Billionaire investor and legendary chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett, is once again making headlines; this time, for giving away another $6 billion in company shares to support global philanthropy.
In a statement released on Saturday, Buffett confirmed the donation of 12.35 million Class B shares of Berkshire Hathaway, valued at nearly $6 billion, to five different charitable organizations.
The largest chunk 9.43 million shares went to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust, continuing a long-running tradition. The remaining shares were distributed among:
- Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation (named after his late wife)
- The Sherwood Foundation
- The Howard G. Buffett Foundation
- The NoVo Foundation (all three run by his children)
Two Decades of Giving and Counting
Now 94, Buffett has been donating shares annually since 2006, and this latest move pushes his total lifetime giving to around $60 billion more than his entire net worth at the time he started.
“The five foundations have received Berkshire B shares that had a value when received of about $60 billion, substantially more than my entire net worth in 2006,” Buffett said.
Buffett emphasized that he has no debts and still holds 198,117 Class A shares and 1,144 Class B shares of Berkshire Hathaway placing him among the world’s wealthiest individuals despite his massive philanthropy.
“My will provides that about 99.5% of my estate is destined for philanthropic usage,” he reaffirmed.
Back in 2010, Buffett co-founded the Giving Pledge with Bill and Melinda Gates, urging the ultra-wealthy to commit most of their fortunes to charity. His consistent follow-through has made him a model of strategic, large-scale giving that supports global health, education, poverty alleviation, and more.
Preparing for the Next Chapter
Buffett’s donation comes as he prepares to step down as Berkshire Hathaway CEO by the end of 2025, handing the reins to longtime deputy Greg Abel. Despite the leadership change, Buffett says he won’t be selling any shares and will continue to give gradually over time.
His unwavering dedication to giving, even as he exits the corporate spotlight, reinforces his belief that wealth is best used for the public good; a principle he’s lived by for nearly two decades.
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