BP Sells 65% Stake in Castrol Lubricants for $8 Billion
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 24 2025
0mins
Should l Buy BP?
Source: Yahoo Finance
- Transaction Overview: BP sells a 65% stake in its Castrol lubricants business for $8 billion, which, while falling short of a full 100% sale, aligns with market expectations and indicates positive progress in the company's strategic reset.
- Financial Impact: The deal will provide BP with funds to reduce debt, although analysts express concerns about the long-term sustainability of dividends and earnings quality, suggesting that cutting buybacks would have been a better option.
- Market Reaction: BP's shares rose 0.1% to £4.28 following the announcement, reflecting an 8.8% increase year-to-date, indicating investor satisfaction with the sale price.
- Strategic Outlook: Under the leadership of newly appointed CEO Meg O'Neill and Chair Albert Manifold, a strategic review is expected in February, with investors hopeful for more radical changes compared to previous leadership.
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Analyst Views on BP
Wall Street analysts forecast BP stock price to rise
11 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
5 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 37.990
Low
6.38
Averages
84.26
High
503.69
Current: 37.990
Low
6.38
Averages
84.26
High
503.69
About BP
BP p.l.c. is a United Kingdom-based integrated energy company. The Company's segments include Gas & low carbon energy, Oil production & operations, Customers & products, and Other businesses & corporate. Its gas business includes regions with upstream activities that produce natural gas, integrated gas and power, and gas trading. Its low carbon business includes solar, offshore and onshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage and power trading. Oil production & operations segment comprises regions with upstream activities that predominantly produce crude oil, including bpx energy. Customers & products segment comprises its customer-focused businesses, which include convenience and retail fuels, electric vehicle charging, as well as Castrol, aviation and business to business and midstream. It also includes its products businesses, refining and oil trading, as well as its bioenergy businesses. Other businesses & corporate segment comprises technology and bp ventures.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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