Microsoft became the second public company to reach a US$3 trillion market capitalization.
Microsoft crossed US$3 trillion during trading on January 24, 2024. Apple had been the first company to reach that valuation, so Microsoft’s milestone marked the rapid expansion of the largest technology platforms in public markets.
Microsoft’s cloud business was central to its modern growth story. Azure, enterprise software subscriptions, and commercial services complemented Windows and Office, while the company’s investment in artificial-intelligence partnerships increased investor interest in its future products.
The ranking is chronological, not a permanent statement about which company is most valuable. Apple and Microsoft have repeatedly exchanged the top position as their share prices move. Market capitalization also differs from enterprise value, which includes debt and subtracts cash when comparing the value of operating businesses.