What is the Largest Business in California?

Find out which companies have the most employees in California with this list of 10 largest companies ranked from highest to lowest number of employees.

What is the Largest Business in California?

California is known for its thriving economy, with many businesses calling the state home. From tech giants to Hollywood studios, California is a hub for various industries, making it a highly sought-after destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike. But with so many businesses operating in the state, one question remains: what is the largest business in California?

The answer to this question is essential in understanding the state's economic landscape and the impact of its largest business on the economy and society. The largest business in California plays a significant role in shaping the state's economy and job market, and understanding its operations and practices is crucial in comprehending the state's overall economic trajectory.

In this article, we will explore the largest business in California and provide a detailed analysis of its impact on the state's economy and society. We will examine the industries that are important to the state's economy, discuss the methodology used to determine the largest business in California, and analyze the top contenders for the title. Additionally, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the largest business in California, including its history, products, and services, and examine the challenges it faces in remaining competitive in the industry.

 

California is the largest state in the United States by population and has the world's fifth-largest economy, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $3.2 trillion in 2020. The state's economy is diverse and relies on various industries, including technology, entertainment, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.

California's technology industry is particularly noteworthy, with Silicon Valley being a hub for tech startups and global corporations. Many of the world's largest technology companies, including Google, Apple, Facebook, and Tesla, have headquarters or significant operations in California, contributing to the state's economic success.

Entertainment is another essential industry in California, with Hollywood being a significant contributor to the state's economy. The entertainment industry in California employs hundreds of thousands of people and generates billions of dollars in revenue annually.

Agriculture is another significant industry in California, with the state being the country's largest agricultural producer. California produces more than 400 different crops, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dairy products, making it an essential player in the global food industry.

Tourism is also a crucial industry in California, with millions of visitors traveling to the state every year to enjoy its natural beauty, attractions, and entertainment options. California's beaches, national parks, and cities, including San Francisco and Los Angeles, are some of the state's top tourist destinations.

Finally, California is home to many top employers, including healthcare providers, educational institutions, and government agencies. Companies such as Kaiser Permanente, the University of California, and the State of California are among the state's largest employers.

In conclusion, the California economy is a diverse and thriving ecosystem that relies on various industries to drive its success. From technology to agriculture and entertainment to tourism, the state's economy is a model for economic success and serves as a blueprint for other states and countries to follow.


Determining the largest business in California is a complex task that requires analyzing various factors, including revenue, market share, and workforce size. Several organizations publish annual lists of the largest companies in California, including the Fortune 500, Forbes 2000, and the Los Angeles Business Journal.

According to the most recent Fortune 500 list, the largest business in California is Apple Inc. The technology giant, headquartered in Cupertino, California, reported revenue of $274.5 billion and a market capitalization of $2.2 trillion in 2020. Apple's success is attributed to its innovative products, including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and its robust ecosystem of services, such as Apple Music, iCloud, and the App Store.

However, other companies could also make a claim for the title of the largest business in California. For example, Chevron Corporation, an energy company based in San Ramon, California, reported revenue of $143.5 billion in 2020 and is one of the largest oil companies in the world. Additionally, Wells Fargo & Company, a financial services company based in San Francisco, California, reported revenue of $85.1 billion in 2020 and is one of the largest banks in the United States.

It is essential to note that the largest business in California changes regularly due to market fluctuations, mergers, and acquisitions. For instance, in 2019, the largest business in California was Chevron Corporation, while in 2020, it was Apple Inc.

In conclusion, identifying the largest business in California requires analyzing various factors and considering multiple sources of information. While Apple Inc. is currently the largest business in California, other companies, such as Chevron Corporation and Wells Fargo & Company, also have significant operations in the state and contribute to its economic success.


Apple Inc. is currently the largest business in California and has a significant impact on the state's economy and society. Apple's success can be attributed to its innovative products, including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and its robust ecosystem of services, such as Apple Music, iCloud, and the App Store.

Founded in 1976, Apple has evolved from a computer company to a technology giant that dominates several industries. In addition to its hardware and software offerings, Apple also has a presence in the streaming, gaming, and automotive industries. In 2021, Apple became the first company to reach a market capitalization of $3 trillion.

Apple's impact on the California economy is substantial. In 2020, the company reported employing over 147,000 people in California, making it one of the state's largest employers. Additionally, Apple has contributed to the development of the technology industry in California and has supported many smaller businesses and startups through its App Store and developer ecosystem.

Apple also has a significant impact on the global economy. The company operates in several countries and has a supply chain that spans the globe. In 2020, Apple generated over $274 billion in revenue, making it one of the largest companies in the world.

In addition to its economic impact, Apple has also been a leader in social responsibility and environmental sustainability. The company has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and has made significant investments in renewable energy and recycling programs.

In conclusion, Apple Inc. is the largest business in California and has a significant impact on the state's economy and society. Apple's innovative products and services, along with its commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability, make it a leader in the technology industry and a role model for other businesses.


Despite its success, Apple Inc. faces several challenges as the largest business in California. One of the most significant challenges for Apple is competition. The technology industry is highly competitive, with many companies vying for market share and customers' attention. Apple faces competition from established players like Samsung and Google, as well as new entrants to the market.

Another challenge for Apple is the ongoing debate around privacy and data protection. As one of the largest technology companies in the world, Apple has access to a vast amount of user data, which has raised concerns about privacy and data protection. The company has faced criticism for its handling of user data and has been involved in several high-profile legal battles over the issue.

Apple also faces challenges related to its supply chain and production processes. The company relies heavily on overseas suppliers for the production of its products, which can lead to supply chain disruptions and quality control issues. Additionally, Apple has faced criticism over its labor practices, including allegations of poor working conditions and low wages at its suppliers' facilities.

Finally, Apple faces challenges related to its ability to innovate and maintain its market position. The technology industry is constantly evolving, and new competitors and disruptors can emerge quickly. Apple must continue to innovate and develop new products and services to remain competitive and retain its market share.

In response to these challenges, Apple has made several strategic moves, including investing heavily in research and development and expanding into new industries, such as streaming and gaming. The company has also taken steps to improve its supply chain and labor practices, including implementing stricter supplier standards and increasing transparency in its operations.

In conclusion, Apple Inc. faces several challenges as the largest business in California, including competition, privacy concerns, supply chain issues, and the need to innovate constantly. However, the company's strategic moves and commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability position it well to overcome these challenges and remain a leader in the technology industry.


As the largest business in California, Apple Inc. has several plans and projections for the future. One of Apple's primary goals is to continue innovating and developing new products and services. The company's research and development investments have steadily increased over the years, and Apple plans to continue investing in new technologies and product lines to maintain its market position.

Another key goal for Apple is to expand its services business, which includes the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, and other subscription-based services. The services business has become an increasingly important revenue stream for Apple and has seen significant growth in recent years. Apple plans to continue expanding its services offerings and developing new subscription-based products to drive revenue growth.

Apple is also committed to environmental sustainability and has set several goals related to reducing its carbon footprint and conserving natural resources. The company plans to become carbon neutral by 2030 and has made significant investments in renewable energy and recycling programs to achieve this goal.

Finally, Apple is exploring new industries and business models, including electric vehicles and augmented reality. The company has been rumored to be working on an electric vehicle for several years and has made several high-profile hires in the automotive industry. Additionally, Apple has invested heavily in augmented reality and is working on developing new AR-based products and services.

Overall, Apple's future plans and projections focus on continued innovation, expansion of its services business, environmental sustainability, and exploring new industries and business models. As the largest business in California, Apple's success is critical to the state's economy and the global technology industry, and its plans and projections will continue to have a significant impact on both.

 

In conclusion, California's economy is a diverse and thriving ecosystem that relies on various industries to drive its success. Apple Inc. currently holds the title of the largest business in California and has a significant impact on the state's economy and society. Its innovative products and services, along with its commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability, make it a leader in the technology industry and a role model for other businesses.

While Apple faces several challenges, including competition, privacy concerns, and the need to innovate constantly, the company's strategic moves and investments position it well to overcome these challenges and remain a dominant player in the technology industry.

Apple's future plans and projections focus on continued innovation, expansion of its services business, environmental sustainability, and exploring new industries and business models. These plans and projections will continue to have a significant impact on both California's economy and the global technology industry.

California's reputation as a hub for businesses remains intact, and the state's largest business, Apple, plays a crucial role in shaping the state's economic landscape. Understanding the operations and practices of California's largest business is crucial in comprehending the state's overall economic trajectory and its impact on the national and global economy.


Meg Skrzypek
Meg Skrzypek

Certified zombie buff. Professional social media maven. . Freelance zombie nerd. Award-winning music guru. Award-winning travel nerd.

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