About Walton family
- The Waltons are the richest family in America thanks to their stake in Walmart, the world's largest retailer by sales.
- About half of Walmart's stock is held by seven heirs of founders Sam Walton (d. 1992) and his brother James "Bud" (d. 1995).
- Heirs include Sam's three living children--Rob, Jim and Alice--his daughter-in-law Christy and her son Lukas, plus Bud's two daughters, Ann and Nancy.
- Rob Walton served as chairman for more than two decades and remains on the board, alongside current chairman Greg Penner, his son-in-law.
- The family also owns Arvest Bank, which operates 16 banks in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas.
Wealth History
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Forbes Lists
Personal Stats
- Fortune Founded
- 1962
- Source of Wealth
- Walmart
- Company Headquarters
- Bentonville, Arkansas
Did you know
In 2011 Alice Walton opened the Crystal Bridges Museum in the Waltons' hometown of Bentonville, Ark., featuring works by the likes of Rockwell, Pollock and Warhol.
Sam Walton gave his kids 80% of his Walmart stake decades before it became a multibillion-dollar business, sidestepping major estate taxes when he died.
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Allen Horng & family
I'm an expert in business and finance with a particular focus on family wealth, and I've closely followed the financial developments of some of the wealthiest families in America. Now, let me delve into the information provided about the Walton family and contextualize it within the broader concepts related to their wealth and business empire.
The Walton family, heirs to the Walmart fortune, is indeed the richest family in America. The key evidence supporting this claim is their substantial stake in Walmart, the world's largest retailer by sales. About half of Walmart's stock is owned by seven heirs of the founders, Sam Walton and his brother James "Bud" Walton.
The family members holding significant shares include Sam's three living children - Rob, Jim, and Alice - along with his daughter-in-law Christy and her son Lukas. Additionally, Bud's two daughters, Ann and Nancy, are also heirs to the Walmart fortune.
Rob Walton, who served as chairman for more than two decades, continues to play a significant role and remains on the board, working alongside the current chairman, Greg Penner, who is also his son-in-law. This continuity in leadership underscores the family's ongoing influence in Walmart's governance.
Moreover, the family's wealth extends beyond Walmart, as they also own Arvest Bank, which operates in several states, including Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas. This diversification demonstrates the family's strategic approach to wealth management.
Sam Walton's foresight in distributing 80% of his Walmart stake to his children before the company became a multibillion-dollar business is a testament to his financial acumen. This move not only secured the family's financial future but also allowed them to sidestep substantial estate taxes upon his death.
The family's philanthropic efforts are highlighted by Alice Walton, who opened the Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas, in 2011. The museum features works by renowned artists such as Rockwell, Pollock, and Warhol, showcasing the family's commitment to cultural and artistic endeavors.
In summary, the Walton family's wealth is intricately tied to their significant stake in Walmart, coupled with strategic financial decisions, successful leadership transitions, and diversified holdings, including Arvest Bank. Their influence extends not only to business but also to philanthropy, as seen through the establishment of the Crystal Bridges Museum.
