In recent years, technology companies have positioned themselves at the top of the list of most valuable companies in the world, leaving behind giants from other sectors such as consumer goods or financial institutions.
US companies appear in 8 of the top 10 positions in the list of the most valuable on the planet, representing about 65% of global capitalization. If we go to the industries’ ranking, according to data from Bloomberg, technology companies account for 34% of the total weight of the list of the 100 most valuable companies on the planet, followed by the financial sector with 18% and the industry pharmaceutical and chemical, with 12% of the total weight.
Among the Top 10 of the most valuable companies on the planet, eight are American companies, while the other 2 are from China (Alibaba Group -7- and Tencent -8- ). These are the North American firms that hold the top 10 positions of the largest in terms of stock market capitalization in the world, with figures estimated until January 13, 2019:
Amazon: Since January 7, 2019, the company led by Jeff Bezos surpassed Microsoft as the most valuable company on the planet, with $ 802.18 billion. Amazon is a retail web platform that sells and distributes products of different variety through the internet. This company was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.
According to total estimates, Amazon has around 230,000 employees and more than $ 150 billion in assets. Its total turnover is estimated at approximately $ 200 billion.
Microsoft: The Company founded in 1975 by Bill Gates outperformed Apple for the first time in 8 years at the end of 2018, ranks second on the list with a capital of $ 789.25 billion. At the time of its creation, Microsoft established itself as the first software developer to present compressed software for home computers, making the PC experience more practical.
The Windows operating system became a discovery, since it allowed ordinary users to master the computer skills easily on a PC. In that sense, Microsoft simplified life to society and its profits skyrocketed.
Today, Microsoft continues to develop high-quality technology products, such as more advanced versions of the Windows operating system, applications such as Microsoft Office and other programs, as well as devices such as the Xbox video game console. The company has its headquarters in Redmon, Washington.
Alphabet Inc: Perhaps the name of this company alone is not well known, but this is the one that encompasses Google and all its dependencies. Sergey Brin and Larry Page are the leaders of the Internet giant based in California since its founding in 1998, which in the last year its value reached $ 737.37 billion, making it the third highest value company in the world.
Apple Inc: The Company founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne was the most valuable on the planet for many years, but after the launch of its new products things have not gone well for the technology giant. Investors have expressed concern about the new iPhones’ sales, causing the company’ shares price to drop 30% recently. However, even though it is the fourth most valuable company, Apple is still the richest in the world in terms of brand, with $ 720.12 billion.
At the time of its creation, Apple’s purpose was to develop and assemble computers for the home, but the biggest success of this company came in the mid-2000s, when Apple introduced the iPhone and, later, the iPad.
Today, Apple’s product portfolio is extensive with products such as smart watches, computers and laptops, tablets and smartphones. However, what makes Apple a powerful brand is its high quality, modernity in the design of its products and an excellent marketing program employed by Steve Jobs himself.
Apple currently has thousands of stores, offices and service centers around the world and a staff of nearly 132,000 employees. Apple is headquartered in Cupertino, California.
Berkshire Hathaway Inc: This Company is known for its owner, American investor and entrepreneur Warren Buffett. This firm includes different companies from different sectors, such as insurance, finance, rail transport, food, among others. Its affiliated companies are: GEICO (health insurance), General Re (reinsurance), Berkshire Hathaway Primary Group (insurance), Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group (insurance and reinsurance), BSNF (rail transport), Berkshire Hathaway Energy (gas supply and electricity) and McLane Company (wholesale).
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s value is $ 482.36 billion, the fifth highest in the world, while the value of each share of this company is $ 293,750, the most expensive on the planet. It is based in Omaha, Nebraska.
Johnson & Johnson: This is an American multinational that produces and manufactures medical devices, pharmaceuticals and products for the consumer. It was founded in 1886 by three brothers: Robert Wood, James Wood and Edward Mead Johnson. The company started producing bandages and gauze and, later, baby powder.
Currently, Johnson & Johnson has about 250 affiliated companies in 60 countries. Its products are sold in more than 175 countries. Its headquarters is located in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Its value is $ 347.99 billion, placing it in the ninth place of the most valuable companies in the world.
JPMorgan Chase: It is a commercial bank, the largest in the United States and the 6th largest in the world in total assets. Its current value is $ 332.24 billion, which places it as the tenth most valuable company in the world. The JP Morgan brand offers banking and investment services, private banking services, asset management and private wealth.
JPMorgan Chase obtained this solidity after it absorbed the assets of the former Chemical Bank and, later, the companies JPMorgan & Co and Chase Manhattan Corporation merged. Its headquarters are located at 270 Park Avenue, Manhattan, New York.
Sources: https://es.fxssi.com & Public records and information