To: Doug Meetmer who wrote (2465 ) 6/29/1999 1:21:00 AM From: Ali Shahbaz Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 2902
I think in the next 24hr we would know hear the verdict and the market reaction. Here is what Steve Harmon thinks. Doubleclick Or Clicked In 2? Abracadabra "Steve, I'm very bullish on Doubleclick and have been for the last year. My question is how do you think this deal between CMGI and Compaq, if it goes through, will effect DoubleClick. As you know AltaVista accounts for a significant part of DoubleClick's revenue stream. I am wondering whether CMGI will sever the relationship if they purchase AltaVista once the market realizes this DoubleClick stock should fall. What do you think?" Reply: According to DoubleClick's latest annual report, 46.5% of DoubleClick's revenue came from AltaVista in 1998. However, the contract between DoubleClick and AltaVista lasts until January, 2002, giving DoubleClick some time to diversify its revenue streams should CMGI acquire AltaVista and drop DoubleClick in favor of its own ad services. Relying so much on AltaVista has always been DoubleClick's biggest weakness and now it's paying the price. Perhaps DoubleClick should acquire AltaVista, or should have a long time ago? Probably too late for that. I see DoubleClick's future relying more on targeted results across the Web and the new hybrid TV-Web. It's pending deal to acquire marketing firm Abacus for $1 billion stock may offset Alta Vista revenue loss somewhat. Abacus reported $12.8 million first quarter revenue, on an annualized basis at that rate that could make Abacus an about even replacement in terms of revenue lost if AltaVista drops DoubleClick. The Abacus deal, though, is getting some flack from consumer privacy groups since it marries Abacus' credit card database with DoubleClick's targeted ad reach.