Google's stock could close above $500 for the first time in months Shares of popular search engine Google soared in aftermarket trading and could portend a close above $500 for the first time in months.The company’s stock ended aftermarket trading at $525.96 on Thursday, up 17 percent, or $76.42 above its close in regular trading hours on the same day. Google reported earnings that beat analyst expectations after regular stock trading closed.Google’s stock closed at $449.54 during normal hours. The last time the stock closed above $500 during regular trading was on Feb. 22, at $507.80. On Feb. 25, the shares traded as high as $506.50, but ended the day at $486.44. Because fewer shares are available during after-hours trading, share prices can push higher on positive results released after the market closes. On Friday, Google shares may not hit the same price as Thursday’s aftermarket, but there is a good chance they will rise significantly, given the aftermarket surge.The shares have not hit $500 since that time, but Friday could be different. Stocks often follow what happens in aftermarket trading, but shares may not soar as high and news overnight could also affect the stock market.Google’s revenue soared 42 percent year-on-year in the first quarter to $5.19 billion and it posted net income of $1.31 billion. The company’s pro-forma net income, which excludes certain items, was $4.84, which beat analysts’ expectations of $4.52 per share. The company also reported paid-click growth of 20 percent compared to the same time last year, higher than the figures reported by third parties. Negative reports on Google’s paid-click growth from Internet watchers such as comScore had been a key factor in the stock’s decline over the past few months.Correction: This story as originally posted incorrectly identified Internet research companies that had reported on Google’s paid-click growth. The article has been amended. Technology Industry