Alice Walton Becomes World's Richest Woman

Alice Walton, the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, has regained her title as the world's richest woman, surpassing L'Oréal heiress Françoise Bettencourt Meyers. Walton's net worth has surged to approximately $95 billion, driven by a 44% increase in Walmart shares, while Bettencourt Meyers' wealth has declined to around $91 billion due to a significant drop in L'Oréal's stock value. The shift in rankings comes after a tumultuous year for L'Oréal, which has faced challenges including political unrest in France and difficulties in the Chinese market. As of now, Walmart remains the largest retailer globally with substantial annual revenue, and the Walton family continues to control nearly half of the company. This change marks a notable contrast from the end of 2023, when Bettencourt Meyers held a $100 billion fortune compared to Walton's $70 billion. Both women's fortunes are emblematic of the volatility in the billionaire rankings, influenced by stock market fluctuations.