Apple surpasses Amazon as world’s most valuable brand

• Apple became the most valuable brand in the world for the first time in 5 years.
• The brand, valued at $263.4 billion, surpassed Amazon and Google. 
• Tesla is the fastest-growing brand in the world. 
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For the first time in five years, the Apple brand is the most valuable in the world at $263.4 billion, surpassing Amazon and Google, according to a ranking from Brand Finance Global 500.

Apple’s diversification strategy paid off, as the brand increased 87% in value last year, according to the ranking, which was first reported by MarketWatch. With Tim Cook at the helm, the brand has expanded beyond the iPhone, into services like the App Store, iCloud, Apple Podcasts, Music, TV, and Arcade. The company is reportedly planning to make a self-driving electric car by 2024.

Five years ago, the iPhone accounted for two-thirds of Apple’s sales, but in 2020 it accounted for just half. With regard to the Apple brand’s growth and diversification, Brand Finance Chief Executive David High said, “We are witnessing it think different once again. From Mac to iPod, to iPhone, to iPad, to Apple Watch, to subscription services, to infinity and beyond.”

The tech giant is slated to report its first quarter earnings Wednesday after the market close, and analysts are expecting revenues to top the $100 billion mark for the first time in its history, with strong iPhone 12 sales to thank. After the company passed a record $2 trillion market capitalization in August, analysts are predicting the $3 trillion mark is within reach in the next 12 months.

Read more: Apple reportedly ditching its most controversial feature in the next version of the MacBook Pro shows the company’s finally listening to its customers

Amazon, which now ranks second according to the report, is now valued at $254.2 billion. The 15% increase came as the company largely benefited from sales boosted by the COVID-19 pandemic as consumers stayed at home and shopped online. Google is ranked third, as it faced its first-ever revenue decline during the pandemic.

Tesla, meanwhile, took the top spot as the fastest-growing brand in the world. As other automakers struggled last year, Tesla benefited from strong sales and ramped up deliveries. The electric car-maker, which will report its fourth-quarter earnings Wednesday afternoon, is expected to close out on an historic 2020 with its first fiscal year of profitability.