Buffett Donates $6 Billion in Berkshire Stock to Gates, Family Foundations

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Updated Jul 2, 2025, 02:12 AM

Warren Buffett has committed about $6 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to five charities, marking his largest annual gift since he began distributing his fortune in 2006. The long-time investor said the shares, converted into roughly 12.36 million Class B units, were donated late last week and will be transferred to the recipients on Monday.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust will receive the lion’s share—9.43 million shares—while 943,384 shares go to the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation. Three organisations led by Buffett’s children each obtain 660,366 shares: the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, the Sherwood Foundation and the NoVo Foundation.

The latest contribution lifts Buffett’s lifetime giving to more than $60 billion, yet he still owns about 13.8% of Berkshire, leaving him with an estimated $145 billion stake. In a statement, Buffett reiterated that 99.5% of his estate is earmarked for charitable causes and said he has no plans to sell Berkshire shares.

The donation arrives as Buffett prepares to step down as chief executive of the $1 trillion conglomerate at the end of 2025, with vice-chair Greg Abel slated to assume the role. Berkshire shares have gained roughly 19% over the past year, outpacing broader U.S. equity benchmarks.

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#Warren Buffett #Berkshire Hathaway #Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation #Buffett #Sherwood Foundation #NoVo Foundation #Berkshire #Greg Abel

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Buffett donates $6B Berkshire shares; plans to retire 2025; Berkshire stock up 19% year.

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Warren Buffett has given away the biggest chunk of his fortune since he began distributing it in 2006. The soon-to-be-former CEO of Berkshire Hathaway has donated 12.36 million Berkshire Class B shares, worth $6 billion, to the Gates Foundation and four family charities.

Forbes

@Forbes

On Monday, Warren Buffett announced his annual gift of Berkshire Hathaway stock to the Gates Foundation, foundations run by his children, and one started by his late first wife. (Photo: Timothy Archibald for Forbes)