Which company became the first company in history to reach a $200 billion market capitalization?

General Electric became the first company in history to reach a $200 billion market capitalization.

General Electric crossed the $200 billion level in 1995, when it was led by chief executive Jack Welch and was widely regarded as one of America’s strongest industrial and financial conglomerates. Its businesses included appliances, aviation, power systems, medical equipment, and financial services.

GE’s history began with the Edison General Electric Company and Thomson-Houston Electric Company, which merged in 1892. It was also one of the original companies listed in the Dow Jones Industrial Average when that index was created in 1896.

The company’s later experience shows that a market-cap record is not a guarantee of permanent dominance. GE eventually divided into separate public companies, including GE HealthCare, GE Vernova, and GE Aerospace, reflecting a long restructuring away from its former conglomerate model.