Apple Tops Fortune's Most Admired Companies List for 19th Year Running

Apple Dominates Fortune's Most Admired Companies Ranking

In a remarkable achievement for corporate reputation, Apple Inc. has once again claimed the top spot in the Fortune World's Most Admired Companies (WMAC) list for 2026. This marks the 19th year in a row that the tech giant has been recognized in this prestigious ranking. The WMAC list, compiled in collaboration with Korn Ferry, a global consulting firm, evaluates the corporate reputations of companies based on feedback from over 3,000 executives, directors, and analysts.

The survey results showcase a diverse array of organizations vying for recognition. Despite concerns regarding its advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), Apple continues to lead the pack, praised for its effective management of talent, resources, and supply chains. The rankings reflect how leaders prioritize these factors alongside innovation.
NVIDIA, a known heavyweight in graphic processing units (GPUs), claimed the fourth position this year, exemplifying the tech industry's increasing focus on AI-driven solutions. Other notable newcomers include Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) at 48th and the enterprise tech platform Workday, which shared the 49th rank. Their rise in the rankings can also be attributed to the growing significance of AI in today’s business landscape.

The Top 5 Companies

The 2026 WMAC Top 5 includes:
1. Apple
2. Microsoft
3. Amazon
4. NVIDIA
5. JPMorgan Chase

This elite group of firms, many of which have consistently scored high in previous years, is acknowledged for their innovation, solid financial foundation, respected leadership, and international business expansion.

The annual list features a broader perspective, with 324 companies represented across 22 countries. Notably, 235 of these companies are based in the United States, while Europe and the Asia/Pacific region contribute 58 and 28 companies respectively.

Shifts in Rankings

The 2026 list hasn't been without its surprises, as several prominent companies fell out of the top 50 this year. This includes last year's 27th ranked Target, 44th ranked PepsiCo, 46th ranked Novo Nordisk, and Adobe, which held the 50th position. Changes like these highlight the dynamic nature of corporate reputation and how quickly the tides can turn in the business world.

Within the WMAC rankings, 35 firms are female-led, indicating a noteworthy 10% representation among the total. Several leaders from these companies made appearances on Fortune's list of the Most Powerful Women in Business, exemplifying the growing recognition of women's leadership in the corporate sphere.

Among them are Julie Sweet, CEO of Accenture, who ranks second; Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup, who holds third place; and Lisa Su, CEO of Advanced Micro Devices, ranked fourth.

Importance of Reputation

The significance of corporate reputation is underscored by Fortune's revealing comments about this year's list. Alyson Shontell, the publication's Editor in Chief, states, “These firms exemplify real innovation and resilient leadership. They not only navigate the challenges brought on by advanced technologies like AI but also shape the future of global business and leadership.”

Mark Royal from Korn Ferry emphasized the notion that resilience in business requires more than just reactive measures. It is about creating a sustained foundation of trust and credibility over time, especially in an era characterized by constant disruptions.

Laura Manson-Smith, Korn Ferry's lead on organizational strategy consulting, reinforced that a company’s reputation is an entity built from the inside out, with a firm’s culture being critical to its long-standing success.

Future Outlook

The release of the 2026 WMAC list coincides with the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, where Fortune will host its annual Global Leadership Dinner, bringing together leaders from the companies recognized in this year’s list. The dinner will feature insights from prominent figures in the business world, including Scott Galloway, Yoshua Bengio, and others, highlighting the concerted efforts to adapt and thrive in ever-evolving markets.

As the landscape continues to change with emerging technologies and cultural shifts, the WMAC list serves as a barometer for identifying which companies are leading the charge and how they are perceived by their peers. With a legacy of 28 years, the WMAC continues to inspire organizations to strive for excellence in corporate reputation, innovation, and leadership.