Bill gates buys apple stock

Founded in by brothers Tom and David Gardner, The Motley Fool helps millions of people attain financial freedom through our website, podcasts, books, newspaper column, radio show, and premium investing services. Guess who made it to the top of the Forbes billionaire rankings for ? It's the man who needs no introduction: Gates' primary source of wealth has, of course, been Microsoft, but if you think he has parked the bulk of his money in Microsoft stock, you're as far from the truth as one can get.

Before I reveal which stocks belong in the charitable venture's portfolio, you should know that Gates is more than just a business magnate -- he is among the world's most revered philanthropists today. It's fascinating how a visit to Africa turned Gates toward philanthropy, but that's a story for another day. What's important to know is that Gates has been passing on a good chunk of his money to his foundation since establishing it with his wife, Melinda, in Yes, you guessed it right: BRK-B stock, to be spread over years, to support Gates' philanthropic causes.

As Bill and Melinda put it in the foundation's Annual Letter addressing Buffett, "It was the biggest single gift anyone ever gave anybody for anything. We knew we owed you a fantastic return on your investment. It isn't an easy task, but Larson ensures that the endowments are primarily invested in stocks that can generate good returns to support the foundation's charitable goals.

While Bill and Melinda haven't disclosed their investment policies in detail, they're specific about not investing in "companies whose profit model is centrally tied to corporate activity that they find egregious," such as tobacco stocks.

Their investing style, though, closely resembles that of Buffett's. Most are dividend payers, too, much like Buffett stocks. Here they are, ranked according to their weighting in the portfolio. That Berkshire Hathaway makes up a bulk of Gates' trust's portfolio shouldn't come as a surprise. Berkshire Hathaway is among the strongest companies around, with a well-diversified revenue stream, rock-solid balance sheet, track record of strong cash flows, and management's staunch commitment to growth.

So, despite the conglomerate not paying any dividends, shareholders have reaped rich rewards over the years: The very first page of Berkshire Hathaway's latest annual report highlights the stock's Berkshire Hathaway will likely be the backbone of the trust's portfolio unless Buffett and Gates part ways. Waste Management's stock has more than doubled in the past decade, proving that trash can be valuable, too.

While Waste Management's business of hauling, disposing, and recycling trash is resilient to business cycles, its unparalleled landfill network acts as a formidable barrier to competitors. Not surprisingly, Waste Management's margins were intact even during recessionary periods. WM Operating Margin TTM data by YCharts. To top that, Waste Management has raised its dividend for 14 straight years, currently yielding 2. Today, Waste Management owns and operates the highest number of landfills, waste transfer, injection, and recycling facilities in the industry to serve more than 21 million customers across the U.

Canadian National Railway NYSE: Railroad isn't the kind of industry to grow gangbusters, but the economy could come to a standstill if rail stops transporting goods. This "essential" nature of the business is perhaps why Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway bought Burlington Northern Santa Fe in its biggest deal ever in , and why Canadian National Railway is in Gates' portfolio. Why Canadian National Railway, of all railroads? As the only transcontinental railroad in North America, spanning three key coasts over 20, miles of track, it has the widest coverage area among its peers.

Canadian National is also the most efficient railroad as measured by the operating ratio, and it generates boatloads of cash flows, a good portion of which go to shareholders. CNI Net Income TTM data by YCharts. Best-in-class efficiency and margins, and double-digit returns on equity and invested capital, make Canadian National a great buy-and-hold stock, the type Buffett and Gates prefer. Gates recently told CNBC that he believes in "the philosophy that Warren Buffett has put forth that you can find great companies and invest in them, then the macroeconomics can go up and down and the basic value of what you are holding on to there will be maintained throughout that.

Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and locomotives. This dominant position in a highly capital-intensive industry is a perfect ingredient for a moat, in addition to the indomitable brand image Caterpillar has built for itself during its 90 years of existence.

The industry stalwart has even paid a dividend every year since , currently yielding 3. Caterpillar may not be in the best shape right now, but its leadership and brand power position it well to benefit tremendously as the mining and oil and gas sectors revive.

What ever became of Microsoft's $ million investment in Apple?

Whether Larson will also exit the stock is anyone's guess, but why Wal-Mart made it into the portfolio in the first place isn't tough to figure out. Wal-Mart's commitment to shareholders is unquestionable: It's a Dividend Aristocrat, having raised its dividend for 44 straight years.

Wal-Mart is doing its part to catch up with the e-commerce wave, but Amazon is proving a tough nut to crack. The road ahead may not be easy for Wal-Mart, but Larson isn't losing faith in the retailer just yet.

Clearly, stocks in Gates' trust are leaders in their own right. Teresa Kersten is an employee of LinkedIn and is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft. Neha Chamaria has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway B shares , and Canadian National Railway.

The Motley Fool owns shares of Waste Management. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. A Fool since , Neha has a keen interest in materials, industrials, and mining sectors.

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Mar 8, at 9: Bill Gates is a revered philanthropist. Who manages Gates' money, and how? Berkshire Hathaway A shares NYSE: Berkshire Hathaway B shares NYSE: Prev 1 2 3 4 Next. Motley Fool push notifications are finally here Allow push notifications to help you stay on top of Breaking investing news Earnings coverage Market movers Special offers and more Subscribe to notifications You can unsubscribe at any time.