Core Natural Resources, Inc. (CNR) AI Stock Analysis

NYSE: CNRAI research summary: business, growth, valuation, analysts, bull and bear case.

CNR AI stock analysis summary

AI Research

Core Natural Resources, Inc. produces and exports metallurgical and thermal coal through operations across the United States. Revenue reached $4.16B in FY2025 following a 5-year revenue CAGR of 36.5%, though net income dropped to -$153.2M. The company maintains a net cash position of $25.6M as of June 30, 2026.

Market cap
$4.48B
Revenue (TTM)
$4.27B
P/E
45.6x
fwd 8.9x
1Y return
-2.3%
S&P 500 16.8%
Avg. target
$109.50
21.2% vs last close

Bull case

  • The company holds a net cash balance of $25.6M with total debt standing at $447.6M as of June 30, 2026.
  • Forward valuation multiples remain low, with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 8.9x and an EV to EBITDA ratio of 6.3x.
  • Analysts project current fiscal year EPS to surge 261.9% to $4.83 alongside revenue growth to $4.52B.

Bear case

  • FY2025 operations generated a net loss of -$153.2M with an operating margin of -5.2%.
  • Quarterly earnings for the period ended June 30, 2026, fell 81.1% year-over-year.
  • The dividend payout ratio reached 121.2% alongside a 5-year annualized dividend contraction of 29.5%.

What Core Natural Resources does

Core Natural Resources, Inc., formerly known as CONSOL Energy Inc., produces, sells, and exports metallurgical and thermal coals domestically and internationally. The company operates through four segments: High CV Thermal, Metallurgical, Powder River Basin (PRB), and Core Marine Terminal. Its High CV Thermal segment includes the Pennsylvania Mining Complex and the West Elk mine in Colorado. The Metallurgical segment comprises the Leer, Leer South, Beckley, Mountain Laurel, and Itmann mines in West Virginia. The PRB segment includes the Black Thunder and Coal Creek surface mining complexes in Wyoming, while the Core Marine Terminal segment manages coal export terminal operations in the Port of Baltimore.

Growth and profitability

Core Natural Resources experienced significant revenue expansion from $1.26B in FY2021 to $4.16B in FY2025, reflecting a 5-year revenue CAGR of 36.5%. Revenue expanded 93.8% in FY2025, up from $2.15B in FY2024. Profitability declined in FY2025, posting an operating margin of -5.2% and a net margin of -3.7%, resulting in a net loss of -$153.2M and diluted EPS of -$1.68. Operating cash flow totaled $305.8M in FY2025, while free cash flow stood at $21.2M. Over the trailing twelve months, revenue reached $4.27B with an operating margin of 2.2% and EPS of $1.98. For the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026, revenue increased 3.5% year-over-year while quarterly earnings fell 81.1%.

CNR income statement →

Balance sheet and cash flow

As of June 30, 2026, the company held $473.2M in cash and short-term investments against total debt of $447.6M, resulting in net cash of $25.6M. Total assets stood at $6.12B against shareholders' equity of $3.72B. The company maintained a current ratio of 1.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. In FY2025, capital expenditures consumed $284.6M, while capital return included $224.3M in share buybacks and $26.3M in cash dividends paid.

CNR balance sheet →

Valuation and performance

At a share price of $90.35, Core Natural Resources trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 45.6x, compared to 15.0x for the median of its US-listed Energy peers. Its forward price-to-earnings multiple is 8.9x, below the peer group median of 12.7x. The enterprise value of $4.55B reflects an EV to EBITDA multiple of 6.3x versus the peer median of 8.0x, and a price-to-sales ratio of 1.1x versus the peer median of 1.8x. Over the past year, the stock fell 2.3% while the S&P 500 rose 16.8%. Over 5 years, the stock returned 200.6% compared to 83.0% for the S&P 500.

CNR key metrics →

CNR dividend

Core Natural Resources pays an annualized forward dividend of $0.40 per share, representing a dividend yield of 0.44%. The company distributes dividends quarterly and has paid dividends for 5 consecutive years. Its dividend payout ratio stands at 121.2%, while its 5-year annualized dividend growth rate decreased 29.5%. The last ex-dividend date was August 31, 2026.

CNR dividend history →

What analysts expect

Wall Street coverage includes 3 Strong Buy ratings, 0 Buy ratings, 1 Hold rating, and 0 Sell ratings. The mean price target of $109.50 suggests potential upside of 21.2% above the last close of $90.35. For the current fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, consensus estimates project EPS of $4.83 and revenue of $4.52B. The company beat EPS estimates in 3 of the last 4 quarters, and its next earnings report is scheduled for November 5, 2026.

CNR forecast and price target →

Key risks and what to watch

  • Operating cash flow fell to $305.8M and free cash flow dropped to $21.2M in FY2025, down from $476.4M and $298.4M in FY2024.
  • Trailing twelve-month return on assets was -0.9%, reflecting subdued asset productivity.
  • Share count expanded 42.0% over the 5-year period despite $224.3M in share buybacks executed during FY2025.

AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer

About this CNR AI stock analysis

This page is an AI-written research summary of Core Natural Resources, Inc. (CNR). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.

Related: CNR income statement, CNR balance sheet, CNR key metrics, CNR analyst forecast, CNR chart. See the CNR stock overview for the latest quote and news.

CNR AI stock analysis FAQ

What is the previous name of Core Natural Resources?

The company was formerly known as CONSOL Energy Inc. and officially changed its name to Core Natural Resources, Inc. in January 2025.

What is Core Natural Resources' current dividend yield?

The stock carries a forward dividend yield of 0.44% based on an annual dividend rate of $0.40 per share.

How did Core Natural Resources perform relative to the broader market over 5 years?

Over a 5-year period, Core Natural Resources gained 200.6%, outpacing the S&P 500 return of 83.0%.

When is the next earnings release for Core Natural Resources?

The company is scheduled to report its next financial results on November 5, 2026.

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