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The numbers are in, and the amount of money fueling 2013's biggest companies is staggering...
The 10 biggest companies in the U.S. today earned a combined annual revenue of more than $2.2 trillion in fiscal 2012. That's $1.35 trillion more than the country's credit card debt, and $1.17 trillion more than total student debt.
These moneymakers have been ranked based on total revenue by Fortune. All of them are incorporated in, operated in, and filing taxes in the U.S.
See who raked in the most money this year:
10 Biggest Companies in the U.S. by Revenue
No. 1: Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Wal-Mart moves from last year's second spot to this year's leader, as sales rose 5.9% to contribute to a whopping $443.9 billion in revenue in fiscal 2012.
Besides raking in the most cash, Wal-Mart made headlines this year by pushing millions onto food stamps in a mad-genius-esque scheme that was dubbed "The Wal-Mart Syndrome."
The company started 2013 trading at $69.24 per share. After some ups and downs, it's enjoyed a total climb to around $77.74 per share for a gain of just over 12%.
No. 2: Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM)
Exxon's revenue was an impressive $449.9 billion in fiscal 2012.
Even more impressive was its profit. In 2012, Exxon benchmarked the second-highest annual profit in U.S. history with a net income of $44.8 billion (the highest annual profit is its own 2008 record of $45.22 billion).
Oil giant Exxon traded at a new lifetime high Dec. 18, closing at $99.54 per share.
No. 3: Chevron Corp. (NYSE: CVX)
Chevron, the nation's second-largest oil company, pulled in $233.9 billion in revenue in fiscal 2012. Its stock has a 52-week low of $105.75, and high of $127.83, for an overall 20.88% gain in 2013.
Investors should keep an eye on Chevron - it intends to spend 12% more in energy exploration and investment in 2014. Also, after being banned for spilling more than 100,000 gallons of crude oil into the Atlantic, Chevron will be able to restart its business in Brazil soon.
I am fascinated that someone noticed (woopie, about time..), the shameless abuse of not only subsistence wage workers, but also exploitation of the system by major corporations. There are additional costs to employees, who at time of hiring, have to pay for their uniforms, even if they get fired soon after.