Dealmakers optimistic on global M&A prospects despite sluggish growth By Reuters
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 28 2024
0mins
Should l Buy COP?
Source: Investing.com
- Global M&A Activity:
- Slow growth in the second quarter of 2024.
- Deal volumes increased by 3.7% to $769.1 billion, but the number of deals fell by 21%.
- Top dealmakers are optimistic about a pickup in transactions in the latter half of the year.
- Private Equity and Buyouts:
- Buyout activity surged by 41% to $286 billion in the first half of the year.
- Private equity firms are hopeful for a return of large leveraged buyouts soon.
- Regional Trends:
- U.S. M&A volumes decreased by 3%, while Europe saw a 27% jump in deal activity.
- Asia-Pacific deal volumes fell by 18% during the quarter.
- Market Dynamics:
- Banks and private credit funds are playing significant roles in financing markets.
- The availability of capital is increasing due to private credit, impacting traditional bank loans.
- Valuation Expectations and Corporate Clarity Deals:
- Signs of a narrowing gap in valuation expectations between buyers and sellers.
- Corporate clarity deals, including spin-offs and carve-outs, were highlighted as a bright spot for dealmakers.
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Analyst Views on COP
Wall Street analysts forecast COP stock price to fall
19 Analyst Rating
15 Buy
3 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 127.190
Low
98.00
Averages
115.67
High
133.00
Current: 127.190
Low
98.00
Averages
115.67
High
133.00
About COP
ConocoPhillips is an exploration and production company. Its Alaska segment primarily explores for, produces, transports and markets crude oil, natural gas and NGLs. The Lower 48 segment consists of operations located in the 48 contiguous states in the United States and the Gulf of Mexico. Canadian operations consist of the Surmont oil sands development in Alberta, the liquids-rich Montney unconventional play in British Columbia and commercial operations. The Europe, Middle East and North Africa segment consists of operations principally located in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea, Qatar, Libya, Equatorial Guinea and commercial and terminalling operations in the United Kingdom. Asia Pacific segment has exploration and production operations in China, Malaysia, Australia and commercial operations in China, Singapore and Japan. Other International segment includes interests in Colombia as well as contingencies associated with prior operations in other countries.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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