Stocks for Dad: LoopNet

By Blake Fulton
June 15, 2007 | Comments (0)

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Forget the necktie -- give Dad something he can really use this year. We're serving up plenty of Foolish ideas to help you out.

Of all the gift-giving holidays, the easiest to shop for is Father's Day. Dear Old Dad is pretty easy-going when it comes to his big day. Unlike in years past, though, let's give Dad a gift that's really gonna pay off.

The gift I'm talking about is two-time Motley Fool Hidden Gems recommendation LoopNet (Nasdaq: LOOP). This innovator has carved out a niche in the commercial real estate market and deserves dad's investment attention.

LoopNet's role as an intermediary is akin to that of Match.com or eBay (Nasdaq: EBAY), only within the realm of commercial real estate. The online broker connects owners, landlords, tenants, and potential purchasers online. There are nonpaying visitors and premium subscribers.

Customers that have the premium package pay a monthly fee in order to see detailed listing information. The nonpaying customers can browse for listings but do not have access to the details. LoopNet doesn't have to deal with the hassle of actually selling property, and its business model requires very little capital investment.

LoopNet has a solid balance sheet, with $98 million in cash and zero long-term debt. Revenues have risen dramatically over the past several years, including a 56% jump in 2006 to $48 million. Judging by the velocity of its revenue growth and the size of its market (estimated at $5 trillion), high top-line growth appears to be in the cards for LoopNet for the next several years.

This addition to dad's portfolio is better than a new towel for his golf bag. Unlike the towel, it should last more than one season. I think dad will really take a liking to this pick, and in the near future when you and he are getting in a quick nine holes on a Saturday afternoon, you can look over and know that you helped secure his financial future.

LoopNet is a Motley Fool Hidden Gems selection and a Motley Fool Rule Breakers pick. Take either service for a free, 30-day trial.

Fool intern and now contributor Blake Fulton loves working at The Motley Fool. Blake does not own any shares of companies mentioned. eBay is a Stock Advisor selection. The Fool has a disclosure policy.

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