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  • Galileo Agrees Botswana Copper Licence Sale to Sandfire Subsidiary With Potential Future Payouts (GLR)

    Galileo Agrees Botswana Copper Licence Sale to Sandfire Subsidiary With Potential Future Payouts (GLR)

    Galileo Resources (LSE:GLR) has entered into an agreement to sell its wholly owned subsidiary, Virgo Business Solutions, to Metal Capital, a subsidiary of Sandfire Resources. Virgo holds two prospecting licences within Botswana’s Kalahari Copper Belt, and the transaction will deliver an upfront cash payment of US$3 million to Galileo.

    The company intends to use the proceeds to support the advancement of its key projects in Zambia and Zimbabwe, reflecting its strategy of concentrating both capital and management attention on its core exploration regions.

    Transaction Retains Significant Exploration Upside

    In addition to the initial consideration, the agreement includes a contingent success payment ranging from US$20 million to US$80 million. The additional payment would become payable if future exploration activities result in the definition of a qualifying ore reserve containing at least 400,000 tonnes of copper.

    While no mineral resource has yet been established on the licences and the contingent payment is not guaranteed, the structure allows Galileo to maintain exposure to the potential value of any major discovery without committing further exploration capital.

    Major Exploration Commitment From Buyer

    As part of the transaction, Metal Capital has committed to spend US$4.5 million on exploration activities across the licences. The programme is expected to include extensive drilling, with significant work scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026.

    Galileo expects the disposal to generate a profit and strengthen its financial position, while simultaneously allowing the company to focus on developing its existing portfolio in southern Africa.

    Strategic Focus on Core Assets

    The sale represents another step in Galileo’s approach of monetising non-core assets and redeploying capital into projects where it sees the greatest opportunity for value creation. Management believes the transaction provides immediate funding while preserving the possibility of substantial future returns linked to exploration success.

    Market Considerations

    The company’s outlook continues to be influenced by a lack of revenue, recurring operating losses and negative free cash flow, although its debt-free balance sheet provides an important offsetting strength. Technical indicators are generally neutral to modestly positive, while valuation remains difficult to assess given negative earnings and the absence of a dividend yield.

    More About Galileo Resources

    Galileo Resources is a mineral exploration and development company focused primarily on copper and other base metals in southern Africa. The group’s main activities are centred on exploration projects in Zambia and Zimbabwe, while it continues to evaluate opportunities to unlock value from non-core assets and redirect capital towards priority growth areas.

  • Poolbeg Secures European Patent Grant for POLB 001 Cancer Immunotherapy Programme (POLB)

    Poolbeg Secures European Patent Grant for POLB 001 Cancer Immunotherapy Programme (POLB)

    Poolbeg Pharma (LSE:POLB) has received a decision to grant a European patent covering the use of POLB 001 for the prevention of cancer immunotherapy-induced Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS). The patent protection extends to p38 MAPK inhibitors across key member states of the European Patent Organisation, representing a significant addition to the company’s intellectual property portfolio.

    The development follows recent patent grants in Australia and Canada and further strengthens Poolbeg’s protection in major pharmaceutical markets worldwide.

    Intellectual Property Position Strengthened

    The newly granted patent enhances the company’s competitive position as it progresses POLB 001 through clinical development. Poolbeg believes the expanded intellectual property coverage increases the strategic and commercial value of the programme while providing greater protection for future development and licensing opportunities.

    Management has highlighted the importance of a robust patent estate in supporting the long-term potential of POLB 001, particularly as interest in therapies designed to improve the safety of cancer immunotherapies continues to grow.

    Clinical Milestones on the Horizon

    Poolbeg is continuing to advance POLB 001 through its development pathway, with interim data from the ongoing TOPICAL trial expected later this summer. The company believes the combination of clinical progress and strengthened patent protection enhances the attractiveness of the asset to potential pharmaceutical partners.

    The upcoming trial results are expected to provide further insight into the potential role of POLB 001 in reducing the risk of Cytokine Release Syndrome, a serious complication associated with certain cancer immunotherapy treatments.

    Market Considerations

    The company’s outlook continues to be influenced by its pre-revenue status, ongoing losses, cash burn and equity erosion. However, recent regulatory and clinical progress, together with upcoming data readouts, provide potential catalysts for investor interest. Technical indicators suggest the shares remain in a strong upward trend, although overbought conditions may increase the risk of near-term volatility. Valuation metrics remain constrained by the absence of earnings and dividend payments.

    More About Poolbeg Pharma Ltd.

    Poolbeg Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing therapies that improve outcomes in cancer immunotherapy. Its lead programme, POLB 001, is being developed to prevent Cytokine Release Syndrome, with the goal of making cancer immunotherapies safer and more accessible. The company is also developing an oral GLP-1 treatment for obesity, targeting a large and rapidly growing global market.

  • Gana Media Group Secures £750,000 Fundraise to Support Expansion of Mexican Sportsbook Operations (GANA)

    Gana Media Group Secures £750,000 Fundraise to Support Expansion of Mexican Sportsbook Operations (GANA)

    Gana Media Group (LSE:GANA) has completed a £750,000 fundraising before expenses through a placing and subscription of 375,000,000 new ordinary shares at 0.2 pence per share, representing a slight premium to the company’s recent AIM closing price. The fundraising also includes warrants exercisable at 0.4 pence, with directors participating in the transaction.

    Following the issue of the new shares, Gana’s total issued share capital will increase to approximately 18.1 billion shares. Outstanding warrants and options will represent around 16% of the enlarged share capital.

    Capital Targeted at Estadio Gana Growth Initiatives

    The proceeds will be used to accelerate growth plans centred on Estadio Gana, the company’s online casino and sportsbook platform in Mexico. Management reported strong increases in both customer registrations and wagering activity during the second quarter, reinforcing confidence in the platform’s growth trajectory.

    The company believes the additional funding will allow it to build on this momentum and strengthen its position ahead of the upcoming World Cup period. Management expects the investment to support further market penetration and enhance the brand’s presence within the expanding Latin American online betting and entertainment sector.

    Focus on Scaling Operations

    Gana sees the fundraising as an opportunity to invest in customer acquisition, platform development and broader commercial initiatives as it seeks to expand its footprint in one of the region’s fastest-growing digital wagering markets.

    While recent operational trends have been encouraging, the company continues to focus on converting growth into sustainable financial performance as it scales its sportsbook and gaming operations.

    Market Considerations

    The company’s outlook remains constrained by continuing operating losses and negative free cash flow, despite a recovery in revenue during FY2025 and strong gross margins. Technical indicators continue to reflect a prolonged downward trend, with the share price trading below key moving averages and momentum signals remaining weak. Valuation metrics also provide limited support due to the absence of positive earnings and dividend income.

    More About Gana Media Group

    Gana Media Group is an AIM-listed content and data intelligence business focused on building an integrated sports, media and entertainment platform across Latin America. The company’s portfolio includes Estadio Gana, a licensed Mexican online casino and sportsbook designed to capture growing demand for digital betting and gaming services in the region.

  • Halfspace Becomes Official AI Partner of Sport & Recreation Alliance Through New SportTower.ai Launch (PR1)

    Halfspace Becomes Official AI Partner of Sport & Recreation Alliance Through New SportTower.ai Launch (PR1)

    Pri0r1ty Intelligence Group (LSE:PR1) has secured a 12-month agreement between its Halfspace division and the Sport & Recreation Alliance, under which Halfspace will serve as the organisation’s official AI partner. The partnership includes the launch of the SportTower.ai platform, which will be made available to almost 300 sports and recreation bodies across the UK, representing an estimated 15,000 users.

    The agreement marks the first commercial deployment of SportTower.ai, providing Alliance members with access to Pri0r1ty’s artificial intelligence and data analytics capabilities. The platform is designed to help organisations strengthen community engagement, improve decision-making and identify new revenue opportunities. For Pri0r1ty, the partnership also establishes a scalable framework that can be replicated across other industries and strategic alliances.

    AI Platform Designed for Sector-Wide Adoption

    Developed using Pri0r1ty’s existing AI technology stack, SportTower.ai includes a range of tools such as Advisor, Fan Sonar, Vox and Compass ID. The platform also delivers industry trend analysis and enables organisations to build AI-driven systems using their own datasets within a GDPR-compliant environment.

    Halfspace expects to generate recurring revenues as Alliance members adopt and subscribe to elements of the product suite. The company believes the partnership strengthens its position within the sports sector while creating opportunities to expand its reach through additional collaborations and deployments in the months ahead.

    Expanding Presence Across Key Markets

    The launch represents another step in Pri0r1ty’s strategy to broaden the adoption of its AI solutions and data-driven services. By working with a large network of sports and recreation organisations, the company aims to demonstrate the practical benefits of its technology while establishing a repeatable model for future growth.

    More About Pri0r1ty Intelligence Group PLC

    Pri0r1ty Intelligence Group PLC is a UK-listed provider of data, artificial intelligence and marketing services focused on helping organisations improve engagement and growth. The business operates through three divisions: Halfspace, which specialises in data-led marketing and growth solutions for the sports industry; Pri0r1ty, an AI software and consultancy platform serving SMEs; and Metr1c, which delivers brand partnership and growth solutions for the entertainment sector.

  • Forgent Reports High-Grade Copper and Gold Results at Green Rocks Project (FORG)

    Forgent Reports High-Grade Copper and Gold Results at Green Rocks Project (FORG)

    Forgent plc (LSE:FORG) has announced outstanding assay results from its first surface sampling programme at the Green Rocks copper-gold project in Western Australia, with copper values returning as high as 29.4% and gold grades reaching 4.8 g/t. The 110-sample campaign not only validated historical exploration results but also expanded the known extent of surface mineralisation, particularly around interpreted fault structures, dyke contacts and key structural intersections.

    Multiple Drill Targets Identified

    The exploration programme has highlighted several high-grade prospects that have yet to be tested by drilling. These targets are expected to form the basis of a maiden drilling campaign designed to assess the continuity and thickness of the newly outlined mineralised zones.

    Forgent intends to advance the project by submitting a Programme of Work and securing the necessary heritage approvals before drilling activities commence. The company believes Green Rocks has the potential to become a significant asset within its energy transition metals portfolio and is expected to remain a key focus of future technical updates.

    Market Considerations

    The company’s outlook continues to be weighed down by weak financial performance, including ongoing losses, leverage and negative cash flow generation. Technical indicators also remain challenging due to a prolonged downward trend in the share price, while valuation metrics offer limited support given the absence of earnings and dividend data.

    More About Forgent plc

    Forgent plc is an AIM-listed energy transition company focused on the exploration of copper and gold assets. Its flagship Green Rocks project is situated within the Ashburton Mineral Field in the southern Pilbara region of Western Australia, where the company is targeting high-grade copper-gold mineralisation in an area supported by established regional infrastructure.

  • Wall Street Futures Jump as U.S.-Iran Peace Agreement Lifts Sentiment: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq

    Wall Street Futures Jump as U.S.-Iran Peace Agreement Lifts Sentiment: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq

    U.S. equity futures pointed to a strong opening on Monday as investors reacted positively to reports that the United States and Iran have reached an agreement to end a conflict that has lasted for more than three months.

    The development boosted risk appetite across financial markets, with traders focusing on the potential benefits of lower energy prices and reduced inflationary pressures.

    Trump Signals End to Hostilities

    President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that a deal with Iran is “now complete” and authorized the “toll free opening” of the Strait or Hormuz along with the immediate removal of the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.

    Trump later explained that the waterway would reopen following the formal signing of the agreement on Friday, allowing time for mine-clearing operations.

    According to reports, the agreement extends the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran for 60 days, creating an opportunity for negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear programme and its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

    Oil Drops Sharply Following the Announcement

    Crude prices fell more than 5% after the news, easing fears that elevated energy costs could continue feeding inflation.

    “Prior to the deal, investors had become increasingly concerned that higher energy costs would feed into broader inflation pressures and potentially force policymakers into additional tightening,” said Daniela Hathorn, Senior Market Analyst at Capital.com.

    “The sharp decline in oil prices does not eliminate inflation risks altogether, but it does reduce some of the urgency surrounding them,” she added. “That is particularly relevant this week as the Federal Reserve meets for the first time under new Chair Kevin Warsh.”

    Stocks Extend Last Week’s Rally

    The latest gains build on the momentum generated at the end of last week.

    On Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.7% to 51,202.26, while the S&P 500 gained 0.5% to 7,431.46. The Nasdaq added 0.3% to finish at 25,888.84.

    All three major benchmarks advanced 0.7% for the week.

    Uncertainty Remains Around Final Terms

    Despite the positive market reaction, questions remain regarding the final structure of the agreement.

    Trump, who last week called off a planned strike on Iran and indicated that a peace deal was close, later challenged reports emerging from Tehran.

    In a Truth Social post on Monday, he said details released by Iran had “NOTHING to do with the terms that were agreed to, in writing.”

    He also described the Iranians as “very dishonorable people to deal with,” adding, “With them, there is no such thing as dealing in good faith.”

    Reports suggest the proposed memorandum would reopen the Strait of Hormuz without tolls and provide sanctions relief tied to compliance measures.

    The arrangement would also maintain a 60-day ceasefire, including in Lebanon, while broader nuclear negotiations take place.

    Bloomberg reported that the agreement could be signed during next week’s G7 summit.

    Further support for investor sentiment came after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on X that a “final, agreed upon text of the peace deal has been reached.”

    SpaceX Continues to Attract Investor Interest

    Investors also kept a close watch on SpaceX (NASDAQ:SPCX), which completed the largest IPO ever on Friday.

    The company surged 19.3% during its first day of trading, helping fuel enthusiasm for high-growth technology and innovation-focused stocks.

    Gold, Airlines and Tech Stocks Outperform

    Gold-related shares climbed as bullion prices strengthened, driving the NYSE Arca Gold Bugs Index up 3.1%.

    Airline stocks also benefited from the sharp drop in fuel prices, with the NYSE Arca Airline Index gaining 2.8%.

    Meanwhile, financial stocks, semiconductor companies and computer hardware firms posted solid gains, while biotechnology and utility shares lagged behind the broader market.

  • European Markets Advance on Optimism Surrounding U.S.-Iran Agreement: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European Markets Advance on Optimism Surrounding U.S.-Iran Agreement: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equities traded firmly higher on Monday, building on the previous session’s gains after U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian officials announced that an agreement had been reached to bring an end to more than 100 days of conflict. Leaders around the world welcomed the development and called for the deal to be implemented without delay.

    ECB Official Warns Energy Markets Need Time to Recover

    Speaking at a monetary policy conference in Frankfurt, European Central Bank Governing Council member Joachim Nagel said it could take several months before global oil supply conditions fully return to normal following the recent disruptions.

    His comments came as investors continued to assess the potential economic impact of easing geopolitical tensions and lower energy prices.

    German Wholesale Inflation Remains Elevated

    On the economic front, data from Destatis showed that German wholesale prices increased 5.9% year-on-year in May.

    Although the pace of growth slowed slightly from the 6.3% increase recorded in April, wholesale inflation remained elevated following the reduction of the energy tax on mineral oil products.

    Major European Indices Move Higher

    Germany’s DAX Index gained 1.4%, while France’s CAC 40 advanced 1.3%.

    In contrast, the UK’s FTSE 100 traded only marginally above the flatline, underperforming its continental peers despite the broader positive sentiment across European markets.

    Airlines and Luxury Shares Lead the Rally

    Travel and luxury goods stocks were among the strongest performers as investors welcomed the sharp decline in oil prices.

    At the same time, energy companies came under pressure after Brent crude futures dropped more than 4%, falling toward $83 per barrel and reaching their lowest level in three months.

    Bayer and Schneider Electric Post Strong Gains

    Bayer AG (TG:BAYN) moved higher after announcing that its low-dose Gadoquatrane product had received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

    Schneider Electric (EU:SU) also posted notable gains after unveiling a partnership with Foxconn focused on artificial intelligence data centre infrastructure.

    Frasers Group Falls After Accent Group Bid

    Elsewhere, Frasers Group (LSE:FRAS) traded lower after launching an all-cash takeover proposal for Accent Group.

    Investors appeared cautious about the acquisition despite the broader strength seen across European equity markets.

  • SpaceX’s IPO: what’s next?

    SpaceX’s IPO: what’s next?

    SpaceX shares closed 19% above their IPO price of $135 on the first day of trading, and the momentum continued into Monday’s pre-market session, with the stock gaining a further 5%. 

    So, the skeptics who predicted the IPO would fail were wrong? 

    Time will tell, but for now, the rally seems to be driven less by fundamentals and more by hype around the company and investors hoping to capitalize on the idea that SpaceX stock will soon be added to major indices. For instance, although the S&P 500 has stuck to its standard criteria, the Nasdaq has revised its index inclusion rules to speed up the process, which could end up forcing large passive funds to buy the stock.

    At the same time, news that the United States and Iran may be close to reaching an agreement could have contributed to the momentum.

    The problem with the latter is that reopening the Strait of Hormuz would not immediately lower global inflation. Moreover, parts of the proposed agreement may be difficult to implement, and even if a memorandum is signed, the U.S. and Iran would still need to agree on the nuclear program and other unresolved issues. Thus, a deal reached this week would not necessarily end the conflict.

    As for SpaceX itself, even before the IPO, Morningstar assigned a fair value estimate of just $63 per share.

    Today, SpaceX’s market capitalization exceeds that of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, despite the fact that, as of Q1 2026, TSMC reported earnings per share of $3.49 on revenue of $35.9 billion, surpassing analyst expectations, whereas SpaceX had $4.7 billion in revenue in the first quarter of 2026 but a net loss of $4.3 billion.

    This does not necessarily mean the stock cannot continue rising in the short term; however, if the hype fades and investor sentiment shifts, the correction could be sharp, and if that occurs after the stock has been included in major indices, the consequences may extend beyond SpaceX itself.

  • RWS Holdings Builds Momentum as AI Drives Growth and Innovation

    RWS Holdings Builds Momentum as AI Drives Growth and Innovation

    As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the global business landscape, companies that successfully combine technological innovation with deep industry expertise are well positioned for growth. RWS Holdings (LSE:RWS), a global AI solutions company empowering the world’s most trusted enterprise AI, is demonstrating exactly how established businesses can embrace AI while delivering strong financial performance.

    Speaking on The Watch List, Group Chief Executive Officer Ben Faes highlighted a strong first-half performance that reflects both operational excellence and the successful implementation of the company’s new strategic direction.

    Strong Results Signal Positive Momentum

    The first half of the year marked an important milestone for RWS Holdings as the company launched a new operating model and organisational structure. The results have provided encouraging evidence that these changes are delivering tangible benefits.

    RWS exceeded guidance across all three of its key performance indicators: revenue growth, operating margin, and cash conversion. The company achieved an impressive 7% organic revenue growth while operating profit increased by an outstanding 28%.

    According to Faes, these results demonstrate the strength of the business and the momentum being built across the organisation.

    “We’re proud of what we’re building,” he said, emphasising that the focus now is on sustaining and accelerating that momentum.

    AI as an Opportunity, Not a Threat

    While AI is transforming content creation, localisation, and knowledge management, RWS views the technology as a significant growth opportunity rather than a disruption to be feared.

    The company specialises in delivering complex services that help global enterprises operate safely and remain compliant across multiple markets. AI is enabling RWS to perform these critical functions more efficiently while maintaining high quality standards.

    Faes stressed that AI is helping the company deliver faster, more accurate outcomes for clients, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for multinational organisations navigating increasingly complex global environments.

    Executing a Focused Growth Strategy

    RWS’s strategy is built around three core pillars: serving large enterprise customers, accelerating innovation, and driving operational efficiency.

    This focused approach is designed to create a faster, more agile organisation capable of responding to evolving customer needs while capitalising on emerging opportunities in AI-powered services.

    A key element of this strategy is the recent acquisition of Obviously, a next generation integrated platform which enables enterprise clients to seamlessly manage, protect and enforce their Intellectual Property and brand integrity.

    The acquisition aligns closely with RWS’s broader vision of using AI-driven solutions to solve complex business challenges and disrupt traditional approaches within the market.

    Innovation at the Heart of Future Growth

    Looking ahead, RWS remains focused on expanding the value it delivers to enterprise customers through innovation.

    One emerging area of opportunity is voice AI. The company is already helping organisations train AI-powered voices to sound more natural and culturally appropriate, improving customer interactions and user experiences.

    Faes also highlighted RWS’s ambition to build a “cultural intelligence layer” for enterprise AI applications. This capability will help organisations ensure that AI-generated content and communications remain relevant, accurate, and culturally sensitive across different markets and languages.

    In addition, RWS is preparing to launch new platform capabilities that integrate AI agents, enabling businesses to deploy and manage content internationally with greater speed and efficiency.

    Driving Efficiency Through Automation

    Alongside innovation, operational excellence remains a priority. RWS continues to invest in automation across its own business processes, helping teams work more efficiently and respond more quickly to customer requirements.

    By combining automation, AI-powered services, and a disciplined approach to execution, the company is creating a scalable platform for long-term growth.

    Positioned for the Future

    As global demand for multilingual content, localisation, compliance, and AI-enabled knowledge management continues to grow, RWS Holdings appears well positioned to benefit from some of the most significant technological shifts taking place across the business world.

    With a strong financial performance, a clear strategic vision, targeted acquisitions, and a commitment to innovation, RWS is demonstrating how established industry leaders can successfully adapt and thrive in the AI era.

    Under the leadership of Ben Faes, the company is building momentum and creating a future where technology, language, and cultural intelligence work together to help organisations succeed on a global scale.

    For more information visit https://www.rws.com/

  • bp targets upstream growth after best exploration year in a generation

    bp targets upstream growth after best exploration year in a generation

    Ariel Flores, SVP Capital Development, Upstream, steering bp’s global exploration and reservoir development, sat down with Edison TV to explain why the oil major’s growth story is gathering pace, and where the next barrels are coming from.

    In the second of Edison TV’s deep dives into bp (LSE:BP.), Executive Director Neil Shah put the questions that matter most to investors weighing the group’s upstream ambitions: is the growth plan working, where is the resource going to come from, and what difference is technology really making? Across the conversation, Ariel Flores, a 27-year bp veteran laid out a confident, numbers-backed case.

    “It’s a great proposition, one that is simpler, stronger, more valuable across our oil and gas portfolio,” Flores said, summing up the pitch he believes should bring investors back to the story.

    A Growth Plan That Is Delivering

    bp set out its stall at its 2025 capital markets update, promising to grow the upstream after years in which the division had taken a back seat. A year on, Flores says delivery has matched the rhetoric. “It’s gone very well since our capital markets update in 2025,” he told Shah, pointing to 96% plant reliability and a base business “performing well.”

    The numbers behind the momentum are specific. Seven of ten major projects are now online, contributing towards 150,000 barrels of additional production, while a final investment decision on the next wave of projects should add a further 250,000 barrels of oil equivalent at peak. bp’s reserve replacement ratio reached 90% in 2025, keeping the group on track for its aspiration of 100% by 2027.

    Cost discipline underpins the story. Operating efficiency is at “historic highs,” Flores said, with lifting costs running at around $6 per barrel of oil equivalent. A divestment programme aimed at strengthening the balance sheet is “going well,” and the organisation is moving towards a simpler upstream–downstream structure designed to cut cycle times and sharpen capital allocation. “Quality through choice features as we grow the hopper,” he said — bp’s shorthand for funding only the projects that clear a high value bar.

    The Best Exploration Year In A Generation

    If resource longevity has been the market’s nagging worry, 2025 went a long way to answering it. Flores did not undersell the headline: “I’ll start with the biggest discovery bp’s made in 25 years, our Bumerangue field in Brazil.” He described it as a “world-class structure” in a well-established basin, with the drill ship now on bp’s books and an appraisal programme to follow the Tupinamba well.

    Bumerangue was far from alone. bp logged a further 11 discoveries during the year: four gas finds in Egypt offering fast cycle times to first gas through existing infrastructure; the Frangipani discovery in Trinidad, earmarked for fast-tracking into existing LNG-linked facilities; successes at Capricornus and Volans across Angola and Namibia; and two further discoveries near existing infrastructure in the Gulf of America. “These all provide short cycle time, fast turnaround opportunities,” Flores said, “and that will lead to an accretive outlook to our plan as it relates to free cash.”


    The 2026 programme keeps the drill bit busy, with the Tupinamba well in Brazil and an “exciting” Conifer well in the Gulf of America towards year-end that could be tied back to the Kaskida project now under construction.

    Sweating Capital Already In The Ground

    Alongside the drill bit, bp has been buying its way to more resource through access deals that lean on infrastructure it already owns. Flores pointed to the Kirkuk opportunity in northern Iraq — built on bp’s delivery track record in the south at Rumaila — plus a prospect in Karabakh that would feed existing ACG infrastructure in partnership with SOCAR, and new gas access in India aimed at keeping existing facilities full.

    “All these provide for exciting, accretive opportunities,” he said, “because it’s harnessing capital that’s already deployed.”

    AI Moving “At Pace” Across The Upstream

    Perhaps the most forward-looking section of the interview concerned technology. bp is leaning on partnerships with Palantir, NVIDIA, AWS and Databricks to attack two fronts at once: stripping out cost by automating repetitive tasks, and squeezing more barrels from existing fields.

    On the subsurface, new NVIDIA GPUs in bp’s Houston computing centre are transforming seismic imaging. “This is allowing for processes to move from four times to 10 times to 50 times increase in productivity,” Flores said, letting more complex algorithms converge into sharper images and, ultimately, better-targeted wells and infill developments.

    On the drilling side, an AI-driven “offset well analyzer” now screens hundreds of well trajectories in minutes — work that “would take months in some cases to plan” — to identify the most cost-competitive, safe path to a target. Pulling it together through reservoir simulation and integrated asset modelling on a Palantir Foundry backbone, Flores argued, is “enhancing quality of product, shortening cycle times, improving the cost base” and, crucially, lifting recovery from capital already deployed.

    The Investment Case

    Asked the blunt question — why invest in bp? — Flores returned to the theme of focus and momentum carried from 2025 into 2026. The targets set out at the capital markets day for a 2027 outturn are “very well underpinned,” he said, supported by what he called a “rich hopper of organic opportunities” and 23 years of resource that is “both commercially and economically viable.”

    “It’s coming together nicely in the new upstream,” Flores concluded, “and we look forward to updating the market as we continue to progress our resources.”

    The full conversation is available on ADVFN and Edison TV.