Welcome to the BrandZ^TM Top 100
Most Valuable Global Brands 2013.

Despite difficult economic conditions, the Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands rose 7 percent in brand value, with the rise spread across most categories. That accomplishment alone indicates the power of strong brands. But the story becomes even more impressive in historical context.

The total brand value of the BrandZ^TM Top 100 has improved 77 percent since its introduction in 2006. During the eight years since then, the stock market value of the BrandZ^TM Top 100 portfolio of strong brands grew 58 percent, substantially outperforming the S&P 500, which gained only 23 percent.

This growth occurred as brands faced unprecedented challenges in a marketplace disrupted by the digital revolution and transformed by the global recession. Empowered by technology, consumers cautiously researched potential purchases across channels, deliberating about product opinions, brand reputation and price.

In these circumstances, the steady growth in brand value illustrates a fundamental finding of the annual BrandZ^TM Top 100 brand valuation reports: When the economic tide comes in, strong brands ride the crest of the wave; and when the tide turns, as it always does, strong brands resist the undertow and recover faster.

Investing in strong brands has never been more important for increasing shareholder value and developing solid, sustainable businesses. Our analysis proves that strong brands come from diverse categories and geographic regions. This BrandZ^TM Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands report both celebrates these brand value leaders and analyzes how they build and sustain their strength.