WallStSmart

APA Corporation (APA)vsCanadian Natural Resources Ltd (CNQ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd generates 346% more annual revenue ($38.76B vs $8.69B). CNQ leads profitability with a 27.9% profit margin vs 16.5%. CNQ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.42. CNQ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

APA

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 9.0Value: 5.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.12

CNQ

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

APAFair Value (-4.2%)

Margin of Safety

-4.2%

Fair Value

$27.13

Current Price

$39.11

$11.98 premium

UndervaluedFair: $27.13Overvalued
CNQUndervalued (+76.9%)

Margin of Safety

+76.9%

Fair Value

$175.97

Current Price

$49.02

$126.95 discount

UndervaluedFair: $175.97Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APA4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
30.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.6%

Return on EquityProfitability
25.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit

Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

CNQ6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
150.0%10/10

Revenue surging 150.0% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
372.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 372.3% YoY

Market CapQuality
$102.42B9/10

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
13.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

APA4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
4.472/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-28.0%2/10

Revenue declined 28.0%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-18.2%2/10

Earnings declined 18.2%

CNQ1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
3.422/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APA

The strongest argument for APA centers on P/E Ratio, Operating Margin, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.5% and operating margin at 30.6%.

Bull Case : CNQ

The strongest argument for CNQ centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.9% and operating margin at 19.6%. Revenue growth of 150.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : APA

The primary concerns for APA are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth.

Bear Case : CNQ

The primary concerns for CNQ are PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

CNQ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.

CNQ is growing revenue faster at 150.0% — 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 62/100), backed by strong 27.9% margins and 150.0% revenue growth. 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.

APA Corporation

ENERGY · OIL & GAS E&P · USA

APA Corporation is the holding company for Apache Corporation, a company engaged in hydrocarbon exploration. It is organized in Delaware and headquartered in Houston.

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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.

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