Research

Google

Description

If you've never Googled, you probably aren't finding what you want online. Google operates the leading Internet search engine, offering targeted search results from more than 8 billion Web pages. The site, which ranks results based on a proprietary algorithm, offers search results in more than 35 languages and attracts an audience of more than 380 million people worldwide. The company generates revenue through ads that are targeted by keywords. Google also sells ads across a network of more than 200,000 affiliated Web sites. Founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page each have nearly 30% voting control of the company.

Toll Brothers

Description

Ask not for whom the Tolls build, because if you have to ask you can't afford it. Toll Brothers, a top US builder of luxury homes, builds for move-up, empty-nester, active-adult, and second-home buyer markets in suburban communities in some two dozen states. Its single-family detached homes and apartments range from $244,000 to $2.25 million. Toll Brothers develops active-adult communities (some with golf courses) and operates country club communities. Through subsidiaries, it offers insurance, landscaping, and title and mortgage services. Toll delivered nearly 8,600 homes in 2006 but that figure dropped precipitously to just under 6,700 in 2007.