Berkshire Hathaway Increases Stake in Occidental Petroleum Amid Stock Weakness

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRKa), led by Warren Buffett, has expanded its holdings in Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: OXY) as the oil and gas major's shares approach two-year lows.

Berkshire's Additional Purchase

According to a regulatory filing on Tuesday, Berkshire purchased an additional 763,017 shares in early February at an average price of $46.8195 per share, bringing the total transaction value to $35.7 million. With this latest acquisition, Berkshire now holds a total of 264.9 million shares in Occidental.

Stock Performance and Market Conditions

Occidental's stock has seen downward pressure in 2025, currently trading 2.4% lower year-to-date and near its weakest levels in two years. The decline is largely attributed to:

• Falling oil prices—A result of increased U.S. energy production under President Donald Trump's policy shifts.
• Trade concerns—Recent tariff escalations have raised worries about global economic growth and oil demand.

Despite these challenges, Buffett remains confident in Occidental, citing its steady dividend payouts as a key factor behind his investment strategy. Notably, he has also ruled out a full acquisition of the Houston-based oil producer.

Oil Market Trends and Investor Implications

Crude oil prices have dropped sharply in recent weeks, reflecting a weaker demand outlook and policy-driven supply expansions. Investors tracking oil price fluctuations and their impact on energy stocks can leverage the Commodities API to monitor real-time crude oil prices and trends.

Additionally, for those evaluating Berkshire's investment patterns, the SEC Filings API provides access to Buffett's latest regulatory disclosures, helping investors stay updated on his portfolio adjustments.

Conclusion

Berkshire Hathaway's continued investment in Occidental Petroleum highlights Buffett's long-term value approach, even amid market volatility. As oil price fluctuations persist and energy policy shifts take effect, investors will closely watch whether Berkshire further increases its stake or if oil market conditions stabilize Occidental's stock.

For real-time tracking of oil market trends and institutional investments, leveraging financial data APIs can provide crucial insights into sector movements and Buffett's future investment decisions.