The Amazon founder’s first stock sale of 2025 coincides with his Venice wedding and includes major donations to charities, bringing his total 2025 philanthropic share gifts to nearly $190 million.
July 2, 2025: Jeff Bezos, founder and executive chairman of Amazon, has sold 3.3 million shares of the e-commerce giant worth $736.7 million, marking his first stock sale of 2025, according to regulatory filings reviewed by Bloomberg. The move comes as Amazon shares have surged more than 8% since March amid a broader U.S. market rally.
Also Read: Stocks to Watch Today: Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Lupin, Raymond Realty in Focus
The sale coincided with Bezos’ high-profile wedding to Lauren Sanchez in Venice, an event that attracted global media attention and celebrities alike. It was executed under a 10b5-1 trading plan, a prearranged agreement adopted in March 2025 allowing Bezos to sell up to 25 million shares.
💰 Wealth, Giving, and Space Ambitions
Also Read: Indian Stock Market Today: 8 Key Global Cues Driving Nifty and Sensex on July 2
At 61 years old, Bezos remains the third-richest person in the world with an estimated fortune of $241.4 billion, per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Over the years, Bezos has offloaded $44 billion worth of Amazon stock since 2002, primarily to fund his ventures, notably Blue Origin, his space exploration company.
In addition to selling shares, Bezos has remained active in philanthropy this year:
- 930,000 shares donated to nonprofits in 2025
- $60 million in March, $125 million in May, and $5 million in June worth of shares gifted to unnamed charities
Much of his charitable giving has historically supported the Bezos Earth Fund (a $10 billion climate initiative) and the Bezos Day One Fund (a $2 billion program combating homelessness and supporting education). Bezos has also given away his Bezos Courage & Civility Award, previously awarded to Dolly Parton and Van Jones, with grants of up to $100 million.
Also Read: Trump Signals Breakthrough in India Trade Deal with Promise of ‘Much Less Tariffs’
🔭 Blue Origin: Soaring and Restructuring
Proceeds from Bezos’ stock sales often go toward Blue Origin, founded in 2000. In January, the aerospace company successfully launched its new flagship rocket into orbit. However, in February, it laid off 10% of its workforce amid cost-cutting measures.
📈 Amazon Stock and Outlook
Bezos’ recent offload follows a stellar performance by Amazon shares this year, supported by market optimism in tech and retail. Though he was once an aggressive seller, Bezos made his first recorded purchase of Amazon stock in 2023, acquiring a single share at $114.77—a symbolic move at best.
While Amazon declined to comment on the latest transaction, the sales reaffirm Bezos’ pattern of structured divestments tied to his business and philanthropic pursuits.
📌 Tags: Jeff Bezos, Amazon, Amazon Stock Sale, Blue Origin, Bezos Earth Fund, Bezos Day One Fund, Stock Market, Billionaires, Philanthropy, Tech News