By Sam Boughedda
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRKa) has received Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval to acquire up to 50% of Occidental Petroleum's (NYSE:OXY) common stock.
Buffett & Co. currently owns 188,366,460 common shares and warrants that cover another 83,858,848 shares. All in, including the warrants, Buffett already controls 272,225,308 shares or 26% of the fully-diluted share count.
Occidental shares jumped 4.5% following the news.
The filing states that Berkshire holds approximately 18.72% of the outstanding common shares of Occidental and is "seeking authorization to acquire up to 50% of Occidental common stock in secondary market transactions."
"After consideration, it is concluded that the Proposed Transaction is consistent with the public interest and is authorized," the filing reads.
Oil and gas prices have surged this year, boosting Occidental's share price. It has gained 134% in 2022 and over 213% in the last 12 months.