Time to Dive Into Warren Buffett’s Dividend Stock: Occidental Petroleum
The energy sector is buzzing with activity as geopolitical strife in the Middle East sends shockwaves across global markets. Worries about potential supply disruptions have propelled crude futures (CLX24) to one-month highs recently, even as demand fears stemming from China’s economic slowdown attempt to cap short-term rallies. Amidst this volatile oil price environment, savvy investors are on the lookout for undervalued dividend stocks in this space.
One notable opportunity is none other than Occidental Petroleum (OXY), the same dividend-paying energy stock that’s caught the eye of investing magnate Warren Buffett. Known for his incredible knack for spotting promising investments, Buffett has consistently increased his stake in Occidental, making it a compelling case for investors eager for a slice of the action. Let’s break down why this stock is flying under the radar and how you can capitalize on it.
Occidental Petroleum’s Financial Flashlight
With a market value of $48.5 billion, Houston-based Occidental Petroleum plays a key role in the oil and gas industry. Its operations are deeply integrated, covering exploration, production, and petrochemical endeavors. However, OXY has struggled in 2024, down 9.7% year-to-date and 16.3% over the past year, even retreating 24% from its April peak. Yet, despite these challenges, Buffett made waves by buying more shares during Q2, unlike his move with oil giant Chevron (CVX). OXY now makes up 4.3% of Berkshire Hathaway’s equity portfolio, signifying a substantial commitment.
When we analyze OXY’s valuation using the forward EV/EBITDA ratio, it stands at 5.55, which is below the sector median of 6.03. This indicates that OXY is currently undervalued relative to its peers. Moreover, its current valuation also beats its historical averages, offering a juicy opportunity for value investors willing to follow Buffett’s lead.
Support For Investors: Consistent Dividends
For investors seeking reliable income amidst the energy market’s ups and downs, OXY has remained committed to its shareholders. The company provides a quarterly dividend of $0.22 per share, translating to an attractive yield of approximately 1.61%. While it’s not the highest in the sector, this dividend offers a stable income stream, helping investors navigate through any market turbulence.
Strategic Developments at Occidental Petroleum
Occidental is making strategic plays that are worth noting. Recently, the company joined forces with BHE Renewables, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, to venture into lithium extraction. This innovative approach taps into the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market—a sector poised for explosive growth. But don’t be misled; OXY isn’t abandoning its fossil fuel roots. The recent acquisition of CrownRock, L.P. aims to boost its low-cost production capacity in the Permian Basin, ensuring OXY can remain competitive.
Debt management is another focus area for OXY. The company has been proactive, culling $3 billion off its debt in Q3 2024. They’ve also been divesting non-core assets, with recent sales in the Delaware Basin netting $818 million. This aligns with their strategy to divest between $4.5 billion and $6 billion worth of assets, a move designed to trim debt while supporting growth initiatives.
Analysts Have Positive Outlooks
As we anticipate OXY’s next earnings report scheduled for November 12, analysts maintain an optimistic forecast. The outlook for the full fiscal year 2024 anticipates earnings of $3.48 per share, representing a slight dip of about 6% annually, but an increase to $4.16 for fiscal year 2025 is on the horizon. Current market sentiment is generally constructive, with analysts projecting a mean price target of $66.04. This indicates a potential upside of approximately 22.5%, enticing bullish excitement among investors.
Conclusion: Assessing the Investment Landscape
In the realm of undervalued stocks, Occidental Petroleum (OXY) stands out, especially when backed by Warren Buffett’s investments. With appealing valuation metrics, steady dividends, and well-thought-out growth strategies, OXY is strategically positioned to capitalize on the evolving energy landscape. As OXY continues to strengthen its financial footing and explore strategic expansions, it offers a compelling opportunity for profit, particularly for those ready to align their investment strategies with Buffett’s keen approach.
Keep a close eye on Occidental and consider adding it to your portfolio while it’s still a bargain!