QEP jumps on buyout rumour

Article Excerpt

QEP RESOURCES INC. $6.32 (New York symbol QEP; Resources sector; Shares outstanding: 238.0 million; Market cap: $1.5 billion; No dividend paid; Takeover Target Rating: Highest; www.qepres.com) produces oil and natural gas from properties in both the Permian (Texas) and Williston basins (North Dakota). In February 2019, QEP began a strategic review of its businesses after the planned sale of its Williston Basin assets fell through due to declining oil prices. The company has now reportedly received a takeover offer worth $2 billion from activist investment firm Elliott Management. The news propelled the stock up 20% to $7.29 on July 5, 2019, but it has now drifted back down in the absence of a solid offer. With its attractive properties, QEP could still win a formal bid from Elliott or other suitors. QEP Resources is a hold. hold…