Microsoft, Apple and 8 Other Top Brands Make List of World's Richest Companies in 2025

In a world where technology shapes nearly every part of our daily lives—from how we communicate to how we shop, work, and entertain ourselves—it’s no surprise that the most valuable companies on the planet are the ones quietly (or not so quietly) driving that change.

You may not think twice when asking your phone a question, streaming a video, or placing a one-click order online, but behind those simple actions are corporations worth trillions of dollars.

So, what makes these companies so valuable? Is it just about making a lot of money, or is there more to the story?

This list looks at the top 10 most valuable companies in the world as of 2025, based on market capitalisation, the total value of all their shares combined.

But beyond the numbers, we’ll break down what each company actually does, why they’re so dominant, and how they’ve earned their place at the top of the global economy.

Let’s take a closer look at the giants shaping our digital age.

1. Microsoft – $3.5 Trillion (USA)

Once best known for Windows and Office, Microsoft has evolved into a tech powerhouse that does much more than make software. Today, the company’s biggest growth engine is its cloud computing platform, Azure, which provides the backbone for countless businesses around the world. Microsoft is also deeply embedded in enterprise solutions—think Teams, Dynamics, and cybersecurity tools.

But what’s really boosted Microsoft’s value recently is its aggressive investment in artificial intelligence. Its partnership with OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, has positioned it as a leader in the AI space. From cloud-based AI services to productivity tools enhanced with intelligent features, Microsoft is leading the digital transformation across industries.

2. Nvidia – $3.46 Trillion (USA)

Nvidia began as a graphics card company powering video games, but today it's one of the most critical players in the AI revolution. Their chips—especially GPUs—are the brains behind artificial intelligence systems, self-driving cars, high-performance computing, and even advanced robotics.

As AI adoption has exploded globally, demand for Nvidia’s hardware has surged, making it one of the fastest-growing companies in the world. The company’s data centre business, which fuels AI models and machine learning tools, now brings in more revenue than its gaming segment. Simply put, Nvidia provides the raw power that fuels the future.

3. Apple – $3.05 Trillion (USA)

Apple’s value lies in its ecosystem—an interconnected world of devices and services that millions of people use every day. From iPhones and MacBooks to Apple Watches and AirPods, Apple products are known for their premium design, performance, and seamless integration.

But Apple is more than just hardware. Its services division, which includes the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, and Apple Pay, generates consistent, high-margin revenue. With new ventures in health tech, augmented reality, and AI-enhanced user experiences, Apple keeps customers locked into its ecosystem, and investors confident in its future.

4. Amazon – $2.27 Trillion (USA)

While Amazon is a household name for online shopping, the real engine behind its trillion-dollar value is Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS is a dominant force in cloud computing, powering websites, apps, and infrastructure for companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 giants.

Beyond tech, Amazon continues to innovate in logistics, AI-driven shopping, and even physical retail. With its Prime subscription model, Alexa smart devices, and a growing footprint in healthcare and media, Amazon is more than a retailer—it’s a tech empire with tentacles in nearly every sector.

5. Alphabet (Google) – $2.11 Trillion (USA)

Alphabet is the parent company of Google, and its influence is impossible to ignore. Google Search remains the world’s most-used search engine, while YouTube dominates online video. The Android operating system powers the majority of the world’s smartphones.

Alphabet also earns billions from digital advertising, especially through Google Ads. But the company is also investing heavily in cloud computing, autonomous vehicles (via Waymo), and AI technologies. With Google Cloud gaining ground and AI integration spreading across its products, Alphabet continues to evolve far beyond its search engine roots.

6. Saudi Aramco – $1.6 Trillion (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Aramco is the world’s largest oil company and one of the few non-tech names on this list. It plays a crucial role in the global energy market, producing millions of barrels of oil daily and exporting to countries around the world.

Despite growing interest in renewable energy, oil remains essential to global transportation, manufacturing, and electricity production. Aramco’s enormous reserves, low production costs, and strategic importance to Saudi Arabia’s economy keep it highly profitable—and highly valuable.

7. Meta Platforms – $1.59 Trillion (USA)

Meta, formerly Facebook, owns some of the most widely used apps in the world—Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. These platforms generate massive revenue through targeted advertising, reaching billions of users.

Meta is also pouring money into the future of digital interaction through its investments in virtual reality (via Oculus) and the metaverse, a long-term vision for immersive online environments. With the increasing integration of AI into its platforms and a renewed focus on digital engagement, Meta continues to shape how we socialise and communicate online.

8. Broadcom – $1.16 Trillion (USA)

Broadcom may not be a household name, but it’s a silent giant in the tech industry. The company makes semiconductors and software that power everything from smartphones and Wi-Fi routers to data centres and enterprise systems.

Broadcom recently expanded into enterprise software by acquiring VMware, making it a key player not just in hardware, but also in cloud and virtualisation technology. As digital infrastructure becomes more essential, Broadcom's behind-the-scenes tech keeps the world connected.

9. TSMC – $1.07 Trillion (Taiwan)

TSMC is the world’s most important semiconductor manufacturer. It builds advanced chips used in Apple iPhones, Nvidia GPUs, AMD processors, and countless other devices. Without TSMC, much of modern technology simply wouldn’t function.

The company’s mastery of cutting-edge chip manufacturing, including 3nm and 2nm technology, has made it indispensable to global tech supply chains. As demand for high-performance chips grows, TSMC remains a linchpin in everything from AI to smartphones.

10. Berkshire Hathaway – $1.07 Trillion (USA)

Founded by legendary investor Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway is a conglomerate that owns a wide variety of businesses—insurance companies, utilities, railroads, and consumer brands like Dairy Queen and GEICO.

What sets Berkshire apart is its investment portfolio, which includes massive stakes in companies like Apple, Coca-Cola, and American Express. Known for its conservative yet highly successful investment strategy, Berkshire represents the power of long-term thinking and financial discipline.

Final thoughts

These companies didn’t just get lucky—they built products, services, and systems that are deeply embedded in our lives.

From powering AI to fueling the world’s energy needs, from connecting billions online to redefining commerce and productivity, these firms are rewriting what it means to be valuable in the 21st century.

As technology, energy, and finance continue to evolve, so too will the list of global titans. But for now, these ten companies stand at the very peak of the world economy.

Source: Legit.ng