Research

Apple Inc.

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Computers are still an important part of its mix, but these days music-related products are at the top of Apple's playlist. The company scored a runaway hit with its digital music players (iPod) and online music store (iTunes). Apple's desktop and laptop computers -- all of which feature its OS X operating system -- include its Mac mini, iMac, and MacBook for the consumer and education markets, and more powerful Power Mac and MacBook Pro for high-end consumers and professionals involved in design and publishing. Other products include servers (Xserve), wireless networking equipment (Airport), and publishing and multimedia software. The company's FileMaker subsidiary makes database software.

Only co-founder, CEO, and Apple crusader Steve Jobs may have expected the level of success the company's music-related products have enjoyed. In 2003 Apple announced the launch of an online music service called the iTunes Music Store that lets computer users purchase and download songs for 99 cents each. Apple has since expanded the offerings to include music videos, audiobooks, television shows, and other content. The store's catalog, which has helped spur sales of Apple's popular iPod digital music and video players, includes songs from the five largest record labels, as well as television content from ABC, NBC, and a number of cable networks. The company has launched international versions of its iTunes Music Store that serve Canada and European Union countries. Early in 2006 it began offering select television content on a subscription basis with a service called Multi-Pass. Later that year the company launched an online movie service, and previewed a device called iTV f
or watching downloaded content on televisions. Apple announced availability of its television device, redubbed Apple TV, early the following year.

Since debuting the iPod in 2001, Apple has provided regular updates to the line, including color displays and and flash memory-based models. Late in 2005 Apple, Motorola, and Cingular Wireless (now AT&T Mobility) announced the debut of a mobile phone with iTunes functionality. Apple also unveiled the iPod nano, an updated (and even smaller) version of its miniature iPod model, as well as an iPod capable of playing video. Early in 2007 the company finally unveiled a long-rumored Apple mobile phone that combines features of a high-end handset with those of an iPod. Its product line even further diversified, Apple also announced it would drop "Computer" from its name.

Federal Express Corporation

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You can't spell FedEx without Federal Express Corporation, which does business as FedEx Express. The largest subsidiary of FedEx, FedEx Express is responsible for its parent's namesake express delivery business, the world's largest. FedEx Express delivers about 3.3 million packages per day throughout the US and to some 220 countries worldwide. Packages (weighing up to 150 pounds) account for most of the company's sales; FedEx Express also delivers pallets of freight weighing from 151 pounds to 2,200 pounds. The company operates a fleet of more than 670 aircraft and some 41,000 vehicles and trailers.

With an eye toward international expansion, FedEx Express has increased the size of its stable of aircraft and added flights to and from Asia and Europe, while at the same time streamlining operations in the US. In 2007 the company took full ownership of its Chinese joint venture with DTW Group and acquired DTW Group's domestic express delivery operations, and it solidified its position in India by buying partner Prakash Air Freight, a leading domestic express business.

FedEx Trade Networks, a major provider of freight forwarding and customs brokerage services, operates as part of the parent company's FedEx Express business segment.

HOOVER INDUSTRIES:

    * Transportation Services
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          o EXPRESS DELIVERY SERVICES
          o Freight Forwarding Services