Mumbai: Dun & Bradstreet, the world’s leading provider of global business information, knowledge and insight, released the 15th edition of its premium publication ‘India’s Top 500 Companies 2015 at an event in Mumbai. ‘India’s Top 500 Companies’ is among the longest running reputed publication in the country that ranks and felicitates high performance Indian companies in terms of various financial and operational parameters. This edition also marks Dun & Bradstreet’s two decades of presence in the country. The top corporates from 50 sectors were also felicitated on the occasion through the Dun & Bradstreet Corporate Awards 2015.

The ceremony was hosted in august company of the Honourable Chief Guest, Mr. Yashwant Sinha, country’s Former Finance Minister, along with Mr. Bob Carrigan, President, CEO & Director (Global), Dun & Bradstreet. Others present at the event were Guest of Honour, Mr. Bibek Debroy, Permanent Member NITI Aayog, Mr. Manish Prakash, Director Airtel Business, Bharti Airtel Limited, Mr. Arun Khanna, Executive Vice-President, Dun and Bradstreet, Asia and Mr. Kaushal Sampat, President & Managing Director – India, Dun & Bradstreet. In addition, the eminent dignitaries also included the representatives from the companies featured in the Top 500 Companies list.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bob Carrigan, President, CEO & Director, Dun & Bradstreet said “India’s Top 500 Companies” is in its 15th edition – and has catalogued the changing landscape of Corporate India over this period. In fact, since its inception in 1841, Dun & Bradstreet has a proud heritage of providing such indispensable content to the business and financial community globally.”

“Dun & Bradstreet is privileged to be felicitating the best among India’s companies.  I would like to congratulate all the companies featured in India’s Top 500 Companies 2015, and the award winners tonight – I wish all of you the very best for the future.”

Highlighting the key insights from the publication, Mr. Kaushal Sampat, President & MD – India, Dun & Bradstreet said, “We have seen a remarkable increase in optimism about India and its economic prospects over the last 12-18 months. But, I must admit that the situation through the 3Q results (Apr 2014-Dec 2014) for the Top 500 Companies shows that while the recovery is underway, the pace remains a concern.

The total income of Top 500 companies for the 3Q period has grown by 5%, a slowing down compared to the 9% growth recorded in similar period prior year. While, the slowing down in topline growth is mainly attributed to de-growth in sectors such as Oil Refining & Marketing, Oil & Gas Exploration, Petrochemicals and Polymers, we have also seen 51 new entrants compared to 45 companies that made their debut in the previous edition. Interestingly, the new entrants are joining this exclusive club with some momentum, with their total income registering 17% growth in FY14 compared to ~8% average growth recorded by other companies in the Top 500.”

“Looking ahead, given that global demand conditions remain subdued, companies would need to accelerate their efforts to maximize productivity and to find smarter ways to deliver growth and customer service.”, he further added

The India’s Top 500 Companies 2015 report underlines sectoral demands to aid the corporate to address business challenges and align with the growth; addition of sectors like Packaging & Allied Activities, Shipbuilding & Allied Activities, Wood and Wood Products has perceived demand of the sector. The current edition also indicates companies investing in R&D, CSR and Technology Adoption.

Source: Sachin Murdeshwar