How Many Shares of Microsoft Does Steve Ballmer Own?
As the former CEO of Microsoft, Steve Ballmer has been largely associated with the company. He is often mentioned alongside Bill Gates as one of the most influential figures in the tech industry. But, when it comes to shareholders, how many shares of Microsoft does Steve Ballmer own? Dive into this article to find out.
A Brief Background on Steve Ballmer
Before we get into the numbers, let’s give a brief background on Steve Ballmer. Born on March 24, 1956, Ballmer joined Microsoft in 1980 and became the company’s CEO in 2000. During his tenure, he oversaw the acquisition of several companies, including Nokia and Skype, and watched the company go through significant changes, both in terms of its business and its leadership. He stepped down as CEO in 2014, making Satya Nadella the new CEO.
How Many Shares Does Steve Ballmer Own?
Steve Ballmer’s exact shareholding in Microsoft is not publicly disclosed. As a requirement of the company’s insider trading policy, directors, officers, and 10% shareholders are obligated to report their ownership interest and changes thereto in a Form 4 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
According to the latest SEC filings, as of February 14, 2022, Steve Ballmer owns approximately 4,400,000 shares of Microsoft Corporation common stock. This represents 0.048% of the company’s outstanding shares.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Here’s a detailed breakdown of Steve Ballmer’s shareholding in Microsoft:
| Year | Number of Shares | Percentage of Out-standing Shares |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3,300,000 | 0.036% |
| 2022 (Feb 14) | 4,400,000 | 0.048% |
Source: SEC Filings
Why the Increase?
So, what led to the increase in Steve Ballmer’s shareholding? In 2020, Ballmer sold 1,800,000 shares, reducing his stake to 3,300,000 shares. In 2021, he re-purchased 1,100,000 shares, raising his total stake to 4,400,000 shares as of February 2022.
Why is this Information Important?
Understanding the ownership structure of a company, including the shareholding of influential figures like Steve Ballmer, is crucial for investors. Strategic investors often review the shareholding patterns of key executives and insiders to gauge their confidence in the company’s direction and potential growth prospects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, owns approximately 4,400,000 shares, or 0.048% of the company’s outstanding shares. This information is available through the SEC’s website and is a valuable resource for investors seeking to understand the ownership structure of the company. While the number of shares may fluctuate over time, it provides a snapshot of Ballmer’s allegiance to the company he once led.
Additional Resources:
- Microsoft’s Annual Report (2022)
- SEC Filing: Steve Ballmer’s Shareholding (2022)
- The importance of Insider Trading Policy: A Deloitte Report
References:
- Microsoft Corporation. (n.d.). Corporate Governance. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/about/corporate-governance
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). (n.d.). EDGAR. Retrieved from https://www.sec.gov/edgar
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