Warren Buffett Donates $6 Billion in Berkshire Stock, Bringing Total Philanthropy to $60 Billion

Warren Buffett, one of the world’s most revered investors and a titan of American capitalism, has announced a new philanthropic gift of $6 billion in Berkshire Hathaway stock to five foundations—an act that brings his total lifetime giving to roughly $60 billion.

The donation, disclosed in a statement late Friday, involves nearly 12.4 million Class B shares of Berkshire Hathaway, which owns a vast empire of businesses including Geico, Dairy Queen, and See’s Candies. The shares are set to be transferred Monday and mark the continuation of Buffett’s long-standing commitment to philanthropy.

The largest portion—9.4 million shares—will go to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust, reaffirming Buffett’s long-term support for global health and development initiatives. The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, named after his late first wife, will receive 943,384 shares. The remaining shares—660,366 each—will go to the Sherwood Foundation, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and the NoVo Foundation, all of which are run by or associated with his children.

Each Berkshire Class B share closed Friday at $485.68, which means Buffett’s donation, based on current market value, totals just over $6 billion.

This latest act of generosity is emblematic of Buffett’s philanthropic philosophy: to give back the overwhelming majority of his wealth while he is still alive. “Nothing extraordinary has occurred at Berkshire; a very long runway, simple and generally sound decisions, the American tailwind and compounding effects produced my current wealth,” Buffett said in the statement. “My will provides that about 99½% of my estate is destined for philanthropic usage.”

Known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” Buffett has spent decades advocating for the wealthy to give back to society. He co-founded the Giving Pledge in 2010 with Bill and Melinda Gates, encouraging billionaires to commit at least half of their fortunes to charity during their lifetimes or upon their deaths.

Now 93 years old, Buffett remains chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate he built into a global powerhouse. His disciplined, value-based investment strategy—focused on buying high-quality businesses at reasonable prices—has made him one of the richest individuals in the world, with an estimated net worth of $145 billion.

Despite his close ties with the Gates Foundation, Buffett signaled last year that he plans to end his annual donations to the foundation after his death. He intends instead to leave the remaining portion of his estate to be managed by his three children, each of whom oversees a charitable foundation bearing their names. Buffett has said he trusts his children to “do a better job” directing the funds to meaningful causes.

Buffett’s philanthropic approach is grounded in long-term thinking and strategic impact. By donating Berkshire Hathaway stock—rather than liquidating his holdings—he ensures that recipient foundations can benefit from the appreciation and compounding power of the shares themselves, just as he did over the course of his career.

Berkshire Hathaway’s Class B shares have gained 19.1% over the past year, outpacing the broader U.S. stock market, which returned 14.1% including dividends. The company’s consistent performance underscores the financial weight behind Buffett’s donations.

The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation focuses primarily on education and reproductive health. The Sherwood and NoVo foundations, guided by his daughter Susan and son Peter, support social justice, women’s rights, and community-based initiatives. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation, led by his eldest son, concentrates on food security, conflict resolution, and global development.

Though Buffett’s giving has already reached eye-popping levels, he shows no signs of slowing down. His philanthropic mission is part of a broader movement among ultra-wealthy individuals to confront systemic issues through strategic giving—and to encourage others to follow suit.

Buffett’s humility in the face of massive wealth is striking. He continues to live in the modest Omaha home he bought in 1958 and maintains a frugal personal lifestyle. Yet his philanthropic legacy looms large and continues to grow—shaped by a simple principle: use wealth to do good.

“I’m not donating because I want thanks or recognition,” Buffett once remarked. “I’m doing it because it makes sense. If you’re lucky enough to be in my position, you should.”

With this latest $6 billion contribution, Buffett cements his place not only in financial history but also as one of the most consequential philanthropists of the modern era.