After Meta’s quarterly results exceeded Wall Street’s expectations, Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg’s net worth soared by $28.1 billion, making him the fourth-richest person in the world with a net worth of $170.5 billion. This marks a significant comeback for Zuckerberg’s wealth, which had dipped below $35 billion in late 2022 amidst tech stock declines but has now surged in 2023. Additionally, with Meta announcing a dividend for its investors, Zuckerberg stands to receive about $700 million annually from the company, boosting his wealth even further.
Meta’s decision to pay a dividend is significant and reflects the company’s outlook on its growth potential. Despite major investments in artificial intelligence initiatives and other strategic pursuits, Meta’s acquisition prospects have been impacted by regulatory obstacles. However, with Meta’s stock nearly tripling in 2023 after layoffs and strategic refocusing, the new dividend and an additional $50 billion in share buybacks are expected to earn more patience from investors in support of Zuckerberg’s long-term bets.
The news of Zuckerberg’s incredible wealth boost comes on the heels of Meta’s optimistic quarterly results, with the company making strategic moves to bolster shareholder confidence in the face of regulatory challenges. While Zuckerberg’s compensation for 2023 has not been disclosed, his net worth likely continues to climb, making him a dominant figure in the global billionaire rankings.