Name That Company

Launched in 1894, I’ve employed many bean-counters. Since my founder felt that my quality alone would generate sales, I never advertised until 1970, when competition became more intense. My founder was one sweet guy, establishing an orphanage and school funded by me. Even today, the school controls most of my shares. People go nuts for my stuff, paying roughly $4 billion each year for it. During WWII, my products were even used as currency. My stock has crunched ahead more than 350% in the last 10 years. Who am I?

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Last Week’s Trivia Answer

Not many companies have grown as quickly as I have. At 11 years old, I’m already the largest chain of superstores for my product category, raking in more than $6 billion annually. I sell everything from safes to blotters, including things that go “whirr” and “ka-ching.” Despite my name, I don’t sell any equipment for trains. Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission used a staple remover on me, crumpling my hopes of doubling my number of stores to 1,100. My stock price hasn’t been too stationary, appreciating nearly tenfold in the last nine years. Who am I?

(Answer: Office Depot)

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Our Los Angeles Times winner is ...

Abbe J. Keith of Pasadena, who picks up a copy of “The Motley Fool Investment Guide” by noneother than the rulers of fooldom, Tom and David Gardner.