5 from N.J. on World’s Most Admired Companies list

New Jersey-based Johnson & Johnson, Merck and ADP were all among the Top 100 in Fortune’s ranking of the World’s Most Admired Companies.

Prudential Financial and Quest Diagnostics also made the list, which was released Monday.

Apple was ranked No. 1 for the 14^th consecutive year. It was followed by Amazon and Microsoft. Amazon is the state’s largest corporate employer.

The list, which is meant to rank reputation, is based on a poll of approximately 3,800 corporate executives, directors and analysts. They are asked to rate enterprises within their own industry on nine criteria, from investment value and quality of management and products to social responsibility and ability to attract talent.

Quest was honored for the seventh consecutive year. Chairman and CEO Steve Rusckowski said this year — at a time when health care is valued — was particularly gratifying.

“We are honored for the seventh consecutive year to receive this award, which belongs to our nearly 50,000 employees,” he said. “Over the past year, they stepped up when our country needed them most by developing COVID-19 tests, building test capacity, innovating new testing models with our retail partners, transporting specimens, delivering results and, of course, supporting our customers. They are heroes.”

ADP CEO Carlos Rodriguez said his company was gratified by the recognition.

“Earning such time-honored respect and admiration brings us great pride and reaffirms the importance of the work we’re doing,” he said. “We have built our business around the belief that every individual can unlock their fullest potential if we give them the tools, environment and opportunity to do so.

“That purpose has never been more critical to the world of work, as employers and employees navigate tremendous change. ADP is unwavering in its commitment to provide innovative solutions and trusted guidance to help businesses succeed and emerge more resilient.”

Here’s how the New Jersey-based companies ranked:

• No. 15: J&J (New Brunswick)
• No. 37: Merck (Kenilworth)
• No. 81: ADP (Roseland)
• No. 246: Prudential (Newark)
• No. 251: Quest (Secaucus)

And here’s a look at the Top 10:

1. Apple;
2. Amazon;
3. Microsoft;
4. Walt Disney;
5. Starbucks;
6. Berkshire Hathaway;
7. Alphabet;
8. JPMorgan Chase;
9. Netflix;
10. Costco.

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