APA Corporation (APA)vsCanadian Natural Resources Ltd (CNQ)
APA
APA Corporation
$38.22
-6.08%
ENERGY · Cap: $13.09B
CNQ
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd
$45.70
-2.85%
ENERGY · Cap: $98.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd generates 362% more annual revenue ($38.63B vs $8.37B). CNQ leads profitability with a 25.1% profit margin vs 18.3%. APA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.62. APA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (B+).
APA
Strong Buy80
out of 100
Grade: B+
CNQ
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+26.1%
Fair Value
$50.09
Current Price
$38.22
$11.87 discount
Margin of Safety
+45.4%
Fair Value
$83.74
Current Price
$45.70
$38.04 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 38.5%
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 32.2% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 21.8%
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 11.9%
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 1.2%
Earnings declined 45.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : APA
The strongest argument for APA centers on P/E Ratio, Operating Margin, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.3% and operating margin at 38.5%. PEG of 0.62 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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%.
Bear Case : APA
The primary concerns for APA are Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : CNQ
The primary concerns for CNQ are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNQ carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.
CNQ is growing revenue faster at -1.2% — sustainability is the question.
CNQ generates stronger free cash flow (856M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor OIL & GAS E&P industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
APA scores higher overall (80/100 vs 58/100), backed by strong 18.3% margins. 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.
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.
Visit Website →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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