11 Worst-Performing Blue Chip Stocks So Far in 2025

7. Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY)

Year To Date Share Price Return as of April 25: -18.97%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 68

Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) is an integrated energy company exploring, producing, processing, and marketing oil and gas. It also has a significant presence in chemicals and is a leader in carbon management. It is one of the companies that have felt the full brunt of oil prices plunging below $70 a barrel. The stock is already down by 18.97% for the year.

Analysts at Barclays have already cut their price target to $46 from $58 while maintaining an Equal Weight. The price cut comes amid a negative oil and exploration outlook due to the deteriorating economic climate. The bank expects oil prices to average $60 a barrel in 2025, which could significantly affect Occidental petroleum earnings.

While Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) rewards investors with a modest 2.5% yield, it is still relatively low compared to the energy industry average of 3.1%. The company’s dividend was cut dramatically when oil prices imploded in 2020. The prospects of the company cutting its dividend payouts amid the current low oil price environment continue to weigh significantly on its sentiments. Another significant headwind weighing on Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) is its high debt load, having funded the $12 billion acquisition of CrownRock through debt. With oil prices plummeting, the company could experience significant financial pressure as it repays the debt.