Apple Leads the 2014 Best Global Brands Ranking; Google, Microsoft Close Behind

For the Cupertino-based multi-billion dollar corporate Apple, to make it to the top of ranking lists is nothing new. Apple was placed as the most valuable brand in the world in 2013 by Interbrand’s ‘Best Global Brands’ ranking after it ended Coca-Cola’s 13-year reign at the top of the list. Apple has managed to retain its position this year as well with other technology-centric firms close behind in the list of revered Top 100 Most Valuable Brands in the World.

With a cumulative brand value of $118.86 billion, Apple leads the comprehensive list of brands. Apple saw an impressive 21% brand growth during the past year (its brand value was $98,316 million in 2013). Google sits in the second place with a value of $107.43 billion, which is up 15% from last year. This is also for the first time in BGB’s history that not one but two brands have a value that is upwards of $100 billion each.

Other significant technology companies in the list which reported a positive growth in value include Microsoft ($61,154 million; 3% growth), Samsung ($45,462 million, 15% growth), and CISCO ($30,936, 6% growth) in 5^th, 7^th and 14^th place respectively.

IBM and Intel both witnessed an 8% drop in brand value each, with IBM holding its 4^th position but Intel dropping to 12^th rank from 9^th in 2013.

Facebook saw the highest brand value rise this year, with a distinguishing figure of 86%. Facebook currently sits at 29^th spot with $14,349 million. Amazon was also among the top risers with 25% gain in value, and closed in at 15^th rank at $29,478 million.

Huawei, the first Chinese technology company to be featured among the global Top 100 made history this year as well. Huawei is well on its way to become world’s top telecommunication equipment manufacturer with 65% of its revenues coming from outside its local market, China.

Interbrand, the firm behind Best Global Brands ranking is a pioneer in brand valuation services, and implements several well-recognized and proven metrics to measure a brand’s true value and influence. It is also the first company in the world to have its brand valuation methodology certified by International Organization for Standardization (ISO).