Apple Inc. (AAPL), Google Inc (GOOG) Among 2013’s Twelve Biggest Companies

Editor’s note: Related tickers: Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)

With 2013’s second financial quarter nearing its end, it is high time we took a look at how Wall Street’s favorite stocks are faring out. Using data provided by the S&P 500 Index, we have compiled a list of global companies that currently boast the largest market capitalizations.

Although Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s market capital is a far cry from what it was half a year ago, when shares neared the $600 range, its current capitalization of $414.27 billion landed the company in the first spot on the top of 2013’s biggest companies. It is somewhat difficult to predict how the company will manage for the remainder of the year, but with share prices on a slow rebound, it is likely that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will keep up the momentum and protect its position as leader.

Another favorite Wall Street stock, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) ranks as the third biggest company of 2013. Its current market capitalization of $295.08 billion shows a $63 billion increase when compared to the figures from the end of 2012 ($232.08 billion).

Photo Credit: Diana Beato

This, coupled with the recent favorable evolution of its share price (an $82 increase per share price since the beginning of 2013), is a strong indicator that Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) will continue the growth of its market capitalization in the months to come.

We would like to present you with 2013’s 12 biggest companies. Apart from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), our list also features the General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ). One industry that seems to be doing quite well this year is the major integrated oil and gas equities, with 4 out of the 12 stocks listed here operating in this field.

So, let’s take a look at the countdown.