Alphabet vaults past Apple as most valuable firm

More autonomy: Brin says each Alphabet unit can make its own decisions as to which countries to operate in.

SAN FRANCISCO: Google-parent Alphabet snatched Apple’s crown late Feb 1 as the world’s most valuable firm based on the value of shares that leapt with better-than-expected earnings. 

At the official close of trade, Alphabet was worth US$530.1bil (RM2.23tril) based on its share value, compared to US$534.7bil (RM2.24tril) for Apple, but shares in the Internet search colossus soared in after-hours trading to reach US$791 (RM3,327.74) shortly before 0400 GMT.