Big Billy Gates Loves Trash (RSG)

Recent filings showed Microsoft founder Bill Gates, through his Cascade Investment fund, has been aggressively building his stake in waste management company Republic Services Inc. (NYSE: RSG).

A recent Form 4 filing showed Gates bought another 500,000 shares on 2/2 which brings his stake to 44,894,569 shares. Gates has bought over 10 million shares of Republic Services since September 30, 2008.

One service you can't cutback on is waste removal.

Billy may finally have a winner here.

Track Bill Gates news here - or - Cascade Investment news here.

Bill Gates' Cascade Investment Gets Active With Strategic Hotels & Resorts (BEE) Investment

In a 13D filing on Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: BEE), Bill Gates' Cascade Investment disclosed a 5.63% stake (4,190,000 shares) in the company and changed their filing status from 13G (passive) to 13D (active). The firm changed their status due to recent market declines and will may now engance in discussions with the board of directors and management concerning the business and strategic direction.

Gates' Cascade Investment showed a 5.23% stake (3,890,000 shares) in the August 13G filing.

From the Filing:"As a result of recent declines in the market value of the Issuer’s Common Stock, the Reporting Persons expect to consider and evaluate on an ongoing basis all of their alternatives with respect to their investment in, and intentions with respect to, the Issuer. The Reporting Persons may engage in discussions with the Issuer’s board of directors and management concerning the business and strategic direction of the Issuer. The Reporting Persons also may engage in discussions with other shareholders of the Issuer to discuss matters of mutual interest, which may include discussions regarding the strategic direction of the Issuer and opportunities to enhance shareholder value."

Marvin Schwartz Discloses 5.32% Stake in WCI Communities (WCI)

In a 13D filing on WCI Communities Inc. (NYSE: WCI) this morning, Marvin C. Schwartz, a Managing Director of Neuberger Berman LLC, disclosed a 5.32% stake (2.23 million shares) in the company. The stake in personal and not as an employee of Neuberger Berman.

Mr. Schwartz does not presently have any plans or proposals that relate to or would result in any of the actions required to be described in Item 4 of Schedule 13D.

The news follows recent disclosures showing stakes in WCI owned by Carl Icahn and Bill Gates.