Fortune 500 rank: 9
2009 profit: $11.7 billion
Even after acquiring two troubled banks in late 2008 -- Bear Stearns and Washington Mutual -- J.P. Morgan continued its profit streak. Earnings more than doubled in 2009. Even more impressive: The financial services stalwart never posted a quarterly loss during the financial crisis. J.P. Morgan's investment bank drove the rise in profits. It earned lucrative fees advising companies on 322 mergers and acquisitions -- tops for the industry -- as it raised capital for businesses amid the credit crunch.
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