CLF Stock Analysis & Forecast (2026)

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. Basic Materials Steel
$9.07
Current Price
35%
Caution
View Plans
Data refreshed: April 22, 2026

Key Financial Metrics

Market Cap
$5.17B
P/E Forward
18.9x
Revenue Growth
6.3%
Gross Margin
-2.9%
Net Margin
-6.4%
Return on Equity
-18.6%
Debt/Equity
1.29

AI Analysis Summary

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (CLF) is a Basic Materials company in the Steel industry with a 35% Caution Score. Areas to watch: Net Margin (-6.4%), Return on Equity (-18.6%). Our AI evaluates 8 fundamental categories including revenue growth, margin quality, balance sheet strength, cash flow generation, return on capital, and valuation metrics.

Revenue Growth: Moderate Gross Margin: Average Net Margin: Negative Return on Equity: Negative Debt/Equity: High Risk

This analysis is generated by StrongBuyAnalytics AI using publicly available financial data from SEC filings, earnings reports, and market feeds. It is not personalized investment advice. See our methodology and disclaimer.

CLF Fundamental Analysis Report
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35%
Strong Buy Score
  • 8 Fundamental Categories Analyzed
  • Revenue & Growth Trends
  • Margin & Profitability Analysis
  • Balance Sheet Strength
  • Cash Flow Quality
  • Valuation Assessment
  • AI-Powered Investment Insights
Get Your Free CLF Report

How It Works: AI Stock Analysis in 60 Seconds

See how our AI analyzes CLF fundamentals to generate buy/sell signals and Strong Buy Scores.

Why CLF Has a 35% Score

Our AI evaluates Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.'s fundamentals across multiple dimensions. Here is what is driving the current Caution rating:

Recent Catalysts for CLF

Key developments and data points that may impact Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.'s trajectory:

Wall Street consensus target is $10.89 (+20.1% from current price), based on 9 analyst estimates.
Analyst consensus recommendation: Hold.
Institutional ownership at 81.9% — strong smart-money backing.

CLF vs. Peers

How Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. stacks up against comparable Basic Materials companies on key metrics:

Ticker Price Market Cap P/E Rev Growth Net Margin ROE
CLF $9.07 $5.17B 6.3% -6.4% -18.6%
AAPL $268.82 $3.95T 34.0x 15.7% 27.0% 152.0%
MSFT $427.90 $3.18T 26.8x 16.7% 39.0% 34.4%
GOOGL $336.44 $4.07T 31.2x 18.0% 32.8% 35.7%
AMZN $249.91 $2.69T 34.9x 13.6% 10.8% 22.3%

Main Risks for CLF Investors

Every investment carries risk. Here are the specific risk factors our analysis identified for Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.:

Net Margin (-6.4%)
Return on Equity (-18.6%)
Debt/Equity (1.29)
High beta of 1.92 means the stock is 92% more volatile than the market — expect larger drawdowns in corrections.
Short interest is elevated with a 4.4-day cover ratio, indicating bearish bets against the stock.
High leverage amplifies downside risk if revenue softens or interest rates rise.

Generate the full PDF report for a detailed risk-reward framework and bear-case scenarios.

CLF Balance Sheet & Cash Flow

A snapshot of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.'s financial health based on the most recent filings:

Total Cash
$45.00M
Total Debt
$7.76B
Current Ratio
2.02
FCF Yield
-0.8%
EBITDA
$176.00M
Operating Margin
-3.0%

Data sourced from the latest SEC filings. Generate the full PDF report for detailed balance sheet and cash flow commentary.

CLF Valuation Snapshot

Forward P/E
18.9x
Price / Book
0.8x
Below asset value
PEG Ratio
0.43
Undervalued vs growth
Analyst Target (Mean)
$10.89
Range: $8 – $16
52-Week Price Range — CLF is trading at 31% of its range
$5.63 (52W Low) $16.70 (52W High)

Is CLF a Buy Right Now?

Based on our AI-powered fundamental analysis, CLF has a Strong Buy Score of 35%, earning a "Caution" rating. This score synthesizes 8 key financial metrics to provide an objective investment signal.

Caution Signal

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. currently shows fundamental weakness that warrants careful analysis. Key concerns: Net Margin (-6.4%), Return on Equity (-18.6%). Consider waiting for improved metrics before building a position.

CLF AI Buy & Sell Signals Explained

Our AI analyzes Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.'s financial statements to generate buy/sell signals based on quantitative metrics, not market sentiment or news headlines. Here's what drives the 35% score:

  • Revenue Growth: 6.3% year-over-year (positive)
  • Gross Margin: -2.9% (tight margins)
  • Net Margin: -6.4% (unprofitable)
  • Return on Equity: -18.6% (negative returns)

Generate the full PDF report for complete category-by-category scoring and AI-powered investment recommendations.

Key Support / Demand Zones

Technical traders can view real-time demand and supply zones for CLF on our Demand Zones page. These zones identify key price levels where institutional buying or selling has historically occurred.

With CLF currently trading at $9.07, our system monitors proximity to these critical levels and can alert you when the stock approaches support or resistance zones.

Subscribe to demand zone alerts to receive real-time notifications when CLF reaches key technical levels.

Earnings & Revenue Outlook

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. operates in the Basic Materials sector, specifically in Steel. Understanding earnings trends is crucial for forecasting CLF's trajectory.

Current revenue growth of 6.3% exceeds the average company.

Visit our Earnings Calendar to track upcoming CLF earnings dates and historical beat/miss patterns. Sign up for earnings alerts to get notified before announcements.

CLF Stock Forecast (Next 3–12 Months)

Our AI projects CLF's trajectory based on current fundamentals and historical patterns. With a 35% Strong Buy Score, here's what the data suggests:

Cautious Outlook: Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.'s fundamentals suggest potential headwinds. Key issues: Net Margin (-6.4%). Consider waiting for improved metrics or a more attractive entry point before building a position.

For a complete 12-month price forecast with specific bull/bear scenarios, generate the full PDF report.

Valuation Metrics (P/E, Growth, Margins)

Understanding valuation is critical for determining if CLF is fairly priced. Here's the current snapshot:

  • Market Capitalization: $5.17B
  • Forward P/E: 18.9x (based on analyst estimates)
  • Debt/Equity: 1.29 (higher leverage)

Our AI weighs these metrics against growth rates and margin quality to determine if CLF offers compelling risk-adjusted returns at current prices.

Bull Case for CLF

Here's why investors are bullish on Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.:

  • Established market position in Basic Materials
  • Proven business model with revenue visibility
  • Management track record of execution
  • Potential for margin expansion and operational leverage

While these positives exist, investors should weigh them against the risks outlined in the bear case below.

Bear Case & Risks for CLF

Every investment carries risk. Here are potential concerns for CLF investors:

  • Net Margin (-6.4%)
  • Return on Equity (-18.6%)
  • Debt/Equity (1.29)

The full PDF report includes a detailed bear case analysis with specific risk ratings for each category.

Summary / 12-Month Outlook

CLF Summary: Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. earns a 35% Caution Score based on AI analysis of fundamental data. Trading at $9.07 with a $5.17B market cap, the stock may face headwinds that warrant a cautious approach.

Watch: Net Margin (-6.4%), Return on Equity (-18.6%)

For the complete analysis with specific price considerations, growth projections, and AI-powered buy/hold/sell recommendations, generate your free CLF PDF report.

Learn More About Stock Analysis

Deepen your understanding of the concepts used in this CLF analysis:

Fundamental Analysis Guide

Learn how to evaluate stocks using financial statements and key metrics.

Understanding P/E Ratio

What P/E ratio tells you about a stock's valuation and growth expectations.

Return on Equity (ROE)

Why ROE matters for stock selection and how to interpret it.

Stock Valuation Methods

Compare DCF, P/E, and other approaches to value stocks like CLF.

What Are Demand Zones?

Find key support and resistance levels for CLF and other stocks.

How to Read Earnings Reports

Understand earnings per share, revenue surprises, and guidance.

Related Tools for CLF

Demand Zone Analyzer CLF Live Chart CLF SEC Filing News Earnings Calendar Institutional Ownership Sector Scanner Average Down Calculator

CLF SEC Filing News

Latest SEC filings for CLF explained in plain English — insider buys/sells (Form 4), proposed sales (Form 144), material events (8-K), and quarterly & annual reports.

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View all CLF SEC Filing News →

Frequently Asked Questions about CLF

Is CLF a good buy right now?
CLF currently has a Strong Buy Score of 35% (Caution). CLF currently shows caution signals. Review the full analysis before investing. Generate a free PDF report for specific buy/hold/sell recommendations.
What is the CLF stock forecast for 2026?
Our AI forecasts CLF based on current fundamentals: revenue growth of 6.3%, net margin of -6.4%. The 35% Strong Buy Score reflects our outlook combining growth trajectory, margin quality, and valuation. See the full 12-month projection in your PDF report.
What are key support and resistance levels for CLF?
View real-time CLF demand zones (support) and supply zones (resistance) on our Demand Zones page. With CLF currently at $9.07, you can see how close the stock is to key technical levels. Subscribe to get alerts when CLF approaches these zones.
How do CLF fundamentals compare to peers?
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. operates in the Basic Materials sector. Key metrics for peer comparison: Gross margin -2.9%, ROE -18.6%, Debt/Equity 1.29. The 35% Strong Buy Score factors in how these metrics stack up against industry averages. Data is refreshed daily.
Is the CLF analysis PDF report free?
Yes! Your first CLF fundamental analysis report is completely free with no credit card required. The PDF includes the full Strong Buy Score breakdown, all 8 fundamental categories analyzed, AI-powered insights, and specific investment recommendations. Additional reports are available through our subscription plans starting at $24/month.
What is Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.'s market cap and P/E ratio?
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (CLF) has a market cap of $5.17B (forward P/E: 18.9x). These valuation metrics are key factors in our Strong Buy Score calculation. See all metrics in the PDF report for comprehensive valuation analysis.

This CLF analysis is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. All data is sourced from public filings and market feeds. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Read our full disclaimer.