BEIJING, May 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Apple has overtaken Google to reclaim the title of 'world's most valuable brand' in the 2015 BrandZTM Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands, released today by WPP and Millward Brown. Apple has increased its brand value to $247 billion, a rise of 67% year on year. Google (no. 2) also grew, achieving a 9% increase to reach $173.7bn. Microsoft, now worth $115.5bn, is the new no. 3, rising one position with value growth of 28%.
Though the AppleWatch has proved extremely popular, it is the success of the iPhone 6 that has been the main driver of Apple's brand value growth. The contribution of China to the Apple success story is significant with iPhone 6 sales in China rivalling those in the US. Doreen Wang, Millward Brown's Global Head of BrandZ, comments: "Apple continues to 'own' its category by innovating and leading the curve in a way that generates real benefits for consumers. It meets their rational and emotional needs, and makes life easier in a fun and relevant way. Apple is clear on what it stands for, and never stops refreshing its message to sustain the difference that makes it so desirable."
The total brand value of the Top 100 now stands at $3.3 trillion, a 14% increase on 2014 and a 126% growth over the 10 years since the ranking was first launched.
David Roth, WPP said: "Brand value has risen substantially despite a disruptive decade. This is a pivotal moment for brand builders. We're at the threshold of a new normal, and a changing consumer. The past 10 years of valuing brands proves that investing in creating strong, valuable brands delivers superior returns to shareholders."
The BrandZ Top 10 Most Valuable Global Brands 2015 |
|||||
Rank 2015 |
Brand |
Category |
Brand value 2015 ($M) |
Brand value change |
Rank 2014 |
1 |
Apple |
Technology |
246,992 |
67% |
2 |
2 |
|
Technology |
173,652 |
9% |
1 |
3 |
Microsoft |
Technology |
115,500 |
28% |
4 |
4 |
IBM |
Technology |
93,987 |
-13% |
3 |
5 |
Visa |
Payments |
91,962 |
16% |
7 |
6 |
AT&T |
Telecom providers |
89,492 |
15% |
8 |
7 |
Verizon |
Telecom providers |
86,009 |
36% |
11 |
8 |
Coca-Cola* |
Soft drinks |
83,841 |
4% |
6 |
9 |
McDonald's |
Fast food |
81,162 |
-5% |
5 |
10 |
Marlboro |
Tobacco |
80,352 |
19% |
9 |
* The Brand Value of Coca-Cola includes Lights, Diets and Zero |
Highlights and key findings from this year's BrandZ Top 100 study include:
The BrandZTM Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands is now in its tenth year. Analysis of the 10-year trajectory of the brands in the ranking has revealed that:
Deepender Rana, CEO of Millward Brown Greater China comments on the rise of Chinese brands "China is moving fast from being a manufacturing powerhouse to the next stage of economic evolution, with value creation happening through strong branding. We anticipate more Chinese brands will truly go global with a greater share of their brand value coming from their presence outside China, and their contribution to a strong 'Brand China' overall."
Listed Chinese brands: |
||||
Rank |
Category |
Brand |
Brand Value ($M) |
Brand Value change |
11 |
Technology |
Tencent |
76,572 |
43% |
13 |
Retail |
Alibaba |
66,375 |
New |
15 |
Telecom Providers |
China Mobile |
59,895 |
20% |
21 |
Technology |
Baidu |
40,041 |
35% |
22 |
Regional Banks |
ICBC |
38,808 |
-8% |
41 |
Regional Banks |
China Construction Bank |
22,065 |
-12% |
50 |
Regional Banks |
Agricultural Bank of China |
20,189 |
11% |
62 |
Insurance |
China Life |
17,365 |
44% |
63 |
Oil & Gas |
Sinopec |
17,267 |
21% |
65 |
Regional Banks |
Bank of China |
16,438 |
16% |
68 |
Insurance |
Ping An |
15,959 |
29% |
70 |
Technology |
Huawei |
15,335 |
New |
71 |
Oil & Gas |
Petrochina |
15,022 |
21% |
99 |
Telecom Providers |
China Telecom |
11,075 |
New |
Carried out by WPP's marketing and brand consultancy Millward Brown, the BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands study is the only ranking in the world that uses the views of potential and current buyers of a brand, alongside financial data, to calculate brand value.
The BrandZ™ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands report and rankings, and a great deal more brand insight for key regions of the world and 14 market sectors, are available online here. A new suite of interactive smartphone and tablet applications is available for free download for Apple IOS and all Android devices from www.brandz.com/mobile or search for BrandZ in the respective iTunes or Google Play app stores.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
About the BrandZ™ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands Ranking
Carried out by WPP's marketing and brand consultancy Millward Brown, the BrandZ™ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands ranking is now in its tenth year. It is the only study to combine measures of brand equity based on interviews with over three million consumers globally about thousands of global 'consumer facing' and business-to-business brands with a rigorous analysis of the financial and business performance of each company (using data from Bloomberg and Kantar Retail) to separate the value that brand plays in driving business and shareholder value. Consumer perception of a brand is a key input in determining brand value because brands are a combination of business performance, product delivery, clarity of positioning, and leadership. The ranking takes into account regional variations since, even for truly global brands, measures of brand contribution might differ substantially across countries.
About Millward Brown
Millward Brown is a leading global research agency specializing in advertising effectiveness, strategic communication, media and brand equity research. Millward Brown helps clients grow great brands through comprehensive research-based qualitative and quantitative solutions. Specialist global practices include a leading Digital practice (focused on digital effectiveness and intelligence), Firefly Millward Brown (a global qualitative network), a Neuroscience Practice (using neuroscience to optimize the value of traditional research techniques), and Millward Brown Vermeer (a strategy consultancy helping companies maximize financial returns on brand and marketing investments). Millward Brown operates in more than 55 countries and is part of Kantar, WPP's data investment management division. Learn more at www.millwardbrown.com.
About WPP
WPP is the world's largest communications services group with billings of US$76 billion and revenues of US$19 billion. Through its operating companies, the Group provides a comprehensive range of advertising and marketing services including advertising & media investment management; data investment management; public relations & public affairs; branding & identity; healthcare communications; direct, digital, promotion & relationship marketing and specialist communications. The company employs over 188,000 people (including associates and investments) in over 3,000 offices across 111 countries. For more information, visit www.wpp.com.
WPP was named Holding Company of the Year at the 2014 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity for the fourth year running. WPP was also named, for the fourth consecutive year, the World's Most Effective Holding Company in the 2015 Effie Effectiveness Index, which recognizes the effectiveness of marketing communications.