Apple and Google top Interbrand’s Best Global Brands ranking

New York -- For the second year in a row, Apple ranks as the most valuable brand in the world, followed by Google, on Interbrand’s 15th annual Best Global Brands Report. Apple was valued at $118.9 billion, up 21% over last year, while Google was valued at $107.43 billion, up 15%. Rounding out the top five were Coca-Cola, IBM and Microsoft.



It was the first time in the history of the Best Global Brands report that two global brands – not just one – had a brand value that exceeded $100 billion.



“Apple and Google’s meteoric rise to more than $100 billion is truly a testament to the power of brand building,” said Jez Frampton, Interbrand’s Global CEO. “These leading brands have reached new pinnacles — in terms of both their growth and in the history of Best Global Brands — by creating experiences that are seamless, contextually relevant, and increasingly based around an overarching ecosystem of integrated products and services, both physical and digital.”



In determining the top 100 most valuable brands ranking, Interbrand examines three main criteria. Along with the financial performance of the branded product and service, it also looks at the role the brand plays in influencing customer choice, and in commanding a premium price or securing earnings for the company.



Facebook was this year’s top riser, jumping 33 spots to number 29 and gaining 86% in brand value. Interbrand noted that Facebook continues to exceed expectations, with its monthly active users at 1.32 billion, up 14% year-over-year.



“Facebook’s acquisitions of messaging service WhatsApp for $19 billion and Oculus VR for $2 billion signal a new strategy unfolding,” according to the report. “The company is building a vast product portfolio, brimming with competing services and apps.”



Huawei (#94), the Chinese telecommunications and network equipment provider, is the first Chinese company to make Interbrand’s ranking. With 65% of its revenue coming from outside of China and with its earnings continuing to climb both domestically and across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Huawei is quickly becoming one of the largest telecommunications equipment makers in the world. The company is currently the third largest smartphone manufacturer in the world — just behind Samsung and Apple.