WallStSmart

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd (CNQ)vsExpand Energy Corporation (EXE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd generates 205% more annual revenue ($38.63B vs $12.66B). CNQ leads profitability with a 25.1% profit margin vs 22.0%. EXE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.56. EXE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

CNQ

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 2.0Profit: 8.5Value: 7.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.05

EXE

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 2.7Profit: 8.5Value: 4.7Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.09
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CNQUndervalued (+46.0%)

Margin of Safety

+46.0%

Fair Value

$82.81

Current Price

$45.51

$37.30 discount

UndervaluedFair: $82.81Overvalued
EXESignificantly Overvalued (-21.3%)

Margin of Safety

-21.3%

Fair Value

$77.55

Current Price

$92.84

$15.29 premium

UndervaluedFair: $77.55Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNQ6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
30.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

Market CapQuality
$96.32B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
25.1%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
3.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
21.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.8%

EXE6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.1x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
22.0%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.269/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Operating MarginProfitability
26.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.70B8/10

Generating 1.7B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CNQ3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
3.422/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-1.2%2/10

Revenue declined 1.2%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-45.3%2/10

Earnings declined 45.3%

EXE3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.562/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-10.6%2/10

Revenue declined 10.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-45.5%2/10

Earnings declined 45.5%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CNQ

The strongest argument for CNQ centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.1% and operating margin at 21.8%.

Bull Case : EXE

The strongest argument for EXE centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.0% and operating margin at 26.3%.

Bear Case : CNQ

The primary concerns for CNQ are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : EXE

The primary concerns for EXE are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNQ carries more volatility with a beta of 0.88 — expect wider price swings.

CNQ is growing revenue faster at -1.2% — sustainability is the question.

EXE generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor OIL & GAS E&P industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

EXE scores higher overall (61/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 22.0% margins. CNQ offers better value entry with a 46.0% margin of safety. Both earn "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.

Expand Energy Corporation

ENERGY · OIL & GAS E&P · USA

Expand Energy Corporation is an independent exploration and production company in the United States. The company is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?