At the end of February, Apple’s stock market value hit a record high of $500 billion, which has only been accomplished by four other companies:  Microsoft, Exxon Mobil, Cisco and General Electric.  At this point Apple is the highest-valued company in the world, and its valuation is higher than the GDP of Saudi Arabia, Taiwan or Poland.

As if size weren’t enough, Apple is also one of the fastest-growing technology companies.  Last year its sales grew by 73%, and it posted the second-most profitable quarter in history for any US company.

While these facts are interesting, the takeaway for investors is that while the US and world economy may still be recovering, it is encouraging that well-run businesses have an opportunity to flourish.  Also noteworthy is the fact that the other four companies who have topped the $500 billion mark have subsequently dropped due to various factors such as the end of the technology bubble or a drop in oil prices.

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/at–500-billion–apple-is-worth-more-than-poland.html