11.   He prefers companies that provide Internet infrastructure, like semiconductor, data storage and fiber optics businesses.

12.   He prefers companies with strong management, little debt and the ability to finance internally.

13.   If women ask for directions while driving and men prefer the company of maps, who uses a dashboard compass?

14.   Investors prefer drug companies in a slowing economy because their earnings are relatively stable.

15.   Investors typically prefer companies with well-focused operations, so such a split could make the separate stocks worth more than the shares of the combined company.

16.   Iraq may sign contracts with whatever companies it prefers, and has placed some huge orders with pharmaceutical producers too small to meet those demands quickly.

17.   She has few other white friends on campus, still preferring the company of her black schoolmates.

18.   Some advisers prefer companies that specialize in devices for cardiovascular procedures, particularly the drug-coated stents that are likely to hit the market next year.

19.   The managers prefer unloved companies in out-of-favor industries, looking for securities with higher yields than those of comparable companies.

20.   They love giving and going to social events, but they prefer the company of good friends to crowds.