Shell PLC (LSE:SHEL, NYSE:SHEL) announced another $3.5 billion share buyback as it reported stronger third-quarter profits than expected for the third quarter. The FTSE 100-listed oil major said the buyback, which followed $5.7 billion of shareholder distributions in the quarter after it repurchased $3.6 billion of shares and paid out $2.1 billion in dividends, is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter results announcement.
Adjusted earnings rose to $5.43 billion, boosted by improved trading performance and higher margins.
Shares of Shell have climbed more than 16% so far this year, outperforming its industry peers.
SHEL's disciplined strategy, rising LNG strength and valuation edge make it look better positioned than its Big Oil rival.
BP PLC (LSE:BP.) and Shell PLC (LSE:SHEL, NYSE:SHEL) shares rose 3% and 2% respectively on Thursday after Washington unveiled sweeping new sanctions on Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, boosting crude prices.
The latest trading day saw Shell (SHEL) settling at $72.59, representing a +1.71% change from its previous close.
Shell (SHEL) is undervalued due to ESG concerns, but its real strength lies in disciplined cash generation and shareholder returns. Under CEO Wael Sawan, SHEL prioritizes capital discipline, cost control, and consistent shareholder distributions over aggressive green investments. Despite volatile earnings, SHEL's robust free cash flow fully funds buybacks and dividends, debunking concerns about unsustainable debt-fueled returns.
Spanish energy company Moeve has become the first external supplier of sustainable aviation fuel to join Shell's blockchain-based platform for scaling SAF use, the oil major told Reuters after a deal was signed.
SHEL's third-quarter 2025 update highlights LNG growth, upstream gains, refining strength and ongoing RES volatility amid Brazil impact and global energy market shifts.
Shell PLC (LSE:SHEL, NYSE:SHEL) said a strong performance from its Integrated Gas and Marketing businesses means that third-quarter trading is likely to remain broadly consistent with the second quarter. Ahead of a full Q3 results to be published at the end of the month, the oil & gas producer said group adjusted earnings are expected to be in line with the $4.3 billion reported in Q2 2025.
Shell expects a $600 million hit in the third quarter from abandoning its biofuels project in Rotterdam, it said on Tuesday, while flagging higher liquefied natural gas production and better trading results.
The decision by President Donald Trump administration to halt fully permitted offshore wind energy projects is "very damaging" to investment, President of Shell U.S. Colette Hirstius told the Financial Times in a report published on Sunday.