Apple Is Now Worth More than Microsoft

Earlier this week, Apple passed Microsoft to become the most valuable technology company in the world.

Thanks to yet another strong week for Apple, the company now has a valuation of about $233.7 billion.

Microsoft, on the other hand, is worth about $226 billion.

In addition to now possessing the highest valuation of any tech company in the world, Apple also holds the distinction of having the second highest valuation of any US-based company (behind Exxon Mobil, which is currently worth about $284 billion).

Apple is now worth more than Microsoft, Wal-Mart, JP Morgan, Berkshire Hathaway and General Electric.

The last ten years have been an amazing ride for Apple, while Microsoft has lost a significant amount of momentum (and market cap).

In June of 2000, Apple was trading for around $25. Ten years later, thanks to the phenomenal successes of the iPod, iPhone and other devices/computers, one share of Apple would run you about $257.

Microsoft, on the other hand, traded for around $40 per share in June of 2000, and is now valued at around $26 per share.

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Apple has been hitting it out of the park for the past five years or so. Successful launch after successful launch has buoyed the company's valuation and made them one of the largest companies (by market cap) in the world. The iPod, the iPhone and now the iPad - some people have doubted the company and their products every step of the way, but Apple continues to confound and surprise.

Most recently, many people panned the newly released iPad, but the product is flying off the shelves all around the world (the iPad was recently released in some key international markets in addition to the US).

What makes the Apple story unique is that they have managed to grow into an 800 pound gorilla without turning off their (many) loyal fans.

Take a look at some of the other companies with massive market caps - Microsoft, Exxon Mobil, Wal-Mart, JP Morgan. Not exactly the world's most popular companies (in terms of public sentiment).

However, many people still speak in glowing terms about Apple, despite the fact that they are now a $233 billion giant. Sure, the company has its share of detractors, but nothing even close to the four companies that I mentioned above.

Apple is quite a remarkable story, and the company is proof positive that it is possible to thrive in a tough economy.


Filed under: General Market News