Meta Platforms Inc. CEO Mark Zuckerberg is in line to receive an annual payout of approximately $700 million from the company’s inaugural dividend for investors. The announcement of a quarterly cash dividend of 50 cents per share for Class A and B common stock, commencing in March, implies that Zuckerberg, with around 350 million shares, could pocket about $175 million in each quarterly payment before taxes. This strategic move by Meta, opting to pay dividends, conveys insights into the company’s perception of its growth potential. While Meta is channeling significant investments into artificial intelligence, regulatory hurdles are limiting its options for acquisitions. Following substantial restructuring, including a workforce reduction of approximately 21,000 employees, Meta’s stock nearly tripled in 2023. The introduction of dividends, coupled with an additional $50 billion allocated for share buybacks, is expected to foster more patience from investors regarding Zuckerberg’s ambitious long-term ventures in artificial intelligence and the metaverse. In 2022, Zuckerberg’s total compensation amounted to $27.1 million, encompassing private security costs and a nominal base salary of $1. Meta has not yet disclosed executive compensation details for the last year.
