20 most profitable companies

J.P. Morgan is the undisputed leader among U.S. banks, and proved it in 2010 by earning the most in its history
-- even more than it had in boom times. The bank posted profits across its major businesses -- from credit cards to stock underwriting to corporate credit -- as the economy recovered and loan losses fell.

Reserves for those bad loans were trimmed, which allowed billions to flow to the bottom line. J.P. Morgan still faces litigation stemming from mortgage documentation, and from investors seeking retribution for soured mortgage securities. For now, J.P. Morgan remains one of the world's strongest banks.

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