Inside the issue: Fortune India 500

The definitive ranking of India’s largest corporations for the year 2018 is here. This year’s listing, the ninth by Fortune India, takes a deep dive into the state of the country’s largest companies after an eventful year. The year 2017-18 is unique on many counts: It is the first full year post demonetisation and also the fiscal year which saw the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST). Both these developments pushed companies to chalk out strategies to deal with the new normal.

On the face of it, the companies haven’t fared too badly, with the aggregate top line of the 500 growing 11.7% to ₹83.82 lakh crore over the previous year. Over a nine-year period, the aggregate top line of the FI500 companies has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%.

However, while the aggregate top line has grown, the aggregate bottom line has declined with the firms’ total net profit falling 10.2% to ₹4.07 lakh crore compared to the previous year. But companies doled out higher salaries leading to a 10.2% increase in the overall salary bill.

Along with the list, the issue also contains stories on the IL&FS crisis, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd’s plans to transform into a media-tech company, Tech Mahindra’s digital focus and PVR’s growth strategy.

Take a look at this year's Fortune India 500 list here.