Dun & Bradstreet India is pleased to present the 2010 edition of its premier publication ‘India’s Top 500 Companies’. This issue marks yet another successful milestone of providing a ready reference tool on India Inc’s top companies with valuable insights into the operations of companies featured in the publication.

The 2010 edition continues with the customary approach of profiling ‘India’s Top 500 Companies’. Companies are ranked based on various criteria such as total income, net profit, net worth and market capitalisation among others. The edition includes a financial comparison of companies classified under respective sectors. The Insights section is primarily based on in-depth analysis of the financials of these companies and the major sectors that play an important role in the economic development of the country. The Insights section also includes information on quarterly performance of these sectors during the first three quarters of FY11. Along with the featured companies, these sections will help our readers understand the business dynamics of these top companies and industries better.

FY10 will be most remembered as the recovery phase for India Inc, with the domestic market playing a crucial role by exhibiting strong demand. However, with the global economy still recovering from the financial maelstrom, India continued to face subdued international demand. The period was characterised by volatile industrial activity, double-digit inflation, significant rupee appreciation and moderate levels of FII inflows. However, the fiscal and monetary stimulus measures announced during the crisis period acted as positive drivers in stimulating consumption and investment demand in the economy during FY10.

After recording 8% growth during FY10, India continued with the growth momentum by recording a robust 8.9% GDP growth during H1 FY11 close to its pre-crisis growth levels. Moreover, this growth momentum has been broad based with impetus coming from all the three sectors: services, industry and agriculture. Further, increased infrastructure spending by the government, coupled with commencement of expansion plans deferred in FY09 due to the liquidity crunch and economic slowdown, led to resumption in domestic investment. Private consumption also improved significantly on the back of rising incomes, improving consumer confidence, and positive employment prospects, signifying full-fledged economic revival.

The 2010 edition of ‘India’s Top 500 Companies’ profiles leading players of corporate India that have emerged as leaders in their respective sectors. The featured companies demonstrated high levels of aspiration through exemplary performance to remain among the frontrunners of India Inc.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue of ‘India’s Top 500 Companies’ and I look forward to your suggestions.

Kaushal Sampat
President & CEO - India
Dun & Bradstreet