As an expert in the field of technology and corporate governance, I have been closely following the evolution of major tech companies, including Microsoft. Microsoft is one of the most influential companies in the tech industry, and its ownership structure has been a topic of interest for many investors and tech enthusiasts alike.

Ownership Structure of Microsoft
The ownership of a company like Microsoft is typically quite complex and involves a multitude of stakeholders, including individual shareholders, institutional investors, and insiders such as executives and founders. It's important to note that the largest shareholders can change over time due to various reasons such as stock buybacks, sales, or acquisitions.

Individual Shareholders
When it comes to individual shareholders, there are often key figures who hold significant amounts of stock. As of the latest available data, Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, has been reported to hold a substantial number of shares. Ballmer's tenure as CEO was from January 2000 to February 2014, and during his time, he accumulated a considerable stake in the company. After leaving the CEO position, Ballmer continued to hold a significant number of shares, which at times made him the top individual shareholder.

Institutional Investors
However, it's also crucial to consider the role of institutional investors in the ownership of Microsoft. These entities, which include mutual funds, pension funds, and other large financial organizations, often hold a substantial percentage of a company's outstanding shares. Institutional investors are known for their ability to influence corporate decisions through their voting power and their collective ownership can sometimes exceed that of individual shareholders.

Insider Trading and Share Sales
Regarding insider trading, it's worth mentioning that when executives or significant shareholders sell shares, it can be a signal to the market. For instance, in May 2014, it was reported that Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, sold 4.6 million shares. Such a transaction can be for various reasons, including personal financial planning, diversification, or a belief in the future direction of the company. It's also possible that Gates, despite selling a significant number of shares, still holds a substantial position in the company due to his initial large holdings.

Voting Rights and Control
Ownership does not always equate to control. In some cases, shares may come with different voting rights. For example, certain classes of shares might have more or less voting power than others. This can affect the balance of control within the company.

Publicly Traded Company
As a publicly traded company, Microsoft's shares are listed on a stock exchange and can be bought and sold by the general public. This means that the company has a dispersed ownership base, and no single entity typically holds a majority stake that would allow them to control the company unilaterally.

Conclusion
In conclusion, while individual shareholders like Steve Ballmer and institutional investors play a significant role in the ownership of Microsoft, it's the collective action of all shareholders that truly governs the company. The dynamic nature of the stock market means that the largest shareholders can change, and it's always a good idea to refer to the most recent SEC filings or official announcements for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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Steve Ballmer now owns more Microsoft shares than Bill Gates does. Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is now Microsoft's top individual shareholder, after company co-founder Bill Gates sold 4.6 million shares Wednesday.May 2, 2014read more >>