What is the definition of a fortune 500 company
“Fortune Magazine,” owned by TimeWarner, provides an annual ranking of the 500 largest U.S. corporations. For several years Exxon Mobil and Wal-Mart have jockeyed between the No. 1 and No. 2 spots on the list with Exxon taking the lead in 2009. DuPont has placed on the list annually since the list’s inception in 1955.IdentificationCorporations gain a rank on the annual Fortune 500 list based on metrics, including revenue, profit margin and market value.SignificanceThe Fortune 500 ranking is a barometer for financial success in American business, according to InvestingAnswers.com.