The Gates Foundation reduces its Microsoft stake by 65%, cashing out approximately $8.7 billion.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Trust sold 17 million shares of Microsoft stock in the third quarter of 2025, reducing its stake in the company by nearly 65%. This is one of the largest single-quarter divestments since the establishment of the foundation. Following the transaction, Microsoft's weight in the foundation's portfolio decreased from over 27% to approximately 13%. The foundation still holds 9.2 million shares, valued at approximately $4.76 billion at current prices. Based on Microsoft's average stock price of $510.13 in the third quarter, the divestment amounts to around $8.7 billion. This action is seen as a portfolio adjustment rather than a judgement on the company's fundamentals weakening. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Trust has announced plans to increase its annual distribution to $9 billion, requiring its $49 billion investment portfolio to maintain stable liquidity.