The UK’s 10 Largest Companies by Capitalisation (2024)

For all traders, especially those located in the UK, it is essential to have a basic knowledge of the biggest companies based here. These companies have widely reached impacts within and beyond the UK’s borders. Traders can use knowledge of their operations to better understand the markets and create opportunities for themselves.

Our definition of ‘largest’ companies

There is not one straightforward way to define how large a company is, however, the most common measure and the one we will use is market capitalization. This is calculated by multiplying a company’s number of outstanding shares by the company’s share price, giving the market value of a publicly traded company’s outstanding shares. This value provides traders with information on the public’s valuation of a company in the market, helping them to make key decisions easier.

10 Biggest UK -based Companies

*According to CompaniesMarketCap.com, as of 17/09/2024

Some of these companies will be easily recognizable to the average consumer, whereas others will not be so well known. As a trader, they will all be relevant to us, having large impacts on their industries and the markets. These UK companies are far from the size of some of the US giants, but there are still seven with a market capitalization of over $100 billion. These companies are all listed on the London Stock Exchange and are part of the FTSE100, which tracks the largest 100 UK stocks.

1. AstraZeneca (AZN)

Notable Products: Tagrisso (lung cancer treatment), Symbicort (asthma and COPD treatment), Farxiga (diabetes treatment), Imfinzi (cancer immunotherapy), Lynparza (cancer therapy), Vaxzevria (COVID-19 vaccine), Calquence (blood cancer treatment), Enhertu (breast cancer treatment)

AstraZeneca remains one of the largest UK companies by market capitalisation and has strengthened its position as a global leader in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Headquartered in Cambridge, England, AstraZeneca was formed through the 1999 merger of Swedish and British companies. Its global influence continues to expand through strategic acquisitions, including its high-profile purchase of Alexion Pharmaceuticals in 2021, which bolstered its capabilities in immunology and rare diseases.

The company’s commitment to research and development (R&D) remains strong, with significant R&D hubs in the UK, Sweden, and the USA. AstraZeneca annually invests around $9-10 billion in R&D, focusing on key therapeutic areas such as oncology, cardiovascular, renal, and respiratory diseases. AstraZeneca played a pivotal role in the global fight against COVID-19 by developing one of the first widely distributed vaccines in collaboration with Oxford University. Beyond COVID-19, AstraZeneca continues to focus on delivering innovative treatments and advancing its biopharmaceutical pipeline, especially in emerging areas like cell and gene therapy.

2. Linde (LIN)

Notable Products: Industrial gases (Oxygen, Nitrogen, Hydrogen, and Argon), low-carbon hydrogen production, carbon capture and storage solutions, air separation plants, gas processing technologies, fuel cell technology, and cryogenics for healthcare and energy sectors

Linde continues to solidify its position as a global leader in industrial gases, playing a vital role in industries such as healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and electronics. With a strong focus on sustainability, Linde is at the forefront of hydrogen technology, a key part of its strategy to drive sustainable energy solutions and reduce carbon emissions.

The company’s investments in renewable energy are growing, particularly in wind-powered hydrogen production, fuel cell technologies, and green hydrogen infrastructure. Linde aims to be a leader in the emerging green hydrogen economy, which is critical for industries looking to decarbonise. While maintaining its dominance in the industrial gases sector, Linde also supports cutting-edge industries like fibre optics, semiconductor manufacturing, and advanced materials. Additionally, Linde is pioneering carbon capture and utilization technologies to further align with global sustainability efforts, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.

3. Shell (SHEL)

Notable Products: Oil and gas products (Petrol, Diesel, LNG), Shell V-Power fuels, lubricants (Shell Helix), renewable energy projects (wind, solar), hydrogen fuel, electric vehicle charging infrastructure (Shell Recharge), biofuels, and carbon capture and storage solutions

Shell is one of the UK’s largest companies, continuing to evolve after consolidating its Dutch and British operations into a single entity in 2022. With a strong presence in the global energy market, Shell’s market capitalisation has surged, driven by robust performance in its traditional oil and gas sectors. However, the company is increasingly shifting its focus toward renewable energy and sustainable development, reflecting its ambition to transition to a low-carbon future.

While it continues to be one of the largest investor-owned oil companies, with operations in over 140 countries, Shell has made significant strides in clean energy. The company is investing heavily in renewable projects, including wind and solar, and is advancing its hydrogen initiatives as part of its broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions. Shell aims to become a major player in the green energy landscape, to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The company is also focusing on energy storage solutions and carbon capture technologies as part of its sustainable energy portfolio, while still balancing its critical role in the global oil and gas supply.

4. Unilever (ULVR)

Notable Products: Dove (personal care), Knorr (food products), Lipton (tea), Hellmann’s (mayonnaise), Ben & Jerry’s (ice cream), Axe (personal care), Vaseline (skincare), Magnum (ice cream), Lifebuoy (soap), and The Vegetarian Butcher (plant-based food products)

Unilever is considered a powerhouse in the global consumer goods industry, with a diverse portfolio of over 400 brands sold across 190 countries. The company continues to embrace digital transformation, using data-driven insights and e-commerce strategies to strengthen its global reach. As part of its long-term sustainability goals, Unilever is committed to achieving net-zero emissions across its entire supply chain by 2039.

In recent years, Unilever has increased its focus on the health and wellness sectors, recognising their growth potential. The company has made strategic acquisitions in skincare, beauty, and plant-based food products, reflecting shifting consumer preferences toward more sustainable and health-conscious choices. At the same time, Unilever has been gradually moving away from some of its slower-growing segments, such as traditional packaged foods. By focusing on innovation and sustainability, Unilever aims to stay at the forefront of evolving market trends while advancing its leadership in responsible business practices.

5. HSBC (HSBA)

Notable Products: Retail banking, business banking, wealth management, insurance, investment banking, global markets services, credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, trade finance, and sustainable finance solutions

HSBC is one of the most dominant financial institutions in the UK and globally, with total assets exceeding $2.6 trillion as of 2024. The bank serves approximately 39 million customers across 60 countries, providing a broad range of services, including wealth management, commercial banking, retail banking, and global markets. Its global presence makes HSBC a key player in both developed and emerging markets.

While the bank continues to face regulatory challenges, particularly from past controversies, it is actively navigating these complexities through enhanced compliance measures and governance reforms. In line with its strategic focus on sustainability, HSBC has pledged significant financial commitments toward supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. The bank has allocated billions in financing to green initiatives, sustainable infrastructure, and clean energy projects. As part of its broader strategy, HSBC aims to achieve net-zero emissions in its operations and supply chain by 2030, and in its financed emissions by 2050, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable finance.

6. Arm Holdings (ARM)

Notable Products: ARM architecture (processor designs), Cortex series (CPU and GPU designs), ARM Neoverse (data centre processors), ARM Mali (graphics processors), ARM IoT solutions, and ARM-based chips for smartphones, automotive, and embedded systems

Arm Holdings is a pivotal player in the semiconductor industry, with its cutting-edge chip designs powering a vast array of devices, from smartphones to data centres. The company’s successful IPO in 2023 reinforced its position in the global tech industry, with a market capitalisation now approaching $132 billion. Arm’s influence is particularly prominent in mobile device architecture, where its energy-efficient designs have become the industry standard.

As demand for energy-efficient and high-performance processing solutions grows, Arm continues to shape the future of semiconductor technology. Its innovative architecture is increasingly being adopted in emerging industries such as automotive, where it supports advancements in autonomous driving systems, and in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector, where Arm designs are driving the next generation of connected devices. The company is also expanding its presence in AI and cloud computing, positioning itself as a central force in the future of technological innovation.

7. Rio Tinto (RIO)

Notable Products: Iron ore, aluminium, copper, lithium, diamonds, gold, borates, titanium dioxide, and uranium. Products primarily support industries like construction, electronics, automotive, and renewable energy sectors

Rio Tinto continues to be a global leader in the extraction of essential minerals such as aluminium, copper, and iron ore, all critical for industrial development and the global energy transition. The company has made substantial investments in sustainability initiatives, with a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Rio Tinto is focusing on producing low-carbon aluminium and scaling up lithium production to meet the increasing demand for these materials in renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) technologies.

Despite facing controversies, particularly around environmental and indigenous rights issues, Rio Tinto remains one of the world’s largest mining companies. The company’s strategic focus on metals essential for clean energy, like copper and lithium, positions it to capitalise on the booming renewable energy and EV sectors. As global demand for these minerals continues to rise, Rio Tinto is set to play a critical role in supporting the shift toward a more sustainable, low-carbon future.

8. RELX (REL)

Notable Products: LexisNexis (legal and professional research), Elsevier (scientific publications and research tools), Risk Solutions (data analytics for risk management), Exhibitions (global event management), and analytics services using AI and machine learning for various industries

RELX remains a global leader in information and analytics, serving essential sectors such as healthcare, law, scientific research, and risk management. The company has made significant strides in digital transformation, offering advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning tools to help businesses and organisations make data-driven decisions. Its solutions are widely used by professionals across industries to gain critical insights and drive innovation.

With a market capitalisation of approximately $90 billion, RELX has solidified its position as a key player in the information services sector. The company continues to expand its global footprint through strategic acquisitions and investments in cutting-edge technologies. By focusing on AI and machine learning advancements, RELX is enhancing its product offerings and staying at the forefront of delivering high-value analytics and solutions that support its customers’ evolving needs.

9. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

Notable Products: Shingrix (shingles vaccine), Trelegy Ellipta (asthma and COPD treatment), Zejula (cancer treatment), Nucala (asthma treatment), Boostrix (whooping cough vaccine), Bexsero (meningitis vaccine), and HIV treatments (ViiV Healthcare joint venture)

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has undergone significant restructuring in recent years, notably spinning off its consumer healthcare division into a separate entity, Haleon, in 2022. Despite this shift, GSK remains one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, with a strong focus on immunology, respiratory diseases, oncology, and vaccines.

GSK continues to be a global leader in vaccine development, playing a key role in COVID-19 vaccine research and maintaining its long-standing expertise in this area. The company is also looking toward future growth, with a robust pipeline of new drugs and continued investments in research and development (R&D). GSK has committed billions to advancing its R&D efforts, particularly in areas like infectious diseases and immunotherapies. While the company has faced some controversies in the past, it remains focused on delivering innovative treatments and building on its leadership in the global pharmaceutical landscape.

10. British American Tobacco (BTAS)

Notable Products: Cigarettes (Dunhill, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Rothmans), vapour products (Vuse, Vype), tobacco heating products (glo), modern oral nicotine (VELO), and nicotine pouches

British American Tobacco (BAT) is one of the world’s largest tobacco companies, with a diverse portfolio that extends beyond traditional tobacco products. While historically known for its dominance in the cigarette industry, BAT has been increasingly focused on transitioning to reduced-risk products (RRPs) in response to changing consumer preferences and growing regulatory pressures. The company operates in over 180 countries and has a strong global presence, with a broad portfolio of brands catering to different markets.

In recent years, BAT has aggressively pursued its goal of “A Better Tomorrow” by investing heavily in non-combustible products, which include vapour, tobacco heating products, and modern oral nicotine solutions. The company’s New Categories segment, which includes brands like Vuse and Glo, is central to this transformation, and BAT has seen significant growth in these areas as part of its strategy to reduce the health impact of its products. BAT aims for New Categories to generate £5 billion in revenues by 2025, reflecting its shift towards a future beyond cigarettes.

We trust this article has given you an introduction and basic knowledge of the history and operations of the UK’s 10 largest companies.

An understanding of the financial landscape of the UK is crucial for UK-based and international traders to make informed decisions. Moreover, it can help you take advantage of movements in major stocks by trading on the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform.

MT4 is a user-friendly and effortless platform that is widely used by traders around the globe. Begin trading on MT4 with your Hantec Markets trading account today.

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Also, we recommend you find out more about top global economies with our Trader’s Guide to the 10 Major Global Economies by GDP.