Alice Walton, daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, has once again become the world’s richest woman.
She surpassed L’Oréal heiress Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Walton’s net worth has surged by 38% over the past year, bringing her fortune to a staggering US$95 billion. This growth was largely fueled by a 44% jump in Walmart shares in 2024.
Walmart’s Impressive Performance
Walmart’s strong financial performance played a significant role in Walton’s increased wealth.
In Q2 2025, Walmart reported a 4.7% rise in revenue, reaching $169 billion. This boost helped drive the $26 billion jump in Walton’s fortune, putting her close to joining the prestigious “centibillionaires” club, a group that includes Elon Musk and Bill Gates.
Bettencourt Meyers Faces Setbacks
In contrast, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, heiress to the L’Oréal fortune, saw her wealth drop by 9.2% to $91 billion. L’Oréal’s has struggled in 2024. Its woes include a 12% decline in its stock price in 2024.
Several factors led to L’Oréal’s financial challenges:
- Political Unrest: Following France’s hard-left win in July, L’Oréal shares dropped to their lowest in six months.
- Snap Election Impact: A 10% decline in stock value occurred after President Emmanuel Macron announced a snap election in June.
- Challenges in China: L’Oréal has also faced difficulties in the Chinese beauty market, with low consumer confidence and weak travel retail sales.
Despite L’Oréal’s half-year sales in 2024 exceeding €22 billion, these ongoing hurdles weighed on the company’s performance.
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Financial Contrast Between the Two Heiresses
At the end of 2023, Bettencourt Meyers held a $100 billion fortune, while Walton’s net worth was at $70 billion. This stark contrast has now flipped, with Walton regaining her position at the top.
Walton had previously been the world’s richest woman for several years before Bettencourt Meyers claimed the title in 2020.
The Legacy of Two Giants
- L’Oréal: Founded by Eugène Schueller in 1909, the beauty giant owns well-known brands such as Maybelline, Lancôme, and Giorgio Armani Beauty.
- Walmart: Sam Walton founded Walmart in 1962. Today, the retail giant is valued at $621.2 billion.
In addition to its core business, Walmart has been expanding into the beauty sector. In August, the company launched its own women’s personal care brand, Jukebox, offering items like handmade soaps and aluminum-free deodorants.
A Shift in the Billionaire Ranks
The latest moves in wealth rankings highlight the ever-changing landscape of global wealth. As Alice Walton nears the $100 billion mark, she solidifies her place among the world’s most powerful billionaires.
