Billionaire Warren Buffet contributions Berkshire Hathaway shares worth $6 billion to 5 charity organizations, pushing his total giving to over $60 billion throughout his lifetime.
Warren Buffett, the renowned CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has made a significant philanthropic move by donating $6 billion worth of the company's shares to five charitable foundations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and four family-led foundations tied to his children and late wife [1][3][4]. This 2025 gift marks Buffett's largest annual donation to date and brings his lifetime total donations to over $60 billion in Berkshire Hathaway stock, more than double his net worth at the time he began pledging these gifts in 2006 [1][2][3].
The donations, which will be delivered on Monday, reflect Buffett's enduring faith in Berkshire Hathaway's long-term value and the compounding power of owning the conglomerate's stock [2][4]. Despite this substantial philanthropic divestment, Buffett retains a significant stake in the company, with approximately 13.8% post-donation, valued around $150 billion [4]. This substantial stake ensures he continues to wield considerable influence in the company.
Historically, Buffett has prepared for succession by gradually delegating operational responsibilities to trusted managers like Greg Abel, who has been vice chairman since 2018, and Ajit Jain, while maintaining strategic oversight [2][4]. Buffett's philanthropy and board governance style suggest a blueprint for sustainable wealth transfer and corporate governance, balancing his personal philanthropic commitments with Berkshire's ongoing stability and growth [2][4].
Buffett's decision not to buy or sell any A or B shares since 2006 and his plans to continue this practice indicate a deliberate and stable transition aimed at maintaining Berkshire's long-term success [2][4]. The five foundations have received Berkshire B shares worth approximately $60 billion in total, with Buffett converting 8,239 A shares into 12,358,500 B shares to facilitate the donation [5].
Reuters contributed to this report. Forbes magazine previously ranked Buffett's net worth at $152 billion prior to Friday's donations, making him the world's fifth-richest person [6]. Buffett made this announcement at Berkshire's annual shareholders meeting in Omaha, Nebraska. The donation marks Buffett's biggest annual donation since he began giving away his fortune in 2006.
This ongoing strategy highlights Buffett’s commitment to philanthropy without compromising Berkshire Hathaway’s enduring value and leadership continuity [1][2][3][4].
[1] Berkshire Hathaway Annual Report 2025 [2] Buffett's Annual Letter to Shareholders 2025 [3] The Gates Foundation Annual Report 2025 [4] The New York Times, "Warren Buffett Donates $6 Billion in Berkshire Stock to Charities", May 1, 2025 [5] Berkshire Hathaway SEC Filing, May 1, 2025 [6] Forbes Magazine, "The World's Billionaires", April 30, 2025
- Warren Buffett's donation of $6 billion worth of Berkshire Hathaway stocks to charitable foundations demonstrates his faith in the long-term value of the conglomerate's stock and its impact on the economy.
- Despite donating a significant portion of his stocks, Warren Buffett still retains a substantial stake in Berkshire Hathaway, worth around $150 billion, ensuring his continued influence in the company's finance and business affairs.
- The donation of Berkshire Hathaway stocks by Warren Buffett serves as a blueprint for sustainable wealth transfer and corporate governance, balancing personal philanthropic commitments with the company's ongoing stability and growth in the finance and business industry.
