Oct. 10, 2025 at 2:04 PM ET5 min read

Occidental’s Turbulent Week: Shares Decline

Tim BohenAvatar
Written by Tim Bohen
Reviewed by Ben Sturgill Fact-checked by Ellis Hobbs

Occidental Petroleum Corporation’s stocks have been trading down by -4.01 percent amid market uncertainties and speculation concerns.

Key Developments Impacting Occidental

  • Occidental Petroleum has decided to sell its chemical business, OxyChem, to Berkshire Hathaway for $9.7B, prompting a drop of 7.5% in its share price.
  • Changes in the stock market saw Evercore ISI reduce Occidental’s price target from $40 to $38. They’re concerned about the company’s capital structure following the sale.
  • Market analysts observed Occidental’s departure from a revenue-generating segment as part of a broader growth strategy, creating a cautious atmosphere among investors.
  • This large transaction caused Occidental shares to show one of the largest declines on the S&P 500, recording a fall of 7.3% during a sector-wide dip.

Candlestick Chart

Live Update At 14:03:04 EST: On Friday, October 10, 2025 Occidental Petroleum Corporation stock [NYSE: OXY] is trending down by -4.01%! Discover the key drivers behind this movement as well as our expert analysis in the detailed breakdown below.

Financial Overview of Occidental Petroleum

When it comes to trading, it’s crucial for traders to approach the market with an open and objective mindset. Tim Bohen, lead trainer with StocksToTrade, advises to “I focus on what a stock is doing, not what I want it to do. Let the stock prove itself before you make a move.” This perspective encourages traders to base their decisions on empirical data and current trends rather than personal biases or predictions. By allowing the stock to demonstrate its potential, traders are more likely to make informed and strategic decisions that align with market realities.

Analyzing the financial trajectory of Occidental Petroleum unveils a mixed picture. In the recent reports, the company has witnessed varied performance indicators. While its recent operating revenues have touched approximately $6.3B, total expenses have surpassed $5.4B, thereby slightly squeezing profit margins. This aligns with the reported $468M net income from ongoing operations, showcasing some efficiency in managing costs albeit in a challenging economic context.

Occidental has managed to maintain a profitability ratio with an EBIT margin at 17.5% and EBITDA margin at 46%. However, the ongoing divestment from revenue streams like OxyChem raises questions about future revenue capability, even amidst a sound macro-financial strategy with a price-to-sales ratio of 1.63.

More Breaking News

Debt management is a point of concern; total debt-to-equity stands at 0.88, underpinning financial constraints. Despite a robust operating cash flow hitting $2.96B, the fiscal tension is evident as Occidental scales down long-term debt amidst ever-present market uncertainties.

Understanding the Fall: A Close Look at OXY

The sale of the chemical business to Berkshire Hathaway, although touted as strategic, has introduced uncertainties in the immediate stock value. Occidental’s stock closed at $42.735 following a pattern of decline over the short span post-announcement.

Understanding why the firm pursued this path illuminates a heavy reliance on shifting strategic priorities. This divestment shows a pivot towards focusing more on its core oil-rich portfolio. Analysts like those from Evercore have raised flags on the sale leading to its revised price target, introducing a critical narrative to investors wary of structural soundness.

Given Berkshire Hathaway’s substantial acquisition history and seasoned involvement in stabilizing assets, this transaction may ultimately reflect a calculated transfer of liquidity for Occidental. However, the tug on investor sentiment, as captured by the formidable drop in share value, underscores prevailing apprehensions about the company’s growth outlook amidst industrial readjustment.

Conclusion: Examining OXY’s Path Forward

Occidental Petroleum Corporation stands amidst a crossroads, innovating its way through varied industrial landscapes. With its recent financial results showing a notable revenue stream but raised cost ceilings, the divestment strategy may provide exigent cash flow relief but at the risk of unsettling its stable revenue network.

Traders and market observers are keenly watching how Occidental maneuvers through its strategic reorientation. As Tim Bohen, lead trainer with StocksToTrade says, “Time and experience have taught me that missed opportunities are part of the game. There’s always another setup around the corner.” The relationship with Berkshire points toward a potential symbiotic pairing. Yet, the short-term market consequences speak volumes of the inherent trader apprehensions given the immediate price dips and revised projections.

As Occidental redefines its roadmap post-OxyChem, its financial dynamics, encompassing an evaluated PE ratio at 26.65 indicate the balance it’s striving to maintain. The journey ahead promises to be as measured as it is met with market scrutiny, making OXY’s evolution a narrative hinged upon strategic recalibration and sector-specific adaptability.

This is stock news, not investment advice. StocksToTrade News delivers real-time stock market updates tailored to highlight the key catalysts driving short-term price movements. Our coverage is designed for active traders and investors who thrive in fast-moving markets, with a focus on volatile sectors like penny stocks, AI stocks, Robinhood stocks and other momentum plays. From earnings reports and FDA approvals to mergers, new contracts, and unusual trading volume, we break down the events that can spark significant price action.

Looking to level up your trading game? Explore StocksToTrade, the ultimate platform for traders. With powerful tools designed for swing and day trading, integrated news scanning, and even social media monitoring, StocksToTrade keeps you one step ahead.

Check out our quick startup guide for new traders!

Ready to build your watchlists? Check out these curated lists:

Once your watchlist is set, take the next step and trade with confidence using StocksToTrade’s robust platform. Don’t miss out — grab your 14-day trial for just $7 and experience the edge you need to thrive in today’s fast-paced markets.