Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ) vs Suncor Energy Inc. (SU)

SU leads on 11 of 17 compared metrics, though CNQ is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of Canadian Natural Resources Limited and Suncor Energy Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 20, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total returnCNQ vs SU

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 26y
CNQ +4919.9%SU +2045.6%CNQ compounded faster
01k2k3k4k5kStart $10020052010201520202025$5,020$2,146
CNQ SU

CNQ vs SU: by the numbers

  • CNQ is the larger company ($91.67B vs $73.50B market cap).
  • CNQ trades at the lower earnings multiple (13.01 vs 16.32 P/E).
  • CNQ converts more revenue to profit (23.94% vs 12.16% net margin).
  • CNQ grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.46% vs 13.46% CAGR).
  • CNQ pays the higher dividend yield (3.98% vs 2.77%).

Which is better, CNQ or SU?

Metric tally: CNQ 6 · SU 11

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueCNQ(lower P/E)
GrowthCNQ(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeCNQ(higher dividend yield)
QualitySU(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCNQSU
P/E ratio13.0116.32
Forward P/E10.786.60
P/S ratio3.121.96
P/B ratio3.992.25
PEG ratio0.114.56
EV / EBITDA6.885.25
FCF yield4.87%7.08%

Profitability

MetricCNQSU
Gross margin21.29%55.48%
Operating margin18.62%27.38%
Net margin23.94%12.16%
ROE30.65%13.92%
ROIC7.95%14.20%

Dividends

MetricCNQSU
Dividend yield3.98%2.77%
Payout ratio46.44%48.74%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCNQSU
Revenue CAGR (5Y)14.46%13.46%
EPS CAGR (5Y)13.65%16.24%
FCF CAGR (5Y)13.93%82.96%
Total return CAGR (5Y)29.10%30.43%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CNQ or SU?
It depends on your goal. value: CNQ (lower P/E); growth: CNQ (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: CNQ (higher dividend yield); quality: SU (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, SU leads 11 to 6.
Is CNQ or SU cheaper?
On trailing earnings, CNQ is cheaper: CNQ trades at a 13.01 P/E and SU at 16.32.
Which has grown faster, CNQ or SU?
Over the past five years, CNQ grew revenue faster — CNQ at a 14.46% CAGR versus SU at 13.46%.
Does CNQ or SU pay a bigger dividend?
CNQ yields 3.98% and SU yields 2.77% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CNQ or SU more profitable?
CNQ runs the higher net margin — CNQ at 23.94% versus SU at 12.16%.
Which has been the better investment, CNQ or SU?
Over the past 10-year, CNQ delivered the higher annualized total return — CNQ at 16.13% versus SU at 12.79%. 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 July 20, 2026.