China’s economy has grown at a breakneck pace over the past few decades to become the second largest in the world, as measured by nominal GDP. China, the most populous country in the world, has long been a manufacturing and exporting powerhouse. But the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 reduced China’s growth in the short term. Despite this setback, a growing number of Chinese companies are now available to US investors. Below we take a look at the 10 largest Chinese companies by revenue over the past 12 months (TTM). Unlike large US companies, many Chinese companies on our list are state-owned or partially state-controlled. The list is limited to companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States or Canada, either directly or through ADR. Some foreign companies may submit semi-annual reports and may therefore have longer deadlines. All data provided by YCharts and as of January 13, 2021.
Some of the stocks below are only traded over-the-counter (OTC) in the United States, not on an exchange. Trading stocks OTC often incurs higher trading costs than trading stocks on an exchange. This can reduce or even exceed potential returns.
#1 China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. (NPS)
- Revenue (TTM): $326.3 billion
- Net income (TTM): $5.6 billion
- Market cap: $61.1 billion
- Total return over 1 year: -11.9%
- Stock Exchange: New York Stock Exchange
China Petroleum & Chemical is a producer and distributor of a variety of petrochemical and petroleum products. The Company’s products include gasoline, diesel, kerosene, synthetic rubbers and resins, jet fuel and chemical fertilizers, among other related offerings. Also known as Sinopec, China Petroleum & Chemical is one of the largest oil, gas and petrochemical refining companies in the world. It is administered by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
- Revenue (TTM): $303.7 billion
- Net income (TTM): $2.7 billion
- Market cap: $61.3 billion
- Total return over 1 year: -32.4%
- Stock Exchange: New York Stock Exchange
PetroChina Oil and Gas Company is engaged in the exploration, development, production and sale of petroleum. It also manufactures petrochemicals. PetroChina is the listed subsidiary of China’s state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation.
- Revenue (TTM): $155.1 billion
- Net income (TTM): $17.5 billion
- Market cap: $238.8 billion
- Total return over 1 year: 9.8%
- Exchange: OTC
Ping An Insurance is a global financial services company that provides property and casualty and life insurance products, as well as banking, trust and investment management services. The company divides its business into five “ecosystems” corresponding to financial services, healthcare, automotive services, real estate services and Smart City, the latter aimed at improving the efficiency and sustainability of government agencies.
- Revenue (TTM): $137.6 billion
- Net income (TTM): $3.8 billion
- Market cap: $12.3 billion
- Total return over 1 year: -26.9%
- Exchange: OTC
The main activity of China Railway Group is the construction of transport infrastructure. Specifically, it builds railroads, but it also builds roads, bridges, and tunnels. Besides, China Railway Group is involved in real estate development, engineering studies, equipment manufacturing and other related activities. The Chinese government is a major shareholder.
- Revenue (TTM): $124.5 billion
- Net income (TTM): $41.3 billion
- Market cap: $231.5 billion
- Total return over 1 year: -9.5%
- Exchange: OTC
Industrial and Commercial Bank Of China is the world’s largest bank by total assets under management (AUM). The bank provides services to businesses, individuals and other customers. They include credit cards and loans, business financing, and money management services for businesses and high net worth individuals. Although it is a commercial bank, it remains state-owned.
- Revenue (TTM): $111.1 billion
- Net income (TTM): $7.2 billion
- Market cap: $65.1 billion
- Total return over 1 year: -16.5%
- Stock Exchange: New York Stock Exchange
As its name suggests, China Life Insurance offers a range of group health, life and accident insurance products. It also sells annuity products to individuals and groups. Like several other companies on this list, it is majority state-owned.
- Revenue (TTM): $105.2 billion
- Net income (TTM): $35.3 billion
- Market cap: $196.6 billion
- Total return over 1 year: -3.7%
- Exchange: OTC
China Construction Bank is the second largest bank in the world by AUM, after Industrial And Commercial Bank of China above. Serving individuals, businesses and other customers, the state-owned China Construction Bank offers banking services, including loans and deposits, fund management and foreign exchange.
- Revenue (TTM): $91.7 billion
- Net income (TTM): $6.1 billion
- Market cap: $22.1 billion
- Total return over 1 year: -40.5%
- Exchange: OTC
Formerly known as China International Trust Investment Corporation, CITIC is a Chinese government-owned investment and financial services company. CITIC’s products and services include asset management, banking, insurance, securities, etc.
- Revenue (TTM): $83.4 billion
- Net income (TTM): $18.7 billion
- Market cap: $641.1 billion
- Total return over 1 year: 0.8%
- Stock Exchange: New York Stock Exchange
Alibaba Group Holding is a holding company, which, through subsidiaries, provides e-commerce, online financial services and other Internet content services. Alibaba also provides Internet infrastructure services. The company is based in China and provides products and services worldwide.
- Revenue (TTM): $80.1 billion
- Net income (TTM): $24.8 billion
- Market cap: $97.2 billion
- Total return over 1 year: -15.5%
- Exchange: OTC
Bank of China is a financial institution providing banking services to individuals, businesses and a variety of other customers. Bank of China provides loans, deposits, foreign exchange transactions, funds settlement services and related banking products and services. It is the fourth largest bank in the world by total assets.