Apple was the world’s most valuable publicly traded company at the end of 2020.
Apple finished 2020 with the highest market capitalization among listed companies, following a year in which its share price rose sharply. Investors responded to strong demand for Apple products, growth in services, and optimism about the company’s future product ecosystem.
The company also completed a four-for-one stock split in August 2020. A stock split changes the number of shares and the price per share but does not, by itself, change the company’s total market capitalization.
Apple’s position at the end of 2020 should not be confused with its temporary leadership at other points in the ranking. Microsoft, Saudi Aramco, and Alphabet have each occupied the top position during different periods, depending on share prices and the number of shares outstanding.