#United States #New York #Walmart #Fortune 500 #female CEOs

Overview of the 2025 Fortune 500 List

On June 2, 2025, Fortune unveiled the latest iteration of its iconic Fortune 500 List, showcasing America's largest corporations ranked by revenue for the fiscal year 2024. This marks the 71st year of the ranking, and it offers a detailed snapshot of the economic landscape shaped by these formidable businesses. The enduring battle for supremacy among giants sees Walmart clinching the top position for the 13th consecutive year, with its extraordinary revenue accumulation exceeding $7 trillion during this period. Following Walmart are heavyweights such as Amazon and UnitedHealth Group, with the current top five comprised of:

1. Walmart
2. Amazon
3. UnitedHealth Group
4. Apple
5. CVS Health

The collective annual revenue generated by the top ten companies now exceeds a staggering $290 billion, summing up to a total of $4.2 trillion. This list emphasizes not just the monetary success these companies enjoy but also their profound influence over the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), accounting for two-thirds of it, amounting to impressive figures of $19.9 trillion in revenues, $1.87 trillion in profits, and a market valuation of $46 trillion, employing 31 million people globally.

Key Highlights from the List

The eligibility threshold to be featured on this year's Fortune 500 List has risen to $7.4 billion, reflecting a 4% increase from the previous year, demonstrating the competitive environment businesses face. Notably, the healthcare sector has made significant inroads, with eight of its companies breaking into the top 25 for the first time in history, together generating $3 trillion in revenues.

In total, 14 new companies have made their debut in this year's rankings, including prominent names like GE Vernova (No. 130) and Palo Alto Networks (No. 470). The dominant industries represented include retail, utilities, and insurance, with the healthcare sector notably evolving from having zero representation 30 years ago. This transition highlights both industry shifts and growing consumer needs, especially emphasized during recent global health challenges.

Female Leadership on the Rise

Apart from the financial figures, an exciting milestone reached this year is the ability of women to break through corporate ceilings. A record 55 women now lead Fortune 500 companies, constituting an impressive 11% of the list. Among these pioneering leaders are:

• - Mary Barra, General Motors (No. 18)
• - Jane Fraser, Citigroup (No. 21)
• - Carol Tomé, UPS (No. 47)
• - Thasunda Brown Duckett, TIAA (No. 98)
• - Corie Barry, Best Buy (No. 108)

This representation of female CEOs underscores a significant cultural shift within the corporate world, pointing towards inclusivity and diverse leadership.

Geographic Distribution of Fortune 500 Companies

The companies featured in this year's list hail from a total of 225 cities across 37 states, painting an expansive picture of American corporate geography. New York City leads the pack with 43 Fortune 500 companies, followed by Houston at 24. California remains a hotbed for large companies with 58 representatives, solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in business.

Expert Insights

As noted by Anastasia Nyrkovskaya, CEO of Fortune, the Fortune 500 List serves as an essential resource for comprehending the dynamics of today's global economy. This list not only highlights the successes of these corporations but also acts as a critical navigation tool for those invested in understanding market trends and leadership maneuvers.

Alyson Shontell, Editor in Chief, points out in her introduction to the June/July 2025 edition that while last year proved to be incredibly profitable, yielding $1.87 trillion in earnings— the highest ever recorded for Fortune 500 companies—an understanding of stakeholder capitalism is becoming increasingly vital as leaders recognize the long-term benefits of investing in employees and their community.

Conclusion

The full Fortune 500 List, methodology, and detailed insights will be available online and also in print on newsstands starting June 17. This year's findings compel readers to consider the evolution of canons that drive these entities and dissect trends that could redefine the future landscape of American business.