10:31 AM EDT, 10/07/2025 (MT Newswires) -- RBC Capital Markets said Tuesday that Suncor Energy ( SU ) remains its favorite integrated oil company in Canada as RBC outlined its preview of the third-quarter earnings season.

Canadian Natural Resources ( CNQ ) is RBC's favorite producer while Athabasca Oil ( ATHOF ) , Baytex Energy ( BTE ) and Cardinal Energy (CJ.TO) round out RBC's roster of outperform-rated companies.

RBC said it remains research restricted on Cenovus Energy ( CVE ) , MEG Energy ( MEGEF ) and Strathcona Resources ( STHRF ) .

RBC estimates that three of Canada's oil sands weighted majors -- Canadian Natural Resources ( CNQ ), Suncor Energy ( SU ) and Imperial Oil ( IMO ) -- saw their free funds flow generation climb 38% sequentially to $4.7 billion in the third quarter, with share buybacks of $2.5 billion, up $1.4 billion quarter over quarter.

The third-quarter earnings season will kick off Oct. 29 with Athabasca Oil ( ATHOF ) scheduled to release its results after market close.

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