Hours before releasing its latest quarterly earnings, Viacom
Atom plays right into the theme of Viacom's recent nibbles. Atom's Shockwave.com is a popular site providing online games that will fit in well with the crowd that is now turning to Viacom for the Xfire online gaming software and the virtual adoption of NeoPets. Atom's AtomFilms.com is a "clip culture" pioneer that will enhance the iFilm purchase and feed Viacom's viral video show on VH1.
Viacom's purchases have been strategic -- and thrifty. Atom will be the costliest prize in its dot-com trophy case. One can argue that this is no time to get cheap, given News Corp.'s
Viacom's online portfolio is sound. It also has a good partner in Google
Longtime Fool contributor Rick Munarriz doesn't know if he still wants his MTV, but he knows that Viacom's shareholders wouldn't mind money for nothing. He does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned in this story. The Fool has a disclosure policy. Rick is also part of theRule Breakersnewsletter research team, seeking out tomorrow's ultimate growth stocks a day early.