Warren Buffett, the esteemed investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, made his largest annual charitable contribution to date, donating an additional $6 billion worth of Berkshire Hathaway stock. This substantial gift, consisting of approximately 12.36 million Berkshire Class B shares, was distributed among the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and four family-led charities. This latest donation significantly elevates Buffett’s total lifetime giving to well over $60 billion since he began his philanthropic endeavors in 2006.

The distribution of the shares included 9.43 million to the Gates Foundation, 943,384 to the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, and 660,366 shares each to the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, Sherwood Foundation, and NoVo Foundation. These latter three organizations are led respectively by his children, Howard, Susie, and Peter. Despite this substantial donation, Buffett, who is now 94 years old, retains a 13.8% ownership stake in Berkshire Hathaway. Prior to this latest act of generosity, Forbes magazine estimated his net worth at $152 billion, positioning him as the world's fifth-richest person. Post-donation, his ranking would adjust to sixth, as this gift surpassed his previous annual donation of $5.3 billion in June of the preceding year, and a further $1.14 billion given to family charities in November.

In a public statement, Buffett reiterated his steadfast intention not to sell any of his remaining Berkshire shares. Last year, he updated his will to designate 99.5% of his fortune, following his death, to a charitable trust that will be overseen by his children. This trust grants his children – Susie (71), Howard (70), and Peter (67) – approximately a decade to unanimously decide on the allocation of these significant funds. It is also notable that Buffett stated last June that direct donations to the Gates Foundation would conclude upon his passing.

Berkshire Hathaway, the Omaha, Nebraska-based conglomerate that Buffett has steered since 1965, boasts a market valuation of $1.05 trillion. Its diverse portfolio encompasses nearly 200 businesses, including major entities such as Geico car insurance and the BNSF railroad, alongside substantial holdings in stocks like Apple and American Express. The family charities that received a portion of this latest donation each focus on distinct areas of impact. The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, led by Susie Buffett and named after her mother (Warren Buffett’s first wife), is dedicated to funding reproductive health initiatives. The Sherwood Foundation supports Nebraska-based nonprofits and early childhood education. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation, under Howard's leadership, concentrates its efforts on addressing global hunger, combating human trafficking, and mitigating conflicts. Lastly, the NoVo Foundation, headed by Peter Buffett, champions initiatives focused on empowering marginalized girls and women, as well as supporting indigenous communities.