It is that time of the year, we assess the largest technology companies. Recently, Forbes released the list of top publicly-listed technology companies. Typically, their ranking is based on four important metrics viz, assets, market value, sales, and profits. However, if you see things from a different perspective, only the companies that prudently utilize technology will make profits. Hence, it is safe to call this list the best tech companies in the world, as of now. Meanwhile, if you would like to know the most innovative tech companies, we will make a list for it in the future. For now, here are the top ten largest technology companies in the world in 2020.
1. Apple Inc.
In 2019, Apple Inc made history by becoming the world’s first company to record market capitalization of $1 Trillion. To give you an idea as to how big it is for a company, its market cap is higher than the GDP of 216 countries. In terms of technology, over the years, Apple has diversified its product line. What started as a computer company, has now become a leading smartphone manufacturer. Furthermore, they have also built a strong ecosystem of services. As a result of which, the company made a profit of $58 billion in 2019. In addition to that, the company also has assets worth $320.4 billion. Despite the COVID-19 disruptions, the company is still strong and is leading the pack on this list!
2. Alphabet
Alphabet is the parent company of the world’s largest search engine, Google. Perhaps one of the fastest-growing companies, Google fueled the profits of Alphabet for 2019. According to Forbes, Alphabet made $34.5 billion in profits out of its $166.3 billion revenue. Moreover, the Alphabet has assets worth $273 billion. In terms of its product line, Google is excelling in the Internet search engine as well as the web email industries. Recently, the company is also experimenting with FinTech with its GPay service. Combining all of this, Alphabet can hit the $1 trillion mark next year!
3. Microsoft
This should be a no-brainer! Perhaps the company that brought up the technological revolution as we see it now, Microsoft has only grown bigger over the years. Last year, the company made $46.3 billion in profits. Furthermore, the company has a market value of $1.42 trillion. It wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for their excellence in software, services, cloud computing, computer hardware, and gaming consoles. As a matter of fact, they are tapping into new and emerging technologies. Hence, we can expect their profit to grow even further in the coming years!
4. Samsung Electronics
One among the 2 companies in this list that is not based out of the US, Samsung Electronics made $18.4 billion in profits last year. As a result of which, the South-Korean tech giant is ranked in the top 5 on this list. In addition to their profits, they have a whopping $305 billion in assets. Needless to say, they are one of the biggest and most successful smartphone manufacturers. Along with that, Samsung has the knack to manufacture other appliances ranging from washing machines to refrigerators.
5. Intel
Intel is one of the most innovative companies on the list. As a matter of fact, if we are to list the most innovative tech companies, this Santa-Clara based chipmaker would definitely occupy the top 3 positions. This is due to their heavy investment in technologies such as the Internet of Things, and A.I. Despite its heavy R&D investments, the company makes a profit of $22.7 billion. Along with that, they possess assets worth $147.7 billion. If there’s an A.I revolution in the near future, Intel would be in the frontline, manufacturing more of such technology.
6. Facebook
Facebook is omnipresent. Nowadays, it is really hard to find someone who doesn’t use this social media platform. Although the company finds it hard to monetize like its competitors, Facebook recorded a $21 billion in profits. Moreover, its market capitalization is around $680 billion. Facebook’s profit churning machines are Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. To enhance their profits, Zuckerberg led Facebook recently acquired a 10% stake in India’s Jio.
7. Tencent Holdings
Based out of China, Tencent Holding is the second non-American company on this list. Tencent’s revenue stream is one of the best and most interesting ones on this list. As a matter of fact, we have comprehensively explained that in this article. Combining the net profit of all of their businesses, Tencent made a whopping $13.5 billion in profits. Despite being a tech giant, Tencent doesn’t receive the attention it deserves.
8. IBM
Perhaps the only company on this list wherein the assets outweigh its market cap, IBM has $154 billion in assets. In addition to that, it also has a total of 37,304 active patents. Being the oldest company on this list, IBM sure is one of the very few that is investing in future technologies. Along with Intel, IBM is revolutionizing the future of computing. Recently, it was announced that IBM may start commercializing Quantum computers. This little step would see a huge surge in their profits. Furthermore, IBM also has cloud offerings, which is expected to see a huge boost in 2020.
9. Cisco
Providing software and high-end services, Cisco is arguably one of the finest companies in the realm of telecommunications. Leading the race for the biggest network equipment and telecom hardware manufacturer, Cisco reportedly made $11.1 billion in profits last year. Along with that, the company also has total assets worth $90.4 billion. As of now, its market capitalization is $195 billion. Which is enough to catapult them in this top 10 list!
10. Oracle
Oracle is the second-largest software company in the world. As a matter of fact, if you know the insides of the tech world, you will know how important Oracle’s services are! As a result of their importance, this California-based company made $10.8 billion in profits last year. Some of their leading revenue streams include database software, cloud computing services, and enterprise software products. Currently, it has a market value of $166 billion.
Note: Unfortunately, Alibaba Group couldn’t be included in this list, as they were more of a retailer than a tech company. The same goes for Amazon. I mean, if the list was for the world’s largest companies, both Amazon and Alibaba would’ve been on the top 5, at least.
