Shell Announces Earnings Of $6.9 Billion
Royal Dutch Shell’s first quarter 2011 earnings, on a current cost of supplies (CCS) basis, were $6.9 billion compared with $4.9 billion a year ago. Basic CCS earnings per share increased by 40% versus the same quarter a year ago.
First quarter 2011 CCS earnings, excluding identified items, were $6.3 billion compared with $4.8 billion in the first quarter 2010, an increase of 30%. Basic CCS earnings per share, excluding identified items, increased by 29% versus the same quarter a year ago.
Royal Dutch Shell Chief Executive Officer Peter Voser said, “Our first quarter 2011 earnings have risen from year-ago levels, driven by higher industry margins and our own operating performance.”
Voser added that “We continue to make good progress in implementing our strategy; improving near-term performance, delivering a new wave of production growth, and maturing the next generation of growth options for shareholders.”
Cash flow from operating activities for the first quarter 2011 was $8.6 billion. Excluding net working capital movements, cash flow from operating activities in the first quarter 2011 was $13.1 billion, compared with $10.4 billion in the same quarter last year.
Net capital investment for the quarter was $1.7 billion. Total cash dividends paid to shareholders during the first quarter 2011 were $1.6 billion. Some 31.1 million Class A shares, equivalent to $1.1 billion, were issued under the Scrip Dividend Programme for the fourth quarter 2010.
According to Voser, Shell “announced new asset sales and cost savings programmes, as part of Shell’s focus on continuous improvement, to enhance our profitability and performance. Shell sold $3.2 billion of non-core positions, including tight gas assets in South Texas, in the quarter. Exits from non-core positions continue, with the announcements of further disposals, with proceeds mainly expected during 2011-2012. These additional disposals include refining capacity in the United Kingdom, and marketing positions in Chile and several African countries. This will enhance our competitive performance, and improve our customer and partner focus.”