SAN FRANCISCO, California -- Apple has become the world's first publicly traded company to be valued at $1 trillion.
The milestone marks the financial fruit of stylish technology that has redefined society since two mavericks named Steve started the company 42 years ago.
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The peak reached Thursday seemed unimaginable in 1997 when Apple teetered on the edge of bankruptcy, with its stock trading for less than $1.
To survive, Apple brought back its once-exiled co-founder, Steve Jobs, as interim CEO and turned to its archrival Microsoft for a $150 million cash infusion to help pay its bills.
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Jobs eventually introduced such popular products as the iPod and iPhone that have driven Apple's rise.
Apple shares rose 2.7 percent to an all-time high of $207.05 around midday. They're up 22 percent so far this year.