ValueClick and aQuantive -- The winner is ...

ValueClick Inc. (NASDAQ:VCLK) reported a really terrific fourth-quarter showing 56% growth. AQuantive, Inc. (NASDAQ:AQNT) also reported last week an excellent fourth-quarter. Both stocks have run up as a result of great numbers and analysts upping their forward estimates. No question, VCLK and AQNT are quality companies helping customers migrate their marketing and advertising campaigns to the internet.

So which one should be bought and why?

Both should be owned but for different reasons. VCLK and AQNT if left alone will show solid 30%+ growth in 2007 and 2008. The growth is in both top and bottom lines. Both companies are showing strong operating margins in the high teens. The difference?

The difference is that ValueClick is more of a takeover target than aQuantive. James Zarley, CEO of VCLK is 62-years of age and has taken this company to a mature level. Rumor has it he is ready to cash it out. I don't blame him. AQNT is considered the better company with a little bit bluer list of blue chip clients.

It may be splitting hairs, but two portfolio managers I spoke with own both names: ValueClick for the take out at $36-38 per share and AQNT for the long term. They feel, separately, that AQNT could become a $10 billion market cap company, but VLCK could become part of Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT).

So the winner is ... both -- for different reason.

Georges Yared is the author of "Baby Boomer Investing...Where do we go from here?" and "Stop Losing Money Today" For more info on both books go to http://www.georgesyared.com