15. United Continental Holdings
Fortune 500 rank: 114
2010 revenue: $23.2 billion
2010 total shareholder return: 84.5%
When it comes to airlines, apparently investors think bigger is better. In October 2010, UAL, parent of United Airlines, and Continental Airlines announced a $3.47 billion merger to form the world's largest carrier. The deal is expected to close later this year; until then, the companies will fly separately.
But if regulators give their blessing, the new United Continental Holdings will have 700 jets in its main fleet and more than 87,000 workers. The companies expect a boost of as much as $1.2 billion in combined cost savings and added revenues from the merger by 2013.
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Last updated May 05 2011: 3:04 PM ET
List excludes companies whose stocks fell below $1 during 2010.
