Life of the Waltons, heirs to Walmart, Sam's Club

All three of Walmart founder Sam Walton's surviving children are solidly in the $100 billion club thanks to their significant holdings of the retail giant's stock. Walmart's share price has risen in 2026 so far, up 16% as of the beginning of November. After a weaker performance between May and August this year, the stock is rising again, which some analysts say could be due to lower consumer confidence.

Forbes estimates that the combined wealth of the Walmart heirs — including founder Sam Walton's children, Rob, Jim, and Alice, as well as his grandson, Lukas — is about $487 billion as of November 5. In Rob and Jim's case, Forbes ties their wealth to their immediate family. Together, their wealth exceeds that of all of America's wealthiest individuals, bar Elon Musk.

While some of the heirs have worked in the family business, serving on the company board or managing the family's wealth, others have chosen to pursue their personal passions. Ahead of his death, Sam Walton, the founder of the company that now encompasses both Walmart and Sam's Club, set his family up for financial success by dividing ownership. In 2024, the Walton children expanded voting control to their own offspring, giving eight of Sam's grandchildren a say in the family holdings.

About 44% of Walmart's shares are owned by entities related to Sam Walton's family. Here's a look at how the Walton family empire spends its money: