BP (NYSE:BP) Needs These 5 Things to Happen to Resume Growth

Although there have been some foreign deals forged and implemented by BP (NYSE:BP), which is good news for them and their shareholders, they're still, for the most part, in a holding mold until four major things are handled and resolved.

Only one of the four things needed to be done are under the direct control of BP, and that is the divesting of parts of the company to raise capital to pay for liabilities associated with the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

The other three things that need to happen are the completed examination of the blowout preventer, determination of whether or not they are found in gross negligence over the accident, and how much, if any, shared liability with partners they'll participate in.

The last thing, which will be mostly determined by the four mentioned above, is the reinstatement of the dividend by BP.

As far as the blowout preventer, that will probably take longer than the rest, and is just starting the process of examination. It's important in whether or not Cameron International, which developed it, will be liable for part of the costs of the spill.

In the largest liability remaining to be determined, BP is awaiting the decision on whether or not they're going to be designated as being grossly negligent in the ordeal. If they are, it could cost them over $17 billion more in fines, above and beyond all existing and future payouts.

That also is connected to the next element, which is shared liability. If they aren't found grossly negligent, their partners in the Macondo well: Anadarko (NYSE:APC) and MOEX, via their majority owned Mitsui (Nasdaq:MITSY), would have to pay out some significant capital for their part in the failure.

Selling of their assets, as mentioned, is under the control of BP, and that will give shareholders and potential investors more confidence in the company, which would ultimately be crowned with the reinstatement of their dividend, which mounting pressure is being asserted on the company to do.

If and when all these happened and/or are concluded, we'll see a much clearer picture of the future of BP, which remains tenuous at best.

Depending on the outcomes of the mentioned events that need to happen, will determine whether BP will be split up or taken over by a larger competitor, or continue on as a leaner but competitive energy firm.