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IMO vs SU
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Imperial Oil (IMO) vs. Suncor Energy (SU) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both IMO and SU are integrated Canadian energy companies that have benefited from higher oil prices and wider refining margins in recent quarters.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: SU (Suncor Energy) currently presents the more favorable combination of trend consistency, cash generation, and balance-sheet strength.
- SU offers greater scale and stronger recent momentum, while IMO stands out for a very low break-even cost and the backing of majority shareholder ExxonMobil.
- Both companies beat analyst earnings estimates in their most recent quarterly reports, with refining margins and geopolitical supply pressures lifting results across the sector.
- For more detail, explore IMO Major News and IMO Today's Price Move, as well as SU Major News and SU Today's Price Move.
- To see how automated systems are positioning across the market, visit the Trending AI Robots page.
Introduction
Imperial Oil Limited (IMO) and Suncor Energy Inc. (SU) are two of Canada's largest integrated energy producers, spanning oil sands extraction, refining, and fuel marketing. Because both companies are highly sensitive to crude prices and refining spreads, they are frequently compared by investors seeking exposure to the Canadian energy complex. This stock comparison is especially relevant for traders and investors evaluating relative performance, cash-return policies, and how each company is positioned in an environment marked by elevated oil prices and geopolitical supply disruptions. Understanding the trade-offs between these two names can help clarify which profile better suits a given market outlook.
IMO Overview and Recent Performance
Imperial Oil is a Calgary-based integrated energy company majority-owned by ExxonMobil, operating across upstream production, downstream refining, and chemicals. Its flagship assets include the Cold Lake and Kearl oil sands projects and the Syncrude joint venture. In recent weeks, IMO reported third-quarter results that exceeded analyst expectations, with net income of roughly C$2.45 billion and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of about C$5.11, above the consensus of approximately C$4.70. Higher refining margins and improved bitumen realizations helped offset lower production, which was affected by third-party pipeline outages and planned maintenance. Imperial's management has emphasized a break-even cost of about US$35 per barrel and a disciplined approach of returning surplus cash to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. Sentiment has been supported by strong cash generation, though some analysts have flagged valuation concerns given the stock's strong run higher.
SU Overview and Recent Performance
Suncor Energy is Canada's largest integrated energy company, operating oil sands production, offshore assets, refineries, and the Petro-Canada retail network. In its most recent quarterly report, SU posted net earnings of about C$3.81 billion, more than double the prior-year period, with adjusted EPS of roughly C$3.97 versus a consensus near C$3.28. Adjusted funds from operations reached a record, and free funds flow more than doubled, reflecting stronger realized prices, wider refining margins, and higher-value export sales. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 10% and increased monthly share repurchases to C$750 million, while net debt fell sharply year over year. Suncor also agreed to divest its non-core offshore East Coast assets, streamlining its portfolio around its integrated oil sands and refining operations.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron offers a large catalog of AI trading bots that monitor and trade thousands of different tickers, each with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, and performance statistics. Rather than presenting every available bot, the Trending AI Robots page highlights a curated selection of the bots currently considered best suited to prevailing market conditions. This section lets investors and traders compare bots across different performance metrics, risk profiles, and the specific tickers they follow, providing a practical way to evaluate how automated systems are positioning themselves. Browsing the Trending AI Robots page can offer additional perspective on momentum and strategy selection in the current environment.
Head-to-Head Comparison
From a business-model standpoint, both IMO and SU are integrated producers, but they differ in scale and diversification. Suncor is meaningfully larger by market capitalization and production, with a broader retail footprint through Petro-Canada, while Imperial is more tightly focused and benefits from ExxonMobil's operational and technical support. On growth drivers, both rely on oil sands output and refining economics, but Suncor has placed greater emphasis on maximizing refinery utilization and export sales, whereas Imperial highlights low-cost barrels and long-life oil sands growth potential. Risk factors also diverge: Imperial's concentration in fewer major assets and its heavier reliance on buybacks introduce valuation and execution considerations, while Suncor's larger, more diversified base provides a degree of operational flexibility. Recent momentum has favored SU, supported by record cash flow and an improving balance sheet, while IMO has delivered strong earnings but faces more cautious analyst ratings.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability, cash-flow momentum, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI currently leans toward SU (Suncor Energy). The combination of record funds from operations and free funds flow, a strengthening balance sheet with sharply reduced net debt, rising dividends, and expanded buybacks provides a more consistent and diversified set of positive signals than IMO exhibits at present. While Imperial Oil's low break-even cost and ExxonMobil affiliation remain meaningful strengths, its smaller scale and more cautious analyst consensus weigh on its relative profile. This assessment is probabilistic in nature and reflects current market data rather than a fixed or guaranteed outcome.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is IMO is a StrongBuy and SU is a Buy.
IMO's Stochastic Oscillator slumps oversold zone
The Stochastic Oscillator for IMO moved into oversold territory on November 06, 2026. Be on the watch for the price uptrend or consolidation in the future. At that time, consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The 10-day moving average for IMO crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 17 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Following a +5.69% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where IMO advanced for three days, in 265 of 362 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
IMO may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 261 of 361 cases where IMO Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 72%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for IMO moved out of overbought territory on October 22, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 52 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 32 of the 52 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 62%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 02, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on IMO as a result. In 45 of 75 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 60%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for IMO turned negative on November 04, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 48 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 29 of the 48 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 60%.
IMO moved below its 50-day moving average on November 04, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where IMO declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 60%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 5 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 31, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. IMO’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 52 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 66 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: IMO's P/B Ratio (2.460) is slightly higher than the industry average of (1.516). P/E Ratio (14.549) is within average values for comparable stocks, (10.246). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.090) is also within normal values, averaging (1.088). Dividend Yield (0.020) settles around the average of (0.053) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.763) is also within normal values, averaging (3.764).
SU in upward trend: price may ascend as a result of having broken its lower Bollinger Band on November 04, 2026
SU may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 26 of 30 cases where SU's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 87%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 2 days, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
Following a +2.43% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SU advanced for three days, in 250 of 362 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 218 of 300 cases where SU Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 73%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for SU moved out of overbought territory on October 27, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 48 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 31 of the 48 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 65%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 02, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on SU as a result. In 47 of 77 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 61%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for SU turned negative on October 29, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 50 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 30 of the 50 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 60%.
SU moved below its 50-day moving average on November 05, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SU declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 57%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 8 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 31, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 39 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. SU’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 48 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 53 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.669) is normal, around the industry mean (1.516). P/E Ratio (9.178) is within average values for comparable stocks, (10.246). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.230) is also within normal values, averaging (1.088). Dividend Yield (0.025) settles around the average of (0.053) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.887) is also within normal values, averaging (3.764).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 81 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
IMO | SU | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 37 | 36 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 66 Overvalued | 53 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 5 | 8 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 52 | 48 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 45 | 39 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 58 | 81 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 65 | 75 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
SU's Valuation (53) in the Integrated Oil industry is in the same range as IMO (66). This means that SU’s stock grew similarly to IMO’s over the last 12 months.
IMO's Profit vs Risk Rating (5) in the Integrated Oil industry is in the same range as SU (8). This means that IMO’s stock grew similarly to SU’s over the last 12 months.
SU's SMR Rating (48) in the Integrated Oil industry is in the same range as IMO (52). This means that SU’s stock grew similarly to IMO’s over the last 12 months.
SU's Price Growth Rating (39) in the Integrated Oil industry is in the same range as IMO (45). This means that SU’s stock grew similarly to IMO’s over the last 12 months.
IMO's P/E Growth Rating (58) in the Integrated Oil industry is in the same range as SU (81). This means that IMO’s stock grew similarly to SU’s over the last 12 months.
| IMO | SU | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 62% | 2 days ago 65% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 77% | 2 days ago 80% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 2 days ago 61% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 2 days ago 60% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 57% | 2 days ago 53% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 69% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 73% | 9 days ago 69% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 2 days ago 57% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 76% | 2 days ago 87% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 72% | 2 days ago 73% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
IMO’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while SU’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- IMO’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- SU’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
IMO’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while SU’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- IMO’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- SU’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
IMO (@Integrated Oil) experienced а -9.61% price change this week, while SU (@Integrated Oil) price change was -13.45% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Integrated Oil industry was -11.78%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -7.06%, and the average quarterly price growth was -0.65%.
Reported Earning Dates
IMO is expected to report earnings on Jan 29, 2027.
SU is expected to report earnings on Feb 03, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Integrated Oil (-11.78% weekly)Integrated oil companies are involved across nearly the entire oil value chain – from upstream operations like exploration and production, to downstream functions of refining and marketing. Exxon Mobil Corporation, Chevron Corporation and BP are major integrated oil companies. Their bottom lines’ response to crude oil prices could depend on the proportion of upstream vs. downstream businesses; for example, if a company has substantial downstream business, the adverse impact on their upstream business due to falling crude prices could be mitigated by benefits to its downstream business.
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IMO and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, IMO has been closely correlated with CVE. These tickers have moved in lockstep 83% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if IMO jumps, then CVE could also see price increases.
SU and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, SU has been closely correlated with CVE. These tickers have moved in lockstep 85% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if SU jumps, then CVE could also see price increases.