Canadian Natural RsrcsCNQ.TOHOLDNov 12, 2025Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Oct 30, 2026. Market Open.
It's held up so well, because they sell their supply as synthetic crude oil, which sells at a premium to WTI, because it produces diesel. There's a diesel shortage now because of the US-Iran war. Long term, CNQ has the reserves, but they just need the access to markets. You can't predict the war, which has gone on longer than expected, or where oil prices will go. Anyway, you earn a good free cash flow yield.
When asked to compare these four large companies if the price of oil drops, he felt that CNQ is a phenomenal company that's hard to beat. Suncor has been a turnaround story for the past two years. The quarterly reports have been much better. Rich Kruger is moving on to be the Executive Chair. If the price of oil does drop Imperial might be the best defensive play.
Editor's Note; For Cenovus, please refer to his previous answer.
Yes, he'd put new $$ in today. Buying stocks at 52-week highs isn't necessarily bad for your wealth (you'll actually do better than consistently buying at 52-week lows). Possible (but he can't say for sure) to retrace to mid-$50s if Iran war were to end.
On normalized oil prices, high single-digit FCF yield. Low-cost operator, decent production growth, strong balance sheet. Excellent capital allocation.
Oil reserves in a safe haven. Well run. If peace breaks out in the Middle East, all the energy names could retrace somewhat; if conflict escalates, then oil will run and you should take profits along the way.
If you're looking at a 3-10 year investment, by all means buy some energy here. But if you're looking for a 3-6 month trade, you have to be careful with these politically charged components of the market.
He can't tell you where the price of oil is going. He does know that demand continues to increase. One of the best capital allocators in the O&G space. Decades and decades of reserves. Increased dividend for 25-26 consecutive years.
For a generalist, long-term investor, trust the management of the quality leader. When oil turns down, this name will hold up better. If there was a pullback for no good reason, he'd buy more. Be patient and wait for your opportunity.
Right now, nat gas looks a bit better. In a downtrend since 2024, but has taken out the last low and the last peak. Breaking through a bit of old resistance -- good sign. Doesn't look too bad in the near term, but not an exciting area to be in right now.
Taking a look at the 5-year chart, looks like most of the producers -- little breakout, then broke down, finding support at the old breakout point, and now trying to bounce off that. A really good company, so could bounce back to old highs. Gives it 5-6/10.