BP’s New Chairman Calls for Urgency in Push to Simplify the Business

Core Viewpoint - BP is aiming to recover from previous strategic errors that have led to its shares underperforming compared to competitors like Shell, Exxon Mobil, and Chevron, with plans for asset sales to strengthen its balance sheet and enhance shareholder value [4]. Group 1: Strategic Direction - BP's new chairman supports the current strategic direction but emphasizes the need for urgent action and potential further asset sales to improve the company's financial standing [1][2]. - Albert Manifold, a key executive, indicated that the company must simplify its complex portfolio and is considering additional asset sales [2][5]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Goals - The company is facing challenges with lower profitability and high debt levels, necessitating a faster implementation of its strategic changes [3]. - BP has set a target of $20 billion in asset sales by 2027 to reduce net debt and has already initiated several sales this year [6]. Group 3: Portfolio Review and Asset Sales - BP is conducting a cost review and evaluating its portfolio to maximize shareholder value, moving away from its previous focus on low-carbon energy to concentrate on fossil fuels [5]. - The lubricants business, Castrol, has been identified as a potential asset for disposal as part of the company's strategy to streamline operations [6].