BP PLC's stock experienced a sharp intraday decline of 6.02% on Tuesday. The energy company's shares fell significantly during the trading session as investors reacted to major corporate announcements.
The sell-off was triggered by BP's decision to suspend its quarterly share buyback program. The company announced this move as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its balance sheet amid weaker oil prices. BP reported a fourth-quarter underlying replacement cost profit of $1.54 billion, which was in line with analyst expectations but represented a sequential decline from the previous quarter.
Management stated that the suspension of buybacks would allow the company to allocate excess cash toward debt reduction and balance sheet strengthening. The decision comes as BP faces pressure from lower crude prices and aims to position itself for future investment opportunities in its oil and gas business. The company also increased its cost-cutting targets as part of this financial restructuring effort.