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IMO vs XOM
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Imperial Oil (IMO) vs. ExxonMobil (XOM) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- IMO and XOM are both integrated energy companies, but IMO is a Canadian oil-sands-focused operator majority-owned by ExxonMobil, while XOM is a diversified global supermajor with upstream, downstream, and chemical segments.
- Both stocks have rallied sharply in recent months, yet XOM has traded to all-time highs on stronger crude prices, while IMO's advance has come with more uneven upstream volumes and cautious refinery throughput guidance.
- XOM's earnings have beaten consensus estimates in recent quarters, whereas IMO posted a first-quarter earnings miss and faces a more divided analyst view, including several sell ratings.
- Investors can learn more about each company's latest developments and daily price action by visiting the IMO Major News and IMO Today's Price Move pages, as well as the XOM Major News and XOM Today's Price Move pages.
- For automated, data-driven market analysis across thousands of tickers, explore the Trending AI Robots collection, where curated AI trading bots are matched to current market conditions.
Introduction
This stock comparison examines two integrated energy producers at different scales and stages of the same commodity cycle. IMO (Imperial Oil Limited) is a Canadian integrated operator concentrated in oil sands, refining, and chemicals, while XOM (ExxonMobil Holdings Corporation) is one of the world's largest diversified energy and petrochemical companies. With crude oil prices elevated by geopolitical supply risks, both names have delivered strong relative performance. Investors weighing a focused, higher-beta oil-sands play against a globally diversified supermajor—and those tracking momentum, dividends, and growth catalysts—may find this comparison useful for understanding how these two stocks are positioned in the current market environment.
IMO Overview and Recent Performance
Imperial Oil Limited operates across the full Canadian petroleum value chain, with oil-sands assets at Kearl, Cold Lake, and Syncrude, alongside refining, distribution, and chemical operations under the Esso and Mobil brands. In recent market activity, IMO shares have risen meaningfully year to date, supported by higher commodity prices and a shareholder-friendly capital return program that includes 31 consecutive years of dividend growth and an accelerated share-repurchase plan. However, the picture has been mixed: first-quarter adjusted earnings missed consensus estimates, and upstream volumes have shown uneven performance tied to unplanned downtime at Syncrude. A second-quarter profit more than doubled from the prior year, aided by stronger bitumen and synthetic crude realizations. Sentiment has also been shaped by IMO's participation in the Pathways carbon capture initiative, which links future oil-sands growth to emissions infrastructure, and by a divided analyst community that includes several sell ratings despite the stock's advance.
XOM Overview and Recent Performance
ExxonMobil Holdings Corporation is a global integrated energy major with upstream production concentrated in the Permian Basin and offshore Guyana, plus large refining and chemical segments. In recent weeks, XOM has traded at record highs, with its market capitalization surpassing $750 billion as West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed above $100 per barrel on Middle East supply concerns. The company's first-quarter earnings beat consensus, and second-quarter net income more than doubled year over year, supported by record diesel production, advantaged Guyana and Permian volumes, and cumulative structural cost savings. XOM has maintained 43 consecutive years of dividend increases and continued large buybacks, while its fifth Guyana production vessel is expected to start up by the end of the year. This diversified exposure has helped XOM capture value beyond crude production, though refining and chemical earnings remain sensitive to product spreads and demand.
Trending AI Robots
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most defining contrast between IMO and XOM is scale and diversification. XOM's global upstream, refining, and chemical footprint gives it multiple earnings levers and lower single-asset risk, whereas IMO's returns are more tightly concentrated in Canadian oil-sands economics and heavy-oil differentials. Growth drivers also differ: XOM's catalysts center on Permian expansion and Guyana vessel startups, while IMO's growth optionality lies in in-situ projects such as Aspen and cost improvements at Kearl. On momentum, both stocks have climbed strongly, but XOM's move to record highs reflects cleaner earnings beats, whereas IMO's rally has coexisted with a consensus earnings miss and a more cautious analyst stance. Risk profiles diverge as well—IMO carries exposure to carbon-policy shifts tied to oil-sands expansion, while XOM faces geopolitical and downstream-spread risks. In terms of market sentiment, XOM holds a broadly positive consensus, while IMO's sentiment is more divided despite its strong year-to-date performance.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings momentum, catalyst visibility, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would currently lean toward XOM over IMO. XOM has demonstrated a steadier upward trend into record-high territory, delivered consecutive earnings beats, and holds a clearer near-term catalyst pipeline through Guyana and Permian growth. IMO's advance, while substantial, has been accompanied by more uneven production results, a consensus earnings miss, and a divided analyst outlook. This suggests XOM presently offers comparatively stronger trend stability and more balanced risk-reward characteristics, though the assessment is probabilistic and reflects current market conditions rather than a 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 Buy and XOM is a Hold.
Momentum Indicator for IMO turns positive, indicating new upward trend
IMO saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 28, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 75 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 61 of the 75 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 81%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 33 of 47 cases where IMO's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for IMO just turned positive on October 12, 2026. Looking at past instances where IMO's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 32 of 48 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
IMO moved above its 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
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 11 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 65%.
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%.
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 36 of the 52 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 69%.
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%.
IMO broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 16, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for IMO entered a downward trend on October 16, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 4 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 26, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 40 (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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 42 (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 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 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 (2.721) is slightly higher than the industry average of (1.710). P/E Ratio (16.096) is within average values for comparable stocks, (11.510). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.090) is also within normal values, averaging (1.088). Dividend Yield (0.018) settles around the average of (0.047) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.763) is also within normal values, averaging (3.764).
XOM's MACD Histogram crosses above signal line
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for XOM turned positive on October 06, 2026. Looking at past instances where XOM's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 36 of 49 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 01, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on XOM as a result. In 64 of 91 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
Following a +2.87% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where XOM advanced for three days, in 232 of 371 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 192 of 312 cases where XOM Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 62%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 21 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where XOM 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 44%.
XOM broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 30, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 4 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 26, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 7 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. XOM’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 9 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding 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 SMR rating for this company is 62 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly weaker than average sales and a marginally 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 87 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued 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: XOM's P/B Ratio (2.968) is slightly higher than the industry average of (1.710). XOM has a moderately high P/E Ratio (24.099) as compared to the industry average of (11.510). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.392) is also within normal values, averaging (1.088). Dividend Yield (0.022) settles around the average of (0.047) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.911) is also within normal values, averaging (3.764).
IMO | XOM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 45 | 48 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 66 Overvalued | 87 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 4 | 4 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 52 | 62 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 40 | 7 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 42 | 9 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 65 | 55 |
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.
IMO's Valuation (66) in the Integrated Oil industry is in the same range as XOM (87). This means that IMO’s stock grew similarly to XOM’s over the last 12 months.
IMO's Profit vs Risk Rating (4) in the Integrated Oil industry is in the same range as XOM (4). This means that IMO’s stock grew similarly to XOM’s over the last 12 months.
IMO's SMR Rating (52) in the Integrated Oil industry is in the same range as XOM (62). This means that IMO’s stock grew similarly to XOM’s over the last 12 months.
XOM's Price Growth Rating (7) in the Integrated Oil industry is somewhat better than the same rating for IMO (40). This means that XOM’s stock grew somewhat faster than IMO’s over the last 12 months.
XOM's P/E Growth Rating (9) in the Integrated Oil industry is somewhat better than the same rating for IMO (42). This means that XOM’s stock grew somewhat faster than IMO’s over the last 12 months.
| IMO | XOM | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 63% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 49% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 81% | 2 days ago 70% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 73% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 74% | 2 days ago 64% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 64% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 73% | 2 days ago 63% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 60% | 12 days ago 44% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 58% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 62% |
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 XOM’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s).
- IMO’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- XOM’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 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 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while XOM’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- IMO’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- XOM’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
IMO (@Integrated Oil) experienced а +2.45% price change this week, while XOM (@Integrated Oil) price change was +2.21% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Integrated Oil industry was -2.05%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +6.68%, and the average quarterly price growth was +5.91%.
Reported Earning Dates
IMO is expected to report earnings on Jan 29, 2027.
XOM is expected to report earnings on Feb 02, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Integrated Oil (-2.05% 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 SU. These tickers have moved in lockstep 82% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if IMO jumps, then SU could also see price increases.