Occidental Petroleum Dives 1.27% to Multi-Month Low as Sector Pressures Overshadow Divestiture Gains

The share price fell to its lowest level so far this month, with an intraday decline of 1.27%.

Occidental Petroleum’s stock reached a multi-month trough on Jan. 10, extending its slide as broader energy markets remain under pressure. The company’s recent strategic moves, including the $9.7 billion sale of its chemical unit to Berkshire Hathaway in late 2025, were intended to streamline operations and reduce debt. However, the transaction’s impact on short-term earnings and reinvestment plans into oil and gas projects has not provided a near-term tailwind. Analysts note the lack of fresh catalysts, with the stock now trading at its weakest since January 2026 amid persistent sector-wide headwinds.

With no material updates since the year-end divestiture, the stock’s decline reflects broader investor caution in the energy sector. While Berkshire Hathaway’s 27% stake in OXY underscores long-term confidence, the absence of recent production growth or cost-reduction announcements has left the stock vulnerable to market rotation. The price action highlights the challenges of balancing long-term strategic shifts with immediate earnings expectations in a volatile commodity environment.