Samsung was placed 18th in an annual survey of the world's most valuable brands released by consultancy Brand Finance on Monday. Internet search giant Google ranked first among the world's top 500 with a brand value estimated at US$44.3 billion.  

The consultancy ranks companies based on their current value, future cash flow, and customer brand loyalty. Microsoft and Walmart came second and third.

They were followed by IBM, Vodafone, Bank of America, General Electric, Apple, Wells Fargo, and AT&T.

Coca-Cola, which came third last year, dropped out of the top 10 for the first time, finishing 16th with a brand value of $25.8 billion this year. Nokia also plunged from 21st last year to 94th ($9.7 billion), while Facebook entered the top 500 for the first time, ranking 281st ($3.7 billion).

Nine Korean companies were in the top 500 this year. Samsung rose by five notches from 23rd last year to 18th this year, with its brand value growing to $21.5 billion.

LG Electronics jumped from 203rd to 168th. Hyundai and KEPCO finished 228th and 283rd. POSCO, Kia, SK Telecom, Korea Gas Corporation, and KT were also on the list.