Microsoft surpassed Apple as the most valuable U.S. company by market capitalization at close of trading Friday. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo

Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Microsoft has surpassed Apple as the most valuable publicly traded company by market capitalization.

It took back its title Friday at the close of trading, from Apple, which had first surpassed its market cap eight years ago, when both companies were worth about $226 billion, according to FactSet.


Microsoft's market valuation was $851.2 billion at $110.89 per share at closing Friday, compared to Apple's valuation of $847.4 billion, at $178.58 per share.

Though Apple surpassed Microsoft in 2010, Exxon Mobil won the title of most valuable company that year. However, Apple has held the tile as the most valuable company from 2012 to 2017, CNBC reported.

Microsoft last held the top spot in 2002.