Ever since the Covid-19 outbreak, Malaysia has seen a huge influx of new retail investors recently. I think a top 20 list of the largest and most valuable companies in Malaysia listed on the KLSE would be helpful. And fun.
The list would be based on the market capitalization of the companies listed on Bursa. I’ll be updating the list periodically.
For new investors, valuing a stock just based on its market cap is not the way to go. Instead, maybe use this list as a way to give you a place to start. Go deeper and start with annual reports and the company’s financials. If you like what you see and the numbers add up, it’s time to invest!
You can start with my Stock Investment Guide.
And also, open a brokerage account, my review of one of the best brokers in Malaysia – Rakuten Trade can be found hERE.
Latest List of the Top Companies in Malaysia by Market Cap
Updated July 2022
This is a fun list to have and to keep track of. The numbers are basic and you shouldn’t base your investment decisions solely on this. It is however a good place to start.
You can actually see which companies are overvalued or undervalued based on market cap and their net profits compared to previous years. But like I said, this should be your preliminary assessment. Pick the companies you want and dive deep from here.
2022 Top Companies in Malaysia
Companies Out – Mr. DIY, Hartalega, TopGlove
Companies In – PetDag, PPB, KLK
Gloves have been hit really really hard post-pandemic, no more glove stocks in the top 20 list for 2022. Instead, we’ve seen plantation stocks rush in and go up in value. Banks have also fared well in 2022.
20. Petronas Dagangan Berhad
Stock Symbol : PETDAG [5681] Market Cap : RM22.591 billion Revenue : RM22.505 billion Net Profit : RM0.531 billion
PETDAG entered the 2022 list, kicking out Mr. DIY from last year’s No.20 spot.
19. PPB Group Berhad
Stock Symbol : PPB [4065] Market Cap : RM22.733 billion Revenue : RM4.857 billion Net Profit : RM1.507 billion
PPB dropped one spot to No.19 this year. Increased revenues and profits but a drop in market cap.
18. KLK Berhad
Stock Symbol : KLK [2445] Market Cap : RM22.852 billion Revenue : RM19.915 billion Net Profit : RM2.452 billion
The palm oil giant is back in the top 20 list for 2022!
17. RHB Bank Berhad
Stock Symbol : RHBBANK [1066] Market Cap : RM23.798 billion Revenue : RM11.748 billion Net Profit : RM2.623 billion
RHB has also managed to get in on the list for 2022. Banks in general have been doing well after the pandemic.
16. Axiata Group Berhad
Stock Symbol : AXIATA [6888] Market Cap : RM24.134 billion Revenue : RM25.900 billion Net Profit : RM1.276 billion
A huge drop of almost RM10b in market cap for Axiata, dropping from the 11th to the 16th spot this year.
15. IOI Corporation Berhad
Stock Symbol : IOICORP [1961] Market Cap : RM24.575 billion Revenue : RM11.251 billion Net Profit : RM1.416 billion
The year for palm oil stocks as IOI Corp goes from 19th to 15th place.
14. Maxis Berhad
Stock Symbol : MAXIS [6012] Market Cap : RM25.526 billion Revenue : RM9.203 billion Net Profit : RM1.308 billion
Not the year for our telecommunications companies as Maxis, like Axiata lost RM10b in value.
13. Digi.com Berhad
Stock Symbol : DIGI [6947] Market Cap : RM26.279 billion Revenue : RM6.335 billion Net Profit : RM1.162 billion
Best performing among the 3 telecom companies in Malaysia, they still lost RM8b in value.
12. Sime Darby Plantation Berhad
Stock Symbol : SIMEPLT [5285] Market Cap : RM28.561 billion Revenue : RM18.695 billion Net Profit : RM2.493 billion
SIMEPLT maintains its No.12 spot. A pretty good year it seems for our plantation stocks.
11. MISC Berhad
Stock Symbol : MISC [3816] Market Cap : RM30.264 billion Revenue : RM10.671 billion Net Profit : RM1.733 billion
Up from 17th to the 11th spot this year. The logistic giant has had a comeback after the pandemic.
10. Nestle (M) Berhad
Stock Symbol : NESTLE [4707] Market Cap : RM31.118 billion Revenue : RM5.733 billion Net Profit : RM569.811 million
Nestle Malaysia moved up three spots to No.10 this year.
9. Petronas Gas Berhad
Stock Symbol : PETGAS [6033] Market Cap : RM32.530 billion Revenue : RM5.648 billion Net Profit : RM2.111 billion
Petronas Gas is a part of Malaysia’s state-owned Petronas Group. The company has interests in gas processing, gas transportation, LNG regasification, and utilities.
Up from No.14 to No.9 this year.
8. Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad
Stock Symbol : PMETAL [8869] Market Cap : RM33.535 billion Revenue : RM10.994 billion Net Profit : RM1.332 billion
PMETAL maintains its No.8 spot in 2022. An RM8b drop in value though.
7. Hong Leong Bank Berhad
Stock Symbol : HLBANK [5819] Market Cap : RM43.527 billion Revenue : RM5.466 billion Net Profit : RM2.869 billion
Banks are coming in hot this year. Hong Leong Bank moved up from 9th to 7th place in 2021. And banks are one of the few companies that have increased in market value for 2022.
6. Tenaga Nasional Berhad
Stock Symbol : TENAGA [5347] Market Cap : RM45.391 billion Revenue : RM52.629 billion Net Profit : RM3.864 billion
TENAGA has dropped from 4th place to 6th this year. They’ve lost about RM8 billion in value. Two consecutive years of loss in value.
TNB is in the business of the generation and supply of electricity to the country’s power grid.
5. CIMB Group Holdings Berhad
Stock Symbol : CIMB [1023] Market Cap : RM53.104 billion Revenue : RM19.512 billion Net Profit : RM4.392 billion
Malaysia’s third largest bank by market cap. Moved up two places from No.7.
4. IHH Healthcare Berhad
Stock Symbol : IHH [5225] Market Cap : RM56.436 billion Revenue : RM17.131 billion Net Profit : RM2.176 billion
IHH moved up from 5th place to No.4.
Their brands include Gleneagles, Mount Elizabeth, Pantai Hospitals, Parkway and Fortis.
IHH has a presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey and India. The Group also has a growing presence in Greater China and an expanding network across Asia and Central and Eastern Europe.
IHH is one of the largest healthcare groups in the world by market capitalisation and are listed on the Main Markets of Bursa Malaysia and the Singapore Stock Exchange.
3. Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad
Stock Symbol : PCHEM [5183] Market Cap : RM66.080 billion Revenue : RM23.025 billion Net Profit : RM7.319 billion
PCHEM maintained its spot form last year.
PChem is another subsidiary under Malaysia’s state-owned Petronas. Its operations include the manufacturing, marketing and selling of a variety of petrochemicals.
2. Public Bank Berhad
Stock Symbol : PBBANK [1295] Market Cap : RM85.212 billion Revenue : RM19.622 billion Net Profit : RM5.729 billion
PBBANK maintained its No.2 spot.
Public Bank is not the 2nd largest bank in Malaysia, ahead of CIMB. Founded by Malaysia’s 5th richest man – Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Teh Hong Piow.
A fun fact – Public Bank owns Public Mutual.
1. Malayan Banking Berhad
Stock Symbol : MAYBANK [1155] Market Cap : RM102.463 billion Revenue : RM45.959 billion Net Profit : RM8.312 billion
The king remains at no.1. The bank has also increased by RM5 billion in value. Crossing the RM100m in value mark once again this year.
Maybank is Malaysia’s largest bank and largest company by market capitalisation. It is the first company in Malaysia to cross the RM100 billion dollar mark in market cap.
The bank has offices and a presence in 20 countries around the world.
2021 Top Companies in Malaysia
20. Mr. DIY Berhad
Stock Symbol : MRDIY [5296] Market Cap : RM25.17 billion Revenue : RM2.56 billion Net Profit : RM0.35 billion
A new entry into the top 20 list! And to think that they only recently IPO-ed.
19. IOI Corporation Berhad
Stock Symbol : IOICORP [1961] Market Cap : RM25.77 billion Revenue : RM7.80 billion Net Profit : RM1.285 billion
A drop to 19th place from its previous 17.
18. PPB Group Berhad
Stock Symbol : PPB [4065] Market Cap : RM26.63 billion Revenue : RM4.19 billion Net Profit : RM1.36 billion
PPB maintained its position at number 18. Market cap also increased a little.
17. MISC Berhad
Stock Symbol : MISC [3816] Market Cap : RM30.49 billion Revenue : RM9.40 billion Net Profit : RM1.38 billion
MISC has shot back up as shipping and logistics moved up the pecking order during the COVID pandemic.
They have however dropped from 10th to 17th place. Market cap dropped by about RM6 billion.
16. Sime Darby Plantation Berhad
Stock Symbol : SIMEPLT [5285] Market Cap : RM30.842 billion Revenue : RM13.08 billion Net Profit : RM1.473 billion
SIMEPLT moved down four spots from number 12. Market cap dropped by about RM4 billion.
15. Hartalega Holdings Berhad
Stock Symbol : HARTA [5168] Market Cap : RM31.05 billion Revenue : RM6.695 billion Net Profit : RM2.90 billion
Malaysia’s 2nd largest glove maker just behind Top Glove. Harta moved from 7th place previously to no.15 now.
Their market cap dropped by about RM10 billion.
14. Petronas Gas Berhad
Stock Symbol : PETGAS [6033] Market Cap : RM31.90 billion Revenue : RM5.59 billion Net Profit : RM2.27 billion
Petronas Gas is a part of Malaysia’s state-owned Petronas Group. The company has interests in gas processing, gas transportation, LNG regasification, and utilities.
Dropped from 11th place to 14th. Market cap dropped by about RM2 billion. Both revenue and net profit increased. Undervalued?
13. Nestle (M) Berhad
Stock Symbol : NESTLE [4707] Market Cap : RM31.82 billion Revenue : RM5.41 billion Net Profit : RM541.57 million
Nestle Malaysia moved up 3 places from 16th to 13th.
12. Digi.com Berhad
Stock Symbol : DIGI [6947] Market Cap : RM33.12 billion Revenue : RM6.15 billion Net Profit : RM1.15 billion
Digi moved up from 13th to 12th in 2021.
11. Axiata Group Berhad
Stock Symbol : AXIATA [6888] Market Cap : RM33.65 billion Revenue : RM24.58 billion Net Profit : RM1.82 billion
Axiata moved up three places this year! Overtaking Digi. Both companies will be merged.
10. Maxis Berhad
Stock Symbol : MAXIS [6012] Market Cap : RM36.06 billion Revenue : RM8.966 billion Net Profit : RM1.36 billion
Maxis dropped to 10th place this year from its previous 8th. They lost about RM5 billion in value.
9. Hong Leong Bank Berhad
Stock Symbol : HLBANK [5819] Market Cap : RM38.24 billion Revenue : RM4.78 billion Net Profit : RM2.50 billion
Banks are coming in hot this year. Hong Leong Bank moved up from 15th to 9th place in 2021.
8. Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad
Stock Symbol : PMETAL [8869] Market Cap : RM41.75 billion Revenue : RM7.54 billion Net Profit : RM0.58 billion
A new entry to the list. Shot up straight to 8th place. I really don’t see the justification for it being so high up right now.
7. CIMB Group Holdings Berhad
Stock Symbol : CIMB [1023] Market Cap : RM42.16 billion Revenue : RM17.19 billion Net Profit : RM1.15 billion
Malaysia’s third largest bank by market cap. Moved up two places from no.9.
6. Top Glove Corporation Berhad
Stock Symbol : TOPGLOV [7113] Market Cap : RM42.67 billion Revenue : RM7.24 billion Net Profit : RM6.98 billion
Top Glove is not only the largest in Malaysia. It is the world’s largest manufacturer of gloves.
Apart from gloves, the company’s product range comprises of condoms, dental dams and exercise bands.
Maintained its position. Market cap dropped by about RM2 billion.
5. IHH Healthcare Berhad
Stock Symbol : IHH [5225] Market Cap : RM45.74 billion Revenue : RM13.40 billion Net Profit : RM205.85 million
IHH too maintained its no.5 position this year.
Their brands include Gleneagles, Mount Elizabeth, Pantai Hospitals, Parkway and Fortis.
IHH has a presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey and India. The Group also has a growing presence in Greater China and an expanding network across Asia and Central and Eastern Europe.
IHH is one of the largest healthcare groups in the world by market capitalisation and are listed on the Main Markets of Bursa Malaysia and the Singapore Stock Exchange.
4. Tenaga Nasional Berhad
Stock Symbol : TENAGA [5347] Market Cap : RM56.91 billion Revenue : RM43.98 billion Net Profit : RM3.62 billion
TENAGA has dropped from 2nd place to 4th this year. They’ve lost about RM12 billion in value.
TNB is in the business of the generation and supply of electricity to the country’s power grid.
3. Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad
Stock Symbol : PCHEM [5183] Market Cap : RM64.32 billion Revenue : RM14.36 billion Net Profit : RM1.59 billion
Moved up from 4th to 3rd this year. Value went up by RM10 billion.
PChem is another subsidiary under Malaysia’s state-owned Petronas. Its operations include the manufacturing, marketing and selling of a variety of petrochemicals.
2. Public Bank Berhad
Stock Symbol : PBBANK [1295] Market Cap : RM81.52 billion Revenue : RM20.30 billion Net Profit : RM5.14 billion
PBBANK moved up from 3rd to 2nd. Increased its value by about RM14 billion.
Public Bank is not the 2nd largest bank in Malaysia, ahead of CIMB. Founded by Malaysia’s 5th richest man – Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Teh Hong Piow.
A fun fact – Public Bank owns Public Mutual.
1. Malayan Banking Berhad
Stock Symbol : MAYBANK [1155] Market Cap : RM95.31 billion Revenue : RM51.03 billion Net Profit : RM6.72 billion
The king remains at no.1. The bank has also increased by RM5 billion in value.
Maybank is Malaysia’s largest bank and largest company by market capitalisation. It is the first company in Malaysia to cross the RM100 billion dollar mark in market cap.
The bank has offices and presence in 20 countries around the world.
2019 Top Companies in Malaysia
20. Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad
Stock Symbol : HAPSENG [3034] Market Cap : RM22.15 billion Revenue : RM7.10 billion Net Profit : RM1.22 billion
Coming in at number 20 is Hap Seng, most of you may know them as one of the dealers for Mercedes Benz via their subsidary – Hap Seng Star.
In fact, Hap Seng has six main business divisions – plantation, automotive, property, trading, credit financing and building materials.
19. Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad
Stock Symbol : KLK[2445] Market Cap : RM24.56 billion Revenue : RM15.53 billion Net Profit : RM650.73 million
KLK is one of the largest plantation company in Malaysia. Focusing on both oil palm and rubber.
Besides plantation, KLK has interests in oleochemical and property development.
18. PPB Group Berhad
Stock Symbol : PPB [4065] Market Cap : RM24.72 billion Revenue : RM4.68 billion Net Profit : RM1.20 billion
Some of you may know this as Malaysia’s richest business magnate’s company – Robert Kuok’s.
PPB has interests in oil palm, agriculture, film (GSC Cinmenas), engineering and property development.
17. IOI Corporation Berhad
Stock Symbol : IOICORP [1961] Market Cap : RM27.47 billion Revenue : RM7.39 billion Net Profit : RM617.60 million
IOI Corp is another plantation player with interests in the property sector as well.
16. Nestle (M) Berhad
Stock Symbol : NESTLE [4707] Market Cap : RM32.62 billion Revenue : RM5.52 billion Net Profit : RM672.91 million
Nestle is in the consumer products sector and a household name in Malaysia. Brands like Milo, Maggi, Nescafe, KitKat all fall under the huge Nestle umbrella.
15. Hong Leong Bank Berhad
Stock Symbol : HLBANK [5819] Market Cap : RM33.17 billion Revenue : RM4.73 billion Net Profit : RM2.66 billion
Hong Leong bank is the 4th largest bank by market cap in Malaysia. It has a presence in Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China.
Nothing much to be said except to expect 3 other banks to come in the list later.
14. Axiata Group Berhad
Stock Symbol : AXIATA [6888] Market Cap : RM33.65 billion Revenue : RM24.58 billion Net Profit : RM1.82 billion
Axiata is a telecommunications company in Malaysia and if you don’t already know, Celcom is brought to you by Axiata.
13. Digi.com Berhad
Stock Symbol : DIGI [6947] Market Cap : RM34.21 billion Revenue : RM6.30 billion Net Profit : RM1.43 billion
Another telecommunications company, Digi comes in at number 13. Traditionally, telecommunication stocks have been dividend darlings to investors.
12. Sime Darby Plantation Berhad
Stock Symbol : SIMEPLT [5285] Market Cap : RM34.42 billion Revenue : RM12.06 billion Net Profit : -RM47.00 million
With the recent split of the Sime Darby Group, Sime Darby Plantation remains in the top 20 companies in Malaysia.
They are currently the largest plantation company by market cap in Malaysia.
11. Petronas Gas Berhad
Stock Symbol : PETGAS [6033] Market Cap : RM35.62 billion Revenue : RM5.46 billion Net Profit : RM1.98 billion
Petronas Gas is a part of Malaysia’s state-owned Petronas Group. The company has interests in gas processing, gas transportation, LNG regasification and utilities.
10. MISC Berhad
Stock Symbol : MISC [3816] Market Cap : RM36.51 billion Revenue : RM8.96 billion Net Profit : RM1.44 billion
MISC is in the business of providing international energy-related maritime solutions and services. Main interests include LNG shipping, petroleum shipping, operation of offshore floating solutions, marine and heavy engineering, and port management.
9. CIMB Group Holdings Berhad
Stock Symbol : CIMB [1023] Market Cap : RM39.20 billion Revenue : RM17.80 billion Net Profit : RM4.46 billion
Malaysia’s third largest bank by market cap.
It has subsidiaries in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, as well as branches in Singapore, the Philippines, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Laos and representative offices in Yangon and Mumbai.
A fun and perhaps valuable fact is that CIMB owns Touch n’ Go and the e-wallet Boost.
8. Maxis Berhad
Stock Symbol : MAXIS [6012] Market Cap : RM42.00 billion Revenue : RM9.31 billion Net Profit : RM1.52 billion
Malaysia’s largest telecommunications company. Maxis provides other digital services as well apart from its bread and butter – coverage.
7. Hartalega Holdings Berhad
Stock Symbol : HARTA [5168] Market Cap : RM42.15 billion Revenue : RM2.92 billion Net Profit : RM435.83 million
Malaysia’s 2nd largest glove maker just behind Top Glove. They produce nitrile, latex and OEM gloves.
Glove makers are in the top 20 right now because of market enthusiasm.
6. Top Glove Corporation Berhad
Stock Symbol : TOPGLOV [7113] Market Cap : RM44.29 billion Revenue : RM4.80 billion Net Profit : RM373.61 million
Top Glove is not only the largest in Malaysia. It is the world’s largest manufacturer of gloves.
Apart from gloves, the company’s product range comprises of condoms, dental dams and exercise bands.
Glove makers are in the top 20 right now because of market enthusiasm.
5. IHH Healthcare Berhad
Stock Symbol : IHH [5225] Market Cap : RM48.27 billion Revenue : RM14.91 billion Net Profit : RM514.84 million
If you’ve been to a hospital, chances are it is owned by IHH.
Their brands include Gleneagles, Mount Elizabeth, Pantai Hospitals, Parkway and Fortis.
IHH has a presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey and India. The Group also has a growing presence in Greater China and an expanding network across Asia and Central and Eastern Europe.
IHH is one of the largest healthcare groups in the world by market capitalisation and are listed on the Main Markets of Bursa Malaysia and the Singapore Stock Exchange.
4. Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad
Stock Symbol : PCHEM [5183] Market Cap : RM53.60 billion Revenue : RM16.37 billion Net Profit : RM2.80 billion
PChem is another subsidiary under Malaysia’s state-owned Petronas. Its operations include the manufacturing, marketing and selling of a variety of petrochemicals.
3. Public Bank Berhad
Stock Symbol : PBBANK [1295] Market Cap : RM66.93 billion Revenue : RM22.45 billion Net Profit : RM5.58 billion
Public Bank is not the 2nd largest bank in Malaysia, ahead of CIMB. Founded by Malaysia’s 5th richest man – Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Teh Hong Piow.
A fun fact – Public Bank owns Public Mutual.
2. Tenaga Nasional Berhad
Stock Symbol : TENAGA [5347] Market Cap : RM68.23 billion Revenue : RM50.94 billion Net Profit : RM4.45 billion
TNB is in the business of the generation and supply of electricity to the country’s power grid.
1. Malayan Banking Berhad
Stock Symbol : MAYBANK [1155] Market Cap : RM90.83 billion Revenue : RM52.84 billion Net Profit : RM8.48 billion
Maybank is Malaysia’s largest bank and largest company by market capitalisation. It is the first company in Malaysia to cross the RM100 billion dollar mark in market cap.
The bank has offices and presence in 20 countries around the world.
End.
Out of the 20 companies listed above, I have stakes in 4 companies. A full list of the stocks I own can be seen in my portfolio – the Freedom Fund.
Listing Malaysia’s top companies has been fun. However, I’d like to emphasize just how small Malaysia’s companies are:
Apple, the world’s most valuable company is valued at USD1.53 trillion. Converted to RM, that puts Apple’s valuation at a whopping RM6.53 trillion.
To put it in simpler terms.. our most valuable company – Maybank is worth 1.38% of Apple. This is why apart from investing in Malaysian companies, I am investing in the US as well.
Investing is easy, just make sure to not be drowned in the clutter and news surrounding the stocks you’re investing in. Trust sound judgement and trust the numbers.