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Coterra Energy (CTRA)
NYSE:CTRA

Coterra Energy (CTRA) AI Stock Analysis

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CTRA

Coterra Energy

(NYSE:CTRA)

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Outperform 74 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:74Outperform
Price Target:
$34.00
▲(13.30% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/27/26
The score is led by strong financial durability (low leverage and solid cash generation) and supportive company updates (guidance execution and the Devon merger synergy potential). Offsetting factors are commodity-driven volatility that hurts earnings visibility and only moderate technical/valuation signals.
Positive Factors
Very low leverage / strong balance sheet
Coterra's material de-leveraging to near-zero net leverage provides durable financial flexibility. Low debt reduces refinancing and interest risk, enabling sustained capex funding, dividends, and M&A optionality across commodity cycles, and supports resilience during weaker price environments.
Consistent positive cash generation
Robust operating and free cash flow across reported years underpins shareholder returns and balance-sheet repair. Persistent cash generation improves funding of maintenance capex, dividends and buybacks without reliance on external financing, making the business more durable through commodity swings.
All-stock merger with Devon to drive scale and synergies
The Devon combination creates a larger, Delaware-focused operator with material scale, enabling optimized capital programs and $1B synergies. Scale and cost synergies can sustainably lower per-unit costs, enhance free cash flow generation and expand the firm's long-term capital-return capacity.
Negative Factors
Commodity-driven revenue and margin volatility
Coterra's earnings and revenue profile remain tightly linked to commodity prices, producing wide swings in margins and cash flow. Even with strong balance sheet and cash generation, this cyclicality complicates multi-year planning, capex pacing and predictable returns for shareholders.
Regional price headwinds (Waha gas basis)
Persistent regional basis weakness like Waha discounts can structurally compress realized gas prices for Permian-weighted production. Addressing this requires long-lead pipeline or marketing solutions; until resolved, realized realizations and margins may lag national benchmarks.
Activist/governance friction from Kimmeridge
Public activist pressure introduces strategic uncertainty and potential distraction for management. Calls for portfolio rationalization or break-up can lead to governance fights, transaction costs, or forced asset moves that disrupt execution and postpone operational priorities over the next several quarters.

Coterra Energy (CTRA) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Coterra Energy Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCoterra Energy Inc., an independent oil and gas company, engages in the development, exploration and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. It primarily focuses on the Marcellus Shale with approximately 177,000 net acres in the dry gas window of the play located in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. The company also holds Permian Basin properties with approximately 306,000 net acres; and Anadarko Basin properties located in Oklahoma with approximately 182,000 net acres. In addition, it operates natural gas and saltwater disposal gathering systems in Texas. The company sells its natural gas to industrial customers, local distribution companies, oil and gas marketers, major energy companies, pipeline companies, and power generation facilities. As of December 31, 2021, it had proved reserves of approximately 2,892,582 thousand barrels of oil equivalent, which include 189,429 thousand barrels of oil and other liquid hydrocarbons, 14,895 billion cubic feet of natural gas, and 220,615 thousand barrels of natural gas liquids. The company was incorporated in 1989 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
How the Company Makes MoneyCoterra Energy generates revenue primarily through the sale of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company operates on a revenue model that includes the extraction and production of hydrocarbons, which are then sold to various markets. Key revenue streams include the direct sale of produced crude oil and natural gas, as well as sales of NGLs, which are often extracted during the natural gas processing phase. Coterra also benefits from long-term contracts and partnerships with refineries and utilities, providing stability to its cash flows. Additionally, the company may engage in hedging strategies to protect against price volatility in the energy markets, further contributing to its financial performance.

Coterra Energy Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Operating Revenue by Segment
Operating Revenue by Segment
Breaks down revenue from different business segments, revealing which areas drive growth and profitability, and where strategic adjustments might be needed.
Chart InsightsCoterra Energy's oil revenue is on an upward trajectory, bolstered by a 7% quarter-over-quarter increase, as highlighted in the earnings call. This growth is crucial given the softening natural gas prices and challenges with certain wells. The company's strategic focus on oil production and innovative gas marketing strategies are pivotal in maintaining revenue stability. Despite increased capital expenditures, Coterra's robust cash flow and liquidity position provide a solid foundation for future growth, with a positive outlook on production guidance and shareholder returns.
Data provided by:The Fly

Coterra Energy Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 03, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 30, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
Coterra Energy delivered strong third quarter results, exceeding production expectations and integrating recent acquisitions effectively. Financial performance was robust, with significant cash flow and debt reduction achievements. However, increased operating costs and challenges with gas prices were noted. The public dispute with Kimmeridge introduces some external pressure on the company's strategic direction.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Third Quarter Performance
Coterra's oil, natural gas, and BOE production each came in approximately 2.5% above the midpoint of guidance, with NGL production hitting an all-time high of 136 MBoe per day. Oil volumes increased by 7% over second quarter levels with a substantial uptick of 11,300 barrels per day.
Successful Integration of Acquired Assets
The integration of Franklin Mountain and Avant assets has led to a 10% reduction in total well costs and 5% reduction in lease operating expenses. Additional $20 million per year savings are expected from operational efficiency improvements.
Positive Financial Metrics
Pre-hedge oil and gas revenues reached $1.7 billion, with 57% from oil production. Discretionary cash flow was $1.15 billion, and free cash flow was $533 million. Coterra announced a $0.22 per share dividend and repaid $250 million of term loans.
Record-Setting Drilling Efficiency in Marcellus
A new 4-mile lateral was drilled in under 9 days, averaging 2,400 feet per day, reducing drilling costs by 24% year-over-year.
Negative Updates
Increased Operating Costs
Cash operating costs increased to $9.81 per BOE, up 5% quarter-over-quarter due to production mix and higher workover activity.
Challenges with Waha Gas Prices
Low Waha gas prices impacted the region, necessitating engagement with long-haul pipeline projects to improve market access and prices.
Public Dispute with Kimmeridge
A public letter from Kimmeridge criticized Coterra's portfolio strategy, indicating discontent and suggesting the company might be more valuable as separate entities.
Company Guidance
During the Coterra Energy Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Call, guidance was provided that highlighted several key metrics and strategic directions. The company reported that oil, natural gas, and BOE production came in approximately 2.5% above the midpoint of guidance, with NGL production reaching an all-time high of around 136 MBoe per day. For the fourth quarter, oil production is expected to be 175 MBoe per day at the midpoint, while total production is anticipated to average between 770 and 810 MBoe per day. Natural gas production is projected between 2.78 and 2.93 Bcf per day. Coterra expects capital expenditures for the quarter to be around $530 million, reflecting a significant decrease from the third quarter. For the full year 2025, guidance was revised to an annual MBoe per day production of 777 at the midpoint, a 5% increase from earlier forecasts. The company plans to deliver a comprehensive updated 3-year outlook with its fourth quarter release in February and expects 2026 capital to be modestly down year-over-year while maintaining production parameters. Additionally, Coterra highlighted its commitment to growing revenue, cash flow, free cash flow, and profitability, with an emphasis on maintaining low breakevens and operational flexibility.

Coterra Energy Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong balance sheet (very low leverage by 2025) and consistently positive operating cash flow/free cash flow support resilience. The main drag is pronounced cyclicality in revenue and margins, with a sharp revenue contraction in 2025 reducing earnings visibility.
Income Statement
66
Positive
Profitability is strong overall with healthy margins in most years (net profit margin ranging from ~14% in 2020 up to ~43% in 2022 and ~21% in 2024). However, results are highly cyclical: revenue surged in 2021–2022 (+161% and +159%) but has since declined (roughly flat in 2024 and down sharply in 2025), signaling meaningful commodity-driven volatility. Net income remained positive across the period, but the sharp revenue contraction and margin swings reduce earnings quality and visibility.
Balance Sheet
82
Very Positive
The balance sheet is a clear strength, highlighted by low leverage and a large equity base. Debt-to-equity improved materially from ~0.53 (2020) to ~0.19–0.30 in 2021–2024, and is exceptionally low in 2025 (~0.01), indicating substantial de-risking. Returns on equity were very strong at the cycle peak (about 32% in 2022) and more moderate in other years (~9%–12%), consistent with a commodity producer but still solid given the conservative leverage profile.
Cash Flow
74
Positive
Cash generation is robust, with operating cash flow consistently positive and generally exceeding net income (operating cash flow to net income above 1x each year shown). Free cash flow is also positive each year, including a strong rebound in 2025 versus 2024, supporting shareholder returns and balance-sheet strength. The main weakness is volatility: free cash flow fell meaningfully in 2023 and 2024 before recovering, reflecting sensitivity to the commodity cycle and/or spending levels.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.75B5.46B5.68B9.51B3.67B
Gross Profit1.66B1.69B2.20B6.07B2.06B
EBITDA4.84B3.30B3.84B6.87B2.26B
Net Income1.72B1.12B1.63B4.07B1.16B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets22.17B21.63B20.41B20.15B19.90B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments114.00M2.04B956.00M673.00M1.04B
Total Debt250.00M3.80B2.53B2.60B3.46B
Total Liabilities5.01B8.50B7.38B7.50B8.16B
Stockholders Equity17.16B13.12B13.04B12.66B11.74B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow4.02B1.02B1.56B3.75B939.00M
Operating Cash Flow4.02B2.79B3.66B5.46B1.67B
Investing Cash Flow-5.63B-1.76B-2.06B-1.67B313.00M
Financing Cash Flow-551.00M279.00M-1.32B-4.14B-1.09B

Coterra Energy Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price30.01
Price Trends
50DMA
27.67
Positive
100DMA
26.30
Positive
200DMA
25.24
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.94
Positive
RSI
52.87
Neutral
STOCH
11.92
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CTRA, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 30.01 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 30.22, above the 50-day MA of 27.67, and above the 200-day MA of 25.24, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.94 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 52.87 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 11.92 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for CTRA.

Coterra Energy Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
77
Outperform
$26.83B10.3717.60%2.64%11.14%-21.32%
76
Outperform
$36.46B17.649.20%1.17%64.84%219.47%
74
Outperform
$23.14B14.0711.86%3.39%26.13%31.42%
74
Outperform
$14.19B10.4711.54%3.16%-8.07%-87.88%
74
Outperform
$10.44B16.978.71%17.05%1028.81%
65
Neutral
$15.17B7.614.09%5.20%3.87%-62.32%
54
Neutral
$5.38B13.8116.07%35.41%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CTRA
Coterra Energy
30.01
4.51
17.67%
CRK
Comstock Resources
18.75
1.26
7.20%
DVN
Devon Energy
42.66
7.75
22.21%
OVV
Ovintiv
49.44
7.54
18.00%
EQT
EQT
59.74
13.66
29.63%
AR
Antero Resources
34.38
-1.20
-3.37%

Coterra Energy Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyDividendsFinancial DisclosuresM&A Transactions
Coterra Energy Announces All-Stock Merger With Devon Energy
Positive
Feb 27, 2026

Coterra Energy reported that its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results exceeded production guidance on key metrics, with total and gas volumes beating the high end and oil meeting the midpoint, while cash flow from operating activities reached $4.0 billion and free cash flow rose 67% year on year. The company highlighted efficient integration of Delaware Basin acquisitions, a 13% increase in proved reserves to 2.565 billion BOE, and a strong balance sheet with net debt to adjusted EBITDAX at 0.8x.

For 2026, Coterra issued standalone guidance calling for annual production of 750,000 to 810,000 BOE per day, capital expenditures of about $2.25 billion, and an expected reinvestment rate near 50% supporting roughly $2.35 billion in free cash flow. The board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.22 per share for payment on March 25, 2026, and detailed 2025 shareholder returns of $820 million plus significant term-loan repayments, underscoring a policy of returning a high share of free cash flow while keeping leverage below 1.0x.

On February 2, 2026, Coterra announced an all-stock merger with Devon Energy to create a leading shale operator anchored in the Delaware Basin, with Coterra shareholders to receive 0.70 Devon share for each Coterra share. The deal, unanimously approved by both boards and expected to close in the second quarter of 2026 subject to customary approvals, is designed to deliver enhanced free cash flow, $1 billion in targeted annual run-rate synergies by year-end 2027, and an expanded, more robust shareholder return program for investors in the combined company.

The most recent analyst rating on (CTRA) stock is a Buy with a $35.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Coterra Energy stock, see the CTRA Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesStock BuybackDividendsM&A Transactions
Coterra Energy to Merge with Devon Energy
Positive
Feb 2, 2026

On February 1, 2026, Coterra Energy agreed to merge with Devon Energy in an all-stock transaction that will combine the two U.S. shale producers into a single large-cap operator named Devon Energy, with Coterra shareholders receiving 0.70 Devon share for each Coterra share and owning about 46% of the combined company, while Devon shareholders will hold roughly 54%. The deal, unanimously approved by both boards and expected to close in the second quarter of 2026 subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, will create one of the world’s largest shale producers, heavily weighted to the Delaware Basin with more than a decade of top-tier drilling inventory, and is projected to deliver about $1 billion in annual pre-tax synergies by 2027, strengthen the balance sheet, and be accretive to key per-share financial metrics and free cash flow, supporting an enhanced capital-return framework including a higher base dividend and a multibillion-dollar share buyback authorization. Governance of the combined company will be shared, with an 11-member board comprising six Devon and five Coterra directors, Devon’s CEO Clay Gaspar serving as chief executive and Coterra’s Tom Jorden as non-executive chair, while Coterra simultaneously updated severance and change-in-control protections for senior executives to provide extended coverage and accelerated vesting of equity awards in connection with the transaction.

The most recent analyst rating on (CTRA) stock is a Buy with a $30.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Coterra Energy stock, see the CTRA Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 27, 2026