Fortune magazine analyzed and ranked the Fortune 500. The Fortune 500 is an annual list compiled and published by Fortune magazine that ranks the top 500 American public corporations as measured by their gross revenue. Fortune Magazine categorizes these 500 businesses into 52 industries.

We took their 2007 data for revenue growth, profitability, return on assets and revenue per employee to create our own best industry list. For businesses selling B2B, these industries that are thriving are ideal targeted customers during tough economic times. The top 25 thriving industries are:

1. Network and Other Communications Equipment
2. Mining, Crude-Oil Production
3. Real Estate
4. Oil and Gas Equipment, Services
5. Pharmaceuticals
6. Medical Products and Equipment
7. Securities
8. Petroleum Refining
9. Household and Personal Products
10. Commercial Banks
11. Internet Services and Retailing
12. Wholesalers: Health Care
13. Engineering, Construction
14. Wholesalers: Diversified
15. Entertainment
16. Railroads
17. Food Services
18. Financial Data Services
19. Metals
20. Wholesalers: Electronics and Office Equipment
21. Aerospace and Defense
22. Industrial and Farm Equipment
23. Health Care: Insurance and Managed Care
24. Chemicals
25. Insurance: Life, Health (stock)

The 5 worst industries to be in are:

1. Homebuilders
2. Diversified Financials
3. Semiconductors and Other Electronic Components
4. Motor Vehicles and Parts
5. Home Equipment, Furnishings

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