Mercury Rising

OK, you value chumps, put your money where your mouth is. Here's the deal: It's a tale of the two Mercurys, Mercury General (MCY Quote) vs. Mercury Interactive (MERQ Quote).

You value guys get to take Mercury General. I mean, you are probably long it already. Listen to this faux juiciness: At 23, this stock sells at 8 times earnings with a book value of $16. It sells auto insurance -- the value guys love that. It yields 4%! That must have the value-heads panting!

Join the discussion onTSC Message Boards. Me, I am taking Mercury Interactive. This company manages Net performance. It tells you how your Web site is performing, whether it is fast enough. At 148, it sells at a gazillion times earnings. I am not even checking book value. It pays no dividend. And, here is the real value-kicker-in-the-butt: It splits tonight.

I will take this stock, post-split at 74, and I will spot you value-heads 60 points and I bet that come March, we will trounce you.

Care to take the bet? Even with a 60-point give? Or do you only talk a big game on CNBC?