In 2025, global business once again delivered impressive financial results. The world’s largest corporations continued to increase their profits despite economic challenges and unstable markets. Tech giants, banks, and energy companies were in the spotlight, setting the pace for the global economy.
Fresh data from November 2025 shows that the leaders of the rankings are not only holding their ground but also widening the gap with their competitors. Their success is attributed not only to their scale but also to their ability to adapt quickly to new conditions, implement innovations, and leverage global trends to their advantage.
Technology at the Top
The technology sector once again confirmed its dominant role. Alphabet, the parent company of Google, earned a record $124.3 billion in net profit over the past 12 months. Apple and Microsoft are close behind, showing steady revenue growth driven by the expansion of digital services, cloud platforms, and enterprise software.
The high margins in these segments allow companies not only to maintain their leadership but also to invest in new products and markets. NVIDIA stands out in particular, posting a profitability rate of 53.7%. This result was made possible by explosive demand for chips used in artificial intelligence and machine learning, which has completely reshaped the competitive landscape of the semiconductor industry.
Combined, the largest American tech corporations earn hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Their profits surpass the revenues of entire industries in some countries, underscoring their impact on the global economy.
Banking and Finance
The financial sector remains one of the most profitable. U.S. banks JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo confidently rank among the top 50, generating tens of billions of dollars in net profit. Their success is attributed to an extensive branch network, active international operations, and the adoption of digital technologies in banking services.
Chinese banks—ICBC, China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, and Bank of China—also hold high positions in the rankings. Their advantages include a vast client base and robust domestic resources, allowing them to steadily increase profits even amid global competition.
European players such as HSBC, BNP Paribas, and Santander demonstrate that despite challenges, Europe’s financial sector is capable of generating significant income and remaining competitive in the global market.
Energy and Pharmaceuticals
Saudi Aramco once again became the most profitable company outside the tech sector. Over the past year, the oil giant earned $95.6 billion, despite energy price fluctuations and volatility in commodity markets. The company continues to invest in new projects and expand its influence in the global energy market.
Pharmaceutical corporations such as Merck, Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk are also among the leaders in profits. Their success is driven by the launch of innovative drugs, high therapy costs, and an extensive portfolio of blockbuster medications. These companies invest heavily in research and development, allowing them to maintain high profitability.
Retail and Other Industries
Retail giants like Walmart and Home Depot, while trailing tech and energy companies in terms of margins, still rank among the global leaders in absolute profit volumes. Their business models require significant investment, but the scale of operations and stable demand enable them to maintain strong financial performance.
Overall, the 2025 ranking demonstrates that the success of the world’s largest companies is built on innovation, adaptability, and the ability to respond quickly to change. Market leaders continue to invest in new technologies, expand their global presence, and shape the future of the world economy.
In case you were unaware, Alphabet is a holding company that owns Google and several other tech ventures. Apple is known for its innovative devices and services ecosystem, while Microsoft is a leading developer of software and cloud solutions. NVIDIA holds a key position in manufacturing graphics processors and chips for artificial intelligence. Saudi Aramco is the world’s largest oil company, controlling a substantial share of global oil reserves. JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo are the biggest banks in the U.S., while ICBC and China Construction Bank are leading financial institutions in China.
Previously, we reported on how Jakarta topped the list of the world’s largest megacities for the first time under the new UN methodology. Our article explored in detail the changes in city rankings and the impact of Asian countries on global urbanization. Read more about this in the article Jakarta has become the world’s most populous megacity under the new UN methodology.
