Skandia Receives Top Marks 30/08/00 In a recent survey by Brand Finance plc in the UK, Skandia received the highest distinction as the financially strongest brand in Europe, with top marks for the quality of its information to analysts and investors. The survey was based on interviews with 292 analysts and 47 investor relations executives in London, as well as on a review of the accounts of the FTSE 350 companies. This is the fourth year that the brand value reporting survey has been conducted, and the first year that Skandia has been included on the ranking list. In 1999 the food giant Cadbury Schweppes, which fell to 49th place in this year's survey, led the list. The global savings and life assurance company Skandia received the highest score across all eleven criteria measured in the Brand Finance Report. Among other things, Skandia was rated highest for being focused on shareholder value. Other criteria in the ranking included clear and informative analyst presentations, the annual report, information about markets and customers, a sustainable accounting policy, and the ability of the CEO and CFO to communicate future strategies. Second to Skandia was WPP, followed by Securitas, Nokia and Freeserve. A total of 212 companies qualified for inclusion on the list. However, 78% of the analysts and 72% of the investor relations executives interviewed felt that the companies should inform more about their brand values.