Sunoco LP (SUN) received a notable endorsement from Justin Jenkins of Raymond James on January 5, 2026, when he upgraded the stock to a Strong Buy, citing an aggressive price target of $70. This recommendation spotlights not only the firm’s recent performance but also its significant upside potential given its current price of $53.44. For investors, this rating warrants attention in the context of the broader energy sector dynamics and Sunoco’s unique positioning within it.
Recent Price Action
In the past trading sessions, Sunoco’s stock has demonstrated a measured upward trajectory, closing at $53.44—a 1.35% increase today. While the price remains $10.75 below its 52-week high, the stock is notably above its 52-week low of $11.38, indicating a recovery from earlier volatility. Trading volumes have been relatively consistent, with 439,186 shares changing hands against an average volume of 585,622, suggesting muted but steady investor interest. Notably, the stock’s beta of 0.498 indicates lower volatility compared to the broader market, attracting investors seeking stability in turbulent times.
Short- and Long-Term Performance
A comprehensive analysis of Sunoco’s performance reveals mixed results across various timeframes. Over the past 30 days, the stock has seen a slight decline of 1.6%, but this is juxtaposed against a quarterly surge of 7.2%. The annual performance remains notable, suggesting resilience; however, specific yearly data has not been disclosed. Furthermore, the stock has registered a weekly volatility of 1.76 and a monthly volatility of 1.72, underscoring the market’s cautious sentiment. With an average volume over 10 days at 324,776, investors are engaging steadily but not overwhelmingly, reflecting a wait-and-see approach to market developments.
Earnings / Financials
In its latest earnings report, Sunoco posted an EPS of $1.57, surpassing analyst expectations of $1.54. This earnings surprise of approximately 1.95% highlights the company’s ability to outperform forecasts, which is an encouraging sign for potential investors considering the quality and predictability of its earnings. This follows a prior report where the company faced challenges, posting just $0.33 against an estimate of $1.68. The stark contrast in performance between these quarters emphasizes Sunoco’s capacity for growth and resilience, perhaps contributing to the recent upgrade by Raymond James.
Analyst / Consensus View
The sentiment around Sunoco LP remains overwhelmingly positive among analysts. Raymond James lists three strong buy ratings without any holds or sells, reflecting a clear consensus at this time. The average price target sits at $64, while the highest target mirrors Jenkins’ at $70, indicating significant upside potential. The lack of dissenting opinions among analysts suggests confidence in Sunoco’s growth trajectory and reinforces the attractiveness of the stock within current investment strategies.
Stock Grading or Fundamental View
Sunoco LP boasts a Stocks Telegraph grading score of 47, a metric that summarizes its overall health and investment potential based on a holistic analysis of the company’s financial indicators and market data. While this score does not place the company among top-tier performers, it certainly signals adequate fundamentals and an acceptable positioning in the market. Investors may view this as a foundation for further evaluation, particularly in identifying opportunities linked to operational strengths or sector trends.
Conclusion
For investors considering a position in Sunoco LP, the stock presents an attractive proposition, especially for those targeting long-term growth within the energy sector. The company’s recent earnings performance, alongside the strong buy rating from Raymond James, highlights its potential for substantial upside. However, the stock’s volatility metrics should remind prospective investors of inherent risks, particularly in the context of broader economic conditions that can impact the energy landscape. By observing market developments and the company’s strategic maneuvers, prudent investors can assess their appetite for entering a position in Sunoco LP as it continues to navigate its growth path.