Apple stock (Symbol: AAPL) hit a new high today of $503.83 a share – peaking its market capitalization at $465 billion – making it the world’s most valuable company. Apple and Exxon Mobile (Symbol: XOM) have been trading position as most valuable company since last summer. But this latest rally has Apple valued around 17% more than Exxon Mobil (est. $400 billion). Just since the beginning of the new year, Apple stock has grown almost 25% from roughly $403 per share. On January 4, 2012, Apple reported a net income of $13.06 billion for the year’s fourth quarter, nearly doubling its profit from the same quarter the previous year. Sales were up $46.3 billion – 73% from the previous year.

Since the passing of Apple co-founder, chairman and CEO – Steve Jobs – on October 5th of 2011, many were skeptical of the company’s immediate future. This latest rally, which really started around the beginning of December, should help put investors at ease. 

Apple continues to be the most innovative consumer electronics company in the world. The company sets no technological limits, intriguing investors while at the same time making potential suitors weary of such recent robust performance. Five short years ago, Apple stock traded in the vicinity of $82, which is prompting everyone to wonder just how high the shares can go? Is it too late to get a seat on the gravy train? I thought it was a year ago when the stock was traded at $350. Oh well, Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems. Right?