California Resources Corporation (CRC) AI Stock Analysis
CRC AI stock analysis summary
AI ResearchCalifornia Resources Corporation (CRC) is an independent energy company focused on oil and gas exploration, production, and electricity generation. Over the trailing twelve months, the company generated $3.74B in revenue with an operating margin of 46.8%, but reported an EPS of -$1.29. In FY2025, operating cash flow reached $865.0M alongside free cash flow of $543.0M.
- Market cap
- $4.83B
- Revenue (TTM)
- $3.74B
- P/E
- — fwd 11.9x
- 1Y return
- 19.3% S&P 500 16.8%
- Avg. target
- $75.33 38.7% vs last close
Bull case
- Quarterly earnings grew 200.0% year-over-year in the period ending June 30, 2026.
- Free cash flow reached $543.0M in FY2025, supported by $865.0M in operating cash flow.
- The forward P/E ratio of 11.9x trades at a discount to the US-listed Energy peer median of 12.7x.
Bear case
- Trailing twelve months EPS was -$1.29, alongside a negative profit margin of -3.2%.
- Total debt of $1.35B leaves net debt at $1.29B, with cash reserves standing at $56.0M.
- CRC has beaten consensus earnings estimates in only 1 of the last 4 quarters.
What California Resources does
California Resources Corporation operates independently in the oil and natural gas sector. It focuses on the exploration, production, gathering, processing, and marketing of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, primarily serving marketers, California refineries, and purchasers with storage and transport infrastructure. As of December 31, 2021, the company held mineral rights across roughly 1.9 million net mineral acres with proven reserves of 480 million barrels of oil equivalent. California Resources Corporation also generates and sells electricity to local utilities and grid systems. Headquartered in Santa Clarita, California, the company was founded in 2014.
Growth and profitability
Between FY2020 and FY2025, revenue grew at a compound annual growth rate of 17.5%. Annual revenue rose 21.9% in FY2025 to $3.60B, up from $2.96B in FY2024, while net income was $363.0M with a net margin of 10.1%. In prior years, net income was $612.0M in FY2021, $524.0M in FY2022, and $564.0M in FY2023. Operating margin reached 23.6% in FY2025, compared to 35.2% in FY2021. For the latest quarter ending June 30, 2026, quarterly revenue increased 33.0% year-over-year, and quarterly earnings grew 200.0%. Trailing twelve months revenue stands at $3.74B with an EPS of -$1.29.
Balance sheet and cash flow
As of June 30, 2026, California Resources Corporation held $56.0M in cash and short-term investments against total debt of $1.35B, resulting in net debt of $1.29B. Shareholders' equity was $3.40B, giving a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40 and a current ratio of 0.66. In FY2025, the company produced $865.0M in operating cash flow and invested $322.0M in capital expenditures. Capital returns during FY2025 included $377.0M in share buybacks and $136.0M in dividends paid, while the share count increased 8.9% over five years.
Valuation and performance
CRC trades at an enterprise value of $5.97B and a market cap of $4.83B. Its forward P/E of 11.9x sits below the 12.7x median of its US-listed Energy peers. Its price-to-sales multiple is 1.3x, compared to the peer median of 1.8x, while its EV-to-EBITDA ratio of 14.1x is higher than the peer median of 8.0x. Over the past year, CRC stock gained 19.3%, outperforming the S&P 500's 16.8% return. Over a five-year timeframe, the stock gained 45.5% versus 83.0% for the S&P 500.
CRC dividend
CRC pays a quarterly dividend with an annual forward payout of $1.62 per share, representing a dividend yield of 2.98%. The company has paid dividends for 6 consecutive years, supported by a payout ratio of 42.6%. The most recent ex-dividend date was September 4, 2026.
What analysts expect
Wall Street coverage includes 9 Strong Buy, 3 Buy, and 1 Hold ratings. The mean price target is $75.33, representing a 38.7% premium over the last close of $54.33. For FY2026, consensus estimates project revenue of $3.56B and EPS of $3.96. For FY2027, 10 analysts estimate revenue will fall 2.0% to $3.49B with EPS declining 9.8% to $3.57. Over the last four quarters, CRC beat EPS estimates once. The next earnings release date is November 2, 2026.
Key risks and what to watch
- The current ratio is 0.66 as of June 30, 2026, indicating short-term obligations exceed current assets.
- Analysts project FY2027 EPS will fall 9.8% to $3.57, alongside a 2.0% revenue decline to $3.49B.
- Net income contracted from $612.0M in FY2021 to $363.0M in FY2025.
- Short interest accounts for 6.8% of the company's float.
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 CRC AI stock analysis
This page is an AI-written research summary of California Resources Corporation (CRC). 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: CRC income statement, CRC balance sheet, CRC key metrics, CRC analyst forecast, CRC chart. See the CRC stock overview for the latest quote and news.
CRC AI stock analysis FAQ
What is CRC's dividend payout and yield?
CRC provides an annual forward dividend of $1.62 per share, which equals a 2.98% yield. The payout ratio is 42.6%, and the company has distributed dividends for 6 consecutive years.
When does California Resources Corporation report earnings next?
The next earnings date is scheduled for November 2, 2026.
What are analysts' price targets for CRC?
Analysts have an average price target of $75.33, which is 38.7% above the last close of $54.33. The rating breakdown is 9 Strong Buy, 3 Buy, and 1 Hold.
How much debt does California Resources Corporation carry?
As of June 30, 2026, CRC had total debt of $1.35B and $56.0M in cash, resulting in net debt of $1.29B and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40.