Canadian Natural Rsrcs (CNQ.TO) Buy, Sell or…

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Canadian Natural Rsrcs (CNQ.TO)

56.19

+0.13 (0.23%)

as of Jun 25, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.

1393 watching

Investor Insights

Jun 25, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 93 opinions in the last 12 months.

Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ) has garnered mixed sentiments among analysts, with many highlighting its status as one of the best-managed companies in the energy sector. It is recognized for its strong cash flow generation capabilities and disciplined management approach, particularly in share buybacks and dividend increases, making it a staple among long-term investors. However, concerns about oil price fluctuations and their impact on growth and valuations have led to cautious observations about current entry points for new investors. While some experts see CNQ as a solid long-term hold with potential upside, others suggest caution due to recent price rises and the cyclical nature of the oil and gas market. Overall, the company benefits from its diverse asset base and low production costs, providing a buffer against volatility in energy markets.

Consensus

Hold

Valuation

Fair Value

Similar

HOLD

These big companies have been treated poorly by the Canadian government and are disparaged by parts of the world. They've all paid down debt, bought back shares, increased dividends, and kept capex low. Oil prices will probably remain high over the longer term, and these companies will benefit.

Unspecified

The price reacts quickly to commodity prices. It has long life assets and is reducing debt and is very interesting as a dividend growth stock. The oil sector has corrected over the past few months.

STRONG BUY

Likes it very much, a huge oil producer with some natural gas production. Pays a 4.5% dividend--it's a cash cow. Also bought back $5.6 billion of shares in the past 12 months and aren't adding debt to do it. In fact, debt levels are strong. Executives own a lot of shares. Can buy at current prices though it's showing lower highs and lower lows recently, but he expects prices to climb

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK

Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

At $80 WTI, CNQ is generating massive cash flow. In 2022 funds were up 66% and cash reserves are the highest level in at least 5 years and that is after paying down debt aggressively. This will be a play on forward global oil prices, but oil prices don't need to go higher to see a good return on this investment. It trades at 2.2x book and less than 5x cash flow and it supports a 32% ROE. Plus it pays a good dividend, backed by a payout ratio under 30% of cash flow. We recommend placing a stop-loss at $58, looking to achieve $92 -- upside potential of 17%. Yield 4.3%

(Analysts’ price target is $92.00)

BUY

Led by very strong management (Murray Edwards). Has bought shares in company. Very strong inventory depth. Can buy decades in inventory for nothing. Trading at 22$ cash flow yield @ $100 oil. Paying strong dividend. Expecting meaningful share appreciation.

TOP PICK

Are growing the dividend. They are retiring 1% of share each month. He's bullish oil. Now is an attractive entry point. (Analysts’ price target is $91.71)

HOLD

Another special dividend? Hard to say. Payout ratio about 30%, which isn't bad but not as low as some others like TOU. All he can say is that it's committed to returning value to shareholders.

TOP PICK

They have invested a lot in Oil Sands that will pay off. They will return more and more money to shareholders as debt declines. Any increase in oil benefits CNQ. Pays a good dividend. (Analysts’ price target is $91.55)

WEAK BUY

They beat Q3 on strong oil sands sales and raised their dividend 13%. Debt profile is improving that will see shareholder returns. Good dividend. Little production growth. Are better names in energy with a cheaper EV like Arc Resources. CNQ is still good and will do well along with the price of oil.

COMMENT

The question was on CNQ as compared to Cenovus. CNQ is dominant in exploration and production in Canada and he likes this space. Cenovus is more of an oil sands play and is popular with analysts' outlooks. It is very well run and maybe has a bit more of an upside that CNQ. He is not a trading fan and would give a slight edge to CNQ. On a more general note regarding the big oil companies, he would like to see capital expenditures become more dominant, rather than concentrating on just shareholder returns though dividends and buybacks. With such great free cash flows they should be able to do both.

TOP PICK

One of the largest energy companies in North America. Best natural gas stock to own in market. Believes 25% upside possible with ~4% dividend. Very healthy profit margins.

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Feb 03/21, Up 160%) Not bullish on energy prices. Cautious on the name. Darling amongst energy stocks with excellent dividend yield. Very strong management.

BUY

A great business that's executed and acquired well. Oil will be tighter than people think. After 2020, they all cut capex, paid down debt, bought back stock, increased dividends. They continue to do all this. Will continue to throw off lots of free cash.

DON'T BUY

Sell CNQ, buy SU? CNQ has a model price of $135.07, 65% upside. Where were investors 2 years ago, when they could have bought these stocks for pennies? SU doesn't have as high a valuation, has 100% upside. Neither is at a level he'd buy today, he'd want meaningful pullbacks.

BUY

He's overweight oil. It's still a tight market and will remain so, despite demand worries from China. CNQ is buying back shares, all good for shareholders. CNQ is dominant in this space, focusing on heavy crude oil. Is concerned of the widening price difference between WTI and WCS crude oil. Also likes Suncor, Crescent Point, Arc and Whitecap.

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Canadian Natural Rsrcs (CNQ.TO)