As Facebook prepares to go public, anything in the social networking space has seen a monster increase in value. Stocks like Linkedin Corporation (NYSE:LNKD) are jumping today, trading at $76.45, +4.08 (+5.64%). In addition, Chinese social player Renren Inc. (NYSE:RENN) is trading at $5.63, +0.62 (+12.38%). While these stocks have already run higher and are no longer plays, it is interesting to think about other sympathy plays that may run. The key is to look for the extension to the social networking websites, what will the publicity of social media attract.
Extending out of the circle one must think about mobile advertising companies. As more smart phones are used and Facebook is obviously utilized on these phones as well as Twitter and Linkedin, phone banner adds will become a key income producer. The next step is to figure out who has the basis to help deliver the advertising.
My mind always looks for the cheapest, beaten down play. This brings up a clear winner that is high risk but very high reward. Motricity, Inc (NASDAQ:MOTR) may fill that void, allowing mobile operators and advertising firms to get their adds on the mobile networks. While the stock has been pounded to 52 week lows, it does have some significant upside if they can start producing and turn things around.
"Motricity, Inc. enables mobile operators, brands, and advertising agencies to maximize the reach and economic potential of the mobile ecosystem through the delivery of relevance-driven merchandising, marketing, and advertising solutions. It leverages predictive analytics capabilities to deliver the right content, to the right person at the right time. Motricity, Inc. provides their entire suite of mobile data service solutions through a managed service platform. The company was formerly known as Power By Hand, Inc. and changed its name to Motricity, Inc. in October 2004. Motricity, Inc. was incorporated in 2004 and is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington." -Company Profile
With Motricity trading at $0.77 per share, it appears to have a high level of upside should they piggy back of the mobile social crazy. As Facebook ramps up this side of their business, as well as others, look for companies that build this infrastructure to take off.
Disclosure: Chief Market Strategist Gareth Soloway does not own any shares of MOTR but may be looking to accumulate in the near future.
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