Core Insights - Berkshire Hathaway Inc. has signed an agreement to acquire Occidental Petroleum Corporation's petrochemical subsidiary, OxyChem, for approximately $9.7 billion in cash [1][2] - The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025 and will be Berkshire's largest deal since its $13.7 billion acquisition of Alleghany Corp. in 2022 [2] - OxyChem specializes in producing essential chemicals such as chlorine, sodium hydroxide, and PVC resins, generating roughly $5 billion in revenue over the past 12 months [3] Company Developments - Occidental Petroleum, 27% owned by Berkshire, is actively deleveraging after significant acquisitions, including a $55 billion purchase of Anadarko in 2019 [4] - The company currently has $24 billion in debt, down from nearly $49 billion post-Anadarko, and plans to use $6.5 billion from the OxyChem sale to further reduce this debt [4] - Occidental has executed nearly $4 billion in divestments since early 2024, indicating a strategic shift towards simplifying its portfolio and enhancing capital returns to shareholders [5] Industry Context - The acquisition of OxyChem marks a significant move in the petrochemical sector, as it is expected to be one of the largest standalone petrochemical transactions globally, valued near $10 billion [2] - The deal comes amid industry challenges, including oversupply and shrinking margins, leading Occidental to close a chapter in its decades-long chemicals business [6] - The acquisition strengthens Berkshire Hathaway's ties with Occidental, as the firm has been gradually increasing its equity stake in the company [5]

Summary of Key Points Core Viewpoint - John W. Rogers Jr. of Ariel Appreciation Fund has made significant reductions in his equity holdings, indicating a strategic shift in response to valuation concerns and macroeconomic factors affecting various sectors. Group 1: Notable Reductions - **Northern Trust Corp (NTRS)**: A reduction of 47.22% with 158,349 shares sold, reflecting potential concerns over fee compression and macro headwinds in wealth management [1]. - **JM Smucker Co (SJM)**: A decrease of 35.16% with 68,878 shares cut, possibly due to input cost inflation and changing consumer preferences [2]. - **Charles Schwab Corp (SCHW)**: A reduction of 33.48% with 112,370 shares sold, linked to rate-related margin pressures and lower trading activity post-peak retail trading enthusiasm [3]. - **Kennametal Inc (KMT)**: A decrease of 30.91% with 267,930 shares trimmed, suggesting caution towards slowing manufacturing demand despite operational improvements [4]. - **CBRE Group Inc – A (CBRE)**: A reduction of 18.12% with 25,409 shares cut, reflecting concerns in the commercial real estate sector due to remote work trends and higher financing costs [5]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The reductions across these holdings suggest a tightening of the portfolio around higher-conviction names, as the company responds to a shifting macro environment and potential valuation concerns [5].