The world's largest companies

The world’s largest companies

Published by Oliver January 6th, 2008 in Interesting data, This and that

Taking into account market capitalization Chinese and European companies have gained more importance. Opposite to this development the importance of North American companies as well as Japanese Companies declined. Among the top 100 most valuable companies firms from China were able to more than double their market value (+123 per cent). American companies had to face a decline of 10 per cent.

Within the list of top 100 world’s largest companies three countries head the list: United States, UK, and China. This list represents an example of the increasing importance of emerging markets (countries), in particular China. (Note: Another example for the importance of emerging market countries were recent measures by sovereign wealth funds (see this post)). Of course, it cannot be for granted that the enormous market capitalization of Chinese companies will be stable for the future. But it illustrates very well that the importance of US companies have been declined. In addition the weak USD, the subprime crisis and the weak economic development did influence the position of US companies in that list. Due to the stronger EURO companies from Europe were able to achieve a better position.

But see for yourself in the following to tables. Table A contains the world’s largest companies in terms of their turnover; table B contains the world’s most valuable companies in terms of market capitalization.

A) The world’s largest companies in detail (Top 10)

Rank Company Country Business Turnover in USD Million

1 Wal-Mart USA Commerce 348650

2 Exxon Mobil USA Energy 335086

3 Shell NL Energy 318845

4 BP UK Energy 262285

5 GM USA Car 207349

6 Toyota Japan Car 204773

7 Chevron USA Energy 195341

8 Daimler Germany Car 190200

9 Conocophillis USA Energy 167578

10 Total France Energy 166486