Alice Walton Adds $33 Billion to Her Fortune While Focusing on Philanthropy
Walmart heiress Alice Walton remains the world's wealthiest woman, with her fortune rising to $134 billion in Forbes' 2026 ranking as she directs her attention toward healthcare and philanthropy.
Alice Walton, the 76-year-old daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, saw her estimated net worth increase by $33 billion between March 2025 and March 2026, reaching $134 billion, according to Forbes' annual World's Billionaires list. The increase was largely driven by a 30% rise in Walmart shares, despite Walton having no active role in managing the retail giant or serving on its board.
Unlike her brothers Rob and Jim Walton, who have held leadership positions at Walmart, Alice has pursued a career spanning finance, investment and philanthropy. After briefly working as a clothing buyer at Walmart, she entered the financial sector and eventually founded investment bank Llama Co. in 1988, which closed following the 1998 bond market downturn.
In recent years, Walton has increasingly focused on expanding access to healthcare. In 2021, she established the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine in Bentonville, Arkansas, contributing $250 million to the institution. The school welcomed its inaugural class of 48 students in 2025 and is covering tuition for its first five graduating classes, although students remain responsible for living expenses and other fees.
Her philanthropic ambitions extend beyond medical education. Through her foundation, Walton has committed an additional $350 million toward a new healthcare campus in Bentonville, including a 250-bed hospital and cancer center.
Walton's financial growth has also strengthened her position ahead of L'Oréal heiress Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, whose fortune was estimated at $100 billion in Forbes' March 2026 ranking. While her wealth remains closely linked to Walmart's market performance, Walton continues to direct much of her attention toward healthcare, education and the arts.
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