2011 revenue: $4.9 billion
10-year annualized return: -62.1%
The nation's second-biggest publicly traded trucker might have averted bankruptcy in 2009, but its financial troubles are far from over. YRC saw losses in 2011 as the debt-laden company pursued a sweeping restructuring. Revenue fell to $4.9 billion last year from $9.9 billion in 2006 as competitors gained market share by lowering prices. Even as the strengthening U.S. economy helped boost profits at trucking fleets like FedEx and Con-Way, YRC lagged far behind.
YRC expects another tough year. In February, it told federal regulators that it wouldn't earn enough money to satisfy lender requirements starting in the second quarter. Investors who have held onto the stock are hoping to see progress under CEO James Welch, who rose to the top spot less than a year ago.
NEXT: 2. Fannie Mae
By Nin-Hai Tseng, writer and Shelley DuBois, writer-reporter
@FortuneMagazine
- Last updated May 07 2012: 10:56 AM ET
