Core Viewpoint - Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ) is expected to report first-quarter results on May 8, with earnings estimated at 73 cents per share and revenues of $6.8 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase in both earnings and revenues [1][3]. Group 1: Previous Quarter Performance - In the last reported quarter, CNQ missed the consensus earnings estimate, reporting adjusted earnings per share of 66 cents against an expectation of 69 cents, while total revenues of $6.8 billion exceeded estimates by 6.3% due to increased product sales [2]. - CNQ has had a mixed earnings surprise history, beating estimates twice in the last four quarters and missing twice, with an average surprise of 0.7% [2]. Group 2: Estimate Revisions and Predictions - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter 2025 earnings has remained unchanged over the past week, indicating a 43.14% year-over-year increase, while revenue estimates suggest an 11.21% increase from the previous year [3]. - CNQ's revenues are projected to rise to $6,395 million in the upcoming quarter, up from $6,115 million in the same quarter last year, driven by strong performance in the Exploration & Production and Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segments [5]. Group 3: Production and Operational Highlights - CNQ's oil sands mining and upgrading assets have shown strong production, averaging about 634,000 bbl/d in January and February 2025, with February marking the highest monthly gross production in its history at approximately 640,000 bbl/d [4]. - The company recently completed a swap with Shell, acquiring a 10% interest in the Scotford Upgrader and Quest Carbon Capture facilities, which enhances its production capacity by 31,000 bbl/d [3]. Group 4: Expense Considerations - CNQ is facing rising expenses across various segments, with North Sea expenses expected to increase to $254.2 million from $140 million year-over-year, and Offshore Africa expenses anticipated to rise to $88.6 million from $70 million [6]. - The Oil Sands Mining and Refining expenses are projected to increase to $2,186.5 million and $254.3 million, respectively, compared to $2,139 million and $241 million in the previous year [6].

Group 1 - Samuel Smith has extensive experience in dividend stock research and investment, having served as lead analyst and Vice President at notable firms [1] - He is a Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional with degrees in Civil Engineering & Mathematics and a Master's in Engineering focused on applied mathematics and machine learning [1] - Samuel leads the High Yield Investor investing group, collaborating with Jussi Askola and Paul R. Drake to balance safety, growth, yield, and value in investment strategies [2] Group 2 - High Yield Investor provides real-money core, retirement, and international portfolios, along with regular trade alerts and educational content for investors [2] - The service includes an active chat room for like-minded investors to share insights and strategies [2]

Group 1 - Canadian Natural Resources Limited has amended its Stock Option Plan to require shareholder approval for any amendments to the plan [1] - Shareholders are being asked to approve all unallocated stock options at the upcoming annual and special meeting on May 8, 2025 [2] - The company believes the amendment aligns with the policies of Institutional Shareholder Services and encourages shareholders to vote in favor [2] Group 2 - Canadian Natural is a senior crude oil and natural gas production company with operations in Western Canada, the U.K. North Sea, and Offshore Africa [3]

Group 1 - The article promotes a research service focused on various income-generating investment vehicles such as REITs, mREITs, Preferreds, BDCs, MLPs, and ETFs, highlighting its comprehensive nature and positive user feedback [1] - It mentions that there are 438 testimonials, with most being 5-star ratings, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction with the service [1] Group 2 - The article includes a disclosure from the analyst stating a beneficial long position in the shares of REXR and CNQ, which may influence the analysis presented [2] - It clarifies that the opinions expressed are those of the author and not influenced by any compensation from companies mentioned, ensuring transparency in the analysis [2]

Group 1: Oil Market Overview - Crude oil prices have fallen more than 15% in 2025, dropping below $60 a barrel, the lowest since 2021, due to fears of a global recession and OPEC+'s decision to accelerate the end of production cuts [1][4] - Saudi Arabia has significantly reduced its official selling prices, adding further pressure to the oil market [1][5] - OPEC+ announced a crude production increase of 411,000 barrels per day for May, which is three times more than expected, raising concerns about oversupply amid economic uncertainty [4][5] Group 2: Investment Opportunities in Energy Stocks - Large-cap, high-yield energy stocks such as Kinder Morgan, Canadian Natural Resources Limited, and Chevron are seen as stable investments during market uncertainty, offering steady dividends and resilience against market fluctuations [2][6] - These companies, with market capitalizations over $10 billion, are characterized by strong cash flows and durable business models, making them attractive for income-seeking investors [6][8] Group 3: Company Profiles - **Kinder Morgan**: A leading midstream energy infrastructure provider in North America with a market cap of approximately $56 billion and a projected 11.3% year-over-year earnings growth for 2025. It offers a quarterly dividend of 28.75 cents, yielding 4.6% [9][10] - **Canadian Natural Resources**: One of Canada's largest independent energy companies with a market cap of around $58 billion. It has a diversified portfolio and a quarterly dividend of 58.75 Canadian cents, yielding 6% annually, which is above the sector average [11][12] - **Chevron**: A major publicly traded oil and gas company with a market cap exceeding $250 billion. It has a projected 2.9% earnings growth for 2025 and offers a quarterly dividend of $1.71 per share, yielding 4.8% [12][13]

Group 1 - The article promotes iREIT on Alpha as a source for in-depth research on various income alternatives including REITs, mREITs, Preferreds, BDCs, MLPs, and ETFs [1] - It highlights the positive feedback from users, with 438 testimonials, most rated 5 stars, indicating a strong reputation in the market [1] Group 2 - The article includes a disclosure from the analyst stating a beneficial long position in shares of TPL, LB, and CNQ, indicating personal investment interests [2] - It clarifies that the opinions expressed are those of the author and not influenced by compensation from any company mentioned [2]

Board Composition and Governance - The Corporation's Board of Directors consists of 12 nominees, with 10 (83%) being independent directors[305]. - The attendance rate for all Board and Board committee meetings in 2024 was 99%[312]. - The Audit Committee is composed entirely of independent members, with two members qualifying as "audit committee financial experts" under SEC rules[317]. - The Corporation's governance practices comply with National Instrument 58-101 and NYSE Listing Standards applicable to foreign private issuers[302]. - The Lead Independent Director ensures the Board functions independently of management and chairs meetings of independent directors[309]. - The Board monitors the effectiveness of policy and decision-making to enhance long-term shareholder value[315]. - The Board has established a mandatory retirement policy for directors, with any director reaching the age of 78 not eligible for re-election[339]. - Over the past ten years, the Board has seen a renewal with four independent and three management directors retiring, and four independent and two management directors joining[340]. - The Corporation's Code of Integrity, Business Ethics and Conduct applies to all directors, officers, and employees, ensuring ethical business conduct[342]. - The Board has set a target for a minimum of 40% of independent directors to be women, currently achieving 40% representation among independent director nominees[351]. - The Corporation's Board composition includes four women, which is 40% of independent director nominees and 33.3% overall[351]. - The Corporation has not required or filed any material change reports related to the conduct of directors or executive officers in the most recent financial year[348]. - The Board consists of a majority of Independent Directors, ensuring independent judgment in decision-making[366]. - The Board's size is determined to be between three and fifteen members, allowing for effective governance[368]. Committees and Responsibilities - The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving the Corporation's compensation philosophy and programs for executive officers and employees[319]. - The Corporation's Corporate Management Committee, consisting of 19 senior management members, shares responsibilities typically associated with a CEO position[313]. - The Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee conducts annual self-assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the Board and its committees[326]. - The Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee reviews the adequacy of directors' compensation to reflect their responsibilities and time commitments[329]. - The Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee is responsible for identifying and recommending director nominations, ensuring a diverse and qualified Board[359]. - The Board has established five standing committees, including the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee, which are comprised entirely of Independent Directors[384]. - The Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee will conduct an annual self-assessment of the Board's performance and the performance of each committee[387]. Diversity and Inclusion - The Corporation's Diversity and Inclusion Policy aims to enhance diversity in Board composition and throughout the organization[351]. - The Board is committed to maintaining and enhancing diversity and is actively seeking opportunities to increase diversity as vacancies arise[351]. - Women represent 19% of the Corporation's overall leadership and 16% of the senior management team, with 22% of manager positions held by women[352]. - The Corporation encourages the advancement of women within the organization and aims for a diverse management team[395]. - The Corporation has adopted a Diversity and Inclusion Policy Statement to promote an inclusive work environment[351]. Risk Management and Compliance - The Corporation's management is committed to implementing effective enterprise risk management programs to monitor and control significant risks[334]. - The Corporation's health and safety programs are designed to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and monitor performance against key performance indicators[325]. - The Corporation maintains a process to ensure no preferential disclosure occurs during Shareholder engagement activities[400]. Executive Compensation and Share Ownership - The Corporation's compensation philosophy aims to attract and retain key executives while linking compensation to business objectives and long-term shareholder interests[324]. - Directors are required to acquire and hold Common Shares equal to a minimum aggregate market value of three times the annual retainer fee within five years of their appointment[391]. - The Corporation's share ownership guidelines for officers must be achieved within three years of appointment, with the Executive Chair and President required to hold shares valued at four times their base salary[392]. - The Corporation's Executive Compensation Recovery Policy applies to incentive-based compensation received on or after November 1, 2023, in the event of a financial restatement[410]. - The Company will recover excess equity compensation from Executive Officers if a Restatement is required due to noncompliance with financial reporting requirements[415]. - Under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, certain executives must reimburse the Company for incentive-based compensation received during the 12-month period following the issuance of a financial document[423]. Stock Option Plan - The Stock Option Plan aims to secure benefits of share ownership for directors, management, and employees, thereby aiding in retention and encouraging exceptional ability[424]. - The exercise price for Options shall not be lower than the closing market price on the last trading day preceding the date of grant[429]. - Options granted will become exercisable at times specified in the Stock Option Certificate, with potential for acceleration or postponement based on Board determinations[435]. - The Option Period for granted Options shall not exceed six years from the date of grant[434]. - The Company will not indemnify or provide insurance for repayments of incentive-based compensation as per the Policy[419]. - Recovery of incentive-based compensation does not preclude recovery under other statutory repayment requirements[420]. - The Board has the authority to amend the Policy and communicate changes to all applicable persons[418]. - The Company will recover proceeds from the sale of Underlying Shares related to excess portions of equity awards if those shares have been sold by the Executive Officer[422]. - The aggregate number of Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan is equal to 7% of the total number of issued and outstanding Shares, calculated on a non-diluted basis[449]. - If any Option or other security granted under this Plan expires or terminates without being exercised, any unpurchased Shares will be available for granting Options under this Plan[449]. - UK Approved Options cannot be granted if it would cause the aggregate Market Value of Shares acquired by that person to exceed certain limits[439]. - The exercise price per Share for UK Approved Options shall not be less than the Market Value of a Share on the date of grant[439]. - In the event of a Change of Control, all Options shall vest and become exercisable immediately prior to the Change of Control[451]. - The Corporation must notify each Optionee of a bona fide Offer for Shares, allowing them to exercise their Options to tender Shares[442]. - The Corporation is obligated to issue Shares or make Cash Payments only upon receiving necessary approvals from regulatory authorities[456]. - The Plan is subject to the approval of the Exchange and, if required, the shareholders of the Corporation[455]. - Any amendment to the Plan that increases the number of Common Shares issuable or reduces the exercise price of an outstanding Option requires shareholder approval[459]. - The Corporation shall maintain a register to record all benefits, rights, and options accruing to Participants under the Plan[454]. - The Corporation has granted Options to Participants, with specific classifications for UK Approved Options[460]. - No additional terms may be imposed on UK Approved Options without the approval of the Board of Inland Revenue[462]. - The Corporation does not guarantee the future market value of Shares issued under the Plan[463]. - The Plan is governed by the laws of the Province of Alberta, excluding any conflicting laws[464]. - The interpretation of terms in the Plan allows for singular and plural forms to be interchangeable[465]. - Any provision of the Plan that contravenes applicable laws will be amended to ensure compliance[466].

Group 1 - Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ) is a significant player in the oil and natural gas sector, valued at over $60 billion [2] - The company's share price has faced downward pressure due to market concerns [2] - The Value Portfolio employs a fact-based research strategy to identify investment opportunities, including thorough analysis of 10Ks, analyst commentary, and market reports [2]

Core Viewpoint - Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ) shows potential for upside based on Wall Street analysts' short-term price targets, with a mean target of $38.89 indicating a 26.6% upside from the current price of $30.72 [1] Price Target Analysis - The average of 17 short-term price targets ranges from a low of $34.10 to a high of $43.84, with a standard deviation of $3.19, suggesting a consensus among analysts [2] - The lowest estimate indicates an 11% increase, while the highest suggests a 42.7% upside, highlighting the variability in analysts' expectations [2][7] Earnings Estimates - Analysts are optimistic about CNQ's earnings prospects, as indicated by a trend of upward revisions in EPS estimates, which correlates with potential stock price increases [4][9] - Over the last 30 days, two estimates have increased, leading to a 7.6% rise in the Zacks Consensus Estimate [10] Zacks Rank - CNQ holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate factors, indicating strong potential for upside [11] Caution on Price Targets - While price targets can provide insights, relying solely on them for investment decisions may lead to disappointment, as they can often mislead investors [3][5][8]

Company Overview - Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ) is currently positioned as an intriguing investment choice due to solid earnings estimate revision activity and a favorable Zacks Industry Rank [1][5] - The company has seen a rise in earnings estimates, indicating a more bullish outlook from analysts regarding its short and long-term prospects [3][4] Industry Context - The Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - Canadian industry is experiencing positive trends, reflected in its Zacks Industry Rank of 35 out of over 250 industries, suggesting a strong position compared to other segments [2] - A rising tide in this industry is likely to benefit multiple securities, indicating a broad positive trend within the sector [2] Earnings Estimates - Current quarter earnings estimates for CNQ have increased from 69 cents per share to 76 cents per share over the past month [4] - Current year earnings estimates have also risen from $2.48 per share to $2.67 per share, reinforcing the company's solid position [4]