Asia Fab 50 list

• More than in most years, our list of the 50 best big public companies in the region this year is a guide to the outfits that have real staying power. Companies that racked up big numbers when times were good had to show sterner stuff this year.
• This is the fifth anniversary of the Fab 50, and no companies have shown more staying power than the seven that have made the list every year--Australia's Brambles, BHP Billiton and Woolworths; India's Infosys Technologies and Wipro; Hong Kong's Li and Fung; Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry. But a few companies that have graced our list for four years--such as mainland wireless outfit China Mobile and Hong Kong retailer Esprit-saw their streaks end this time.