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California Resources Corp (CRC)
NYSE:CRC

California Resources Corp (CRC) AI Stock Analysis

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CR

California Resources Corp

(NYSE:CRC)

74Outperform
CRC's overall stock score is bolstered by strong earnings performance and attractive valuation metrics, despite technical analysis indicating short-term bearishness. The company's strategic initiatives in cost management and carbon capture, alongside solid dividend returns, provide a positive outlook, although stock performance challenges and regulatory dependencies present risks.
Positive Factors
Carbon Capture and Sequestration
CRC's FID marks a significant milestone for the company's development of carbon capture, and investor focus through '25 will be on execution.
Financial Performance
CRC's 4Q was a beat with oil volumes in line, EBITDAX beat by 6%, and capex 7% below estimates.
Market Position
CRC is the largest oil and gas producer in California, benefiting from more attractive realizations compared to its peers due to its local operations in an under-supplied state.
Negative Factors
Market Conditions
An oversupplied oil market is anticipated, which could negatively impact CRC's performance due to its sensitivity to oil prices.
Permit Delays
Production declines may continue longer than expected due to permit delays at both the state and county levels, despite efforts to mitigate these declines.
Regulatory Challenges
CRC faces challenges due to regulatory uncertainty, affecting its oil and gas permit approvals and delaying its carbon capture project's volume ramp-up.

California Resources Corp (CRC) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

California Resources Corp Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCalifornia Resources Corporation (CRC) is a publicly traded oil and natural gas exploration and production company focused on energy resources within the state of California. The company primarily engages in the exploration, development, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. CRC operates in some of California's most prolific oil basins, including the San Joaquin, Los Angeles, Ventura, and Sacramento basins.
How the Company Makes MoneyCalifornia Resources Corporation generates revenue primarily through the production and sale of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. The company explores and develops oil and gas properties, leveraging its extensive land position in California to maximize hydrocarbon recovery. CRC's key revenue streams include selling its produced oil and gas to refineries and other customers. Additionally, CRC may engage in strategic partnerships and joint ventures to optimize resource development and enhance operational efficiencies, contributing to its earnings. The company's financial performance is influenced by factors such as commodity prices, production volume, regulatory environment, and operational costs.

California Resources Corp Financial Statement Overview

Summary
CRC exhibits strong profitability metrics and improved debt management, yet struggles with inconsistent revenue growth and cash flow generation. EBITDA margins are robust, indicating effective cost management. The overall financial landscape reveals strengths but highlights areas needing improvement.
Income Statement
75
Positive
California Resources Corp (CRC) has shown a mixed performance in recent years. The gross profit margin is robust, thanks to the significant reduction in cost of goods sold. However, the net profit margin has been volatile, primarily due to fluctuations in EBIT and net income. Revenue growth has been inconsistent, with significant declines in certain years, indicating potential instability. Despite these fluctuations, EBITDA margins remain strong, reflecting effective cost management.
Balance Sheet
68
Positive
CRC's balance sheet shows improvement in debt management, with a decreasing trend in the debt-to-equity ratio, indicating reduced leverage risk. The return on equity (ROE) is strong, showcasing effective use of shareholder funds. However, the equity ratio indicates moderate reliance on equity financing, which may expose the company to some risk if market conditions worsen. Overall, the balance sheet reflects a cautious but improving financial position.
Cash Flow
72
Positive
The cash flow analysis reveals solid operating cash flow, consistently covering net income, indicating good cash generation from operations. Free cash flow growth has shown positive trends, although it fluctuates due to capital expenditures. The operating cash flow to net income ratio highlights efficiency in converting income into cash. While cash flows are generally healthy, reliance on financing activities in certain periods suggests potential liquidity management challenges.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
3.20B2.81B3.26B2.56B1.61B
Gross Profit
3.20B1.41B1.78B1.27B308.00M
EBIT
620.00M808.00M1.11B658.00M-1.89B
EBITDA
991.00M1.07B1.31B871.00M2.45B
Net Income Common Stockholders
376.00M564.00M524.00M612.00M3.33B
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
372.00M496.00M307.00M305.00M28.00M
Total Assets
5.51B4.00B3.97B3.85B3.07B
Total Debt
1.22B610.00M662.00M637.00M639.00M
Net Debt
851.00M114.00M355.00M332.00M611.00M
Total Liabilities
1.97B1.78B2.10B2.16B1.89B
Stockholders Equity
3.54B2.22B1.86B1.69B1.18B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
610.00M468.00M678.00M466.00M59.00M
Operating Cash Flow
610.00M653.00M690.00M660.00M106.00M
Investing Cash Flow
-1.08B-175.00M-317.00M-161.00M-37.00M
Financing Cash Flow
343.00M-289.00M-371.00M-222.00M-58.00M

California Resources Corp Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price35.68
Price Trends
50DMA
42.35
Negative
100DMA
47.63
Negative
200DMA
49.25
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-2.62
Positive
RSI
39.35
Neutral
STOCH
50.25
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CRC, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 35.68 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 39.24, below the 50-day MA of 42.35, and below the 200-day MA of 49.25, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -2.62 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 39.35 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 50.25 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for CRC.

California Resources Corp Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (55)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
76
Outperform
$4.39B9.6133.30%45.43%16.98%
CRCRC
74
Outperform
$3.23B7.7213.06%4.13%5.12%-47.76%
SMSM
73
Outperform
$2.48B3.2519.62%3.30%13.33%-2.72%
BSBSM
70
Outperform
$3.09B12.7523.12%10.25%-12.71%-39.85%
MUMUR
69
Neutral
$2.98B7.747.77%5.73%-12.48%-36.47%
58
Neutral
$3.09B16.69-13.60%-11.68%-123.15%
55
Neutral
$7.05B3.47-6.10%6.00%-0.44%-51.04%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CRC
California Resources Corp
34.32
-19.00
-35.63%
MUR
Murphy Oil
20.83
-23.60
-53.12%
SM
SM Energy
22.02
-25.75
-53.90%
BSM
Black Stone Minerals
14.32
0.16
1.13%
VIST
Vista Oil & Gas SAB de CV
45.36
1.80
4.13%
GPOR
Gulfport Energy
172.67
16.85
10.81%

California Resources Corp Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Mar 3, 2025 | % Change Since: -19.28% | Next Earnings Date: May 6, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
CRC demonstrated strong financial performance and growth in its carbon management and power segments, achieving significant cost reductions and synergies. However, stock price challenges and dependence on regulatory approvals pose potential risks. The company's proactive measures in shareholder returns and strategic partnerships indicate a positive outlook.
Highlights
Record-Breaking Financial Performance
CRC delivered over $1 billion of adjusted EBITDAX and generated $355 million in free cash flow for 2024. Additionally, CRC returned 85% of 2024 free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
Significant Cost Reductions and Synergies
CRC achieved 70% of its targeted era-related synergies, improving its 2025 cost structure. Combined operating and transportation costs came in 4% lower than initial guidance, totaling $344 million.
Expansion in Carbon Management
CRC announced a new deal with National Cement and received the nation's first EPA class six permits, with nearly nine million metric tons per annum of carbon management projects under consideration.
Strong Balance Sheet and Shareholder Returns
CRC maintained a strong balance sheet with more than $1 billion of liquidity and rebuilt cash on hand to more than $350 million. The company also increased its dividend by 25%.
Growth in Power and AI Data Centers
CRC is actively pursuing agreements with multiple AI data centers in California and expects to expand the value of its power offering with new power purchase agreements.
Lowlights
Challenges in Stock Performance
CRC's stock price has underperformed compared to peers, partially due to market conditions and investor lock-up agreements.
Dependence on Permit Approvals
CRC's future activities, including the addition of a second rig and the execution of its CCS projects, are dependent on receiving permits by the end of 2025.
Pipeline Regulatory Challenges
The progress of CO2 pipeline projects is hindered by regulatory delays, including a temporary pause on rulemaking for national pipeline regulation.
Company Guidance
During the California Resources Corporation's fourth quarter and year-end 2024 earnings call, the company highlighted several key metrics and strategic initiatives. They reported net production of 141,000 BOE per day and realized oil prices at 99% of Brent. Cost discipline led to $316 million in adjusted EBITDAX and $118 million in free cash flow. The company also achieved a 4% reduction in operating and transportation costs, totaling $344 million. For 2025, CRC plans to invest $285 million to $335 million, with $165 million to $180 million allocated to drilling, completions, and workover capital. They anticipate generating $1.1 to $1.2 billion in adjusted EBITDAX at $73 per barrel Brent. Additionally, CRC is advancing its carbon management business, with nearly nine million metric tons per annum of carbon management projects under consideration and an estimated total storage capacity of 287 million metric tons. The company returned about 85% of 2024 free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

California Resources Corp Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
California Resources Appoints New CFO for Strategic Growth
Positive
Nov 25, 2024

California Resources Corporation has announced the appointment of Clio Crespy as their new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective January 1, 2025. Crespy, a seasoned investment banker with a background in energy and sustainability, will replace Nelly Molina. Her expertise in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and corporate finance is expected to drive CRC’s strategic initiatives, particularly in carbon management and energy transition.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.