THE Forbes Global 2000 is a comprehensive list of the world’s largest, most powerful public companies, as measured by revenues, profits, assets and market value.
For 2014, the Global 2000 companies hail from 62 countries, up from 46 in their inaugural 2003 ranking. In total, they raked in revenues of $US38trillion ($F75tn) and profits of $US3tn ($F5.9tn), with assets worth $US161tn ($F320tn) and a market value of $US44tn ($F87tn).
All those totals are higher than a year ago, with the largest growth being in market value (up 13 per cent year-over-year).
These firms employ 90million people worldwide.
For the first time, China is home to the world’s three biggest public companies and five of the top 10. State-controlled Chinese bank ICBC holds onto its number one spot for a second consecutive year, while China Construction Bank takes second place.
The Agricultural Bank of China moves up five spots to third.
They’re joined in the top 10 by the other member of the “Big Four” Chinese banks.
As China gains ground, its best frenemy — the US — account for the other half of the top 10 spots. Berkshire Hathaway and Wells Fargo both move up four spots to number five and number nine respectively. JP Morgan slides to fourth place.
