Riky Kurniawan

Worlds richest people

The World’s Richest People 2005, the Top 10 lists:

1. William Gates III, Washington, 48, $46.6, Microsoft
Microsoft founder no doubt sleeping easier after settling pesky federal antitrust suit. This year the world’s richest man will even get a little extra pocket change – about $100 million – from company’s first shareholder dividend. Microsoft no longer the torrid growth machine it once was, but is weathering tech storm better than most. Having kicked himself upstairs to more cerebral job of chief software architect, Gates is busy working with developers to push Microsoft beyond the desktop into devices like tablet PCs, cell phones, TVs. Maintaining secrecy on next version of Windows (dubbed Longhorn, set for release in 2005), claims it’s not just an upgrade. Meanwhile tackling global health and education with $24 billion Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Funds flowing to disease prevention (polio, AIDS), vaccine development; lately buying drug stocks. Diversifies own wealth via Cascade Investments: Corbis, stakes in Republic Services, Canadian National Railway, Gabelli Asset Management.

2. Warren Buffett, Nebraska, 73, $42.9, Berkshire Hathaway
Omaha oracle’s Berkshire Hathaway back on track and profitable again after posting substantial losses on reinsurance business last year in wake of World Trade Center attacks. This year, Buffet’s buying into bankrupt mobile home maker Oakwood Homes. But value investor also dipped into telecom: Last year bought $100 million in high-yield paper from Level 3. Also picking through scraps of fallen energy giants: $900 million plus debt to Dynegy for gas pipelines, helped pump $2 billion into troubled Williams Co., said to be looking for bargains among Enron’s assets. Heart of portfolio leans toward blue chips: Gillette, Coca-Cola. Says he’s “disgusted” by corporate bosses who tout their companies while selling shares: “These business leaders view shareholders as patsies, not partners.” Buffett has never sold a share of Berkshire Hathaway.

3. Karl Albrecht, Germany, 84, $23, Supermarkets
In 1948 the two brothers turned their mother’s corner store in the Ruhr valley into the first Aldi discount store. Today $34 billion (estimated 2001 revenues) Aldi has 4,000 discount supermarkets in Germany and ten other countries. In the U.S. they own a gourmet food-and-beverage chain, Trader Joe’s, and a 7% stake in Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons supermarkets. The brothers’ wealth also includes extensive landholdings in Germany. In 1961 they divided their German sales territory in two, with older brother Karl taking the southern half and Theo the north. Theo still manages Aldi North with the help of his two sons. Brother Karl has apparently retired from the supervisory board of Aldi South, so he can devote more time to his golf game.

4. Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud, Saudi Arabia, 47, $21.5, Investments
The Syracuse University-educated Saudi prince is still the wealthiest single investor outside the U.S., despite a drop in value of many of his American-based holdings. Clearly a thrill-seeker, Alwaleed says this past year he sank another $1 billion into Citigroup stock (down 22% since last year). Says his stock losses were offset by the rise in value of real estate in Riyadh and Kingdom Center, a tony shopping center he opened there in late 2001.

5. Paul Allen, Washington, 51, $21, Microsoft, Investments
Microsoft cofounder finding it harder to cling to “wired world” vision: Struggling under $20 billion in debt, accounting probes and a plummeting stock price, his Charter Communications cable company is likely facing bankruptcy or restructuring. Luckily, didn’t completely turn his back on Microsoft: still thought to hold 213 million shares. Claims to have liquidated 75% of the diverse equity holdings in private investment firm Vulcan Ventures, reinvesting much in Treasury paper. Sports enthusiast owns football’s Seattle Seahawks, basketball’s Portland Trailblazers.

6. Alice Walton, Texas, 55, $20, Wal-Mart
Daughter of Sam Walton (d. 1992), who opened his first general store in Rogers, Ark. in 1962. Wal-Mart now world’s largest retailer: 4,000-plus stores around the globe. Family controls 38% of Wal-Mart, but prefers a passive role; Alice raises horses on Texas ranch. Family last year donated $750 million-plus, much to education, including $300 million to U. of Arkansas. But family largesse not enough to quell accusations that Wal-Mart wields too much clout. If Sam were alive today, he would be worth twice as much as Bill Gates.

7. Helen Walton, Arkansas, 84, $20, Wal-Mart
Helen Robson Walton is the widow of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton. She is one of the wealthiest persons in the world with an estimated net worth of $20 billion. Sam Walton left his ownership in Wal-Mart to his wife and their children: S. Robson Walton (Rob), John T. Walton, Jim Walton, and Alice Walton. Rob Walton and John Walton serve on the board of directors of Wal-Mart. The others are not directly involved in the company except through their voting power as shareholders. The Walton family holds 5 spots in the top 15 richest people in the United States.

8. Jim Walton, Arkansas, 56, $20, Wal-Mart
Walton previously served as president and chief operating officer, overseeing editorial and financial operations for the News Group. Preceding this, Walton served as president of CNN’s domestic networks group, which includes CNN/U.S., CNN Headline News and CNN.com, the world’s most used news and information site.

9. Jim Walton, Arkansas, 56, $20, Wal-Mart

10. S. Robson Walton, Arkansas, 60, $20, Wal-Mart

11. Riky Kurniawan, *Under Calculation
He is still trying to make a life