Apple is back among the largest companies in the USA – albeit with a slight setback. In the current Fortune 500 list for 2025, the tech giant ranks only fourth. This means Apple has lost one position compared to the previous year, but remains one of the world's largest companies by revenue.
The Fortune 500 list is considered one of the most well-known business rankings in the world. Published annually by Fortune magazine, it ranks the 500 largest U.S. companies by total revenue. The list is an important indicator of economic strength and market influence. For 2025, it brings new records, exciting shifts, and some notable trends—including Apple's slight drop in ranking.
Apple in 4th place – stable despite displacement
Apple will be ranked fourth in the Fortune 500 in 2025. This represents a drop in the rankings compared to the previous year, as UnitedHealth Group has overtaken it and now occupies third place. Apple has consistently held its place in the top four for almost a decade, usually alternating with companies like Exxon Mobil, Berkshire Hathaway, and UnitedHealth. The rankings are close, but the trend is clear: Apple is consistently maintaining its position among the most economically powerful US companies.
The Top 10 of the Fortune 500 list 2025
- Walmart
- Amazon
- UnitedHealth Group
- Apple
- CVS Health
- Berkshire Hathaway
- alphabet
- ExxonMobil
- McKesson
- Cencora
Walmart defends its first place position for the 13th consecutive year in 2025. Amazon has remained in second place since 2020 and, along with Apple, is the only technology-driven company in the top three. Although Apple slips to fourth place, it remains among the absolute top group.
Alphabet is the most profitable company in the top 10
Although Alphabet is only ranked seventh, the Google parent company is the most profitable of the top ten companies, according to Fortune. Alphabet thus demonstrates that a high ranking doesn't necessarily mean the highest profit.
Healthcare companies on the rise
A striking change in this year's list is the sharp increase in the number of healthcare companies. A total of eight companies from this industry are represented in the top 25. Together, they generate revenues of approximately three trillion US dollars. This is particularly remarkable considering that in 1995, not a single healthcare company was among the top 25. UnitedHealth, CVS Health, McKesson, and Cencora are among this group, setting new standards in an industry that has long been in the shadows.
Records in sales and profit
The Fortune 500 as a whole recorded record revenue of $19.9 trillion in 2024. The total profit of the listed companies was $1.87 trillion. To even make the list, companies had to generate revenue of at least $7.4 billion—four percent more than the previous year.
More women in top management
Another record concerns the number of female CEOs. By 2025, 55 women will lead a Fortune 500 company. This represents 11 percent of the total and is the highest number in the list's history. Prominent examples include Mary Barra (General Motors), Jane Fraser (Citigroup), and Corie Barry (Best Buy).
California remains the leader – Texas and New York are catching up
California continues to be the state with the most Fortune 500 companies. 58 of the listed companies are headquartered there. Texas is close behind with 54 companies, followed by New York with 53. Among cities, New York City remains the undisputed leader, with 43 Fortune 500 companies, almost twice as many as second-place Houston.
Fortune 500: Apple feels the breath of competition
Apple will fall to fourth place on the Fortune 500 list in 2025, but remains a heavyweight among US companies. The slight decline is more a sign of increased competition—especially from healthcare companies—than an indication of weakness. With Alphabet as the most profitable tech company, Amazon in second place, and Walmart still in the lead, the race to the top remains dynamic. Apple remains at the forefront. (Image: Shutterstock / hanohiki)
