Total return: 93%
Fortune 500 rank: 365
The largest used car retailer in the U.S. blew past earnings projections in 2006, nearly doubling its stock price over the year. The company showed no sign of a slowdown after it replaced retiring president and CEO Austin Ligon with veteran Thomas Folliard. In a year that saw a host of developments that were hard on used auto retailers - soaring gas prices and deep discounts on new cars - CarMax grew its net earnings by 31 percent.The retailer distinguishes itself from legions of competitors with an emphasis on customer service - clear, no-haggle pricing and outgoing employees who aren't paid on commission. And there's lots of expansion ahead: the company plans to increase its store base by 17 percent over fiscal 2008.
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