Microsoft is one of the most recognizable names in technology and an iconic brand around the world. It’s a computing powerhouse, renowned for its software, services, hardware and gaming products that span multiple industries. But who owns Microsoft? This is a question many people ask given its global reach and impact.
Microsoft
Microsoft’s headquarters are located in Redmond, Washington and they have become a global leading technology company. Microsoft was incorporated in 1981 and since then have changed the way the world uses technology. ISIN is the International Securities Identification Number, which provides identification of Microsoft securities traded on different exchanges around the globe. Satya Nadella is the executive chairman and CEO of Microsoft with vast experience in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, gaming and enterprise software. Brad Smith who is a veteran computer scientist at Microsoft has been appointed as the vice chairman and president responsible for legal, policy and corporate affairs. Bill Gates serves as the technical adviser to promote investment development strategies in developing regions of Africa and South America, his work at Microsoft has made him one of the richest people in the world today. The total assets running up to 2019 fiscal year stand at a staggering $237 billion dollars proof that Microsoft’s greatest asset is their innovative mind for developing technological solutions for everyday life situations. It continues to be a leader both financially and technologically due to its numerous mergers into various markets including acquiring Linkedin for over $26 billion dollars back in 2016.
History
In 1972, Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft with the intention of utilizing their shared skills in computer programming for commercial gain. The two childhood friends dreamed of building something great and worked strenuously to make it happen, eventually becoming one of the most renowned tech companies in the world.
Microsoft took a major leap forward when they entered into the operating system business in 1980 with the release of their own version of Unix called Xenix. Monopolizing the OS industry rapidly became part of Microsoft’s strategy, leading them to release their famous software package MS-DOS, which was originally coded by Tim Paterson, thereby becoming one of the industry standards for PC operating systems during much of the 1980s.
Who Owns Microsoft?
Microsoft is one of the world’s most recognisable and successful companies, with a history stretching back to 1975. Although its ownership has changed since then, today it is owned by its major shareholders. The largest two are asset management giants Vanguard and BlackRock, with 8.6% and 7.1% shares respectively. The size of Microsoft accounts for this statistic, as BlackRock and Vanguard are the top asset managers globally and Microsoft is a sizeable, established corporation. Steve Ballmer, the previous CEO of Microsoft, holds the highest percentage of individual shares in the company with 4.5%.
His majority stake gives him influence over the strategic direction of the company as he currently serves on Microsoft’s board of directors following his retirement from the tech giant in 2014 after more than 30 years at its helm. It is clear to see why Ballmer has been so influential during his tenure at Microsoft: through sheer hard work, determination and drive has he managed to build one of the most successful tech companies we know today.
Shareholders of Microsoft
The majority shareholders of Microsoft are Paul Allen and Satya Nadella. Paul Allen was one of the co-founders of the company and holds 9.68% of the shares. He had joined a partnership with Bill Gates in 1975 to form what would become Microsoft Corporation. Over time, he has maintained his stake in the company and still owns close to 10% after decades of shareholder management.
Satya Nadella is the current Chief Executive Officer and owner of 4.4% share in Microsoft under his ownership and trusteeship. He has been at the helm since 2014 when he took over from Steve Ballmer as CEO and Shareholder Emeritus as well as Chairman for Microsoft’s Board of Directors. Under his guidance, he has successfully grown Microsoft into one of the largest technology companies in the world seeing increases to sales, profits and return on investments for shareholders.
