The Top 30 Companies of the Turkish Stock Market and Foreign Ownership Ratios

December 2023 – Companies listed on Borsa Istanbul, the heart of the Turkish economy, continue to attract the attention of both domestic and foreign investors. The stakes owned by foreign investors provide important insights into the global competitiveness and investment attractiveness of these companies. Here are the top 30 companies traded on the Turkish Stock Market, ranked by the highest ownership rates by foreign investors:

Top 10 – Foreign Ownership Ratios of Turkish Stock Market Companies

Turkcell (TCELL) – Turkcell ranks at the top of our list with 70.77% ownership by foreign investors. As a pioneer in Turkey’s communication and technology sector, this company has become an attractive choice for foreign investors as well.

Koç Holding (KCHOL) – With a foreign ownership rate of 62.6%, Koç Holding encompasses leading companies in various sectors and stands out as a reliable port of call for investors.

Akbank (AKBNK) – Akbank, one of Turkey’s leading banks, attracts strong interest from foreign investors with a 57.15% ownership rate.

Bim Birleşik Mağazalar A.Ş (BIMAS) – A pioneer in the retail sector, BIM draws attention with a 51.04% foreign ownership rate.

Sabancı Holding (SAHOL) – Sabancı Holding holds an important place in the portfolios of foreign investors with a 49.78% ownership rate.

Tüpraş (TUPRS) – Tüpraş, Turkey’s largest refinery company, boasts a 43.28% foreign investor ownership rate.

Tofaş Fabrika (TOASO) – As one of the established companies in the automotive sector, Tofaş is included in our list with a 42.34% foreign ownership rate.

İş Bankası (C) (ISCTR) – İş Bankası is one of the strong players in the financial sector with a 40.2% foreign ownership.

Ford Otosan (FROTO) – With a 40% foreign investment rate, Ford Otosan is another leading company in the automotive sector.

Yapı Kredi Bankası (YKBNK) – Yapı Kredi continues to be a focal point for foreign investors with a 38.34% ownership rate.

Other Companies

Türk Hava Yolları (THYAO) – As the national carrier airline, Turkish Airlines maintains its role as Turkey’s gateway to the world with a 35.11% foreign ownership ratio.

Aselsan (ASELS) – A leader in the defence industry, Aselsan gains the trust of foreign investors in technology and security with a 31.36% ownership ratio.

Enka İnşaat (ENKAI) – Enka İnşaat, with a 29.49% foreign ownership ratio, frequently makes a name for itself in global projects in the construction sector.

Ereğli Demir Çelik (EREGL) – As one of the longstanding companies in the iron and steel sector, Ereğli Demir Çelik is among the preferred companies of foreign investors with a 28.61% ownership ratio.

Koza Altın (KOZAL) – Engaged in gold mining and operations, Koza Altın is a shining star in the market with a 24.75% foreign ownership ratio.

Pegasus Hava Taşımacılığı (PGSUS) – Offering affordable air transportation, Pegasus is one of the rising stars in the sector with a 23.95% ownership ratio.

Şişecam (SISE) – As a global player in the glass industry, Şişecam is indispensable for the industrial and construction sectors with a 21.78% foreign ownership ratio.

Hektaş (HEKTS) – Hektaş, offering chemical fertilizers and pest control products in the agriculture sector, stands out with a 21.44% foreign investment.

Emlak Konut GYO (EKGYO) – As a real estate investment partnership, Emlak Konut is one of the prominent names in the real estate sector with 20.57% foreign ownership.

Arçelik (ARCLK) – Arçelik, a manufacturer of white goods and electronic appliances, continues to be the choice of both domestic and foreign households with a 17.64% ownership ratio.

Kardemir (D) (KRDMD) – Kardemir, one of Turkey’s long-standing companies in the iron and steel sector, plays a critical role in industrial development with a 15.11% foreign ownership ratio.

Odaş Elektrik Üretim (ODAS) – Odaş Elektrik, with a 13.93% ownership ratio, stands out with innovative approaches in the energy sector and a commitment to sustainable production, catching the attention of foreign investors.

Gübre Fabrikaları (GUBRF) – Leading the fertilizer production, which is the lifeline of the agriculture sector, Gübre Fabrikaları maintains its weight in the sector with a 12.99% foreign ownership ratio.

Sasa Polyester Sanayi A.Ş. (SASA) – Sasa Polyester, with a 12.86% foreign ownership, emerges as a strong player in the textile and chemical industry.

Petkim (PETKM) – A leading company in the petrochemical sector, Petkim draws attention with a 12.22% foreign ownership, both in terms of production capacity and export potential.

Alarko Holding (ALARK) – Operating in various industries, Alarko Holding continues to gain the trust of investors with an 11.32% foreign ownership ratio.

Garanti Bankası (GARAN) – Garanti Bank, one of Turkey’s leading financial institutions with a 10.77% ownership ratio, stands out with its extensive service network and innovative banking solutions.

Kontrolmatik Teknoloji (KONTR) – Growing rapidly in the fields of technology and engineering with a 10.08% foreign ownership ratio, Kontrolmatik offers an opportunity to invest in future technologies.

Astor Enerji (ASTOR) – Operating in the energy sector with a 7.95% foreign ownership ratio, Astor Enerji stands out as a company providing sustainable energy solutions.

Oyak Çimento (OYAKC) – Oyak Çimento, at the bottom of our list with 2.81%, plays a vital role in the economy by producing one of the fundamental materials of the construction sector.,

FAQs – Foreign Ownership Ratios of Turkish Stock Market Companies

What is the foreign ownership ratio, and why is it important?

The foreign ownership ratio shows how much of a company’s shares are held by foreign investors. This ratio reflects the company’s attractiveness in the global market, investor confidence, and its reputation in international markets. Additionally, it is important in terms of the impact of foreign investments on company management and strategies.

Why is Turkcell’s foreign ownership ratio so high?

Turkcell holds a leading position in the communication sector and demonstrates stable growth potential, making it an attractive choice for foreign investors. Furthermore, its investments in technological innovations and its capacity to compete on the international stage are among the main reasons for the high ratio.

How do foreign investment ratios affect stock market performance?

Companies with high foreign investment ratios generally have more liquidity and stable stock prices. These ratios can have a positive impact on stock market performance as they indicate the company’s commitment to corporate governance standards and investor confidence.

Are companies with low foreign ownership ratios risky?

Companies with low foreign ownership ratios are not necessarily riskier; however, the lack of interest from foreign investors in some cases may suggest that the company’s market value has not been fully recognized. It is important to evaluate each company’s situation individually.

What is the general trend of foreign investment ratios in the Turkish stock market?

Trends can vary over time, but in recent years, the Turkish stock market has attracted increasing foreign investments. This can be associated with factors such as Turkey’s economic growth potential and its strategic location.

Why are foreign investors interested in Turkish companies?

Turkey’s geographical location, growing economy, young and dynamic population, and growth potential in various sectors attract foreign investors. Additionally, Turkish companies often offer high dividend yields and growth opportunities.