Latest news with #Castrol
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Defender Dakar D7X-R leaps closer to final competition spec
Undergoing rigorous testing before its official entry into the 2026 Dakar Rally and World Rally-Raid Championship, the vehicle was showcased on the Hillclimb course and around the Off-Road arena with developmental design tweaks. Set to compete in the updated 'Stock' category for production-based vehicles, the Defender Dakar D7X-R is a competition version of the Defender 110 and comes fitted with race-ready upgrades. The updates include bespoke 17-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch tyres, increased track width and ride height, a heavy-duty steering rack built to motorsport specifications and a freer-flowing exhaust system. Sponsored by Castrol and apparel company Shackleton, the Defender Dakar D7X-R was put through its paces by America's four-time Dakar stage winner Sara Price and France's legendary Stéphane Peterhansel, who has won the Dakar Rally 14 times. They were recently announced as official Defender Rally team drivers, joining Lithuanian race ace Rokas Baciuška. 'I'm looking forward to the next few months of preparations ahead of our entry to Dakar in the Stock category,' Peterhansel said after the event. 'To go back to the roots with a production car, and with Defender, which is the best off-road brand, I'm proud to be part of it. We will try to write a new chapter of history with Defender at Dakar. It's going to be an adventure and opportunity to show what a production car can do.'
The Star
7 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Basketball-WNBA's 'The Engine' Thomas gets fitting NASCAR tribute
An illustration shows a newly unveiled "The Engine" design with images of WNBA basketball player Alyssa Thomas for Castrol RFK Racing, in this handout rendering. Castrol and RFK Racing/Handout via REUTERS NEW YORK (Reuters) -WNBA MVP contender Alyssa Thomas will feature on the Dover Motor Speedway this weekend - though not behind the wheel - as her face graces the hood of RFK Racing driver Ryan Preece's No. 60 Castrol car. It is a fitting honour for the Phoenix Mercury guard nicknamed "The Engine" for her relentless drive on the court, as she earned her sixth selection for the WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday in Indianapolis. Preece will drive the car, which features the name and likeness for the league's all-time triple-double leader, in Sunday's Auto Trader EchoPark Automotive 400 in Dover and again a week later in the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "Not many people can say that they designed a car and have their face on it. So I'm super appreciative of it," Thomas told Reuters. The collaboration connects one of the WNBA's biggest stars with a sport that has long carried a male-dominated reputation, from the driver's seat to the stands. Castrol said the project was designed to "bridge worlds". "It's an honour to have Alyssa Thomas' legacy and mindset represented on our No. 60 car. Her 'Engine' mentality is all about pushing limits and delivering under pressure," Preece said in a statement. The collaboration comes amid a surge of interest in the top-flight women's league, with TV viewership and attendance continuing to climb, and during another stellar year for Thomas. The 33-year-old was the face of the Connecticut Sun franchise for 11 years before her surprise move to Phoenix this year, where she quickly hit her stride and catapulted herself into the MVP conversation over the last few weeks. "I needed a change after 11 years in Connecticut. My heart wasn't there anymore. It was time for me to move on," said Thomas. "And credit to our organization of putting so many shooters around me." She hit the game-winning free throw in Monday's 78-77 win over the Golden State Valkyries and was averaging 15.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 9.6 assists per game ahead of Wednesday's meeting with the Minnesota Lynx. "When we talked during free agency, they told me about the offense and how I would be able to do what I do," she said. "We're truly a family here." (Reporting by Amy Tennery in New YorkEditing by Christian Radnedge)
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Straits Times
WNBA's 'The Engine' Thomas gets fitting NASCAR tribute
An illustration shows a newly unveiled \"The Engine\" design with images of WNBA basketball player Alyssa Thomas for Castrol RFK Racing, in this handout rendering. Castrol and RFK Racing/Handout via REUTERS NEW YORK - WNBA MVP contender Alyssa Thomas will feature on the Dover Motor Speedway this weekend - though not behind the wheel - as her face graces the hood of RFK Racing driver Ryan Preece's No. 60 Castrol car. It is a fitting honour for the Phoenix Mercury guard nicknamed "The Engine" for her relentless drive on the court, as she earned her sixth selection for the WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday in Indianapolis. Preece will drive the car, which features the name and likeness for the league's all-time triple-double leader, in Sunday's Auto Trader EchoPark Automotive 400 in Dover and again a week later in the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "Not many people can say that they designed a car and have their face on it. So I'm super appreciative of it," Thomas told Reuters. The collaboration connects one of the WNBA's biggest stars with a sport that has long carried a male-dominated reputation, from the driver's seat to the stands. Castrol said the project was designed to "bridge worlds". "It's an honour to have Alyssa Thomas' legacy and mindset represented on our No. 60 car. Her 'Engine' mentality is all about pushing limits and delivering under pressure," Preece said in a statement. The collaboration comes amid a surge of interest in the top-flight women's league, with TV viewership and attendance continuing to climb, and during another stellar year for Thomas. The 33-year-old was the face of the Connecticut Sun franchise for 11 years before her surprise move to Phoenix this year, where she quickly hit her stride and catapulted herself into the MVP conversation over the last few weeks. "I needed a change after 11 years in Connecticut. My heart wasn't there anymore. It was time for me to move on," said Thomas. "And credit to our organization of putting so many shooters around me." She hit the game-winning free throw in Monday's 78-77 win over the Golden State Valkyries and was averaging 15.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 9.6 assists per game ahead of Wednesday's meeting with the Minnesota Lynx. "When we talked during free agency, they told me about the offense and how I would be able to do what I do," she said. "We're truly a family here." REUTERS
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BP's $8 Billion Castrol Sale Draws Bid From Firm Tied to Chairman
BP plc's BP planned sale of its Castrol lubricants business, valued at around $8 billion, is drawing interest from a range of high-profile bidders, including private equity giant Clayton Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), according to a report from Sky News. The bid by CD&R is particularly notable because BP's current chairman, Helge Lund, serves as an operating advisor to the firm. While insiders told Sky News that Lund has no involvement in CD&R's interest in Castrol, the connection adds an unusual dimension to the unfolding transaction. Lund is set to step down as its chairman within the next year and the company is actively seeking a successor. Notably, Sky News recently reported that both Sam Laidlaw (former Centrica CEO) and Ken MacKenzie (ex-BHP chair) were considered for the role but have withdrawn from the selection process. The auction for Castrol began earlier this year as BP continues to navigate a challenging strategic landscape. Other reported bidders for the lubricants unit include Apollo Global Management, Lone Star Funds and India's Reliance Industries, per Bloomberg News. These suitors reflect a mix of global strategic and financial players vying for a stake in one of the oil major's longest-standing divisions. Castrol, known worldwide for its motor oils and industrial lubricants, has long been a profitable yet non-core asset for BP. The decision to divest comes as the company faces mounting pressure from activist investor Elliott Management, which is calling for cost cuts and improved returns. These internal demands, coupled with market speculation, have intensified scrutiny on BP's direction. Just last week, London-listed rival Shell publicly denied a Wall Street Journal report claiming early-stage acquisition talks with BP. Although Shell dismissed the rumor, the episode reinforced BP's current vulnerability and its perception as a potential takeover target. CD&R's interest in Castrol aligns with its growing footprint in the United Kingdom. The firm already owns the Morrisons supermarket chain and Motor Fuel Group, a major fuel retailer. If successful, a Castrol acquisition would mark a significant expansion of its energy-adjacent portfolio. A spokesperson for CD&R declined to comment and BP has not yet responded publicly regarding the ongoing auction process. BP currently carries a Zack Rank #3 (Hold). Investors interested in the energy sector may look at a few better-ranked stocks like EQT Corporation EQT, W&T Offshore, Inc. WTI and Oceaneering International, Inc. OII. EQT Corporation, W&T Offshore and Oceaneering International carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) each. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. As the largest natural gas producer in the United States, EQT Corp is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for clean energy. With numerous premium natural gas drilling locations in the core Appalachian Basin, the company's production outlook is solid. The firm aims for net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions from operations by 2025, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EQT's 2025 EPS is pegged at $3.56. The company has a Growth Score of B. W&T Offshore benefits from its prolific Gulf of America assets, which offer low decline rates, strong permeability and significant untapped reserves. The company's acquisition of six shallow-water fields in the GoA added 18.7 million barrels of proved reserves and 60.6 million barrels of proved plus probable reserves. The firm is focused on strategically allocating capital toward organic projects, which should boost its production outlook. WTI has a Value Score of B. Oceaneering International delivers integrated technology solutions across all stages of the offshore oilfield lifecycle. With a geographically diverse asset portfolio and a balanced revenue mix between domestic and international operations, the company effectively mitigates risk. As a leading provider of offshore equipment and technology solutions to the energy sector, OII benefits from strong relationships with top-tier customers, ensuring revenue visibility and business stability. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for OII's 2025 EPS is pegged at $1.79. The company has a Value Score of B. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report BP p.l.c. (BP) : Free Stock Analysis Report EQT Corporation (EQT) : Free Stock Analysis Report W&T Offshore, Inc. (WTI) : Free Stock Analysis Report Oceaneering International, Inc. (OII) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
Mint
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
Stocks to buy today: Trade Brains Portal recommends two stocks for 7 July
Today, we recommend two stocks, one from the gas transmission sector and another from the petroleum products sector. These sectors ensure efficient energy delivery, driving industrial growth and are the prime beneficiaries of the change in the automobile transition. We also analyze the market's performance on Friday to understand what may lie ahead for the stock indices in the coming days. Two stocks to buy today, recommended by Trade Brains Portal: Castrol India Ltd Current price: ₹221 Target price: ₹ 260 in 12-14 Months Stop-loss: ₹200 Why It's recommended: One of India's top producers and distributors of industrial and automotive lubricants is Castrol India Limited. It is a division of the BP Group's Castrol Limited. In the Indian lubricant market, the company has a substantial market share of over 20%. Castrol provides reliable brands such as Castrol POWER1, Castrol MAGNATEC, Castrol EDGE, Castrol Activ, Castrol CRB, and Castrol GTX. Castrol India has three blending facilities and a vast distribution network that reaches more than 150,000 stores across the country. In Q1FY25, operating revenue was ₹1,422 crore, a 7% YoY increase over Q1FY24's ₹1,325 crore. The quarter's profit after tax (PAT) was ₹233 crore, an 8% YoY increase from Q1FY24's ₹216 crore. The automotive category, which accounts for 85% of the company's operations, contributed more to the overall volume gain of 8% YoY. In Q1FY25, the company provided more than 63 million liters of volume. Also Read: Travel Food Services IPO is ready for boarding. Is this your destination for returns? With 148,000 locations across India, Castrol is still growing its presence in rural regions, now serving 40,000 workshops and retail establishments. Castrol India and Triumph, a motorcycle manufacturer, signed a supply contract for Castrol POWER1 (complete synthetic 2-wheeler oil). Castrol made considerable strides in increasing its industrial product line's visibility and gaining new clients. It expanded its chemical management service (CMS) business to include a significant gearbox manufacturer. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the company's involvement in IMTEX 2025 will generate opportunities from both current and potential clients. Risk Factor: As a buyer of base oil, the company is primarily exposed to market risk concerning commodity pricing. The price of this commodity product can change significantly over short periods. Base oil prices typically follow the cycles of commodities. The majority of their operating costs are related to material purchases. The company hasn't signed any contracts for commodity derivatives. It should be mentioned that while there are derivatives for crude oil, there are no direct derivatives for base oil. Also Read: Marico has growth in place. Now, profit margin needs to improve. GAIL (India) Ltd Current price: ₹ 193 Target price: ₹ 230 in 12-14 Months Stop-loss: ₹174 Why it's recommended: In 1984, GAIL (India) Limited, a Maharatna PSU, the top natural gas firm in India, was founded. With a diverse natural gas value chain that includes trading, transmission, LNG re-gasification, petrochemicals, city gas, E&P, and LPG production and transmission. In India, GAIL holds a 50% gas trading share, a 70% market share in gas transportation, and a 15% domestic market share in polyethylene in petrochemicals. Currently, the firm operates 16,420 kilometers of NG pipelines. With a total production capacity of 1.4 MMTPA and a transmission capacity of 4.58 MMTPA for LPG, Gail operates five processing plants. The company's FY25 sales of ₹1,42,291 crore were a 7% increase over FY24's revenue of ₹1,33,499 crore. Gross Ebitda remained robust at ₹20,643 crore, a 22% YoY rise from ₹16,986 crore. Profit after tax also increased by 26% to ₹12,462.87 crore YoY. GAIL's Market Capitalization touched ₹1.60 trillion. The management anticipates that the company will make at least ₹4,500 crore in profit before taxes in FY26. The company achieved the highest-ever annual Gas Transmission volume of 127 MMSCMD and the highest-ever total annual LPG Transmission volume of 4.478 MMTPA in FY25. The company signed a long-term contract with Qatar in FY25 for a volume of 0.75 MMTPA; supply for this contract began in April 2025. The KLL Dabhol Breakwater project was also finished. In 2025-26, the volume of gas transmission is anticipated to reach 138-139 MMSCMD. About 50% of the previous APM decline was offset on 18 April, 2025, when MOPNG allocated GAIL 0.32 MMSCMD of new well gas for LPG production. This is expected to improve output and increase profitability. In FY26, GAIL expects to spend over ₹10,000 crore in capital expenditures, with significant investments in petrochemicals and pipelines ( ₹3,000 crore each) and more than ₹1,000 crore allocated to net-zero projects. Along with investments in CGD, LNG, and CBG projects, operational CAPEX will continue to be between ₹1,500 and ₹1,600 crore. Risk Factor: GAIL has signed multiple agreements to import LNG for long-term periods, and the pricing formula for most of those contracts is linked to HH index (the benchmark natural gas price in the US), exposing the marketing margins to fluctuations in pricing, as in the low crude oil price scenario, GAIL may encounter profitability pressure on the marketing of LNG. Market recap Friday's trading session saw the Nifty open at 25,428.85, reach a day-high of 25,470.25, and close at 25,461.00. The Nifty 50 ended the day up 55.70 points, or 0.22%. The BSE Sensex increased 193.42 points, or 0.23% from its opening price of 83,306.81 to its closing price of 83,432.89. The Nifty ended Friday above all 20/50/100/200 EMAs, with the Nifty 50 RSI at 61.01. Furthermore, the Sensex closed above all 20/50/100/200 EMAs, while the BSE Sensex RSI closed at 59.85, far below the overbought level of 70. Furthermore, on Friday, the India VIX dropped to a 9-month low of 12.32, indicating an easing of investor apprehension and an improvement in market mood. Also Read: Made in India semiconductor chips are in focus. Watch out for these 5 stocks On Friday, most indices closed the day in the green. One of the biggest gainers was the Nifty Oil and Gas index, which ended the day at 12,002.35, up 125.05 points, or 1.05%. The index rose to 4.43% on Friday, with Bharat Petroleum, Indraprastha Gas, and IOCL among the top gainers. The Nifty Realty index, which closed Friday at 971.95 after increasing 0.91%, was one of the top gainers. Phoenix Mills, Brigade Enterprises, and Raymond Realty all had gains of more than 2% on Friday. On Friday, certain indices ended the day in the red. The Nifty Metal index dropped -43.05 points, or -0.45%, to close the day at 9,580.40. SAIL, Tata Steel, and Jindal Stainless all fell more than 1.3%, sending the sector into a tailspin. Friday saw a bearish trend in Asian markets. While the South Korean Kospi index fell -2.04%, or -62.37 points, to close at 3,054.28 points, the Hong Kong Hang Seng index fell -0.48%, or -115.89 points, to close at 23,916.06. At 39,810.88, Japan's Nikkei 225 closed the day unchanged, up 24.98 points, or 0.06%. The Shanghai index gained 11.17 points, or 0.32%, to close the day at 3,472.32. The US Dow Jones Futures ended Friday's trading session at 44,572.15, down -258.37 points, or -0.58%. This week's Nifty 50 index declined by 0.69%, indicating that investors are becoming cautious going forward due to several issues, including the upcoming Q1FY26 company reports, tariff updates, and additional geopolitical developments. Trade Brains Portal is a stock analysis platform. Its trade name is Dailyraven Technologies Pvt. Ltd, and its Sebi-registered research analyst registration number is INH000015729. Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by Sebi and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
