TLDR:
- Alice Walton has become the world’s richest woman, surpassing Françoise Bettencourt Meyers
- Walton’s net worth has reached over $95 billion, close to the $100 billion mark
- Her wealth increase is due to a 44% rise in Walmart’s stock price this year
- Bettencourt Meyers’ wealth has decreased to $91 billion due to a decline in L’Oréal shares
- The Walton siblings each own over 11% of Walmart and have accumulated significant wealth from stock sales and dividends
Alice Walton, daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, is on the verge of making history as she approaches the $100 billion net worth mark.
The surge in Walmart’s stock price has propelled her to become the world’s richest woman, surpassing Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, the L’Oréal heiress.
Walton’s net worth has skyrocketed to over $95 billion, fueled by a remarkable 44% increase in Walmart’s stock price this year.
This surge resulted in a $25 billion boost to her wealth since January. If her fortunes continue to rise, she could soon join the exclusive club of centibillionaires, currently occupied by the likes of Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffett.
In contrast, Bettencourt Meyers has seen her wealth decline by approximately $9 billion this year, with her current net worth standing at $91 billion. This decrease is largely attributed to a 12% drop in L’Oréal’s share price since the beginning of the year.
The Bloomberg Billionaires Index now ranks Walton 18th, just behind her brothers Jim and Robson Walton, who are worth $98 billion and $95.8 billion respectively.
The Walton siblings each own more than 11% of Walmart, inherited from their father. Bloomberg estimates that they’ve each accumulated over $15 billion from stock sales and dividends since 1992.
Bettencourt Meyers, who now ranks 20th on the Bloomberg list, holds about 35% of L’Oréal, the world’s largest cosmetics company. She inherited this stake from her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, who passed away in 2017.
Born in 1949 in Newport, Arkansas, Alice Walton has pursued a different path from her siblings. While they have been more directly involved in Walmart’s operations, Alice has focused on art curation and philanthropy.
She graduated from Trinity University with a degree in Economics and began her career in finance, working as an equity analyst and money manager.
In 2011, Walton opened the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in her hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas, showcasing her passion for art and culture. This venture highlights her commitment to giving back to her community and sharing her love for art with the public.
The recent shift in wealth rankings underscores the dynamic nature of global markets and the significant impact of stock performance on individual net worth.
Walmart’s strong performance this year has not only boosted the Walton family’s wealth but has also reflected the company’s ability to adapt and thrive in a challenging retail environment.
The Walton family’s immense wealth, largely derived from their Walmart holdings, continues to grow, reflecting the company’s dominant position in the retail sector.
As Walmart’s stock price reaches new heights, it not only benefits the Walton heirs but also impacts the company’s millions of shareholders and employees worldwide.
