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TSE:CNQ

Canadian Natural Rsrcs (CNQ.TO)

68.68
-1.59 (2.26%)
as of Aug 25, 2026, 8:00:01 pm Market Open.
1405 watching
0
Investor Insights
star iconAug 25, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 99 opinions in the last 12 months.

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ) has garnered a mixed but generally favorable response from various experts in the energy sector. Many affirm its strong management and operational efficiency, alongside its consistent dividend growth, which has been maintained for over 25 years. Despite concerns regarding fluctuations in oil prices and geopolitical issues impacting energy markets, analysts highlight CNQ's resilience and stability, making it a preferred choice among oil and gas companies in Canada. There's a recurrent theme of cautious optimism, with several reviews indicating it as a long-term hold while suggesting that current valuations may limit short-term upside. The company's ability to generate cash flow even at lower oil prices and its focus on returning capital to shareholders have been positively noted, although there's also recognition of the potential volatility tied to oil market dynamics.

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Consensus
Buy
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Valuation
Fair Value
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Similar
Suncor,SU
BUY

Bit expensive (8x PE) relative to peers (7x PE). Balance sheet in good shape. Q4 was very strong, beat by 7% and 1% on production. Increased dividend by 6.4%. Solid operational performance.

A fair value, meritorious name that really works if oil goes below $50. If oil stays where it is, does really well. If you don't have any oil and with a 5-year horizon, you could buy at this level. Problem with waiting to buy is that you often miss it.

PARTIAL SELL
Small retracement a buying opportunity for long-term investors?

Wouldn't pick it up today (and he owns it). Consistently rises to the top as an oily choice in the Basin. Low decline rate, low extraction cost. 

Stock's way up on higher oil, almost 50% YTD. Higher oil for longer is already baked into the price. It's more of a Sell.

HOLD

Trimmed a bit a few weeks ago (when oil gets that high, you know it might come down). Great company, but an entry point is all about the price of oil. You want to get into these names when they're beaten up and the commodity price is low.

TOP PICK

He'd love to buy more as price of oil continues to fall. Closest thing to a forever asset in Canadian energy. Reserves represent ~36 years of production. ROIC is in 15% range with oil in $60-70 range, while funding costs are $40-ish. Making $$ hand over fist -- going to buybacks, debt reduction, and dividends. 

If any escalation in wars elsewhere (what if China decides to block the Taiwan Strait?), and WTI goes to $100, then its ROIC jumps to mid-20s%. It's time to be in resource commodities. Yield is 4.21%.

(Analysts’ price target is $69.47)
TOP PICK

One of his favourites, one of the best managed anywhere in the world. We're not in a $65 oil price world anymore, more like $80. Potential for natural gas egress expansion off the West Coast. Largest oil producer in Canada, and one of the largest nat gas producers. 

100% of FCF going to be returned to shareholders. 25 straight years of dividend increases. Debt being paid down faster with higher oil price. For new clients, he's taking half positions. If you can get it under $60, you'll be happy. Yield is 3.93%.

(Analysts’ price target is $69.38)
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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

As members of the US Administration expect a continuation of high energy prices for the foreseeable future, we reiterate CNQ as a TOP PICK.  Shipments thru the Strait of Hormuz remain challenged leaving domestic producers in a good position to see cash flows continue to improve.  CNQ is a low-cost producer, whose cash flow has allowed for debt to be retired and shares bought back, while building cash reserves.  It trades at 20x earnings, 3x book and supports a 25% ROE.  We recommend trailing up the stop (from $55) to $60, looking to achieve $74 -- upside potential of 18%.  Yield 3.6%

(Analysts’ price target is $67.32)
HOLD
CNQ vs. WCP

Is a huge fan of CNQ, but be cautious in energy now. If you own energy, sit tight and hold your gains. Valuations have risen a lot, though may not persist for long. He prefers CNQ. Is a strong compounder and return cash flow to shareholders while they reduce debt. He doesn't know where the price of oil is going.

BUY ON WEAKNESS
Canadian or US energy stock?

Can do either. In Canada, he choose CNQ, and EOG in the U.S. CNQ acts like an annuity, requiring massive upfront investment, but cash flows for a long time. EOG has unique assets. But he wouldn't buy energy now. The supply chain problems now won't last forever. You can buy either stock on a pullback.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Returning capital to shareholders via buybacks and dividends. Really nice free cashflow. As soon as oil spikes, it flows almost immediately to top and bottom lines. Recent acquisition should add synergies and volumes. Cutting capex should boost margin profile.

Buy now if you’re in it for the long runway. Waiting for a pullback makes more sense if you think oil will plummet on a definitive ceasefire in Middle East.

PARTIAL SELL

Oil and gas have gone parabolic, Since CNQ has done so well it is time to take 25 to 50% profit.

COMMENT

The question was on how much to trim when reducing a position. With CNQ it has had a phenomenal move up - about 50% year to date so you could be more aggressive and trim by 25 to 50%.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Apr 28/25, Up 67%)

One of his largest holdings in portfolios. Not the excitement of small caps, but not the extreme volatility either. Profitable at a very low oil price.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

A go-to name for oil & gas. Well managed, stable asset base, low decline rates. You have to have the view that higher oil will be persistent; otherwise, these names will see some pressure.

PARTIAL SELL

She's a big believer in it never being a bad time to take profits off the table after a big runup. Over its price target upside of $61; don't be surprised by a pullback. Still likes the company, will continue to do well. Blue chip of the Canadian energy patch. 

Risk of oil price sensitivity, especially if oil price comes off. Delayed a major mine expansion pending environmental review.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick May 27/25, Up 63%)

Is a low-cost producer, fine cash flow, disciplined managers. It's time to take some profits out of energy stocks.

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