Core Insights - Bill Gates has transitioned from Microsoft to focus on philanthropy through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, investing billions annually in significant projects [1] - Gates' net worth is estimated at $105.8 billion, with approximately $13 billion in Microsoft stock and the remainder diversified across various private investments, including U.S. farmland [2] - Gates reportedly owns around 270,000 acres of farmland in the U.S., equating to roughly 1/4000 of the total U.S. farmland, with significant investments in states like Nebraska [3] Investment in Farmland - Farmland is considered a broad asset class that can serve as a hedge against inflation, with U.S. farmland values rising by 10.2% in 2022, outpacing the average inflation rate of 8% [5] - The high costs associated with purchasing farmland make it a challenging investment for many, often requiring accredited investor status due to financing difficulties [6]

Group 1: Microsoft - Microsoft has strong fundamentals and a powerful brand, making it difficult for competitors to gain market share [4] - The company generated over $270 billion in sales in the trailing 12 months, with profits nearing $97 billion, resulting in a profit margin of 36% [7] - Microsoft is focusing on cloud and AI technologies to enhance growth prospects, as stated by CEO Satya Nadella [6] Group 2: Uber Technologies - Uber is an asset-light business, relying on its app to connect drivers and riders, which allows for healthy profit margins [9] - The company reported a net income exceeding $12 billion, approximately 27% of its total revenue of $45 billion [10] - Uber has partnered with Waymo for the rollout of self-driving cars, which could enhance its market position rather than detract from it [11] Group 3: Enbridge - Enbridge is recognized for its consistency and reliability in the energy sector, aligning with Buffett's investment preferences [12] - The company has met its financial guidance for 19 consecutive years, providing visibility into its earnings through long-term contracts [13] - Enbridge projects 4% to 6% growth in adjusted earnings per share over the next few years, supporting its long history of dividend increases [14]

Microsoft - Microsoft has a market cap of $2.6 trillion, leading to concerns about its growth potential, but it remains a strong investment for long-term, dividend-seeking investors [2] - The company faces potential headwinds from tariffs affecting production costs, but it generates substantial cash flow to adapt to economic changes [3][4] - Microsoft has a strong brand that allows it to pass on higher costs to consumers without losing market share [6] - The cloud division, Azure, is a significant growth area, with its AI business achieving an annual run rate of over $13 billion, growing by 175% year over year [7][8][9] - Despite a 7% decline in share price this year, it presents a buying opportunity for growth-focused and income-oriented investors [10] Johnson & Johnson - Johnson & Johnson's pharmaceutical segment is currently shielded from tariffs, providing temporary stability [11] - The company is facing thousands of lawsuits related to talc-based products, with a recent bankruptcy maneuver rejected by a judge, but it has a strong track record in litigation [12][13] - Despite legal challenges, Johnson & Johnson maintains a robust balance sheet and is one of the few companies with a credit rating higher than that of the U.S. government [14] - The pharmaceutical and medtech businesses are strong, with a deep pipeline of products leading to new approvals [15] - The company has a long history of dividend increases, having raised payouts for 62 consecutive years, solidifying its status as a Dividend King [16]