Quintiles is one of only four North Carolina companies that improved their standing in the 2015 Fortune 500 list.

Quintiles also is one of only two N.C. life science firms to make the elite, just slightly below rival LabCorp.

Quintiles (NYSE: Q) climbed four spots on the new list to No. 476.

Over the past year, Fortune data says Quintiles’ revenues climbed 7 percent to $5.46 billion.

Profits grew a whopping 57 percent to $356 million.

And its market value as of March 31 was $8.4 billion.

But Quintiles’ value is even higher now with its stock recently hitting a record high of $70.79.

LabCorp (NYSE: LHC), which is based in Burlington, ranks No. 440.

Both companies are squaring off more than ever in the lab testing and contract research organization/clinical trials businesses.

Other North Carolina firms including their standing were:

  • Lowe’s at No. 50
  • Duke Energy at No. 116.
  • Nucor at No. 139.

Other N.C. firms in the 500 include:

  • Bank of America at 23
  • VF at 248
  • Family Dollar at 281
  • BB&T at 292
  • Sonic Automotive at 315
  • Reynolds American at 362
  • Sealed Air at 366
  • Pantry at 402
  • HanesBrands at 490