For Oracle, Bigger Is Better

SAN FRANCISCO -- Oracle(ORCL Quote) CEO Larry Ellison felt inclined to utter "provocative things" at a financial analyst day meeting late Wednesday, his first appearance in at least three years.

One of those nuggets was on how big the company has to get for him to contemplate stepping aside. "We want to be the largest enterprise software company in the world," Ellison said. "When we get there, then I'll quit."

Many would say Oracle is well on its way. It has acquired at least three dozen software companies in the past three years, pulling off an average annual growth rate of 26% while lifting margins and paying down its acquisition debt. It took in over $18 billion in the most recent fiscal year, compared to $12 billion two years earlier.

The stock was up 11 cents, or 0.5%, to $20.29 Thursday. ...