Fortune presents the 26th edition of its World’s Most Admired Companies All-Stars list, highlighting the esteem big giants command among business leaders. For the 17th consecutive year, Apple has secured the top spot, underscoring its unparalleled corporate reputation. This ranking, based on a poll of approximately 3,700 executives, directors, and analysts, also sees Amazon and Microsoft in the second and third positions for the fifth year in a row, respectively. 

This year’s list also features notable newcomers and re-entries. Nvidia achieved its highest-ever ranking at No.10. In other industries, megaretailer Walmart returned to the top 10 for the first time in 14 years, landing at No.9. Moderna made its debut on the list, securing the No.37 spot. These movements reflect the dynamic nature of corporate reputation and the diverse impact of different sectors on the global economy.

Namepicks

#1 Apple

Apple has been ranked #1 on the Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies list for the 17th consecutive year, recognised for its unparalleled innovation and influence in the technology industry. 

Founded on April 1, 1976, by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, Apple started as a modest venture in Jobs’ garage. Initially focusing on personal computers, the trio launched their venture with the Apple I, a computer designed and built by Wozniak.

Following the success of the Apple I, Apple released the Apple II, which became immensely popular and is often credited with sparking the computer revolution. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Apple introduced a series of groundbreaking products, including the Lisa and the Macintosh, one of the first personal computers to feature a graphical user interface and a mouse. 

Despite facing significant competition and internal challenges, Apple continued to innovate. In 1997, Steve Jobs returned as CEO and revitalised the company with new products, starting with the iMac, notable for its unique design and powerful performance. The early 2000s saw the introduction of the iPod, iTunes, and eventually the iTunes Store, which transformed the music industry.

A pivotal moment for Apple came in 2007 with the launch of the iPhone, a device that combined a phone, an iPod, and an internet communicator. This was followed by the iPad in 2010, which had a similar transformative effect on the tablet market. 

An iPod, a phone, an internet mobile communicator… these are NOT three separate devices! And we are calling it the iPhone! Today Apple is going to reinvent the phone. And here it is.

Steve Jobs

Under the leadership of Tim Cook, who succeeded Jobs in 2011, Apple continued to innovate with the introduction of the Apple Watch, AirPods, and services like Apple Music, Apple Pay, and iCloud. The company also expanded through strategic acquisitions, such as the 2014 purchase of Beats by Dr. Dre for $3 billion, enhancing its product offerings and entering new markets.

Steve Jobs chose the name “Apple” during a period when he was on a fruitarian diet. Inspired by a visit to an apple farm, he found the name “fun, spirited, and not intimidating.” Initially called Apple Computer, Inc., reflecting its focus on personal computers, the company dropped “Computer” from its name as it expanded into smartphones, tablets, music players, and more, becoming Apple Inc.

Apple’s meticulous approach to brand protection and user experience is exemplified by its online presence. Owning some of the most valuable domains, such as Apple.com, Mac.com, Me.com, Next.com, Texture.com, Carbon.com, Airport.com, Newton.com, and Mog.com, Apple manages a portfolio of over 228,100 domains. This includes a wide array of extensions, common misspellings, and service-specific sites like Me.com, which redirects to iCloud. 

Apple’s legacy of innovation, strategic foresight, and commitment to user experience continue to inspire admiration and set benchmarks in the global tech industry.

#2 Microsoft

Microsoft ranks #2 on the Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies list, known for its influential role in the technology industry and continuous innovation. 

Founded on April 4, 1975, by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Microsoft started with a mission to put a computer on every desk and in every home. The company’s breakthrough came with the development of MS-DOS, an operating system that became the foundation for IBM PCs. This success was followed by the launch of Microsoft Windows in 1985, a graphical operating system that revolutionised personal computing.

Microsoft’s extensive portfolio includes key products and services such as the Windows operating system, the Microsoft 365 suite of productivity applications, Internet search (with Bing), digital services (through MSN), mixed reality (HoloLens), cloud computing (Azure), software development (Visual Studio). The company has also made significant strides in the gaming industry with the Xbox series, and in hardware with products like the Surface tablets and laptops. 

Microsoft has also made significant acquisitions to bolster its offerings, including LinkedIn for $26.2 billion in 2016, Skype Technologies for $8.5 billion in 2011, and the historic acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion in 2023.

The company is considered one of the Big Five American information technology companies, alongside Alphabet (Google’s parent company), Amazon, Apple, and Meta (Facebook’s parent company). In 2024, Microsoft ranked No. 13 in the Fortune 500 list of the largest United States corporations by total revenue. 

The name “Microsoft” is a blend of “microcomputer” and “software,” reflecting the company’s initial focus. There is much to learn from Microsoft when it comes to establishing a strong online presence. The company owns over 806,000 domain names, showcasing an impressive range that includes various extensions, common misspellings, and specific domains for its products and sub-brands. Notable domains in its portfolio include Microsoft.com, Xbox.com, Skype.com, Office.com, MSN.com, Bing.com, Windows.com, LinkedIn.com, Minecraft.com, and GamePass.com, among many others. 

#3 Amazon

Amazon ranks #3 on the Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies list, renowned for its innovation, customer-centric approach, and expansive range of services. 

Founded on July 5, 1994, by Jeff Bezos in Bellevue, Washington, Amazon began as an online bookstore. Over time, it diversified its offerings to include a wide range of product categories, earning the nickname “The Everything Store.” 

Amazon’s portfolio includes subsidiaries such as Amazon Web Services (cloud computing), Zoox (autonomous vehicles), Kuiper Systems (satellite internet), and Amazon Lab126 (hardware R&D). Other notable subsidiaries include Ring, Twitch, IMDb, and Whole Foods Market. The acquisition of Whole Foods in August 2017 for $13.4 billion significantly expanded Amazon’s presence in physical retail. Additionally, Amazon offers a variety of streaming and downloadable content through Amazon Prime Video, MGM+, Amazon Music, Twitch, Audible, and Wondery. It publishes books through Amazon Publishing and produces film and television content via Amazon MGM Studios, including the historic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio acquired in March 2022. The company also produces consumer electronics such as Kindle e-readers, Echo devices, Fire tablets, and Fire TVs.

Amazon was originally named “Cadabra Inc.,” but Bezos changed the name to avoid potential miscommunication. After considering options like Relentless, Browse.com, and Awake.com, he looked through a dictionary and decided on “Amazon.” The name symbolised the vastness and power of the Amazon River and had the added advantage of starting with an “A,” placing it near the top of lists in alphabetical order. 

A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well.

Jeff Bezos

According to the latest data from Whoxy, Amazon Technologies, Inc. owns over 484,000 domain names, including premium domains like Amazon.com, Relentless.com, Prime.com, Awake.com, Look.com, Twitch.com, Podcast.com, Goodreads.com, Streaming.com, and A9.com. This extensive domain portfolio underscores Amazon’s strategic approach to brand protection and digital presence.

# 4 Berkshire Hathaway

Berkshire Hathaway ranks #4 on the Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies list, celebrated for its strategic investments, diverse portfolio, and consistent performance.

Berkshire Hathaway, one of the world’s most renowned and successful conglomerates, has a storied history that dates back to the early 19th century. The company’s roots can be traced to its founding as a textile manufacturing company in 1839, originally known as the Valley Falls Company. In 1929, this company merged with the Berkshire Cotton Manufacturing Company to form Berkshire Fine Spinning Associates.

In 1955, Berkshire Fine Spinning Associates merged with the Hathaway Manufacturing Company, founded in 1888 by Horatio Hathaway. This merger created Berkshire Hathaway, a significant player in the textile industry. However, by the early 1960s, the company was struggling due to the decline of the textile industry. It was during this challenging period that Warren Buffett, a young investment manager, began purchasing shares in Berkshire Hathaway. After a contentious relationship with the company’s management, Buffett decided to take control of the firm. By 1965, he had amassed enough shares to effectively control the company, and he began to shift its focus from textiles to insurance and investments.

Under Buffett’s leadership, Berkshire Hathaway transformed into a diversified holding company. One of his first significant moves was the acquisition of the National Indemnity Company in 1967, marking Berkshire Hathaway’s entry into the insurance business. 

Buffett’s investment philosophy, centred on value investing and long-term growth, led to the acquisition of numerous companies across various industries. Some of the most notable acquisitions include GEICO, General Re, BNSF Railway, and Precision Castparts. Additionally, Berkshire Hathaway holds substantial investments in well-known companies such as Coca-Cola, American Express, and Apple.

Berkshire Hathaway’s subsidiaries operate in diverse sectors, including insurance, utilities, manufacturing, retail, and transportation. The company’s annual shareholder meetings, often referred to as “Woodstock for Capitalists,” attract thousands of investors and are a testament to Buffett’s reputation and the company’s success.

It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.

Warren Buffett

Berkshire Hathaway also emphasises the importance of a strong online presence. The company operates under the Exact Brand Match (EBM) domain, BerkshireHathaway.com. Its subsidiaries use similarly strategic domain names, such as Geico.com, BenjaminMoore.com, ClaytonHomes.com, NetJets.com, BusinessWire.com, and FruitoftheLoom.com, which also uses the premium domain name Fruit.com.

#5 JPMorganChase

JPMorgan Chase ranks #5 on the Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies list, renowned for its comprehensive financial services, strategic growth, and strong market presence.

JPMorgan Chase & Co., a leading global financial services firm, has a rich history that dates back over 200 years. The company, headquartered in New York City, is known for its comprehensive range of financial services, including investment banking, financial services for consumers and businesses, financial transaction processing, asset management, and private equity. JPMorgan Chase ranks as one of the largest and most influential banks in the world, with a significant presence in the United States and international markets.

The roots of JPMorgan Chase can be traced back to the early 19th century with the founding of the Bank of the Manhattan Company in 1799 by Aaron Burr. This institution was one of the earliest precursors to what would eventually become JPMorgan Chase. Over the next century, a series of mergers and acquisitions transformed the financial landscape, with several key institutions coming together to form the modern-day JPMorgan Chase.

One of the most significant figures in the bank’s history is John Pierpont (J.P.) Morgan, who founded J.P. Morgan & Co. in 1871. Morgan was instrumental in the development of modern finance, playing a pivotal role in the reorganisation and consolidation of several major American industries.

Another major component of JPMorgan Chase’s history is the Chase Manhattan Bank, which was formed in 1955 through the merger of the Chase National Bank and the Bank of the Manhattan Company. Chase Manhattan Bank grew to become one of the largest and most prestigious banks.

The modern iteration of JPMorgan Chase came into being in December 2000, when Chase Manhattan Corporation merged with J.P. Morgan & Co. The merger combined the commercial banking strength of Chase with the investment banking prowess of J.P. Morgan, creating a financial powerhouse capable of offering a full spectrum of banking services.

JPMorgan Chase continued to grow through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Bank One Corporation in 2004, which brought Jamie Dimon into the company. Dimon would go on to become the CEO and chairman of JPMorgan Chase, leading the bank through a period of significant expansion and resilience, particularly during the 2008 financial crisis. Under his leadership, the bank acquired Bear Stearns and Washington Mutual, further strengthening its position in the financial industry.

Today, JPMorgan Chase operates through four major business segments: Consumer & Community Banking, Corporate & Investment Bank, Commercial Banking, and Asset & Wealth Management. The firm serves millions of customers worldwide, offering a wide range of financial products and services.

In terms of digital presence, JPMorgan Chase manages a strong portfolio with over 27,800 domain names. The company’s primary domain, JPMorganChase.com, is complemented by various other domains that cover its subsidiaries and services, such as Chase.com and JPMorgan.com. 

Highlights

Among the 50 World’s Most Admired Companies, 49 use the .com domain extension. This isn’t surprising, as successful companies understand the importance of their online presence. The .com domain has dominated for decades, signifying credibility and professionalism and contributing significantly to their overall success.

48 out of 50 companies use Exact Brand Match (EBM) .com domains. The EBM domain is the natural choice when searching for the company online, ensuring greater brand consistency and improved online presence. 

Notably, no company uses a hyphen in its domain name, reflecting a preference for simplicity and ease of access in their online branding strategies.

While we make every effort to ensure the data on our site is accurate, complete, and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee its reliability. Our data is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, financial, or other advice. We strongly recommend that you independently verify any information before relying on it.

A premium domain name is a powerful tool for businesses looking to establish a strong and professional online presence. If you’re ready to upgrade your brand and boost your online presence, contact us for more information on our premium domain name options and how they can help your business succeed.

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