SAP Leads as One of Germany’s Most Valuable Companies Amid Economic Struggles
Three German companies, led by SAP, maintain top 100 global valuations despite Germany's economic challenges in 2025, while automotive giants decline sharply.
- • SAP ranks 45th globally with a $285 billion market value despite a decrease from €314 billion.
- • Siemens and Allianz hold 73rd and 98th positions with valuations of €187 billion and €149 billion respectively.
- • Major German car manufacturers Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen have dropped out of the top 300 companies globally due to sector struggles.
- • AI-focused growth helped SAP sustain its position amidst a global market favoring US and Asian companies in 2025.
Key details
Despite significant economic challenges faced by Germany in 2025, three German companies remain among the world's top 100 most valuable firms according to a recent EY Germany report dated January 7, 2026. SAP leads the pack as the highest-ranked German firm, positioned 45th globally with a market capitalization of $285 billion (about €244 billion). While this represents a decline from its previous valuation of €314 billion, SAP’s strategic focus on artificial intelligence and cloud services, alongside a voluntary workforce reduction, helped it maintain a strong valuation amidst the turbulent economic conditions. Henrik Ahlers, CEO of EY Germany, highlighted that 2025 saw a surge in AI-related stock performances, primarily benefiting companies in the US and Asia, which made it challenging for German firms to keep pace.
Following SAP, Siemens and Allianz rank 73rd and 98th worldwide with approximate valuations of €187 billion and €149 billion, respectively. These standings demonstrate resilience in sectors beyond automotive amidst Germany's broader economic difficulties. Contrasting sharply, traditional German automotive giants have seen steep declines: Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen fell out of the top 300 global companies, ranked 327th, 329th, and 364th respectively, reflecting the automotive sector's ongoing struggles.
The EY report bases these rankings on market capitalizations as of December 31, 2025, confirming that while some German companies falter, others retain significant global value through innovation and adaptation to new technologies like AI. This positions firms such as SAP, Siemens, and Allianz as key players sustaining Germany’s corporate presence on the world stage despite economic headwinds.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
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