Only 18 Companies Have More Money Than Elon Musk – Are They Worth Investing In?

Elon Musk’s net worth is staggering — about $491.7 billion as of 1:00 PM EST on Oct. 7, 2025, according to Forbes. But there are still 18 publicly traded companies in the world that are worth even more. These businesses dominate their sectors, from technology and energy to finance and retail.

For investors looking to start investing or rebalance their portfolios, understanding who these corporate giants are can help set expectations and reveal potential opportunities in today’s market.

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18 companies that are bigger than Musk’s net worth by market capitalization

Market capitalization, or market cap, is the total value of a company’s outstanding shares — it’s calculated by multiplying the current share price by the total number of shares outstanding. According to CompaniesMarketCap.com, these 18 corporations have valuations exceeding Elon Musk’s net worth as of October 2025:

• NVIDIA (NVDA): $4.52 trillion

• Microsoft (MSFT): $3.93 trillion

• Apple (AAPL): $3.81 trillion

• Alphabet (Google – GOOG): $3.03 trillion

• Amazon (AMZN): $2.35 trillion

• Meta Platforms (Facebook – META): $1.80 trillion

• Saudi Aramco (2222.SR): $1.6 trillion

• Broadcom (AVGO): $1.58 trillion

• TSMC (Taiwan semiconductor – TSM): $1.57 trillion

• Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-B): $1.08 trillion

• JPMorgan Chase (JPM): $850 billion

• Oracle (ORCL): $831 billion

• Walmart (WMT): $819 billion

• Tencent (TCEHY): $791 billion

• Eli Lilly & Co (LLY): $757 billion

• Visa (V): $678 billion

• Mastercard (MA): $523 billion

• Netflix (NFLX): $494 billion

• Exxon Mobil (XOM): $487 billion

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Which companies are worth investing in?

That depends entirely on your investment goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. For example, tech companies like NVIDIA and TSMC have seen explosive growth, but their valuations may swing quickly with market cycles. Energy firms like Exxon Mobil or Saudi Aramco may offer more stability, but their share prices may rise and fall with oil prices.

Meanwhile, Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan Chase may appeal to investors seeking long-term resilience and diversification. Before considering any investment, it’s wise to evaluate fundamentals, review historical performance, and think about how each company aligns with your broader portfolio strategy.

How to invest in multiple companies without too much exposure in one company

Diversification is key. Rather than buying individual stocks, investors can gain exposure to several of these global giants through:

• Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track indexes like the S&P 500 or Nasdaq 100.

• Mutual funds that hold stakes in large-cap or tech-driven companies.

• Fractional shares from brokerages that may allow smaller investments in high-priced stocks.

• Automatic investing plans that spread contributions across assets over time.

This approach helps reduce risk while allowing participation in some of the most valuable firms in the world.

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The power of market dominance

What these 18 companies share is a long track record of global dominance and innovation. Many hold leading market positions, vast customer bases, and competitive advantages that may be difficult for smaller rivals to replicate.

However, size doesn’t necessarily guarantee performance. Large corporations can face scrutiny, slowing growth, or changing consumer trends, so monitoring economic conditions and sector developments is critical before investing.

Global diversification matters

Investing beyond U.S. borders may offer opportunities to capture growth from international leaders like TSMC, which is based in Taiwan, and Tencent, which is based in China. Both companies are key players in semiconductor manufacturing and digital communications, respectively.

Owning a mix of domestic and international stocks can help smooth out volatility and provide access to emerging technologies or regions that are shaping the future economy.

Bottom line

Elon Musk’s fortune is immense, yet 18 global companies still surpass him in market value. These corporations dominate industries that shape how the world works, shops, and communicates — and for investors, they represent both stability and opportunity.

Before adding any of these giants to your portfolio, take time to assess where you stand financially, review your goals, and decide what level of risk fits your long-term outlook.

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