Royal Dutch Shell Q2 2014 Results 'More Robust' Says CEO

Royal Dutch Shell informs that its second quarter 2014 earnings, on a current cost of supplies (CCS) basis, were $5.1 billion compared with $2.4 billion for the same quarter a year ago. Earnings included an identified net charge of $1.0 billion after tax, mainly reflecting impairments which were partly offset by divestment gains.

Ben van Beurden, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Dutch Shell plc, statement
"Our financial performance for the second quarter of 2014 was more robust than year-ago levels but I want to see stronger, more competitive results right across the company, particularly in Oil Products and North America resources plays. Improvement of financial performance in these two parts of the business will take time, but I see early momentum, which we must maintain."of Royal Dutch Shell plc.

"Sharper accountability in the company means that we are targeting our growth investment more effectively, focusing on areas of the business where performance improvement is most needed, and driving asset sales in non-strategic positions.

"The impairments we have announced today in Upstream Americas reflect the restructuring of Shell’s resources plays portfolio. We see attractive growth opportunities there such as natural gas integration and liquids-rich shales.

"We are taking firm actions to improve Shell’s capital efficiency by selling selected assets and making tougher project decisions. We have completed some $8 billion of asset sales so far in 2014. This represents good progress towards our targets to focus the portfolio, and to maintain the financial framework in robust health.

"We’ve continued to ramp up production at Mars B in the Gulf of Mexico – part of Shell’s industry-leading deep-water portfolio – and our exploration programme is delivering, with new finds in the Gulf of Mexico and Malaysia.

"Our dividend for the second quarter of 2014 is 4% up from year-ago levels. We are expecting some $7 – $8 billion of share buybacks for 2014 and 2015 combined, of which $1.6 billion were completed in the first half of this year. These expected buybacks and dividend distributions are expected to exceed $30 billion over the two-year period. All of this underlines the company’s recent improved performance and future potential.”