Fortune has released its 2026 Global 500 rankings, with Amazon claiming the top spot for the first time. The annual list of the world's 500 largest companies by revenue reflects the changing balance of global business, with technology and healthcare strengthening their influence alongside retail and energy.
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For the first time in more than a decade, Amazon has been named the world’s largest company by revenue, overtaking Walmart in the Fortune Global 500 (2026) rankings. The milestone ends Walmart’s 12-year run at the top and signals a broader shift in the global corporate landscape, where technology-driven businesses continue to expand beyond their traditional sectors.
The Fortune Global 500 ranks the world’s largest companies by annual revenue. Collectively, the 500 companies generated revenues equivalent to nearly two-thirds of global GDP, highlighting their outsized influence on trade, investment, employment and economic growth.
Fortune Global 500 (2026): Top 10 Companies by Revenue
| Rank | Company | Revenue (US$ Million) | Primary Sector |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amazon | 716,924 | E-commerce & Cloud Computing |
| 2 | Walmart | 713,163 | Retail |
| 3 | UnitedHealth Group | 447,567 | Healthcare |
| 4 | Apple | 416,161 | Technology |
| 5 | Alphabet | 402,836 | Technology |
| 6 | CVS Health | 402,067 | Healthcare |
| 7 | Berkshire Hathaway | 371,444 | Diversified Investments |
| 8 | McKesson | 359,051 | Healthcare Distribution |
| 9 | ExxonMobil Holdings | 332,238 | Energy |
| 10 | Cencora | 321,332.8 | Pharmaceutical Distribution |
Amazon Takes the CrownAmazon’s rise to the No. 1 position marks one of the most significant changes in recent Fortune Global 500 history. The company reported US$716.9 billion in revenue, narrowly surpassing Walmart’s US$713.2 billion. While Amazon built its business on online retail, its continued growth has been driven by cloud computing, advertising, logistics and digital services, making it one of the world’s most diversified technology companies.
Technology’s Influence Continues to GrowTechnology companies occupy three of the top five positions this year. Apple climbed to fourth place, while Alphabet secured fifth, reflecting continued demand for digital ecosystems, artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure and connected consumer services.
The rankings illustrate how technology companies are increasingly competing not only within the digital economy but also among the world’s largest businesses by overall revenue.
Healthcare Emerges as a Global Corporate ForceOne of the defining features of the 2026 rankings is the growing presence of healthcare companies. UnitedHealth Group ranked third globally, while CVS Health, McKesson and Cencora also secured places in the top 10.
Together, these companies represent healthcare delivery, pharmacy services and pharmaceutical distribution, highlighting the sector’s growing economic significance as populations age and healthcare spending continues to rise across major markets.
Retail Remains a Global PowerhouseDespite surrendering the top position, Walmart remains one of the world’s largest businesses and continues to demonstrate the resilience of large-scale retail. With Amazon and Walmart occupying the top two spots, consumer spending remains a major driver of global corporate revenues.
Berkshire Hathaway’s Enduring StrengthBerkshire Hathaway retained its place among the world’s largest companies, reflecting the scale and diversity of its investment portfolio spanning insurance, energy, transportation, manufacturing and consumer businesses. Its continued presence reinforces the importance of diversified investment groups in the global economy.
Energy Maintains Its Strategic RoleAlthough technology and healthcare dominate this year’s top 10, ExxonMobil Holdings remains the only energy company in the group. Its inclusion underscores the continued importance of energy security and fossil fuels in supporting industrial activity and economic development worldwide.
A Changing Global Corporate LandscapeThe Fortune Global 500 (2026) highlights how the world’s largest companies are becoming increasingly concentrated in sectors driving long-term structural change. Technology continues to reshape industries through digital innovation and artificial intelligence, healthcare is expanding in response to demographic and medical demand, while retail and energy remain foundational pillars of the global economy.
For business leaders and investors, this year’s rankings offer more than a snapshot of corporate size; they provide a window into where economic influence, capital and innovation are increasingly being concentrated.
Source: Fortune Global 500 (2026) Rankings
