Our rankings highlight the companies whose business is really booming.
Apple Computer Rank: 3 (2005 rank: 16)
Get quote: AAPL
Employees: 15,858
Headquarters: Cupertino, CA Sector(s): Electronics
Why It's hot: 2005 was another banner year for Steve Jobs & Co., as Apple introduced the $199 iPod Nano and the $499 Mac Mini computer. The debuts helped add $6.4 billion to sales without putting a dent in profit margins.