Interbrand: Apple, Google own the most valuable brands

After 13 consecutive years at the top of Interbrand's annual list of the most valuable brands in the world, Coca-Cola was unseated by Apple

a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

After 13 consecutive years at the top of Interbrand's annual list of the most valuable brands in the world, Coca-Cola  (NYSE: KO )  was unseated in 2013's report by Apple  (NASDAQ: AAPL ) , which jumped to the top of the list with a value of US$98.3 billion, the value analytics firms said today in a press release.

Apple's growth in brand value can be explained, according to Interbrand, by two key factors: "In addition to being resilient, Apple is also prescient — continually anticipating what consumers will want next."

Google  (NASDAQ: GOOG)  jumped two spots from last year's list to also pass Coca-Cola and place second in 2013, with a brand value of US$93.3 billion, according to Interbrand. (Coca-Cola landed at No. 3 with a brand value of US$79.2 billion.) "By continuing to move beyond search and by placing big bets on innovation, Google will impact the way its consumers live and behave worldwide — and increase the value of its brand in the process," said Interbrand, noting Google Glass and Google's self-driving car work.

Interbrand arrives at the brand valuations by factoring in financial performance, the role brand plays in consumers' buying choices, and "the strength the brand has to command a premium price, or secure earnings for the company." Interbrand launched its ranking in 2000.

The value of Apple's brand jumped 28% compared to last year, bumping it from No. 2 to No. 1, while Coca-Cola saw a mere 2% increase from 2012 to US$79.2 billion this year. Facebook  (NASDAQ: FB)  enjoyed the highest percentage improvement in value on Interbrand's list of the top 100 brands, jumping 43% over 2012. The increase in Facebook's brand value to US$7.7 billion puts it No. 52 on the list, up from last year's 69.

Interbrand said Facebook is the only social media brand to claim a position on this year's Best Global Brands list. It noted increases in revenue and earnings per share over the past year as well as an increase in Facebook's global user base and mobile users.

IBM and Microsoft round out the top five brands on Interbrand's list, with respective values of US$78.8 billion and US$59.5 billion. A complete list of the top 100 brands, with multiple filtering alternatives, can be found on Interbrand's website.

Interbrand said this year the total value of all 100 Best Global Brands is US$1.5 trillion, an 8.4% record increase over the total value of the 100 Best Global Brands in 2012. New entrants to the list include Discovery (No. 70), Procter & Gamble's Duracell (No. 85), and General Motors' Chevrolet (No. 89).

The Australian Financial Review says "good quality Australian shares that have a long history of paying dividends are a real alternative to a term deposit." Get "3 Stocks for the Great Dividend Boom" in our special FREE report. Click here now to find out the names, stock symbols, and full research for our three favourite income ideas, all completely free!

More reading

A version of this article, written by Tim Brugger, originally appeared on fool.com.

More on ⏸️ Investing

A white and black robot in the form of a human being stands in front of a green graphic holding a laptop and discussing robotics and automation ASX shares
Technology Shares

Joining the revolution: How I'd invest in ASX AI shares right now

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) could usher in a new industrial revolution. Here’s how you can invest in it.

Read more »

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »