HOW THE INDUSTRIES STACK UP
The industries, BY PERFORMANCE
(FORTUNE Magazine) – In a country at war, there was no peace dividend this year. Still, a rising tide of economic growth lifted many a boat. All but four of 42 different industry groups reported higher profits this year; airlines trailed, again. Fastest-growing industries With the global economy beginning to stir, the basic industries that drive it turned in the best performances this year. What about telecoms, the darling of the '90s? The restructuring continues.
GROWTH IN REVENUES
GROWTH IN PROFITS 1 YEAR
GROWTH IN PROFITS 5 YEARS
Most profitable industries Many of the industries that have done best over the past decade sell goods and services that provide basic human needs. Food, drink, shelter, and clothes, for example, are all in the top ten. Go figure.
RETURN ON REVENUES
RETURN ON ASSETS
RETURN ON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Best investments by industry The story of the past five years: You would have done well with the three H's--homes, health, and hotels. Over the long term, service industries rule, but industrial companies flexed their muscles in 2004. TOTAL RETURN TO SHAREHOLDERS* 1 YEAR
5 YEARS
10 YEARS * Including capital gains or losses plus reinvested dividends. |
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