Barron's Constructive On BP

After becoming one of 2010's most infamous and hated companies, the worst appears to be behind BP BP, Europe's second-largest oil company, and the shares may be worth a look again, according to Barron's. The company received a bit of good news when the presidential commission investigating the Gulf of Mexico oil spill said last week that BP wasn't the sole party to blame for the spill, news that greatly reduces the chances BP will have to contend with charges of gross negligence, Barron's reported. BP is still facing legal and financial liabilities, which could amount to $40 billion, but the $20 billion the British oil giant set aside for the spill vicitims compensation fund, could prove to be too much. The fund's administrator, Kenneth Feinberg, recently said $10 billion may be enough to cover all claims. BP did suspend its dividend for final three quarters of 2010 and while it is widely expected the company will restore the payout to some degree this year, it's unlikely to return to pre-spill levels. The cash savings will allow the company to spend more on exploration and production projects, according to Barron's. In a research note, Evolution Securities says that a rise in oil prices from $70 a barrel to $95 increases BP's cash flow from operations by an estimated $11 billion, Barron's reported.