Canadian Natural Resources Ltd (CNQ)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)
CNQ
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd
$49.02
+1.32%
ENERGY · Cap: $102.25B
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$311.70
+1.25%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $219.68B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd generates 44% more annual revenue ($38.76B vs $26.88B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 27.9%. MCD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.74. CNQ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
CNQ
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
MCD
Buy53
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
-31.1%
Fair Value
$237.84
Current Price
$311.70
$73.86 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
Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 45.1%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Generating 1.6B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
1.5% revenue growth
3.7% earnings growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : MCD
The strongest argument for MCD centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.9% and operating margin at 45.1%.
Bear Case : CNQ
The primary concerns for CNQ are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNQ profiles as a value stock while MCD is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNQ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.
MCD is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — 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 53/100), 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.
McDonald’s Corporation
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
McDonald's Corporation is an American fast food company, founded in 1940 as a restaurant operated by Richard and Maurice McDonald, in San Bernardino, California, United States. They rechristened their business as a hamburger stand, and later turned the company into a franchise, with the Golden Arches logo being introduced in 1953 at a location in Phoenix, Arizona.
Visit Website →Compare with Other OIL & GAS E&P Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?