iVillage Breaks Through

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For the dot-com content revival to truly turn the corner, it takes an iVillage (Nasdaq: IVIL). The online media company that bills itself as "The Internet For Women" has always been a traffic magnet. Now it can claim the ultimate attraction -- profitability.

While iVillage only earned $300,000 during its December quarter, that penny per share marks the company's first quarter of positive earnings. That red dress was getting old. iVillage looks stunning in black.

The company doesn't plan on a "wardrobe malfunction" either. It is looking to grow revenues by 20% over last year's $55.2 million, and to stay profitable in 2004 as the ad market improves and iVillage cashes in on its network of properties like Women.com, Substance.com, and its namesake domain.

Last summer, it also acquired gURL.com from Primedia (NYSE: PRM). The site, which was originally launched by NYU students as a master's thesis was also once the property of specialty retailer dELia*s -- now in the hands of Alloy (Nasdaq: ALOY). While this gURL gets around, it has finally hooked up with the perfect parent. iVillage will be able to share its dot-com clout while attracting a younger female audience.

The Internet can be an amazing place. While dot-com mania bankrolled way too many concept sites that never deserved to be funded, the survivors are faring well. Fond memories of the sector's carnage are potent barriers to entry. That's why companies like eBay (Nasdaq: EBAY) and Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN) have been winning Motley Fool Stock Advisor recommendations.

Naturally, iVillage isn't there yet. It's just getting started with the vindication process, and it will need to build on its profitability to secure a seat in the upper echelon of Web stocks. However, the stock has been a 10-bagger over the past year, earning its way out of the penny-stock muck. It's iVillage. Hear it roar.

Do you think gender-geared sites are at an advantage when it comes to attracting sponsors? Targeted advertising is certainly in fashion. But are there gender-based differences in investing styles as well? All this and more -- in the Women & Investing discussion board. Only on Fool.com.