bill Gates.
12. Who manages Bill Gates’ money? Michael Larson is the chief investment officer for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Bill Gates’ personal fortune through Cascade Investment.
13. Who are the top 3 shareholders of Microsoft? The top shareholders of Microsoft include Satya Nadella, Bradford L. Smith, Jean-Philippe Courtois, Vanguard Group Inc., and BlackRock Inc..
14. Who owns Walmart stock? The largest shareholders of Walmart include Vanguard Group Inc, BlackRock Inc., and State Street Corp.
15. How much is $10000 in Apple 20 years ago? $10,000 in AAPL stock purchased 20 years ago would be worth about $5.08 million today, assuming reinvested dividends.

Conclusion

Bill Gates’ decision to sell a significant portion of his Microsoft shares marks a significant shift in his role and priorities, focusing more on philanthropy. Understanding the nuances of his investments and the current ownership structure of Microsoft provides valuable insights into the tech industry and the world of high-stakes investing.