Apple ranked No. 1 'Most Admired' company for the sixth year in a row

The financial magazine published its "Most Admired" list on Thursday, showing Apple edging out second place Google in terms of corporate esteem. Amazon ranks third on the list, and IBM is the only other technology company in the top 10. In taking first place, Apple beat out other non-tech firms such as Coca-Cola, Starbucks, and Warren Buffett-helmed Berkshire Hathaway.

The writeup on Apple for the list notes the company's recent share price troubles but praises its continually solid revenue performance. Apple's products, the piece reads, continue to be seen as prestige devices.

"Competition may be stiff," the writeup notes, "but so far it remains behind."

Apple also tops the list for companies admired for their innovation. That list, too, has a top three consisting of Apple, Google, and Amazon. For innovation, though, Amazon manages to move up to the number two slot. Also on that list is chip manufacturer Qualcomm, whose mobile systems-on-a-chip power many of the devices that are currently reshaping consumer computing.

Fortune creates the list with 1,400 companies plus 400 more from around the world with revenue in excess of $10 billion. Fortune then surveys 3,800 directors and executives, asking them to compile a list of the top 10 in their sectors from a list made up of last year's winners and this year's sector winners.