How Kim Kardashian is earning her money as billion-dollar empire expands

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Kim Kardashian-West is officially a billionaire, according to Forbes — and the reality star seems to have no plans of slowing down.

The outlet listed Kardashian in its annual "World's Billionaire List" report this week, citing her lucrative businesses, KKW Beauty and loungewear company Skims, as catalysts for her billionaire status, in addition to extra cash from her reality series "Keeping up with the Kardashians" and endorsement deals.

The 40-year-old started KKW Beauty in 2017 and currently owns 72% of the company (equivalent to about $500 million, according to the magazine.) Additionally, she sold a 20% stake of that company last year to beauty conglomerate COTY (COTY), which amounted to $200 million in cash.

Meanwhile, Skims saw a boom in sales amid the pandemic, as consumers gravitated toward comfier, at-home clothing options. Kardashian owns a majority stake, and while the financials of the company have not been disclosed, the New York Times reported on Friday that the company raised $154 million at a valuation of $1.6 billion — all but affirming Kardashian's 10-figure status.

Kim Kardashian West celebrates the launch of SKIMS at Nordstrom NYC on February 05, 2020 in New York City.
Kim Kardashian West celebrates the launch of SKIMS at Nordstrom NYC on February 05, 2020 in New York City. (Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)

The rest of the star's wealth sits in investments, real estate and cash. Although the long-running "Keeping up with the Kardashians" series will soon come to an end, the family recently signed a multiyear deal with Hulu (DIS), which should continue to provide a steady and supplemental stream of income.

But that's not all Kardashian has to look forward to — she recently filed multiple trademark applications for a possible skincare line titled "Skkn by Kim." The filings include trademarking for skin care, hair care, nail care, and spa categories, plus skin and hair tools, as well as fragrances, vitamin, supplements and home products.

Kardashian's sister, Kylie Jenner, launched skincare line Kylie Skin in 2019 — capitalizing off of the success of her own makeup brand Kylie Cosmetics.

Kim Kardashian West and Kylie Jenner attend the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 09, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California.
Kim Kardashian West and Kylie Jenner attend the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 09, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Taylor Hill via Getty Images)

The billionaire's booming business ventures come as she and soon-to-be ex husband Kanye West are reportedly in the midst of divorce negotiations. The couple's massive wealth should be at the center of those talks, although reports say the negotiations has been amicable thus far.

However, both Kardashian and West have "controversial personalities and that has helped both of their independent brands because it draws attention to themselves; however getting into an ugly divorce does not help anybody," Dror Bikel, a New York City-based divorce lawyer and author told Yahoo Finance recently.

"It's important for both of them to resolve this divorce amicable and fairly," he added — explaining name calling, putting children in the middle, fights over money and personal attacks can depreciate the overall value of their brands and prevent both individuals from growing and evolving professionally.

Alexandra is a Producer & Entertainment Correspondent at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @alliecanal8193. For tips email [email protected].

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