What Is the Fortune 500?

By Kristi Waterworth – Updated Oct 12, 2025 at 8:38 PM EST

Key Points

Fortune 500 lists top US companies by revenue, guiding investment in reliable firms.
Fortune Global 500 ranks top global firms, aiding portfolio diversification.
Inclusion criteria include US operation and regular financial reporting.

Your favorite company may be celebrating its entry or continued membership in the Fortune 500, but what does that mean? We'll demystify this not-insignificant honor in this article and explain what it means for investors who may have some money they want to put into stocks or other company-based investments.

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About the Author

Kristi Waterworth has been a contributing real estate and financial expert at The Motley Fool, covering real estate, investing, and personal finance topics, since 2020. Kristi has been interviewed by various TV media outlets and podcasts for her real estate investing expertise – from residential real estate to digital real estate and everything in between. Kristi’s journalist career spans over 25 years, and she has written about real estate investing, homeownership, and home construction specifically for the last decade. She was also previously a licensed Realtor and general building contractor before the Great Recession and housing market collapse. She holds a bachelor’s degree in American history from Columbia College in Missouri.

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Kristi Waterworth has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, Chevron, and Walmart. The Motley Fool recommends CVS Health, McKesson, and UnitedHealth Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.