Benchmark Co. Reiterates ‘Buy’ Rating on Core Natural Resources, Inc. (CNR)

Core Natural Resources, Inc. (NYSE:CNR) is included in our list of the 11 Best Coal Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.

Benchmark Co. Reiterates ‘Buy’ Rating on Core Natural Resources, Inc. (CNR)

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Nathan Martin of Benchmark Co. reiterated his ‘Buy’ rating for Core Natural Resources, Inc. (NYSE:CNR) on August 5, 2025, pointing to the company’s solid second-quarter performance and strategic momentum. Despite higher idling costs at Leer South, the business reported adjusted EBITDA of $144 million, above both benchmark and consensus projections.

Additionally, Core Natural Resources, Inc. (NYSE:CNR) increased shareholder returns and synergy targets by repurchasing $82 million in stock and paying out approximately $200 million in dividends and buybacks in the first half, exceeding its free cash flow levels. Operational resiliency is further demonstrated by updated sales and cost projections, a trend bolstered by favorable federal royalty rates and growing U.S. demand.

Martin emphasized Core Natural Resources, Inc. (NYSE:CNR)’s ability to deliver consistent performance and create long-term value in a difficult coal market, with further benefits from blending synergies once export markets recover.

Producing and exporting thermal and metallurgical coal, Core Natural Resources, Inc. (NYSE:CNR) runs the CONSOL Marine Terminal and the Pennsylvania Mining Complex for both domestic and foreign markets. It is one of the Best Coal Stocks.

While we acknowledge the potential of CNR to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than CNR and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

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