What are the 20 most successful businesses?

A successful business is one that achieves its goals and objectives. These goals and objectives can vary from business to business and may include such things as increasing profits, expanding into new markets, improving customer satisfaction, or becoming the industry leader. In general, a successful business is one that can sustain itself financially and achieve long-term growth. This may be achieved through a variety of means such as generating high revenues, maintaining a strong customer base, and effectively managing expenses and resources.

What are the 20 most successful businesses?

Success can also be measured in terms of a business's impact on society or its ability to make a positive difference in the world. For example, a business that is successful in terms of its social impact may be one that is able to create meaningful employment opportunities, contribute to the local economy, or produce products or services that have a positive impact on the environment.

It is difficult to accurately rank the 20 most successful businesses, as the definition of "success" can vary and can depend on various factors such as revenue, profitability, market value, size, or influence. Additionally, the rankings can change over time due to a variety of factors such as changes in market conditions, competition, and economic trends.

Some of the largest and most successful businesses in the world include:

1. Apple Inc. - Apple is a technology company that designs and manufactures consumer electronics, computer software, and online services.
2. Amazon.com - Amazon is an e-commerce company that sells a wide range of products including books, electronics, apparel, and more.
3. Microsoft - Microsoft is a technology company that develops and sells computer software, consumer electronics, and personal computers.
4. Alphabet Inc. (Google) - Alphabet is a conglomerate that includes Google, one of the largest search engines in the world, as well as other ventures such as self-driving cars and life sciences.
5. Berkshire Hathaway - Berkshire Hathaway is a holding company that owns a variety of businesses in a range of industries, including insurance, utilities, and retail.
6. Facebook - Facebook is a social media company that operates a platform for users to connect and share content.
7. Alibaba Group - Alibaba is a Chinese e-commerce company that operates online and mobile marketplaces for consumers and businesses.
8. Visa Inc. - Visa is a financial services company that operates a global payment network.
9. Procter & Gamble - Procter & Gamble is a consumer goods company that sells a range of products including beauty, health, and home care products.
10. PepsiCo - PepsiCo is a food and beverage company that sells a range of products including soft drinks, snacks, and other food products.
11. The Coca-Cola Company - The Coca-Cola Company is a beverage company that sells a range of products including soft drinks, juices, and sports drinks.
12. Johnson & Johnson - Johnson & Johnson is a healthcare company that sells a range of products including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health products.
13. Nestle - Nestle is a food and beverage company that sells a range of products including coffee, water, and pet food.
14. Unilever - Unilever is a consumer goods company that sells a range of products including personal care, home care, and food products.
15. Intel Corporation - Intel is a technology company that designs and manufactures computer processors and other technology products.
16. Cisco Systems - Cisco Systems is a technology company that designs and sells networking and communication technology products.
17. Oracle Corporation - Oracle is a technology company that sells database software and other enterprise software products.
18. General Electric - General Electric is a conglomerate that operates in a variety of industries including aviation, healthcare, and energy.
19. The Goldman Sachs Group - Goldman Sachs is a financial services company that provides investment banking, asset management, and other financial services.
20. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. - Wal-Mart is a retail company that operates a chain of department stores and discount stores.

Building a successful business is challenging and takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It requires a clear vision, a solid business plan, strong leadership, and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions. There are no guarantees of success, and many businesses fail. However, with the right combination of skills, resources, and determination, it is possible to build a successful business.

The average profit margin of successful businesses can vary widely depending on the industry, the size of the company, and other factors. Some industries have naturally higher profit margins than others, and larger companies may have economies of scale that allow them to achieve higher profit margins.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the average profit margin for all industries in the United States was around 7% in 2019. However, this number can be significantly higher or lower depending on the specific industry. For example, the profit margin for the finance and insurance industry was around 15%, while the profit margin for the retail trade industry was only around 3%.

It's important to note that profit margin is just one measure of a business's financial health, and it is not the only indicator of success. A business can be successful even if it has a low profit margin, as long as it is able to generate enough revenue to cover its expenses and create value for its customers.