Microsoft became the second company ever to reach a $3 trillion market capitalization in January 2024.
Microsoft briefly crossed the threshold during trading on January 24, 2024, after Apple had become the first company to reach $3 trillion in January 2022. Microsoft’s valuation reflected strong investor confidence in its cloud-computing business, enterprise software, and growing involvement in artificial-intelligence services.
The company’s market value is separate from its revenue and profit. It is calculated from the market price of Microsoft shares and the number of shares outstanding. Because stock prices change continuously, a company can pass a milestone intraday and later finish below it.
Microsoft was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. Its modern business spans Windows, Azure, Microsoft 365, gaming, search, and professional networking through LinkedIn.