Europe’s largest oil company by revenue reported adjusted earnings of $5.1 billion Thursday during the period — less than half the $11.5 billion it reported a year ago. The result was also driven by lower production volumes and lower margins in its oil refining business, Shell said in a statement. The company’s stock fell 2% in London.
Shell said it would buy back $3 billion worth of shares over the next three months and, subject to board approval, “at least” $2.5 billion following its third-quarter results. “Shell delivered strong operational performance and cash flows in the second quarter, despite a lower commodity price environment,” CEO Wael Sawan said. — This is a developing story and will be updated.