Published -June 14th, 2023 @ 4:30 PM (GMT+2 )

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Reviving Investor Confidence

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Shell (NYC:SHEL) , the renowned British energy company, outlined an enhanced financial plan on Wednesday to rekindle investor faith that took a hit following its energy transition strategy. The new agenda was revealed by CEO Wael Sawan, ahead of an investor conference held in New York.

Increased Shareholder Distribution and Dividends

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Shell's strategy, focusing on financial solidity and shareholder value, boosts shareholder distribution to 30%-40% of cash flow from operations, up from the prior 20%-30%. This move encompasses a substantial 15% surge in dividends and upscales the rate of its share buyback scheme to $5 billion, a significant increase from the recent $4 billion.

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Outperforming Amid Energy Transition Skepticism

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The plan is crucial in Sawan's endeavor to elevate Shell's share performance amid a period when the company's shift away from oil and gas met with skepticism due to the thriving energy prices and low returns from the burgeoning renewables and low-carbon businesses. Despite posting a record-breaking profit of $40 billion last year, many investors sidestepped the British energy firm.

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Elevating Shell's Share Performance

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As a testament to Sawan's strategy, Shell's shares experienced a 1.5% hike at 1204 GMT, outperforming the 1% increase observed in the index of European oil and gas firms.

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"We will invest in models yielding highest returns and aligning with our strengths, focusing on performance, discipline, and simplification," stated Sawan, who began his tenure in January.

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Dividend Surge and Competitive Edge

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The dividend increase, rounding to 33 cents per share, marks the sixth surge since the unprecedented dividend cut by nearly two-thirds in April 2020, a consequence of the global COVID-19 pandemic. RBC analyst Biraj Borkhataria affirmed that the escalated payout ratio would maintain Shell's competitiveness.

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Shell's New Oil Output Strategy

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On the production front, Shell has abandoned its earlier goal to slash oil output by 20% by 2030, having already achieved most of the target with a production of approximately 1.5 million barrels of oil per day in Q1 2023. It now aims to hold steady its oil production through 2030, while amplifying its natural gas business, solidifying its status as the top player in the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market.

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Reduced Capital Expenditure and BP Comparison

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The company is reducing its capital expenditure to $22 billion - $25 billion per annum for 2024-2025, down from the planned $23 billion - $27 billion in 2023. Shell's move mirrors that of its rival BP earlier this year.

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Scrapping Low-Yield Projects

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Recent decisions from Sawan included scrapping several projects across the offshore wind, hydrogen, and biofuels due to the anticipated low returns. Shell also announced a strategic review of energy and chemical assets in Singapore's Bukom and Jurong Islands.

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Commitment to Net-Zero Emissions Amid Potential Production Increase

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Despite the potential for increased fossil fuel production, Shell pledges to remain committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The company is striving for a 20% reduction in its 2030 emissions intensity, even as absolute emissions might rise. Shell's ambitious environmental commitment meets a backdrop of a Dutch court ruling that has demanded the company cut emissions, against which it has appealed drastically.

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