The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that RBC analyst Greg Pardy, in a recent report previewing the quarterly results titled Quite the Mixed Bag, reaffirmed Canadian Natural Resources as his "favourite senior producer" heading into earnings season. The Globe's David Leeder writes that the Calgary-based company remains on the firm's "Global Top 30" and "Global Energy Best Ideas" lists. Mr. Pardy has reaffirmed his "outperform" recommendation and $94 share target for Canadian Natural. Analysts on average target the shares at $96.56. Mr. Pardy says in a note: "Our fourth quarter outlook for Canadian Natural reflects production of 1.42 million boe/d, up 2 per cent sequentially which includes record quarterly SCO production of 494,100 bbl/d from Canadian Natural's Horizon/AOSP segment, with oil sands mining operating costs of $22.29/bbl amid realizations of $101/bbl and a 14-per-cent royalty rate. Our production outlook also factors in Canadian oil and liquids volumes (excluding mining) of 525,000 bbl/d, with Canadian natural gas volumes of 2.2 bcf/d. Also included within our fourth quarter outlook are cash taxes of $571-million, capital spending of $1.13-billion and share repurchases of $1.55-billion."