A peek into wealth of the Top 10’s richest
MANILA, Philippines – Forbes Magazine released Tuesday the 400 richest Americans, whose aggregate net worth reached $2.29 trillion. According to Forbes, a person must have a minimum net worth of $1.55 billion to be included in The Forbes 400 this year. Bill Gates, Microsoft founder, tops the list with a net worth of $81 billion.
Here are the other billionaires who made it to the exclusive club:
- Bill Gates
Bill Gates. AFP FILE PHOTO
Bill Gates, the man behind the Microsoft company, tops the list with a net worth of $81 billion in 2014. He has led The Forbes 400 for the 21st consecutive year. Through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates has given $30 billion for various causes. Gates’ fortune does not solely depend on Microsoft as he also owns major shares and investments on the Canadian National Railway, trash company Republic Services, tractor maker Deere & Co. and South American franchise of McDonald’s.
2. Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett. Screengrab from https://www.forbes.com
Warren Buffett is the second richest man in the United States with a net worth of $67 billion in 2014.Buffett owns Berkshire Hathaway, the fourth most valuable public company in the US with a market capitalization of $330 billion dollars. Buffett has been the second richest man in the United States since 2001.
3. Larry Ellison
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Larry Ellison. Screengrab from https://www.forbes.com
Larry Ellison’s net worth in 2014 amounted to $50 billion due to his company, software and hardware giant Oracle. Ellison founded the company in 1977 and remained its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) until this month when he announced his retirement. He was known to be engaged in various sports such as bodysurfing, mountain biking, and sailing.
Article continues after this advertisement4. and 5. Charles and David Koch
Charles Koch. Screengrab from https://www.forbes.com
David Koch. Screengrab from https://www.forbes.com
Charles and David Koch are the brothers behind Koch Industries, Incorporated which is the second largest private company in the United States. The net worth of the brothers amount to $42 billion in 2014. Koch Industries is involved in refining and distribution of petroleum, chemicals, and investments. They are also known to give campaign contributions to senators of the Republican Party.
- Christy Walton & family
Christy Walton & family. Screengrab from https://www.forbes.com
Christy Walton is the widow of John T. Walton, one of the sons of Sam Walton, the founder of shopping and retail empire Wal-Mart. When her husband died in 2005, she inherited his fortune. Christy Walton is the richest woman not only in the US but in the world, with a net worth of $38.1 billion. She also holds minor shares in Walmart and solar energy company First Solar.
- Jim Walton
Jim Walton. Screengrab from https://www.forbes.com
Jim Walton is the youngest child of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton and the largest individual shareholder in the said company. His net worth for 2014 was pegged at $36.4 billion. Jim Walton is also the Chairman and CEO of Walton family-founded Arvest Bank Group, Inc. which is worth $1.8 billion.
- Michael Bloomberg
Michael Bloomberg. Screengrab from https://www.forbes.com
Michael Bloomberg, founder of financial data and media company Bloomberg LP and former New York City mayor, holds the eight spot in the list with a net worth of $35 billion. He is also a philanthropist, having given $3.3 billion for various charity causes.
- Alice Walton
Alice Walton. Screengrab from https://www.forbes.com
Alice Walton is the daughter of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton and her net worth amounted to $34.9 billion. She dedicated her life to curating art and is the chairman of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. She also funded members of Republican Party.
10. S. Robson Walton
S. Robson Walton. Screengrab from https://www.forbes.com
Robson Walton is the eldest son of Walmart founder Sam Walton and is the chairman of the Wal-Mart Stores with a net worth of $34.8 billion. Aside from Wal-Mart, he also owns stakes in Hyatt Hotels worth $600 million.
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