20 most profitable companies

J&J had one of the most difficult years in its history, replete with drug recalls, bad press, and a falling stock price. For anyone else the year would have been disastrous. Yet J&J managed to post a 9% rise in profits.

That growth illustrates why the pharmaceutical giant is such a notable company. With businesses in medical devices, prescription drugs, and consumer products like Aveeno skin lotion, J&J can weather almost anything. It'll have to win back customers, though, as recalls of Tylenol and other over-the-counter drugs sent sales in that division plunging 29% in the fourth quarter.

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