Billionaire investor Warren Buffet has once again given away a significant portion of his wealth to charity. Buffett reportedly donated on Friday another $6 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to the Gates Foundation and four family charities, his biggest annual donation since he began giving away his fortune nearly two decades ago.
The donation of about 12.36 million Berkshire Class B shares boosted Buffett’s overall giving to the charities to well over $60 billion, according to Reuters.
Berkshire Hathaway’s investment portfolio, valued at more than $255 billion, is heavily concentrated in a handful of key companies. The top holdings include Apple, representing about 26% of the portfolio, followed by American Express, Coca-Cola, Bank of America, and Chevron.
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Buffett’s investment strategy focuses on acquiring significant stakes in companies with strong fundamentals, competitive advantages, and long-term growth prospects. This approach has allowed him to consistently generate substantial returns for shareholders. His disciplined value investing style and focus on quality businesses continue to define his legacy as one of the most successful investors in history.
Buffett’s donation of $6 billion worth of Berkshire Hathaway stock is a powerful example of his commitment to philanthropy and his desire to use his wealth to make a positive impact on society. Rather than giving cash, Buffett chooses to donate shares in his company, which not only maintains the value of the gift over time but also supports the charitable organizations with potentially growing assets. This approach allows the recipients—often major foundations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and others—to invest and use the funds in ways that can drive long-term benefits in areas such as health, education, and poverty alleviation.
As of mid-2025, Buffett’s net worth is estimated at around $152 billion, making him one of the richest people in the world. Buffett has amassed his fortune primarily through Berkshire Hathaway, the multinational conglomerate he has led since 1965. Known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” he has built Berkshire Hathaway into a powerhouse with diverse investments spanning insurance, energy, retail, and manufacturing. Despite his vast wealth, Buffett is also renowned for his philanthropy, having pledged to donate 99.5% of his estate to charitable causes. In recent years, he has already given away over $60 billion, including a record $6 billion in Berkshire Hathaway stock to several major foundations.
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This donation also highlights Buffett’s unique role as both a successful businessman and a generous philanthropist. He has pledged to give away the vast majority of his wealth, encouraging other billionaires to follow suit through initiatives like The Giving Pledge. By transferring Berkshire Hathaway stock instead of cash, Buffett leverages his business success to fuel philanthropic efforts without disrupting his company’s operations or stock price.
In broader terms, Buffett’s gift symbolizes the growing trend of wealthy individuals using their fortunes to address global challenges and promote social good. It reflects a belief that those who have benefited greatly from the economy have a responsibility to give back and contribute to improving society. Ultimately, this donation underscores the impact that thoughtful, large-scale philanthropy can have in creating lasting positive change, inspiring others to consider how they might use their resources for the greater good.