Looking upon a list of Australia’s 10 largest publicly listed companies by market capitalization provides a brief insight into the structure of the Australian economy. The major mining companies, who’ve for years benefited the Chinese economic boom, and the Big-4 banks, who’ve enjoyed many of the spoils of several property booms, occupy 6 out of the 10 spots on the list, and 4 out of the top 5. Combined, they constitute 35% of the total market capitalization of the ASX200 or roughly $640 billion on a nominal basis.
Business in Australia has often said the way things are done in other major countries. Using a powerful effect on the world of finance, the Great Down Under has proven its influence time after time. Having a crucial foothold in every business sector has granted Australia a great pull in the corporate world. Here are our top 10 companies in Australia in 2019 that prove this boast.
1. BHP Group (BHP)
BHP Group is the biggest company on the ASX. Boasting a market capitalization of nearly $160 billion, BHP is a global mining giant, specializing in the exploration and production of commodities such as coal, gold, copper, and iron ore, as well the exploration and refinement of petroleum. A dually listed firm, but with its Australian headquarters based in Melbourne.
ASX code- BHP
Market Cap- $134,679.91
CEO- Mr. Andrew Mackenzie
Established Year- 1885
Listed Year-1994
2. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)
The biggest of Australia’s Big 4 Banks, and a frequent contender for the title of Australia’s biggest publicly list company, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia is the second largest firm on the ASX. Best known as Australia’s premier retail bank, the CBA is Australia’s largest residential investor. Valued at nearly $130 billion, the company handed a 12-month gross yield of 8.55 to shareholders.
ASX code- CBA
Market Cap- $142.88b
CEO- Matt Comyn
Established Year- 1911
Listed Year- 1991
3. Rio Tinto (RIO)
Another international mining giant, based in London, Rio Tinto is Australia’s third largest company by market capitalization and second largest mining company. Specializing in the mining of several commodities, including aluminum, copper, gold, coal, petroleum, diamonds, and iron ore, Rio is valued currently at almost $120 billion.
ASX code- RIO
Market Cap- $158,454M
CEO- Jean-Sébastien Jacques
Established Year- 1873
Listed Year- 1970
4. Westpac Banking Group (WBC)
Australia’s second-largest bank by market capitalization, Westpac provides commercial banking services to individuals, businesses, corporations, and institutions both domestically and abroad. Australia’s oldest bank, established in 1817 as the Bank of New South Wales, Westpac is one of two of Australia’s Big 4 Banks headquartered in Sydney.
ASX code- WBC
Market Cap- $110.15b
CEO- Brian Hartzer
Established Year- 1817
Listed Year- 1970
5. CSL Limited (CSL)
CSL is a leader in Australia’s burgeoning biotechnology industry. Valued by market capitalization at $89 billion, the company develops, manufactures and markets human pharmaceutical and diagnostic products made from human plasma. CSL trades presently at a P/E multiple of 36.69, making it an attractive investment for investors searching for capital appreciation.
ASX code- CSL
Market Cap- 91.23bn
CEO- Mr. Paul Roger Perreault
Established Year- 1916
Listed Year- 1994
6. ANZ Banking Group
Australia’s third largest bank, ANZ positions itself as Australia’s bank with reach throughout the Asian region. An institution with a global mindset, the ANZ derives a quarter of its revenue from its institutional service offering. Of course, it also specializes in areas from depositary banking, mortgage lending and general finance.
ASX code- ANZ
Market Cap- 79.36bn
CEO- Mr. Shayne Elliott
Listed Year- 1969
Established Year- 1835
7. National Australia Bank (NAB)
The smallest of Australia’s Big 4 banks, the National Australia Bank is valued at $68 billion by market capitalization. Considered Australia’s ‘business bank’, NAB derives most of its revenue from domestic operations. The NAB is one of two of Australia’s Big 4 based in Melbourne, the other being the ANZ. Known for its attractive pay-out ratio.
ASX code- NAB
Market Cap- 74.9bn
CEO- Philip Chronican
Established Year- 1981
Listed Year- 1974
8. Macquarie Group (MQG)
Macquarie Group is Australia’s largest investment banking firm, with a significant international presence. Affectionately known as the ‘millionaire’s factory’, shareholders themselves have shared in the benefits of a growing Australian corporate giant, attributable in large part to the vision of its recently resigned CEO Nicholas Smith. Boasting a market capitalization of $40 billion, the investment bank has almost doubled in size since 2015.
ASX code- MQG
Market Cap- $33.46b
CEO- Nicholas Moore
Established Year- 1969
Listed Year- 2007
9. Woolworths Group (WOW)
Australia’s number one food retailer, Woolworths Group specializes in the operation of supermarkets and general consumer stores, along with engaging in the procurement of food, liquor, and other products. The Woolworths also has interests in other consumer goods and services, ranging from pubs, accommodation, and gaming operations. Valued by market capitalization at nearly $40 billion, Woolworths is considered by investors as one of the ASX’s ‘defensive’ consumer staples sector stocks.
ASX code- WOW
Market Cap- $34.33b
CEO– Brad Banducci
Listed Year- 1993
Established Year- 1924
10. Wesfarmers (WES)
The tenth largest company on the ASX, with a market capitalization of almost $37 billion, is Perth’s Wesfarmers Ltd. Specializing in several different commercial areas, Wesfarmers owns retail chains, operates mines, writes insurance, produces industrial products and distributes liquefied petroleum, amongst other activities.
ASX code- WES
Market Cap- $28.4B
CEO- Robert Scott
Established Year- 1914
Listed Year- 1984