THE HIGHEST GROSSING COMPANIES IN THE WORLD

1. Royal Dutch Shell – Revenue: $481.7 Billion

An oil and gas “supermajor,” Royal Dutch Shell is the highest grossing company in the world as of July 8, 2013, with estimated annual revenues of $481.7 billion. Royal Dutch Shell was born out of the merger of Royal Dutch Petroleum and UK Shell Transport & Trading, based in the Netherlands and the UK, respectively.

Royal Dutch Shell, with Peter Voser at the helm, is currently engaged in oil exploration, production, distribution, refining, marketing, power generation, the production of petrochemicals, and trading. The company is owned by a collection of investors and shareholders, with Capital Research Global Investors holding the largest stake in the company (about 10%).

2. Walmart Stores, Inc – Revenue: $469 Billion

It’s no surprise that the retail giant from America, Walmart, is second on the list of the highest grossing companies in the world. Walmart recorded a staggering $469 billion as revenue as of January 2013, and the company continues to make more and more profits each year.

Walmart runs department stores, retail outlets, and warehouse stores all over America and the world. The company, which is led by Doug McMillon, currently employs more than two million people, making it the largest private employer in the world. Walmart also holds the distinction of being the largest retailer in the world. The Waltons, who together own more than 50 percent of the company, are the richest family in the world, with a combined net worth of $150 billion.