Shares of Microsoft Corp. gained more than 9% in extended trading today after the company delivered solid earnings and revenue that came in above expectations. The after-hours increase lifted the company’s market capitalization above the $4 trillion milestone, trailing in the wake of Nvidia Corp., which passed that barrier earlier this month.

For decades Microsoft has been the dependable tech giant, steady, massive, profitable, but never quite explosive. That label belonged to Silicon Valley's more mercurial players. Until now. In a stunning financial feat,

Microsoft isn't slowing down. The world's second-largest company by market cap reported blockbuster fourth-quarter earnings, sending shares surging so high after hours that the tech giant became a member of the exclusive $4 trillion club.