Debt Reduction, Middle East Crisis Among Upside Catalysts For Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY)

Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) is among the Buffett Stock Portfolio: Top 10 Stock Picks for 2025. The stock is down 8% year-to-date (YTD) and 26% over the past 12 months, largely due to the company’s heavy debt burden resulting from a series of acquisitions over the last few years.

Oil derricks in the background with a few workers in the foreground, emphasizing the company’s oil and gas production activities.

However, the company has been making steady progress in reducing its debt. Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) achieved its near-term repayment target of $4.5 billion during the fourth quarter of last year and had retired another $2.3 billion in debt as of Q1 FY25, using cash sourced from recent divestitures, organic cash flows, and common warrant proceeds.

Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) plans to further reduce debt and shift value from creditors to stockholders. Debt reduction is a key upside catalyst for the company as it will help in lowering interest expense and boosting earnings and free cash flow.

The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel in the Middle East can also help the stock recover in the short term. Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY)’s shares have gained 9% since June 5, as part of the rally in the oil market.

While we acknowledge the potential of OXY as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you’re looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

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