I know a lot of people don't think of Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) as a blue-chip stock. They say it's risky and overvalued, built on feet of clay, with nothing but online advertising revenue -- and who knows how long that Internet fad will last?
Puh-leeeeze ! Yes, it's true that the Net is a volatile place, and even veterans with enormous online footprints like Yahoo! (NASDAQ:YHOO) can and will falter from time to time. There are rumors bouncing around that the big Y! might want to merge with eBay (NASDAQ:EBAY) to create a stronger competitor than either company alone, or that Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) would want to buy the portal outright to replace its failing MSN effort.
But Google is not Yahoo! This Web giant has plans well outside the network, and wants to take over the handling of virtually all advertising, everywhere. Newspapers, magazines, billboards, radio spots, even the almighty TV advertising market should soon fall in Google's purview -- and both advertisers and consumers will applaud the change. It's the current marketing mavens that shudder to consider this future.
So Google might look expensive today, relative to its puny -- but still crushingly market-leading -- online advertising revenues. But that is but a drop in the bucket next to tomorrow's ocean of wealth. We should count ourselves lucky to find shares in this massive cash-cow-in-the-making at these ridiculously low prices.
So will Google be the bluest chip of them all in 2007? I think so, and if not, its time will come soon thereafter. In the end, time will tell, but if you agree with my assessment, let us know in our brand new Motley Fool CAPS investment intelligence community. Just rate Google "outperform," and fill out your virtual portfolio with a few more of your best ideas. Click here to get started and make your mark, and don't forget that you can add your own thoughts on the stock along with the rating. Based on your thoughts, we will declare the best blue chip of 2007 early next week.
To read about the rest of our blue-chip candidates, click here.
Further Foolishness:
Yahoo! and eBay are both Motley Fool Stock Advisor recommendations, while Microsoft is an Inside Value pick. Try a 30-day free trial to either service, or both, to see whether they fit your investing style. Try out Stock Advisortoday, and we'll send you a free market report.
Fool contributor Anders Bylund holds no position in any of the companies discussed here. You can check out Anders' holdings if you like, and Foolish disclosure is always worth a read.
