May. 2, 2025 at 4:04 PM ET6 min read

Cleveland-Cliffs: Price Target Lowered—What’s Next?

Tim BohenAvatar
Written by Tim Bohen
Reviewed by Ben Sturgill Fact-checked by Ellis Hobbs

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. stocks have been trading up by 5.15 percent amidst positive market sentiment and promising financial outlook.

Market Movements: CLF on the Rise

  • B. Riley has lowered the price target for Cleveland-Cliffs, from $20 to $17, despite this, the firm still maintains a Buy rating due to its strategic role in domestic steel production.
  • Speculation surrounding Cleveland-Cliffs’ involvement in the flourishing steel industry is driving investor interest, even if concerns linger over near-term demand and pricing volatility.
  • Cleveland-Cliffs is set to announce its first-quarter 2025 earnings results on May 7, 2025. A conference call with securities analysts and institutional investors is planned for the following day.

Candlestick Chart

Live Update At 16:03:33 EST: On Friday, May 02, 2025 Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. stock [NYSE: CLF] is trending up by 5.15%! Discover the key drivers behind this movement as well as our expert analysis in the detailed breakdown below.

Cleveland-Cliffs Financial Health Check

As traders navigate the complexities of the financial markets, it’s crucial to approach every opportunity with a calculated mindset. Every decision should be backed by thorough analysis and strategic thinking. As Tim Bohen, lead trainer with StocksToTrade, says, “If you’re still guessing at the end of your analysis, it’s probably not a trade worth taking.” This emphasizes the importance of confidence and clarity before entering any trade. Being prepared and informed can significantly impact your trading performance and outcomes.

Navigating through the numbers helps paint a picture of Cleveland-Cliffs’ financial well-being. Let’s break down key financial indicators and what they mean for the company and its investors.

The revenue has been impressive, nearing the $19.18B mark, signaling a strong income stream. When we look closer, the gross margin is notably high at 100%, although the profit margins are taking a hit, reflecting inefficiencies and areas needing improvements. Notably, the pre-tax profit margin stands at a modest 5.6%, signaling potential profitability before tax expenses nibble away at earnings. This disparity between revenue and profits suggests opportunities for cost optimization.

Examining debt levels provides another layer of insight. Cleveland-Cliffs has a total debt to equity ratio of 1.06, reflecting moderate leverage. While this means the company uses borrowed funds responsibly, the interest coverage is just at 0.2, indicating a potential struggle to cover interest expenses with its operating income. This could influence their financial strategy and investment plans moving forward. A lower debt load or higher earnings could dramatically improve this figure.

The cash flow situation, while presenting challenges, offers a glimpse into resilience and adaptation in tough financial climates. The company’s operating cash flow currently portrays a deficit but signals strategic investment for future growth. Cleveland-Cliffs is heavily investing in property and expansion efforts, as depicted by their capital expenditure figures.

More Breaking News

Let’s not forget the intriguing detail about the upcoming earnings report on May 7, 2025. Investors, already eager, have this date circled and the news could sway the stock chart significantly. Speculating performance around this time could set up higher risks, but with it, potential rewards—a classic example of high risk, high reward.

The Impact of Market News

Cleveland-Cliffs finds itself in a compelling narrative. With B. Riley’s adjusted price target and maintained Buy rating, the companies’ strategic place in steel production gets highlighted. This rings especially true amid predicted fluctuations in steel demand and pricing.

The stock road has been bumpy, yet the company’s firm foothold in the domestic market lends weight to its market standing (talk of dependability!). From the quarterly numbers down to the daily operation nuances, Cleveland-Cliffs encapsulates a narrative many investors find compelling.

The shift in its target price coupled with news of first-quarter results is painting a vivid canvas. Industry analysts are signaling optimism, hinting at sustained or potentially higher hot-rolled coil prices that could pay off for investors. In the steel and mining domain, unpredictability is often the only constant.

The balance between ambitious investment and cautious earnings interpretation provides a textbook case of strategic maneuvering within a fluctuating market landscape. Stakeholders must remain vigilant as emergent news continues shaping the investment terrain, defining Cleveland-Cliffs’ trajectory as it poises to impact stock market trends.

Earnings and Financial Focus

As Cleveland-Cliffs approaches its next earnings announcement, prospects seem both intriguing and worrisome. The anticipation builds—awaiting insights into their recent performance and future expectations from key strategists and traders. Revelations from the financial statements illuminate not just current standing but also a roadmap for innovation, strategy, and market assertion. This is reminiscent of a principle held by many traders. As Tim Bohen, lead trainer with StocksToTrade says, “I never chase price. The best opportunities allow me to enter on my terms, not when I’m feeling pressured.” Such philosophy underscores the importance of entering trades at the right moment, rather than feeling compelled by market pressures, something Cleveland-Cliffs’ narrative exemplifies—a true reflection of corporate dynamism amid changing market landscapes. It nudges traders to question where Cleveland-Cliffs’ stock is headed next within the steel industry landscape. In conclusion, Cleveland-Cliffs stands as a testament to resilience amidst challenges and a spirited response to market dynamics, offering insights into its evolving journey within the vibrant steel sector. The anticipation of upcoming earnings—filled with potential market-altering news—cements its place as a company on many traders’ watchlists.

This is stock news, not investment advice. StocksToTrade News delivers real-time stock market updates tailored to highlight the key catalysts driving short-term price movements. Our coverage is designed for active traders and investors who thrive in fast-moving markets, with a focus on volatile sectors like penny stocks, AI stocks, Robinhood stocks and other momentum plays. From earnings reports and FDA approvals to mergers, new contracts, and unusual trading volume, we break down the events that can spark significant price action.

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