BHP Said Seeking to Accelerate U.S. Shale Unit Sale

BHP is accelerating its plan to exit US shale operations, driven by investor pressure and underperformance. The company values its assets at around $10 billion and is open to selling them in packages or considering asset swaps, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico. The current market conditions, including recovering oil prices and regulatory changes, make it an opportune time for the sale. BHP aims to complete the sale by the end of the year, with alternatives like an IPO if the sale process stalls.

What is BHP's preferred method for exiting its US shale operations?

• Selling to multiple buyers

• Swapping assets in the Gulf of Mexico

• Holding onto the assets

• Selling to a single buyer

Why is it considered a good time for BHP to sell its US shale assets?

• Increase in natural gas prices

• New technological advancements in shale extraction

• Decrease in global oil demand

• Recovery in oil prices and regulatory changes

What was the initial purchase price of BHP's US shale assets?

• $25 billion

• $20 billion

• $10 billion

• $15 billion

By when does BHP aim to complete the sale of its US shale assets?

• By the end of the year

• By the end of next year

• Within five years

• Within six months

What alternative is BHP considering if the sale process does not succeed?

• Merging with another company

• Launching an IPO

• Investing more in the assets

• Shutting down operations