Apple is the largest company in the world, with a market value of over $2 trillion. This is due in part to its innovative products and services that have revolutionized the way we live and work.
Google's parent company Alphabet is a close second, with a market value of over $1.5 trillion. This is a testament to the company's dominance in the tech industry and its ability to adapt to changing consumer needs.
Amazon is another giant in the tech industry, with a market value of over $1 trillion. The company's e-commerce platform has disrupted traditional retail and its cloud computing services have become a go-to for businesses around the world.
Microsoft rounds out the top four, with a market value of over $2 trillion. The company's software and services have been staples in the tech industry for decades, and its recent acquisition of LinkedIn has further solidified its position as a leader in the field.
Top Companies
Walmart is the biggest company by revenue, with a staggering $648.13 billion in annual revenue as of Oct. 15, 2024. This is followed closely by Amazon, which brought in $574.79 billion in revenue during the same period.
Amazon and Walmart are not only the top companies by revenue, but they are also among the world's largest companies by market capitalization. In fact, Amazon's market cap has exceeded $2 trillion, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world.
The table below shows the top 5 companies by revenue as of Oct. 15, 2024:
These companies are not only massive in terms of revenue, but they also have a significant presence in various industries, including retail, tech, and oil.
World's Largest Companies by Revenue
The biggest companies in the world by revenue are dominated by retail and tech giants. Walmart takes the top spot with a whopping $648.13 billion in annual revenue.
Amazon comes in second with $574.79 billion in annual revenue, followed closely by Saudi Arabian Oil with $494.22 billion.
The top five companies by revenue are:
- Walmart ($648.13 billion)
- Amazon ($574.79 billion)
- Saudi Arabian Oil ($494.22 billion)
- China Petroleum and Chemical ($414.00 billion)
- Apple ($383.29 billion)
These companies are not only massive in terms of revenue, but they also have a significant presence in various industries such as retail, oil, and tech.
World's Largest Companies by Employee Count
The world of business is vast and complex, but sometimes it's nice to see things in simple terms. Walmart is the largest company in the world by employee count, with a staggering 2.10 million people on its payroll as of October 15, 2024.
Amazon comes in second, employing 1.53 million people, which is almost as many as the population of some small countries. Accenture, a global consulting firm, rounds out the top three with 774,000 employees.
Here are the top five companies by employee count:
Top 10 Most Valuable Companies
The Dutch East India Company holds the distinction of being the first company to offer shares of its business to the public, effectively conducting the world's first initial public offering (IPO).
This company, along with the Mississippi Company and the South Sea Company, had market caps more than twice as high as today's biggest company, Saudi Aramco.
The Dutch East India Co. ushered in a new wave of economic growth and social change, similar to how industry giants in the tech field are doing today.
Here are the top 10 most valuable companies of all time, according to a list of historical companies:
These companies have all left a significant mark on history, with some even paving the way for the modern tech industry.
World's Most Profitable Company
The world's most profitable company is no surprise to anyone who's been following the latest business news. Saudi Aramco, the Saudi Arabia government-owned petroleum and natural gas company, took the top spot with a net profit of $121.27 billion in the year ending Dec. 31, 2023.
This staggering figure is a testament to the company's dominance in the energy sector. The Saudi government's ownership of the company has likely played a significant role in its success.
Company Lists
Walmart and Amazon dominate two of the most important lists in the business world: revenue and employee count. Walmart tops the list with a staggering $648.13 billion in annual revenue.
Amazon, on the other hand, has a massive workforce with 1.53 million employees, second only to Walmart's 2.10 million. These numbers give us a glimpse into the scale and reach of these companies.
Here are the top 5 companies by revenue and employee count:
Biggest Companies by Continent
Let's take a look at the biggest companies by continent. As of October 15, 2024, Apple is the largest company in North America with a market cap of $3.56 trillion.
MercadoLibre, a company from South America, has a market cap of $103.01 billion. This is significantly lower than Apple's market cap, but still a notable figure.
In Europe, Novo Nordisk holds the top spot with a market cap of $519.03 billion. This Danish healthcare company has a strong presence in the global market.
Saudi Arabian Oil Co. is the largest company in Asia, with a market cap of $1.75 trillion. This oil company is a major player in the global energy market.
Africa's largest company by market cap is International Breweries, with a market cap of $41.87 billion. This Nigerian brewery company has a significant presence in the African market.
Finally, Commonwealth Bank is the largest company in Oceania, with a market cap of $156.04 billion. This Australian bank has a strong presence in the region.
Here's a list of the biggest companies by continent:
- North America - Apple ($3.56 trillion)
- South America - MercadoLibre ($103.01 billion)
- Europe - Novo Nordisk ($519.03 billion)
- Asia - Saudi Arabian Oil Co. ($1.75 trillion)
- Africa - International Breweries ($41.87 billion)
- Oceania - Commonwealth Bank ($156.04 billion)
Publicly Traded Companies
Publicly traded companies are a crucial aspect of the financial world. Only companies with a free float of at least 15% are included in the list. This means that companies with a significant portion of their shares held by a single entity or individual are not considered publicly traded.
The market capitalization figures for these companies are in USD millions. This provides a clear and concise way to compare the value of different companies. For example, Apple's market capitalization is $3.56 trillion, making it one of the largest companies in the world.
Not all publicly traded companies are created equal, however. Some companies have a higher market capitalization than others, such as Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon. These companies have a significant impact on the global economy and are often considered leaders in their respective industries.
Here is a list of the top 5 companies by annual revenue as of October 15, 2024:
- Walmart (WMT): $648.13 billion
- Amazon (AMZN): $574.79 billion
- Saudi Arabian Oil (2222): $494.22 billion
- China Petroleum and Chemical (600028): $414.00 billion
- Apple (AAPL): $383.29 billion
This list highlights the importance of revenue in the business world. Companies with high revenue are often considered more successful and stable than those with lower revenue.
2022
In 2022, Apple held the top spot in the company list, with a market value of $2,066,000 in the fourth quarter. This was a significant decrease from the previous quarter.
Apple's dominance was closely followed by Microsoft, which had a market value of $1,787,000 in the fourth quarter. This was an increase from the previous quarter.
Amazon's market value fluctuated throughout the year, but it reached a high of $1,659,000 in the first quarter. This was a significant decrease from the previous quarter.
The top 10 companies in the list were:
The market values of the top 10 companies varied significantly throughout the year, with some companies experiencing significant increases and others experiencing significant decreases.
Financial Data
The largest companies in the world by revenue are Walmart, Amazon, Saudi Arabian Oil, China Petroleum and Chemical, and Apple, with Walmart leading the pack at $648.13 billion.
These companies are also among the biggest employers globally, with Walmart alone employing over 2.2 million people worldwide. Retail companies dominate the list of biggest companies by TTM revenue trading in the U.S. or Canada, with Walmart and Amazon taking the top two spots.
Walmart's revenue is significantly higher than many countries' entire economies, making it a behemoth in the global business landscape. The company's revenue has been steadily increasing over the years, with a reported $648.13 billion in revenue as of Oct. 15, 2024.
Here are the top 5 companies by revenue as of Oct. 15, 2024:
- Walmart (WMT): $648.13 billion
- Amazon (AMZN): $574.79 billion
- Saudi Arabian Oil (2222): $494.22 billion
- China Petroleum and Chemical (600028): $414.00 billion
- Apple (AAPL): $383.29 billion
These companies are also among the largest by market capitalization, with Apple leading the pack in North America with a market cap of $3.56 trillion as of Oct. 15, 2024.
Specific Companies
Walmart, Amazon, and Saudi Arabian Oil are among the top five companies by annual revenue as of October 15, 2024, with Walmart leading the pack at $648.13 billion.
These companies are followed closely by Apple, China Petroleum and Chemical, and Saudi Arabian Oil, with Apple's revenue standing at $383.29 billion.
The table below lists all companies which have, at any point, had a market capitalization in excess of $1 trillion:
UnitedHealth Group Inc. is a multinational healthcare and insurance company with a revenue of $392.72 billion (TTM) and a market cap of $542.65 billion.
Apple (AAPL)
Apple (AAPL) is a tech giant that has been a household name for decades. Founded in 1976, the company is known for its innovative products such as the iPhone, Mac computers, and AirPods.
Apple's market capitalization has reached an impressive $3.56 trillion, making it one of the largest companies in the world. Its revenue for the trailing 12 months (TTM) is $385.60 billion, with a net income of $101.96 billion.
The company's 1-year trailing total return is 32.31%, indicating a significant growth in its stock value. Apple's products are available on the Nasdaq exchange, and the company is widely recognized for its consumer technology products.
Some of Apple's most popular products include the iPhone, Mac computers, and AirPods. The company is also introducing new products, such as a new iMac, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iPad mini 7, and a low-cost iPad.
Here are some key statistics about Apple's performance in 2024:
- Revenue (TTM), Q4 2024: $391.04 billion
- Net Income (TTM), Q4 2024: $93.74 billion
- Market Cap: $3.45 trillion
- 1-Year Trailing Total Return: 20.73%
Apple's strong performance is a testament to its innovative products and services, which continue to capture the attention of consumers worldwide.
BlackRock
BlackRock is a financial services company that is not listed in the provided article sections. However, I can provide information on a similar company, Vanguard, which is not mentioned in the article sections either. But if you're looking for information on specific companies mentioned in the article sections, I can help with that.
Let's take a look at Berkshire Hathaway, for example. Berkshire Hathaway is a multinational conglomerate holding company that owns a diverse portfolio of businesses, including insurance, freight rail transportation, retailing, and utility and energy generation and distribution.
The company was founded in 1839 and has a market capitalization of over $1 trillion. Berkshire Hathaway is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and has a 1-year trailing total return of 31.56%.
Here's a brief overview of some of Berkshire Hathaway's key financial metrics:
I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)
Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, founded in 1876 and based in Indianapolis, Ind.
It has a massive market cap of $868.04 billion, making it a significant player in the industry.
Lilly's product lines focus on diabetes, oncology, immunology, and neuroscience, catering to various health needs.
One of its notable product lines is for diabetes, which is a significant area of focus for the company.
The company's revenue for the trailing 12 months (TTM) is $38.92 billion, indicating its substantial market presence.
Lilly's net income for the TTM is $7.34 billion, demonstrating its financial stability.
The company's 1-year trailing total return is an impressive 49.48%, indicating its strong performance in the market.
Lilly's stock is listed on the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange).
Nippon Steel
Nippon Steel was founded in 1918 through the merger of Yawata Steel and Fuji Iron. It's one of the world's largest steel producers.
Nippon Steel's main business is steel production, with a focus on high-quality steel products such as plates, pipes, and wires. The company has a global presence with operations in over 40 countries.
Nippon Steel has a long history of innovation, with the development of new steel products and technologies. The company's research and development efforts have led to the creation of high-strength steel alloys.
The company's largest shareholder is the Japanese government, which holds a significant stake in Nippon Steel. This has led to the company being closely tied to the Japanese economy and government policies.
Nippon Steel has faced significant competition in the global steel market, particularly from Chinese steel producers. The company has responded by diversifying its product offerings and expanding its global presence.
Waymo
Waymo is one of the pioneers in the self-driving car industry, founded by Google in 2009.
The company has been testing its autonomous vehicles in various locations, including Arizona, California, and Texas.
Waymo's self-driving cars have logged over 20 million miles of testing on public roads.
They're not just testing for safety, but also for efficiency and comfort, with the goal of making transportation more convenient and enjoyable.
Waymo's technology is designed to handle complex driving scenarios, such as construction zones, pedestrians, and other vehicles.
The company has partnered with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to develop a self-driving version of the Chrysler Pacifica minivan.
Waymo's self-driving cars have been involved in a few accidents, but the company claims that they were due to human error rather than any fault in the technology.
The company's goal is to make self-driving cars available to the public, starting with ride-hailing services and eventually expanding to personal ownership.
Palantir
Palantir is a software company that specializes in data analytics and integration.
Palantir was founded in 2003 by Peter Thiel and Alex Karp.
The company's name is inspired by the PalantÃri, a group of powerful seeing stones in J.R.R. Tolkien's novel "The Lord of the Rings".
Palantir's software is used by various government agencies, including the US Department of Defense, the CIA, and the FBI.
The company's platform allows users to integrate and analyze data from multiple sources, providing insights into complex issues.
Palantir's software is used in various industries, including finance, healthcare, and energy.
The company has faced criticism for its involvement in government surveillance programs and its ties to the US military.
Transsion
Transsion is a Chinese technology company founded in 2006 by Zhu Zhaojiang.
The company is headquartered in Shenzhen, China and has become one of the leading smartphone manufacturers in Africa.
Transsion's product portfolio includes smartphones under various brands such as Tecno, Infinix, and Itel.
These brands are popular in Africa and other emerging markets due to their affordability and feature-rich offerings.
Transsion's smartphones often come with advanced camera capabilities, long-lasting batteries, and affordable prices.
The company has successfully tapped into the growing demand for smartphones in Africa and other emerging markets.
Transsion's products are available in over 50 countries worldwide, making it a global player in the smartphone industry.
Amd
AMD, or Advanced Micro Devices, is a technology company that specializes in the design and manufacture of computer processors, graphics cards, and other semiconductor products.
AMD was founded in 1969 by Jerry Sanders and a group of eight other engineers.
The company's early success was fueled by its development of the first single-chip microprocessor, the Am9080, which was released in 1975.
AMD's most popular processor line is the Ryzen, which was introduced in 2017 and has since become a top choice for gamers and content creators.
Ryzen processors are known for their high core counts and competitive pricing, making them an attractive option for those looking to upgrade their PCs.
Boston Metal
Boston Metal is a company that's making waves in the industry with its innovative approach to metal production. They're using a process called "molten oxide electrolysis" to extract metals from their ores, which is more efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional methods.
This process involves dissolving the metal ore in a bath of molten metal, allowing the metal to be extracted and purified in a single step. It's a game-changer for industries that rely on metal production, like construction and manufacturing.
Boston Metal's technology has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75% compared to traditional production methods. That's a significant reduction in carbon footprint, which is music to the ears of anyone concerned about climate change.
The company has already secured funding and partnerships to move its technology forward, with plans to scale up production and make its metal more widely available. This could have a major impact on industries that rely on metal production, from construction to aerospace.
Sinopec
Sinopec is a significant player in the oil and gas industry. It's a producer and distributor of various petrochemical and petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, synthetic rubbers, and resins.
Sinopec's revenue for the trailing 12 months (TTM) is $399.23 billion. Its net income for the same period is $6.88 billion.
The company's market capitalization is $104 billion, and it has experienced a 1-year trailing total return of 11.16%.
Sinopec is administered by the State Council of the People's Republic of China, and it's among the largest oil refining, gas, and petrochemical companies in the world.
UnitedHealth Group Inc
UnitedHealth Group Inc is a multinational healthcare and insurance company based in Minnetonka, Minn.
It provides managed healthcare insurance policies to companies, government employers, and individuals.
The company's healthcare services are delivered by a network of medical groups that provide them under contract with UnitedHealth.
UnitedHealth Group has a significant presence in the global market, with subsidiary operations in several countries, including Brazil, India, Ireland, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom.
Here are some key financial metrics for UnitedHealth Group Inc:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most important company in the world?
Walmart is the largest company in the world by revenue, with a staggering $648 billion generated in 2024. This massive revenue makes Walmart a global retail leader, but is it the most important company in the world?
Sources
- https://www.investopedia.com/biggest-companies-in-the-world-by-market-cap-5212784
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_public_corporations_by_market_capitalization
- https://howmuch.net/articles/the-worlds-biggest-companies-in-history
- https://time.com/collection/time100-companies-2024/
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/active-trading/111115/why-all-worlds-top-10-companies-are-american.asp
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