Bill Gates, the seventh wealthiest person globally, is renowned for his penchant for dividend income, evident in the staggering $464.5 million annual earnings from his investment portfolio.
Gates’s investment strategy, focusing on companies with robust dividend yields, underscores his dedication to consistent, long-term income streams. The recent 13F filing from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust sheds light on five key stocks contributing significantly to this income.
1. Canadian National Railway Co (NYSE:CNI)
A linchpin in Gates’s portfolio, Canadian National Railway, a premier North American transportation and logistics company, holds 54,826,786 shares valued at approximately $6.33 billion. With a quarterly dividend of $0.57 per share, Gates rakes in an annual income of $125,005,072.08 from this investment.
2. Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT)
As the founder of Microsoft, Gates’s substantial investment in the tech giant remains a cornerstone of his portfolio. Holding 39,286,170 shares and benefiting from a recent dividend increase to $0.75 per share, Gates enjoys an astounding annual dividend income of $117,858,510.00. This investment not only reflects his legacy but also his confidence in the company’s ongoing innovation and market dominance.
3. Waste Management Inc (NYSE:WM)
Aligning with Gates’s sustainable investment principles, Waste Management Inc, North America’s largest waste management company, occupies a significant space in his portfolio. With 35,234,344 shares worth about $6.06 billion and a $0.70 quarterly dividend per share, Gates’s annual income from this stock is $98,656,163.20.
4. Caterpillar Inc (NYSE:CAT)
Renowned for its construction and mining equipment, Caterpillar Inc is another key player in Gates’s portfolio. With 7,353,614 shares valued at approximately $1.82 billion and a quarterly dividend of $1.30 per share, Gates’s annual income from Caterpillar reaches $38,238,792.80.
5. Deere & Co (NYSE:DE)
A major investment for Gates, Deere & Co, a leader in agricultural and construction machinery, holds 3,917,693 shares worth about $1.45 billion. With a dividend of $1.35 per share, Gates’s annual income from Deere stands at $21,155,542.20.
Together, these five investments contribute nearly $401 million to Gates’s annual dividend income. While Gates’s investment strategy has been remarkably successful, it’s crucial for individual investors to recognize that replicating such strategies may not always align with their unique financial goals or risk tolerance. Each investor should tailor their approach to their specific financial situation and investment objectives.
