If you happen to see Steve Jobs running around today with that giant foam finger, well, don’t say we didn’t warn you. Fortune has released its annual list of the most admired companies, and guess who ranked in at number one? I’ll give you a hint: it ain’t Dell.
Apple’s jump to the one spot is a move up from last year, when the company was ranked at number seven. Breaking down into its constituent rankings, Cupertino had top marks in innovation, people management, and quality of products/services. They ranked at third in use of corporate assets, quality of management, financial soundness, and long-term investment, and came it at number five for social responsibility, which was also their weak spot last year.
Says Fortune:
It is a tribute to its CEO that Apple, which ten years ago seemed headed for the slag heap, is No. 1 on this list. Steve Jobs has always had a knack for weaving magic out of silicon and software. But who knew he could build a $24 billion (in sales) company on the strength of a portable jukebox and a computer with a single-digit market share.That’s right, baby. Single-digit and loving it. They also go into more detail about what makes the company so gosh-darned great.
Trailing in Apple’s dust were Berkshire Hathaway at number two, GE at three, and ally Google at number four. Rival Microsoft came in 16th and third in computer software (I’m sure they’re crying all the way to the bank).
Very funny photo. Thanks for the giggle.