OC's Biggest Private Companies Boost Revenue 9%

Orange County's largest private companies collectively increased their revenue by 9% in 2025, reaching $124.3 billion, according to the Orange County Business Journal's annual survey of 35 firms. The growth was led by defense contractor Anduril Industries, which more than doubled its revenue to $2.2 billion, up from $1 billion in 2024.

Anduril co-founder Palmer Luckey attributed the surge to high profit margins on mature products, despite selling at a fraction of competitors' prices. The company expects revenue to jump to $4.3 billion in 2026.

Allied Universal, the Irvine-based global security firm with 800,000 employees, retained the top spot with a 4.4% revenue increase to $22.6 billion, driven by new contracts, price increases, and acquisitions. CEO Steve Jones highlighted the use of artificial intelligence to automate administrative functions.

Pacific Life Insurance Co. of Newport Beach ranked second with a 20% revenue rise to $18 billion, fueled by strong life insurance and annuity sales, institutional solutions, and global reinsurance growth.

Kingston Technology, the Fountain Valley memory card maker, held third place with an estimated $14 billion in revenue, though the company does not disclose detailed financials. Salas O'Brien, an Irvine-based engineering firm, saw a 19% revenue increase to $894 million, driven by demand in data centers, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.

Other notable performers include Irvine Co. with $3.9 billion (up 5%), Trace3 Inc.

with $2.16 billion (up 17%), and Aviation Capital Group with $1.3 billion (up nearly 5%). UST, an IT firm in Aliso Viejo, remained flat at $2 billion.

California Pizza Kitchen in Costa Mesa saw a 14% revenue decline to $350 million as consumers reduced restaurant spending.