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Apple, the maker of iPhone and iPad, became the most valued company in the world after beating Exxon Mobil in terms of market capitalisation on Thursday, but for a short period of time.

Apple's shares were up eight percent after the technology giant posted a fourth quarter profit of $97.4 billion and its market value reached $419 billion on Thursday.

Apple closed at $446.63 a share at the end of trading on January 26.

Exxon Mobil, the oil company, regained its number-one position at the end of trading on January 26. The company's stocks gained four cents at $87.22 for a market capitalisation of $418 billion. Apple closed the day's trading with a market cap of about $415 billion.

Check out the latest list of the richest companies in the world in terms of market value: