Occidental Petroleum Trading Volume Drops 32.98% to $477 Million Despite Stock Price Rise

On June 20, 2025, Occidental Petroleum (OXY) saw a trading volume of $477 million, marking a 32.98% decrease from the previous day. The stock price of Occidental Petroleum (OXY) rose by 0.65%.

Occidental Petroleum's assets, including depreciated pads, royalty advantages, and its CO2 strategy, present a compelling investment opportunity that the market may be undervaluing. These assets offer significant potential for growth and profitability, making Occidental Petroleum an attractive option for investors looking to capitalize on the energy sector's long-term prospects.

Sodium oxybate (SMO), a therapy for severe alcohol dependence (AD), has shown promising results in recent trials. The phase IIb trial data revealed that severe AD patients on SMO experienced a 15% increase in abstinence days and an 18% higher abstinence rate compared to placebo. This data highlights SMO's potential as a game-changer in the treatment of severe AD, a segment where current therapies often fall short.

Europe's market for severe AD treatment is particularly promising. With only 22.3% of diagnosed cases receiving treatment, there is a significant unmet need. The aging population and rising alcohol-related harms further drive the demand for targeted, high-efficacy therapies like SMO. The EU's focus on evidence-based treatments and misuse prevention aligns well with SMO's abuse-deterrent formulation, positioning it favorably in the regulatory landscape.

Investors should consider the severity gradient as a key growth lever for SMO. Prioritizing European markets, where a majority of untreated severe AD patients reside, and monitoring EU approval timelines could provide significant investment opportunities. Companies with late-stage AD pipelines and geographic exposure to Europe are likely to benefit from the growing demand for effective AD treatments.