Core Viewpoint - Warren Buffett will step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of the year, but before his departure, the company plans to make a significant acquisition of OxyChem from Occidental Petroleum for $9.7 billion in cash [1][2]. Company Acquisition Details - Berkshire Hathaway is acquiring OxyChem, a leading petrochemical company known for producing caustic soda, potash, chlor-alkali, and PVC, with 23 facilities globally [5]. - The acquisition is valued at $9.7 billion, which is approximately 8 times OxyChem's expected EBITDA for 2025, aligning with valuations of other chemical stocks despite the industry facing lower earnings multiples [7]. Industry Context - The petrochemical industry is currently experiencing pressure, with weak pricing for caustic soda and PVC leading to disappointing pre-tax earnings of $213 million in the second quarter, prompting management to revise full-year pre-tax income expectations to between $800 million and $900 million [5][6]. - Occidental's management anticipates that supply-side pricing pressures will ease next year, projecting $1 billion in incremental pre-tax cash flow from non-oil and gas sources by 2026, aided by modernization efforts at OxyChem facilities [6]. Strategic Timing - Berkshire Hathaway's acquisition comes at a time when the petrochemical industry is near a cyclical trough, allowing the company to capitalize on a favorable buying opportunity [8].