BP shares pop 7% after reports activist hedge fund Elliott has taken a stake in the struggling British oil major

Key Points

  • BP shares surged after reports that Elliott Management has taken a stake in the company, potentially influencing its strategic direction.
  • BP has been underperforming compared to its peers, with shares down 9% over the last year.
  • The company is set to announce its fourth-quarter results and broader strategy soon, amidst cost-cutting measures and asset sales.

Summary

BP shares experienced a significant jump following reports that activist investor Elliott Management has acquired a stake in the company, possibly aiming to influence its strategic direction. The stock rose by 6.89% in London trading. This comes at a time when BP has been lagging behind its British and U.S. energy peers, with its shares declining by approximately 9% over the past year, while Shell saw a 6% increase. BP is preparing to reveal its fourth-quarter results and its strategic outlook, amidst efforts by CEO Murray Auchincloss to cut costs and sell assets like its Ruhr Oel GmbH German refinery. Elliott Management, known for its strategic interventions, might push for changes in BP's leadership and a potential split of its core oil and gas operations from its renewable energy initiatives. This move could be part of a broader strategy to enhance shareholder value and address BP's challenges in navigating the energy transition and fluctuating oil prices.

cnbc
February 10, 2025
Stocks
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