Who Owns Microsoft
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Microsoft Corporation, one of the largest technology companies in the world, was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen and today is a global leader in software, hardware, and services. Microsoft has become an iconic brand and its products are used by millions around the world. But who owns Microsoft?
Currently, the largest shareholder in Microsoft is the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust (BMGFT). The trust owns 215.81 million Class B common shares of Microsoft, which is about 9.3 percent of all outstanding shares. The trust was established by Bill and Melinda Gates in December 2003 and is valued at around $22.5 billion.
The second largest shareholder in Microsoft is the company’s largest institutional investor, BlackRock Inc., with a 5.40 percent stake. Other prominent institutional investors include Vanguard Group Inc. (4.93 percent stake) and FMR LLC (3.33 percent stake).
As of April 2020, Microsoft’s total outstanding shares reached 2.41 billion and its market capitalization topped $1.55 trillion.
The majority of Microsoft’s employees, executives, and directors also own Microsoft shares, although they represent a much smaller percentage of the company’s total ownership. Bill Gates’ reported individual ownership of Microsoft was 1.36 percent as of March 31, 2020.
Outside of Microsoft, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Trust is a major shareholder in other major companies, including Coca-Cola (7.97% stake) and Canadian National Railway (2.91% stake).
In conclusion, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Trust is currently the largest shareholder in Microsoft, with a 9.3 percent stake. The company’s other major institutional and individual shareholders include BlackRock, Vanguard Group and Bill Gates, respectively.