Pigs can fly, and It’s snowing in Hell and Apple just passed Microsoft in business value.
In one of the clearest signs yet of the renaissance that’s finally putting a close to The Dark Age of Personal Computing, Apple Inc. (AAPL) has overtaken Microsoft (MSFT) to become the second-most-valuable U.S. company.
What’s the difference between a company’s stock market capitalization and the value of its actual business (which is referred to as “enterprise value”)?
Apple stock market capitalization
Microsoft stock market capitalization
A company’s stock market capitalization includes the net value of the cash and debt on the company’s books. To figure out the imputed value of the company’s actual business, therefore, you have to adjust for the value of those other things.
Business facts aside, today marks a psychological triumph for Apple Computer fans that has been over 30 years in the making. Cheers to a company that has become the poster child of American success, and one that has done so while inspiring creativity in millions of designers, programmers, artists, and consumers alike.
Thinking different, while not grammatically or politically correct, can sometimes lead to a moment that can change the course of our lives forever.
What do you think? Have you bought into the whole Mac experience? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
