There's a horribly pessimistic saying in which second place is called "first loser." But when talking about the absolute largest, most recognizable brands on the planet, second place sure seems like a huge achievement. According to one yearly list, Apple has grabbed the silver spot.

Research firm Interbrand has posted its annual list of the top 100 global brands. Apple moved up to the second-place spot, only topped by Coca-Cola.

Interbrand analyzes the global brand market through a number of variables, but primarily focuses on three factors: the financial performance of the branded products or services, the role of brand in the purchase decision process, and the strength of the brand.

Apple showed the largest gains in brand strength year-over-year, according to the list, with a brand value of $76.5 million; a 129-percent increase over last year. Coca-Cola's brand value was $77.8 million.

A posting on the firm's site makes it clear the presence of the late Steve Jobs is still felt in every Apple product launch, even a year after his passing.

"Few companies have captured our imagination, inspired such devotion, and revolutionized the way we live quite like Apple," reads a portion of the Interbrand post. "While we may assume it’s the products that define Apple, it’s really a certain kind of thinking, a certain set of values, and an unmistakable human touch that pervades everything Apple does — which is why our connections to the brand transcend commerce." 

Other notable companies on the list include IBM (third), Microsoft (fifth), and Intel (eighth). More notably, in light of recent events, Google came in at fourth place, while Samsung was ranked ninth. Apple placed eigth in the 2011 Interbrand list.

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