In a stunning comeback for Meta Platforms Inc., the company's stock surged by 20% after its quarterly results far exceeded Wall Street's expectations. This impressive performance has propelled co-founder Mark Zuckerberg's net worth to a record-breaking $170.5 billion, making him the fourth richest person on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, surpassing Bill Gates.

Zuckerberg's wealth had taken a hit in late 2022 as tech stocks plummeted amid inflation concerns and interest rate hikes, dropping below $35 billion. However, the recent surge in Meta's stock has seen Zuckerberg's fortune skyrocket by $28.1 billion, marking a significant recovery.

The upbeat results not only benefited Zuckerberg in terms of his net worth but also positioned him to receive a substantial payout from Meta's first-ever dividend for investors. The company announced a quarterly cash dividend of 50 cents per share for Class A and B common stock, set to begin in March. With his ownership of approximately 350 million shares, Zuckerberg stands to earn about $175 million in each quarterly payment before taxes.

This move by Meta to pay a dividend sends a strong signal about the company's confidence in its growth potential. While many fast-growing tech companies prioritize using earnings for product development or acquisitions, Meta's decision reflects both its financial strength and commitment to rewarding shareholders.

Despite significant investments in artificial intelligence initiatives, Meta's acquisition prospects have been hindered by regulatory opposition. As a result, the company has restructured and reduced its workforce by approximately 21,000 employees. This strategic shift, coupled with the announcement of a dividend and an additional $50 billion in share buybacks, aims to inspire investor confidence in Zuckerberg's long-term bets on artificial intelligence and the metaverse.

In 2022, Zuckerberg received a total compensation of $27.1 million, which included private security costs and a nominal base salary of $1, according to filings. However, executive compensation for last year has not yet been reported by Meta.

With Meta Platforms Inc.'s remarkable quarterly performance and Zuckerberg's surging net worth, the company is now well-positioned to continue capitalizing on its achievements in the evolving tech landscape. As it delves deeper into the realms of artificial intelligence and the metaverse, investors and industry watchers keenly await their next move.