Two of Northwest Arkansas’ largest employers were selected among the “Most Admired Companies” by Fortune magazine.
Bentonville-based Walmart and Tyson Foods, Inc., which is headquartered in Springdale, received the distinction.
Fortune describes the annual “Most Admired” list as “the definitive report card on corporate reputations.” To determine the rankings, the publication commissions a survey of executives, analysts and directors seeking opinions in nine categories of business strength.
Walmart was No. 38 on the list. It was the No. 1 company in the world in the categories of global competitiveness and financial soundness.
Tyson Foods wasn’t among the top 50 companies listed but being listed is among the most admired is a strong indication of the respect others have for the company. It was ranked fourth in the food production category in the 2015 listing, two spots higher than a year ago. The company scored its highest marks for innovation, people management, quality of management and its long-term investment value.
“We’re proud of our company and believe it’s built for growth, especially after our last year’s acquisition of The Hillshire Brands Company and the addition of such leading brands as Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Ball Park and Sara Lee,” said Tyson Foods President and CEO Donnie Smith. “This recognition is truly deserved by our team members who work hard every day to make sure we make affordable, great tasting food available for our customers to sell to families around the world.”
A close examination of Fortune’s entire “most admired” list shows Northwest Arkansas is well represented. While “most admired companies” such as Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, and Coke have their corporate headquarters elsewhere, they do have large offices in Northwest Arkansas.
