Exxon signals sharp profit drop, cites low natgas prices, refining margins
HOUSTON, July 5 (Reuters) - Exxon Mobil Corp on Wednesday signaled second-quarter operating profits fell sharply on lower natural gas prices and weaker oil refining margins, according to a regulatory filing.
Operating earnings dropped to about $7.8 billion from $17.85 billion a year earlier, when surging oil and gas prices after Russia's invasion of Ukraine boosted global energy results to record levels.
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U.S. natural gas futures on Wednesday were trading close to lowest level in two years, at $2.657 per million British thermal units, amid lower consumption levels in Europe.
Exxon's second-quarter outlook also slipped from record first quarter profit of $11.4 billion, according to a Reuters compilation of estimates by business units.
Wall Street is looking for per-share profit of $2.27 for the quarter ended June 30, according to Refinitiv. The stock closed on Wednesday at $106.91 a share, roughly flat year to date.
Results from pumping oil and gas - Exxon's largest and most profitable business - fell about $2.2 billion from the $6.5 billion delivered in the first quarter, the tally showed. Lower natural gas prices reduced operating profit by about $2 billion, the filing showed.
Weaker refining margins also reduced operating results at its gasoline and diesel business by another $2.1 billion, Exxon said in a preview of factors affecting second quarter earnings.
Chemicals business performed better in the quarter with operating earnings indicating quarterly profits of $800 million, twice the level from the first quarter.
Official results are due on July 28. (Additional reporting by Arshreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila and David Gregorio)