WallStSmart

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd (CNQ)vsVista Oil Gas ADR (VIST)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd generates 1232% more annual revenue ($38.63B vs $2.90B). VIST leads profitability with a 25.7% profit margin vs 25.1%. VIST trades at a lower P/E of 10.5x. VIST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

CNQ

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

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

VIST

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 9.0Value: 5.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.59
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CNQUndervalued (+45.4%)

Margin of Safety

+45.4%

Fair Value

$83.74

Current Price

$45.70

$38.04 discount

UndervaluedFair: $83.74Overvalued
VISTSignificantly Overvalued (-35.5%)

Margin of Safety

-35.5%

Fair Value

$41.35

Current Price

$74.42

$33.07 premium

UndervaluedFair: $41.35Overvalued

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
$98.47B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
25.1%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
21.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.8%

VIST5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.5x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
97.3%10/10

Revenue surging 97.3% year-over-year

Return on EquityProfitability
28.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
25.7%9/10

Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
24.9%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.9%

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%

VIST4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.594/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
1.453/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-252.57M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : VIST

The strongest argument for VIST centers on P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.7% and operating margin at 24.9%. Revenue growth of 97.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CNQ

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

Bear Case : VIST

The primary concerns for VIST are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNQ profiles as a declining stock while VIST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

CNQ carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.

VIST is growing revenue faster at 97.3% — sustainability is the question.

CNQ generates stronger free cash flow (856M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

VIST scores higher overall (68/100 vs 58/100), backed by strong 25.7% margins and 97.3% revenue growth. CNQ offers better value entry with a 45.4% margin of safety. 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.

Vista Oil Gas ADR

ENERGY · OIL & GAS E&P · USA

Vista Oil & Gas, SAB de CV, is dedicated to the exploration and production of oil and gas in Latin America. The company is headquartered in Mexico City, Mexico.

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