Investing.com -- Shares of Shell (LON:SHEL) rose Wednesday after the company reported robust third-quarter results, with earnings exceeding analysts' expectations.
Shell's net income reached $6 billion, higher than consensus estimates of $5.4 billion, driven by strong performance in its upstream and integrated gas businesses, according to analysts from UBS and RBC Capital.
The company maintained its $3.5 billion share buyback program, further supporting investor confidence in Shell's capital return strategy.
Shell's adjusted earnings came in at $6.03 billion, down 4% from last year but bolstered by higher integrated gas volumes and favorable tax movements, which helped offset lower refining margins and oil prices.
Adjusted EBITDA was reported at $16 billion, above consensus estimates, and operating cash flow stood at $12 billion, aligning with expectations.
UBS noted that this was led by a stronger-than-anticipated performance in the upstream division, which exceeded consensus by 10%.
In addition to solid earnings, Shell lowered its 2024 capital expenditure forecast to under $22 billion, a move RBC Capital sees as supportive of future cash flows.
Net debt decreased to $35.2 billion from $38.3 billion, bringing gearing down to 15.7%, compared to 17% last quarter, which RBC Capital highlighted as a positive sign of Shell's financial resilience.
Looking forward, Shell has guided for higher integrated gas production in Q4. It is expected to be approximately 900 - 960 thousand boe/d. LNG liquefaction volumes are expected to be approximately 6.9 - 7.5 million tonnes. The company said it will maintain its focus on capital discipline.
RBC said in a note that Shell's buyback program and dividend distribution remain well-supported by its "fortress balance sheet."
With Q3 performance exceeding many analysts' expectations, RBC Capital described the results as "a strong set of numbers once again."