Amazon jumps Microsoft, becomes most valuable US company for first time

For the first time, Amazon is the most valuable publicly traded U.S. company after surpassing fellow tech giant Microsoft on Monday.

Ticker Security Last Change Change %
AMZN AMAZON.COM INC. 207.89 +2.15 +1.05%
MSFT MICROSOFT CORP. 423.46 +0.47 +0.11%
GOOGL ALPHABET INC. 168.95 -0.28 -0.17%
AAPL APPLE INC. 237.33 +2.40 +1.02%

Amazon shares have gained over 32 percent during the past year pushing the e-commerce giant’s market capitalization to around  $796.8 billion, according to Dow Jones Market Data Group. Microsoft is in second place with a total value of $783 billion, while Google parent Alphabet was third with a market cap of $745.6 billion. 

Following the milestone, Jeff Bezos announced on Wednesday via Twitter that he is getting a divorce from his wife, MacKenzie, after 25 years of marriage and more than $137 billion is on the line. Bezos is the world's richest man, per Forbes with most of wealth in the e-commerce giant's stock. He is the company's largest shareholder. 

Meanwhile, Apple fell to fourth place among the largest publicly traded companies with a market cap of $715 billion roughly.  Shares sank last week after it lowered revenue guidance for the crucial holiday quarter, citing weak iPhone sales in China and other difficulties. Apple shares are now down more than 36 percent from their 52-week high established last October. The last time Apple ranked 4th or lower was in March 2010.

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The four companies have jostled for top position amid increased market volatility that has put pressure on tech stocks. Apple, Amazon and Microsoft have all spent time as the most valuable U.S. company in the last few months.