This list of the world’s richest companies is based on revenue. Note that there are other ways to determine the value of a company (i.e., by market capitalization or assets). If other criteria are used, the list may differ. The market capitalization figures are for December 2009.
The Top Five
Number one is the retailing giant Wal-Mart. Its revenue as of January 31, 2010 is $408.214 billon. Its market capitalization was $203.654 million as of Dec 2009. Exxon Mobil is at number two. The oil and gas firm posted revenues of $301.5 billion in 2009.
The market capitalization was $323.717 million. Another oil company is on the number three spot. Royal Dutch Shell posted revenues of $278.188 billon in 2009. The market capitalization was $186.618 million.
BP is number four among the world’s richest companies. The oil and gas company posted revenues of $246.138 billion in 2009. Its market capitalization was $181.806 million. Saudi Aramco holds the fifth slot with revenues of $233.3 billion in 2008. Its market capitalization was $781.000 million.
Wealthiest Companies: Number Six to Ten
The sixth wealthiest company is Toyota Motors. The Japanese carmaker had a revenue of $203.687 as of March 31, 2010. Its market capitalization was $143.705 million. Japan Post Holdings is at the seventh spot. The Japanese conglomerate revenue is $200.99 billion as of March 31, 2010.
At number eight is Sinopec, another oil and gas company. The revenue as of 2009 is $197.019 billion. Its market capitalization was $159.263 million.
The ninth spot is held by Total S.A. The oil company’s 2009 revenue was $189.19 billion. The market capitalization is $151.544 million. At tenth place is State Grid Corporation of China. The electrical company posted revenues of $184.561 billion in 2009.
Wealthiest Companies: Number 11 to 15
The Samsung Group is number 11 with a $172.5 billion revenue in 2009. Chevron is at the number 12 slot with $167.402 billion revenues in 2009. The oil company’s market capitalization was $154.462 million.
The ING Group is at number 13 with $164.39 billion posted in 2009. Its market capitalization was $37.921 million. General Electric is at number 14. The conglomerate posted a revenue of $156.783 billion in 2009. Its market cap in 2009 was $161.096 million.
Ranked number 15 among the world’s richest companies is ConocoPhillips. The oil and gas company had a revenue of $152.84 billion in 2009. Its market capitalization was $75.772 million.