Largest Companies Headquartered in Missouri

In the fast-paced business world, Missouri has emerged as a powerhouse state that harbors several multinational corporations, contributing not only to the local economy but also to the national and global landscape. What makes Missouri an interesting state is its diversity in the type of industries it attracts. From aerospace and healthcare to retail and technology, the companies headquartered in Missouri operate across a broad spectrum of industries.

Let’s start with a few household names. Boeing Defense, Space & Security, which is a division of The Boeing Company, one of the largest aerospace companies globally, has its defense unit headquartered in St. Louis. Boeing’s operations in Missouri involve everything from military aircraft to cutting-edge defense systems, making it one of the state’s biggest employers. With thousands of engineers, technicians, and innovators, Boeing is a symbol of Missouri’s contribution to technological advancements in national security.

Then, there’s Express Scripts, now a part of Cigna, the global health services company. Express Scripts, based in St. Louis, has revolutionized the pharmaceutical industry through its prescription benefit management (PBM) services. Before merging with Cigna, Express Scripts was an independent leader in its field, managing millions of prescriptions annually and employing tens of thousands in Missouri. The company’s operations in Missouri continue to thrive, and it remains one of the top employers in the state. The healthcare sector’s importance in Missouri cannot be overstated, and Express Scripts exemplifies how the state plays a critical role in the nation’s health.

Retail giant Emerson Electric, also headquartered in Missouri, has made waves both domestically and internationally. This Fortune 500 company, based in Ferguson, specializes in electrical equipment, engineering services, and automation solutions. Emerson has been a staple in Missouri for over a century and continues to drive technological innovations that impact industries from manufacturing to energy. With operations spread across the globe, Emerson’s roots in Missouri symbolize the state’s resilience and innovative spirit.

Another essential company on this list is Centene Corporation, a healthcare enterprise specializing in government-sponsored healthcare programs like Medicaid. Centene, headquartered in Clayton, Missouri, has grown into a national leader in its field. Its services range from offering health plans for individuals to managing long-term care services. Centene’s commitment to providing affordable healthcare is one of the driving forces behind its impressive growth trajectory, and it has been a beacon of Missouri’s thriving healthcare industry.

Let’s not forget O’Reilly Automotive, an auto parts retailer that started with a single store in Springfield, Missouri. Today, O'Reilly has more than 5,000 stores across the United States, and its headquarters remains rooted in Missouri. This company has proven that starting small doesn’t limit potential growth. O'Reilly's dedication to providing top-tier service and parts has led it to become one of the largest retailers of automotive parts and accessories in North America. The company’s sustained success speaks volumes about Missouri’s business-friendly environment.

Edward Jones, a financial services company headquartered in Des Peres, Missouri, is another massive player on this list. With thousands of branches across the U.S. and Canada, Edward Jones specializes in serving individual investors with personalized financial advice. The company has been a staple in Missouri for decades, and its focus on local communities has made it one of the most trusted names in finance. The firm’s headquarters in Missouri symbolize the state’s strength in the financial services sector.

One cannot discuss Missouri without mentioning Anheuser-Busch, the iconic beer company responsible for household names like Budweiser and Bud Light. Although Anheuser-Busch was acquired by InBev in 2008, its operational heart remains in St. Louis. The brewery is one of the largest employers in Missouri, and the company has retained a strong cultural connection with the state. The company’s presence in Missouri represents not only a long-standing tradition of brewing but also the importance of the food and beverage industry in the state’s economy.

The state's contributions to technology cannot be ignored, and companies like Cerner Corporation highlight that fact. Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, Cerner is a global leader in health information technology (HIT). The company specializes in electronic medical records (EMRs), which have revolutionized the way healthcare providers interact with patient data. Cerner’s innovations have made it easier for healthcare professionals to access critical patient information, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing costs. With thousands of employees in Missouri, Cerner stands as a testament to the state’s growing influence in the tech world.

Missouri also plays a critical role in the agriculture sector, with companies like Monsanto (now a part of Bayer) based in St. Louis. Monsanto was a leader in agricultural biotechnology and developed genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which have significantly impacted global food production. Although Monsanto has merged with Bayer, its legacy in Missouri remains strong, and the company’s agricultural innovations continue to benefit farmers worldwide. Missouri’s expertise in agriculture has been a key driver in its economic success.

Finally, let’s look at H&R Block, a tax preparation company based in Kansas City, Missouri. Founded in 1955, H&R Block has grown into a major player in tax services, with operations in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. The company’s headquarters in Kansas City remain its operational hub, and its commitment to simplifying tax preparation for millions of people has made it one of the most recognizable brands in its industry.

Missouri's diversity in industries—ranging from aerospace and healthcare to finance and retail—has made it a vital player in the national economy. The state’s favorable business environment, skilled workforce, and strategic location have attracted these massive corporations, all of which contribute to its economic stability and growth. The companies listed above are just a few examples of how Missouri punches above its weight in the business world. They reflect the innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit that have come to define the state.

The future looks bright for Missouri, as these companies continue to expand and innovate, ensuring that the state remains a key hub for business operations for years to come. As these companies grow, so too does Missouri's influence on both the national and global stage. The success of these firms underscores the importance of Missouri as a cornerstone of America’s economic engine.