RIM Fastest Growing Firm

Research in Motion triggered a surprise in business today when it topped the list of the 100 fastest-growing companies on Earth. The originator of the BlackBerry outpaced others based both on its sheer revenue, which topped $11 billion in the past 12 months, as well as the balance of its growth: revenue grew 77 percent in the past three years, and its earnings per share grew 84 percent. Fortune credits the lead to RIM's push into home smartphone users, who helped the BlackBerry Curve outsell the iPhone this spring.

Apple itself is the next most recognizable technology company on the list but fell from 31st place in the last ranking to 39th place. Although its yearly revenues are more than three times those of RIM's at just under $33.7 billion, its long-term revenue growth has been more modest at 27 percent and its earnings per share only somewhat better at 46 percent. Its iPhone sales have been more modest at 5.2 million units in the spring and, while rapid growth compared to last year, wasn't backed by similar improvements in Mac and iPod performance.

Other notable technology firm on the list include GameStop (#44), Amazon (#52), Google (#68), Garmin (#84) and Western Digital (#97).

The list doesn't necessarily represent the most successful, as companies like Google and Garmin had either a flat or negative return on investors' money while they grew. Large but stable companies also aren't fully represented in the chart.

By Electronista Staff