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6. Nestlé
Nestlé
The Swiss food company, which owns brands like Nestea, Jenny Craig and Baby Ruth, failed to impress last quarter when it reported a 69% increase in annual profits (excluding the sale of its eye care company, Alcon, Nestlé's earnings would have fallen 17%).

But Nestlé sweetened the blow with an optimistic forecast of 5% organic growth in 2009, and it currently boasts $4.3 billion in free cash flow. --M.K.

NEXT: Occidental Petroleum

Last updated March 04 2009: 10:55 AM ET
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