Canadian Natural Resources(CNQ) ZACKS·2025-05-05 10:35Core 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 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 6,115 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 140 million year-over-year, and Offshore Africa expenses anticipated to rise to 70 million [6]. - The Oil Sands Mining and Refining expenses are projected to increase to 254.3 million, respectively, compared to 241 million in the previous year [6].