Microsoft becomes second-ever company to hit $3 trillion market value

26.01.2024

Microsoft, the software behemoth, has reached a noteworthy milestone, surpassing a valuation of $3 trillion (€2.7 trillion). This achievement solidifies Microsoft as the second company, following Apple, to attain such a staggering valuation.

The significant upswing in Microsoft’s value can be attributed to its strategic focus on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its array of products, instilling confidence among investors. In the bustling New York stock market on Wednesday, Microsoft’s stocks witnessed a commendable surge of over 1.45%.

In the preceding year, Microsoft, recognized as one of the ‘magnificent seven’ technology firms propelling the growth of US stock indexes, committed a substantial investment of $10 billion (€9.2 billion) across various AI initiatives. This strategic move propelled Microsoft to the forefront of AI innovation, outpacing younger rivals like Google and Meta.

Brad Smith, Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President, emphasized the vast opportunities that AI presents during a conference in Brussels last June. He underscored its potential impact across sectors, citing examples ranging from healthcare, where AI can aid in early detection of diseases like pancreatic cancer, to education, offering improved accessibility in regions lacking easy access to healthcare and education services.

Microsoft has not only invested in AI-related innovations but has also integrated an AI digital assistant named Copilot into its Edge web browser and Office software. Moreover, the recent announcement of a 10-year partnership with UK telecoms giant Vodafone aims to provide generative AI, digital, enterprise, and cloud services to over 300 million businesses and consumers in Europe and Africa.

As the second-largest provider of cloud computing services, Microsoft continues to intensify its efforts by developing AI-supporting chips, thereby heightening competition with industry rivals Amazon and Google in managing AI tools for businesses.

In June of the preceding year, Apple, a major competitor of Microsoft, achieved the same $3 trillion milestone. Since January, Microsoft shares have been vying with Apple’s for the title of the world’s most valuable company, briefly surpassing the iPhone maker earlier this month. The forthcoming release of Microsoft’s financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 is eagerly awaited, providing further insight into its continued financial prowess.