Should You Add Canadian Natural Stock to Your Portfolio Now?

Core Insights - Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ) is one of Canada's largest independent energy producers with a diversified portfolio that includes crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, operating in Western Canada, the North Sea, and offshore West Africa [1][2] - The company has a long-life, low-decline asset base that generates reliable cash flows and maintains flexibility in capital allocation, ensuring resilience across cycles [1][10] - CNQ has demonstrated strong performance, with shares increasing by 18.5% over the past six months, outperforming both the Oil & Gas Drilling sub-industry and the broader energy sector [3][6] Financial Performance - Canadian Natural has maintained its dividend commitment for 25 consecutive years, achieving a compounded annual growth rate of 21% over this period, with a quarterly dividend of 58.75 Canadian cents, resulting in an annual yield of approximately 5.4% [5][7] - The company returned C$1.2 billion in dividends in the second quarter of 2025, significantly above the sector average of 3.8% [5][6] Strategic Acquisitions - CNQ has a strong track record of prudent acquisitions, including the $8.5 billion purchase of the Athabasca Oil Sands Project in 2017, which enhanced its asset base and cash flow generation [8][9] - Recent acquisitions, such as the Palliser Block and Montney assets, have added significant production capacity and reserves, positioning the company for sustainable free cash flow growth [9] Operational Efficiency - Canadian Natural's breakeven oil price is among the lowest in the sector, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) breakeven levels in the low-to-mid $40 per barrel range, allowing the company to maintain cash flow even in weaker commodity price environments [10] - The company achieved an average production of about 1.42 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOE/d) in the second quarter of 2025, a 10.5% increase from the previous year, driven by organic developments and acquisitions [11][12] Market Position - CNQ's diversified portfolio and disciplined capital management position it as a best-in-class energy producer, with strong free cash flow and a proven ability to deliver value through various market cycles [13] - The stock's performance reflects investor confidence in its growth trajectory, making it an attractive option for those seeking reliable income and long-term growth [13]