Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ) vs Shell plc (SHEL)

A side-by-side comparison of Canadian Natural Resources Limited and Shell plc across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 15, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCNQ vs SHEL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CNQ +374.7% (+16.9%/yr)SHEL +187.3% (+11.1%/yr)CNQ compounded faster over this window
0100200300400500Start $10020182020202220242026$475$287
CNQ SHEL

CNQ vs SHEL: by the numbers

  • SHEL is the larger company ($252.24B vs $100.05B market cap).
  • SHEL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (9.92 vs 11.90 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CNQ converts more revenue to profit (24.42% vs 8.76% net margin).
  • CNQ grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.77% vs 7.75% CAGR).
  • SHEL pays the higher dividend yield (4.16% vs 3.64%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCNQSHEL
P/E ratio11.909.92
Forward P/E11.608.32
P/S ratio2.900.85
P/B ratio3.041.40
EV / EBITDA6.194.98
FCF yield6.70%12.45%

Profitability

MetricCNQSHEL
Gross margin21.29%17.12%
Operating margin18.62%12.28%
Net margin24.42%8.76%
ROE25.60%14.37%
ROIC7.95%5.65%

Dividends

MetricCNQSHEL
Dividend yield3.64%4.16%
Payout ratio46.44%61.69%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCNQSHEL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)13.77%7.75%
EPS CAGR (5Y)13.65%7.44%
FCF CAGR (5Y)9.62%8.90%
Total return CAGR (5Y)30.11%21.76%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CNQ or SHEL?
SHEL has the lower trailing P/E: CNQ trades at 11.90 and SHEL at 9.92. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CNQ or SHEL?
Over the past five years, CNQ grew revenue faster — CNQ at a 13.77% CAGR versus SHEL at 7.75%.
Does CNQ or SHEL pay a bigger dividend?
CNQ yields 3.64% and SHEL yields 4.16% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CNQ or SHEL more profitable?
CNQ runs the higher net margin — CNQ at 24.42% versus SHEL at 8.76%.
How have CNQ and SHEL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CNQ delivered 17.09% and SHEL delivered 11.15% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified August 15, 2026.