Alice Walton, the world’s richest woman, and her brothers, Jim and Rob Walton, lost a combined $6.2 billion in a single day. Each sibling lost around $2 billion due to a sharp decline in Walmart’s stock value.
Walmart shares have been dropping steadily, falling 9.53% over the past five days. On March 13, Walmart’s stock closed at $84.68, down from $87.70 on March 10, marking an $8.92 per share decline.
The company’s market capitalization now stands at $684.04 billion, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.28 and a dividend yield of 1.11%.
Market analysts say the dip is linked to global economic uncertainties, rising inflation, and tensions between the U.S. and China. Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, is under pressure as supply chain disruptions and trade policies affect its operations.
China’s Warning to Walmart
Adding to the challenges, China has warned Walmart over its handling of U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. Reports suggest Walmart has been pushing Chinese suppliers to reduce wholesale prices to offset increased tariff costs.
Beijing recently summoned Walmart executives for discussions, stating that such actions could harm supply chains and violate agreements. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce warned that if Walmart continues shifting tariff-related costs onto Chinese manufacturers, the situation could worsen.
The trade dispute between the U.S. and China has intensified. The Trump administration recently increased blanket tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 20%, escalating tensions between the two economic giants. This trade war uncertainty is adding to Walmart’s stock struggles.
Alice Walton’s Focus on Art and Healthcare
Unlike her brothers, who serve on Walmart’s board, Alice Walton focuses on philanthropy. She founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in 2011, which features works by renowned artists like Andy Warhol and Norman Rockwell.
More recently, she launched a holistic health institute in 2021, later renamed the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine in 2022. Her philanthropic efforts focus on art, education, and healthcare innovation.
With Walmart’s stock continuing to slide, the Walton family’s fortune remains vulnerable particularly with the current economic shifts and fears of global trade wars.
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