Jeff Bezos to Sell $5 Billion of Amazon Stock at Peak Prices
Jeff Bezos plans to sell 25 million Amazon shares amid record-high stock prices, potentially saving millions in taxes with his move to Miami.

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has announced plans to sell 25 million additional shares of Amazon.com Inc., totaling $5 billion. This decision comes as Amazon’s stock reached a new record high, reflecting the ongoing confidence in the company’s performance.
The Announcement
The notice regarding Bezos’s intention to sell shares was filed after the market closed on Tuesday. According to the filing, the sales could begin as early as that same day. This strategic timing aims to take advantage of the peak stock prices.
Previous Sales
Earlier this year, in February, Bezos sold shares worth about $8.5 billion over nine trading days. This was the first time he had disposed of company stock since 2021. The additional planned sales will bring his total for the year to approximately $13.5 billion, according to calculations by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Financial Implications
These sales significantly impact Bezos's holdings, but he will still retain nearly 912 million shares, representing about 8.8% of Amazon. Despite these sales, Bezos remains the second-richest person globally, with a net worth of $221.6 billion, according to Bloomberg’s wealth index.
Amazon’s Stock Performance
Amazon’s shares closed Tuesday at $200, marking the highest value since the company’s listing in 1997. This year, the company’s stock has risen by 32%, driven by strong performance and investor confidence in its future prospects.
Tax Implications of Bezos’s Move
In November, Bezos announced his relocation to Miami from the Seattle area. This move is strategic, primarily due to tax considerations. Washington state introduced a 7% capital gains tax in 2022, which Florida does not have. By moving to Florida, Bezos is likely saving hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes.
Conclusion
Jeff Bezos’s decision to sell $5 billion worth of Amazon shares amidst record-high stock prices is a calculated move with significant financial and market implications. While he reduces his holdings, his continued involvement in Amazon, along with his other ventures, ensures his influence remains substantial. The strategic relocation to Florida also underscores his adeptness at navigating complex tax landscapes, saving potentially hundreds of millions in capital gains taxes. As Amazon continues to thrive, buoyed by its cloud business and the burgeoning AI sector, the tech giant’s future looks promising.
