(FORTUNE Magazine) – The profit all-stars are a diverse group, ranging from auto parts to garbage, from energy (of course) to convenience stores. THE BOTTOM LINE: There's gold ready to be dug out all over the U.S. economy.

Fastest-growing companies

Given robust world economic growth and soaring fossil-fuel prices, it's no surprise that U.S. energy companies had a year to remember in 2005; they predominate among both revenue and profit leaders.

GROWTH IN PROFITS

1 YEAR

5 YEARS

10 YEARS

GROWTH IN REVENUES 1 YEAR

5 YEARS

10 YEARS

Most profitable companies The U.S. loves the new and trendy, but it is mostly familiar blue chips that have done best this year.

PROFITS

RETURN ON REVENUES

RETURN ON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Most bang for the buck (or body) The money managers at TIAA-CREF bring in more money per person than any other nonenergy company.

REVENUES PER DOLLAR OF ASSETS

REVENUES PER DOLLAR OF EQUITY

REVENUES PER EMPLOYEE

Biggest companies Does age matter? Among the most valuable companies, it seems to: Most have been around for at least 50 years.

BY MARKET VALUE

BY EQUITY

BY EMPLOYEES

Best investments The big surprise here--American Airlines (AMR) turned in a great performance in a bad-news industry.

TOTAL RETURN TO SHAREHOLDERS

1 YEAR

5 YEARS

10 YEARS