WallStSmart

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd (CNQ)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd generates 1466% more annual revenue ($38.76B vs $2.47B). CNQ leads profitability with a 27.9% profit margin vs 24.9%. CNQ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.42. CNQ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

CNQ

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.5Value: 6.7Quality: 5.0

WTRG

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.7Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.74
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CNQUndervalued (+55.2%)

Margin of Safety

+55.2%

Fair Value

$90.72

Current Price

$47.85

$42.87 discount

UndervaluedFair: $90.72Overvalued
WTRGUndervalued (+47.4%)

Margin of Safety

+47.4%

Fair Value

$71.13

Current Price

$37.54

$33.59 discount

UndervaluedFair: $71.13Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNQ6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
371.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 371.8% YoY

Market CapQuality
$99.29B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
25.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
27.9%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.31B8/10

Generating 2.3B in free cash flow

WTRG5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Operating MarginProfitability
32.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.4%

Profit MarginProfitability
24.9%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
17.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.7%8/10

15.7% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

CNQ2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.5%4/10

1.5% revenue growth

PEG RatioValuation
3.422/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

WTRG4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.622/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-30.0%2/10

Earnings declined 30.0%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-240.78M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CNQ

The strongest argument for CNQ centers on EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.9% and operating margin at 19.6%.

Bull Case : WTRG

The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.9% and operating margin at 32.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CNQ

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

Bear Case : WTRG

The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNQ profiles as a value stock while WTRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

WTRG is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.

CNQ generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CNQ scores higher overall (67/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 27.9% margins. WTRG offers better value entry with a 47.4% 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.

Essential Utilities Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA

Essential Utilities, Inc. operates regulated utilities that provide water, wastewater, or natural gas services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

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