Bill Gates’ 2026 Stock Picks: Top 10 to Buy
Bill Gates’ 2026 Portfolio: Top 10 Stocks to Buy
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and a major philanthropist, has long been known for his strategic investments. His foundation’s endowment fund, which is managed by Michael Larson, chief investment officer of Cascade Asset Management, holds a portfolio valued at approximately $35.36 billion. This portfolio is concentrated in stable companies with durable, long-term business models, reflecting Gates’ focus on steady returns that support the foundation’s charitable initiatives.
Gates, who has often drawn inspiration from Warren Buffett, favors investing in companies with strong competitive advantages and consistent cash flows. His portfolio includes many non-AI, “boring” stocks that have solid balance sheets. In a recent interview, Gates acknowledged the transformative potential of AI but warned that not all AI valuations are justified, noting that some stocks may decline in the future.
For this article, we have analyzed the Gates Foundation’s stock portfolio and identified its top 10 holdings. These stocks offer insights into Gates’ investment strategy and could provide valuable lessons for investors seeking long-term growth.
10. Coca-Cola Femsa (NYSE:KOF)
Coca-Cola Femsa (NYSE:KOF) is a key holding in the Gates Foundation’s portfolio, valued at $0.59 billion. The company benefits from the growing consumer class in Latin America, where demand for beverages is rising. Despite a saturated U.S. market, Coca-Cola Femsa has seen strong growth in Brazil and Mexico, with double-digit operating income growth in the last quarter of 2025. The stock has a P/E ratio of 15.4, lower than the industry average, and offers a dividend yield of 4%.
9. FedEx (NYSE:FDX)
FedEx (NYSE:FDX), valued at $0.69 billion in the Gates Foundation’s portfolio, has shown resilience despite market volatility. The company is implementing an efficiency plan called DRIVE, which aims to reduce costs and increase margins through automation and network consolidation. FedEx is also planning to spin off its Freight segment, which could unlock value and allow the company to focus on improving its Express and Ground operations. The London Company Large Cap Strategy highlighted FedEx’s strong performance in its fourth-quarter 2025 investor letter, citing improved revenue quality and disciplined pricing.
8. Walmart (NYSE:WMT)
Walmart (NYSE:WMT), with a stake of $0.93 billion, has evolved beyond being just a retail giant. The company has diversified into a high-growth tech and service ecosystem, with its e-commerce operations now profitable. Walmart leverages its 4,700 stores as high-speed fulfillment centers, delivering 35% of online orders in under three hours. Its appeal extends to affluent households, with increasing market share among those earning $100,000 or more annually.
7. Ecolab (NYSE:ECL)
Ecolab (NYSE:ECL), valued at $1.37 billion, has positioned itself as a leader in water treatment solutions. The company recently acquired CoolIT Systems for $4.75 billion, expanding its capabilities in liquid cooling for data centers. Ecolab’s closed-loop technology addresses the global water deficit projected to reach 56% by 2030, making its solutions essential for tech and industrial businesses.
6. Deere & Co (NYSE:DE)
Deere & Co (NYSE:DE), with a stake of $1.66 billion, operates in the cyclical agricultural and construction equipment sector. However, it is diversifying into precision agriculture and automation technologies, such as computer-vision weed control and autonomous tractors. While the company faces cyclicality, it benefits from long-term secular growth drivers like increasing global food demand and infrastructure expansion.
Other Notable Holdings
The Gates Foundation’s portfolio also includes other major companies, each chosen for their stability, growth potential, and alignment with long-term trends. These include well-established names in sectors such as retail, logistics, and industrial services.
By examining these top holdings, investors can gain insights into the strategies of one of the world’s most successful philanthropists and investors. Whether you’re interested in traditional industries or emerging technologies, the Gates Foundation’s portfolio offers a compelling mix of opportunities for long-term growth.
