Amazon, CVS and Publix among those ranked by Fortune

NEW YORK — Retailers are well represented on a list of the world’s most admired companies released on Tuesday by Fortune magazine.

Internet retailer Amazon.com placed second (after Apple). Other retailers among the top 50 include Costco Wholesale (No. 9), Walmart (No. 25), Target (No. 32), CVS Health (No. 35) and Publix Super Markets (No. 45).

Consumer packaged goods companies on the annual list include Coca-Cola (No. 15), Procter & Gamble (No. 31) and PepsiCo. (No. 41).

It was the fifth consecutive appearance for CVS Health.

“CVS Health is proud to once again be recognized by Fortune as we work to transform the consumer health care experience and build healthier communities,” said CVS Health president and chief executive officer Larry Merlo. “As health care innovators, we’re committed to making health care more local, affordable and easier to use for individuals and families across the country, while supporting communities with the resources and solutions they need to address their unique health care needs. That commitment and our recognition as one of the “World’s Most Admired Companies” are reflected in the dedication of our 300,000 colleagues who deliver every day on our purpose of helping people on their path to better health.”

CVS noted that it also appears on Forbes magazine’s list of the World’s Most Valuable Brands and is considered one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by Corporate Responsibility magazine. Other third-party acknowledgements include Human Rights Campaign’s Top Places to Work for LGBT Equality; Points of Light’s The Civic 50; Military Times Best for Vets; Newsweek magazine’s America’s Greenest Companies; and Diversity Inc.’s top 50 for Diversity.

Fortune’s list of the world’s most admired companies is based on ratings calculated from thousands of businesspeople within the relevant industry. Survey respondents were asked to rate companies in their own industry on nine criteria, including investment value and social responsibility.

In a statement, Publix noted that it has been widely recognized for its dedication to superior quality and customer service.

The Lakeland, Fla.-based grocer has appeared on Fortune’s most admired list for 21 consecutive years. Publix is privately owned and operated by its more than 200,000 employees. It has 1,213 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.