The world’s richest woman, Alice Walton, and her brother Jim Walton have seen their collective net worth drop by $5.4 billion following a decline in Walmart Inc.’s stock over the past month.
According to Forbes’ real-time billionaire rankings, each sibling lost $2.7 billion, bringing Alice Walton’s fortune to $101.2 billion and Jim Walton’s to $108.9 billion. The decline follows a 3.09% dip in Walmart’s stock price, which closed at $91.72 per share on March 7.
Despite Walmart’s strong long-term growth, investor concerns over margin pressures and shifting consumer spending patterns have contributed to the recent decline in stock value. However, Walmart has outperformed the broader retail supermarket industry over the past year, with its stock rising 59.3% compared to the industry’s 55.6% gain. The company’s success has been driven by its omnichannel strategy, integrating digital sales with physical stores, and expanding into advertising and delivery services.
Walmart has also raised its fiscal 2025 guidance, though its projected fourth-quarter revenue and operating income indicate a potential slowdown from previous quarter growth. Currency fluctuations and changes in product mix have further pressured profit margins.
Alice and Jim Walton are two of the most influential heirs to the Walmart empire, founded by their father, Sam Walton, in 1962. The Walton family collectively controls about 45% of Walmart’s stock, maintaining substantial influence over the company’s future.
Alice Walton, 75, has focused on philanthropy and the arts rather than direct involvement in Walmart’s operations. In 2011, she founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, which houses works by Andy Warhol, Norman Rockwell, and Mark Rothko.
She has also ventured into healthcare initiatives, founding the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine in 2021 to improve access to holistic healthcare. In 2024, she surpassed L’Oréal billionaire Françoise Bettencourt Meyers to become the world’s richest woman.
Jim Walton, 76, serves as chairman of Arvest Bank Group, a financial institution managing $26 billion in assets. A former Walmart board member, he stepped down in 2016, passing his seat to his son Steuart Walton. His daughter, Annie Proeitti, currently chairs the Walton Family Foundation, which managed $5.7 billion in assets as of 2022.
Despite the recent dip in Walmart’s stock, the Waltons remain among the wealthiest families in the world, with their fortunes closely tied to the retail giant’s long-term success. Walmart continues to dominate the Fortune 500 rankings, holding the No. 1 spot for 12 consecutive years as the world’s largest retailer.
