APA Corporation (APA)vsCanadian Natural Resources Ltd (CNQ)
APA
APA Corporation
$44.73
+0.45%
ENERGY · Cap: $15.26B
CNQ
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd
$50.07
-0.55%
ENERGY · Cap: $103.22B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd generates 421% more annual revenue ($44.68B vs $8.57B). CNQ leads profitability with a 26.3% profit margin vs 19.6%. APA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.15. APA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (B+).
APA
Strong Buy80
out of 100
Grade: B+
CNQ
Strong Buy79
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+12.2%
Fair Value
$51.05
Current Price
$44.73
$6.32 discount
Margin of Safety
+47.9%
Fair Value
$96.11
Current Price
$50.07
$46.04 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 56.3%
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 26.3% YoY
Generating 1.1B in free cash flow
Strong operational efficiency at 43.1%
Revenue surging 69.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 83.8% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit
Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : APA
The strongest argument for APA centers on P/E Ratio, Operating Margin, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.6% and operating margin at 56.3%. PEG of 1.15 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : CNQ
The strongest argument for CNQ centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.3% and operating margin at 43.1%. Revenue growth of 69.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : APA
The primary concerns for APA are Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : CNQ
The primary concerns for CNQ are PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APA profiles as a mature stock while CNQ is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNQ carries more volatility with a beta of 0.88 — expect wider price swings.
CNQ is growing revenue faster at 69.5% — sustainability is the question.
CNQ generates stronger free cash flow (4.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
APA scores higher overall (80/100 vs 79/100), backed by strong 19.6% margins. CNQ offers better value entry with a 47.9% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
APA Corporation
ENERGY · OIL & GAS E&P · USA
APA Corporation is the holding company for Apache Corporation, a company engaged in hydrocarbon exploration. It is organized in Delaware and headquartered in Houston.
Visit Website →Canadian Natural Resources Ltd
ENERGY · OIL & GAS E&P · USA
Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores, develops, produces, markets and sells crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL). The company is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
Compare with Other OIL & GAS E&P Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?