Check out the FORTUNE Magazine's annual ranking of the world's top 10 most admired and respected companies of the world for the year 2010:
APPLE
Rank 1
No. 1 Position in Computers
Apple is keeping its Most Admired crown for the third year in a row. With 43 million iPhones, 250 million iPods, and 32 million iPod touches sold to date, plus the promise of a game-changing iPad, Apple won this year's vote as the number 1 most admired company of the world. Two more years as champion and Apple will match GE for most appearances in the top spot. This company has always innovated products to engage with the world around us, with a severe consumer loyalty.
Top Companies
GOOGLE
Rank 2
No. 1 position in Internet Services and Retailing
Google has taken the 2nd postion as the most admired company of the world in the year 2010. Last year it had earned a revenue of $23.6 billion and it continues to dominate search on the web. Google has attracted the smartest designers and engineers of the world. Now it is to see whether Google's Android OS for smart phones will be able to challenge Apple's iPhone in the hotly competitive world of mobile devices or not?
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY
Rank: 3
No. 1 position in Insurance: Property and Casualty
Warren Buffett's, the CEO of the company, has continued to keep his company's name at a high level in the investing, holdings in insurance, retail and energy, among others. He made news last year when his company made its biggest-ever acquisition, Burlington Northern Santa Fe at a cost of $26 billion. When the deal closed in February, Berkshire replaced the railroad on the S&P 500. The class A and B shares of the company have been some of the best-performing stocks ever.
Johnson & Johnson
Rank: 4
No. 2 position in Pharmaceuticals
In 2008, this company was one of the most profitable companies in the Fortune 500. In the last few years the stock performance was also good when the health-care giant consistently beat the S&P. But last year, the company brought sluggish sales due to recession and there was a lay off of 7,000 employees. But even then the company has continued to show innovation and an overall improvement of its pharmaceutical business. It also rewarded shareholders, increasing dividends as its stock climbed nearly 32% in the past 1 year.
AMAZON.COM
Rank: 5
No. 1 Position in Retail Marketing
This is considered the Internet retail giant. This is for the first time the company appeared in Fortune as the 5th most admired company of the world for the year 2010, because of its continued growth, strong sales even in the recession. While Amazon does not publicly disclose the sales figures, the company claims millions of the electronic media readers have sold. Ofcourse now Amazon has to face the competition with Apple's forthcoming iPad. But Amazon's leadership and innovation in 2009 were more than enough to win the high esteem of Big Businesses .
PROCTER & GAMBLE
Rank: 6
No. 1 position in Soaps and Cosmetics
This year Procter & Gample's mentor A.G.Lefley handed the CEO responsibility to Robert McDonald. During the time of Lafley, the company was admired for its innovation and focus on the consumer. In the same manner , the new CEO McDonald has also put forward his plans of introducing dozens of new lower-cost products in the U.S. and abroad. He hopes to capitalize on recession-weary consumers looking for discounts. The company made its mark in recession too with the introducing of new $45 skin care line under the brand name Olay and higher-end diapers in Europe. McDonald told Fortune that in order to earn the respect of the business community, the most important traits are predictability and consistency.
TOYOTA MOTOR
Rank: 7
No. 3 position in Motor vehicles
It is a fact that Toyota Motor has made at No. 7 in Fortune 500 for being one of the most admired companies of the world for the year 2010. It is the highest-rated foreign company. At the time when Fortune started its polling, Toyota Motor reaped the benefits from its continued growth as U.S. car companies suffered and also for its legendary reputation for quality leadership. In 2008, Toyota Motor surpassed General Motors as the world's largest automaker. But then compared to last year list, the company fell four spots. The true test will be how it fares next year.
GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP
Rank: 8
No. 1 position in Megabanks
This company has a high reputation in the business world and it has shot up 7 places from No. 15 last year. This company is the strongest financial services firm to emerge from the recession. In July, Goldman repaid back its $10 billion TARP loan with a 23% return to taxpayers. In the past year, its stock rose 85% and is currently trading around to $158 a share.
WAL-MART STORES
Rank: 9
No. 1 Position in General Merchandisers
This is the world largest retail chain with $405 billion in revenues. It has attained the 8th most admired company of the world for 2010 because of its capability to manage a large network of discount stores that employ more than 2 million people in 15 countries. The Wall Mart Stores has more than 100 million shoppers per week. The company has 10% of retail sales in the U.S.
COCA-COLA
Rank: 10
No. 1 position in Beverages
Though there was not much of sales in the US last year, this company saw growth in emerging markets like China and India, as well as Europe. This food and beverage maker saw favorable exchange rates that have helped bring fizzier revenues. The company is a leader when it comes to environmental issues. The company mow intends to be a water neutral company which means that every drop of water used by the company will be replenished by 2020. It has a brand name which is trusted by all consumers of the world.
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