As reported earlier, Argus analyst Bill Selesky upgraded Noble Energy to Buy from Hold with a $39 price target, saying the company is positioned to benefit from "improving industry fundamentals, including reduced production from OPEC members". Selesky also cites the company's recent stock buyback and its "successful exploration program, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean", deriving additional benefits from the recent acquisition of Clayton Williams Energy. The analyst notes that the stock is favorably valued on the basis of trailing price/book multiple of 1.5-times - below the historical range of 1.6-2.5-times.