Warren Buffett Watch: His last big deal as Berkshire CEO before Abel takes over?

Core Insights - Berkshire Hathaway has agreed to acquire Occidental Petroleum's chemical business, OxyChem, for $9.7 billion in cash, marking a significant transaction as it may be Warren Buffett's last major acquisition before stepping down as CEO at the end of the year [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - This acquisition is Berkshire's largest since the $11.6 billion purchase of insurer Allegheny in 2022, but it does not significantly impact the company's cash reserves, which were approximately $340 billion as of June 30 [2]. - The deal is perceived as a potential bargain due to the current depressed earnings in the chemical sector, with expectations for earnings to improve in the future [4]. Group 2: Market Reactions - Following the announcement, Occidental Petroleum's shares fell by as much as 8.1% on the day, ultimately closing the week down 5.5% [4]. - Analysts have mixed views on the deal; while some see it as beneficial for Berkshire, others highlight the challenges it poses for Occidental, including a $1.7 billion tax hit that could have been avoided if Berkshire had used its preferred shares for the transaction [6][7]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The acquisition allows Occidental to reduce its debt load, which is viewed positively by analysts, indicating a strategic move that benefits both companies [7]. - Berkshire Hathaway's Vice Chairman, Greg Abel, emphasized the importance of the deal for Occidental's long-term financial stability, although the announcement notably did not mention Buffett's name [8].