Core Natural Resources, Inc. (CNR) Reports 47% Revenue Jump, Prepares Leer South Restart

We recently compiled a list of the 12 Best Stocks to Own for Grandchildren. Core Natural Resources, Inc. is one of them.

Core Natural Resources, Inc. (NYSE:CNR), formed in January 2025 through the merger of CONSOL Energy and Arch Resources, has quickly emerged as a leading U.S. coal producer. Headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, the company operates primarily through its Pennsylvania Mining Complex (PAMC) and CONSOL Marine Terminal, supplying thermal and metallurgical coal to domestic and international markets.

In Q2 2025, the corporation reported a 47% year-over-year revenue increase, outperforming sector peers despite ongoing industry volatility. Profitability remains pressured by expansion costs, with a net margin of 0.63% and return on equity of 3.01%. Analysts forecast earnings per share of $11.40 for 2025, with expectations rising to $17.60 in 2026.

A major focus this month is the delayed restart of the Leer South mine, now expected to resume production in the fourth quarter. Once operational, the facility is projected to enhance production efficiency, boost free cash flow, and secure long-term supply contracts. The restart also supports CNR’s capital return strategy, which targets distributing up to 75% of free cash flow to shareholders.

Core Natural Resources, Inc. (CNR) Reports 47% Revenue Jump, Prepares Leer South Restart

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Core Natural Resources, Inc. (NYSE:CNR) also continues to provide direct returns through dividends. Earlier this month, Core paid a $0.10 per share dividend, representing a yield of 0.48% with a payout ratio of 18.35%. Management has indicated plans for sustainable, gradually increasing shareholder distributions as Leer South comes online and free cash flow expands.

While we acknowledge the risk and potential of CNR as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than CNR and that has 10,000% upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

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