The world's biggest companies by market capitalization range across different market sectors, including technology, communication services, energy, consumer cyclicals, and financial services. Most companies in the top-10 list generate hundreds of billions of dollars in annual revenue. However, there are a few that generate less than $100 billion in annual revenue, suggesting that investors are optimistic about the potential growth of these companies compared with others on the list.
Companies are ranked as per TradingView's list of largest companies by market cap. All figures, which are also taken from TradingView, are current as of Jan. 20, 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Company value is often measured by market capitalization or the value of all shares in the market.
- Microsoft, Apple, and Saudi Aramco are the top three global companies, each with market caps of over $2 trillion each.
- Technology and energy companies rank among the most valuable companies in the world today.
- U.S.-based companies fill most top slots.
1. Microsoft (MSFT)
- Market Cap: $2.96 trillion
- Revenue (TTM): $218.31 billion
- Net Income (TTM): $77.1 billion
- 1-year TrailingTotal Return: 64.6%
- Exchange: Nasdaq
- Year Founded: 1975
Microsoft (MSFT) is a global developer and licenser of software, devices, solutions, and services. The company is well known for its Windows and Office Suite software as well as its Xbox gaming hardware. The company is gaining more of its profits and revenue from cloud computing services, for which it is a market leader. Microsoft has also made a big play in AI, integrating it into its search and Office products.
Microsoft's main cloud platform is Azure. Microsoft also owns and operates LinkedIn, the popular social networking site for professionals and job seekers.
2. Apple (AAPL)
- Market Cap: $2.96 trillion
- Revenue (TTM): $383.29 billion
- Net Income (TTM): $97 billion
- 1-year TrailingTotal Return: 39.1%
- Exchange: Nasdaq
- Year Founded: 1976
Apple (AAPL) designs, manufactures, and markets a broad range of consumer technology products, including smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearable devices, home entertainment devices, and more. Some of its most popular products include its iPhone smartphones and Mac computers.
Apple also has dramatically expanded its sales from services. It operates digital content stores, provides cloud and payment services, and recently launched AppleTV+, a streaming service for on-demand entertainment content.
3. Saudi Aramco (2222.SR)
- Market Cap: $2.06 trillion
- Revenue (TTM): $501.65 billion
- Net Income (TTM): $126.52 billion
- 1-year Trailing Total Return: 9.8%
- Exchange:Tadawul (Saudi Stock Exchange)
- Year Founded: 1933
Saudi Arabian Oil, better known as Saudi Aramco, is a Saudi Arabia-based integrated oil and gas company. The company was founded as Standard Oil's overseas operations and is now owned by the Saudi government.
Aramco operates both upstream and downstream segments:
- Its upstream segment engages in the exploration and production of crude oil, condensate, natural gas, and natural gas liquids.
- The downstream segment is engaged in refining and petrochemical manufacturing, distribution, and power generation.
Saudi Aramco also has a chemicals business that makes complex products such as synthetic rubber.
4. Alphabet (GOOGL/GOOG)
- Market Cap: $1.84 trillion
- Revenue (TTM): $296.38 billion
- Net Income (TTM): $66.73 billion
- 1-year TrailingTotal Return: 57.4%
- Exchange: Nasdaq
- Year Founded: 1998
Alphabet (GOOGL/GOOG) is the parent of Google, the dominant search engine in the global market. The company offers a range of technologies and digital services, including search, the Android smartphone operating system, the Chrome browser, the Gmail email services, the Google Drive online file storage platform, Google Maps, Google Photos, the Google Play app store, and YouTube.
The company also provides cloud services through Google Cloud and a variety of workspace collaboration tools. In addition, the company earns revenue through a growing array of hardware products such as the Pixel phones, Fitbit, and the Google Nest home collection. Alphabet also operates its Other Bets segment which includes emerging businesses such as the self-driving car business Waymo.
Like Microsoft, Alphabet, and just about any tech company on this list, Alphabet is making a play in AI, releasing apps through its Gemini deep learning model.
5. Amazon (AMZN)
- Market Cap: $1.61 trillion
- Revenue (TTM): $554.03 billion
- Net Income (TTM): $20.08 billion
- 1-year TrailingTotal Return: 62.6%
- Exchange: Nasdaq
- Year Founded: 1994
Amazon (AMZN)is anecommerceretailer that sells a broad range of products and services globally and is the world's biggest provider of cloud computing services. Its ecommerce business includes merchandise and content that it purchases for resale from vendors and those offered by third-party sellers.
Amazon Web Services, launched in 2006, generates the majority of the company 's operating profits, providing cloud services to businesses, government agencies, and academic institutions.
Amazon offers various subscription services and web services as well, including its cloud computing service and fast-growing streaming entertainment business. The company also manufactures and sells electronic devices, such as Kindle e-readers, Fire tablets, Fire TV, and Echo and Alexa. Amazon sells groceries through its subsidiary, Whole Foods.
A company's market cap is calculated by multiplying the number of shares outstanding by the current market price of a single share.
6. Nvidia (NVDA)
- Market Cap: $1.47 trillion
- Revenue (TTM): $44.88 billion
- Net Income (TTM): $18.89 billion
- 1-year TrailingTotal Return: 246.4%
- Exchange: Nasdaq
- Year Founded: 1993
Nvidia (NVDA) designs and develops graphics processors and related software. It was a pioneer in the development of the graphics processing unit (GPU), whose initial applications were most used for PC graphics and video games. The capabilities of the GPU are now being leveraged for use in AI and machine-learning applications.
The company offers products and platforms comprised of hardware, software, services, and more to serve the gaming, professional visualization, data center, and automotive markets. Nvidia GPUs have also featured prominently in cryptocurrency mining.
7. Meta Platforms (META)
- Market Cap: $985.41 billion
- Revenue (TTM): $126.96 billion
- Net Income (TTM): $29.73 billion
- 1-Year TrailingTotal Return: 172.3%
- Exchange: Nasdaq
- Year Founded: 2004
Meta Platforms (META) is the owner of Facebook, the world's largest social media network. Meta provides products and digital platforms that enable individuals and businesses to connect with family and friends through mobile devices, personal computers, virtual reality headsets, and in-home devices.
In addition to Facebook, it also owns Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. The company also operates Facebook Reality Labs, which offers augmented and virtual reality (VR) products.
Meta is also investing in and building the metaverse, an expansive virtual world that combines aspects of social media, online gaming, augmented reality (AR), VR, and cryptocurrencies.
8. Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A/BRK.B)
- Market Cap: $798.46 billion
- Revenue (TTM): $395.95 billion
- Net Income (TTM): $76.81 billion
- 1-year TrailingTotal Return: 13.5%
- Exchange: New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
- Year Founded: 1839
Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A/BRK.B) began with the merger of two regional textile companies in the 19th century. Only much later was it purchased by legendary investor Warren Buffett and converted into a conglomerate holding company.
Berkshire Hathaway today owns a large number of subsidiaries engaged in insurance, freight rail transportation, retailing, and utility and energy generation and distribution. The company also operates manufacturing businesses that make products for industrial uses, construction, and for consumers.
9. Tesla (TSLA)
- Market Cap: $674.54 billion
- Revenue (TTM): $95.92 billion
- Net Income (TTM): $10.79 billion
- 1-year TrailingTotal Return: 88.7%
- Exchange: Nasdaq
- Year Founded: 2003
Tesla (TSLA) is a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles, which include the following models:
- Model 3, a four-door, mid-size sedan designed and priced for mass-market appeal
- Model Y, a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) that seats seven adults
- Model S, a four-door, full-size sedan
- Model X, a mid-size SUV with seating for up to seven adults
The company's has been developing and manufacturing its Cybertruck and Tesla Semi, a commercial EV. Tesla also produces solar panels, provides solar energy generation, and supplies energy storage products.
10. Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)
- Market Cap: $596.71 billion
- Revenue (TTM): $32.07 billion
- Net Income (TTM): $4.99 billion
- 1-year TrailingTotal Return: 76.5%
- Exchange: NYSE
- Year Founded: 1987
Eli Lilly and Company (LIL) is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. Usually called just Lilly, the company is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. It researches, develops, manufactures, and markets human pharmaceuticals for the global market.
Lilly's product lines focus on diabetes, oncology, immunology, and neuroscience. It also caters to health markets, including treatments for COVID-19, male sexual dysfunction, and osteoporosis in menopausal women.
What Are the Biggest Companies in the World by Revenue?
While many people are interested in ranking companies by market value or market cap, the top companies by revenue differ somewhat. This could be because they are more capital-intensive and have lower profit margins. It could also mean that they are more mature companies with fewer growth prospects.
The top five companies by annual revenue as of Q1 2024, are:
- Walmart (WMT): $608.79 billion
- Saudi Aramco (2222.SR): $501.65 billion
- Amazon (AMZN): $554.03 billion
- Sinopec (600028.SS): $473.5 billion
- PetroChina (601857.SS) $435.3 billion
What Are the Biggest Companies in the World by Number of Employees?
Walmart is the world's largest employer, with over 2.1 million global workers.
The top 5 companies in the world by employee count as of Q1 2024 are:
- Walmart (WMT): 2.10 million
- Amazon (AMZN): 1.54 million
- Hon Hai Precision Industry (OTCMKTS: HNHPF): 767,062
- Accenture (ACN): 733,000
- Volkswagen (OTCMKTS: VWAGY): 675,805
What Is the Biggest Company on Each Continent?
The largest company by market cap on each continent as of Q1 2024 (excluding Antarctica) are as follows:
The Bottom Line
The biggest companies in the world today are worth several trillion dollars. This makes these companies larger and more valuable than some countries' entire economies. Today, tech and energy companies dominate the biggest corporations in the world. In the past, trading companies, railroads, and steelworks dominated. Time will tell if these high flyers can stay in the top positions and which industries emerge to challenge these coveted positions.
