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.
CNQ
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
$47.97EnergyAt close: Aug 14, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
SHEL
Shell plc
$90.47EnergyDelayed quote: Aug 14, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CNQ vs SHEL
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCNQ +374.7% (+16.9%/yr)SHEL +187.3% (+11.1%/yr)CNQ compounded faster over this window
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
| Metric | CNQ | SHEL |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 11.90 | 9.92 |
| Forward P/E | 11.60 | 8.32 |
| P/S ratio | 2.90 | 0.85 |
| P/B ratio | 3.04 | 1.40 |
| EV / EBITDA | 6.19 | 4.98 |
| FCF yield | 6.70% | 12.45% |
Profitability
| Metric | CNQ | SHEL |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 21.29% | 17.12% |
| Operating margin | 18.62% | 12.28% |
| Net margin | 24.42% | 8.76% |
| ROE | 25.60% | 14.37% |
| ROIC | 7.95% | 5.65% |
Dividends
| Metric | CNQ | SHEL |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.64% | 4.16% |
| Payout ratio | 46.44% | 61.69% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CNQ | SHEL |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Canadian Natural Resources P/E ratioShell P/E ratioCanadian Natural Resources dividend yieldShell dividend yieldCanadian Natural Resources ROEShell ROECanadian Natural Resources operating marginShell operating marginCanadian Natural Resources revenue growthShell revenue growthCanadian Natural Resources free cash flowShell free cash flow
Canadian Natural Resources & Shell appear in these rankings
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.