Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO)

Fair Isaac owns the credit score that became the standard of the entire American lending system.

The score is computed from credit bureau data and used by practically every lender: in mortgages its use is directly prescribed by federal agency rules. That position is close to unassailable — a competing measure exists, but switching to it would require rewriting the whole industry's procedures.

Hence an ability rare even among strong brands: raising the price of each score pull without losing customers. The other half of the business is decision software for banks and insurers sold by subscription. Risks: regulatory attention to the score's price and attempts to promote an alternative. The company pays no dividend; all cash flow goes into buybacks.