Is Warren Buffett's $9.7 Billion Acquisition of OxyChem an Act of Brilliance or a Big Mistake for Berkshire Hathaway Investors?

Core Insights - Warren Buffett will step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway on January 1, 2026, while remaining as chairman, with Greg Abel set to succeed him [1] - Buffett executed a $9.7 billion deal to acquire OxyChem from Occidental Petroleum shortly before the leadership transition [1][2] Company Background - Berkshire Hathaway has a long-standing relationship with Occidental Petroleum, having provided a $10 billion loan in 2019 for its acquisition of Anadarko Petroleum [4] - Berkshire has been increasing its stake in Occidental, currently owning 26.9% of the company, valued at approximately $11.7 billion [5][6] Acquisition Details - The $9.7 billion purchase price for OxyChem is significant compared to Occidental's market cap of $43.6 billion [6] - OxyChem is involved in producing chemicals for various applications, including chlorine and polyvinyl chloride, and plays a role in Occidental's carbon capture initiatives [7] Strategic Implications - The acquisition aligns with Berkshire Hathaway's investment strategy, focusing on underappreciated businesses rather than high-growth stocks [8] - The sale of OxyChem is not expected to hinder Occidental's low-carbon goals but indicates a shift towards projects that generate immediate free cash flow [9]