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BP Sees Second Chance to Restore Financial Health Amid Higher Commodity Prices, RBC Says

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BP (BP) has a "second chance" to deleverage and restore financial health, supported by higher commodity prices that could put the company on firmer footing in the coming years, RBC Capital Markets said in a Monday research note.

The investment firm said material damage to energy infrastructure in the Middle East and inventory drawdowns across oil products could support a prolonged period of higher commodity prices, helping BP reduce leverage to levels comparable with peers by 2027.

The brokerage said BP's new management will need to maintain discipline even as peers continue or increase share buybacks, adding that the company would be better served by continuing debt reduction for at least the next 12 to 18 months.

Restarting buybacks earlier than anticipated could provide a short-term "sugar rush" but create medium-term risks, according to the note.

RBC upgraded BP to outperform from sector perform, while maintaining its 700 pence ($9.52) price target.

Price: $44.15, Change: $+0.81, Percent Change: +1.87%

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