Billions of companies small and large exist in the world.  Do you ever wonder what the top companies are and why? You may be surprised what major corporations made the list of most admired companies and why.

1. Apple — The mega-company that continues to prosper with revenue that climbed at approximately $108 billion, thanks to the iPhone and iPad. You must respect a smart and successful idea.

2. Google — With 700,000 Android services and the launch of Google+, it is no shock it was a huge year for Google.

3. Amazon.com — Even with expansion efforts thanks to the Kindle Fire tablet flying out of Amazon at an estimate of 6,000,000 units this holiday season, the 4th quarter made Amazon soar to the top.

4. Coca-Cola — Not just a classic cola beverage anymore...Powerade and Gold Peak Tea says it all.

5. IBM — The problem solver... from traffic congestion to water management. Solving real-life problems has its advantages.

6. FedEx — Purchasing more aircraft is helping them beat the fuel costs... smart move, FedEx.

7. Berkshire Hathaway — Tech company stock shares... that is all I have to say.

8. Starbucks — Record revenue and profits in 2011. I am a proud supporter and contributor to the revenue and profit hike.

9. Procter and Gamble — The world's largest consumer products company. What else can you say...

10. Southwest Airlines — Brand strength was the key here.. known to be a reliable, low-cost carrier.

11. McDonald's — With a profit of $1.3 billion... new menu items and late-night hours keep them the leader in fast food.

12. Johnson & Johnson — Pharmaceuticals on the rise kept this company going strong, even with the product recalls.

13. Walt Disney — Cable networks, theme parks and broadcasting ventures were a success even though they fell a little short in the studio entertainment revenue.

14. BMW — Increased Mini Cooper sales at 21% made 2011 a great year.

15. General Electric — Steering away from finance and driving towards manufacturing is a win-win idea.

16. American Express — Card members are simply spending more. I am curious what increased, more spending online or offline? Either way, this is a good sign for Americans. Consumers are spending...that can only lead to good things.

17. Microsoft - Lesson learned...$1 million deal with Nokia and the purchase of Skype truly generates some cash.

18. 3M — I learned Latin America and Canada are loving Post-It's and tape... generating this boost of $29.6 billion.

19. Caterpillar — Increased sales equals increases manufacturing...good news in growth of the economy. CAT had the best year ever.

20. Costco Wholesaler — Increased sales equals expansion for this giant.

21. Nordstrom — Expansion is the key here...opening 11 new locations and the boutiques it offers in SoHo NYC (Treasure and Bond) add to the success of the claim of the best year in history.  Don't forget about HauteLook.com...smart play for Nordstrom.

22. JP Morgan Chase — Commercial big bank.

23. Singapore Airlines — Simply cashed in.

24. Walmart Stores — Low prices everyday on everything can generate a big bunch of revenue at the end of the fiscal year.

25. Target — Quality products and online spending boost the bottom line.

What are your thoughts on these major corporate players?