4. Tenneco
Fortune 500 rank: 386
2010 revenue: $5.9 billion
2010 total shareholder return: 132.1%
The Illinois-based manufacturer of emission control and ride control parts for cars benefited from a bounce-back in the automotive industry last year. But it also got a boost from its strategy to piggyback on the growth of compact cars in emerging markets.
In November 2010, Tenneco struck a deal with Nissan to supply shock absorbers and exhaust systems for the automaker's new line of compact cars, the Micra and March.
With many countries around the world raising emissions standards, there could be increased demand for Tenneco's emission-control systems, such as diesel after-treatment technology. Investors would like to see the company continue to reduce its heavy debt load.
NEXT: 5. Western Refining
Last updated May 05 2011: 3:04 PM ET
List excludes companies whose stocks fell below $1 during 2010.
