CNR
Core Natural Resources, Inc.
Coal
Market Cap$4.31B
5Y Perf.+1146.8%
Compare Stocks
2 / 10Try these comparisons:
Stock Comparison
CNR vs CAT
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
CAT
Caterpillar Inc.
Agricultural - Machinery
Market Cap$417.57B
5Y Perf.+647.1%
CNR vs CAT — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | CNR | CAT |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Coal | Agricultural - Machinery |
| Market Cap | $4.31B | $417.57B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $4.23B | $70.75B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-63M | $9.42B |
| Gross Margin | 3.2% | 32.5% |
| Operating Margin | -3.3% | 16.6% |
| Forward P/E | 25.3x | 37.0x |
| Total Debt | $354M | $43.33B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $432M | $9.98B |
CNR vs CAT — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
CNR
CAT
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Natural Resour… (CNR) | 100 | 1246.8 | +1146.8% |
| Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) | 100 | 747.1 | +647.1% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: CNR vs CAT
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: CAT leads in 4 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for profitability and margin quality and dividend income and shareholder returns. Core Natural Resources, Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. This set spans 2 sectors — these stocks serve different portfolio roles, not just different price points.
CNR
Core Natural Resources, Inc.
The Growth Play
CNR is the clearest fit if your priority is growth exposure and sleep-well-at-night.
- Rev growth 93.8%, EPS growth -130.9%, 3Y rev CAGR 22.2%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.18, Low D/E 9.6%, current ratio 1.60x
- Beta 0.18, yield 0.6%, current ratio 1.60x
Best for: growth exposure and sleep-well-at-night
CAT
Caterpillar Inc.
The Income Pick
CAT carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and long-term compounding.
- Dividend streak 8 yrs, beta 1.56, yield 0.7%
- 12.3% 10Y total return vs CNR's 305.2%
- 13.3% margin vs CNR's -1.5%
Best for: income & stability and long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | CNR | 93.8% revenue growth vs CAT's 4.3% |
| Value | CNR | Lower P/E (25.3x vs 37.0x) |
| Quality / Margins | CAT | 13.3% margin vs CNR's -1.5% |
| Stability / Safety | CNR | Beta 0.18 vs CAT's 1.56, lower leverage |
| Dividends | CAT | 0.7% yield, 8-year raise streak, vs CNR's 0.6% |
| Momentum (1Y) | CAT | +178.6% vs CNR's +25.8% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | CAT | 10.0% ROA vs CNR's -1.0%, ROIC 15.9% vs -6.5% |
CNR vs CAT — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2021
FY 2025
CNR vs CAT — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLCATLAGGINGCNR
CNRCore Natural Resource…
1leads
CATCaterpillar Inc.
4leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs CNRMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
CAT5/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
CNR5/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
CAT6/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
CAT5/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
CAT2/2
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CAT leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CAT is the larger business by revenue, generating $70.8B annually — 16.7x CNR's $4.2B. CAT is the more profitable business, keeping 13.3% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to CNR's -1.5%. On growth, CAT holds the edge at +22.2% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | CNRCore Natural Reso… | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $4.2B | $70.8B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $506M | $14.0B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$63M | $9.4B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $63M | $11.4B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +3.2% | +32.5% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | -3.3% | +16.6% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | -1.5% | +13.3% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +1.5% | +16.2% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +6.6% | +22.2% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +129.7% | +30.2% |
CAT leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
CNR leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
On an enterprise value basis, CNR's 10.4x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than CAT's 33.5x.
| Metric | CNRCore Natural Reso… | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $4.3B | $417.6B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $4.2B | $450.9B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -28.49x | 47.66x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 25.35x | 36.99x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 1.70x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 10.44x | 33.47x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 1.03x | 6.18x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.19x | 19.74x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 203.54x | 40.64x |
CNR leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
CAT leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
CAT delivers a 47.5% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $48 in annual profit, vs $-2 for CNR. CNR carries lower financial leverage with a 0.10x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to CAT's 2.03x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), CAT scores 5/9 vs CNR's 4/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | CNRCore Natural Reso… | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -1.7% | +47.5% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -1.0% | +10.0% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | -6.5% | +15.9% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | -5.6% | +19.1% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 4 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.10x | 2.03x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | -$78M | $33.4B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $432M | $10.0B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $354M | $43.3B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | -1.12x | 9.22x |
CAT leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
CAT leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in CNR five years ago would be worth $68,097 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $38,068 for CAT. Over the past 12 months, CAT leads with a +178.6% total return vs CNR's +25.8%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors CAT at 62.1% vs CNR's 11.7% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | CNRCore Natural Reso… | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -5.4% | +50.5% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +25.8% | +178.6% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +39.2% | +325.7% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +581.0% | +280.7% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +305.2% | +1230.1% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +11.7% | +62.1% |
CAT leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — CNR and CAT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
CNR is the less volatile stock with a 0.18 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than CAT's 1.56 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. CAT currently trades 96.4% from its 52-week high vs CNR's 74.0% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | CNRCore Natural Reso… | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.18x | 1.56x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $114.80 | $931.35 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $63.36 | $322.90 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +74.0% | +96.4% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 45.3 | 66.6 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 1.0M | 2.4M |
Evenly matched — CNR and CAT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
CAT leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates CNR as "Buy" and CAT as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 35.7% upside for CNR (target: $115) vs -5.2% for CAT (target: $851). For income investors, CAT offers the higher dividend yield at 0.65% vs CNR's 0.60%.
| Metric | CNRCore Natural Reso… | CATCaterpillar Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $115.25 | $850.50 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 17 | 53 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +0.6% | +0.7% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | 8 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.51 | $5.86 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +5.2% | +1.2% |
CAT leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
CAT leads in 4 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). CNR leads in 1 (Valuation Metrics). 1 tied.
Best OverallCaterpillar Inc. (CAT)Leads 4 of 6 categories
Loading custom metrics...
CNR vs CAT: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is CNR or CAT a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Core Natural Resources, Inc.
(CNR) is the stronger pick with 93. 8% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 4. 3% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT). Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) offers the better valuation at 47. 7x trailing P/E (37. 0x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Core Natural Resources, Inc. (CNR) a "Buy" — based on 17 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — CNR or CAT?
On forward P/E, Core Natural Resources, Inc.
is actually cheaper at 25. 3x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — CNR or CAT?
Over the past 5 years, Core Natural Resources, Inc.
(CNR) delivered a total return of +581. 0%, compared to +280. 7% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: CAT returned +1230% versus CNR's +305. 2%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — CNR or CAT?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Core Natural Resources, Inc.
(CNR) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 18β versus Caterpillar Inc. 's 1. 56β — meaning CAT is approximately 742% more volatile than CNR relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Core Natural Resources, Inc. (CNR) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 10% versus 2% for Caterpillar Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — CNR or CAT?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Core Natural Resources, Inc.
(CNR) is pulling ahead at 93. 8% versus 4. 3% for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Caterpillar Inc. grew EPS -14. 6% year-over-year, compared to -130. 9% for Core Natural Resources, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, CNR leads at 22. 2% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — CNR or CAT?
Caterpillar Inc.
(CAT) is the more profitable company, earning 13. 1% net margin versus -3. 7% for Core Natural Resources, Inc. — meaning it keeps 13. 1% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: CAT leads at 16. 6% versus -5. 2% for CNR. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — CAT leads at 32. 3%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is CNR or CAT more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Core Natural Resources, Inc.
(CNR) trades at 25. 3x forward P/E versus 37. 0x for Caterpillar Inc. — 11. 6x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for CNR: 35. 7% to $115. 25.
08Which pays a better dividend — CNR or CAT?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) offers the highest yield at 0. 7%, versus 0. 6% for Core Natural Resources, Inc. (CNR).
09Is CNR or CAT better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Core Natural Resources, Inc.
(CNR) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 18), 0. 6% yield, +305. 2% 10Y return). Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) carries a higher beta of 1. 56 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (CNR: +305. 2%, CAT: +1230%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between CNR and CAT?
These companies operate in different sectors (CNR (Energy) and CAT (Industrials)), which means they face different economic cycles, regulatory environments, and macro sensitivities — making direct comparison nuanced.
In terms of investment character: CNR is a small-cap high-growth stock; CAT is a large-cap quality compounder stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
Find Stocks Like These
Explore pre-built screens for each stock's profile, or build a custom screen to find stocks that outperform both.
Revenue Growth>
%
(CNR: 6.6% · CAT: 22.2%)You Might Also Compare
Based on how these companies actually compete and overlap — not just which sector they're filed under.