An Inside Look Into How Billionaire Net Worths Are Calculated

For more than three decades Forbes reporters have tracked the fortunes of the richest people on the planet: putting dollar figures to their business empires, their one-of-a-kind art, their private islands and more to calculate their net worths. Now, in a new video and audio series called “Priceless,” we’re taking you behind the scenes to show you how we determine the value of the most unique assets owned by billionaires.

Episode 1: Why This Billionaire-Owned Thoroughbred Horse Farm Is Worth $400 Million

In this episode, staff writer Michela Tindera and reporter Isabelle Bousquette explain how Forbes determined the value–from the prize-winning stallions to the lush bluegrass paddocks–of one of the country’s ultimate, billionaire-owned trophy properties: Spendthrift Farm.

Watch the video here.

Listen to the audio episode and read the episode transcript here.

Episode 2: How Much Is Water Worth? Why A Billionaire-Owned Stake In A California Water Bank Could Be Worth More Than $1 Billion

In this episode, amid an historic megadrought, staff writers Chloe Sorvino and Michela Tindera explain how Forbes determines the value of a billionaire-owned water bank.

Watch the video here.

Listen to the audio episode and read the episode transcript here.

Episode 3: Bill Gates Owns One Of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Manuscripts. Here’s How Much It’s Worth.

In this episode, staff writer Michela Tindera and deputy wealth editor Chase Peterson-Withorn explain how Forbes determines the value of a one-of-a-kind Leonardo da Vinci manuscript that Bill Gates purchased in 1994.

Watch the video here.

Listen to the audio episode and read the episode transcript here.