AES

AES

No. 48

Industry: Utilities
Sales: $16 billion
Net Income: $1.2 billion

AES (AES) has set up power plants in some of the world's most troubled spots, from Colombia to Kazakhstan. Lately, though, CEO Paul Hanrahan has sought to rein in AES' globe-trotting culture. Emerging markets are still central to its growth strategy, accounting for about two-thirds of AES' $16 billion in revenues, but green technology has also become a focus. Wind and solar projects are now among the fastest-growing areas, even though most of the company's 3,400 megawatts in new projects will run on fossil fuels. One reason for the eco-push: In the U.S. and Europe, renewables are easier to finance.