FAQ and methodology
Included in the survey are U.S. incorporated companies filing financial statements with a government agency. This includes private companies...
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Top industries: Most profitable
| 1 | Network and Other Communications Equipment | 28.8 | | 2 | Mining, Crude-Oil Production | 23.8 | | 3 | Pharmaceuticals | 15.8 | | 4 | Medical Products and Equipment | 15.2 | | 5 | Oil and Gas Equipment, Services | 13.7 | | 6 | Commercial Banks | 12.6 | | 7 | Railroads | 12.4 | | 8 | Entertainment | 12.4 | | 9 | Insurance: Life, Health (stock) | 10.6 | | 10 | Household and Personal Products | 10.2 | | 11 | Securities | 10.1 | | 12 | Insurance: Property and Casualty (stock) | 9.9 | | 13 | Real Estate | 9.9 | | 14 | Scientific, Photographic, and Control Equipment | 9.8 | | 15 | Financial Data Services | 8.7 | | 16 | Food Services | 7.9 | | 17 | Publishing, Printing | 7.9 | | 18 | Utilities: Gas and Electric | 7.9 | | 19 | Industrial and Farm Equipment | 7.6 | | 20 | Electronics, Electrical Equipment | 7.6 | | 21 | Hotels, Casinos, Resorts | 7.3 | | 22 | Aerospace and Defense | 7.2 | | 23 | Beverages | 7.2 | | 24 | Chemicals | 7.0 | | 25 | Internet Services and Retailing | 7.0 | | 26 | Food Consumer Products | 6.5 | | 27 | Telecommunications | 6.4 | | 28 | Health Care: Insurance and Managed Care | 6.2 | | 29 | Petroleum Refining | 6.2 | | 30 | Computers, Office Equipment | 6.0 | | 31 | Metals | 5.5 | | 32 | Packaging, Containers | 5.5 | | 33 | Home Equipment, Furnishings | 5.3 | | 34 | Wholesalers: Diversified | 4.3 | | 35 | Specialty Retailers | 3.8 | | 36 | Information Technology Services | 3.8 | | 37 | Energy | 3.7 | | 38 | Airlines | 3.6 | | 39 | General Merchandisers | 3.5 | | 40 | Health Care: Medical Facilities | 3.3 | | 41 | Pipelines | 3.1 | | 42 | Engineering, Construction | 2.8 | | 43 | Health Care: Pharmacy and Other Services | 2.6 | | 44 | Food and Drug Stores | 2.1 | | 45 | Wholesalers: Electronics and Office Equipment | 1.6 | | 46 | Automotive Retailing, Services | 1.1 | | 47 | Wholesalers: Health Care | 1.1 | | 48 | Motor Vehicles and Parts | 1.1 | | 49 | Food Production | 1.0 | | 50 | Semiconductors and Other Electronic Components | 0.6 | | 51 | Diversified Financials | -0.9 | | 52 | Homebuilders | -9.5 |
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From the May 5, 2008 issue
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A look inside the retail giant, the No. 1 company on the Fortune 500 list - from salaries to its biggest-selling product. Watch
Boeing, No. 27 on the Fortune 500, relies on thousands of workers around the globe to manufacture each unique 787. Watch
A major footwear supplier to the Games, and no. 153 on this year's list, says it's not their job to address concerns over human rights in China. Watch
VF, no. 335 on this year's list, boosts growth by buying successful cult brands, like shoemaker Vans, and giving them freedom to flourish. Watch
