World's Most Reputable Companies

Google
Industry: Technology, Information and Media
Headquarters: Mountain View, Calif.
Reasons behind the ranking: Google boosted its rating this year, becoming the world's most reputable company. The Web giant gained luster through its candor, its free products and services and by sticking to its values. Google's decision to pull out of mainland China in late March weakened its reputation across Asia, but its action suggested to other nations that the company is committed to transparency.

Sony
Industry: Consumer Electronics, Entertainment
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Reasons behind the ranking: With electronics that touch consumers on a daily basis, Sony has earned the respect of shoppers around the world. The maker of televisions, music players and entertainment scored high for its products and services, governance, how it operates in society and how it treats its employees. It helps them build trust

The Walt Disney Co.
Industry: Entertainment, Information and Media
Headquarters: Burbank, Calif.
Reasons behind the ranking: As a global entertainment company with media networks, theme parks and consumer products, Disney touches people of all ages. The company has crafted a story about its company and how it engages families and society.

BMW
Industry: Automotive
Headquarters: Munich, Germany
Reasons behind the ranking: Consumers may have pulled back on new car purchases over the last several years of economic hardship, but they still view some carmakers as companies that pitch reputable products. BMW is one. The German auto company is regarded as having the best products and services of all companies across the globe.

Daimler (Mercedes-Benz)
Industry: Automotive
Headquarters: Stuttgart, Germany
Reasons behind the ranking: Daimler has built prestige around its brand and is being rewarded for it. The German automaker has a strong emotional connection with consumers across the globe, particularly in Central Europe and Asia.

Apple
Industry: Technology, Consumer Electronics
Headquarters: Cupertino, Calif.
Reasons behind the ranking: After launching its new tablet, the iPad, this year, Apple won over consumers with its innovation in products and services. Apple founder and Chief Executive Steve Jobs has also built a strong brand based on his leadership. Consumers look to Apple as a company with a vision for the future.

Nokia
Industry: Technology, Consumer Electronics
Headquarters: Espoo, Finland
Reasons behind the ranking: Nokia is a global leader in the mobile industry and has driven its reputation with innovative handsets and mobile applications. The Finland company also scores high in philanthropy with its efforts to provide access to communication in less-developed countries.

Ikea
Industry: Consumer Products
Headquarters: Almhult, Sweden
Reasons behind the ranking: For many countries, Ikea has opened access to affordable designer furniture. The Swedish company makes a connection with families in the most critical environments for them: their homes. It has revolutionized the market for home furnishings and scores high in leadership

Volkswagen
Industry: Automotive
Headquarters: Wolfsburg, Germany
Reasons behind the ranking: Volkswagen has earned its reputation through its workplace and strong leadership in the industry. Consumers look at the German automaker as a company that innovates in a responsible, visionary way.

Intel
Industry: Technology
Headquarters: Santa Clara, Calif.
Reasons behind the ranking: Intel's chips are not actually seen by the people who use them, but that hasn't stopped consumers from seeing Intel's offerings as quality products. The company is perceived as an innovator that will make products to improve the future.

Microsoft
Industry: Technology, Information and Media
Headquarters: Redmond, Wash.
Reasons behind the ranking: Maker of computing software and entertainment hardware, Microsoft has shaken its cut-throat, monopolistic image. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation reflects Microsoft's softer, philanthropic side. The company's leadership remains strong even in the absence of founder Bill Gates.

Johnson & Johnson
Industry: Consumer Products
Headquarters: New Brunswick, N.J.
Reasons behind the ranking: Maker of medical devices, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods, Johnson & Johnson gains trust with a 124-year-history. With its baby care products and drugstore brands, such as Band-Aid and Neutrogena, shoppers see J&J as a reliable household name. The New Brunswick-based company sends its products to more than 175 countries and has ranked the most reputable company in the U.S. and Canada.

Panasonic
Industry: Technology, Consumer Electronics
Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Reasons behind the ranking: Japan's biggest electronics manufacturer has lured consumer trust and admiration through its 90-year-history and product innovations.

Singapore Airlines
Industry: Airline
Headquarters: Singapore
Reasons behind the ranking: With strong rankings in customer service and innovation, Singapore Airlines has earned its reputation. Consumers in Northern Europe, as well as Asia, ranked it among the top five most reputable companies.

Philips Electronics
Industry: Technology, Consumer Electronics
Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Reasons behind the ranking: Operating in 60 countries, Philips has made global connections with its mainstream products, such as its DVD and Blu-ray players.