The Most Profitable Sectors and Companies in the World in 2023

Mihai-Alexandru Cristea 10/01/2024 | 17:03

A recent study on the 2023 Fortune 500 reveals that these global companies amassed a colossal $2.9 trillion in profit. The top 10 companies alone accounted for $689.8 billion, or 24%, of this total. Each company in this elite group averages an impressive $69 billion in profit. Leading the pack are Saudi Aramco, Apple, and Microsoft, respectively, as the most profitable.

 

The research conducted by growandconvert.com further uncovers that the top three sectors—Energy (24.56%), Financials (23.07%), and Technology (15.54%)—collectively contribute 63% of the USD 2.9 trillion global profit in 2023 as they emerged as the most profitable among the world’s largest companies in 2023, collectively contributing to a massive to USD 1.8 trillion in profits. Remarkably, half of the top 10 most profitable companies are based in the United States, underscoring the formidable presence of American corporations in the global economic arena.

Fortune 500 companies amassed a colossal $41 trillion in revenue, with $2.9 trillion in profit, while the top 10 companies globally amassed $689.8B (24%) in profit, with Saudi Aramco leading at $159.1B:

1. Saudi Aramco (Energy, Saudi Arabia): With $159.1B in profits, it dominates as the world’s most profitable energy company, capitalizing on vast oil reserves.

2. Apple (Technology, U.S.): Profiting $99.8B, Apple leads in tech innovation and consumer electronics, with a strong global brand presence.
3. Microsoft (Technology, U.S.): With $72.7B in profits, it excels in software, cloud services, and AI, maintaining a significant impact in tech industry.
4. Alphabet (Technology, U.S.): Earning $60B in profit, Alphabet, Google’s parent company, thrives in digital advertising, cloud computing, and AI technologies.
5. U.S. Postal Service (Transportation, U.S.): An unexpected contender with $56B in profits, showing resilience and adaptability in logistics and delivery services.
6. Exxon Mobil (Energy, U.S.): With $55.7B profit, it’s a key player in the oil and gas sector, benefiting from global energy demands and efficient operations.
7. Industrial & Commercial Bank of China (Financials, China): Profiting $53.6B, this bank leads in the financial sector with a strong customer base and diverse services.
8. China Construction Bank (Financials, China): With $48.1B in profits, it plays a pivotal role in China’s financial landscape with extensive banking operations.
9. Samsung Electronics (Technology, South Korea): Achieves $42.4B in profit, excelling in consumer electronics, semiconductors, and telecommunication.
10. Shell (Energy, Britain): With $42.3B profit, Shell remains a global leader in oil and gas, focusing on sustainable energy solutions alongside traditional operations.

 

Sector Powerhouses: Technology, Finance, and Energy sectors claimed 63% of the $2.9 trillion global profit.

With a profit share of 24.56%, the energy sector takes the lead, bolstering $711.6 billion in profit by 88 companies within the Fortune 500. The energy sector, represented by Saudi Aramco, Exxon Mobil and Shell, contributes significantly too, with both companies together accounting for $98 billion in profit.

Finance follows closely, with 101 companies and a 23.07% profit share, showcasing it still holds considerable financial dominance. In the financial realm, Industrial & Commercial Bank of China and China Construction Bank secured their spots by contributing a combined profit of $107.7 billion.

Technology, represented by 35 companies, secures a notable 15.54% profit share, underlining its continued significance in the profit landscape. In the technology realm, Apple, Microsoft, and Alphabet secure top positions, collectively contributing $232.5 billion in profit. Microsoft stands out with an impressive profit margin of 36.69%, underscoring the profitability potential in software and technological solutions.

Healthcare, represented by 30 companies, holds a 7.51% profit share with $217.6 billion in profit and significantly contributes to the profitability of the world’s largest companies.

Transportation, with 22 companies, secures a notable 5.54% of total profit, amounting to $160.5 billion in profit. The sector’s role in facilitating global movement is evident in its substantial profit share. The U.S. Postal Service surprises as the only representative in the transportation sector, boasting a remarkable profit of $56 billion (71.29%) with a revenue of $78.6 billion, outshining all of its peers with ease.

Motor Vehicle and Parts, encompassing 34 companies, contribute a noteworthy 5.36% to the global profit, generating $155.4 billion. The automotive industry’s impact is still substantial, albeit with a slightly lower profit margin compared to other leading sectors.

The remaining sectors, including Food, Beverages and Tobacco, Telecommunications, Retail, Materials, Wholesaler, Industrial, Engineering and Construction, Household Products, Aerospace and Defence, Chemicals, Food and Drug Stores, Apparel, and Hotels, Restaurants, Leisure, collectively make valuable contributions to the global profit landscape, showcasing the diverse strengths and importance of each individual sector.

This analysis helps to highlight the diverse strengths and contributions of various sectors across the globe, with energy, finance, and technology leading the charge in shaping the financial landscape of the largest global enterprises.

 

The U.S. and China jointly generate 56% of the global 500 companies’ profit

In the dynamic landscape of global corporate giants, the United States and China emerge as titans, each housing a near-equal number of companies on the Fortune 500 list with revenues totaling $13 trillion and $11.2 trillion, respectively.

Despite this similarity, the U.S. outshines all nations, with its 136 companies generating a staggering $1.1 trillion in profit, representing 37.56% of the total global profit. China follows closely, with 135 companies contributing $528 billion, comprising just under half of the U.S.’s global profit pool with 18.22%.

The combined force of the U.S. and China stands out, jointly accounting for $1.6 trillion (56%) of the total profit, surpassing all other countries combined, which contribute $1.3 trillion (44%) in total.

Saudi Arabia secures the third position with a single company generating $159.1 billion in profit, making it 5.49% of the total global profit.

In the global landscape of corporate profitability, North America takes the top spot as the foremost economic powerhouse, contributing an impressive $1.18 trillion in profit and commanding a substantial 40.75% share of the global profit. The United States emerges as the major player within the continent, underscoring its unparalleled economic influence.

Venturing across the pond into Europe, the continent collectively generates $629.9 billion in profit, claiming a notable 21.74% share of the global profit. The UK and Germany take the lead among European nations, showcasing their economic strength and significant corporate contributions.

Across the expansive and diverse Asian continent, encompassing China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia, the combined profit amounts to $974 billion, representing a formidable 33.62% share of the global profit. China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia emerge as major contributors, collectively illustrating Asia’s substantial economic influence.

Brazil is the only South American country. Their corporate entities contribute significantly to the global profit pool, generating $76.2 billion and holding a 2.63% share. 

Australia, positioned in the Asia-Pacific region, makes a notable impact with $36.7 billion in profit, constituting a modest 1.26% share of the global profit.

This continental analysis provides a comprehensive and clear overview of corporate profitability, showcasing the major players and their contributions within each region.

BR Magazine | Latest Issue

Download PDF: Business Review Magazine April 2024 Issue

The April 2024 issue of Business Review Magazine is now available in digital format, featuring the main cover story titled “Caring for People and for the Planet”. To download the magazine in
Mihai-Alexandru Cristea | 12/04/2024 | 17:28
Advertisement Advertisement
Close ×

We use cookies for keeping our website reliable and secure, personalising content and ads, providing social media features and to analyse how our website is used.

Accept & continue