This week Apple’s share price hit $500 / share. At that price the company has a market capitalization of a little over $460 billion and it firmly holds the title of “World’s Largest Company”, by market cap at least. Exxon Mobil comes in second with a market cap just over $400 bln. Not an insignificant difference between first and second place.

The deadline for RRSP contributions to be eligible for the 2011 tax year is fast approaching. Make sure to get your contributions in before February 29th, 2012. The maximum contribution for 2011 is $22,450.

Over the years, companies have created shareholder value through share repurchase programs and/or dividend increases. By share repurchase program we are referring to companies that buy back their stock in the open market. Both policies can create value for shareholders although there is an ongoing debate as to how much value is created, and which is the better use of free cash flow.