Microsoft briefly became the world’s most valuable company by market capitalization in January 2024.
Microsoft overtook Apple during January 2024 as investors responded to strong enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI. The ranking depended on daily share-price movements, so the lead changed over time rather than representing a permanent corporate title.
Microsoft’s market value was supported by its cloud-computing division Azure, enterprise software, Windows, gaming, and AI products integrated into services such as Microsoft 365 and GitHub. Apple remained a close rival, with its valuation affected by expectations for iPhone demand.
The phrase “most valuable company” in this context means highest stock-market capitalization, not highest revenue, profit, or asset value. Microsoft was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen.