This St. Paul (Minn.) maker of heart devices continues to pump out profits. Net income grew an average annual 40.1% over the last three years, with a return to shareholders of 159% over the span. The secret? St. Jude produces pacemakers and implantable defibrillators--life-saving products much in demand as the number of middle-aged and elderly people rises. But St. Jude helps itself by continuously bringing out new or improved products. Change is coming to St. Jude, too. In May, Shepherd turns over the CEO job to Daniel J. Starks, 49, the current president.