Canadian Natural Resources Ltd (CNQ)vsMerck & Company Inc (MRK)
CNQ
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd
$49.02
+1.32%
ENERGY · Cap: $102.25B
MRK
Merck & Company Inc
$119.37
+2.58%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $287.71B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Merck & Company Inc generates 68% more annual revenue ($65.01B vs $38.76B). MRK leads profitability with a 28.1% profit margin vs 27.9%. 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-
MRK
Buy59
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
-141.2%
Fair Value
$49.50
Current Price
$119.37
$69.87 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
Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.8%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
1.5% revenue growth
3.7% earnings growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 19.3%
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 : MRK
The strongest argument for MRK centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.1% and operating margin at 32.8%.
Bear Case : CNQ
The primary concerns for CNQ are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : MRK
The primary concerns for MRK are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNQ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.
MRK is growing revenue faster at 5.0% — 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 59/100), 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.
Merck & Company Inc
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Merck & Co. is an American multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Kenilworth, New Jersey. It is named after the Merck family, which set up Merck Group in Germany in 1668.
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