BP (NYSE:BP) Needs These 5 Things to Happen to Resume Growth

Although there have been some foreign deals forged and implemented by BP (NYSE:BP), which is good news for them and their shareholders, they're still, for the most part, in a holding mold until four major things are handled and resolved.

Only one of the four things needed to be done are under the direct control of BP, and that is the divesting of parts of the company to raise capital to pay for liabilities associated with the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

The other three things that need to happen are the completed examination of the blowout preventer, determination of whether or not they are found in gross negligence over the accident, and how much, if any, shared liability with partners they'll participate in.

The last thing, which will be mostly determined by the four mentioned above, is the reinstatement of the dividend by BP.

As far as the blowout preventer, that will probably take longer than the rest, and is just starting the process of examination. It's important in whether or not Cameron International, which developed it, will be liable for part of the costs of the spill.

In the largest liability remaining to be determined, BP is awaiting the decision on whether or not they're going to be designated as being grossly negligent in the ordeal. If they are, it could cost them over $17 billion more in fines, above and beyond all existing and future payouts.

That also is connected to the next element, which is shared liability. If they aren't found grossly negligent, their partners in the Macondo well: Anadarko (NYSE:APC) and MOEX, via their majority owned Mitsui (Nasdaq:MITSY), would have to pay out some significant capital for their part in the failure.

Selling of their assets, as mentioned, is under the control of BP, and that will give shareholders and potential investors more confidence in the company, which would ultimately be crowned with the reinstatement of their dividend, which mounting pressure is being asserted on the company to do.

If and when all these happened and/or are concluded, we'll see a much clearer picture of the future of BP, which remains tenuous at best.

Depending on the outcomes of the mentioned events that need to happen, will determine whether BP will be split up or taken over by a larger competitor, or continue on as a leaner but competitive energy firm.

BP (NYSE:BP) Slammed with Another Bill from Uncle Sam

For the seventh time since the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, BP (NYSE:BP) has received a bill from Uncle Sam, this time for $62.6 million, related to cleanup costs resulting from the spill.

So far BP, along with other "responsible parties" like Anadarko (NYSE:APC), Transocean (NYSE:RIG) and MOEX via Mitsui (NYSE:MITSY), which they have a majority ownership in.

Among the costs being billed for are to take care of actual damage, permanently stopping the leak, oil cleanup, public health, and protection of the coastline.

This bill brings the total billed by and paid to the government of $581 million.

Included in the billing is state costs along with the costs related to federal expenses.

Goldman (NYSE:GS) Maintains "Neutral" Rating on Anadarko (NYSE:APC)

Citing less political risk now that the Macondo oil well has been plugged by BP (NYSE:BP), Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) analyst said they're maintaining their "Neutral" rating on Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (NYSE:APC).

Goldman analysts said, "We remain Neutral rated as we see balanced risk/reward after recent outperformance, reflecting in part apparent more benign Gulf of Mexico political risk and progress sealing the Macondo well."

Anadarko Petroleum owns a 25 percent stake in the oil well in the Gulf that had been spilling oil into the ocean, which is what Goldman was referring to when talking about less political risk.

BP owns 65 percent of the well, and MOEX, 70 percent owned by Mitsui (Nasdaq:MITSY), owns the other 10 percent.