Possibility of NYMEX-Optionable Takeover Continues Pushing Shares Higher

Previously, we have written about Optionable Inc. (OPBL.OB), a leading provider of natural gas and other energy derivatives brokerage services, and looked at the company's growing earnings, and NYMEX Holdings Inc. (NMX) purchase of a 19% stake in the company. Given Optionable's expansion and growth in the derivatives business, it is certainly not out of the question that NYMEX would increase their stake in the company, or even launch an outright bid to take over the company before its shares become too expensive. Such a move would be the catalyst for further upside in Optionable shares that have already had a terrific run over the past six months.

It seems like we are not the only ones on the Street looking forward to a NYMEX takeover of Optionable. Thomas Kelly, who runs the OTC Speculator, seeks to find attractively valued stocks that are traded on the OTC Bulletin Board and Pink Sheets market. Kelly mentioned Optionable as one of his favorite names, citing the NYMEX agreement to take a 19% stake in the company. He also likes Optionable because:

it is growing at 100%-plus year over year, with good earnings visibility because it reports trading volumes every month. The valuation might look high, but [the company] will grow into this valuation rather quickly once the next two quarters are announced.

What's also important is that he echoes our earlier comments when saying that there is "a good chance that the company will either become listed on a bigger exchange or be bought out by the NYMEX at some point in 2007." Shares of Optionable are higher today, currently up by $0.32, or 4.01%, to $8.30 on heavy volume.

OPBL.OB 1-yr chart: