As a result of the financial crisis that is sweeping countries across the globe, overall earnings of the Fortune 500 companies fell by 85 per cent to $99 billion in 2008.

While Exxon was the world's most profitable company earning $45.2 billion in profit in 2008, recession-hit financial services companies Citigroup and Bank of America were out of the top 10 list this time.

From a regional marketer of kerosene in the US to becoming the largest publicly traded petroleum company in the world, Exxon has come a long way.

Exxon's brands are Exxon, Esso and Mobil. Rex W. Tillerson is the chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil. Fortune's report was based on based on overall revenue earned by these companies.

Image: A view of the Exxon Mobil refinery in Baytown, Texas . | Photograph: Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters

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