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What Does Bill Gates Own?

Published in Bill Gates Assets 3 mins read

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and a prominent philanthropist, possesses a vast and diversified portfolio of assets managed primarily through his private investment firm, Cascade Investment LLC. His holdings span across various sectors, from significant stakes in publicly traded companies to extensive real estate and investments in global initiatives.

Investment Portfolio: Public Equities

A substantial portion of Bill Gates's wealth is invested in a wide array of public companies, reflecting a strategy of diversification beyond the technology sector. As of August 2021, some of his notable public equity holdings included:

Ticker Company Name Number of Shares
MSFT Microsoft Corp. 36,499,597
WM Waste Management Inc. 35,234,344
BRK.B Berkshire Hathaway Inc. 17,303,097
CNI Canadian National Railway Co. 54,826,786

These investments highlight an interest in diverse industries such as waste management, transportation, and a continued, albeit smaller, stake in Microsoft, the company he co-founded. His holdings also include a significant position in Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate led by long-time friend Warren Buffett.

Other Major Assets and Investments

Beyond his public stock portfolio, Bill Gates owns a variety of other valuable assets and has significant influence through philanthropic endeavors.

Real Estate

Gates is known for his impressive real estate holdings, most notably his primary residence, a futuristic mansion in Medina, Washington, dubbed "Xanadu 2.0." This property is renowned for its advanced technology and extensive amenities. His real estate investments also extend to luxury properties and landholdings across various locations.

Private Investments and Ventures

Through Cascade Investment LLC, Bill Gates has made private equity investments in diverse sectors, including:

  • Hotels and Resorts: Stakes in luxury hotel chains.
  • Agriculture: Significant landholdings across the United States, making him one of the largest private farmland owners.
  • Energy and Technology: Investments in clean energy companies, biotechnology firms, and other innovative startups aiming to address global challenges.

Philanthropic Contributions and Influence

While not "owned" in the traditional sense, Bill Gates's substantial contributions to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation allow him significant influence over the allocation of vast resources dedicated to global health, poverty reduction, and education. The Foundation itself holds a large and diversified endowment, which invests globally to fund its charitable activities.

Personal Assets

Like many high-net-worth individuals, Gates's personal assets include valuable art collections, a private jet for travel, and various luxury vehicles. These personal items contribute to his overall net worth but represent a smaller fraction compared to his investment portfolio and philanthropic commitments.

In summary, Bill Gates's ownership profile is characterized by a strategic and diversified approach to wealth management, combining traditional stock investments with significant holdings in real estate, private ventures, and a profound commitment to global philanthropy.