British oil big Shell on Thursday reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter revenue, boosted by larger refining margins and strong oil buying and selling.
Shell reported adjusted earnings of $7.7 billion for the primary three months of the yr, beating analyst expectations of $6.5 billion, in line with an LSEG-compiled consensus.
A yr earlier, the corporate posted adjusted earnings $9.6 billion over the identical interval and $7.3 billion for the ultimate three months of 2023.
Shell CEO Wael Sawan described the outcomes as “one other quarter of sturdy operational and monetary efficiency.”
The corporate introduced a $3.5 billion share buyback program, which it expects to finish over the following three months. Its dividend stays unchanged.
Shell shares are up almost 10% year-to-date.
Shell’s first-quarter revenue was down roughly 20% in comparison with the identical interval a yr earlier, reflecting a broader power trade pattern.
U.S. oil giants Exxon Mobil and Chevron, in addition to France’s TotalEnergies and Norway’s Equinor, all reported a steep year-on-year fall in first-quarter earnings final week.
The world’s largest oil and gasoline majors posted file full-year earnings in 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Extra lately, nevertheless, revenues have been hit by tumbling gasoline costs.
Spot gasoline costs in Europe have fallen greater than 45% over the past yr, due partially to gentle winter climate and an abundance of provides.
Shell’s British rival BP is scheduled to report its first-quarter earnings on Could 7.