Stocks continue their creep higher. Pundits get, by turns, giddy and morose. It's the same old story. We haven't heard the word "1999" this much since 1982 (or whenever it was Prince hit the scene in that little Corvette of his).
The point is, let analysts (and us) argue over the intrinsic value of eBay
But just make sure you remember the lessons of the last five years: Keep your head, keep your balance, and keep invested.
When it comes to investing for the long haul, pullbacks and sell-offs aren't your two worst enemies -- those would be fear and greed.
In today's Motley Fool Take:
- AOL Rattles Rivals
- Shameless Plug: TMF Money Advisor
- Oracle's Hungry for More
- Quote of Note
- A Blockbuster Holiday
- Discussion Board of the Day: Great Movies
- More Fool News
- And Finally...
AOL Rattles Rivals
According to The Wall Street Journal, AOL Time Warner's
United Online's NetZero and Juno brands have succeeded through a combination of low prices and high throughput. The company boasts of year-over-year revenue growth of 312%, 37%, 45%, and 46% for the last four quarters, as well as six straight quarters of positive free cash flow (FCF).
Investors have noticed and bid the shares up to 34 times enterprise value (EV)/EBITDA and 22 times EV/FCF, for a gain of 200% through yesterday's $30.92 close from the 52-week low of $10.74.
America Online's $23.95 dial-up service has shed 2 million subscribers for the year through June 30, while United Online gained 840,000 (Rex Moore provided the update). Not only does America Online face low-priced dial-up competition, but both SBC Communications
This latest move may be a necessary survival strategy for America Online, which has massive brand equity. But time will tell whether the commoditization of access will leave anyone making money.
Shameless Plug: TMF Money Advisor
Here at The Motley Fool, we're stock guys (and gals). But fun and profitable as stock picking can be, we never forget that asset allocation and a solid investment strategy are the true keys to building long-term wealth. But getting reliable help is so darn expensive and time consuming. That's where TMF Money Advisor comes in: individual help at a reasonable price. Give it a spin for free.
Oracle's Hungry for More
Oracle
According to the Associated Press, Oracle head Larry Ellison said, "the second-largest U.S. software company after Microsoft
When he wasn't referring to his company in the third person, or clarifying its position relative to Microsoft, Ellison was shooting down the possibility that beleagueredSun Microsystems
So, which companies, then, might Oracle be looking to snap up? Siebel Systems
To discover others, Ellison's past proclamations about his competitors may prove prescient. Back in a January 2003 interview with Barron's, Ellison had lots to say about other software companies.
He characterized Siebel and I2 Technologies
Ellison did say at that time, though, that BEA Systems
No one can say if Ellison will decide to go after BEA despite its price, or perhaps rescue one of Oracle's drowning peers. This is a guy full of surprises, after all, as evidenced by the hostile PeopleSoft bid. Still, with Oracle articulating its growth strategy as one that's contingent upon acquisitions, we'll be in a better position to know what to expect from it in the future.
Quote of Note
"If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe." -- Carl Sagan
A Blockbuster Holiday
Classic holiday flicks are all about redemption. Ebenezer Scrooge embraces society. George Bailey realizes that he matters. Ralphie Parker gets his Red Ryder BB gun. The season brings joy to many, and video stores are hoping for their share this yuletide season.
Last night Hollywood Entertainment
Netflix
That's why they're all joining Alvin & The Chipmunks in a hearty rendition of Christmas Don't Be Late. Why? Well, major movie studios are putting up their heavy hitters -- 14 movies that each rocked the stateside box office for at least $100 million in ticket sales will be hitting the home video and DVD market this quarter.
The studios feel the need for distribution speed. Disney
See why retailers and rental companies are looking to fill their stockings with green this season? It's how it should be. All the classic holiday flicks have happy endings.
Discussion Board of the Day: Great Movies
Which of this year's celluloid hits are you looking forward to seeing at home? Have any early indications on the merit of upcoming releases? All this and more -- in the Great Movies discussion board. Only on Fool.com.
More Fool News
For all today's stories, see Today's Headlines.
And Finally...
Ever been called a "penny stock" and wondered how you should take it? Tom Jacobs to the rescue with Penny Stocks or Deep Values? We know what you're thinking: Tom Jacobs, Tom Jacobs! Anyway, if you need a money makeover, and have a voyeuristic bent, Dayana Yochim has backstage passes for Lights! Camera! Cringe! Enjoy the show.
Contributors:
Bob Bobala, Robert Brokamp, Paul Elliott, Mathew Emmert, Jeff Fischer, Tom Jacobs, Jeff Hwang, LouAnn Lofton, Alyce Lomax, Bill Mann, Selena Maranjian, Dave Marino-Nachison, Rex Moore, Rick Munarriz, Reggie Santiago, Dayana Yochim