Tencent became the first Asian technology company to exceed a $500 billion market capitalization.
Tencent passed the $500 billion market-capitalization mark in November 2017. The Chinese technology group’s valuation was supported by its enormous social, gaming, and digital-services businesses.
Tencent operates WeChat, one of China’s most influential messaging and mobile-payment platforms, and owns or invests in numerous game developers and publishers. Its online-gaming portfolio includes major international franchises and has been a significant source of revenue.
The milestone is distinct from Alibaba’s later market-value records and from the market capitalization of Asian semiconductor manufacturers such as TSMC and Samsung Electronics. Tencent’s share price is listed in Hong Kong, so comparisons with U.S.-listed companies also depend on exchange rates and trading venues.