Most valuable companies in history, adjusted for inflation

5. IBM in 1967
Value then: $193 billion // Adjusted to 2012 dollars: U.S. $1.3 trillion

HOW IT GOT SO BIG: The company’s early focus on research and development allowed it to bring new technologies to market before its competitors. An extensive and standards-setting sales force helped IBM build deep and lasting relationships with business and government. It developed SABRE, the first successful airline reservation system, for American Airlines, ... more 

5. IBM in 1967
Value then: $193 billion // Adjusted to 2012 dollars: U.S. $1.3 trillion

HOW IT GOT SO BIG: The company’s early focus on research and development allowed it to bring new technologies to market before its competitors. An extensive and standards-setting sales force helped IBM build deep and lasting relationships with business and government. It developed SABRE, the first successful airline reservation system, for American Airlines, and partnered with NASA to deliver leading-edge computing power to the Mercury, Gemini, Saturn and Space Shuttle programs. This deep level of trust made IBM the gold standard for enterprises looking for both hardware and services support.

WHAT HAPPENED: IBM didn’t invent the personal computer, but it lit the fire under the PC revolution with the first mass market, relatively affordable machine. After spinning off its Lexmark printer unit in 1991, IBM sold the PC business to China’s Lenovo in 2005 amid intensifying commoditization and competition. It purchased PwC in 20012 and is now the world’s dominant technology services company.

VALUE TODAY: $238.7 billion ( #32 on the Forbes Global 2000 list)

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