As an expert in the field of business and finance, I have a deep understanding of the dynamics of the global economy and the companies that drive it. When it comes to determining the richest company in the world, it's important to clarify the distinction between "richest" and "most profitable" or "largest by market capitalization." The term "richest" can be subjective and may refer to different metrics such as net worth, revenue, or profits. However, for the purpose of this discussion, I will focus on the companies that are often considered the wealthiest based on their market capitalization, which is a common metric used to assess a company's value.
The landscape of the world's richest companies is constantly changing due to various factors such as market fluctuations, economic shifts, and strategic business moves. As of my last update, here are some of the companies that have been recognized as the wealthiest in terms of market capitalization:

1. Apple Inc. (AAPL): Apple has consistently been at the forefront of innovation and has a loyal customer base. Their product ecosystem, which includes the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and services like Apple Music and iCloud, has contributed to their high market value.

2. Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM): Known for its significant earnings from continued operations, Exxon Mobil is a major player in the oil and gas industry. Their vast resources and global operations have made them a company with substantial financial clout.

3. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.: Samsung is a multinational conglomerate with a diverse portfolio that includes consumer electronics, mobile devices, and semiconductors. Their wide range of products and strong market presence contribute to their financial strength.

4. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A): Led by the legendary investor Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway has a vast portfolio of businesses and investments. Their diversified approach and long-term investment strategy have made them one of the wealthiest companies.

5. Chevron Corporation (CVX): With earnings from continued operations that are among the highest in the industry, Chevron is a significant force in the energy sector. Their focus on oil and natural gas has helped them amass considerable wealth.
It's important to note that the rankings can change rapidly with stock market movements and other economic indicators. Additionally, the term "richest" can be interpreted in various ways, and different sources may use different criteria for their assessments. For the most current and accurate information, it's always best to refer to the latest financial data and market analysis.
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The Fortune 500 2016 - Top 10Walmart - annual revenue: $482bn. The US retail giant owns Asda in the UK. ... State Grid - $330bn. ... China National Petroleum - $299bn. ... Sinopec Group - $294bn. ... Royal Dutch Shell - $272bn. ... Exxon Mobil - $246bn. ... Volkswagen - $237bn. ... Toyota - $237bn.More items...read more >>