Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has announced a $6 billion donation in company stock to five foundations. This latest gift raises the total value of his philanthropic contributions since 2006 to approximately $60 billion, based on the stock’s value at the time of donation. Buffett confirmed that the transfer of nearly 12.4 million Class B shares of Berkshire Hathaway will take place on Monday.
Buffett Reshapes Philanthropic Future, Prioritizing Family Foundations and Strategic Share Distributions
The largest portion of the donation—9.4 million shares—is being allocated to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust. The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation will receive 943,384 shares, while three other foundations—the Sherwood Foundation, Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and NoVo Foundation—will each get 660,366 shares. The use of Class B shares, which are lower-priced than the company’s Class A shares, makes the donation more manageable for the receiving organizations.
Warren Buffett Donates $6 Billion in Stock, Shifts Philanthropic Focus to Family FoundationsLast year, Buffett revealed a major shift in his philanthropic strategy, stating that the Gates Foundation would no longer receive donations after his death. Instead, he plans to leave the remainder of his fortune in the hands of his three children, empowering them to determine its future philanthropic direction. This approach reflects his broader belief in individual choice and responsibility when it comes to charitable giving.
Buffett’s Investment Strategy Drives Growth and Fuels a Legacy of Generosity and Giving
Berkshire Hathaway’s Class B stock has seen strong performance, rising 19.1% over the past year and outpacing the broader U.S. stock market, which grew by 14.1% including dividends. Buffett’s reputation as a disciplined, value-driven investor has been a major factor in the company’s long-term success. His investment philosophy of buying quality businesses at fair prices continues to serve him and his shareholders well.
In a statement, Buffett attributed his massive wealth not to anything extraordinary, but to steady decision-making, favorable market conditions, and the power of compounding over time. He emphasized that his will designates roughly 99.5% of his estate for philanthropic purposes, reinforcing his longstanding commitment to giving back. Through these continued acts of generosity, Buffett is shaping a legacy defined as much by impact as by investment acumen.
