The day before the new iPad hits shelves, Apple’s stock hit a record $600 for the first time.

Shares in the Cupertino, Calif.-company, which closed above $500 a share for the first time on Feb. 13, yesterday briefly topped the $600 mark before retreating to close down 0.7 percent at $585.56.

The shares are up nearly 45 percent this year.

The new iPad starts selling today — Walmart opened its doors at midnight for the launch — and sales are forecast to top 1 million opening day.

Yesterday, Apple analyst Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray raised his price target on Apple to $718 on optimistic smartphone and tablet estimates.

Apple holds the highest market cap on Wall Street at $546 billion, riding the success of its iPhone and iPad.

However, Apple shares historically dip slightly in the 30 days after new products start selling.