Group 1 - Saudi Aramco has appointed Citigroup as the preferred adviser for the planned sale of a stake in its oil export and storage terminals business after a competitive selection process [1] - The proposed transaction could generate several billion dollars for Aramco, although discussions are still in the early stages and no final decisions have been made regarding the sale's structure or timing [2] - The formal sale process is expected to begin next year, potentially attracting interest from large infrastructure funds [2] Group 2 - This move is part of Aramco's broader strategy to divest assets, including portions of its real estate portfolio, to generate capital for future investments [3] - Aramco's oil storage and export network includes significant facilities at Ras Tanura and terminals on the Red Sea, as well as interests in product terminals in the Netherlands and storage leases in Egypt and Okinawa, Japan [3] - The decision to explore the sale of a stake in the oil terminals business is a response to changing market conditions, including a 16% decline in oil prices this year, which has led to project delays and considerations for asset sales to maintain investment capacity [4] Group 3 - The impact on earnings has been mitigated by increased production, but asset sales are viewed as a means to strengthen Aramco's financial position [4] - Citigroup declined to comment on the appointment, and Aramco has not provided further details regarding the stake sale [5] - Financial institutions such as JPMorgan and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking are reportedly in discussions to support the transaction [6]