Microsoft moves into second place in top 500 company brands

By Tom Warren, on 22nd Mar 11 9:37 am with 9 Comments

Microsoft moved behind rival Google in a top 500 list of company brands.

The software giant moved into second place, behind Google, in Brand Finance’s Global 500 2011 report. Brand Finance compiles annual reports on the world’s leading brands and companies. Google is now the most valuable brand in the world ($44.3bn), edging Microsoft ($42.8bn) into second place. Despite Microsoft’s jump to second place, the company managed to increase its brand value to $42.8bn from $33.6bn in 2010. Google’s brand value jumped from $36.1bn in 2010 to an impressive $44.3bn in 2011. Microsoft was placed fifth in 2010.

Google’s dominance in the search engine sector means it tops the 2011 table. “The company has repeatedly undertaken ventures that are comparatively un-commercial but have a positive impact on its brand rating (AAA+) which is the highest in the table. These actions include developing services help rescue efforts following the natural disasters in New Zealand and Japan and its growing not-for-profit arm,” says Brand Finance.

Microsoft rival Apple has also moved up the rankings twelve places thanks to innovative design, a loyal consumer base and “well-executed marketing activities.” Nokia suffered the largest fall in brand value, $9.9bn. “The company has struggled in the smartphone market, a victim of Apple’s success, although the partnership with Microsoft may help to revive their fortunes,” said Brand Finance.

Top 500 brands - BrandFinance

  • Manish

    Who cares?

  • GP007

    The way some people talk about MS on the net you’d think they weren’t even on the list. Guess the sky isn’t falling anytime soon. And that top spot could be gained again the next time around.

  • Steve Jobs

    This is actually pretty good! Next time Microsoft will dominate!

  • Guest

    How does second place to second place constitute a slip?

  • http://markk-b.sitesled.com Mark Kéy-Balchin

    “Despite Microsoft’s slump to second place, the company managed to increase its brand value to $42.8bn from $33.6bn in 2010. Google’s brand value jumped from $36.1bn in 2010 to an impressive $44.3bn in 2011.”

    Isn’t $36b above $33b (thus placing Google ahead of Microsoft in 2010 as well)?

  • Jacob Adams

    I’m somewhat confused at the heading of this article. In the beginning of this post you mention 2010 figures that put Microsoft in 2nd place last year as well. So how did they slip into 2nd when actually from your data they have made up alittle ground to actually catch Google.

  • Guest

    Kind of inevitable. Google will likely become more valuable than MS in market cap this year as well. The only surprise on this one is that Apple isn’t listed higher.

  • J-mac

    Azure and Hyper-V… 55 bilions in 2012.

  • Alex

    Slightly confused here… in 2010 Google was no.2 on the list and MS no.5. In 2011 Google is no.1 on the list and MS no.2.

    So actually shouldn’t your title be “Microsoft rises to second place”, or if you mean in reference to Google, then “Microsoft remains in second place”…?