Bill Gates - Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust Portfolio

Bill Gates - Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust Q1 2025 Portfolio

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a trust fund managed by Bill Gates, disclosed 25 security holdings in their SEC 13F filing for the first quarter of 2025, with a total portfolio value of $41,806,378,221

 

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust Portfolio

Q1 2025 Holdings and Strategic Analysis

As of Q1 2025, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust's portfolio continues to emphasize stable, long-term investments that align with its mission of sustainability and global impact. Below is a detailed overview of the top 10 holdings that drive both financial returns and support the foundation's broader goals.

Top Holdings

1
MSFT
Microsoft Corp.
No Change
Portfolio: 25.55%
Shares: 28,457,247
Reported Price: $375.39
Value: $10,682,565,951
Microsoft remains the trust's largest holding. Its leadership in software, cloud computing (Azure), and AI continues to make Microsoft a high-conviction investment with strong growth potential, showing a 20.71% price increase since reporting.
2
BRK.B
Berkshire Hathaway CL B
Reduced 12.63%
Portfolio: 21.88%
Shares: 17,172,435
Reported Price: $532.58
Value: $9,145,695,432
Berkshire Hathaway remains a cornerstone of the portfolio, providing diversified exposure through Warren Buffett's conglomerate. Despite continuing to reduce the position (-2,482,589 shares), the trust maintains significant confidence in Berkshire's long-term value creation approach.
3
WM
Waste Management Inc.
No Change
Portfolio: 17.85%
Shares: 32,234,344
Reported Price: $231.51
Value: $7,462,572,979
Waste Management, a leader in waste disposal and recycling, continues to deliver steady demand, environmental focus, and consistent cash flows that align with the foundation's preference for essential services and sustainability-oriented businesses.
4
CNI
Canadian National Railway Co.
No Change
Portfolio: 12.78%
Shares: 54,826,786
Reported Price: $97.46
Value: $5,343,418,564
Canadian National Railway, a dominant player in North American freight transport, continues to offer stable revenue and growth prospects. Its extensive rail network supports the trust's strategy of investing in key infrastructure assets, with promising price growth of 10.95% since reporting.
5
CAT
Caterpillar Inc.
No Change
Portfolio: 5.80%
Shares: 7,353,614
Reported Price: $329.80
Value: $2,425,221,897
Caterpillar provides exposure to construction, mining, and energy equipment—industries poised to benefit from ongoing infrastructure projects. The unchanged position reflects continued faith in global industrial demand, with the stock showing 6.07% price appreciation since reporting.
6
DE
Deere & Co.
No Change
Portfolio: 3.99%
Shares: 3,557,378
Reported Price: $469.35
Value: $1,669,655,364
Deere's focus on agricultural machinery and advanced farming solutions continues to align with the foundation's commitment to sustainable agriculture and food production, supporting its global mission to enhance resource management. The stock has appreciated 10.01% since reporting.
7
ECL
Ecolab Inc.
No Change
Portfolio: 3.16%
Shares: 5,218,044
Reported Price: $253.52
Value: $1,322,878,515
Ecolab's water, hygiene, and energy solutions remain integral to the portfolio's sustainability theme. Its offerings help companies reduce environmental footprints—a key priority for the foundation's global impact goals. The stock has shown modest price growth of 0.94% since reporting.
8
WMT
Walmart Inc.
No Change
Portfolio: 1.91%
Shares: 9,090,477
Reported Price: $87.79
Value: $798,052,976
Walmart adds consumer sector diversification to the portfolio. As the world's largest retailer, it benefits from consistent demand for everyday goods and an expanding e-commerce presence, supporting the trust's long-term approach. The stock has appreciated 9.75% since reporting.
9
FDX
FedEx Corp.
No Change
Portfolio: 1.48%
Shares: 2,534,362
Reported Price: $243.78
Value: $617,826,768
FedEx offers exposure to global logistics and delivery services, essential for e-commerce growth and worldwide supply chains. This position supports a sector poised for long-term expansion amid increasing digital commerce, though the stock has declined 5.20% since reporting.
10
KOF
Coca-Cola FEMSA S.A.B. de C.V.
No Change
Portfolio: 1.36%
Shares: 6,214,719
Reported Price: $91.29
Value: $567,341,698
Coca-Cola FEMSA, the largest Coke bottler in Latin America, continues to provide access to emerging markets and consumer staples. Its resilience and consistent demand make it a suitable fit for the foundation's diversified approach, with a slight price appreciation of 0.20% since reporting.

Portfolio Strategy Analysis

1
Tech and Diversification at the Core

Microsoft remains the top holding with no activity this quarter, underscoring the trust's continued emphasis on technology. Together with Berkshire Hathaway, these two positions account for nearly half the portfolio (47.43%), balancing growth potential with diversified stability through Berkshire's conglomerate structure. The ongoing reduction in Berkshire (-12.63% this quarter) suggests strategic rebalancing.

2
Focus on Essential Services and Infrastructure

Increased portfolio concentration in Waste Management (now 17.85%), Canadian National Railway (12.78%), and Caterpillar (5.80%) demonstrate a strengthened preference for companies providing fundamental, long-term needs. This approach supports the foundation's commitment to reliable cash flows and meaningful economic impact across vital sectors of the economy.

3
Sustainability and Resource Management

Deere and Ecolab highlight the trust's dedication to sustainable agriculture and environmental solutions. Both companies have maintained stable positions in the portfolio and continue to address global challenges in food production, water conservation, and resource efficiency—themes central to the foundation's mission of promoting sustainable development worldwide.

4
Moderate Consumer Exposure

Walmart and Coca-Cola FEMSA contribute to consumer sector diversification, while FedEx capitalizes on e-commerce logistics trends. These smaller positions round out a portfolio designed to withstand market fluctuations and provide exposure to essential consumer services in both developed and emerging markets. All three positions remain unchanged, indicating continued confidence in these allocations.

Q1 2025 Portfolio Shifts and Market Performance

The Q1 2025 filing indicates a consistent strategic approach with few position changes. The continued reduction in Berkshire Hathaway (-12.63%) represents the only major portfolio adjustment. This gradual trimming may reflect profit-taking or strategic rebalancing rather than diminished confidence in Berkshire.

Conclusion

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust's Q1 2025 portfolio continues to prioritize long-term stability, essential services, and sustainability-focused businesses. The ongoing reduction in Berkshire Hathaway suggests strategic rebalancing, while core holdings in waste management, railways, and industrials demonstrate an enduring commitment to critical infrastructure and services.


This balanced approach aligns with the foundation's mission to invest in innovative, resilient enterprises that address global challenges while providing the financial returns necessary to fund its philanthropic activities. By maintaining substantial positions in companies that combine financial performance with positive environmental and social impacts, the trust creates a virtuous cycle between investment success and global development.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust Portfolio Analysis

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust Portfolio Analysis

Based on 13F filing for reporting period: Q1, 2025

Portfolio Manager

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust

Filing Date

May 15, 2025

Total Value

$41,000,000,000+

Number of Positions

25

Portfolio Allocation

Holdings Breakdown

Rank Company Name % of Portfolio Q1 Activity Ticker Shares Market Value ($)
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