Revenue of top 500 Latin American companies drops 7 percent

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According to this year’s Latin 500, total revenue of the top 500 Latin American companies dropped 7 percent to $2.54 trillion in 2014, showing the trials the region's businesses confronted last year.

The Latin 500 is the ranking of Latin America's 500 largest non-financial firms in US-dollar revenue terms released by the Latin Trade Group, a provider of information and business services to companies operating in Latin America.

Energy companies upheld their position as leaders, obtaining an average revenue growth of 3 percent to $775.8 billion. Argentina's YPF has its revenue and profits soaring 20 and 34 percent respectively, increased by domestic sales of oil derivatives.

US-based Energy Company AES was another good performer. AES registered the highest growth rate among companies headquartered outside of Latin America, improved by the vertical integration of its Chilean business.

Retail was a sector that faced the most hurdles. The year was especially bad for Casino, based in France, with a 14 percent revenue drop compared with 2013.

The Latin 500 ranking includes the complete list of companies, as well as sections divided by biggest winners and losers, top energy companies, top retailers, top foreign-based companies and the top 10 profit kings.

The Latin Trade Group publishes award-winning content in Spanish and English for distribution throughout Latin America, the Caribbean and the United States.