[Chapter 463: Forbes Rich List]
Bill Gates topped the Forbes Global Rich List with total assets reaching $51 billion. His fortune mainly stemmed from his 24% stake in Microsoft. In 1998, Microsoft experienced rapid growth, propelled by the success of Windows 95 and 98 operating systems and the burgeoning Internet. Microsoft's stock underwent three splits, dropping from $180 per share to between $40 and $60. Although the per-share price fell, shareholders owned more shares overall. Bill Gates' 24% stake in Microsoft was valued at more than $50 billion.
Coming in second was Warren Buffett, the legendary investor. His assets primarily came from Berkshire Hathaway, the company he controlled, and its significant investment portfolio. His assets included 8% of Microsoft shares, investments in DreamWorks Animation, cable company Charter Communications, and the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers.
In fourth place was Link, known as the "King of Hollywood," with total assets of $20.5 billion. His wealth came from financial investments as well as entertainment holdings. His investment company handled both U.S. and international assets.
One key segment was the domestic investment firm Glimer Capital, established over five years prior, holding shares in both public and private companies. The publicly traded holdings included 4.05% of Microsoft, 3.25% of Cisco, 2.53% of Berkshire Hathaway, 2.6% of Disney, 7.83% of Pixar Animation Studios, 35.2% of Apple, 12.4% of Yahoo, and 18.4% of Amazon. Due to skyrocketing Internet company stocks over the last two years, Microsoft's market cap reached $250 billion, Cisco exceeded $50 billion early in the year, Yahoo -- which went public in 1996 -- hit a market value of $5 billion, and Amazon, listed since May of the previous year, grew from $500 million to $2 billion.
After Steve Jobs' return to Apple the previous year, he revolutionized the product lineup and corporate strategy, launching the colorful iMac G3 all-in-one computer, which received positive market response.
Forbes estimated Glimer Capital's market value at approximately $20 billion, with Link's 74.5% stake valued around $14.9 billion.
Link's next major asset was Guess Pictures. This studio led North America's box office revenue for four consecutive years, with annual revenues exceeding $2 billion. Its publicly traded subsidiary, Pixar Animation Studios, also performed well. Prior to acquiring MGM, a Wall Street advisory valued it at $7.2 billion. Link held 33.3% of Guess Pictures shares, valued at roughly $2.4 billion.
Additionally, according to Forbes, Link owned stakes in Rose Garden Investment Company and the Link Family Fund, but their undisclosed shareholder details left the exact value unclear.
In terms of overseas investments, Link's Hong Kong-based Kingsoft Capital grew rapidly in the last two years. The managed shares included 11.35% of Dell Computer (approximately $6.8 billion), 3.6% of Cisco Systems ($1.8 billion), and 13.34% of LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) worth roughly $2.9 billion. Other holdings encompassed shares in major Hong Kong real estate firms and several companies like China Petroleum, China Petrochemical, China Electric Power, and China Bank, totaling about $1.5 billion.
Forbes estimated Kingsoft Capital's market value at about $13 billion, with Link owning 22.5%, valued near $2.95 billion. The combined total assets from these three major parts approximated $20.5 billion.
However, Forbes suggested Link's actual net worth might exceed $20.5 billion. Information indicated that over the past three years, Link had transferred significant assets from his name to offshore companies and tax havens using various methods. Many companies involved cross-holdings, including large stakes in Glimer Capital and Kingsoft Capital. If true, this would place Link's total wealth above Warren Buffett's, making him second richest.
---
"Link, you are incredible," Rie Miyazawa said in admiration.
"Link, tabloids report your net worth between $40 and $50 billion. Is that true?" she asked as she and Akina Nakamori nestled next to Link, the admiration evident in her eyes.
"Guess?" Link smiled softly, pinching the tip of her upturned nose.
"It must be true. I heard that many billionaires like to hide their assets, such as the Rockefeller family, the Rothschild family, and the Koch family. Rumor has it that these families have assets worth trillions."
"Yes, structuring investments this way helps legally minimize taxes and reduce risk, while lowering public scrutiny and easing class tensions."
"Honey, are you planning to create a family like the Rockefellers?" Akina Nakamori asked, leaning on his shoulder.
He chuckled and asked, "Want to join me in this plan?"
"Of course, I'll always be your woman," Miyazawa said, hugging him tightly. Akina Nakamori also clung to him like a kitten.
...
"What are you doing? Aren't you hot hugging him like that?"
Izumi Sakai and Yasuko Sawaguchi came in from outside carrying fruit plates. Compared to Rie Miyazawa and Akina Nakamori who like to wear kimonos at home, their clothes are very casual, T-shirts and denim shorts, which make them look fashionable and beautiful, and very individual.
"We want to, it's none of your business." Akina Nakamori rolled her eyes at Izumi Sakai and hugged Link even tighter. "Izumi-chan, there's still room over here, want to sit by us?"
"No way! I'm not as clingy as you two," Izumi Sakai rolled her eyes and sat cross-legged on the opposite sofa, clearly not buying into their banter.
"Where are Norika and Shizuka?" Link asked.
"They're making lunch now. Link, want to hug them? I'll call them over," Izumi said, pretending to get up. Link gently pulled her into his arms and kissed her until she relaxed completely. She blushed and sat beside him feeding him fruit.
...
Today, Link ranked fourth on the list of the 400 richest Americans. He ranked first on the celebrity income list with an annual income of $320 million.
The girlfriends were also on the list. Jennifer Aniston earned $32 million last year from advertising and TV dramas, ranked sixth on the celebrity list. Lisa Kudrow and Courteney Cox also have annual incomes of more than $10 million.
Jennifer Lopez ranked twelfth with $22 million in earnings last year from her new album and film appearances. Brooke Shields, Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, Jodie Foster, Cindy Crawford, and others earned over $10 million annually from film salaries and endorsements.
Adding dividends from Rose Garden Investment Company, the women in Link's family earned millions annually without working. This money was enough to maintain their luxurious life.
As for the girlfriends in Asia, such as Izumi Sakai and others, Link also set up a foundation through Kingsoft Investment Company to subsidize their daily expenses.
Any girlfriend who had been with him more than two years automatically got annual dividends. For girlfriends who had been together for more than five years or ten years or had given birth to children, the annual dividend amount will be doubled.
Because of this reward, the women around him became closer to him.
While on summer vacation in Palm Beach, Rie Miyazawa, Norika Fujiwara and others treated him almost like an emperor.
"Link, lunch is ready. Would you like to eat now or wait for a while?" Norika Fujiwara knelt at the door in her kimono and asked gently.
"Let's eat now." Link put the magazine down and headed for lunch.
After lunch, they played badminton, soaked in hot springs, or did other activities to deepen the relationship between them.
---
Following the Forbes Global Rich List release, Link's estimated net worth once again became a hot topic among media and the public.
The Los Angeles Times described him as not only an entertainment giant but also one of the most powerful oligarchs in finance -- a true titan whose position was unshakable unless a financial crisis struck.
The Washington Post called him a "real wealth legend," noting that his diversified asset structure was more stable than Bill Gates' or Warren Buffett's. Link's holdings spanned financial investments and real enterprises worth billions, covering many industries and reducing risk exposure.
The New York Times highlighted Link's philanthropic efforts over the past two years, noting he and his partners, including Diana, Monica, and Lily, donated $600 million to organizations like the Diana Charitable Foundation, Link Family Foundation, International Red Cross, etc. These contributions targeted educational and medical challenges faced by children and women in impoverished areas.
Link was the richest on the list donating the highest amount directly.
Graydon Carter, editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair, even interviewed Link by phone about his charitable giving.
Link said he planned to donate 90% of his fortune eventually, leaving 10% for his family's basic living needs. He believed this was the best way to give back, fostering healthy growth and self-reliance in children.
Both the media and public responded warmly to Link's statements and deeds.
Even President Clinton praised him in an interview, calling Link a socially responsible entrepreneur and a model for all wealthy individuals. Clinton revealed he planned to donate half a year's salary to the Diana Charitable Foundation to aid more people in need.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.