A successful company is one which, behaving ethically and legally, creates value, independent of the owners efforts. This usually results in a sustained stream of profit, and a positive market value, representing the anticipated future profits.Ethically because unethical companies tend to transfer value rather than create it.Legally because any value created illegally will be destroyed when it&＃39;s discovered.Independent of the owners because any company that depends on the ongoing work of the owners is more of a job than a company.Sustained because if it&＃39;s not sustained (or sustainable), it could be the result of mere luck.Profit because anyone can make a company with a certain level of revenue without containing costs.Market value because that&＃39;s how we measure these things.