Microsoft slips to third in market cap, Apple still on top
updated 06:50 pm EDT, Fri May 20, 2011
IBM passes Microsoft for second in market cap
IBM has just beat out Microsoft to grab the number two spot behind Apple on the stock market cap results. The difference is very slight, however, with IBM valued at $208.07 billion while Microsoft is at $207.95 billion. Apple remains on top since passing Microsoft at about the same time last year, with a $311.62 billion market cap as of earlier on Friday.
IBM's stock has been on the upswing over the past year while Microsoft's has been flat and slowly dipping since its last earnings call. The last time IBM topped Microsoft in terms of market cap was nearly 15 years ago.
Microsoft has had little success getting confidence from shareholders over much of the past decade. While regularly profitable with Windows and Office, its difficulty expanding outside of those areas with the exception of the Xbox 360. IBM has thrived on expanding its service business, and Apple has both managed to increase its Mac sales ahead of the curve while having three major successes in the iPod, iPhone, and now iPad. [via BusinessInsider]
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2007
Irony
Apple and IBM are both companies that Microsoft screwed-over on its way to the World's most powerful corporation. It now finds itself behind both of them. Perhaps someone can revive Intergalactic Digital Research and Seattle Computer Products and have them nibble away at the rotting carcass that is Microsoft. Now that would be sweet irony.