Occidental Petroleum (OXY)
Berkshire added to itsOccidental Petroleum(NYSE:OXY) position aggressively. At a 17.4% stake, it may position itself to take over Occidental. Still, Buffett may not want to deal with all the regulatory requirements of a takeover. Investors should consider OXY stock as a good investment instead.
The energy firm is taking advantage of high energy prices. It will use its free cash flow to cut its debt. In January, S&P raised Occidental’sdebt rating to BB+. Persistently high energy prices will increase Occidental’s profits. It will retire more debt and reach investment-grade status.
OPEC is unlikely to increase the oil supply. It does not have any spare capacity to do so. In addition, energy demand will rise as summer travel increases. As the colder season approaches, energy demand will rise due to heating needs.
Worries of a recession should hurt energy demand. However, expectations of a steep recession are unfounded. Unemployment levels are very low and the economy is very healthy.
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