Shares of Apple (AAPL -1.12%) stock may be off more than 20% over the past year, but as far as BrandZ is concerned, nothing has changed. The iEmpire, at $185 billion, once again ranks at the top of the firm's list of the most valuable brands.

Apple topped a list that named three tech companies in the top five. Google ranked second at $113.7 billion followed closely by IBM at $112.5 billion. McDonald's and Warren Buffett favorite Coca-Cola rounded out the top 5.

Samsung ranked 30th but also gained more, up 51% to $21 billion, BrandZ said in a press release. The message? Samsung's efforts in phablets are paying off. On the other hand, Apple still stands out in tablets and looks best positioned to change the way we interact with televised content, says Tim Beyers of Motley Fool Rule Breakers and Motley Fool Supernova in the following video. That's enough to keep the Mac maker in the top spot, Tim says.

Do you agree? Please watch the video to get Tim's full take, and then let us know whether you would buy, sell, or short Apple stock at current prices.