The wealthiest female on the planet.
Savagely Straight Talk: So, Selena Gomez ain't the richest woman on the planet, and neither is Taylor Swift or Rihanna. That title belongs to Alice Walton, the offspring of Walmart's founder, Sam Walton. Yep, you heard that right. Alice is sitting pretty with a net worth of a staggering $109 billion, according to the ever-knowledgeable Bloomberg's Billionaire Index.
She's not just raking it in, she's rolling it. Alice is the 15th richest person globally, crushing big names like Warren Buffett and Steve Ballmer. Beyond question, Alice Walton is the one to watch. Before her, Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, L'Oréal's owner, held the throne. But as luxurious demands in China took a hit, Walton seized the opportunity to snatch that title.
But how in blazes did Alice Walton end up here? well, let's take it back to the roots, shall we? Alice's father, the late Sam Walton, is an American tycoon who brought us the world's largest retailer—you guessed it, Walmart. This bad boy has consistently led the Fortune 500 list for more than a decade.
Sam Walton left his Walmart possession to his wife and kids in '92, making the Waltons the wealthiest family in the U.S. According to Bloomberg, they've got an estimated net worth of a whopping $432.4 billion. Now, that's a wallet I'd be envious of.
The Waltons own approximately 46% of Walmart stock, and all three siblings—including Alice and her bros Jim and Rob, own more than 11% of the company through a family trust. They've made bank via stock sales and dividends over the years, raking in more than $15 billion, as reported by Bloomberg.
Unlike her sibilings, Alice didn't crave a seat on the Walmart board. Instead, she's dedicated her life to the world of art. At the tender age of 11, she was already a collector, snagging a 25-cent Picasso print at one of her pa's stores. To this day, she's gathered original works by artists like Andy Warhol, Norman Rockwell, and Georgia O'Keefe.
These days, Alice serves as chair of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which she founded in 2005. After all, when you've got the cash, you can build a museum. The Walton Family Foundation donated $1.2 billion to the gallery and $20 million to cover admission fees for all visitors. Alice even created the Alice L. Walton Foundation in 2017, pumping money into art, education, wellness, and economic opportunities.
In 2019, she established the Heartland Whole Health Institute, working to zap the healthcare crisis in the U.S. by promoting holistic care, cutting costs, and increasing access. Her foundation dropped a cool $350 million on speciality care, including new cardiac services and virtual care.
Now, let's talk about Walmart's performance. It's an American multinational that's been lauded for its everyday low prices and operates a sprawling retail empire across the globe. Walmart employs a whopping 2.1 million people, most of whom reside stateside.
This powerhouse has a history of maintaining or even boosting its dividend payments for decades, making it a dream for long-term investors. In its Q2 FY25 earnings report in August, the group racked up revenue of $169.3 billion—that's a 4.8% jump compared to the previous year.
The CEO of the whole shebang, Douglas McMillion, recently stated that the business outside the U.S. has been a major growth driver. Walmart's Mexican and Central American division, Walmex, and its Indian subsidiary, Flipkart, have been standout performers. Even Sam's Club in China is elevating sales growth, with roughly half of the sales taking place digitally.
In November 2024, Alice sold a jaw-dropping 924,000 Walmart shares, generating around $74.2 million. This massive sale took place on September 12, with share prices bouncing between $79.4597 and $79.8742.
And there you have it, folks. Alice Walton, the richest woman in the world, who amassed her fortune through her inherited stake in Walmart, the global retail titan. Now, who wants to grab a bite at McD's with me? How about you and me and… Who's that? Oh, nevermind. Carry on.
Investing in Walmart's stock over the years has proven to be lucrative, as evidenced by Alice Walton's earnings of more than $15 billion from stock sales and dividends. The business acumen of Alice Walton, stemming from her inherited stake in Walmart, has not only made her the richest woman globally but also a significant player in the finance world. Dividends from investing in well-performing businesses, such as Walmart, can significantly contribute to one's personal-finance portfolio.
