MOST ADMIRED COMPANIES

Apple, Inc.

1

Why it’s admired:

Apple has had a rough time lately with its stock price in a free fall and the widely publicized failure of its Maps feature. However, it remains a financial juggernaut, posting $13 billion in net income last quarter, making it the most profitable company in the world during that period. The company has its fanatical customer base, and it still refuses to compete on price, making the iconic iPhone and iPad products that are still widely seen as prestige devices. Competition may be stiff, but so far it remains behind: In Q4 2012, the iPhone 5 was the world’s best selling smartphone, followed in second place by the iPhone 4S. —OA

Headquarters:

Cupertino, CA

Website: www.apple.com

Google

2

Why it’s admired:

The Silicon Valley giant continues to be the most attractive place to work, placing first on LinkedIn’s Most In Demand Employers and Fortune’s Best Companies to Work For lists in 2013. Also, this year the Android OS is expected to overtake Apple’s iOS as the number one mobile operating system in the US and Canada; and Google Play is expected to overtake the Apple App Store in total number of apps for mobile and tablet. On top of that, display ads continue to be multibillion-dollar revenue generators for Google, not only from its search engine but also from YouTube and DoubleClick. —OA

Headquarters:

Mountain View, CA

Website: www.google.com

Amazon.com

3

Why it’s admired:

There are few competitors in sight for the retail giant that is Amazon.com. With its low prices, efficient customer service and rapid geographical growth, it stands to become the largest beneficiary of the e-commerce industry boom. Last year Fortune ranked CEO Jeff Bezos as its Businessperson of the Year on the back of the company’s stellar growth, especially in its Amazon Web Services and Kindle divisions. The company continues to take on a variety of competitors, going after Netflix’s streaming services, Google and Apple’s tablets, and brick-and-mortar stores across the country. There’s even talk of an Amazon smartphone. —OA

Headquarters:

Seattle, WA

Website: www.amazon.com

Coca-Cola

4

Why it’s admired:

Soda may be enemy number one in the public battle against obesity, but Coca-Cola is far from fizzling thanks to a growing non-fizzy beverage business and the company’s popularity overseas. Coke posted double-digit sales growth in countries such as India and Thailand in 2012 (overall sales were up 4% worldwide.) And while Coke and Diet Coke stand as the US’s leading soft drinks (arch rival Pepsi ranks #3), the company also boasts billion dollar brands like vitaminwater and Minute Maid that even a mayor like Mike Bloomberg could get behind. More nutrition is on the way too: the company dipped into the dairy business this year with the acquisition of an equity stake in Fair Oaks Farms Brands, the health-conscious company behind Core Power, a protein shake product. —EF

Headquarters:

Atlanta, GA

Website: www.thecoca-colacompany.com

Starbucks

5

Why it’s admired:

The world’s largest coffee chain kicked off its astronomical rise in 1971 when it opened its doors as a small Seattle cafe. Since then, the world has learned a whole new coffee vocabulary, full of phrases like “grande soy caramel macchiato” and “half-caf venti skinny Mochaccino.” After the company was forced to close hundreds of stores in the wake of the financial crisis, Starbucks’ celebrity CEO, Howard Schultz, orchestrated a back-to-basics turnaround that led the company big post-recession growth. That momentum hasn’t slowed. Starbucks earned record $13.3 billion in revenue last year, a 14% increase from the year before. —AV

Headquarters:

Seattle, WA

Website: www.starbucks.com

IBM

6

Why it’s admired:

Despite a challenging industry environment, IBM continues to deliver solid revenues across several segments, showing particularly strong growth in data analytics, cloud computing and emerging markets. It also posted an 11% increase in the growth markets of Brazil, Russia, India and China. IBM’s “Watson,” the Jeopardy! playing supercomputer will now be used to aid in healthcare services, assisting doctors by processing large amounts of historical data to enable them to make accurate decisions about a patient’s treatment. —OA

Headquarters:

Armonk, NY

Website: www.ibm.com

Southwest Airlines

7

Why it’s admired:

Net income was up 26% last year at Southwest, the low-cost carrier that has won loyal customers for niceties that long ago disappeared from other American airlines, like free re-booking and its “bags fly free policy.” The airline recently announced it too, will introduce revenue-generating fees for early boarding privileges or failing to show up for flights. Southwest also launched international service last year and continues to work out the kinks that came with their 2011 acquisition of AirTran. The airlines should be fully integrated in 2014. —EF

Headquarters:

Dallas, TX

Website: www.southwest.com

Berkshire Hathaway

8

Why it’s admired:

Warren Buffett is one of the nation’s most revered CEOs. In addition to building a conglomerate with 250,000 employees and nearly $50 billion in cash holdings, the Oracle of Omaha has pledged to give half his massive wealth to charity (and has goaded others to do the same). His company is equally admired, if less quirky. Its holdings range from ice cream to insurance to condiments. It bought H.J. Heinz earlier this year, in a deal that was one of the largest in the company’s history and a sure sign that Berkshire has no plans to scale back, even as Buffett approaches his 83rd birthday. —AV

Headquarters:

Omaha, NE

Website: www.berkshirehathaway.com

Walt Disney

9

Why it’s admired:

Disney once again made headlines for a major acquisition in 2012, this time with the purchase of LucasFilm, for $4.05 billion, in October. The company can now add the existing six “Star Wars” films—and the upcoming seventh film set to hit theatres in 2015—to its list of entertainment offerings. Disney (DIS) already purchased Pixar Animation Studios (“Toy Story”) in 2006 and Marvel Entertainment (“Avengers”) in 2009 in its quest toward massive growth. But growth at Disney hasn’t been limited to the big screen, and its resorts remain a popular hotspot for vacationing families. For the fiscal year ending last November, revenue from Disney’s parks and resorts business rose 9% over 2011, the highest of any area within the company. —KW

Headquarters:

Burbank, CA

Website: www.disney.com

FedEx

10

Why it’s admired:

When FedEx started out in 1971, the business idea was simple but revolutionary: deliver packages overnight (and on time). Its founder, Fred Smith, has been CEO since day one, and has overseen the company’s fast growth and diversification. Last year, FedEx moved to cut costs amid a sluggish global economy. Although it plans to eliminate thousands of jobs, so far it’s doing that with voluntary buyouts, rather than mass layoffs. —AV

Headquarters:

Memphis, TN

Website: www.fedex.com

General Electric

11

Why it’s admired:

The butt of 30 Rock jokes no more, this many-faceted corporate juggernaut saw an increase in profits across all divisions in the fourth quarter as it continues to pare back its business to its industrial roots. In the past year, GE sold its remaining stake in NBC Universal and trimmed GE Capital, the company’s still substantial banking arm that led to trouble in the financial crisis. Meanwhile GE has been snapping up its industrial suppliers in an effort to move manufacturing of energy equipment, airplane engines, and other wares in house. Other areas of focus? Healthcare, power and water. —EF

Headquarters:

Fairfield, CT

Website: www.ge.com

McDonald’s

12

Why it’s admired:

After 73 years, the world is still lovin’ it. The iconic home of Ronald McDonald and the Golden Arches skillfully played the recession, emphasizing bargain items. Now, McDonald’s is aiming to further expand its appeal with a suite of new products and green enhancements in recent years designed for an increasingly health-conscious nation. New ads highlight the farmers that grow the potatoes and other veggies that eventually become Happy Meals. Its innovation machine is still cranking. This year, expect a low-calorie egg white sandwich, new Quarter Pounder builds, and European-style larger wraps. —AV

Headquarters:

Oak Brook, IL

Website: www.AboutMcDonalds.com

American Express

13

Why it’s admired:

Admired for its customer service and affluent clientele, this credit card company—America’s largest in terms of spending—saw its stock rise 22% last year. But the company struggled in the fourth quarter with card income falling 42%, recently cut 5,400 jobs and revealed it would spend $153 million in fines and refunds to compensate for consumer protection violations dating back to 2003. In another departure, AmEx spread its wings last year with the launch of BlueBird, a prepaid card available at Wal-Mart. —EF

Headquarters:

New York, NY

Website: www.americanexpress.com

BMW

14

Why it’s admired:

The Rolls-Royce and BMW names are synonymous with luxury – and not just in the carmaker’s native Germany. The world’s leading premium vehicle manufacturer has earned global renown in places such as Brazil, Russia, India and China. Its progress there, analysts predict, will be particularly lucrative in coming years. The company turned a profit during the recession, unlike most of its competitors. Up next, it’s going long on China, where it has plans to invest $600 million Euro. —AV

Headquarters:

Munich, Germany

Website: www.bmwgroup.com

Procter & Gamble

15

Why it’s admired:

The world’s largest consumer goods company is 175 years old, and famous for iconic names like Tide, Pampers and Crest. In its formidable stable of products, 25 brands rake in more than $1 billion annually. In recent years, though, P&G’s ambitious growth plans have hit a roadblock: its market share ebbed in more than half of its major categories in 2012; it has struggled in many emerging markets; and the lackluster economy has weighed on sales of its premium-priced products. Still, P&G’s January quarterly report dramatically exceeded analyst’s expectations (core earnings rose 12%), and the company’s CEO has vowed to refocus future efforts at innovation. —AV

Headquarters:

Cincinnati, OH

Website: www.pg.com

Nordstrom

16

Why it’s admired:

Nordstrom announced plans in June to open its first full-line retail store in Manhattan, an announcement that drew much fanfare (including a statement from Mayor Michael Bloomberg). Only, the store won’t open until 2018. The buzz surrounding an opening five years away simply demonstrates the reputation that Nordstrom has generated among shopaholics across the country. The Seattle-based retailer has 117 full-line stores across the 31 states, but it’s Nordstrom Rack, the company’s clearance store, that has really taken off. Nordstrom Rack stores already outnumber full-line stores, and the company plans to add 16 more locations in 2013. By 2016, Nordstrom expects to have 230 Rack retail locations in operation.

Outside of retail, the Nordstrom family has made good with its hometown customers in recent weeks. Members of the company’s founding family are tied to an ownership group looking to bring an NBA-franchise back to the city of Seattle. (The Seattle Supersonics left for Oklahoma City in 2008). —EF

Headquarters:

Seattle, WA

Website: www.nordstrom.com

Microsoft

17

Why it’s admired:

While revenues in the latest quarter were up 5.3%, the once dominant Microsoft is facing an uphill battle, as consumers are slow to adopt Windows 8. However, Windows, along with Office, continues to be its most profitable product and the company is experiencing growth in its enterprise-based divisions as opposed to its traditional consumer based market. Microsoft still has a few tricks up its sleeve with its ownership of the Xbox, Skype and its cloud based file-sharing/storage solutions. As users become more accustomed with Windows’ presence across multiple platforms, the company is expecting to have solid, if not spectacular results. —OA

Headquarters:

Redmond, WA

Website: www.microsoft.com

Nike

18

Why it’s admired:

Nike has always capitalized on successful long-term partnerships—player sponsorships include Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and most of the world’s greatest soccer and track stars. But in 2012, Nike began what will arguably be its greatest partnership of all: a five-year deal with the National Football League. Nike replaced Reebok (owned by Adidas) as the league’s official sponsor for all on-field apparel – including jerseys, of course – and Bloomberg estimated that Nike is paying upwards of $35 million per year for the honor. With primetime games running three nights per week during the season, that’s a lot of airtime for the Swoosh. Recently, the company’s stock has also hit its stride – shares have grown 23% since June. —KW

Headquarters:

Beaverton, OR

Website: www.nikeinc.com

Whole Foods Market

19

Why it’s admired:

The health-food pioneer continues to rack up record sales, and has plans to nearly triple U.S. its store count. The nation’s largest natural foods store, Whole Foods earns high marks from customers (and analysts) for quality that keeps its patrons loyal and willing to spend a little extra dough. The company has plans to lower those notoriously steep prices, as it expands into underserved areas. Its first Detroit location will open in the spring. —AV

Headquarters:

Austin, TX

Website: www.wholefoodsmarket.com

Caterpillar

20

Why it’s admired:

Caterpillar has been on a tear. Between 2002 and 2008 Cat enjoyed revenue growth of 17% percent annually. After the crisis, while the rest of the world was reeling, Caterpillar came roaring back to be the best performing stock in the Dow Jones Industrial average in 2010. But despite its $65.9 billion in revenues in 2012 (a company record), the second half of last year wasn’t great for the manufacturer, a faltering its CEO credited to an uncertain election and the “fiscal cliff.” For 2013, it’s projecting the economy will rebound and it’s bullish on infrastructure projects in emerging markets. Working in its favor are huge economies of scale: Cat has 30% market share in global construction machinery, several percentage points higher than its next largest competitor. —AV

Headquarters:

Peoria, IL

Website: www.caterpillar.com

3M

21

Why it’s admired:

3M brought the world sandpaper, masking tape, and DVDs, earning it a spot in the business history books as one of the world’s most innovative companies. Its 1948 move to formally institute the 15% rule was one of the most famous corporate decisions of all time. Under the policy, technical employees can take up to 15% of their time to work on pet projects. Meaning they can take paid time to do things like, say, invent Post-it Notes. Google is among many companies to copy the policy. An idea-generating machine, 3M aims to have 30% of its some $30 billion annual revenue come from products introduced in the last five years. It hasn’t always met that goal — in 2005 the number was only 21% — but the share is now above 30% and poised to grow, analysts say. —AV

Headquarters:

St. Paul, MN

Website: www.3m.com

Target

22

Why it’s admired:

Target is known for selling cheap products that don’t feel, well, cheap. In February it debuted a new collection in stores, promising “modern luxury,” “indelible style” and a “sense of glamor,” words not often associated with big-box discount chains. That aesthetic has helped the Minnesota-based retailer rack up massive sales, reaching some $70 billion in annual revenue today. About a quarter of Target’s sales come from household goods, a category that is poised to grow as the housing market recovers. —AV

Headquarters:

Minneapolis, MN

Website: www.target.com

Johnson & Johnson

23

Why it’s admired:

Stock prices for the world’s largest seller of healthcare products—the behemoth behind trusted classics like Band-Aids, Neutrogena, and Listerine— reached record highs, jumping 7% in 2012. And that’s despite the continued fall-out from a string of drug marketing issues and product recalls, most notably that of an artificial hip product that has put the company at the center of nearly 11,000 lawsuits and a Justice Department investigation. In 2012, the company was boosted by its acquisition of medical device maker Synthes, strong pharmaceutical sales, and its push into emerging markets. Johnson & Johnson’s CEO Alex Gorsky has also stated his intention to keep the company more tightly focused on growth industriesand market-leading businesses. —EF

Headquarters:

New Brunswick, NJ

Website: www.jnj.com

Costco Wholesale

23

Why it’s admired:

Last year marked Costco’s third consecutive year of record sales and record earnings. The Washington state-based company brought in $97 billion in sales in 2012 and $1.7 billion in profits, making it the seventh-largest retailer in the world. The company sells consumer goods in bulk and makes a point of relentlessly driving down prices (18 bags of Pop Chips go for $8.89). That price-cutting has won loyalty among Americans increasingly strapped for cash. Even Vice President Joe Biden was recently seen shopping in one of the company’s cavernous stores. Shortly after the election he stopped by to pick up a few books, Duraflame logs, and some pie. —AV

Headquarters:

Issaquah, WA

Website: www.costco.com

Exxon Mobil

25

Why it’s admired:

ExxonMobil maintains its title as the world’s largest oil and gas corporation and recorded an impressive year on Wall Street in 2012. The Texas-based oil giant brought in nearly $45 billion in earnings last year, up 9.3% from 2011. (For comparison, Apple’s earnings totaled just shy of $42 billion for FY2012.) ExxonMobil’s dominance over other American oil companies like Chevron Corp. and ConocoPhillips hasn’t led toward a slowdown, either. Instead ExxonMobil is making moves overseas. Earlier this month, ExxonMobil announced it would expand on current cooperation with Rosneft, Russia’s largest oil producer, to further explore natural gas reserves in the Russian Arctic. —KW

Headquarters:

Irving, TX

Website: www.exxonmobil.com

Source: money.cnn.com

Sarah