Why Is Berkshire Hathaway Increasing Its Stake in Occidental Petroleum?

2 min read | February 11, 2025 09:54 PM PST | By Team Kalkine Media

Why Is Berkshire Hathaway Increasing Its Stake in Occidental Petroleum? — Image source: Shutterstock

Berkshire Hathaway Expands Position in Occidental Petroleum

Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY) operates in the energy sector, focusing on oil and gas exploration, production, and chemical manufacturing. The company remains a significant component of Berkshire Hathaway’s portfolio, with recent filings showing continued acquisitions.

Berkshire Hathaway’s most recent transaction involved acquiring 763,017 shares of Occidental Petroleum at an average price of $46.82 per share. This purchase, completed on February 7, increased its total holdings in the company to over 264 million shares. The transaction, valued at approximately $35.7 million, reflects an ongoing interest in Occidental Petroleum’s position within the energy industry.

Historical Acquisitions by Berkshire Hathaway

Over recent months, Berkshire Hathaway has consistently expanded its holdings in Occidental Petroleum. Notable transactions include:

December 19 – Acquired 3.6 million shares at an average price of $45.60 per share, totaling approximately $164.8 million.
December 17 – Acquired 2.4 million shares at an average price of $46.25 per share, totaling approximately $114.5 million.

These transactions demonstrate continued activity around Occidental Petroleum’s stock, reflecting Berkshire Hathaway’s strategic positioning.

Occidental Petroleum’s Financial Position

Occidental Petroleum maintains a diverse portfolio in oil and gas operations, with a focus on domestic and international energy production. The company’s financial metrics indicate stable operations, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.96, a quick ratio of 0.76, and a current ratio of 1.00. These figures highlight its liquidity and ability to manage financial obligations effectively.

The company’s stock has fluctuated within a 12-month range, reaching a low of $45.17 and a high of $71.18. Additionally, Occidental Petroleum’s 50-day moving average is $49.06, while its 200-day moving average stands at $51.93.

Regulatory Filings and Shareholder Transparency

As a major shareholder exceeding the 10% ownership threshold, Berkshire Hathaway is required to disclose its trades through filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These filings provide transparency into large-scale investment activities and help track institutional holdings within publicly traded companies.

With continued acquisitions of Occidental Petroleum shares, Berkshire Hathaway remains an influential presence in the company’s ownership structure. The latest purchases reinforce its commitment to the energy sector while reflecting strategic adjustments within its portfolio.

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