Since 2000, each year Interbrand has published a list of the world’s top 100 most valuable brands. The three key components used in the brand valuations are 1) analyses of the competitive strength of the brand, 2) the role the brand plays in the purchase decision, and 3)the financial performance of the branded products or services.

This year, for the first time in 13 years, Coke has not held the top spot. This year they dropped to third, following both Apple and Google in a clear indication that technology is becoming ever more important in people’s lives. In fact, 7 of the top 10 places are held by technology related companies: Apple, Google, IBM, Microsoft, GE, Samsung, Intel. The only non-tech companes were Coke, McDonalds, and Toyota.

Below is a very interesting view the world’s top brands over the past several years. Notice that some brands have remained relatively consistent (e.g. IBM, GE, McDonalds), some have dropped and completely disappeared off the list (e.g. Nokia and Marlborough cigarettes), and some have grown incredibly fast to become world leaders (e.g. Apple and Google)

Here is a list of the top 100 companies ordered by value of their brand.