8-KCorporate ChangesExhibits & Filings

OCCIDENTAL PETROLEUM CORP /DE/ 8-K Report, Bylaw Amendment (May 5, 2009)

Filed May 5, 2009For Securities:OXYOXY-WT

Summary

Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) filed an 8-K on May 5, 2009, primarily to disclose an amendment to its By-laws. This amendment, effective May 1, 2009, introduces a provision allowing holders of 25% or more of the outstanding common stock to call a special meeting. This change impacts corporate governance by providing shareholders with a mechanism to convene meetings outside of the regular annual schedule, potentially increasing shareholder influence on corporate decisions.

Key Highlights

  • 1Amendment to By-laws: Occidental Petroleum amended its By-laws on May 1, 2009.
  • 2Special Meeting Provisions: The amendment allows shareholders holding 25% or more of outstanding common stock to call a special meeting.
  • 3Enhanced Shareholder Rights: This change provides shareholders with a greater ability to influence corporate actions by enabling them to initiate special meetings.
  • 4Effective Date: The By-laws amendment is effective as of May 1, 2009.
  • 5Disclosure of Bylaws: The amended By-laws are filed as an exhibit to the 8-K (Exhibit 3.(ii)).
  • 6No other material events reported: The 8-K focuses solely on this governance-related change.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to inform investors about an amendment to Occidental Petroleum's By-laws that modifies the procedures for calling special shareholder meetings.

Shareholders holding twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the outstanding common stock now have the ability to call a special meeting.

This amendment enhances shareholder rights by providing a formal mechanism for a significant block of shareholders to convene a special meeting to discuss and vote on important matters outside of the annual shareholder meeting.

The amended By-laws are available as Exhibit 3.(ii) to this Form 8-K filing.