Apple’s 2014 stock-market value made it the world’s most valuable company for much of that year.
Apple held the top position in global market capitalization during 2014, supported by strong iPhone sales and investor expectations for continued growth. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus launched in September 2014 and set new sales records for Apple’s smartphone line.
Apple’s valuation was also helped by a large capital-return program that included share repurchases and dividends. Repurchases reduce the number of shares outstanding, which can affect per-share results and market-cap calculations.
Historical rankings depend on the precise date and whether companies are compared in the same currency. ExxonMobil and other energy companies had held the top position in earlier periods, so “most valuable” is a time-specific market-cap claim rather than a permanent title.