After soaring in 2024, Microsoft dethroned Apple as the world's most valuable company, reaching a historic $3 trillion market cap. Not far behind, six more giants joined the trillion-dollar club. Despite tech's dominance, diverse sectors like oil, insurance, healthcare, payments, and luxury brands also claim spots among the biggest US firms.
Here are the top 10 Largest US Companies By Market Cap:
At The Top - Microsoft
| Market Cap | $3.002 trillion |
| Revenue (TTM) | $227.58 billion |
| Gross Profit (TTM) | $158.74 billion |
| Five-Year Return | 31.07% |
| Year Founded | 1975 |
With its ubiquitous Windows operating system powering over 70% of computers, Microsoft has long been a tech powerhouse. But its dominance extends beyond Windows, fueled by a diverse portfolio:
- Office Suite -From Word and Excel to PowerPoint and Teams, Microsoft's productivity tools are staples in workplaces and homes worldwide.
- Azure Cloud Platform -Azure competes with Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud for dominance in the cloud computing market, offering businesses a range of services.
- Xbox Consoles -Microsoft's gaming division boasts the popular Xbox consoles, competing fiercely with Sony's PlayStation for the hearts and wallets of gamers.
- Surface Devices -Microsoft's Surface line of laptops and tablets challenges Apple's dominance in the premium device market.
- AI Push -Microsoft is investing heavily in artificial intelligence, with a $10 billion investment in OpenAI and its own AI-powered assistant, Copilot.
Apple
| Market Cap | $2.815 trillion |
| Revenue (TTM) | $383.29 billion |
| Gross Profit (TTM) | $169.15 billion |
| Five-Year Return | 34.67% |
| Year Founded | 1976 |
Apple's story is a testament to the power of amazing products and loyal fans. Just 15 days before Steve Jobs stepped down, Applereached the top spot in terms of value in 2011, and remained there for most of the decade.
Even now, they're just a step behind Microsoft. Apple even holds the bragging rights of being the first company to hit market caps of $1 trillion, $2 trillion, and a whopping $3 trillion!
But how did they get there? Their success rides on the backs of iconic products like the iPhone, MacBook, and AirPods. Their latest offering, the Apple Vision Pro, is a mixed-reality headset that pushes the boundaries of technology.
And it's not just hardware - Apple TV+, their streaming service, shows they're diversifying into exciting new areas.
Alphabet
| Market Cap | $1.763 trillion |
| Revenue (TTM) | $307.16 billion |
| Gross Profit (TTM) | $174.30 billion |
| Five-Year Return | 20.62% |
| Year Founded | 1998 (Google), 2015 (Alphabet) |
Alphabet, the Google conglomerate born in 2015, stands tall as a global tech leader. Their flagship search engine has become practically ingrained in our online existence, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. They offer a vast array of popular products and services:
- Gmail -The go-to email platform for millions worldwide.
- YouTube -The undisputed king of online video, boasting staggering viewing hours.
- Waze and Maps -Helping you navigate every turn with these essential mapping apps.
- Pixel phones -Google's own line of smartphones showcasing their technology prowess.
However, they haven't been without their challenges. Antitrust concerns have put them under scrutiny, with lawsuits accusing them of anti-competitive practices in both search and app distribution.
Despite these hurdles, Alphabet's diverse portfolio and constant innovation ensure its position as a major player in the tech landscape.
Amazon
| Market Cap | $1.761 trillion |
| Revenue (TTM) | $554.03 billion |
| Gross Profit (TTM) | $256.20 billion |
| Five-Year Return | 13.80% |
| Year Founded | 1994 |
Remember when Amazonwas just an online bookstore? It's come a long way, morphing into the world's biggest online retailer, selling practically anything imaginable. With over 200 million Prime subscribers, it's revolutionized shopping convenience.
But Amazon's empire doesn't stop there. They're also the top cloud provider with Amazon Web Services (AWS), dominate video streaming with Prime Video and Twitch, and even own the Whole Foods Market grocery chain.
However, success hasn't come without scrutiny. The Federal Trade Commission and several states recently filed an antitrust lawsuit, alleging Amazon uses unfair practices to maintain its dominance. The legal battle's outcome remains uncertain, but it's a significant hurdle for the e-commerce giant.
Nvidia
| Market Cap | $1.52 trillion |
| Revenue (TTM) | $44.87 billion |
| Gross Profit (TTM) | $31.34 billion |
| Five-Year Return | 76.24% |
| Year Founded | 1993 |
Nvidiastarted as a graphics card king, powering smooth visuals for PC games and workstations. But they haven't just played the gaming scene. Their powerful GPUs have become crucial for cryptocurrency mining, where computers solve complex problems to earn digital rewards.
And that's not all! Nvidia is stepping into the future with a big push into artificial intelligence (AI) hardware and software. Their powerful computing solutions are driving innovations in everything from self-driving cars to medical imaging.
With a skyrocketing five-year return and ambitious expansion plans, Nvidia is a tech powerhouse to watch closely.
Meta
| Market Cap | $1.207 trillion |
| Revenue (TTM) | $126.96 billion |
| Gross Profit (TTM) | $101.68 billion |
| Five-Year Return | 18.68% |
| Year Founded | 2004 |
Formerly known as Facebook, Metamade waves in 2021 with a rebrand and a bold new focus: building the metaverse, a virtual world where people can interact, work, and play.
While the success of this venture remains to be seen, Meta still reigns supreme in its core area: social media. Its Facebook and Instagram platforms connect billions globally, and it owns popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger.
Meta has also dipped its toes into virtual reality (VR) with the Meta Quest 2 headset (acquired through Oculus). However, advertising remains its bread and butter, accounting for over 98% of revenue.
Will Meta's metaverse bet pay off? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: this social media giant isn't afraid to swing for the fences.
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
| Market Cap | $880.96 billion |
| Revenue (TTM) | $349.27 billion |
| Gross Profit (TTM) | $68.68 billion |
| Five-Year Return | 12.99% |
| Year Founded | 1839 |
Believe it or not, Berkshire Hathawaystarted as a humble textile company over a century ago. But its true claim to fame lies with legendary investor Warren Buffett, who took control in 1962 and transformed it into a diversified powerhouse.
Buffett's genius turned Berkshire into a holding company, strategically investing across various industries. While insurance giant GEICO remains its core business, Berkshire's portfolio spans diverse sectors, from railroads and energy to consumer goods and healthcare.
With Charlie Munger by his side until late 2023, Buffett's leadership and investment prowess have propelled Berkshire to become a market titan. Despite its humble beginnings, this company's story is a testament to the power of vision and strategic investment.
Lilly
| Market Cap | $742.42 billion |
| Revenue (TTM) | $32.07 billion |
| Gross Profit (TTM) | $25.23 billion |
| Five-Year Return | 39.80% |
| Year Founded | 1876 |
Remember Prozac? That's just one of the many successful drugs produced by Eli Lilly, a pharmaceutical giant built from the vision of a Civil War veteran-turned-chemist. Today, it stands as one of the world's largest players in the industry, with diabetes treatments being its top earners.
Not only was Eli Lilly the first to mass-produce insulin and the polio vaccine, but its reach extends to antidepressants and weight-loss medications. And the company's success shows no signs of slowing down.
In just a year, it's skyrocketed up the ranks, achieving record highs and entering the coveted top 20 biggest companies.
This impressive growth can be attributed in part to strategic acquisitions in 2023, expanding their portfolio and solidifying their position as a major force in the ever-evolving pharmaceutical landscape.
Eli Lilly's story is a testament to the power of innovation and a commitment to improving lives through medicine.
Broadcom
| Market Cap | $602.85 billion |
| Revenue (TTM) | $35.82 billion |
| Gross Profit (TTM) | $23.30 billion |
| Five-Year Return | 34.63% |
| Year Founded | 1961 (HP Associates), 2005 (Avago Technologies), 2016 (Broadcom Limited) |
Broadcom's journey began as HP Associates, the chipmaking arm of Hewlett-Packard. Now, it's a major player in the semiconductor industry, and its ambitions extend beyond hardware.
The recent acquisition of VMware marks its foray into the software realm, signaling a bold step towards diversification.
Tesla
| Market Cap | $596.48 billion |
| Revenue (TTM) | $96.77 billion |
| Gross Profit (TTM) | $17.66 billion |
| Five-Year Return | 917.70% |
| Year Founded | 2003 |
Tesladominates the electric vehicle market, holding the title of world's most valuable automaker. Its Model Y topped global car sales in 2023, and the highly anticipated Cybertruck finally reached a limited number of buyers in November.
Beyond EVs, Tesla offers solar roofs, panels, and battery systems, solidifying its position as a clean energy leader.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Criteria Determine The Market Capitalization Of A Company?
Market capitalization is calculated by multiplying the current stock price by the total number of outstanding shares. It provides an estimate of a company's overall value in the stock market. It provides an estimate of a company's overall value in the stock market. As an example, if a company possesses 20 million shares and each share is traded at $50, the market capitalization of the company would amount to $1 billion.
What Are The Top 5 Stocks By Market Cap?
Microsoft holds the top position as the world's largest company, boasting a market capitalization of $2.95 trillion. Following closely are Apple at $2.85 trillion, Saudi Arabian Oil at $2.00 trillion, Alphabet at $1.77 trillion, and Amazon at $1.60 trillion. The technology sector has experienced significant and swift growth.
How Frequently Does The Ranking Of The Largest US Companies By Market Cap Change?
Market cap rankings can change daily based on fluctuations in stock prices. Factors like financial performance, industry trends, and global economic conditions influence these changes.
What Impact Do The Largest US Companies Have On The Overall Economy?
The performance and market cap of these companies often serve as indicators of the overall health and direction of the economy. As major players, they contribute significantly to employment, innovation, and economic growth.
Conclusion
The landscape of the largest US companies by market cap reflects a dynamic shift, with tech and energy titans reigning supreme. Today's corporate giants dwarf even national economies, with tech and energy leading the charge. While past titans like steelworks and railroads ruled the roost, only time will tell if these current high flyers can hold their reign. What new industries will emerge to challenge them? The future of global business hangs in the balance.
References
1. Largest American companies by market capitalization, CompaniesMarketcap.com
2. Biggest Companies in the World by Market Cap, Investopedia
3. The United States’ Largest Companies by market capitalization, 2024, CEOWORLD Magazine
4. The Largest Companies by Market Cap in 2024, The Motley Fool