Jeff Bezos made $735 million off Wall Street even on his wedding day. But that's not the whole story
Lauren Sanchez
, the
Amazon
founder quietly made $735 million by selling more than 3.3 million Amazon shares, according to
Fortune
, citing SEC filings.
Yes, even amid champagne toasts and vows of forever, Bezos's fortune swelled.
Explore courses from Top Institutes in
Please select course:
Select a Course Category
MBA
Data Analytics
Project Management
Data Science
Others
Product Management
Finance
MCA
others
Operations Management
Degree
PGDM
Technology
Artificial Intelligence
Healthcare
Management
Leadership
Cybersecurity
Data Science
healthcare
Design Thinking
CXO
Digital Marketing
Public Policy
Skills you'll gain:
Financial Management
Team Leadership & Collaboration
Financial Reporting & Analysis
Advocacy Strategies for Leadership
Duration:
18 Months
UMass Global
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Starts on
May 13, 2024
Get Details
Skills you'll gain:
Analytical Skills
Financial Literacy
Leadership and Management Skills
Strategic Thinking
Duration:
24 Months
Vellore Institute of Technology
VIT Online MBA
Starts on
Aug 14, 2024
Get Details
And that was just the beginning.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You
Villas In Dubai | Search Ads
Get Rates
Undo
Over the weeks that followed, Bezos continued to trim his stake in Amazon, ultimately offloading stock worth a staggering $5.7 billion between late June and late July. The selloff occurred under a pre-arranged 10b5-1 trading plan filed in early May, which allows corporate executives to schedule trades in advance, shielding them from allegations of insider trading.
Lavish Love, Lush Liquidity
The wedding itself, held aboard Bezos's luxury yacht
Koru
off the Amalfi Coast, symbolized the couple's extravagant lifestyle. But the simultaneous financial move—a major liquidation of shares—adds an ironic twist to the celebrations.
You Might Also Like:
Jeff Bezos-Lauren Sanchez's wedding had a Gujarati-origin Harvard grad guest. Who is Mona Patel? Check educational qualifications, career
The shares sold on June 27 were priced between $221 and $223, Fortune's calculation shows. By July 24, Bezos had sold more than 24 million Amazon shares at steadily rising prices—peaking above $233—capitalizing on Amazon's recent market upswing.
Yet despite the mammoth selloff, Bezos remains Amazon's largest individual shareholder, retaining around 884 million shares. With a current net worth of $252 billion (as per Bloomberg's Billionaires Index), he comfortably holds his spot as the world's third-richest person.
What's the Plan, Jeff?
The sales were not impulsive. The SEC's Rule 10b5-1 mandates a formulaic and arms-length approach to such trades. Once the plan is in place, neither Bezos nor his advisors can tweak the amount or timing, ensuring that insider information doesn't influence the transactions.
A similar strategy has recently been employed by Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, who also used a 10b5-1 plan to orchestrate a sizable selloff.
You Might Also Like:
Natasha Poonawalla attends Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Venice wedding
This mechanism suggests a deliberate wealth-management blueprint from Bezos—balancing liquidity, market timing, and optics. After all, few billionaires want their stock selloffs to look like sudden moves.
The Quiet Side of Giving
Alongside these blockbuster trades, Bezos has also quietly donated over 600,000 Amazon shares to unnamed nonprofit organizations. According to a Form 144 filing dated June 27 (the same day as his wedding), Morgan Stanley, filing on Bezos's behalf, reported contributions of 633,812 shares across May and June.
The recipients of these generous gifts remain undisclosed, reflecting Bezos's relatively low-key approach to philanthropy—at least in terms of visibility. While he has not signed The Giving Pledge, the billionaire stated in a 2022 interview with CNN that he plans to give away the majority of his wealth over his lifetime.
'We are building the capacity to be able to give away this money,' he said at the time.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
13 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Amazon Great Freedom Festival sale: Check offers on Samsung, Apple and more
Amazon India's Great Freedom Festival sale will go live on July 31 at 12 pm, offering deals across categories, including smartphones, electronics, and accessories. Prime members will get early access on July 30. The e-commerce platform will offer instant bank discounts, no-interest equated monthly instalments (EMI), and cashback deals on select payment methods. Ahead of the sale, Amazon has revealed the pricing for select smartphones from Samsung, Apple, OnePlus, and Xiaomi. Amazon Great Freedom Festival Sale: Date and time For all users: Starts July 31, 2025 at 12:00 pm For Prime members: Starts July 30, 2025 at 12:00 pm Smartphone deals to watch out for: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Sale price: Starts at Rs 79,999 The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will be offered at Rs 79,999 onwards, including all applicable deals and bank offers. These deals and offers include bank discounts on select bank cards and additional cashback offers with select payment methods. It will also include benefits offered with regard to no-interest EMI transactions. You need to select an eligible card at the time of checkout to avail of these. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra was launched in 2024 at Rs 129,999. It sports a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display, 1Hz-120Hz refresh rate with Vision booster. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy. It packs a 5000mAh battery. Apple iPhone 15 Sale price: Starts at Rs 58,249 The Apple iPhone 15 will be available at a starting price of Rs 58,249 during the Amazon Great Freedom Festival sale, including all applicable deals and bank offers. These include EMI transactions, along with additional cashback offers on select payment methods. The Apple iPhone 15 was launched in 2024 at Rs 79,900. The smartphone is powered by Apple A16 Bionic processor. It sports a 6.1-inch display of a 60Hz refresh rate. OnePlus 13R Sale price: Starts at Rs 36,999 The OnePlus 13R will be available at a starting price of Rs 36,999, after adjusting all applicable deals and bank offers. The smartphone was launched earlier this year at Rs 42,999 onwards. It features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display of a 120Hz refresh rate and 4,500 nits of peak brightness. The OnePlus 13R sports a quad-curved display and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on both the front and back. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Sale price: Starts at Rs 124,999 The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 will be available at a starting price of Rs 124,999, inclusive of all applicable deals. The smartphone was launched in 2024 at Rs 164,999 onwards. It sports a 6.3-inch HD+ AMOLED display of 120Hz adaptive refresh rate on the cover and a 7.6-inch bendable display of 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy. Xiaomi 15 Sale price: Starts at Rs 59,999 The Xiaomi 15 will be available at a starting price of Rs 59,999. The smartphone was launched at 64,999. It sports a 6.36-inch OLED display with a 2670x1200 resolution. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and feature a camera system co-engineered with Leica.
Mint
13 minutes ago
- Mint
US millionaire CEO reveals the Red Flag that makes her reject candidates immediately
If you've ever fumbled when asked, 'Do you have any questions for me?' at the end of a job interview, Denny's CEO Kelli Valade says that moment might have revealed more about you than you think. In a recent interview with Fortune, Valade opened up about the subtle but effective ways she evaluates candidates, and how one simple question often helps her spot red flags early in the hiring process. 'It helps me see whether someone has done their homework, whether they're genuinely interested in the role, or just going through the motions,' Valade explained. The 55-year-old CEO of the popular American restaurant chain said she pays close attention not just to what candidates say, but how they reflect on themselves. One of her favourite questions is: 'What would they say makes you most effective at what you do?' Most applicants, she says, are prepared for that one. But then she asks a follow-up: 'What would make you more effective?', in simpler terms, what are your weaknesses? 'You'd be amazed how many people say, 'I've never thought about it,'' she noted. 'Which basically means, you've never thought about your own limitations or how to improve.' Valade's approach to leadership is rooted in her own journey, from starting out as a hostess at 16 to eventually running one of America's most well-known restaurant brands. She admitted to experiencing self-doubt herself, especially when she was offered a top executive role at Chili's. 'My first reaction was,'You've got the wrong person.' I wasn't sure I knew how to do it,' she recalled. But instead of backing out, she leaned in, advice she now gives to others, especially women in leadership. 'Push yourself. Challenge yourself on why you don't feel ready,' she said. Valade's story is a reminder that confidence isn't about having all the answers; it's about being honest, prepared, and self-aware. And sometimes, asking the right question at the end of an interview can be just as powerful as answering one.
Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
US tightens visa rules with in-person interviews now made mandatory for most applicants, including students: Here's what you need to know
The US has rolled out a significant shift in its visa policy, one that's expected to impact thousands of students, professionals, and families planning to travel, work, or study in the country. Beginning September 2, 2025, most people applying for a non-immigrant visa will need to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer, even if they were previously eligible for an exemption. That includes children under 14 and seniors over 79, who were until now generally allowed to bypass this step. This change, announced by the US Department of State, is being introduced as part of a broader push to increase security and tighten the visa vetting process. But it's also sparking concern among visa holders, particularly international students and professionals in the tech and healthcare sectors, who fear that the new rules will mean longer wait times, higher costs, and more uncertainty in an already complicated system. What's changing exactly? Until now, many visa applicants, especially those renewing their visas or falling within certain age brackets, were eligible for interview waivers. That option is now being removed for most categories. Here's what's new: All non-immigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, will now generally need to appear for an in-person interview. This includes those applying for: Student visas (F and M) Work visas (H-1B) Exchange visitor visas (J) Tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2) There are some exceptions, but they are limited. Interview waivers may still apply to: Diplomatic and official visas (A-1, A-2, G-1 through G-4, NATO categories, and TECRO E-1) Certain B-1/B-2 visa holders who are renewing a visa within 12 months of expiration, provided they were 18 or older when their previous visa was issued Even in these cases, however, the final decision rests with the consular officer. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 'Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason.' This effectively overrides the earlier Interview Waiver Update issued on February 18, 2025, and places more discretion in the hands of individual consulates. How will it affect international students? This policy change is especially tough on international students, who often rely on fast, hassle-free visa renewals during semester breaks, summer internships, or Optional Practical Training (OPT) periods. Now, many of these students will face extra steps, longer waiting periods, and more uncertainty when planning travel or re-entry to the US. Universities that depend heavily on international student enrolment are also worried. Many fear that visa delays and increased red tape will make the US less appealing compared to other study destinations like Canada, the UK, or Australia, where immigration systems are viewed as more predictable and student-friendly. What about H-1B workers? For H-1B visa holders, skilled foreign professionals who make up a big part of the American tech and healthcare workforce, this change adds another layer of complication. Most H-1B workers have to leave the US for visa stamping when changing jobs or renewing their status. With mandatory interviews now back in place, many could face extended time abroad, delays in returning to work, or disruptions in family travel plans. Employers are also likely to feel the ripple effect. More processing time means slower onboarding, project delays, and additional administrative costs. The $250 visa integrity fee Adding to the burden is a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee, which the US government plans to introduce in 2026. This fee will apply broadly to non-immigrant visa categories and is intended as a kind of security deposit, refundable only if the visa holder complies with all US immigration rules. While the government says it's a tool to enforce accountability, critics argue it's yet another financial barrier that could discourage talented individuals from even applying. For students already grappling with high tuition fees and living costs, the new charge could be a tipping point. Why now? These updates are part of a broader immigration reform package under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025. The law reflects a wider effort by the US government, particularly under the Trump-aligned agenda, to tighten control over who enters the country and under what conditions. Officials say the goal is to improve national security, reduce visa fraud, and protect the American workforce. But immigration advocates warn that the new rules may do more harm than good by driving away students and professionals who would otherwise contribute to the US economy and research ecosystem. What should applicants do? If you're planning to apply for a US visa in the coming months or years, here's what you need to keep in mind: Apply early: Interview slots may fill up quickly, especially in high-demand countries. Check consulate websites regularly: Local rules and appointment availability can vary. Gather your documents carefully: With fewer waivers and more interviews, proper paperwork is more important than ever. Budget for additional costs, including the upcoming Visa Integrity Fee. Consult a qualified immigration attorney if your case is complex or time-sensitive. The bigger picture These changes mark a turning point in how the US manages temporary immigration. Where the system once leaned toward flexibility and efficiency, it is now moving toward rigid enforcement and security-first screening. While the government says this will help safeguard national interests, it also risks making the visa process more stressful, more expensive, and less welcoming for the very people the US has long attracted—bright students, skilled workers, and global talent. Whether this new approach strengthens America's borders without weakening its global competitiveness remains to be seen. But for now, anyone hoping to study, work, or visit the US should prepare for a more demanding road ahead. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
