In a global marketplace teeming with corporate giants, a few companies stand out—not just for their products or services, but for the billions they rake in annually. From oil empires to tech titans and financial juggernauts, here are 10 of the world’s most profitable companies as of 2024:
1. Saudi Aramco – The Energy Giant
Industry: Oil & Gas
Net Income: Approx. $300 billion
Saudi Arabian Oil Company, commonly known as Saudi Aramco, dominates the global energy market. As Saudi Arabia’s national oil company, it operates the world’s largest onshore and offshore oil fields—Ghawar and Safaniya. Beyond petroleum, Aramco also produces industrial compounds from synthetic materials. With state-backed operations and a massive resource base, it stands unmatched in profitability.
2. Berkshire Hathaway – The Investment Powerhouse
Industry: Diversified Holdings
Earnings: $424.23 billion
Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has fingers in multiple pies—from insurance and utilities to railroads and retail. The company’s diversified investments and strategic acquisitions have made it a steady performer on the global earnings chart, placing it firmly as one of the most profitable firms worldwide.
3. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
Industry: Finance
Net Income: $59.6 billion
Headquartered in Beijing, ICBC is the largest bank in the world by total assets and a key player in China’s financial system. Offering services like commercial banking, investment management, and asset custody, the bank’s scale and reach contribute significantly to its strong annual earnings.
4. Alphabet Inc. – The Google Empire
Industry: Technology
Revenue (2024): $96.47 billion
Net Worth: $1.91 trillion
As the parent company of Google, Alphabet’s ecosystem spans search, advertising, cloud computing, and experimental tech. With over 135,000 employees and continued innovation in AI and cloud services, Alphabet remains a leader in tech profitability.
5. Apple – The Ecosystem Magnet
Industry: Consumer Electronics
Net Income: $36.33 billion
Apple’s strength lies not just in its sleek hardware but in its seamless ecosystem—from iPhones to Vision Pro headsets. With a massive global user base and strong brand loyalty, Apple remains a force in consumer technology and profitability.
6. Microsoft Corp. – The Tech Renaissance
Industry: Software & Hardware
Operating Income (2024): $109.43 billion
Once seen as an ageing tech giant, Microsoft has reinvented itself through cloud computing, AI, and gaming. Its Office suite, Azure services, and strategic investments in AI have led to a surge in profits, making Microsoft one of the most lucrative names in tech.
7. Meta Platforms Inc. – Social Media Magnate
Industry: Social Media & Tech
2024 Revenue: $164.50 billion
Ad Revenue: $131.9 billion
Meta’s vast ecosystem—Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Threads, and Oculus—generates staggering ad revenue. With over 97% of its income derived from advertising, Meta has mastered the monetization of digital engagement and is now expanding into AI and virtual experiences.
8. JPMorgan Chase – Banking on Big Profits
Industry: Financial Services
2024 Net Income: $58 billion
As America’s largest bank, JPMorgan Chase has broken records with its $14 billion Q4 profit and an annual total of $58 billion. Offering banking, investment, and financial processing services worldwide, the bank is redefining profitability in the financial sector.
9. China Construction Bank (CCB)
Industry: Banking
Revenue (TTM): $104.14 billion
As one of China’s “Big Four” banks, CCB offers wide-ranging financial services and operates across multiple continents. Its stability and government support have helped it maintain a strong revenue stream and global relevance.
10. Agricultural Bank of China
Industry: Banking
Revenue (TTM): $98.71 billion
With a strong presence in rural China, the Agricultural Bank of China supports millions of customers through retail and commercial banking. Established in 1951, it remains a cornerstone of China’s financial system, especially in underserved regions.
The Bigger Picture
While these companies span diverse sectors—energy, finance, technology, and consumer goods—they share common traits: scale, strategic investment, and relentless pursuit of efficiency. Whether state-owned like Aramco or private like Apple and Alphabet, their profitability continues to shape the global economy and influence everything from stock markets to government policy.
In a world driven by innovation and capital, these ten companies show that when it comes to making money, the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning.