Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM) -1.4% in Wednesday's trading after saying its Q4 earnings were hurt by lower crude prices and narrower refining margins, in a sign that the quarter may have been a tough one for the big oil companies.

Exxon Mobil profits will likely miss fourth-quarter-earnings estimates by close to 20%, one analyst argued as he trimmed his numbers. While Exxon Mobil expects changes in gas prices to improve earnings by up to $400 million,

ExxonMobil's results, scheduled for release on Jan. 31, will serve as a bellwether for the oil industry, offering insights into the broader challenges faced by energy majors. In the third quarter, ExxonMobil posted $8.6 billion in earnings, but the current forecast signals a stark contrast as the company navigates a tough operating environment.

Shell, the world's largest LNG trader, said trading results for the division in the fourth quarter would be significantly lower than in the previous three months due to the expiry of hedging contracts Shell took in 2022 to protect itself against a potential loss of Russian production following the invasion of Ukraine.

By 03:28 ET, the US crude futures (WTI) climbed 0.8% to $74.87 a barrel, while the Brent contract rose 0.7% to $77.56 per barrel. Both contracts were close to their highest levels since mid-October.

Exxon Mobil Corp.’s shares fell after the company warned its fourth-quarter earnings will take a hit from lower crude prices and narrowing refining margins during the final three months of 2024.

Exxon Mobil shares fell nearly 2% in early trading on Wednesday after the top U.S. oil producer warned of a decline in refining profits in the fourth quarter and weak returns across its operations.

Exxon Mobil Corp.’s stock fell 0.5% early Wednesday, after the oil giant said lower oil prices and pressure on refining margins would weigh on fourth-quarter earnings. Oil prices measured by the U.S.