Apple's surging stock on Monday propelled Apple's value to
$624 billion, surpassing the record set by Microsoft in
1999.
Typically, stock hits highs in the run-up to major product
launches. This time there is optimism around what is
believed to be the impending launch of the iPhone 5, and
possibly a smaller iPad.
Despite the surge, Apple's stock is not particularly
expensive compared to its earnings for the last twelve
months. For comparison, Microsoft in 1999 had a
price-to-earnings ratio of 83.
Analysts speculate that a "mini iPad," could expand the
number of people who can afford one of Apple's tablets.
Analysts also are speculating that Apple plans to make a TV
set to complete its suite of consumer electronics products.
Apple doesn't comment on its future product plans until a
few weeks or days before a launch.