Apple tops Fortune-admired

Apple has achieved first place in a new Fortune list, compiling what the magazine calls the world's most admired corporations. The company's 2009 ranking is a continuation from last year, and said to be predicated mainly on continued success at the same time as rival computer and electronics makers are suffering. Mac sales grew 9 percent during the last quarter, while iPod sales rose 3 percent to 22.7 million, surprising analysts which had predicted little more than 20 million units.

Fortune notes however that the company has already drawn criticism this year, mainly due to the health of CEO Steve Jobs, who first revealed a "hormonal imbalance" in early January only to announce a six-month leave of absence several days later, citing a "more complex" health situation. Investors have accused Apple of not being forthright with Jobs' true condition, simultaneously prompting an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is also worried that the company may lose direction if Jobs dies or retires prematurely.

by MacNN Staff