Fortune 500 2011: Top 500 American Companies

Apple climbed 21 slots into the top 50 of the Fortune 500 this year. How’d it get there? The company not only continues to expand its reach in existing markets, it also keeps creating new ones.

This year, Apple ranks 35th in Fortune 500’s rundown, edging out Microsoft at 38 and Boeing at 36. Apple’s jump from 56 last year just shows how much impact the iPad has had on the company, along with continuing growth for Macs and iPhones. Fortune notes that stock holders have nothing to fear; Apple’s dominating the playing field by continuing to sell first class products that outpace what the rest of the industry currently offers.