PBF Energy vs California Resources

On this page we compare PBF Energy Inc. and California Resources Corp, outlining their business models, financial performance, and market context in a neutral, accessible way. The aim is to inform, without guidance or forecasts, keeping clarity and balance for readers. Educational content, not financial advice.

On this page we compare PBF Energy Inc. and California Resources Corp, outlining their business models, financial performance, and market context in a neutral, accessible way. The aim is to inform, wi...

About The Companies

PBF Energy (PBF)

PBF Energy Inc. (PBF) is an independent US petroleum refiner and supplier that converts crude oil into fuels and feedstocks such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, heating oil and asphalt. With a market capitalisation of about $3.25 billion, PBF’s performance is closely tied to refining margins, utilisation rates and the price and availability of crude. The company’s business is capital-intensive and cyclical: profits can expand when margins widen and crude costs stabilise, but shrink when margins compress or demand softens. Investors should weigh operational strengths — such as refinery complexity and location advantages — against risks including volatile commodity prices, environmental regulation, and cyclical demand. Financial flexibility, including balance-sheet strength and capital allocation (debt, dividends, reinvestment), also materially affects resilience. This summary is for educational purposes only and not financial advice; returns are not guaranteed and investments can fall as well as rise.

California Resources (CRC)

California Resources Corporation (CRC) is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company focused on onshore assets in California, chiefly the San Joaquin and Los Angeles basins. With a market capitalisation around $3.9 billion, CRC’s performance is closely tied to West Texas Intermediate and regional oil prices, local production levels and operational costs. Investors should note the company operates in a heavily regulated state where environmental policy, permitting and emissions rules can affect costs and future development. Strengths can include a concentrated asset base that may offer operational efficiencies and potential cash flow generation when oil prices are supportive. Key risks are commodity price volatility, regulatory and legal uncertainty in California, and capital allocation choices. This summary is for general educational purposes only and not investment advice; values can fall as well as rise, and prospective investors should consider their own situation or seek independent advice.

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

PBF

Metric

CRC

$3.52B

Market Cap

$3.75B

4.03%

Potential Profit

35.00%

Hold

Analyst Rating

Buy

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

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Following Stellantis's cancellation of its electric Ram pickup due to slowing EV demand, a new investment opportunity emerges. This theme focuses on automakers that are strategically pivoting to hybrid and traditional models to meet current market realities.

Published: September 14, 2025

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Downstream Winners From Falling Oil Prices in 2025

Recent data shows oil prices are dropping due to oversupply and concerns about U.S. demand. This theme identifies companies in sectors like transportation and manufacturing that stand to benefit from lower energy costs.

Published: September 12, 2025

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Oil Price Shift Overview: OPEC+ Production Strategy

OPEC+'s decision to increase oil production is set to lower global prices, pressuring U.S. shale producers while defending its own market share. This scenario creates a potential investment opportunity in fuel-dependent sectors like transportation and manufacturing that stand to gain from reduced energy costs.

Published: September 9, 2025

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Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

EV Slowdown Stocks | Automaker Pivot Opportunities

Following Stellantis's cancellation of its electric Ram pickup due to slowing EV demand, a new investment opportunity emerges. This theme focuses on automakers that are strategically pivoting to hybrid and traditional models to meet current market realities.

Published: September 14, 2025

Explore Basket

Downstream Winners From Falling Oil Prices in 2025

Recent data shows oil prices are dropping due to oversupply and concerns about U.S. demand. This theme identifies companies in sectors like transportation and manufacturing that stand to benefit from lower energy costs.

Published: September 12, 2025

Explore Basket

Oil Price Shift Overview: OPEC+ Production Strategy

OPEC+'s decision to increase oil production is set to lower global prices, pressuring U.S. shale producers while defending its own market share. This scenario creates a potential investment opportunity in fuel-dependent sectors like transportation and manufacturing that stand to gain from reduced energy costs.

Published: September 9, 2025

Explore Basket

Refining a New Opportunity: Venezuelan Crude Returns

Following a renewed U.S. license, Chevron has resumed oil shipments from Venezuela, creating a new supply of heavy crude for the market. This development presents a potential investment opportunity in U.S. refiners and logistics firms positioned to benefit from this strategic shift.

Published: August 18, 2025

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Venezuelan Oil's Return to U.S. Refiners

Chevron has resumed shipping crude oil from Venezuela to the U.S., marking a significant policy shift and restoring a key supply chain. This creates a potential investment opportunity in U.S. refiners and energy logistics companies that are set to benefit from the influx of desirable heavy crude.

Published: August 17, 2025

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The Venezuelan Crude Comeback

Chevron is resuming crude oil shipments from Venezuela to the U.S. after receiving a new license. This development could benefit American refiners and logistics companies that specialize in handling heavy crude oil.

Published: August 16, 2025

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Australia's Fuel Retail Shake-Up

Ampol's acquisition of EG Group's Australian sites marks a major consolidation in the nation's fuel retail sector. This move intensifies competition, creating potential opportunities for other retailers and suppliers who may benefit from the shifting market dynamics.

Published: August 14, 2025

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OPEC+ Opens The Taps: Fuel-Intensive Stocks

OPEC+ is expected to increase oil production, potentially leading to a global supply surplus and lower crude prices. This creates a favorable environment for industries reliant on fuel, such as airlines and shipping, which could see improved profitability.

Published: August 2, 2025

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Fueling Profits: Beneficiaries Of OPEC+ Production Policy

OPEC+ is expected to maintain its policy of gradually increasing oil production, aiming to stabilize global energy markets. This could lead to moderated fuel costs, creating a potential advantage for companies in sectors like transportation and manufacturing where fuel is a major expense.

Published: July 25, 2025

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UK Refinery Disruption

The shutdown of a major UK refinery has created an urgent need for fuel imports. Our analysts have carefully selected companies positioned to benefit from this supply gap, including European refiners and tanker operators ready to meet the increased demand.

Published: July 3, 2025

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Oil's Ascent

WTI crude oil prices have climbed to their highest levels since April, creating promising opportunities in the energy sector. These carefully selected stocks are positioned to benefit directly from sustained higher oil prices, giving you access to potential growth in this important market.

Published: July 1, 2025

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Investment Analysis

PBF Energy

PBF

Pros

PBF Energy reported a significant improvement in third quarter 2025 operating income, reversing prior year losses and showing strong operational recovery.
The company maintains a diversified refining footprint across major US regions, supporting resilience against regional supply disruptions.
PBF Energy offers a dividend yield above 4%, providing income appeal in a volatile sector.

Considerations

Net income remains negative over the trailing twelve months, reflecting ongoing profitability challenges despite operational improvements.
Analyst consensus is 'Hold' with a majority of price targets below current levels, suggesting limited near-term upside.
The stock is exposed to commodity price volatility and regulatory risks associated with the refining sector, which can impact margins unpredictably.

California Resources

CRC

Pros

California Resources has strengthened its balance sheet through asset sales and debt reduction, improving financial flexibility.
The company is focused on low-carbon initiatives and carbon capture projects, positioning it for potential regulatory and investor preference shifts.
Operational efficiency gains have helped maintain production levels despite industry headwinds and lower capital spending.

Considerations

California Resources remains highly sensitive to oil and gas price swings, which can rapidly affect cash flow and profitability.
Production volumes have trended downward in recent quarters, raising concerns about long-term reserve replacement and growth prospects.
The company faces elevated execution risk in its transition strategy, with uncertain returns from new low-carbon investments.

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About The Companies

Comparison Snapshot

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

EV Slowdown Stocks | Automaker Pivot Opportunities

Downstream Winners From Falling Oil Prices in 2025

Oil Price Shift Overview: OPEC+ Production Strategy

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

EV Slowdown Stocks | Automaker Pivot Opportunities

Downstream Winners From Falling Oil Prices in 2025

Oil Price Shift Overview: OPEC+ Production Strategy