Core Viewpoint - Shell has demonstrated strong operational performance under CEO Wael Sawan, consistently beating market expectations despite a significant drop in oil prices [1][2]. Financial Performance - Shell reported better-than-expected earnings in five of the last eight quarters, with a notable third-quarter earnings of $5.4 billion, surpassing the forecast of $5.1 billion [2]. - The company anticipates a year-on-year decline in headline earnings for 2025 by around 20%, attributed to a nearly 19% drop in Brent crude prices [4]. - For the fourth quarter, earnings are expected to decrease by approximately 10% year-on-year, with lower performance in downstream and chemicals divisions [5]. Production and Capital Returns - Shell's upstream business remains robust, with production expected between 1.84-1.94 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, an increase from 1.832 million in the previous quarter [6]. - The company has announced plans for $3.5 billion in share buybacks for the last two quarters, marking the 16th consecutive quarter of buybacks exceeding $3 billion [7][8]. Cost Management and Capital Deployment - Shell has raised its cost reduction target to a cumulative $5-7 billion by the end of 2028 and reduced its capital expenditure target to $20-22 billion between 2025 and 2028 [9]. - The company is considering selling its Vaca Muerta shale assets in Argentina, which could generate several billion dollars, aligning with Sawan's strategy to reshape Shell's portfolio [11]. Regional Focus and Investments - Shell is increasing its investments in Nigeria, with $5 billion allocated to the Bonga North deepwater project and $2 billion to the HI gas field, alongside plans for the Bonga Southwest project potentially involving up to $20 billion [13][14]. Strategic Considerations - Shell has ruled out a takeover bid for BP, which has seen a 25% increase in share price since the announcement [15]. - There are speculations about Shell potentially moving its main stock listing to New York to improve its market valuation compared to U.S. rivals [16].

Liquified natural gas was supposed to fill the gap between countries abandoning coal for power and renewable sources coming online. That bridge looks less necessary, writes @JavierBlas (via @opinion) https://t.co/JUd5QD3lOg ...

It is time for money, power, politics. We are obviously following major trade news tonight. The president announced a deal with South Korea, which of course is a key US trading partner with just two days to spare before the deadline. The deal officially sets the tariff rate on South Korean imports, which we pay for. They don't, at 15%. Also, as part of the deal, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik says, I'm going to slow this down. South Korea will provide $350 billion dollars for to to invest in the United St ...