Apple, Google named two most valuable brands in the world

The Interbrand consultancy firm has released its 2015 list of the world's most valuable brands, and for the third year in a row Apple and Google have the number one and two spots, respectively. The list continues to be dominated by technology companies, with Microsoft, IBM, and Samsung also appearing in the top 10. Interbrand calculates each company's valuation as a combination of their financial performance, how much they can influence customer purchases, and their ability to maintain premium pricing.

This year sees Apple valued at $170 billion, an increase of 43% over 2014, while Google is valued at $120 billion, a 12% increase. 28 of the 100 companies on Interbrand's list are in the technology industry, and they are worth more than a third of the list's total value.

The full top 10 is as follows:

1. Apple

2. Google

3. Coca-Cola

4. Microsoft

5. IBM

6. Toyota

7. Samsung

8. GE

9. McDonald's

10. Amazon

Other tech companies making their way into the top 30 include Intel at 14, Cisco at 15, HP at 18, and Facebook at 23. Both Nokia and Nintendo fell out of the top 100 this year, while PayPal and Lenovo managed to make the list for the first time, at spots 97 and 100, respectively.

SOURCE Interbrand

VIA Venture Beat