Alphabet Inc., parent company of Google, witnessed a substantial rise in its stock price due to a confluence of strong financial performance indicators and strategic shifts. The company announced its first dividend of 20 cents per share, marking a shift in its financial strategy to attract new investors seeking annual returns. Additionally, Alphabet reported impressive first-quarter earnings with revenue surpassing estimates, Google advertising revenue and Google Cloud revenue showing significant growth, and the company's operating margin expanding. These positive financial results were bolstered by the announcement of a quarterly dividend and a $70 billion share buyback program. The market responded positively to these developments, driving Alphabet's market capitalization above $2 trillion, positioning it among the elite U.S. companies. The company's focus on AI advancements, quarterly earnings beat, the initiation of a dividend, and the $70 billion stock buyback program were key factors contributing to the surge in Alphabet's stock price.