Alphabet Inc.’s profits soared 50% in this year’s opening quarter, overcoming the competitive and legal threats that its internet empire is facing amid an economy roiled by a global trade war.

The numbers released Thursday by Google parent Alphabet illustrated the continuing power of its long-dominant search engine in a sea of uncertainty, but investors are likely to remain concerned about the turbulent times ahead.

The Mountain View, California, company earned $34.5 billion, or $2.81 per share, during the January-March period, up from $23.7 billion, or $1.89 per share, at the same time last year. Revenue rose 12% from last year to $90.2 billion. The results easily exceeded analysts’ projections, according to FactSet Research. — Associated Press