Google, Apple among top 10 brands

Google has now topped Apple as the most valuable brand in the world.

Google is valued at more than $109 billion, ending Apple’s 5-year streak as the top brand. Apple’s value has dropped about 27 percent. Apple’s value declined from $146 billion to $107 billion, according to the latest Brand Finance Global 500 report.

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“Apple has struggled to maintain its technological advantage, with new iterations of the iPhone delivering diminishing returns, while the Chinese market is now crowded with local competitors,” said David Haigh, CEO of Brand Finance. “Apple has been living on borrowed time for several years by exploiting its accumulated brand equity. This underlines one of the many benefits of a strong brand, but Apple has finally taken it too far.”

The top 10 most valuable brands are:

1. Google

2. Apple

3. Amazon.com

4. AT&T

5. Microsoft

6. Samsung Group

7. Verizon

8. Walmart

9. Facebook

10. ICBC

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