(Image source from: Firstpost.com)

Meta Platforms Inc. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has the potential to receive an annual payout of approximately $700 million from the company's first-ever dividend for investors. Meta recently announced a quarterly cash dividend of 50 cents per share for Class A and B common stock, starting in March. With Zuckerberg's ownership of around 350 million shares, he would earn roughly $175 million in each quarterly payment, before taxes. This dividend issuance by Meta signifies the company's perspective on its growth potential. While many rapidly growing tech companies typically prioritize using earnings for new product development or acquisitions, Meta's decision to pay dividends suggests a shift in strategy.

Despite Meta's significant investments in artificial intelligence, the company's ability to acquire other businesses is hindered by regulatory opposition. Following Meta's reduction in workforce and refocusing of priorities, the company's stock nearly tripled in value in 2023. The introduction of the dividend and an additional $50 billion allocated for share buybacks may increase investor patience regarding Zuckerberg's long-term bets on artificial intelligence and the metaverse. In 2022, Zuckerberg's total compensation, including private security expenses and a base salary of $1, amounted to $27.1 million, according to filings previous year.