stock price target $1.97, page-129

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A)

With most energy-exposed stocks trading well below fair value, Ord Minnett believes M&A could be the spark for equity performance and remains positive on most stocks in the sector. In Ord Minnett’s view, M&A could be a strong catalyst to close the gap between stock prices and valuations.

Potential M&A scenarios postulated by Ord Minnett include Santos ((STO)) buying Oil Search ((OSH)), Woodside Petroleum ((WPL)) acquiring an additional interest in the North West Shelf joint venture, and Beach Energy ((BPT)) targeting Cooper Energy ((COE)) and others.