The coronavirus crisis is spurring companies to sell underperforming units, as they come under pressure from investors to shore up their balance sheets and pay down debt while the pandemic takes its toll on earnings.

From BP and Centrica to Unilever and Nestlé, companies spanning a range of industries are looking to unload noncore assets that are dragging on profits, as they shift their attention to higher-growth areas to brace for tougher times.