Apple tops Google as world’s most valuable brand

UNDATED (CNN) — Apple has surpassed Google to become the most valuable brand in the world.

That’s according to an annual ranking of the world’s most valuable brands published by research company “Brandz.”

The Apple brand has increased in value by 67% over the past year, as the company has continued to promote its products globally.

Its brand is now valued at $247 billion.

But the brand value of Google, at number two, is nothing to sneeze at.

It’s up 9%, to reach $174 billion.

Others in the top 10 include Microsoft at number three, valued at $116 billion.

AT&T is sixth, at $89 billion.

It’s followed by Verizon at $86 billion, Coca-Cola at $84 billion, McDonald’s at $81 billion and Marlboro at $80 billion.