Bill Gates Foundation Divests from Canadian National Railway

Gates Foundation Sells 940 Million Shares

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust has divested its holdings in Canadian National Railway Company (CN). The trust sold approximately 940 million shares, reducing its stake in the company to 0%. The sale was part of the trust's ongoing portfolio rebalancing strategy.

Foundation's Investment Strategy

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust is one of the largest charitable foundations in the world, with a portfolio of over $50 billion. The trust's investment strategy is focused on generating long-term returns while supporting the foundation's philanthropic mission.

Investment Priorities

• Sustainable and equitable growth
• Health and well-being
• Education

CN Railway Overview

CN Railway is one of the largest railroads in North America, operating approximately 20,000 miles of track across Canada and the United States. The company transports a wide range of goods, including grain, coal, and manufactured products.

Key Performance Indicators

• Revenue: $13.3 billion (2021)
• Net income: $2.9 billion (2021)
• Operating ratio: 60.9% (2021)

Impact of Divestment

The sale of CN Railway shares will likely have a limited impact on the foundation's overall portfolio performance. However, it could potentially reduce the trust's exposure to the transportation sector.

Conclusion

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust's divestment from CN Railway is a significant development in the charitable investment landscape. The sale highlights the trust's commitment to portfolio diversification and its focus on generating long-term returns to support its philanthropic mission.

References

1. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust Investment Strategy
2. Gates Foundation sells CN Railway stake
3. CN Railway Company Media Release