Gadgets
Why Apple is Even More Valuable Than You Think
By Chris Ciaccia
As if Apple wasn't already valuable enough.
Interbrands put out its list of the "Best Global Brands" in 2011, and much to no one's surprise, Apple was on the list. It wasn't the top spot on the list (that presitiogous distinction belongs to Coca-Cola). Apple ranked 8th on the list, but the change is brand value is where Apple really shined.
In 2010, Apple ranked 17th on the list. The nine spots Apple jumped is the most on the list. Conversely, Nintendo and Yahoo! fell the most on the list, dropping from 38 to 48, and from 66 to 76.
Apple saw an increase of 58% in brand value, much more than any other company on the 100 name list. Amazon (#26) and Google (#4) were the closest competitors, seeing increases of 32% and 27% in their brand values, respectively.
Through its iPads, iPhones, Macs, and iPods, Apple has become a company which everyone aspires to own, and that seems to be increasing with each new product launch. The Apple ecosystem is feeding on itself and continues to grow ever larger. A prime example of this is the company was not at the Consumer Electronics Show last week, and two of the major issues were the much talked about supposed Apple TV, and all of the companies that have built products to augment your iDevices.
The top five companies on the list besides Coca-Cola are IBM, Microsoft, Google, and GE, but none had a more valuable year than Apple. Shares are at all-time highs, and there is seemingly a never ending speculation and hype about what Apple will do next.
Steve Jobs may have passed away, but the company he helped build has turned into the company everyone wants to be associated with.
This tremendous jump in brand value is just another reason why.