Core Viewpoint - Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, announced a $9.7 billion all-cash acquisition of Occidental Petroleum's chemical subsidiary, OxyChem, marking its largest deal since acquiring Alleghany in 2022 and a return to the chemical industry since 2011 [2][3] Group 1: Transaction Details - The acquisition is valued at $9.7 billion, with Occidental Petroleum planning to use $6.5 billion of the proceeds to reduce its debt, aiming to lower core debt to below $15 billion [3][4] - Occidental Petroleum has invested nearly $50 billion in acquisitions over the past six years, leading to a debt increase exceeding $27 billion [3] - The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year [5] Group 2: Financial Performance - OxyChem generated nearly $5 billion in sales over the past year, contributing $213 million in pre-tax profit to Occidental in Q2, down from nearly $300 million in the same period last year [5] - Occidental's stock price has declined over 10% in the past six months, with a drop of over 7% on the day of the acquisition announcement [2][3] Group 3: Strategic Implications - Occidental's CEO stated that the transaction addresses the company's primary concern of reducing debt, which is expected to enhance shareholder confidence and potentially restart stock buyback programs [4] - Berkshire Hathaway's investment strategy is influenced by the need for portfolio diversification and regulatory permissions for continued investment in Occidental [6]
巴菲特交班前“最后一役”?为西方石油卸下债务重负