When it comes to business, size definitely matters.
Companies that are able to generate significant revenue and maintain a dominant market share are often viewed as the most successful. So, it’s no surprise that people want to know which company is the largest in the world.
Factors that Contribute to Company Size
Before we dive into the list of the largest companies in the world, it’s important to understand the different factors that contribute to a company’s size. These include:
- Revenue: One of the most common ways to measure a company’s size is by its revenue. This refers to the total amount of money a company generates from its sales and other sources of income. The larger a company’s revenue, the more successful it is generally considered to be.
- Market Capitalization: Market capitalization (market cap) refers to the total value of a company’s outstanding shares of stock. This can give you an idea of how much investors are willing to pay for a company’s equity. A higher market cap indicates that a company is more valuable and may be larger in terms of revenue.
- Assets: A company’s assets refer to everything it owns, including property, equipment, inventory, and cash. Companies with large assets often have significant revenue streams and are therefore considered larger.
- Employees: The number of employees a company has can also give you an idea of its size. Larger companies typically have more employees than smaller ones.
Top Companies in the World
Now that we’ve discussed the different factors that contribute to a company’s size, let’s take a look at some of the largest companies in the world according to various metrics.
Walmart (Revenue: $519.7 billion)
Walmart is the largest retailer in the world and is also one of the largest private employers with over 2.3 million employees worldwide. The company operates under a variety of brands, including Sam’s Club, Jet.com, and Bonobos. Walmart generates revenue from its retail stores as well as its e-commerce platform.
State Grid Corporation of China (Revenue: $408.9 billion)
The State Grid Corporation of China is the largest utility company in the world and is also one of the largest state-owned enterprises in the country. The company was formed in 2008 as part of the government’s restructuring of the power sector and operates the nation’s power grid.
Berkshire Hathaway (Revenue: $326.9 billion)
Berkshire Hathaway is one of the largest conglomerates in the world and is owned by Warren Buffett, who is also known as the “Oracle of Omaha”. The company operates in a variety of industries, including insurance, retail, and manufacturing. Berkshire Hathaway has made several large acquisitions in recent years, including the purchase of Dairy Queen and the acquisition of 38% of Kraft Foods.
ExxonMobil (Revenue: $319.5 billion)
ExxonMobil is one of the largest oil and gas companies in the world and is also one of the largest corporations in the United States. The company was formed through the merger of Exxon and Mobil in 1997 and operates in over 70 countries. ExxonMobil generates revenue from its exploration and production operations as well as its refining and marketing operations.
China National Offshore Oil Corporation (Revenue: $316.2 billion)
The China National Offshore Oil Corporation is the largest offshore oil and gas company in the world and is also one of the largest state-owned enterprises in China. The company was formed in 2009 as part of the government’s efforts to develop the country’s offshore oil and gas industry.
