CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — The 2026 annual ranking of the largest U.S. corporations by revenue included several companies that have operated for over two centuries. These long-standing companies include Molson Coors Beverage Company, State Street Corporation, Cigna Group, and Bank of New York, all tracing their origins to the 18th century.
Molson Coors Beverage Company traces its origins to 1774, when William Worthington began brewing operations in Burton upon Trent, England. English immigrant John Molson established a brewery in Montreal in 1786. The company ranks 390th on the 2026 corporate revenue list, recording $11.14 billion in annual revenue and employing more than 16,000 workers. State Street Corporation and Cigna Group both trace their corporate origins to 1792. State Street originated when Union Bank received a charter from Massachusetts Governor John Hancock, while Cigna began operations by insuring ships and cargo.
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, nearly 50% of all companies cease operations within five years of founding. Beyond those recognized in the 2026 ranking, other companies like JPMorgan Chase & Co., Citigroup, and Hartford Insurance Group have also operated continuously for over two centuries. Richard Sylla, a professor emeritus at the NYU Stern School of Business and coauthor of the report "Scale and Scope in Early American Business History: The 'Fortune 500' of 1812", noted factors in corporate longevity. "You've got to pick the right industry to be in. And then you have to have leadership that avoids the troubles." Sylla said.
Sylla further explained the financial industry's role. "They picked the right industry to be in. But, of course, being in that industry, it has its ups and downs—panics and crashes. The firms that survived navigated the ups and downs of the financial system better than the firms that disappeared."
Joerg Ambrosius, president of investment services at State Street, commented on his company's approach. "State Street was always very clear and very disciplined in its strategic direction. The business model is super clear." Ambrosius said. He added that the company focuses on specific areas. "We do not do many things, but the things that we do, we aspire to be the best in the market and to be a world-class leader—and that has not changed in the 25 years that I've been with the company."
David Cordani, chairman and chief executive officer of Cigna, discussed his company's long history. "America was founded on the idea that people can build better futures, for themselves, for their community, and for their country. We have been part of that story since 1792, starting with insuring ships and cargo to protect American commerce." Cordani said. He explained its evolution over time. "More than 230 years later, we've evolved into a leading health services company helping millions of Americans achieve their health goals. Through decades of innovation, our role has changed but our purpose has remained clear: protecting people in the moments that matter."