In South Africa, many big companies hold great power and influence. These companies are responsible for creating jobs, providing goods and services, and contributing to the country’s economy. Here is a list of the ten biggest companies in South Africa based on market capitalization.
But before we start, let’s first understand the term’ Market Capitalization’ and how it is calculated. So, What is Market Capitalization, and How is it Calculated?
Market capitalization, or market cap, measures a company’s size and value. It is calculated by multiplying the number of outstanding shares by the current market price of one share. This figure gives investors an idea of the company’s size and how it compares to others.
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The Biggest Companies in South Africa
- Naspers
- FirstRand Limited
- Anglo American Platinum
- Sasol.
- MTN Group
- Vodacom Group Limited
- Standard Bank Group Ltd
- BHP Billiton
- Capitec Bank Holding.
- Impala platinum holding
1. Naspers
Market Cap – $32.7B
Naspers is a global internet group headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa. The internet conglomerate has a market cap of $32.7 billion as of Jan 2022.
Naspers was founded in 1915 and is headquartered in Cape Town. The company owns classified portals (such as OLX and Letgo), as well as food delivery (Delivery Hero), payment systems (PayU), and online entertainment businesses (such as Tencent, Mail.ru Group, and MakeMyTrip).
Naspers has a diversified portfolio of businesses benefiting from the internet economy’s global growth.
The company’s significant shareholders include Tiger Global Management LLC, Prosus NV, and MIH Group Limited. Naspers is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory in the years ahead.
2. FirstRand Limited
Market Cap – $22.7B
FirstRand Limited is the largest bank by market capitalization in South Africa.
The company has a market cap of $50.8 billion as of March 2021. FirstRand was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Johannesburg.
The company provides banking services to individual and business customers in South Africa and 16 other African countries.
FirstRand has a strong presence in retail, commercial, and investment banking, as well as insurance and wealth management.
The company’s significant shareholders include Old Mutual plc and JPMorgan Chase & Co.
FirstRand is one of the leading providers of financial services in South Africa and is well-positioned to continue its growth in the future.
3. Anglo-American Platinum
Market Cap – $31.4B
Anglo-American Platinum is the largest mining company in South Africa by market capitalization.
The company specializes in the production of Platinum and is headquartered in Johannesburg.
Anglo-American Platinum has a market cap of $31.4B, making it the largest mining company in South Africa.
The company’s share price has been volatile in recent years due to concerns about the future of the platinum industry.
However, Anglo-American Platinum remains a valuable part of the South African economy and is one of the country’s largest employers.
4. Sasol Ltd.
Market Cap – $10.7B
Sasol Ltd is the largest company in South Africa by market capitalization, with a value of over $10.7 billion.
The company is an energy and chemical giant interested in oil, natural gas, and coal. Sasol is also the world’s largest producer of synfuels, fuels derived from coal and gas.
In addition to its operations in South Africa, Sasol has a significant presence in other countries, including the United States, Canada, and China.
The company’s success is due to its ability to produce high-quality products at competitive prices.
5. MTN Group Ltd
Market Cap – $19.3B
MTN Group Ltd is the largest telecommunications company in South Africa by market capitalization. It operates in 22 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
The company was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. MTN Group Ltd has a market capitalization of $19.3 billion as of Jan 2022.
The company provides mobile voice and data services to more than 247 million subscribers. MTN Group Ltd also offers fixed-line, broadband, and enterprise services.
In addition, the company has a mobile money service that enables customers to send and receive money, make payments, and save money.
6. Vodacom Group Ltd
Market Cap – $14.5B
Vodacom Group Ltd is one of the largest companies in South Africa by market capitalization.
The company offers various services, including voice, data, and mobile communications. Vodacom Group Ltd. is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The company is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and has over $14 billion market capitalization.
7. Standard Bank Group Ltd
Market Cap – $15B
Standard Bank Group Ltd is a South African multinational banking group that is the largest financial services group in Africa by market capitalization and assets under management.
Headquartered in Johannesburg, Standard Bank is the largest bank in South Africa, with over 16 million clients and a lending portfolio of over R1 trillion.
Standard Bank is also a leading provider of corporate and investment banking, asset management, and wealth management services.
In addition to its banking operations, Standard Bank Group Ltd also has a substantial insurance business.
Standard Bank Group Ltd has a long history dating back to 1863 when it was founded as The Standard Bank of British South Africa.
The bank played an important role in financing the development of the mining industry in South Africa and went on to become one of the country’s Big Four banks.
Today, Standard Bank Group Ltd is a diversified financial services powerhouse with a strong presence across Africa.
8 BHP Billiton
Market Cap – $152B
BHP Billiton is one of the largest companies in South Africa by market capitalization. It is a global resources company with its headquarters in Melbourne, Australia.
The company operates across multiple industries, including minerals and metals, oil and gas, and energy coal. BHP Billiton has a market cap of $152B and employs around 67,000 people worldwide.
The company’s operations in South Africa include iron ore, copper, nickel, and diamonds. In addition, the company has a major presence in the oil and gas industry through its subsidiary, PetroSA.
With a strong portfolio of assets and a proven track record of delivering shareholder value, BHP Billiton is well-positioned to continue its success in South Africa.
9 Capitec Bank Holdings
Market Cap – $15.9B
Capitec Bank Holdings is the largest retail bank by market capitalization in South Africa. The company’s market cap is over 15.9 billion dollars.
Capitec Bank Holdings offers its clients a range of banking products and services through its more than 800 branches across the country.
The company strongly focuses on providing its clients with affordable banking products and services.
Capitec Bank Holdings has a wide range of products and services, including savings accounts, credit cards, personal loans, home loans, and car loans.
The company also offers investment products such as Unit Trusts and share trading. Capitec Bank Holdings is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is a JSE Top 40 index member.
10 Impala Platinum Holdings
Market Cap – $11.4B
Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. is a South African mining company specializing in platinum production. It is the second-largest producer of Platinum in the world and has a market cap of 11.4B. The company employs around 38,000 people in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
These Biggest Companies in South Africa have been some of the most successful companies on the South African Stock Exchange and have helped the country to become an economic powerhouse.
It will be interesting to see how these companies will evolve as they expand their operations across the continent. With their strong presence, they are helping to build a more prosperous South Africa.
Conclusion
The Biggest Companies in South Africa have demonstrated the strength of their businesses and have helped contribute to the country’s economic success.
It will be exciting to see how these companies continue to evolve and grow in the years to come. With the help of their expertise, South Africa is on its way to becoming one of the most developed countries in Africa.
