Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ) Beats Profit Estimates in Q4 2025

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ) is included among the 12 Best Large Cap Energy Stocks to Buy Now.

Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ) Beats Profit Estimates in Q4 2025

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ) is a senior crude oil and natural gas production company, with continuing operations in its core areas located in Western Canada, the UK portion of the North Sea, and offshore Africa.

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ) reported its Q4 2025 results on March 5. The company’s adjusted EPS of C$0.82 exceeded estimates by C$0.12, with executives pointing to its ability to weather dramatic swings in oil prices thanks to a low-cost structure and diversification strategy. CNQ’s output surged by 12.8% YoY to ​a record 1.66 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) in the fourth quarter, while its total annual production for FY 2025 also jumped by 15% YoY to hit a record 1.57 million boepd.

Moreover, Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ) completed a strategic acquisition in the first quarter of 2026. As a result, the company increased its FY2026 production forecast to 1.62 million-1.67 million boepd, from 1.59 million-1.65 million boepd previously.

The strong performance enabled Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ) to reduce its net debt by C$2.7 billion in 2025, with long-term debt totaling C$15.94 billion at the end of the year. As a result, the company has decided to increase its shareholder returns to 75% of its free cash flow. Moreover, the management clarified that when the firm’s net debt levels fall to C$13 billion, it will target to increase shareholder returns to 100% of FCF.

While we acknowledge the risk and potential of CNQ as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than CNQ and that has 10,000% upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading into 2026 and 13 Undervalued Dividend Aristocrats to Buy Now.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.