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Sunoco LP (SUN)
NYSE:SUN
US Market

Sunoco (SUN) AI Stock Analysis

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SUN

Sunoco

(NYSE:SUN)

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Neutral 69 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:69Neutral
Price Target:
$69.00
▲(8.17% Upside)
Action:DowngradedDate:02/27/26
The score is driven primarily by improving but still mixed fundamentals: stronger 2025 revenue/cash flow offset by thin margins, declining net income, and elevated leverage. Technicals are notably constructive (strong uptrend with positive momentum), while valuation is balanced by a high P/E despite a strong dividend yield. Earnings-call guidance and integration-driven growth plans support the outlook, with execution (synergies/turnaround) and leverage as the main watch items.
Positive Factors
Cash generation
Sunoco’s materially higher 2025 operating cash flow and free cash flow demonstrate improved internal funding capacity. Strong absolute FCF supports maintenance and growth capex, distribution increases and debt paydown potential, providing durable financial flexibility if margins remain stable.
Scale & market position
The Parkland and TanQuid deals materially expand geographic reach and throughput, creating the largest independent fuel distribution footprint in the Americas. Greater scale improves purchasing power, terminal and pipeline utilization, and resilience across regional demand cycles, supporting sustainable top-line and margin opportunities.
Liquidity & capital plan
Substantial revolver capacity and explicit EBITDA guidance plus a disclosed annual M&A floor show disciplined capital allocation. This liquidity and clear plan allow execution of quick-return projects, targeted acquisitions and refinancing, bolstering the company’s ability to fund growth and sustain distributions over the medium term.
Negative Factors
Elevated leverage
Leverage near the 4x target and materially higher total debt raise refinancing and interest-rate sensitivity risks. High indebtedness constrains strategic flexibility, increases fixed obligations and reduces shock-absorption capacity if synergies or EBITDA undershoot, making long-term deleveraging a key execution item.
Thin, volatile margins
Despite revenue growth, net margins are low and volatile, limiting buffer for cost shocks or demand declines. Thin profitability reduces retained earnings and compresses cash conversion ratios, making distributions, reinvestment and debt reduction more reliant on sustained volume/margin improvements or successful synergy capture.
Execution & integration risk
A meaningful portion of 2026 upside depends on realizing Parkland synergies and smoothing refinery operations. Integration, channel optimization in new geographies and a planned 50-day refinery turnaround create execution risk; shortfalls would pressure EBITDA, distributable cash flow and the targeted distribution growth path.

Sunoco (SUN) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Sunoco Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSunoco LP, together with its subsidiaries, distributes and retails motor fuels in the United States. It operates in two segments, Fuel Distribution and Marketing, and All Other. The Fuel Distribution and Marketing segment purchases motor fuel from independent refiners and oil companies and supplies it to independently operated dealer stations, distributors and other consumer of motor fuel, and partnership operated stations, as well as to commission agent locations. The All Other segment operates retail stores that offer motor fuel, merchandise, foodservice, and other services that include credit card processing, car washes, lottery, automated teller machines, money orders, prepaid phone cards, and wireless services. It also leases and subleases real estate properties; and operates terminal facilities on the Hawaiian Islands. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 78 retail stores in Hawaii and New Jersey. Sunoco GP LLC serves as the general partner of the company. The company was formerly known as Susser Petroleum Partners LP and changed its name to Sunoco LP in October 2014. Sunoco LP was founded in 1886 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
How the Company Makes MoneySunoco generates revenue primarily through the sale of motor fuels and convenience store merchandise. The company's revenue model includes wholesale fuel distribution to a large network of branded and unbranded retail outlets, which comprise a significant portion of its business. Additionally, Sunoco operates company-owned and franchise convenience stores that provide a diverse range of products, including food, beverages, and automotive supplies. Key revenue streams include: 1) Fuel sales to retail and commercial customers, both through company-operated stations and dealer-operated locations; 2) Merchandise sales from convenience stores; 3) Fuel supply agreements with third-party retailers; and 4) Transportation and logistics services related to fuel distribution. Strategic partnerships with various suppliers and retailers bolster its market presence and enhance revenue opportunities.

Sunoco Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 17, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 06, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call emphasized multiple material achievements: record quarterly and annual adjusted EBITDA, significant pro forma volume and margin gains in fuel distribution driven by the Parkland acquisition, strong Q4 distributable cash flow, robust liquidity ($2.5B revolver availability) and a clear 2026 growth plan (guidance $3.1B–$3.3B, $125M synergy capture, at least $500M/year bolt-on M&A). Lowlights were present but mostly execution- and integration-related (one-time transaction costs, a planned refinery turnaround raising near-term maintenance capex and temporary disruption risk, margin variability, and dependence on synergy delivery). Overall, positives — including record results, clear capital allocation, and solid liquidity — materially outweigh the risks identified on the call.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Fourth Quarter Adjusted EBITDA
Reported record adjusted EBITDA of $706,000,000 in Q4 2025 (excluding ~ $60,000,000 of one-time transaction expenses).
Record Full-Year Adjusted EBITDA and Strong YoY Growth
Full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA (ex transaction expenses) was a record $2,120,000,000, a 36% increase versus prior year.
Strong Distributable Cash Flow and Distribution Increase
Q4 distributable cash flow as adjusted was $442,000,000. Declared distribution of $0.9317 per common unit, a 1.25% quarter-over-quarter increase and the fifth consecutive quarterly raise; trailing twelve-month coverage ratio finished at 1.9x.
Substantial Fuel Distribution Volume and Margin Expansion
Fuel distribution distributed 3.3 billion gallons in Q4, up 44% versus prior quarter and up 54% versus Q4 2024. Reported margin (CPG) expanded to 17.7¢/gal in the quarter versus 10.6¢/gal for 2024, driven by Parkland contribution and higher-margin geographies.
Segment-Level Strength — Pipelines and Terminals
Pipeline systems Q4 adjusted EBITDA $187,000,000 with throughput ~1.4M barrels/day (up vs prior quarter and flat YoY). Terminal segment Q4 adjusted EBITDA $87,000,000 with throughput ~715,000 bpd, both up YoY and QoQ, bolstered by Parkland terminals.
Refining Performance Improving Under New Ownership
New refining segment delivered Q4 adjusted EBITDA of $41,000,000 (two months of Parkland operations). Management reports improved refinery performance in 2025 and plans to stabilize and improve operations supporting Western Canada distribution.
Balance Sheet and Liquidity Strength
Ended the year with $2,500,000,000 available on the revolving credit facility and leverage at ~4.0x, in line with long-term target and described as stronger than at any time in company history.
Clear 2026 Growth and Synergy Targets
2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance of $3.1B–$3.3B. Expect to realize $125,000,000 of a $250,000,000 annual synergy target in 2026, with integration progressing well.
Defined Capital Allocation and M&A Growth Runway
Management expects maintenance capex $400M–$450M in 2026 (including refinery turnaround), a portfolio of at least $600,000,000 of quick-spend, quick-return projects, and a disclosed floor of at least $500,000,000 of bolt-on acquisitions annually.
Strategic Scale Expansion and Geographic Diversification
Closed Parkland and Tancwood transactions, expanding operations to 32 countries/territories and becoming the largest independent fuel distributor in the Americas; management views Parkland as accretive and a long-term 'home run.'
Negative Updates
One-Time Transaction Expenses Impact
Approximately $60,000,000 of one-time transaction-related expenses in the quarter were excluded from adjusted EBITDA, reducing reported GAAP results and indicating notable transaction costs.
Refinery Turnaround and Elevated Maintenance Capital
Planned 50-day maintenance turnaround at the refinery beginning in late January increases execution risk and contributes to higher maintenance capex expectations ($400M–$450M for 2026).
Margin Variability and CPG Sustainability Uncertainty
Q4 CPG rose sharply to 17.7¢/gal (helped by Parkland) but management cautioned quarter-to-quarter variability and that this level may not be a precise new baseline, creating some uncertainty on sustainable run-rate margins.
Integration and Optimization Risks in New Geographies
Management is actively optimizing volumes and channels in Canada and the Caribbean; these actions create short-term execution and reallocation risk as they implement gross profit optimization and channel management playbook.
Reliance on Synergy Realization for 2026 Guidance
2026 guidance assumes realization of $125,000,000 of synergies (half of the $250M annual target) and continued integration success; any shortfall could pressure guidance.
Leverage Near Upper Operating Target
Leverage finished the quarter at ~4.0x (management target), which, while intended, still represents elevated leverage relative to lower-debt peers and could constrain flexibility if earnings or synergies underperform.
Company Guidance
Sunoco’s 2026 guidance targets adjusted EBITDA of $3.1–$3.3 billion, assumes realization of ~$125 million of a $250 million annual Parkland synergy target in 2026, and contemplates a planned 50‑day refinery turnaround; maintenance capital is forecast at $400–$450 million, the company has at least $600 million of quick‑spend/quick‑return growth projects in the pipeline and a $500 million‑per‑year floor for bolt‑on M&A. Management reiterated a minimum 5% annual distribution growth goal (most recent distribution $0.9317/unit, up 1.25% quarter over quarter) with a trailing‑12‑month coverage ratio of 1.9x, target leverage around ~4x (current ~4x) and $2.5 billion revolver availability at year‑end; the guide is supported by 2025 results including Q4 adjusted EBITDA of $706 million (ex ~ $60 million transaction expenses), Q4 distributable cash flow as adjusted of $442 million, and full‑year adjusted EBITDA of $2.12 billion (up 36% y/y).

Sunoco Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Revenue and cash flow improved in 2025 (higher operating and free cash flow), but profitability remains thin and volatile as net income fell despite higher sales. Balance-sheet risk is a key offset with elevated leverage and materially higher total debt in 2025.
Income Statement
68
Positive
Revenue rebounded in 2025 (up ~15% YoY after modest declines in 2023–2024), showing improving top-line momentum. Profitability is positive but structurally thin for the industry: 2025 net margin was ~2.1% (down from ~3.2% in 2024) while EBITDA margin improved to ~6.4%. Net income fell in 2025 versus 2024 despite higher revenue, indicating margin pressure and a more volatile earnings profile.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
Leverage is elevated: 2025 debt-to-equity is ~2.0x (still high, though improved versus 2020–2023 levels that were ~4–6x). Total debt increased materially in 2025 versus 2024, which raises financial risk even as equity also grew. Returns on equity are positive but cooled in 2025 (~6.6%) after stronger prior-year performance, suggesting less efficient profitability relative to the capital base.
Cash Flow
62
Positive
Cash generation improved in 2025 with operating cash flow rising to ~$1.19B and free cash flow to ~$615M (strong growth versus 2024). However, cash conversion remains a watch item: free cash flow was only ~52% of net income in 2025 (better than 2024 but below the ~65–75% seen in 2020–2023). Operating cash flow relative to revenue is also low (~0.30% in 2025), implying tight cash efficiency despite higher absolute dollars.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue25.20B22.69B23.07B25.73B17.60B
Gross Profit2.10B1.73B1.18B1.19B1.17B
EBITDA1.82B1.03B829.00M870.00M887.00M
Net Income527.00M716.00M311.00M397.00M446.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets28.36B14.38B6.85B6.86B5.82B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments891.00M94.00M29.00M82.00M25.00M
Total Debt16.11B8.00B4.11B4.12B3.79B
Total Liabilities20.35B10.31B5.87B5.91B5.00B
Stockholders Equity8.01B4.07B978.00M942.00M811.00M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow615.00M205.00M385.00M375.00M369.00M
Operating Cash Flow1.19B549.00M600.00M561.00M543.00M
Investing Cash Flow-2.81B477.00M-288.00M-464.00M-387.00M
Financing Cash Flow2.41B-961.00M-365.00M-40.00M-228.00M

Sunoco Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price63.79
Price Trends
50DMA
56.68
Positive
100DMA
54.31
Positive
200DMA
52.35
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.92
Negative
RSI
76.83
Negative
STOCH
95.45
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SUN, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 63.79 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 60.13, above the 50-day MA of 56.68, and above the 200-day MA of 52.35, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 1.92 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 76.83 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 95.45 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for SUN.

Sunoco Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
80
Outperform
$5.47B10.4918.26%8.03%-3.51%3.75%
69
Neutral
$9.81B27.965.60%6.88%-5.18%-33.14%
65
Neutral
$15.17B7.614.09%5.20%3.87%-62.32%
62
Neutral
$2.47B-6.81%3.42%-22.37%-27.22%
62
Neutral
$9.70B16.256.21%4.26%-9.55%27.65%
54
Neutral
$4.60B-26.88-2.92%4.14%-15.35%-81.94%
47
Neutral
$2.51B92.813.77%10.50%-7.21%135.72%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
SUN
Sunoco
63.04
8.93
16.51%
CVI
CVR Energy
25.02
7.04
39.15%
DK
Delek US Holdings
40.93
25.91
172.41%
DINO
HF Sinclair Corporation
54.10
24.19
80.85%
UGP
Ultrapar Participacoes SA
4.78
2.17
83.14%
PBF
PBF Energy
39.76
19.99
101.14%

Sunoco Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Sunoco Upsizes Private Senior Notes Offering for Refinancing
Positive
Feb 27, 2026

On February 26, 2026, Sunoco LP announced it had priced an upsized private offering of $1.2 billion in senior notes, split between $600 million of 5.375% notes due 2031 and $600 million of 5.625% notes due 2034, both priced at par. The deal, increased from an initial $1.0 billion target, is expected to close on March 9, 2026, subject to customary conditions.

Sunoco plans to use the proceeds primarily to redeem in full NuStar Logistics’ 6.000% senior notes due 2026 and its own 6.000% senior notes due 2027, with any remaining funds earmarked for general partnership purposes, including potential debt repayment. The move effectively refinances higher-coupon debt with longer-dated obligations and may temporarily reduce borrowings under the revolving credit facility, signaling an effort to optimize the capital structure and extend the company’s debt maturity profile without accessing the public bond markets.

The most recent analyst rating on (SUN) stock is a Buy with a $68.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sunoco stock, see the SUN Stock Forecast page.

Financial DisclosuresPrivate Placements and FinancingRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Sunoco Announces $1 Billion Senior Notes Offering
Positive
Feb 26, 2026

On February 26, 2026, Sunoco LP announced a $1 billion private offering of senior notes, split between 2031 and 2034 maturities, aimed at refinancing higher-cost debt. The partnership plans to use proceeds, together with borrowings under its revolving credit facility, to redeem in full NuStar Logistics’ 6.000% senior notes due 2026 and Sunoco’s own 6.000% senior notes due 2027, with redemptions expected around March 9 and March 30, 2026, respectively, at par plus accrued interest.

In connection with the offering, Sunoco disclosed that as of February 23, 2026, it held $500 million in cash and cash equivalents, had about $338 million outstanding under its revolver and roughly $2.1 billion in remaining borrowing capacity. The partnership also furnished unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, giving investors additional visibility into its post-transaction capital structure and operating profile.

The most recent analyst rating on (SUN) stock is a Buy with a $67.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sunoco stock, see the SUN Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyDividendsFinancial DisclosuresM&A Transactions
Sunoco Posts Strong Q4 2025 Results, Lifts Distribution
Positive
Feb 17, 2026

On February 17, 2026, Sunoco LP and SunocoCorp LLC reported solid fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, highlighted by fourth-quarter net income of $97 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $706 million excluding one-time transaction expenses and Distributable Cash Flow, as adjusted, of $442 million. Although full-year net income fell to $527 million from $866 million in 2024, Adjusted EBITDA surged to $2.05 billion and Distributable Cash Flow, as adjusted, rose to $1.38 billion, underscoring stronger cash generation.

Segment performance showed robust gains in fuel distribution, terminals and the new refinery segment, while pipeline systems remained steady, reflecting a diversified asset base. Sunoco completed the acquisition of Parkland Corporation on October 31, 2025 and closed the TanQuid acquisition in January 2026, expanding its footprint and infrastructure and ending 2025 at its long-term leverage target of about four times, while delivering an eighth straight year of growth in Distributable Cash Flow per common unit.

The partnership raised its quarterly distribution by 1.25% for the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a fifth consecutive quarterly increase and reinforcing its capital allocation strategy centered on steady distribution growth. With long-term debt of about $13.4 billion, $2.5 billion in available liquidity and $651 million in 2025 capital spending skewed to growth projects, Sunoco LP appears positioned to integrate recent acquisitions, sustain infrastructure investment and support unitholder returns within its targeted leverage profile.

The most recent analyst rating on (SUN) stock is a Buy with a $60.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sunoco stock, see the SUN Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresM&A TransactionsRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Sunoco Finalizes Parkland Acquisition, Expands North American Footprint
Positive
Jan 16, 2026

On October 31, 2025, Sunoco LP, via SunocoCorp LLC, completed a previously announced strategic transaction to acquire all issued and outstanding common shares of Canada’s Parkland Corporation under a court-approved plan of arrangement, making Parkland an indirect wholly owned subsidiary and expanding Sunoco’s footprint in North American fuel distribution and retail. Following the closing, Sunoco filed an amended Current Report that supplements Parkland’s unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, and updated unaudited pro forma combined financial information, providing investors and other stakeholders with more detailed visibility into Parkland’s standalone performance and the combined entity’s capital structure, leverage and earnings profile after the acquisition.

The most recent analyst rating on (SUN) stock is a Hold with a $63.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sunoco stock, see the SUN Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyDividendsFinancial DisclosuresM&A Transactions
Sunoco Issues 2026 Guidance and Capital Allocation Outlook
Positive
Jan 6, 2026

On January 6, 2026, Sunoco LP issued its 2026 guidance, projecting full-year adjusted EBITDA between $3.1 billion and $3.3 billion, underpinned by an expected $125 million in synergies from the Parkland acquisition, a planned 50-day maintenance turnaround at the Burnaby Refinery starting at the end of January, the anticipated closing of the TanQuid acquisition in the first quarter, and at least $600 million in growth capital expenditures alongside $400 million to $450 million of maintenance capex. The partnership outlined a capital allocation strategy that includes a multi-year pipeline of bolt-on acquisitions of at least $500 million annually, a return to its long-term leverage target of four times in 2026, a targeted distribution growth rate of at least 5% with quarterly increase announcements, equal dividend equivalents for SunocoCorp investors, and an expected rise in distributable cash flow per common unit for the ninth consecutive year, signaling continued balance-sheet discipline and income growth for unitholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (SUN) stock is a Buy with a $70.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sunoco stock, see the SUN Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 27, 2026