Fortune Unveils its Fortune 500 List for 2014
Fortune Magazine has unveiled its list of this year’s most profitable companies. Here’s a quick snapshot of the highest five retailers from the list…
For the full list, see the link below.
Fortune 500 2014
#1. Wal-Mart (ranked #1 previously): Wal-Mart once again remained king of the hill this year, beating Exxon Mobil for the second year in a row. For fiscal year 2014, Wal-Mart’s net sales totaled $473.1 billion, up 1.6% from the year-earlier. Although sales grew domestically, the expiration of a payroll tax cut, reductions in the U.S. food stamp program, and poor winter weather hurt its results. The retailer is continuing plans to open small-format stores in the U.S. along with expanding its online services.
#19. Costco (ranked #22 previously): Costco surpassed a milestone in sales for the first time ever in 2013, finally crossing $100 billion thanks to an increase in membership fees. This retailer is continuing its expansion throughout the U.S. with a dozen new warehouses and several more abroad.
#24. Kroger (ranked #23 previously): Kroger recently completed its $2.5 billion acquisition of Harris Teeter, adding 227 stores to its massive 2,414 store portfolio. Kroger earned $1.52 billion in earnings for 2013 and expects continued growth between 10% and 14% for 2014.
#35. Amazon (ranked #49 previously): Amazon reported sales of $74.5 billion and $274 million in earnings last year. With further investments into warehouses and grocery delivery, this company is going to be a force to be reckoned with in retail.
#36. Target (ranked #36 previously): It was a tough year for Target. The company faced a massive data breach and a faltering Canadian expansion that lost $1 billion and overall 34% drop in profits. With new executives and initiatives in place for 2014, it’ll be a long road ahead.
Check out which retailers, foodservice companies, and other businesses made the Fortune 500!
#63. Sysco (ranked #65 previously)
#67. Safeway (ranked #62 previously)
#94. Supervalu (ranked #86 previously)
#104. Publix (ranked #108 previously)
#133. US Foods
#197. Monsanto (ranked #206 previously)
#218. Whole Foods (ranked #232 previously)
#220. C.H. Robinson (ranked #237 previously)
#319. Darden Restaurants (ranked #328 previously)
#427. United Natural Foods (ranked #474 previously)
Congratulations to all who made it to the Fortune 500!
