Forbes has released their list of The 400 Richest Americans – for the first time, everyone listed is a billionaire – with Apple CEO Steven Paul Jobs listed in the 49th slot with a net worth of $4.9 billion. Last year, Jobs was 67th on the list (up from 74th in 2004 and 78th in 2003).
Microsoft’s Bill Gates remains at the top of the list with a net worth of $53.0 billion.
Of Jobs, Forbes writes, “King of the iPods sold his Pixar Animation hit factory to Disney for $7.4 billion in May. Today Jobs is Disney’s largest shareholder; stake worth $4 billion. Convinced Google chief Eric Schmidt to join Apple board in August; duo likely to take on Microsoft. Adopted by working-class couple; dropped out of Reed College when he couldn’t pay tuition. Founded Apple in parents’ garage. Fired after power struggle with chief John Sculley 1985. Started Pixar; credited with computer-animated blockbusters Toy Story, Finding Nemo. Returned to Apple in 1996, created iPod; more than 40 million sold since debut in 2001. iTunes site sold 1 billionth song in February. In September added movie purchases to the iTunes store and previewed iTV, which streams movies from computer to TV. Shares up 50% in past year. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 2004 and is said to be in full recovery.”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Note: Technically, Jobs was not “fired” in 1985, he resigned in protest after being stripped of his major duties by Apple’s Board of Directors. As of the end of June 2006, Apple has shipped over 60 million iPods, not 40 million, since the product’s debut in 2001.
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Forbes: Apple, Pixar CEO Steve Jobs is 67th richest American; Gates stays atop list – September 23, 2005
Forbes: Apple CEO Steve Jobs is 74th richest American – September 24, 2004
Steve Jobs the 78th richest American with $2.3 billion in Forbes ranking – September 19, 2003