March 5 (Reuters) - Canadian Natural Resources ( CNQ )

surpassed analysts' expectations for fourth-quarter profit on

Thursday, benefiting from higher oil production.

The Calgary, Alberta-based oil and gas producer posted an

adjusted profit of 82 Canadian cents ($0.6010) per share for the

three months ended December 31, compared with analysts' average

estimate of 69 Canadian cents, according to data compiled by

LSEG.

($1 = 1.3645 Canadian dollars)