Canadian Natural Resources Ltd (CNQ)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)
CNQ
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd
$49.02
+1.32%
ENERGY · Cap: $102.25B
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$974.86
+0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $432.25B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 639% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $38.76B). CNQ leads profitability with a 27.9% profit margin vs 3.0%. CNQ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.42. CNQ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
CNQ
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
COST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+76.9%
Fair Value
$175.97
Current Price
$49.02
$126.95 discount
Margin of Safety
-74.7%
Fair Value
$558.15
Current Price
$974.86
$416.71 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 2.3B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
1.5% revenue growth
3.7% earnings growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 13.5x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CNQ
The strongest argument for CNQ centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.9% and operating margin at 19.6%.
Bull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : CNQ
The primary concerns for CNQ are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : COST
The primary concerns for COST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 50.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNQ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.
COST is growing revenue faster at 9.2% — sustainability is the question.
CNQ generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor OIL & GAS E&P industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CNQ scores higher overall (67/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 27.9% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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.
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.
Costco Wholesale Corp
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Costco Wholesale Corporation (doing business as Costco Wholesale and also known simply as Costco) is an American multinational corporation which operates a chain of membership-only (needing a membership to shop there) big-box retail stores. As of 2020, Costco was the fifth largest retailer in the world, and the world's largest retailer of choice and prime beef, organic foods, rotisserie chicken, and wine as of 2016.
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