CNR Stock Forecast & Price Target

Core Natural Resources Inc has demonstrated strong operational efficiency, reflected in a 20% year-over-year increase in labor productivity due to recent investments and workforce adjustments. In Q3 2025, the company recorded total revenue of $4,165 million, marking a 1% year-over-year increase attributable to higher volume and yield, with EPS rising 6% year-over-year to $1.83, outperforming consensus estimates. Furthermore, favorable trends in intermodal volumes are anticipated for Q4, supported by a revised upward projection for 2025 estimates, indicating ongoing growth potential for the company.

Core Natural Resources is facing a negative outlook due to multiple adverse market factors, including a decline in the Metals and Minerals sector, with revenue trend metrics showing consistent drops of -8% in Q1 and -6% in both Q2 and Q3. Management has highlighted significant headwinds, such as worse-than-expected growth forecasts from key locations, severe weather effects, unfavorable currency fluctuations, and overall economic volatility, all of which are expected to impede volume growth. Additionally, the company's recent decision to reduce capital expenditure substantially in 2026 signals a cautious approach to its investment strategy amidst a challenging outlook for export coal prices and demand.