Based on Apple's revenue for fiscal 2019, which wrapped up last September, the company dropped one slot in Fortune's ranking for 2020.
From the Apple entry, posted Monday:
Mighty Apple dipped a smidge in 2019, both in terms of sales, down 2% to $260 billion, and in its ranking, from No. 3 to No. 4. The computer and phone maker’s ability to make money cushioned the blow. Apple earned $55 billion. Three categories tell the story of Apple’s sales doldrums. iPhone sales, 55% of Apple’s total, fell 14%. Increases in sales of services like streaming and subscriptions, 18% of the total, grew 16%. And wearables (AirPods and Watches) and other non-phone accessories (iPods, HomePods, and Beats products) leapt 41%, but account for only 9% of the pie.
My take: By the time the 66-year-old list comes out in May, Apple's year-end results are already nine months old.
Below: The Fortune 10 list...
1. Walmart
2. Amazon.com
3. Exxon Mobil
4. Apple
5. CVS Health
6. Berkshire Hathaway
7. UnitedHealth Group
8. McKesson
9. AT&T
10. AmerisourceBergen
What is the criteria used for rankings? Apple earns more revenue, higher gross profit, significantly more net income, has much more total cash on hand and three times higher operating cash. The only area I see where Exxon Mobil excels is in an annual dividend payout of .082%.
The Global 500 is more interesting given Apple is a global company. They are number 11. The could easily end up in the top 5 if Chinese companies have to adjust sales prices based upon costs.