50 Most Valuable Brands in the World

The information technology company recently received approval from American regulators to acquire software company Red Hat in an effort to expand its cloud computing business. IBM is in the process of a pivot to the cloud and artificial intelligence and away from equipment sales and services.

Philip Morris International sells Marlboros globally, and Altria Group markets the brand in the United States; both cite declining demand and increased taxation as risks to their future cigarette businesses. Last year, Altria bought a stake in e-cigarette-maker Juul as Americans embrace vaping. The value of Juul has yet to crack the top 500 brands, however.

The flagship brand of The Coca-Cola Company is also the most recognized beverage brand globally. Consumers are steering away from sugary drinks, which explains why the Atlanta-based maker of beverages, concentrates, and syrups has been experimenting lately with new diet Coke products.

Despite being owned by America’s largest bank by total assets, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Chase is the least valuable banking brand among the eight financial institutions on this list. Chase recently moved into the largely untested waters of crypto currency as a commercial banking service.

The consumer banking brand of America’s third largest bank by total assets, Citigroup, is also the country’s third most valuable banking brand. Also the world’s largest credit card issuer, Citigroup is experimenting with linking card rewards to Citi checking accounts as a way to attract new customers.