Zuckerberg’s wealth, which dipped below $35 billion in late 2022 amidst a tech stock downturn due to inflation and interest rate hikes, has made a remarkable recovery in 2023.
Zuckerberg also stands to gain from Meta’s optimistic financial performance in other ways. The company declared its inaugural dividend for investors, offering a quarterly cash dividend of 50 cents per share for Class A and B common stock starting in March.
As of the close of trading on Friday, Zuckerberg has reached his peak wealth, propelled by a remarkable 22% surge in Meta stock, resulting in a staggering $28 billion paper gain for him.
According to Bloomberg’s data analysis Zuckerberg owning roughly 350 million shares is poised to receive approximately $175 million in each quarterly payout before taxes.
Meta’s decision to issue a dividend communicates its stance on its growth prospects. Traditionally, rapidly expanding tech firms refrain from dividends, preferring to reinvest earnings into innovation or acquisitions.
Despite Meta’s significant investments in AI initiatives, its acquisition opportunities are diminishing due to regulatory hurdles.
Following Meta’s restructuring and significant layoffs, the company’s stock nearly tripled in value in 2023. The introduction of dividends and an additional $50 billion allocated for share repurchases could bolster investor confidence in Zuckerberg’s strategic focus on AI and the metaverse.
In 2022, Zuckerberg received a total compensation package of $27.1 million, which covered private security expenses and a nominal base salary of $1, according to filings. However, Meta has not yet disclosed executive compensation details.
