In the 2010 edition of its annual ranking of "World's Most Admired Companies", Fortune placed Apple at the top of the list for the third year in a row and by the highest margin ever in the survey's ten-year history.Other giants like Google, Berkshire Hathaway, Johnson & Johnson, and Amazon are in the tow of Apple as per the rankings given in the survey. Microsoft could only manage 11th spot.

With 250 million iPods, 43 million iPhones, and 32 million iPod touches sold to date, plus the promise of a game-changing iPad, Apple won this year's vote by the highest margin ever for a No. 1. Two more years as champ and Apple will match GE for most appearances in the top spot.

BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer describes Apple in the following words:

What makes Apple so admired? Product, product, product. This is the company that changed the way we do everything from buy music to design products to engage with the world around us. Its track record for innovation and fierce consumer loyalty translates into tremendous respect across business’ highest ranks. The whole world held its breath before the iPad was announced. That’s brand management at its very best.

Here is the Fortune list of the top 12 most admired companies for the year 2010:

1. Apple
2. Google
3. Berkshire Hathaway
4. Johnson & Johnson
5. Amazon.com
6. Procter & Gamble
7. Toyota Motor
8. Goldman Sachs Group
9. Wal-Mart Stores
10. Coca-Cola
11. Microsoft
12. Southwest Airlines

Check out the full list here.

Fortune's rankings were based on a poll of 4,200 corporate executives, directors, and industry analysts.

Source : MacRumors + CNN Money.

__________________
Follow me on Amitash.com