Apple took first place on the latest BrandZ top 100 list, overtaking Google, as the list showed on May 27. What does that mean, exactly? The respected list dictates which brand is the most valuable, and it appears Apple is the winner.
The annual list shows the world’s most valuable companies. As for why Apple overtook Google in the newest BrandZ report, it is likely to be Apple’s huge iPhone 6 sales and the recent hype about its upcoming watches. In the latest top 100 list, Google is in second place.
Two factors that the BrandZ list takes into consideration for its rankings are net worth and customer satisfaction. It also only considers the leading 100 companies; these organizations can be based anywhere in the world. The 2015 list was compiled by Millward Brown, a firm specializing in market research. In addition to market research, consumer survey results are considered in the calculation of the listing placement.
This year’s BrandZ top 100 list found that Apple grew by 67% over last year. Apple’s value that shot it to first place is currently $247 billion. That is quite a bit ahead of Google, in second place at $176.3 billion for its brand value.
This BrandZ list is not be confused with the Forbes top 100 list of high-value brands. BrandZ, for example, takes into account customer satisfaction levels, in addition to just the stack price. On the Forbes list, Apple is first while Microsoft takes the second spot.
If you are wondering where IBM places on the newest BrandZ top 100 list, it is in fourth place. As compared to last year, IBM’s value is down 13% on the list. McDonalds is also in the top ten group, even despite recent criticisms shown by public protests in the American Midwest. In eight place is Coca-Cola, with a value of $84 billion.