London close (LSE: BP.) — BP plc finished Wednesday at £4.68, down 1.74% on the day, underperforming the broader market. Notably, the stock is still hovering just below its 52‑week high of £4.76 set on Tuesday, while turnover of ~17.4m shares ran well below the 50‑day average (~28.6m). [1]
New York trade (NYSE: BP ADR) — Into the U.S. afternoon, BP’s ADR changed hands around $36.85, with an intraday range of $36.74–$37.24 and modest negative bias. (Time-stamped 20:45 UTC.)
Why BP shares moved today
Castrol sale talks back in the spotlight
Reuters reported BP is in active negotiations to sell its century‑old Castrol lubricants arm to infrastructure investor Stonepeak, part of a multi‑year plan to raise up to $20bn from divestments. Sources value Castrol near $8bn. BP declined to comment. Deal chatter typically stirs debate about portfolio shape, leverage and buyback firepower—all live issues for BP this year. [2]
Crude sank—another headwind
Energy equities faced a macro drag as Brent crude settled near $62.7/bbl, roughly −3.7% on the day, amplifying the risk‑off tone across integrated oils. Lower crude often compresses near‑term cash flow expectations, especially with refining margins mixed. [3]
Buybacks kept humming in the background
BP disclosed it repurchased ~1.51 million shares today as part of its ongoing programme (VWAP about 471.4p), adding to the steady daily pace since results. These routine RNS “Transaction in Own Shares” notices underscore management’s commitment to returning surplus cash. [4]
Dividend timing is material—ex‑dates start tomorrow
BP goes ex‑dividend on Thursday, 13 November for ordinary shares (and Friday, 14 November for ADS holders). The declared 3Q25 dividend is 8.320 cents per ordinary share, which equates to $0.4992 per ADS (each ADS represents six ordinary shares). Price action often reflects dividend mechanics into an ex‑date. [5]
BP plc share price snapshot — 12 November 2025
- LSE (BP.) close:£4.68, −1.74% day‑on‑day; opened at 475.3p and faded with oil into the close. [6]
- NYSE (BP) intraday:$36.85 at 20:45 UTC; day’s range $36.74–$37.24; light downside vs. Tuesday’s U.S. close.
- Context: FTSE 100 edged +0.12%; BP underperformed the index despite corporate catalysts. [7]
What today’s headlines mean for investors
1) Portfolio reshape could unlock value
Selling Castrol would simplify BP and could recycle proceeds into balance‑sheet flexibility, buybacks or core upstream projects. Investors will watch valuation, tax/friction costs and use of proceeds closely if negotiations advance from “talks” to a signed deal. [8]
2) Macro still sets the tone
The sharp move lower in Brent overshadowed idiosyncratic news. Sensitivity to crude remains elevated heading into year‑end, with supply/demand revisions and inventory data driving tape‑action most days. [9]
3) Capital returns are tangible
Today’s ~1.5m‑share buyback print adds to a consistent cadence since Q3 results, where BP affirmed dividends and buybacks within its disciplined framework. Regular repurchases can cushion weakness but won’t fully offset oil‑beta on volatile days. [10]
4) Ex‑dividend mechanics matter tomorrow
All else equal, BP’s shares typically adjust by roughly the cash dividend on the ex‑date. With ex‑div 13 Nov (London) and 14 Nov (ADS), short‑term price moves may reflect that technical. (Note: actual performance can differ if market conditions move at the same time.) [11]
Quick FAQ
What was BP’s share price on 12 November 2025?
London closed at £4.68 (−1.74%); in New York, the ADR traded around $36.85 late session. [12]
Why did BP underperform today?
Two big forces: a steep Brent sell‑off and a “risk‑event” headline about a potential Castrol divestment that could reshape the portfolio. Macro won the day. [13]
Is BP paying a dividend now? What are the dates?
Yes. The 3Q25 dividend is 8.320 US cents per ordinary share (that’s $0.4992 per ADS). Ex‑date is 13 Nov (LSE) and 14 Nov (NYSE ADS); record date 14 Nov; payout in December per company timetable. [14]
Is an ADS the same as a London share?
One BP ADS equals six ordinary shares. Prices differ by currency and the ADS ratio, but track the same underlying company. [15]
Is BP still buying back shares?
Yes—today’s RNS showed ~1.51m shares repurchased as part of the current programme. [16]
Bottom line
BP’s 12 November 2025 session blended macro gravity (oil down hard) with micro intrigue (Castrol sale talks), producing a modest pullback into tomorrow’s ex‑dividend date—despite ongoing buybacks and a still‑elevated 52‑week range. Near‑term, crude’s path and any confirmation (or pricing) of a Castrol transaction will likely steer sentiment.
Disclosure: This article is for information only and is not investment advice. Always do your own research and consider seeking advice from a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
References
1. www.marketwatch.com, 2. www.reuters.com, 3. www.morningstar.com, 4. www.investegate.co.uk, 5. www.bp.com, 6. www.marketwatch.com, 7. www.marketwatch.com, 8. www.reuters.com, 9. www.morningstar.com, 10. www.investegate.co.uk, 11. www.bp.com, 12. www.marketwatch.com, 13. www.morningstar.com, 14. www.bp.com, 15. www.bp.com, 16. www.investegate.co.uk
