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Fortune Global 500 List for 2026: Amazon Takes the Lead

On July 28, 2026, Fortune magazine released its highly anticipated Fortune Global 500 List for 2026, ranking the world's largest corporations based on their revenue for the fiscal year 2025. In a stunning development, Amazon has dethroned Walmart, ending the retail giant's twelve-year dominance atop the list. This year, Amazon achieved a revenue exceeding $700 billion, marking a 12% increase from the prior year, making it the highest-grossing company globally.

Following Amazon in the ranking are State Grid, UnitedHealth Group, and Saudi Aramco, illustrating a dynamic shift in the global corporate landscape. The total revenue of the Fortune Global 500 companies reached an impressive $43.1 trillion, a 3% increase, while profits surged to $3.4 trillion—up 14%—showcasing the continued economic resilience amid ongoing worldwide challenges.

Notable Rankings and Growth

This year marks the 37th edition of the Fortune Global 500, highlighting record figures in both revenue and profit (inflation-adjusted). Notably, companies based in the United States hold the highest representation on the list with 141 firms, achieving their strongest presence since 2008. This collective earned a total of $15.5 trillion, reflecting a 6% rise in income compared to the previous year.

In contrast, Greater China, which comprises mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, features 122 companies on the list, representing a decline of 8 firms—its lowest presence since 2018. The report indicates that the leading cities for these corporations include Beijing, Tokyo, New York, London, and Paris, with Paris making a comeback in the top five.

Gender Representation in Leadership

The report also emphasizes progress in gender equality, as the number of female CEOs within the Fortune Global 500 has reached a record 34 (6.8% of the list). Noteworthy figures include Jane Fraser of Citigroup, recognized as the most powerful woman of 2026, and others leading major enterprises like General Motors and BP. The U.S. dominates this category with 16 female-led companies, outperforming France and China.

Technology Sector Leads Growth

The technology sector is emerging as the standout growth industry, contributing 38 companies to the list, with an overall revenue boost surpassing $4 trillion and profit growth of 36%. Notably, Alphabet (Google's parent company) has taken the title of the most profitable company worldwide, reporting a staggering profit of $132 billion—the second-highest ever recorded for a Fortune 500 company.

Furthermore, the combined earnings of the 'Magnificent Seven' tech firms, which include Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, Microsoft, Nvidia, Meta, and Tesla, reached a staggering $608 billion, showcasing the immense profitability of these tech giants.

New Entrants and Future Outlook

This year’s list features 24 newcomers, among them EP Group, Galaxy Digital, and Coupang, each making their first appearance. The full list can be accessed online and will also be available in print in kiosks on August 18.

In her preface for the August/September 2026 issue, Alyson Shontell, Editor-in-Chief of Fortune, comments on the adaptability of business leaders, stating that those who embrace change thrive. She points out how Amazon's innovations and bold investments have propelled it to the forefront.

For further insights into the Fortune Global 500 and its latest rankings, visit Fortune's website.