The first-ever Fortune 500 was published in 1955.
60 years later we look back at where the companies
from the head of the class—Fortune 500 companies 1-10,
with revenues ranging from $1.7-$9.8 billion—are now.
Some no longer exist, some exist by another name
and/or as shadows of their former corporate selves,
and some still stand today as the biggest names
in corporate America.
*******************
1. General Motors
After declaring bankruptcy
and getting bailed out
by Uncle Sam in 2009,
it’s still riding high at #5.
GM has owned
and parted with...Saab,
Hummer, and EDS
(Electronic Data Systems)
Lowest rank ever: #15
*******************
and getting bailed out
by Uncle Sam in 2009,
it’s still riding high at #5.
GM has owned
and parted with...Saab,
Hummer, and EDS
(Electronic Data Systems)
Lowest rank ever: #15
*******************
2. Exxon Mobil
The oil giant debuted on the first-ever
F-500 at #2.
1972: Esso became Exxon.
1999 begat Exxon Mobil
Lowest rank ever: #4
Ugliest moment:
Exxon Valdez oil spill
******************
3. US Steel
American steel industry isn’t what it used to be
and neither is US Steel.
When the company booked
$3.25 billion, it was #3.
When the company booked
$17.4 billion, it was #166.
1955 is not 2014.
Time changes things.
4. General Electric
With electric
toasters
& nuclear power,
GE has been a mainstay
in American industry
and on the F-500.
The industrial juggernaut
dropped to # 9 this year.
Lowest rank ever: #11
Stupidest Moment: Letting
Letterman switch to CBS.
& nuclear power,
GE has been a mainstay
in American industry
and on the F-500.
The industrial juggernaut
dropped to # 9 this year.
Lowest rank ever: #11
Stupidest Moment: Letting
Letterman switch to CBS.
5. Esmark
This conglomerate owned
Max Factor, Avis, Tropicana,
Attitude, Ignorance, Trust,
Attitude, Ignorance, Trust,
and Swift meatpacking.
1984: Esmark acquired
by Beatrice Foods.
1990: Beatrice was
*******************
6. Chrysler
One of America’s “BIG 3”
Chrysler was sold to Fiat:
...As if the Pacific Ocean
was sold to Lake Michigan.
Chrysler bought American Motor Co. (1985) and was bought
by Daimler-Benz (2007).
Chrysler was sold to Fiat:
...As if the Pacific Ocean
was sold to Lake Michigan.
Chrysler bought American Motor Co. (1985) and was bought
by Daimler-Benz (2007).
Cars is cars.
*******************
7. Armour
Armour’s business
peaked
before it debuted at #7
on the F-500
in 1955.
Armour found success with
Dial, a soap made from
a byproduct of the meat-
packing process.
If perfume can be peachy,
soap can be meaty.
before it debuted at #7
on the F-500
in 1955.
Armour found success with
Dial, a soap made from
a byproduct of the meat-
packing process.
If perfume can be peachy,
soap can be meaty.
*******************
8. Gulf Oil
Responsible for the first-ever drive-in gas station (1913),
Gulf pioneered the concept
of free restrooms.
Gulf merged with Chevron
in 1984, the largest merger
in history at the time:
Gulf pioneered the concept
of free restrooms.
Gulf merged with Chevron
in 1984, the largest merger
in history at the time:
A merger asmeaningful
as Elizabeth Taylor's
first marriage.
*******************
9. Mobil
Once known as Socony
(Standard Oil Co. of NY),
the company changed
its name to Mobil
in 1966.
It merged with Exxon
in 1999 and ranks # 2
on the 2014 F-500.
(Standard Oil Co. of NY),
the company changed
its name to Mobil
in 1966.
It merged with Exxon
in 1999 and ranks # 2
on the 2014 F-500.
Satan fears only
one name: ExxonMobil.
*******************
10. Dupont
Though the 212-year old
chemical company has
broadened its scope
since 1955, it lands at
# 86 on this year’s list.
Since early days of F-500,
Dupont has developed
Lycra and Kevlar.
broadened its scope
since 1955, it lands at
# 86 on this year’s list.
Since early days of F-500,
Dupont has developed
Lycra and Kevlar.
Lycra & Kevlar
is a good name
for a reality TV show.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
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