This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
PayPal Holdings (NASDAQ:PYPL) climbed about 3.5% Thursday as fresh speculation revived hopes that the payments company could attract a buyer.
Traders pointed to a Betaville alert describing possible takeover interest. The report did not identify a confirmed bidder. Attention is partly on Stripe and private equity firm Advent, though another party could also be involved.
Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Sign with PYPL.
Is PYPL fairly valued? Test your thesis with our free DCF calculator.
Stripe said it does not comment on market rumors. PayPal had not responded to a request for comment.
The speculation follows a Bloomberg report from last week that Stripe and Advent had ended efforts to acquire PayPal. The group had previously considered a transaction valued above $50 billion.
The two firms had initially explored the deal alongside Block, now known as XYZ. Block later left the group before Stripe and Advent moved forward with their proposal.
Thursday's rebound shows takeover speculation remains a near-term catalyst for PayPal stock, although investors still lack confirmation that a transaction is under active consideration.