Apple once again the world's most valuable brand

For the second year in a row, Apple is the most valuable brand in the world. Apple took top honors by increasing its brand value 19% to $182.9 billion, according to the Millward Brown’s annual BrandZ study.

Apple edged out IBM by nearly $30 billion, but in general, technology companies fared well in the study. Google traded spots with IBM and came in at third place while Microsoft landed in fifth place, with McDonald's as the only non-tech brand in the top five spots. The study ranks brands based off on their value, an analysis of their financial data, market intelligence and consumer measures of brand equity. And while Apple's brand continues to dominate, the study acknowledged that the tech giant is not going unchallenged.