Shell Plc ADR (Representing - )
Q1 2026 Earnings
Market Reaction
S&P 500 over the same 30 days: +0.75%.
Did SHEL Beat Earnings? Q1 2026 Results
Shell plc posted a sharply stronger first quarter in 2026, reporting earnings per share of $1.22 on revenue of $69.69 billion, as a dramatic recovery in trading and optimisation activity across its Downstream and Renewables businesses powered adjusted earnings to $6.92 billion, more than doubling from $3.26 billion in the prior quarter. The Chemicals and Products segment was the standout, swinging to adjusted earnings of $1.93 billion from a loss of $66 million in Q4 2025, aided by refinery utilisation climbing to 99% and improved refining margins. GAAP income attributable to shareholders rose to $5.69 billion, while adjusted EBITDA reached $17.74 billion. The results arrived against a complex operational backdrop, with an attack on Shell's Pearl GTL facility in Qatar in March and Strait of Hormuz disruptions weighing on LNG volumes and lifting net debt to $52.61 billion. Looking ahead, Shell guided Q2 2026 LNG liquefaction volumes of 6.8 to 7.4 million tonnes, reflecting continued conflict-related constraints, while announcing a $3 billion share buyback and advancing its $13.60 billion acquisition of ARC Resources.
- Higher contributions from trading and optimisation across Downstream, Renewables and Energy Solutions
- Higher realised prices from liquid products and upstream operations
- Higher refining margins with refinery utilisation at 99%
- Lower operating expenses across the group declining to $8,716 million from $9,559 million
- Higher Lubricants margins from improved unit margins and seasonally higher volumes
- Chemicals manufacturing plant utilisation improved to 85% from 76%
- ROACE improved to 9.9% from 9.4% in Q4 2025
- Underlying operating expenses declined to $8,585 million from $9,436 million sequentially
- Cash flow from operating activities excluding working capital movements was $17,241 million vs $8,164 million in Q4 2025
Forward Guidance & Outlook
Full year 2026 cash capital expenditure is expected to be $24-$26 billion, including ~$4 billion related to the ARC Resources acquisition. For Q2 2026: Integrated Gas production is expected at 580-640 thousand boe/d; LNG liquefaction volumes approximately 6.8-7.4 million tonnes (reflecting Middle East conflict impact including Qatar and higher planned maintenance). Upstream production is expected at 1,620-1,820 thousand boe/d with higher planned maintenance. Marketing sales volumes expected at 2,500-2,700 thousand b/d. Refinery utilisation expected at 91%-99%; Chemicals manufacturing plant utilisation at 76%-84%. Corporate Adjusted Earnings expected to be a net expense of approximately $600-$800 million in Q2 2026.
SHEL YoY Financials
SHEL Revenue by Segment
Figures from SEC filings and company reports. Not investment advice.