Key Points
- Record Donation: Warren Buffett made his largest annual philanthropic contribution to date, a historic $6 billion USD (approximately ¥43.5 billion RMB) gift of Berkshire Hathaway stock.
- Beneficiaries: The donation, comprising 12,358,321 shares of Class B stock, was primarily distributed to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (9,433,839 shares) and foundations run by his children (Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, Sherwood Foundation, Howard G. Buffett Foundation, Novo Foundation).
- Cumulative Giving: This gift pushes Buffett’s total philanthropic contributions past the $60 billion USD (approximately ¥435 billion RMB) mark.
- Wealth Impact: Post-donation, his net worth, previously $152 billion USD, is expected to slightly decrease, potentially moving him from fifth to sixth richest globally, yet he retains a significant 13.8% stake in Berkshire Hathaway.
- Future Legacy: Buffett’s will dictates 99.5% of his remaining fortune will go to charitable trusts managed by his three children, shifting focus away from the Gates Foundation post-mortem.
Warren Buffett’s latest donation move is a masterclass in long-term philanthropic strategy, with the “Oracle of Omaha” making a historic $6 billion USD (approximately ¥43.5 billion RMB) gift of Berkshire Hathaway stock.
Announced on Friday, June 27, 2025, this isn’t just another donation.
It’s his single largest annual contribution in the nearly two decades he’s been systematically giving away his immense fortune.
This move pushes his total giving to a staggering new milestone and offers a roadmap for legacy-building.
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Breaking Down the $6 Billion Gift: Where Did the Money Go?
This year’s massive contribution was made by converting 8,239 shares of Berkshire Hathaway Class A stock into a whopping 12,358,500 shares of Class B stock.
From there, the shares were distributed across five key foundations, which are expected to receive them by June 30.
Here’s the play-by-play on the 12,358,321 shares of Berkshire Hathaway Class B stock donated:
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: 9,433,839 shares
- Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation: 943,384 shares
- Sherwood Foundation: 660,366 shares
- Howard G. Buffett Foundation: 660,366 shares
- Novo Foundation: 660,366 shares
A Legacy of Giving: Over $60 Billion and Counting
This single donation propels Buffett’s cumulative philanthropic contributions past the $60 billion USD (approximately ¥435 billion RMB) mark.
To put that in perspective, this year’s $6 billion gift handily beats last year’s already massive $5.3 billion USD (approximately ¥38.4 billion RMB) donation.
So, what does this mean for Buffett’s personal wealth?
- Before the donation, Forbes pegged his net worth at $152 billion USD (approximately ¥1.1 trillion RMB), ranking him the fifth-richest person on the planet.
- After this $6 billion gift, he’s expected to slide to sixth place.
- Even after this massive giveaway, Buffett still holds a significant 13.8% stake in Berkshire Hathaway.
And true to form, Buffett stated he has no intention of selling his remaining shares.
His wealth is intrinsically tied to the performance of the company he’s helmed since 1965.
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The Engine Behind the Billions: A Quick Look at Berkshire Hathaway
It’s easy to throw around billion-dollar figures, but it all comes from the value machine that is Berkshire Hathaway.
With a total market cap of $1.05 trillion USD (approximately ¥7.6 trillion RMB), the conglomerate is a diversified powerhouse.
It fully owns nearly 200 subsidiaries, including household names you definitely know:
- Geico: The fourth-largest auto insurer in the US.
- BNSF Railway: One of the giant railroads crisscrossing North America.
On top of that, it holds major stakes in public market titans like Apple (Apple Inc.) and American Express (American Express Company).
This donation was valued based on Berkshire’s Class B stock closing price of $485.6 USD (approximately ¥3,519 RMB) on the day of the announcement.
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The Future of the Buffett Fortune: A Family Affair
Buffett has also been crystal clear about what happens next.
Last year, he updated his will, outlining a plan for the remainder of his wealth.
A staggering 99.5% of his fortune will go to charitable trusts managed by his three children, who will be responsible for allocating the funds.
His children, now in their senior years, are already deeply involved in philanthropy:
- Susie Buffett (71): Leads the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, named for her mother, which champions reproductive health.
- Howard Buffett (70): His Howard G. Buffett Foundation tackles global hunger, human trafficking, and conflict resolution.
- Peter Buffett (67): Through the Novo Foundation, he focuses on empowering marginalized girls, women, and indigenous communities.
The family’s Sherwood Foundation, also a recipient, directs its efforts toward Nebraska-based nonprofits and early childhood education.
Interestingly, Buffett has specified that after his death, his estate will no longer make contributions to the Gates Foundation, shifting the focus of his remaining fortune entirely to the charitable entities run by his children.
This record-breaking $6 billion USD Berkshire Hathaway stock donation isn’t just a headline—it’s a calculated move solidifying a philanthropic legacy designed to last for generations.
- Total Market Cap: $1.05 trillion USD (approximately ¥7.6 trillion RMB)
- Class B Stock Closing Price (Day of Announcement): $485.6 USD (approximately ¥3,519 RMB)
