Fortune 100

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What Is A Fortune 100 Company?

The Fortune 100 is a subset of the Fortune 500 list, comprising the top one hundred US companies. This annual list, published by Fortune Magazine, encompasses public and privately held entities. This exclusive compilation serves as a benchmark, offering valuable insights into the economic landscape and reflecting the pinnacle of corporate success.

Fortune 100 Company

The rankings are based on companies reporting their annual revenue to the American government, primarily focusing on this financial metric for the corresponding year. This meticulous evaluation underscores the Fortune 100's emphasis on financial prowess, setting it apart from lists such as "100 best companies to work for" or "fast-growing companies." This distinction positions the Fortune 100 as a vital resource for gauging economic prowess and market leadership.

  • Fortune 100 comprises the top one hundred US-based public and private companies, ranked according to annual revenue.
  • It is an annual sublist within the Fortune 500, compiled by Fortune magazine.
  • Typically, a consistent set of 7-8 companies maintains top 10 rankings in the Fortune 100, with their positions shifting based on reported annual revenue.
  • Fortune magazine sets high standards for journalism, providing quality data, articles, and information that adhere to transparency and accuracy principles.

Fortune 100 Company Explained

The Fortune 100 highlights the top one hundred companies based on their recent fiscal year financial earnings and annual revenue. It is a monthly publication in the United States that compiles numerous business ranking lists based on data provided by American companies to the U.S. government. Its significance lies in presenting diverse business information across various sections, encompassing company profiles, business articles, news, and interviews with influential business leaders.

This magazine is renowned for providing insights into economic trends, current business scenarios, upcoming projects, and press releases. In addition, it serves as an extensive source of information for readers interested in major U.S. companies, offering valuable insights that have a broader impact on the global economy, including the Fortune 100. The list features household names and globally recognized brands such as Walmart, Coca-Cola, Intel, Amazon, Microsoft, Ford, Bank of America, and more.

Covering various facets of the business world, the magazine produces several lists, including Fortune 500, Fortune 1000, Fortune Global 500, 40 Under 40, Best Fortune 100 Companies to Work For, 100 Fastest Growing Companies, Fortune India 500, Most Powerful Women, The Unicorn List, World’s Most Admired Companies, and Businessperson of the Year.

History

The Fortune 100 has a rich history, originating from the broader Fortune magazine created by Henry Robinson Luce. Initially focused on mining and manufacturing, the magazine expanded its coverage over time. The first edition that didn't specify a manufacturing or mining company was published in 1994.

Over more than five and a half decades, the magazine evolved its criteria, initially ranking companies with annual revenues equal to or above $1 billion. After 1995, new companies were included in the list based on the changed requirement of achieving a 10% increase in their previous year's total revenue.

Companies

The list of Fortune 100 companies undergoes an annual update. The present compilation represents the 68th edition of the Fortune 500 ranking:

CompaniesSector
WalmartRetail
AmazonRetail
Exxon MobilEnergy
AppleTechnology
UnitedHealth GroupHealth Care
CVS HealthHealth Care
Berkshire HathawayFinancial
AlphabetTechnology
McKessonHealth Care
ChevronEnergy
AmerisourceBergenHealth Care
Costco WholesaleRetail
MicrosoftTechnology
Cardinal HealthHealth Care
CignaHealth Care
Marathon PetroleumEnergy
Phillips 66Energy
Valero EnergyEnergy
Ford MotorMotor Vehicles & Parts
Home DepotRetail
General MotorsMotor Vehicles & Parts
Elevance HealthHealth Care
JPMorgan ChaseFinancial
KrogerFood & Drug Stores
CenteneHealth Care
Verizon CommunicationsTelecommunication
Walgreens BootsFood & Drug Stores
Fannie MaeFinancial
ComcastTelecommunication
AT&TTelecommunication
Meta PlatformsTechnology
Bank of AmericaFinancial
TargetRetail
Dell TechnologiesTechnology
Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)Food, Beverages & Tobacco
CitigroupFinancial
United Parcel ServiceTransportation
PfizerHealth Care
Lowe’sRetail
Johnson & JohnsonHealth Care
FedExTransportation
HumanaHealth Care
Energy TransferEnergy
State Farm InsuranceFinancial
Freddie MacFinancial
PepsiCoFood, Beverages & Tobacco
Wells FargoFinancial
Walt DisneyMedia
ConocoPhillipsEnergy
TeslaAutomotive
Procter & GambleRetail
General ElectricIndustrials
AlbertsonsFood & Drug Stores
MetLifeFinancial
Goldman Sachs GroupFinancial
SyscoWholesalers
Raytheon TechnologiesAerospace & Defense
BoeingAerospace & Defense
StoneX GroupFinancial
Lockheed MartinAerospace & Defense
Morgan StanleyFinancial
IntelTechnology
HPTechnology
TD SynnexTechnology
International Business MachinesTechnology
HCA HealthcareHealth Care
Prudential FinancialFinancial
CaterpillarIndustrials
MerckHealth Care
World fuel servicesEnergy
New York Life InsuranceFinancial
Enterprise Products PartnersEnergy
AbbVieHealth Care
Plains GP HoldingsEnergy
DowChemicals
AIGInsurance
American ExpressFinancial
Publix Super MarketsFood & Drug Stores
Charter CommunicationsTelecommunication
Tyson FoodsFood, Beverages & Tobacco
DeereIndustrials
Cisco SystemsTechnology
NationwideFinancial
Delta AirlinesFinancials
Delta air linesAviation
Liberty Mutual Insurance GroupInsurance
TJXRetail
ProgressiveFinancial
American Airlines GroupAviation
CHSRetail
Performance Food GroupFood, Beverages
PBF EnergyPetroleum
NikeApparel
Best BuyRetail
Bristol-Myers SquibbHealth Care
United Airlines HoldingsAviation
Thermo Fisher ScientificTechnology
QualcommTelecommunication
Abbott LaboratoriesHealth Care
Coca-ColaFood, Beverages & Tobacco

Examples

Here are two examples of Fortune 100:

Example #1

Several Fortune 100 companies have embraced cutting-edge technologies, with over half venturing into crypto, web3, or blockchain initiatives since 2020. A majority, around 60%, are actively progressing through pre-launch stages or have already launched operations in these realms. This strategic tech adoption reflects the broader trend among Fortune 500 companies, with 64% recognizing the significance of investing in such technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the market.

Example #2

Fortune 100 companies are navigating legal challenges related to their hiring practices. State attorneys general collectively communicated to these CEOs, emphasizing the unethical use of race in employment decisions. The Republican Party officials argue against such practices, deeming them illegal and unethical, and advocate for workplace diversity through equity and inclusion programs. These instances underscore the varied challenges and strategic decisions faced by Fortune 100 companies in different aspects of their operations.

Fortune 100 vs Fortune 500

  • Fortune 100 lists the top one hundred US companies based on annual revenue. The Fortune 500 lists the top five hundred companies based on the same criterion.
  • The Fortune 100 is a subset of the Fortune 500 list.
  • Every company on the Fortune 500 list aspires to enhance profitability and growth to secure a position in the prestigious Fortune 100.
  • While both lists present similar information, they differ in the number of members, offering a finer granularity in ranking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the importance of Fortune 100 companies?

Fortune 100 companies play a crucial role in the business landscape, representing the pinnacle of economic achievement. Their rankings signify financial prowess and influence, shaping investor perceptions and market trends. These corporations often drive innovation, set industry standards, and contribute significantly to economic growth, making them essential indicators of the nation's economic health.

2. What are the applications of the Fortune 100 list?

The Fortune 100 list is valuable for investors, analysts, and businesses. Investors use it to identify stable and high-performing companies for potential investments. Analysts leverage the data for market insights and trend analysis. Furthermore, for businesses, inclusion offers prestige and can attract investment. Moreover, with its diverse rankings, the list provides a comprehensive snapshot of the corporate landscape.

3. What is Fortune 100 vs S&P 500?

The Fortune 100 and S&P 500 are distinct indices serving different purposes. Fortune 100 lists the top 100 US companies by revenue, offering insights into economic leaders. In contrast, the S&P 500 comprises 500 large-cap stocks, providing a broader market overview. While both are influential, the Fortune 100 focuses on revenue rankings, while the S&P 500 reflects market performance and diversity.