Lululemon Athletica inc. (LULU), eBay Inc (EBAY): Lacking Jobs And Lacking Soul

Choose wisely to make money
Although Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS) trades at a nosebleed 42 times earnings, investors who truly believe that there’s big growth over the long haul might be willing to consider this premium-priced stock. Granted, its not yet profitable, but it has a positive attribute in that it has no debt on its balance sheet.

3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) trades at 40 times forward earnings, about the same as Stratasys, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SSYS). It’s actually profitable, and has a negligible amount of debt on its balance sheet.

Some investors may look for other ways to play a possibly big growth area that is still in a speculative arena and trading at nosebleed valuations. In another nod to preparing their long-term portfolios for disruption, though, investors may want to avoid companies that frustrate or even anger consumers.

The Lululemon Athletica inc. (NASDAQ:LULU) example is just the tip of the iceberg. Over time, if consumers find other options that they find more palatable, or even better suite their needs, they’ll defect. Honestly, if someone forced me to choose between lululemon, trading at 28 times earnings, and a 3-D printing company, I’d go for the latter for the great possibility for real long-term growth.

Some of the best, most innovative companies (and later, investing opportunities) came from nerds and creatives (often the same people) fiddling around in spaces like garages. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is one of the prime examples in tech history.

The job market stinks. Many Americans are truly suffering. It’s hard to see upside when you worry about the hungry, the cold, and the dejected. However, one area may turn making do into making way, and can make a better future.

Check back at Fool.com for more of Alyce Lomax’s columns on environmental, social, and governance issues.

The article Joblessness, Making Do, Then Making Way originally appeared on Fool.com.

Alyce Lomax has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends 3D Systems, Apple, eBay, Lululemon Athletica, and Stratasys. The Motley Fool owns shares of 3D Systems, Apple, eBay, and Stratasys and has the following options: short January 2014 $36 calls on 3D Systems and short January 2014 $20 puts on 3D Systems. 

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