While it is true that Mr. Chazen presided over a stock-price fall of more than 20 percent in 2012, the company’s shares have since recovered a significant amount of that lost ground. More importantly, many Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) shareholders regard Mr. Chazen as a good steward of the company who has instituted several positive changes.
The genesis of the boardroom disagreement is complex and political, but it could have serious ramifications for the company’s shareholders and employees. Some market-watchers even believe that it could result in a split like the one that recently separated drilling and exploration concern ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) and downstream refiner Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX).
Occidental Petroleum at a Glance
Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) is an integrated energy company that conducts drilling and exploration for natural gas, oil and equivalents in a variety of locations around the world. At last count, the company claimed at least 3.3 billion barrel-equivalents of energy reserves. Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) also makes petroleum-based chemicals and distillates. Its midstream and downstream operations involve transportation, storage and refining in several key global energy hubs.
Boardroom Brawl
Some Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) shareholders have taken issue with the seemingly abrupt decision to replace the company’s current CEO. Although all parties involved have made clear that Mr. Chazen is not being fired and may continue to serve indefinitely, the search for a replacement proceeds apace. Once a suitable candidate is found, Mr. Chazen will be expected to step down without delay.
The architect of the leadership change may be Dr. Ray Irani, a former CEO who led the company for more than two decades. Since stepping down in 2011, Dr. Irani has held an unusual amount of sway over its board’s decision-making processes. Impartial observers could be forgiven for imagining that Dr. Irani never fully relinquished his claim to Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY)’s throne. He and his allies may wish to dispose of Mr. Chazen in order to install a leader who hews closer to their whims.
At this point, shareholders appear to be deeply divided. Dr. Irani has several prominent allies, including some of the company’s longest-standing board members. On the other side, a group led by a number of fund managers has expressed support for Mr. Chazen in strong terms. The climax of this battle is likely to come at the company’s May shareholder meeting. If Mr. Chazen’s allies can drum up enough support, they may muster the votes to oust Dr. Irani and save Mr. Chazen’s job.
Such an outcome would probably preclude a split along the lines of the ConocoPhillips-Phillips 66 separation. Whereas Dr. Irani seems to favor the idea, Mr. Chazen has stated that he does not believe the company should be split into upstream and downstream components. If Mr. Chazen is ousted, the probability of a successful spin-off could increase dramatically.
The ConocoPhillips/Phillips 66 Situation
In early 2012, ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) and Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) officially became separate, distinct companies in a major spin-off. Phillips 66 received the bulk of the combined company’s refining and retailing operations, and ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) retained most of its production and exploration infrastructure. As one of the largest vehicle fuel retailers in North America, Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) has enjoyed increased visibility and solid share-price performance since the split.
