This summer, analysts were predicting that Harold Hamm could lose half of his $20 billion fortune in his divorce. Since then, Hamm's fortune has indeed been cut in half. But the reason is oil prices, not his divorce.
Recently:Since the end of August, the CEO and founder of oil-company Continental Resources has seen the value of his shares in the company fall from $20 billion in late August to just over $10 billion on Friday. We don't know what other major assets or debts he has, or how leveraged he might be, but it's safe to say that Hamm's paper fortune from Continental has been cut in half in just three months.The $10 billion wealth-cut comes at the same time as his costly divorce ruling. Last month, a judge ruled that Hamm has to pay his ex-wife, Sue Ann, nearly $1 billion for their divorce . As part of the ruling, the judge has placed a lien on 20 million shares in Continental stock. Sue Ann's attorney has said she may appeal for more money.Of course, Hamm is still rich. Even if he's down to his last $8 billion or $10 billion, he'll still be able to live the life to which he's grown accustomed.But Hamm's sudden wealth loss shows that the new age of High-Beta Wealth-where massive paper fortunes can be created and destroyed overnight-isn't confined just to tech and financial companies. Even oil, one of America's oldest and most stable sources of dynastic wealth, has become more volatile recently....MORE
Oct. 29
Godfather of the Bakken: "There Is No Oil Glut" (CLR)
Whatevs.
Nov. 7
Oil: Bakken Bigwig Calls It a Bottom, Pulls All His Hedges (CLR)
If I were a psychologist I'd wonder if this stubbornness was in any way related to his impending divorce.
December WTI $78.92 up $1.01.
