GLOBAL – NEW YORK, MAY 23, 2012: According to WPP company Millward Brown’s annual BrandZTM Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands study, the world’s biggest brands have continued to grow in value during the current economic uncertainty . The leading brand for the second year, Apple, rose 19% in value and is now worth $182.9 billion. IBM grew 15% in value to $115.9 billion and overtook Google, which dropped to third place in the ranking and is now worth $107.8 billion. As its IPO closes, eight year old Facebook rose 74% in value, making
it the fastest brand value riser in the ranking but still worth less than Google. Its brand is worth $33.2 billion, moving the social network up in the ranking to No.19 from No.35.
The study, commissioned by WPP and conducted by Millward Brown Optimor and now in its seventh year, identifies and ranks the world’s most valuable brands by their dollar value, an analysis based on financial data, market intelligence and consumer measures of
brand equity.
Key findings are highlighted in this year’s research report include:
Technology Prevails: Technology has become ubiquitous in all areas of our lives. Seven
of the top 10 brands are technology or telecoms brands. However, the power
of smart, simple-to-use technology can also be seen beyond these two
sectors.
The Rise of Africa: This year’s ranking highlights the progress
of Africa’s economic development with the arrival of the first African
brand in the Top 100 – South African mobile company MTN – No 88 at $9.2
billion.
The Future is Mobile: The future of the internet will be
predominantly mobile rather than computer based. Mobile, to some extent,
has been shielded from the recession as one of the few items consumers
don’t want to give up or cut back on.
Retail: Constructing an Omni-Channel Business: The customer experience is a new
focus for many retailers as they recognise its importance in keeping
customers loyal and the need to be present anywhere and everywhere on the
path to purchase.
Brands with Women on the Board Outperform: As the number of women on corporate
boards continues to rise, the BrandZ Top100 study this year
reveals the success that women bring to brands. 77% of the brands
appearing in the BrandZTM Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands
have women in the boardroom.
Strong Brands Provide Better Shareholder Value: An analysis of BrandZ Top 100 Most
Valuable Global Brands as a ‘stock portfolio’ over the last seven years
shows a highly favorable performance compared to a current stock market
index, the S&P500.
