Every year, Fortune Magazine does a comprehensive list of the top 500 companies in the world. Fortune has the staff for such a publication. Being the college student that I am this is a one man show and 20 is a tall order to review in it's own right. So not to waste anymore time lets get started.
1. Wal-Mart Stores
Wal-Mart is a retail store chain. It is most known for it's low price ad campaigns, as well as it's stigma of low pay for employees. It's illustrious spot at the top this year is jump from the number 2 spot last year beating out former champ Exxon Mobil.
2. Exxon Mobil
Exxon Mobile is an oil production company, and is probably most famous for the Exxon Valdez disaster. This year it takes place in the number two spot being bumped by Wal-Mart Stores.
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3. Chevron
Chevron retains it's title of number 3 this year. Like Exxon it is an oil production company, without the nasty disaster.
4. Phillips 66
Phillips 66 rounds out the top 5 for the oil industry.
5. Berkshire Hathaway
Berkshire Hathaway is a holdings company owning many different companies. It's main company invetment is in insurance.
6. Apple
Everyone knows Apple. MacBook, iPod, & the iPhone have made this company a power-house in the tech world. It's only been in the last few years losing ground in the global market share for smartphones and tablets. This doesn't seem to have slowed them down though. Last year Apple was #17 on the list. This year it's #6. The only other company to do better is the very same one chipping away at it market share.
7. General Motors
General Motors is graces the number 7 spot having fallen two spots from last years number 5 status. It is an auto manufacture and currently holds a 15% share in the Chinese market.
8. General Electric
General Electric or GE as they are more commonly known has fallen this year from the number 6 spot down to 8th. GE is known for it wide range of electronics and appliances.
9. Valero Energy
Valero is not just any oil production company, it remains the largest oil refinement company in the world. Last year it held it's own in the number 12 spot this year it has jumped to 9th.
10. Ford Motor
Ford Motor is another addition to our list of automakers. Having fallen one spot from last year it seems Ford is having a hard time with the current auto market.
11. AT&T
AT&T joins our list of tech companies. AT&T has remain solid at the number 11 spot. This is a good/bad relationship for AT&T. It may have a nice lofty spot it hasn't moved in the last year nor has it made any big moves in acquiring new customers. Maybe next AT&T!
12. Fannie Mae
Fannie Mae was one the banks that received a government bail-out. As of this year it is expected to make a profit for the foreseeable future. On a bright note Fannie Mae has also paid back $36.5 million of the $116 million from the bail-out.
13. CVS Caremark
CVS is a competitor of Walgreens. It is in the medical/retail industry. It may sell everyday household goods, but the truth is it makes most of its money from the pharmacy and the new minute clinic located in most of its stores.
14. McKesson
Drug distribution is good for McKesson not to mention their CEO's pockets. Like AT&T it holds it place from last year and is still making money in the process.
15. Hewlett Packard
HP can't seem to catch a break. Falling from 10th to 15th the computer giant isn't so giant anymore. Bad PC and printer sales have really hurt the company as well as a failed endeavor at the tablet market.
16. Verizon Communications
If you live in the U.S. then you can hear me now, when I say Verizon needs know major introduction. With its major push to cover the nation in its new 4G wireless technology. Profits are good with almost 90% covered.
17. United Health Group
One of only two health insurers in the top 20, United Health Group is the largest. It is expected to continue its gains in the future,as it moves further into the South American market.
18. J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.
J.P. Morgan is an investment bank. It is one of the few that is still turning a profit here in the U.S. It recenlty had troubles with the government but that has since been taken care of.
19. Cardinal Health
Cardinal Health is the other health insurer in the top 20. It recently lost it's biggest contract with Walgreens but the future still looks good for the company.
20. International Business Machines
International Business Machines is probably better known as IBM. Grandfathers of the PC revolution IBM has been able to stay relevent with their consintration on the business model and software related ventures.As impressive as this list is it still makes me sad that the company I want to work for isn't on it. Coming at number 58 sounds like they aren't much, however if you consider that last year they were in 73, you might realize they are a company to watch closely. Who is it you ask?
For me I see a clear future with Google and beyond. Space is my ultimate goal, Google will be my launch pad.
Source: CNN Money
