BP plc (ADR) (BP), Marathon Oil Corporation (MRO): Should U.S. Oil Producers Give up on Northern Africa?

Another option is for each company to simply split off its international operations into a separate company. Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE:MRO)is quite familiar with that process having spun off its refinery business. Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) is already considering a similar move with its international operations. That would take the focus of both management and investors off of its international assets so that the focus is on North America, a market which has the potential to really grow over the next few years.

While breaking up is hard to do, these companies really do face tough choices when it comes to deciding whether or not to hold on to international operations, especially those in North Africa. It’s quite clear that both Apache Corporation (NYSE:APA)Z and Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE:MRO) are being weighed down by holding these businesses. I’d be willing to bet that, if Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) moves forward with its plans to split off its international operations, both companies will be pressured to follow suit.

Fool contributor Matt DiLallo has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apache and Devon Energy.

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