New York: In a significant financial milestone, Mark Zuckerberg, the Chief Executive Officer of Meta, has outstripped Microsoft founder Bill Gates, solidifying his position as the fourth wealthiest individual globally. This achievement follows a remarkable 22 percent surge in Meta’s stock price, propelling Zuckerberg’s wealth to soar by more than $28 billion. As indicated by the Bloomberg Billionaire Index, his net worth now stands at an astonishing $170 billion, overshadowing Gates’ $145 billion net worth.
The exclusive club of individuals richer than Zuckerberg comprises Bernard Arnault, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk, according to the latest ranking. Additionally, an upcoming windfall is on the horizon for Zuckerberg, with an estimated $174 million in cash expected when Meta distributes its inaugural dividend in March. With ownership of approximately 350 million Class A and B shares, all eligible for the dividend, Zuckerberg stands to benefit substantially. Should Meta persist with its 50-cent quarterly dividend, his annual earnings are poised to surpass an impressive $690 million.
Despite the financial conquest, Zuckerberg took a moment to commemorate Facebook’s 20th anniversary through his WhatsApp Channels. In a video shared, he is seen blowing out candles on cakes shaped like the number 20, exuding a sense of celebration. An accompanying montage on Instagram encapsulates the journey of Facebook since its inception as a collegiate social media platform, reflecting on its evolution over two decades.
