Feb. 9, 2026 at 10:03 AM ET5 min read

Cleveland-Cliffs: Analyst Downgrade and Price Target Concerns Impact Stock

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

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.’s stocks have been trading down by -16.53 percent amid industry turbulence and cautious investor sentiment.

Key Takeaways

  • Seaport Research’s Martin Englert recently downgraded Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. from Buy to Neutral, affecting market perception and investor sentiment.
  • GLJ Research increased their price target for Cleveland-Cliffs ahead of the Q4 report but maintained a Sell rating, indicating underlying concerns about the company’s financials.

Candlestick Chart

Live Update At 10:02:21 EST: On Monday, February 09, 2026 Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. stock [NYSE: CLF] is trending down by -16.53%! Discover the key drivers behind this movement as well as our expert analysis in the detailed breakdown below.

Quick Financial Overview

Cleveland-Cliffs has navigated rough waters in their recent financials. Their revenue stood at roughly $19.18B, illustrating a strong income stream, yet profitability continues to challenge with a negative profit margin total of 9%. A glimpse at the company’s key ratios reveals a pressing scenario: the firm grapples with a high total debt to equity ratio of 1.47, though it remains liquid with a current ratio of 2. Earnings performance shows concerning figures with an EBIT margin of negative 8.3%.

More Breaking News

The income statements bear further disappointing news, recording a net income loss from continuing operations of $240M. However, the firm boasts substantial assets, totaling around $20.29B, driven heavily by a tangible part of goodwill valued at $1.79B, capturing ongoing speculative interest.

Investor Confidence Wanes Amid Analyst Actions

Investor sentiment regarding Cleveland-Cliffs lately faced dips after Seaport Research analyst Martin Englert revised his optimism, downgrading the stock from a Buy to a Neutral. Englert’s decision signals caution, reflecting on the company’s ability to maintain operational prowess amid economic uncertainty. Such pronouncements often create ripples among stakeholders, aligning with a noticeable 2% drop in stock price.

On a contrasting note, GLJ Research raised the stock’s price target yet kept its Sell rating unchanged. This duality indicates potential recognition of tangible advancements in operations, perhaps those linked to upcoming new product releases or strategic partnerships. However, the caution underlying this move suggests skepticism about the company’s profitability trajectory in the face of looming challenges in the steel and mining sectors.

Market Dynamics and Strategic Implications

The mining giant remains an indispensable player, especially within North America’s steel industry. Amid multifaceted revenue streams, Cleveland-Cliffs must navigate a complex macroeconomic landscape. Key metrics like the low EBIT and negative cash flow emphasize operational struggles, although potential upsides loom if fiscal strategies align better with industry demands.

Looking critically at short-term market charts, a pronounced decline was observed when stock opening prices of $13.1 fell to closing at $12.29 recently, echoing investor trepidation. However, intra-day fluctuations presented promising recoveries at certain junctures, suggesting volatility patterns linked to broader market stimuli and minor rebounds.

Crucial factors to monitor involve how Cleveland-Cliffs maneuvers hurdle areas, maintaining leverage against competitors amidst global supply chain stresses. Also vital is the firm’s adaptation to potential tariff shifts or regulatory changes that could pivot demand across key regions.

Conclusion: Navigating Future Uncertainties

In conclusion, Cleveland-Cliffs stands at a pivotal crossroads. Analysts’ mixed signals combine with operational red flags in shaping its market destiny. Traders might exhibit cautious optimism but should brace for continued turbulence unless future earnings adjustments realign with strategic targets. Operational refinements, leveraging asset strengths and minimizing liabilities, may define its capacity for sustained resilience. 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.” This mindset is crucial for those navigating the complexities of market timing and price oscillations.

However, the steel sector’s macroeconomic ebbs and foibles suggest that future forecasts remain speculative. For Cleveland-Cliffs to regain bullish sentiment, it must convincingly pivot toward fiscal improvements while preserving its strategic allure. Traders should remain astute, ensuring that their entries and exits in the stock align with strategic insights rather than reactive impulses.

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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