HOUSTON - 1PointFive, a carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) company, has struck a deal with Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) for the sale of 500,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide removal credits. This transaction, spread over six years, represents the largest single purchase of such credits enabled by Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology and underscores the growing acceptance of this method in corporate strategies to reach net-zero emissions.
The credits will be generated by STRATOS, 1PointFive's inaugural industrial-scale DAC facility, which is under construction in Texas. Microsoft, aiming to become carbon negative by 2030, intends for the captured CO2 to be securely stored via subsurface saline sequestration, explicitly excluding its use in oil and gas production.
Michael Avery, President and General Manager of 1PointFive, expressed enthusiasm over the agreement, noting Microsoft's leadership in carbon removal and the integration of scalable DAC into its net-zero strategy. Avery highlighted the suitability of DAC for addressing emissions, particularly from sectors where reduction is challenging.
Brian Marrs, Senior Director for Carbon Removal and Energy at Microsoft, praised the partnership with 1PointFive and emphasized the importance of scaling up DAC projects like STRATOS to meet the century's carbon removal needs. Marrs reaffirmed DAC's vital role in Microsoft's carbon removal portfolio and its broader goal of carbon negativity by the end of the decade.
1PointFive is a subsidiary of Occidental (NYSE: OXY) and is focused on deploying decarbonization solutions, including Carbon Engineering's Direct Air Capture and AIR TO FUELS™ technologies, alongside geological sequestration hubs. The company's mission aligns with the global objective of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C by 2050.
The announcement includes forward-looking statements that involve assumptions, risks, and uncertainties. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to change. Occidental's ability to deploy DAC technology on a commercial scale is contingent on accessing necessary technology, capital, third-party collaboration, regulatory approvals, market conditions, geopolitical events, and scientific developments.
This news article is based on a press release statement from 1PointFive.
In other recent news, Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRKa), led by Warren Buffett, has expanded its stake in Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY), nearing a 29% ownership. The conglomerate purchased an additional 2.95 million shares, costing about $176 million, as per a recent regulatory filing. This follows Berkshire Hathaway's clearance from U.S. regulators to purchase up to half of Occidental's common stock.
Occidental Petroleum maintained its Neutral rating from Roth/MKM, influenced by factors such as higher relative debt and lower projected long-term production growth. The company's intention to divest approximately $5 billion in assets may potentially dilute its value. However, Roth/MKM expects a slightly positive market reaction for Occidental shares, following the disclosure that Berkshire Hathaway acquired a substantial amount of Occidental stock.
The company was also mentioned during former President Donald Trump's fundraising tour in Texas, where he amassed significant support from the energy sector. Occidental Petroleum's stock was recently downgraded from Buy to Hold by Truist Securities, due to less anticipated benefits from its CrownRock acquisition compared to other recent industry deals. The firm's analysts predict that Occidental will prioritize debt reduction, aiming to bring its debt down to $15 billion or less.
In terms of earnings, Occidental Petroleum exceeded Q1 expectations with record production and significant cost reductions. The company also plans to improve cash flow by over $1 billion and is focused on strengthening its balance sheet. These are the latest developments in the company's operations.
InvestingPro Insights
As 1PointFive, a subsidiary of Occidental (NYSE: OXY), advances its carbon capture initiatives with a landmark deal with Microsoft, the financial stability and market performance of Occidental are pivotal in supporting such innovative environmental projects. With a market capitalization of $54.04 billion, Occidental showcases a robust presence in the industry, which is crucial for funding and sustaining long-term environmental solutions like Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology.
InvestingPro data highlights that Occidental has a Price/Earnings (P/E) ratio of 15.49, indicating a reasonable valuation compared to earnings, which may appeal to investors looking for solid entries in the energy sector. Moreover, the company has demonstrated financial profitability over the last twelve months, with a Gross Profit Margin of 59.58%, reflecting efficient operations and a strong position to invest in future technologies.
Notably, Occidental has maintained dividend payments for an impressive 51 consecutive years, as per InvestingPro Tips, providing a testament to the company's commitment to shareholder returns. This sustained dividend track record, coupled with a current dividend yield of 1.44%, may offer an attractive incentive for investors who value consistent income streams alongside corporate environmental responsibility.
For those interested in deeper insights and additional metrics that can guide investment decisions, InvestingPro offers further analysis. There are additional InvestingPro Tips available for Occidental, which can be accessed at https://www.investing.com/pro/OXY. Readers seeking to enhance their investment strategies are invited to use coupon code PRONEWS24 to get up to 10% off a yearly Pro and a yearly or biyearly Pro+ subscription.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.