You are on page 1of 27

BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS1

BP Plc Financial Analysis

By Student’s Name

Course

Professor’s Name

Institution

City and State

Date
BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS2

Table of Contents
BP Plc Financial Analysis...................................................................................................3
Introduction......................................................................................................................3
Profitability, efficiency, and Liquidity ratios for 2020 and 2021 for BP plc.......................4
Profitability Ratios...........................................................................................................4
Return on Assets(ROA)...............................................................................................4
Return on Equity(ROE)................................................................................................5
Gross Profit Margin......................................................................................................6
Efficiency Ratios..............................................................................................................6
Asset Turnover Ratio(ATR).........................................................................................6
Inventory Turnover Ratio.............................................................................................7
Accounts Receivables Turnover Ratio (ARTR)...........................................................8
Liquidity Ratios................................................................................................................9
Current ratio.................................................................................................................9
Quick Ratio................................................................................................................10
Cash Ratio..................................................................................................................11
Debt-to-equity Ratio...................................................................................................12
BP Plc Performance Compared to Shell Plc......................................................................13
Profitability Ratio...........................................................................................................13
Return on Assets(ROA).............................................................................................13
Return on Equity(ROE)..............................................................................................13
Gross Profit Margin....................................................................................................14
Efficiency Ratios............................................................................................................15
Asset Turnover Ratio.................................................................................................15
Inventory Turnover Ratio...........................................................................................15
Receivables Turnover Ratio.......................................................................................16
Liquidity Ratios..............................................................................................................17
Current ratio...............................................................................................................17
Quick Ratio................................................................................................................18
Cash Ratio..................................................................................................................18
Debt-to-equity Ratio...................................................................................................19
Recommendations..............................................................................................................21
Increase its focus on cost management..........................................................................21
Invest more in Renewable Energy.................................................................................22
Improve the Efficiency of the Supply Chain................................................................23
Improve its Marketing and Branding Strategy...............................................................23
Strengthening its Liquidity Position..............................................................................24
References..........................................................................................................................25
BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS3

BP Plc Financial Analysis

Introduction

Bp plc is an international oil and gas company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The

company is a vertically integrated company that operates in various areas of the oil and gas

industry. These segments include exploration and production (upstream), refining, marketing,

and distribution (downstream) of oil and gas. Bp plc also operates in power generation activities

by providing renewable energy systems such as solar technology, biofuels, and wind power. The

company has over 70,000 associates in 72 countries across Europe, Africa, America, Asia-

Pacific, and the Middle East. BP plc is among the main listing on the London Stock Exchange,

and it is a constituent of the 100 indexes of the FTSE. The company’s major competitor is Shell

plc., a global oil and gas company. The two companies are competitors in the same geographic

region (Europe) and markets. Bp plc and Shell plc frequently compete against each other for

customers, resources, and market share.

Profitability, efficiency, and Liquidity ratios for 2020 and 2021 for BP plc

Profitability Ratios

Return on Assets(ROA)

ROA is a ratio that assesses the ability of a company to generate profits from the economic

resources or assets available. Investors use the ratio to comprehend how efficiently the company

utilizes its assets to make profits (Batchimeg, 2017). The higher the Return on Assets ratio, the

more productive and effectively the company's management exploits its resources. Therefore, for

BP plc, a high ROA shows that the company is using its assets well to generate profits. At the

same time, a lower ROA ratio implies that the company must manage its effects.
BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS4

Net Income
Return on Assets( ROA)=
Average Total Assets

2021:

Net Income = $8,487,000,000

287,272+ 267,654
Average Total Assets = =$ 277,463,000,000
2

$ 8,487
Return on Assets ( ROA ) = =3.06 %
$ 277,463

2020:

Net Income = -$20,729,000,000

267,654+295,194
Average Total Assets = =$ 281,424,000 ,000
2

−$ 20,729,000,000
Return on Assets ( ROA ) = =−7.37 %
$ 281,424,000,00

Return on Equity(ROE)

The ROE ratio measures the ability of a company to generate profits from the money invested,

that is, the shareholder's equity. Investors use this ratio to understand the company's financial

performance in generating revenues using shareholder's equity. A high, stable, and increasing

ROE is considered to be better. Thus, for BP plc, a higher and increasing ROE would show that

the firm is utilizing equity well.


BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS5

Net Income
Return on Equity (ROE)=
Average Total Equity

2021

Net Income = $8,487,000,000

90,439,000,000+85,568,000,000
Average Total Equity = =$ 88,003,500,000
2

$ 8,487,000,000
Return on Equity ( ROE )= =9.64 %
$ 88,003,500,000

2020

Net Income = -$20,729,000,000

85,568,000,000+100,708,000,000
Average Total Equity = =$ 93,138,000,000
2

−$ 20,729,000,000
Return on Equity ( ROE )= =−22.27 %
$ 93,138,000,000

Gross Profit Margin

Gross profit margin is the percentage of a company's revenues exceeding production costs or the

total sales after deducting the cost of sales (Babalola & Abiola, 2013). The ratio measures the

company's profitability and efficiency in pricing and costing goods. A high gross profit margin

for BP plc indicates that the company is good at managing costs and setting competitive prices.

Gross Profit
Gross Profit Margin=
Total Revenue

2021

Gross Profit = $71,272,000,000


BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS6

Total Revenue= $164,195,000,000

$ 71,272,000,000
Gross Profit Margin= =43.41 %
$ 164,195,000,000

2020

Gross Profit = $51,39,000,000

Total Revenue= $183,500,000,000

$ 51,396,000,000
Gross Profit Margin= =28.01 %
$ 183,500,000,000

Efficiency Ratios

Asset Turnover Ratio(ATR)

The ratio measures the efficiency of a company in utilizing assets to generate revenue. The Asset

Turnover ratio is crucial for understanding the company's operational efficiency. A high ATR

ratio for BP plc would imply that the company is efficient in revenue generation. In contrast, a

lower ATR ratio would indicate that it needs to utilize its assets more effectively.

Total Revenue
Asset Turnover Ratio=
Average Total Assets

2021

Total Revenues= $164,195,000,000

287,272,000,000+ 267,654,000,000
Average Total Assets = =$ 277,463,000,000
2

$ 164,195,000,000
Asset Turnover Ratio= =0.59
$ 277,463,000,000
BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS7

2020

Total Revenue= Total Revenue= $183,500,000,000

267,654,000,000+ 295,194,000,000
Average Total Assets = =$ 281,424,000,000
2

$ 183,500,000,000
Asset Turnover Ratio= =0.65
$ 281,424,000,000

Inventory Turnover Ratio

This is a ratio that measures the efficiency of a company in managing its inventory. A high

inventory ratio indicates that sales are doing well; however, too high a ratio suggests that the

company needs to restock inventory consistently. Therefore, a high inventory turnover ratio for

BP Plc would imply its managing inventories effectively without holding excess levels.

Cost of Goods Sold


Inventory Turnover ratio=
Average Inventory

2021

Cost of Goods Sold= $92,923,000,000

$ 16,873,000,000+$ 23,711,000,000
Average inventory=
2

$ 92,923,000,000
Inventory Turnover Ratio= =4.58׿
$ 20,292,000,000

2020
BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS8

Cost of Goods Sold=$132,104,000,000

$ 16,873,000,000+$ 20,880,000,000
Average inventory= =18,876,500,000
2

$ 132,104,000,000
Inventory Turnover Ratio= =6.998׿
$ 18,876,500,000

Accounts Receivables Turnover Ratio (ARTR)

The ratio measures how well a company manages credit given to customers by assessing the time

taken to collect outstanding debts throughout the financial year. A high Accounts Receivable

Turnover ratio for BP Plc would imply that the company is gathering payments and handling its

credit effectively. At the same time, a lower ARTR would mean that the company is not

collecting payments effectively and has poor credit risk management.

Total Revenue
Receivables Turnover Ratio=
Average Accounts Receivable

2021

Total Revenue= $164,195,000,000

$ 27,139,000,000+ $ 17,948,000,000
Average Accounts Receivable= =$ 22,543,500,000
2

$ 164,195,000,000
Receivables Turnover Ratio= =7.28׿
$ 22,543,500,000

2020
BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS9

Total Revenue= $183,500,000,000

$ 17,948,000,000+ $ 24,442,000,000
Average Accounts Receivable= =$ 21,195,000,000
2

$ 183,500,000,000
Receivables Turnover Ratio= =8.68׿
$ 21,195,000,000

Liquidity Ratios

Current ratio

This liquidity ratio analyzes a company's ability to pay short-term debts or obligations due within

one year (Babalola & Abiola, 2013). Investors and financial analysts can use the ratio to assess

how BP plc can maximize current assets to cater to its current liabilities. Therefore, a high

current ratio for BP plc would mean the company has enough current assets to cater to its short-

term obligations. In contrast, a lower current ratio indicates inadequate assets to pay its current

liabilities.

Current Assets
Current Ratio=
Current Liabilities

2021

Current assets= $92,590,000,000

Current Liabilities= $80,287,000,000

$ 92,590,000,000
Current ratio= =1.15
$ 80,287,000,000

2020

Current assets= $72,982,000,000


BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS10

Current Liabilities= $59,799,000,000

$ 72,982 , 000,000
Current Ratio= =1.22
$ 59,799,000,000

Quick Ratio

The quick ratio is a financial metric determining how well the company pays its current

liabilities using the most liquid assets. The ratio is crucial in understanding the liquidity position

of the company. Thus, a high quick ratio for BP plc would demonstrate that they have adequate

liquid assets to cater to its short-term obligations.

(Current Assets−Inventory)
Quick Ratio=
Current Liabilities

2021

Current Assets= $72,982,000,000

Inventory= $23,711,000,000

Current Liabilities= $80,287,000,000

($ 72,982, 000,000−$ 23,711,000,000)


Quick Ratio= =0.61
$ 80,287,000,000

2020

Current Assets= $92,590,000,000

Inventory=$16,873,000,000

Current Liabilities= $59,799,000,000

($ 92,590 , 000,000−$ 16,873,000,000)


Quick Ratio= =1.27
$ 59,799,000,000
BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS11

Cash Ratio

This is a liquidity ratio, the company's ability to pay off its short-term liabilities using its cash

and cash equivalents. A high cash ratio for BP Plc would show that the firm has adequate cash to

pay for its short-term liabilities.

Cash∧Cash Equivalents
Cash Ratio =
Current Liabilities

2021

Cash and Cash Equivalents=$30,681,000,000

Current Liabilities= $80,287,000,000

$ 30,681,000,000
Cash Ratio= =0.38
$ 80,287,000,000

2020

Cash and Cash Equivalents=$31,111,000,000

Current Liabilities=$59,799,000,000

$ 31,111,000,000
Cash Ratio= =0.52
$ 59,799,000,000

Debt-to-equity Ratio

The debt-to-equity ratio demonstrates how much of a firm is owned by lenders compared to the

amount of shareholder equity held within the company. The ratio is helpful for BP plc to

understand its financial risk and the extent to which it depends on debt financing. A lower debt-
BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS12

to-equity ratio for the company would show that it has a conventional financing structure and

does not depend heavily on debts to fund its operations.

Total Liabilities
Debt−¿−Equity Ratio=
Total Equity

2021

Total Liabilities= $196,833,000,000

Total Equity=$90,439,000,000

$ 196,833,000,000
Debt−¿−Equity Ratio= =2.18
$ 90,439,000,000

2020

Total Liabilities= $182,086,000,000

Total Equity=$85,568,000,000

$ 182,086,000,000
Debt−¿−Equity Ratio= =2.13
$ 85,568,000,000

BP Plc Performance Compared to Shell Plc

Profitability Ratio

Return on Assets(ROA)

Net Income
Return on Assets( ROA)=
Average Total Assets

2021:

Net Income = $20,630,000,000


BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS13

$ 404,379,000,000+$ 379,268,000,000
Average Total Assets = =$ 391,823,500,000
2

$ 20,630,000,000
Return on Assets ( ROA ) = =5.27 %
$ 391,823,500,000

2020:

Net Income = -$ (21,534,000,000)

$ 379,268,000,000+ $ 404,336,000,000
Average Total Assets = =$ 391,802,000,000
2

−$ (21,534,000,000)
Return on Assets ( ROA ) = =−5.50 %
$ 391,802,000,000

Return on Equity(ROE)

Net Income
Return on Equity (ROE)=
Average Total Equity

2021

Net Income = $20,630,000,000

175,326 ,000,000+158,537,000,000
Average Total Equity = =$ 166,931,500,000
2

$ 20,630,000,000
Return on Equity ( ROE )= =12.36 %
$ 166,931,500,000

2020

Net Income = -$ (21,534,000,000)


BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS14

158,537,000,000+190,463,000,000
Average Total Equity = =$ 174,500,000,000
2

−$ (21,534,000,000)
Return on Equity ( ROE )= =−12.34 %
$

Gross Profit Margin

Gross Profit
Gross Profit Margin=
Total Revenue

2021

Gross Profit = $97,745,000,000

Total Revenue= $272,657,000,000

$ 97,745,000,000
Gross Profit Margin= =35.85 %
$ 272,657,000,000

2020

Gross Profit = $66,102,000,000

Total Revenue= $183,195,000,000

$ 66,102,000,000
Gross Profit Margin= =36.08 %
$ 183,195,000,000

Efficiency Ratios

Asset Turnover Ratio

Total Revenue
Asset Turnover Ratio=
Average Total Assets

2021
BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS15

Total Revenues= $272,657,000,000

$ 404,379,000,000+$ 379,268,000,000
Average Total Assets = =$ 391,823,500,000
2

$ 272,657,000,000
Asset Turnover Ratio= =0.70
$ 391,823,500,000

2020

Total Revenue= $183,195,000,000

$ 379,268,000,000+ $ 404,336,000,000
Average Total Assets = =$ 391,802,000,000
2

$ 183,195,000,000
Asset Turnover Ratio= =0.46
$ 391,802,000,000

Inventory Turnover Ratio

Cost of Goods Sold


Inventory Turnover ratio=
Average Inventory

2021

Cost of Goods Sold= $174,912,000,000

$ 25,258,000,000+$ 19,457,000,000
Average inventory= =$ 22,357,500,000
2

$ 174,912,000,000
Inventory Turnover Ratio= =7.82׿
$ 22,357,500,000

2020

Cost of Goods Sold=$117,093,000,000


BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS16

$ 19,457,000,000+$ 24,071,000,000
Average inventory= =$ 21,764,000,000
2

$ 117,093,000,000
Inventory Turnover Ratio= =5.38׿
$ 21,764,000,000

Receivables Turnover Ratio

Total Revenue
Receivables Turnover Ratio=
Average Accounts Receivable

2021

Total Revenues= $272,657,000,000

$ 53,208,000,000+ $ 33,625,000,000
Average Accounts Receivable= =$ 43,416,500,000
2

$ 272,657,000,000
Receivables Turnover Ratio= =6.28׿
$ 43,416,500,000

2020

Total Revenue= $183,195,000,000

$ 33,625,000,000+ $ 43,414,000,000
Average Accounts Receivable= =$ 38,519,500,000
2

$ 183,195,000,000
Receivables Turnover Ratio= =4.76׿
$ 38,519 ,500,000
BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS17

Liquidity Ratios

Current ratio

Current Assets
Current Ratio=
Current Liabilities

2021

Current assets= $128,765,000,000

Current Liabilities= $95,547,000,000

$ 128,765,000,000
Current Ratio= =1.35
$ 95,547,000,000

2020

Current assets= $91,954,000,000

Current Liabilities= $73,708,000,000

$ 91,954,000,000
Current Ratio= =1.25
$ 73,708,000,000

Quick Ratio

(Current Assets−Inventory)
Quick Ratio=
Current Liabilities

2021

Current Assets= $128,765,000,000

Inventory= $73,708,000,000

Current Liabilities= $95,547,000,000


BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS18

($ 128,765,000,000−$ 73,708,000,000)
Quick Ratio= =0.58
$ 95,547,000,000

2020

Current Assets= $91,954,000,000

Inventory=$19,457,000,000

Current Liabilities= $73,708,000,000

($ 91,954,000,000−$ 19,457,000,000)
Quick Ratio= =0.98
$ 73,708,000,00

Cash Ratio

Cash∧Cash Equivalents
Cash Ratio =
Current Liabilities

2021

Cash and Cash Equivalents=$36,970,000,000

Current Liabilities= $95,547,000,000

$ 30,681,000,000
Cash Ratio = =0.32
$ 95,547,000,000

2020

Cash and Cash Equivalents=$31,830,000,000

Current Liabilities= $73,708,000,000

$ 31,830,000,000
Cash Ratio = =0.43
$ 73,708,000,000
BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS19

Debt-to-equity Ratio

Total Liabilities
Debt−¿−Equity Ratio=
Total Equity

2021

Total Liabilities= $229,053,000,000

Total Equity=$175,326,000,000

$ 229,053,000,000
Debt−¿−Equity Ratio= =1.31
$ 175,326,000,000

2020

Total Liabilities= $220,731,000,000

Total Equity=$158,537,000,000

$ 220,731,000,000
Debt−¿−Equity Ratio= =1.39
$ 158,537,000,000

BP Plc's Return on assets ratio, 3.06% for 2020 and -7.37% in 2021, is slightly lower than that of

Shell Plc, which is -5.50% for 2020 and 5.27% for 2021. Based on these ratios, it is evident that

Shell plc's financial performance is better than BP plc's. In 2020, both companies had a negative

ROA which shows that they could not generate enough profits from their assets. The negative

ROA results from the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a substantial decrease in demand for

oil and gas. However, the higher ratios for Shell Plc illustrate that it manages its resources more

efficiently than BP Plc hence better financial performance.

Bp Plc had an ROE of -22.27% in 2020, which improved to 9.64% in 2021. On the other hand,

Shell Plc had an ROE of -12.34% in 2020, which improved to 12.36% in 2021. The negative
BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS20

ROE for BP Plc in 2020 shows that the company could not generate sufficient profits using the

capital invested by stakeholders. Nevertheless, the positive ROE in 2021 indicates an

improvement in its profitability and financial performance, thus implying that the organization's

efforts to minimize costs and emphasize creating value for the company are paying off. Despite

the negative ROE for both companies in 2020, the competitor, Shell Plc has a better financial

performance than BP plc. In 2021, BP plc showed a significant performance reducing the gap.

A high Asset Turnover Ratio shows that a company uses its assets more efficiently to generate

revenues. In 2020, BP plc had an Asset Turnover ratio of 0.65 while Shell had an Asset Turnover

Ratio of 0.46, showing that BP plc was better at generating revenues from its assets in that year

as compared to its competitor, Shell Plc. However, in the following financial year, 2021, the

Asset Turnover Ratio for BP plc reduced to 0.59. Contrariwise, the ATR for Shell Plc increased

to 0.70, indicating that BP plc reduced its efficiency in using its assets to generate revenues while

the efficiency of Shell plc increased. Therefore, Shell plc has a better financial performance.

A high current ratio indicates that a company has sufficient assets to pay its short-term

obligations. In 2020, BP plc had a current ratio of 1.22, whereas Shell Plc had a current ratio of

1.25, indicating that both had adequate current assets to cover their current liabilities. In 2021,

the current ratio for BP plc reduced to 1.15, while that of Shell Plc rose to 1.35. The reduced

current ratio for BP plc indicates that the company needed help paying its short-term liabilities

compared to 2020. Therefore, BP plc's financial health could be better regarding the current ratio

than its competitor.

A high debt-to-equity ratio shows that a company depends more on debt than equity financing. In

2020, the debt-to-equity ratio for BP Plc was 2.13, while the debt-to-equity ratio of Shell Plc was

1.39. These values indicate that BP Plc's financial risk level was higher than Plc, which had a
BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS21

lower amount of debt. In 2021, the debt-to-equity ratio for BP Plc increased to 2.18. In contrast,

Shell Plc's debt-to-equity ratio reduced to 1.35. The increased ratio for BP Plc implies that the

company is more dependent on debt financing, leading to increased financial risk. On the other

hand, the reduced ratio for Shell Plc indicates that the company is more dependent on equity

financing, demonstrating its cushion against financial risks. Therefore, BP Plc is less efficient in

managing its debt than its competitor Shell Plc.

Recommendations

Increase its focus on cost management.

BP Plc should focus more on cost management to improve its financial performance. Cost

management is the process of controlling and planning the company’s costs. According to

Osadch et al. (2018), cost management is done by identifying and evaluating the overall costs

involved with the company's operations, for example, material costs, labor, and overhead

expense. The company should then take the appropriate steps in controlling these costs to

optimize the cost structure and increase its profitability, thus improving its financial

performance.

Cost management is a good tool that BP Plc can utilize to reduce its overall expenses. The

company can reduce expenses by restricting different costs, such as distribution and marketing

costs, through cost management. Focusing on cost management will also help the company to

identify and eradicate funds that may have been allocated to unnecessary operations. Moreover,

during the cost management process, BP Plc owners will restrict funds accessible at various

employee levels allowing them to have more cash for debt management. Once the company
BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS22

achieves a lower debt ratio, its financial performance will improve as it can now overcome

different financial risks.

Invest more in Renewable Energy.

In recent years, the demand for renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biofuels has

been increasing as they are readily available, environmentally friendly, and cheaper than oil and

gas (Raybould et al., 2020). BP Plc must add more investments in those technologies to take

advantage of this increasing demand for renewable energy. Moreover, BP Plc should diversify its

portfolio and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels to reduce the risks of fluctuating oil and gas

markets. For example, the energy security concerns caused by Ukraine's invasion by Russia have

led to a dramatic increase in oil and gas prices. Therefore, investing more in renewable energy

will help the company keep up with the increasing demand, thus improving its financial

performance.

Increasing renewable energy will be an excellent strategy for the company to improve its

financial performance. BP Plc should allocate more resources to research and development of

renewable energy systems to allow it to transform and develop sustainable energy solutions that

can eventually lead to cost reductions and increased revenues in the long run. Moreover,

investing in renewable energy will help the company keep up with the emerging trends as

governments around the globe instigate policies to reduce the use of fossil fuels and encourage

renewable energy solutions (Raybould et al., 2020). Therefore, BP will position itself as a market

leader and attract investors willing to invest in such companies, increasing its financial

performance.
BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS23

Improve the Efficiency of the Supply Chain

Supply chains are crucial for a company as they facilitate the movement of products from

suppliers to customers (Lee, 2021). BP Plc should improve its supply chain efficiency to

minimize operating costs while increasing its profitability. An efficient supply is essential for

enhancing the quality and ensuring customer satisfaction which will result in the company's

improved financial performance. Moreover, the higher the efficiency of the supply chain, the

higher the Return on Assets of the company and the higher the Inventory Turnover ratio,

increasing the company's financial performance.

To ensure that supply chains are efficient, BP Plc should optimize its logistics and transportation

systems to improve delivery times and reduce transport costs. The company should also enhance

the procurement procedures' efficiency to ensure lower purchasing costs of materials and reduced

lead times. Moreover, the company should restructure its inventory management to optimize

inventory levels, minimize carrying costs, and reduce stockouts. These enhancements in the

supply chain will help to improve the company’s operational efficiency as well as its overall

financial performance.

Improve its Marketing and Branding Strategy

Marketing and branding are essential strategies in any business to improve the brand's position

and create a good perception in the market. BP Plc should use various marketing channels such

as the media, campaigning, and a blend of other tactics that will help it attract more customers.

The company should use a digital marketing strategy by engaging with its customers on social

media platforms, which will help retain existing customers and reach new ones. In the long term,

this will help increase the company's sales resulting in increased profitability and improved

financial performance.
BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS24

Large spending on marketing is linked with a higher brand value associated with better financial

performance. BP Plc invests more in targeted marketing campaigns which will help increase its

customers, improve its reputation, improve stakeholders and investor relationships, and drive its

long-term growth. A stronger brand image will also help attract and retain talented employees, as

companies with stronger brand reputations often appeal to them, improving employee

performance and increasing profitability. Moreover, the marketing campaigns will help reinforce

consumer perception of the quality of the company's products, leading to better financial

performance.

Strengthening its Liquidity Position

Liquidity is the ability of the company to pay for its short-term obligations. Stronger liquidity

indicates that the company has enough cash to pay any short-term debts that may arise. In

contrast, lower liquidity implies that a company needs more cash to pay those debts and may

take more debts (Kariyawasam, 2019). With more substantial liquidity, BP Plc will have a more

robust financial performance as it will change its funds to revenue and profit-generating

operations such as developing renewable energy systems. In this case, BP Plc should emphasize

maintaining a strong liquidity position by minimizing its debts and having more cash reserves.

The company should adopt practical financial policies to accomplish its goals while upholding a

strong financial risk profile. In other words, BP Plc should balance managing various financial

risks, such as liquidity and debt levels, and investing in growth opportunities. The company

should also ensure a debt-to-equity ratio consistent with the oil and gas industry and its risk

appetite to be more financially flexible. Moreover, BP Plc should consider expanding its sources

of financing by tapping into capital markets and issuing commercial paper to access liquidy in

case of unprecedented events, thus improving its financial performance.


BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS25

References

Babalola, Y.A. and Abiola, F.R., 2013. Financial ratio analysis of firms: A tool for decision

making. International journal of management sciences, 1(4), pp.132-137. Retrieved from:

https://www.academia.edu/download/32371001/Paper_4.pdf

Batchimeg, B., 2017. Financial performance measurement using financial ratios: a case of

Mongolian companies. International Journal of Engineering and Management Sciences,

2(3), pp.20–32. Retrieved from: https://ojs.lib.unideb.hu/IJEMS/article/view/4900

BP Plc. 2021. Annual report and form 20-F 2020.Corporate governance Retrieved from:

https://www.bp.com/content/dam/bp/business-sites/en/global/corporate/pdfs/investors/bp-

directors-remuneration-report-2020.pdf (Accessed: March 19, 2023).

Drake, P.P. and Fabozzi, F.J., 2012. Financial ratio analysis. Encyclopedia of Financial Models.

Retrieved fromhttps://doi.org/10.1002/9781118182635.efm0074

Kariyawasam, A.H.N., 2019. Analyzing the impact of financial ratios on a company's financial

performance. Retrieved from http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/11904


BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS26

Lee, R. 2021. The effect of supply chain management strategy on operational and financial

performance. Sustainability, 13(9), p.5138.Retrieved from:

https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095138

Osadchy, E.A., Akhmetshin, E.M., Amirova, E.F., Bochkareva, T.N., Gazizyanova, Y. and

Yumashev, AV, 2018. A company's financial statements are an information base for

decision-making in a transforming economy. Retrieved from:

https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/33582

Raybould, B., Cheung, W.M., Connor, C. and Butcher, R. 2020. An investigation into UK

government policy and legislation to renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction

commitments. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 22, pp.371–387. Retrieved

from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10098-019-01786-x

Shell. (2021). Annual Report and Form 20-F 2020. Retrieved from:

https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReports/PDF/NYSE_RDS_2021.pdf
BP PLC FINANCIAL ANALYSIS27

You might also like