Amazon's Big Share Sale: What's Behind Bezos' Move?

Jeff Bezos, the wealthiest person in the world, is planning to sell a significant number of Amazon shares. He filed the necessary paperwork to sell up to 25 million shares of Amazon stock over the next 12 months. This move could potentially bring in around $4. 8 billion, based on the current stock price. Bezos will still hold a substantial amount of shares even after this sale, approximately 885 million. This is a big chunk of the company, but it's still less than what he owned previously. Bezos is the founder of Amazon and currently serves as the executive chair. He adopted a trading plan in March 2025 to sell these shares, following specific SEC rules. This isn't his first big sale. In 2024, he sold about $13. 5 billion worth of Amazon shares, which was his first sale since 2021. He stepped down as CEO in 2021, handing the reins to Andy Jassy, who was previously the head of Amazon Web Services (AWS). Bezos' net worth is estimated to be around $207. 6 billion, according to Forbes. This places him just behind Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, and far behind Elon Musk, the richest person on the list. Bezos' salary as executive chair is quite modest, at $81, 840, the same as the two prior years. His compensation package includes a significant amount for security arrangements, which is justified given his low salary and the fact that he has never received any stock-based compensation. Bezos has a lot on his plate outside of Amazon. He owns Blue Origin, an aerospace company, which recently launched a mission with an all-female crew. He also owns the Washington Post, where he has made some controversial policy changes. In 2023, Bezos announced that he was moving to Miami, leaving behind Seattle, where he had lived since founding Amazon in 1994. This move was described as an emotional decision. The sale of these shares is part of a broader trend of Bezos diversifying his investments and interests. It's also a sign of his confidence in Amazon's future, as he is selling a significant number of shares but still retaining a large stake in the company. It's important to note that Bezos' actions are subject to SEC rules and regulations, which are designed to prevent insider trading and ensure fair markets. This sale is part of a pre-arranged trading plan, which means that Bezos cannot make any changes to the plan based on non-public information. The sale of these shares is also a reminder of the incredible wealth that Bezos has accumulated over the years. His net worth is a testament to his business acumen and the success of Amazon. However, it's also a stark reminder of the income inequality that exists in the world. While Bezos is worth hundreds of billions of dollars, many people struggle to make ends meet. This sale is a good opportunity to reflect on the role that wealth plays in society and the responsibilities that come with it.