15. Huntsman
Fortune 500 rank: 293
2009 revenue: $7.8 billion
2009 total shareholder return: 252.3%
Sales at the chemical giant's largest division, polyurethanes, tend to grow at two to three times the economy's pace. That will likely continue as uses such as insulation become more important.
And adhesive use in aircraft and autos should grow as manufacturers seek to reduce weight while maintaining strength in those products.
NEXT: 16. Virgin Media
