Australia, known for its vast landscapes and unique wildlife, is also home to some of the most influential corporations in the global marketplace. This list of the thirty largest publicly traded Australian companies, top constituents of the ASX 200 index, will bring you up to speed on these global powerhouses.
Whether you’re an investor hunting for lucrative opportunities, a business professional eyeing collaborations, or a curious reader looking to stay updated with the country’s economic dynamics, this curated list of Australia’s top 30 companies will serve as your comprehensive guide. Dive in to discover which sectors are dominating, who’s leading in market capitalization, and why these companies matter on the global stage.
In Australia, companies are incorporated as public limited companies – PLC – to get listed on the Australian Securities Exchange – ASX. Even though they have to comply with the regulations of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, getting listed allows companies to gain access to capital from investors in exchange for a share of the company’s stock.
Check our data platform for the latest ranking of Australian companies and ASX 200 companies.
The S&P/ASX 200 Index, benchmark of Australia
To easily grasp the fluctuations of the Australian economy and its stock market, the stocks of 200 companies quoted on the ASX are aggregated in the S&P/ASX 200 Index, or more simply ASX 200, which is widely considered as the benchmark index of Australia.
Calculated from the stocks of the 200 largest corporations by market capitalization listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, the ASX 200 is a capitalization-weighted index, i.e. in which larger companies are weighted more heavily. It represents more than 80% of the total market capitalization on the ASX.
Note that other indices have also been created to evaluate narrower or broader numbers of companies, and consider their economic dynamism through their size in market capitalization: S&P/ASX 20, S&P/ASX 50, S&P/ASX 100, and S&P/ASX 300. The S&P/ASX 200 Index remains however the index that is most often considered by analysts and journalists to follow the Australian stock market activity.
For more information on the largest Australian companies, download our ASX 200 companies Excel file containing the complete list of the 200 Australian companies that constitute the S&P/ASX 200 index, together with extensive business, market, financial, and digital information on each company. For even more data on the largest Australian companies, download our Excel file on the All Ordinaries companies (500 companies).
The real-time quotation of the ASX 200 index can be followed with convenient graphical tools from a number of sources, including Google Finance, Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg, etc.
For more information on other world-leading companies, check our series of posts on Top Companies, and for more information on the country, read our articles on Top Business Resources for Australia.
Key insights from the list of Top 30 Australian Companies in the S&P / ASX 200 index in January 2023
Dominance of Financials and Basic Materials
In Australia, the Financials and Basic Materials sectors lead the way. A striking 40% of the companies on this list hail from these two sectors, underscoring the strength and resilience of Australia’s banking system and its abundant natural resources. Healthcare, Energy, and Real Estate follow closely, highlighting the diverse nature of Australia’s corporate landscape.
Geographical Outreach
Companies like ANZ, NAB, and CommBank have established a multinational presence, not just limiting their operations to Australia and New Zealand but also extending their reach to Asia, the U.S., and the U.K. This global presence signifies the expansive and influential nature of Australian corporations.
Legacy and evolution
Institutions like Westpac, which has served customers since 1817, highlight the longstanding trust and legacy that some of these companies have built over centuries. Such history often translates to stability in the eyes of investors and consumers alike.
On the other hand, some companies, like Fortescue Metals Group, initially known for iron ore production, are exploring new avenues like gold, copper, and lithium, showcasing their adaptability and foresight in an ever-evolving market.
List of the top 30 Australian companies in the ASX 200 index ranked by market capitalization, as of January 1st, 2023
To help you learn more about Australian corporations, the 30 largest companies in the Australian Securities Exchange, and the ASX 200 index, are listed hereafter. Each company is presented with information on its sector and industry, operations, market capitalization, a direct link to its website, logo, and stock ticker. Companies are ranked by market capitalization in Australian Dollars as of the effective close on January 1st, 2023.
Shortcuts to each company
To facilitate your browsing in this long list, here are quick links to go directly to the details of any of the top 30 ASX companies.
30. Northern Star Resources Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Basic Materials | Industry: Gold
Northern Star Resources Limited specializes in exploring, developing, mining, and processing gold deposits in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Alaska. Northern Star Resources Limited is also involved in the selling of refined gold.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$13.63 B | Stock: ASX:NST | nsrltd.com
29. Sonic Healthcare Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Healthcare | Industry: Medical Care Facilities
Sonic Healthcare Limited is a medical company specializing in diagnostics services. It provides services in pathology/laboratory medicine and imaging/radiology. Having grown through international acquisitions, Sonic Healthcare now operates in Australia, New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, and Ireland
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$14.47 B | Stock: ASX:SHL | sonichealthcare.com
28. REA Group Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Communication Services | Industry: Internet Content & Information
REA Group Ltd is an online real estate advertising company. Originally operating Australia’s largest property website, realestate.com.au, REA Group has expanded through international acquisitions to operate property websites in 6 countries. It is majority-owned by News Corp Australia.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$14.50 B | Stock: ASX:REA | rea-group.com
27. Scentre Group
Country: Australia | Sector: Real Estate | Industry: REIT—Retail
Scentre Group is a company developing and managing shopping centers and retail destinations. Operating the Westfield brand across Australia and New Zealand, Scentre Group is operating through the development, design, construction, funds/asset management, property management, leasing, and marketing activities for its centers.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$14.95 B | Stock: ASX:SCG | scentregroup.com
26. Ramsay Health Care Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Healthcare | Industry: Medical Care Facilities
Ramsay Health Care is a private healthcare company operating in Australia, France, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. Ramsay Health Care is especially involved in primary care to highly complex surgery, as well as mental health care and rehabilitation.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$15.14 B | Stock: ASX:RHC | ramsayhealth.com
25. Suncorp Group Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Financials | Industry: Insurance—Property & Casualty
Suncorp Group Limited is a finance, insurance, and banking corporation. Founded in 1902, Suncorp is one of the largest general insurance companies in Australia, also operating a mid-size bank. It has operations in both Australia and New Zealand.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$15.16 B | Stock: ASX:SUN | suncorpgroup.com.au
24. Computershare Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Technology | Industry: Information Technology Services
Computershare Limited is a multinational transfer agent and investor services company. Operating in more than 20 countries, it provides stock registration and transfer services to companies listed on stock markets, technology services for stock exchanges, investor services for shareholders and employee share plan management.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$15.66 B | Stock: ASX:CPU | computershare.com
23. Mineral Resources Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Basic Materials | Industry: Other Industrial Metals & Mining
Mineral Resources Limited is a mining services and processing company operating primarily in Australia. The company offers a range of services, including contract crushing, screening, and mining services. It provides engineering and construction services in the resources sector and manages resource commodities processing, production, and export. Moreover, the company holds interests in various projects, notably in iron ore and lithium in Western Australia.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$15.85 B | Stock: ASX:MIN | mineralresources.com.au
22. Brambles Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Industrials | Industry: Specialty Business Services
Brambles Limited is the parent of Brambles group, a supply-chain logistics company, specialized in container pooling and associated services. Operating in more than 60 countries through the CHEP and IFCO brands, Brambles is engaged in outsourced management of pallets and containers and reusable plastic crates.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$16.35 B | Stock: ASX:BXB | brambles.com
21. WiseTech Global Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Technology | Industry: Software—Application
WiseTech Global Limited offers software solutions to the logistics industry internationally. Their platform, CargoWise, aids logistics service providers in managing complex transactions and operations. The company’s services encompass freight forwarding, warehousing, transport management, trade compliance, and other logistics-related activities. It also offers customs declaration and international trade management tools.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$16.82 B | Stock: ASX:WTC | wisetechglobal.com
20. South32 Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Basic Materials | Industry: Other Industrial Metals & Mining
South32 is a multinational diversified mining and metals company. Created from BHP Billiton (former name of BHP Group), South32 produces bauxite, alumina, aluminum, energy and metallurgical coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead, and zinc. It operates in Australia, Southern Africa, and South America.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$19.43 B | Stock: ASX:S32 | south32.net
19. QBE Insurance Group Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Financials | Industry: Insurance—Property & Casualty
QBE Insurance Group Limited is a global insurance company. Tracing its origins to 1886, QBE Insurance Group operates in general insurance and reinsurance services in Australia, North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific region.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$19.70 B | Stock: ASX:QBE | qbe.com
18. Newcrest Mining Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Basic Materials | Industry: Gold
Newcrest Mining Limited is a mining company and one of the world’s largest producers of gold. It is involved in the exploration, development, mining, and sale of gold and copper, operating in Australia, Canada, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Canada.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$19.81 B | Stock: ASX:NCM | newcrest.com
17. Aristocrat Leisure Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Communication Services | Industry: Electronic Gaming & Multimedia
Aristocrat Leisure Limited is a company specialized in the manufacture of gambling machines. Primarily producing slot machines, it also develops computerized gambling systems and card game simulations, electronic table games, and linked jackpot systems. Besides Australia, Aristocrat Leisure has opened marketing and development offices in South Africa, Russia, and the United States.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$20.62 B | Stock: ASX:ALL | aristocrat.com
16. Coles Group Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Consumer Staples | Industry: Grocery Stores
Coles Group Limited is engaged in the operation of multiple retail chains. Previously bought by Wesfarmers Limited, Coles Group was relisted independently, operating Coles Supermarkets, Coles Express, Coles liquor division, and owning half of FlyBuys.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$21.99 B | Stock: ASX:COL | colesgroup.com.au
15. Santos Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Energy | Industry: Oil & Gas E&P
Santos Ltd., standing for South Australia Northern Territory Oil Search, is an independent oil and gas producer. Particularly involved in the extraction of domestic gas in Australia, Santos Ltd also distributes gas across the country. It is also engaged in oil and gas exploration and production ventures in Australia, in the Timor Gap, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Vietnam, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as the export of liquid natural gas to Japan.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$23.46 B | Stock: ASX:STO | santos.com
14. Woodside Energy Group Ltd
Country: Australia | Sector: Energy | Industry: Oil & Gas E&P
Woodside Energy Group is a petroleum exploration and production company. It operates in Australia, Canada, the United States, Senegal, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Myanmar, Cameroon, Gabon, Morocco, and Ireland. In Australia, Woodside is also involved in a number of liquefied natural gas projects.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$28.53 B | Stock: ASX:WDS | woodside.com.au
13. Goodman Group
Country: Australia | Sector: Real Estate | Industry: REIT—Diversified
Goodman Limited, also known as Goodman Group, is a commercial and industrial real estate development company. It is engaged in the management and development of commercial and industrial property including warehouses, large-scale logistics facilities, business and office parks in 17 countries.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$32.81 B | Stock: ASX:GMG | goodman.com
12. Transurban Group
Country: Australia | Sector: Industrials | Industry: Infrastructure Operations
Transurban Group, more simply know as Transurban, is a toll-road operating company. Transurban designs, builds, and manages urban toll road networks in Australia, the United States, and Canada. It is also engaged in the research and development of new toll payment systems and transport technology.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$39.39 B | Stock: ASX:TCL | transurban.com.au
11. Woolworths Group Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Consumer Staples | Industry: Grocery Stores
Woolworths Group Limited is a retail company operating supermarkets (with the Woolworths and Countdown brands in Australia and New Zealand respectively), liquor retailing (as BWS and Dan Murphy’s in Australia), hotels and pubs (under the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group), and discount department stores (under the Big W brand in Australia).
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$40.25 B | Stock: ASX:WOW | woolworthsgroup.com.au
10. Telstra Corporation Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Communication Services | Industry: Telecom Services
Telstra Corporation Limited, simply known as Telstra, the largest telecommunications company in Australia. It builds and operates telecommunications networks and markets products and services for voice, mobile, internet access, and pay television.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$45.64 B | Stock: ASX:TLS | telstra.com.au
9. Wesfarmers Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Consumer Discretionary | Industry: Home Improvement Retail
Wesfarmers Limited is a conglomerate with predominant interests in Australian and New Zealand retail, chemicals, fertilizers, coal mining, and industrial and safety products. Founded as a co-operative in 1914, Wesfarmers Limited has become the largest employer in Australia with more than 220,000 employees.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$51.57 B | Stock: ASX:WES | wesfarmers.com.au
8. Fortescue Metals Group Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Basic Materials | Industry: Other Industrial Metals & Mining
Fortescue Metals Group Ltd, also referred to as Fortescue or FMG, is one of the largest producers of iron ore in the world. Fortescue Metals Group operates iron ore mines throughout Australia and ore transports including trains and ore carrying ships. It is now engaged in the exploration for diversification in gold, copper, and lithium.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$64.57 B | Stock: ASX:FMG | fmgl.com.au
7. Macquarie Group Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Financials | Industry: Capital Markets
Macquarie Group Limited is a multinational independent investment bank and financial services company. Employing more than 14,000 staff in 25 countries, Macquarie is the world’s largest infrastructure asset manager and top-ranked mergers and acquisitions advisor in Australia. It also manages more than A$ 495 billion in assets.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$66.58 B | Stock: ASX:MQG | macquarie.com
6. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Financials | Industry: Banks—Diversified
The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, commonly called ANZ, is a multinational bank. The third-largest bank in Australia by market capitalization, ANZ is the largest bank in New Zealand, and it is also present in 34 other nations.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$70.73 B | Stock: ASX:ANZ | anz.com.au
5. Westpac Banking Corporation
Country: Australia | Sector: Financials | Industry: Banks—Diversified
Westpac Banking Corporation, commonly known as Westpac, is a bank and provider of financial services. Founded in 1817, Westpac now gathers more than 14 million customers in five divisions: consumer banking, commercial and business banking, wealth management, institutional banking, and Westpac New Zealand.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$79.47 B | Stock: ASX:WBC | westpac.com.au
4. National Australia Bank Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Financials | Industry: Banks—Diversified
National Australia Bank, commonly known and branded as NAB, is a multinational bank. Heavily present in Australia through business and personal banking, direct banking through the internet, and financial services, NAB is also very present in New Zealand and in other countries of Asia.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$92.26 B | Stock: ASX:NAB | nab.com.au
3. CSL Limited
Country: Australia | Sector: Healthcare | Industry: Biotechnology
CSL Limited is a biotechnology company providing products to treat and prevent serious human medical conditions. CSL is involved in the research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of a wide range of products including blood plasma derivatives, vaccines, antivenom, and cell culture reagents for medical and genetic research and manufacturing applications.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$136.95 B | Stock: ASX:CSL | csl.com.au
2. CommBank
Country: Australia | Sector: Financials | Industry: Banks—Diversified
Founded in 1911, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, abbreviated CBA or CommBank, is a multinational bank providing services in retail, business, and institutional banking, funds management, superannuation, insurance, investment, and brokerage services. It operates across Australia, and abroad in New Zealand, Asia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$174.14 B | Stock: ASX:CBA | commbank.com.au
1. BHP
Country: Australia | Sector: Basic Materials | Industry: Other Industrial Metals & Mining
BHP Group Limited is an Anglo-Australian multinational mining, metals, and petroleum corporation that is dual-listed on the London Stock Exchange and the Australian Securities Exchange. BHP is involved in the exploration, production, and processing of minerals, especially coal, iron ore, copper, and manganese ore, and the exploration, production, and refining of hydrocarbons.
Company Profile | Market Cap.: A$327.32 B | Stock: ASX:BHP | bhp.com
Australia’s top 30 companies are a testament to the country’s economic prowess and the dynamic nature of its corporate sector. From mining giants to banking behemoths, these corporations not only drive the Australian economy but also leave significant footprints on the global stage.
And for a deeper dive into any of these companies or insights on emerging industries in Australia, our range of tailored analytical tools and reports are just a click away, offering even more insights and updated data with our Australian market and companies analysis.
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