Every year, Business Week takes a look at the 100 most valuable brand names. It's a collection of world-beaters, literally. And, yes, once again The Motley Fool got royally shafted! Go figure. But, seriously now, because the list is global in scope, it always helps to drop those patriotic-tinted specs.
There's a great big world out there, and that's why a stateside darling like Dell
Starbucks
Yes, this is clearly a list with a global emphasis. While all but two of the ten most valuable brands on the list are the handiwork of American companies, you will also come across international titans that may not exactly be household names on this side of the Atlantic.
But you didn't come here for the nuance. You were sold on the big 10, and either you're not up to looking up the list right now or you're still rummaging for your August 4 issue of Business Week. No problem. Here are the 10 heavy hitters:
1. Coca-Cola
2. Microsoft
3. IBM
4. General Electric
5. Intel
6. Nokia
7. Disney
8. McDonald's
9. Marlboro -- Altria's
10. Mercedes -- DaimlerChrysler
So, there you have it. Ubiquity's bar tab is huge. While the assigning of value -- and in this case BW's interpretation of Interbrand's data -- to something as subjective as a brand name can always be argued, the right name is clearly worth plenty.
Berkshire Hathaway's
Since then, how much more has the perceived value of Coke appreciated? Considerably. I, for one, appreciate that appreciation.
It's The Motley Fool's 10th anniversary. We're celebrating with 10 Ways to Make More Money Now !
Rick Aristotle Munarriz figures that if he were a brand he'd fetch somewhere in the vicinity of three bucks and change. He mentioned a lot of publicly traded companies in this article and has small equity stakes in Disney, Pixar, and Ford. Rick's other stock holdings can be viewed online, as can the Fool's disclosure policy.