Unveiling the Investment Moves of Bill Gates (Trades, Portfolio) in Q4 2023
Bill Gates (Trades, Portfolio), a titan of industry and a paragon of philanthropy, has once again made headlines with the latest 13F filing for the fourth quarter of 2023. As the co-founder of Microsoft, Gates has not only revolutionized the tech world but also established himself as a discerning investor through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust. The trust's investment decisions, managed by a team of external portfolio managers, reflect a commitment to good governance and ethical business practices, aligning with the foundation's mission to improve global welfare.
Summary of Sold Out Positions
During the fourth quarter of 2023, Bill Gates (Trades, Portfolio) decided to part ways with several holdings. Notably, the portfolio saw the complete exit from 51 positions, including:
- iShares U.S. Technology ETF (IYW, Financial): The sale of all 57,600 shares had a minor -0.02% impact on the portfolio.
- Apple Inc (AAPL, Financial): The liquidation of all 52,815 shares also resulted in a -0.02% impact on the portfolio.
Key Position Reductions
Bill Gates (Trades, Portfolio) also strategically reduced stakes in three companies. The most significant reductions were observed in:
- Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK.B, Financial): A reduction of 2,613,252 shares, translating to an -11.6% decrease in shares and a -2.35% impact on the portfolio. The stock's average trading price was $350.99 during the quarter, with a 12.47% return over the past three months and an 11.71% year-to-date return.
- Microsoft Corp (MSFT, Financial): A reduction of 1,075,301 shares, leading to a -2.74% decrease in shares and a -0.87% impact on the portfolio. The stock's average trading price was $355.93, with an 11.02% return over the past three months and a 9.10% year-to-date return.
Portfolio Overview
As of the fourth quarter of 2023, Bill Gates (Trades, Portfolio)'s investment portfolio comprised 24 stocks. The top holdings were heavily concentrated in a few key companies, with significant percentages allocated to Microsoft Corp (MSFT) at 33.98%, Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK.B) at 16.8%, Canadian National Railway Co (CNI, Financial) at 16.29%, Waste Management Inc (WM, Financial) at 14.92%, and Caterpillar Inc (CAT, Financial) at 5.14%. The investments span across various industries, with a focus on Industrials, Technology, Financial Services, Consumer Defensive, Basic Materials, Healthcare, Consumer Cyclical, Real Estate, and Communication Services, reflecting a diversified yet strategic approach to value investing.
This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.
