California Resources Corporation (CRC)
NYSEEnergyOil & Gas Exploration & ProductionSnapshot 2026-09-04
$54.22+1.50%
Close 2026-09-04 · 1-day change
NYSEEnergyOil & Gas Exploration & ProductionSnapshot 2026-09-04
QuarterlyIQ Insights · CRC
How strong the business is — where it ranks within its sector on capital efficiency and cash generation, and how well management has been executing.
How this business ranks within energy on a research-validated quality screen. As of 2026-09-04.
The screen ranks CRC against its sector on four durable signals: share dilution, return on capital, free-cash-flow yield, and FCF margin. Historically the highest-quality names tended toward better typical outcomes and fewer bad years over multi-year holds (strongest at three years, modest at one), and that pattern showed up even before the price moved. It characterizes business quality, not price direction.
Each leg is a sector-relative percentile (higher is better); 4 of 4 legs were available for this name. The composite is built from these four; the raw value follows each percentile for context.
A forward quality tilt, not a price prediction, and context for your own research rather than a recommendation. Not investment advice.
How management runs the business: capital, margins, balance sheet, and how reliably they guide and deliver.
Each factor is a parallel diagnostic with a clear read of what it shows and how names like it have historically fared. Never aggregated into a single score.
Operating income rose in 1 of the last 3 quarter-over-quarter moves. Historically, Energy names rated weak grew net income 60% of the time over the next year (vs 55% for the rest of the cohort, n=1735).
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
A guidance track record builds as the company issues and delivers on guidance.
Priorities management has stated in recent disclosures, with status and evidence drawn from earnings calls, filings, and press releases.
Increase drilling activity in 2026, especially in second half, to accelerate development of long duration oil inventory and drive higher production and cash flow.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Capital investments increased from $131M in 2026-Q1 to $149M in 2026-Q2, with drilling, completions and workover capital reduced by ~5% to $450-$475M in 2026-Q2 from prior guidance. Management accelerated second half 2026 drilling activity to build momentum into 2027. The trajectory shows active execution with some capital reallocation but overall increased drilling focus.
“Reduced drilling, completions and workover capital by ~5% to $450-$475M with six rigs, compared to seven previously.”
“Increasing second half 2026 drilling activity, materially enhancing full-year expectations.”
“Receiving new drilling permits and holds majority of permits necessary to undertake 2026 capital program.”
Deliver adjusted EBITDAX in the range of $1,200 to $1,500 million for full year 2026, reflecting improved operating efficiencies and synergy capture.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Adjusted EBITDAX increased from $304M in 2026-Q1 to $338M in 2026-Q2. Full-year 2026 guidance was raised from $970-$1,070M in 2025-Q4 to $1,200-$1,500M in 2026-Q2, reflecting improved operating efficiencies and synergy capture. The trajectory is delivering with upward revisions and quarterly growth.
Manage total capital investments for 2026 within the range of $520 million to $560 million, balancing drilling and maintenance capital.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Capital investment guidance increased from $430-$470M in 2025-Q4 to $520-$560M in 2026-Q1 and was reaffirmed in 2026-Q2. Actual capital investments were $131M in 2026-Q1 and $149M in 2026-Q2, consistent with guidance pacing. The trajectory is delivering on maintaining disciplined capital allocation.
“Capital investments guidance reaffirmed at $520-$560 million for full year 2026.”
Achieve net production averaging between 150 and 155 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day for the full year 2026.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Actual net production was 154 MBoe/d in 2026-Q1 and 149 MBoe/d in 2026-Q2, within the guidance range of 150-155 MBoe/d for full year 2026. Management reaffirmed this target each quarter. The trajectory shows stable production near the target range, consistent with stated goals.
“Net production guidance reaffirmed at 150-155 MBoe/d for full year 2026.”
Continue returning capital to shareholders through quarterly dividends and share repurchases, maintaining a disciplined capital return program.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Dividends paid were $36 million in both 2026-Q1 and 2026-Q2. Since 2021, the company has returned approximately $1,655 million to shareholders including $1,180 million in share repurchases. Management consistently emphasizes disciplined capital return, and the trajectory shows ongoing execution.
Over the trailing year it converted -7.24x of net income into operating cash flow.
Most sensitive to the broad stock market and long-term interest rates.
Not enough signal to read sensitivity to the US dollar, real (inflation-adjusted) rates, Fed net liquidity (low R² over the window).
22 material management or governance events in the past 24 months, led by capital-allocation actions. Historically, Energy names rated volatile grew net income 53% of the time over the next year (vs 58% for the rest of the cohort, n=640).
Not investment advice. As of 2026-09-04.
“Adjusted EBITDAX of $338 million in 2026-Q2, guidance for full year 2026 is $1,200-$1,300 million.”
“Raised 2026E adjusted EBITDAX guidance midpoint to $1,450 million, a 42% increase.”
“2026 guidance for adjusted EBITDAX is $970-$1,070 million.”
“Increased capital budget range to $520-$560 million with a full-year average of five rigs.”
“Capital investments expected to range between $430-$470 million for 2026.”
“Targeting 2026E gross production exit rate of approximately 175 MBoe/d, with full year guidance of 149-155 MBoe/d.”
“Targeting approximately 12% year-over-year production growth, averaging 152-157 MBoe/d in 2026.”
“Returned $36 million to shareholders through dividends in 2026-Q2.”
“Returned $46 million to shareholders including $36 million in dividends and $10 million in share repurchases.”
“Returned $59 million to shareholders including $34 million in dividends and $25 million in share repurchases.”