A Deep Look Into Bill Gates Portfolio (2023)

MSFT – Microsoft Corp. – 31.05%

As the co-founder of Microsoft, it is no surprise that Gates’ portfolio contains a substantial investment in the tech giant. Gates’ deep understanding of Microsoft’s business, trajectory, and the tech industry has led him to retain a significant stake in the company. Furthermore, his ongoing belief in the importance of technology as a transformative force in society supports his continued investment in Microsoft.

CNI – Canadian National Railway Co. – 17.74%

Gates’ investment in Canadian National Railway reflects his belief in the importance of infrastructure for economic development. Railways are crucial for goods transportation, connecting markets, and supporting economic growth. Bill Gates believes as climate change continues to impact global supply chains, railways offer a more energy-efficient means of transportation than other freight transport.

BRK.B – Berkshire Hathaway CL B – 16.67%

As a longtime friend of Warren Buffet, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Gates’ significant stake in this company indicates his faith in Buffet’s value investing strategy. This investment also represents Gates’ broader belief in the strength and stability of diverse, well-managed companies. Also, most, if not all, of these shares, were donated to the Gates Foundation and have been held as investments.

WM – Waste Management Inc. – 15.77%

Waste Management Inc. represents an intersection of Gates’ interests in infrastructure, sustainability, and technological innovation. As North America’s largest waste management company, it’s at the forefront of developing innovative, sustainable waste management solutions. This aligns with Gates’ longstanding commitment to sustainability and his belief in the role of innovative technologies in tackling environmental challenges.

CAT – Caterpillar Inc. – 4.62%

DE – Deere & Co. – 4.44%

Caterpillar and Deere & Co. investments are driven by Gates’ understanding of the vital role that construction, agriculture, and infrastructure play in the global economy. Both companies are leaders in their respective fields and are heavily involved in technological innovation, aligning with Gates’ belief in the transformative power of technology.

ECL – Ecolab Inc. – 2.37%

Ecolab’s business in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions aligns with Gates’ interest in public health and sustainability. This investment reflects Gates’ commitment to companies tackling the world’s most pressing health and environmental challenges.

KOF – Coca-Cola FEMSA S A CV – 1.37%

WMT – Walmart Inc. – 1.22%

Investments in Coca-Cola FEMSA and Walmart suggest a belief in the ongoing value of consumer staples. Despite economic ups and downs, people continue to buy essential goods. These companies’ broad reach and enduring popularity likely factor into their presence in Gates’ portfolio.

FDX – FedEx Corp. – 0.96%

WCN – Waste Connections – 0.82%

CCI – Crown Castle International Corp. – 0.52%

UPS – United Parcel Service – 0.39%

FedEx, Waste Connections, Crown Castle International, and UPS are all infrastructure and logistics-related investments. They underline Gates’ understanding of the importance of infrastructure in a well-functioning economy, particularly in an era of rapid e-commerce growth.

SDGR – SCHRODINGER Inc. – 0.50%

CPNG – Coupang Inc. – 0.41%

Schrödinger, a software company revolutionizing drug discovery through computational chemistry, and Coupang, a South Korean e-commerce giant, are investments highlighting Gates’ ongoing commitment to technology and innovation.

MSGS – Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. – 0.32%

This investment likely reflects Gates’ interest in the entertainment industry, recognizing the vast and profitable market that sports and entertainment represent.

KHC – Kraft Heinz Co. – 0.28%

DHR – Danaher Corp. – 0.26%

HRL – Hormel Foods Corp. – 0.24%

The recurring demand for food and health products may drive investments in Kraft Heinz, Danaher, and Hormel Foods. Danaher, a science and tech innovator, aligns with Gates’ belief in technology’s role in enhancing life quality.

ONON – On Holding AG – 0.04%

CVNA – Carvana Co. – 0.01%

VRM – Vroom Inc. – 0.01%

On Holding AG, a footwear and athletic apparel brand, Carvana, an online used car retailer, and Vroom, an e-commerce platform for buying and selling used cars, indicate Gates’ interest in consumer-focused, technology-driven companies transforming traditional industries.

Key Takeaways

• Gates’ portfolio reveals an unwavering conviction in the dynamism of technology, embodied in his investments in companies like Microsoft, Schrödinger, and Coupang.
• His stakes in Canadian National Railway, Caterpillar, Deere & Co., and FedEx emphasize essential infrastructure and logistics services.
• Gates places a high value on companies prioritizing sustainability and health, as seen in his investments in Waste Management Inc., Ecolab Inc., and Danaher Corp.
• Gates strategically focuses on the steady demand for consumer staples and health products with investments in Coca-Cola FEMSA, Walmart, Kraft Heinz Co., and Hormel Foods.
• His portfolio suggests an interest in companies disrupting traditional sectors through technology and innovative business models, such as Carvana and On Holding AG.

Conclusion

The exploration of Bill Gates’ investment portfolio presents a compelling snapshot of his beliefs, providing us with a comprehensive understanding of his vision for the future. His investment choices underscore a solid belief in technology’s transformative power, the strategic importance of infrastructural and logistical services, a commitment to sustainability and health, and the recognition of the consistent demand for consumer staples.

His investments indicate a discerning eye for disruptive companies that leverage technology to revolutionize traditional industries. In essence, his portfolio serves as a roadmap for investors interested in understanding the investment strategies of one of the world’s leading tech visionaries.

His investments provide valuable insights into his vision of the world’s future and where he believes the most influential developments will occur.