Energy stocks were rising pre-bell Thursday, with The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) up 0.2%.

The United States Oil Fund (USO) was down 0.3% and the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 1.1% lower.

Front-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil was down 0.4% at $72.36 per barrel at the New York Mercantile Exchange. Global benchmark North Sea Brent crude oil lost 0.3% to reach $76.34 per barrel, and natural gas futures were down 0.9% at $3.14 per 1 million British Thermal Units.

Valero Energy (VLO) shares were up over 2% after the company reported lower Q4 adjusted earnings and revenue that still topped analyst expectations.

Murphy Oil (MUR) stock was down 4% after the company reported lower Q4 adjusted earnings and revenue.

Shell (SHEL) shares were up over 1% after the company said it has launched a $3.50 billion stock buyback plan for a total contract term of about three months to reduce its issued share capital. The company, separately, reported lower Q4 adjusted earnings and revenue.