SHELL INCOME $3.5 BLN
SHELL - Compared with the first quarter 2016, CCS earnings attributable to shareholders excluding identified items increased by $2.2 billion, mainly driven by higher contributions from Upstream and Chemicals, partly offset by higher net interest expense.
Cash flow from operating activities for the first quarter 2017 was $9.5 billion, which included negative working capital movements of $1.8 billion, compared with $0.7 billion in the first quarter 2016, which included negative working capital movements of $3.9 billion.
Total dividends distributed to shareholders in the quarter were $3.9 billion, of which $1.2 billion were settled by issuing 47.8 million A shares under the Scrip Dividend Programme.
Royal Dutch Shell Chief Executive Officer Ben van Beurden commented: "The first quarter 2017 was a strong quarter for Shell. Cash flow from operating activities of $9.5 billion and free cash flow of $5.2 billion enabled us to reduce debt, and cover our cash dividend for the third consecutive quarter. We saw notable improvements in Upstream and Chemicals, which benefited from improved operational performance and better market conditions.
Our operations in Qatar are restarting during the second quarter.
We continue to reshape Shell's portfolio and to transform the company with over $20 billion divestments completed or announced that will strengthen the balance sheet as they are completed.
The strategy we have outlined to deliver a world-class investment case is taking shape. Following the successful integration of BG, we are rapidly transforming Shell through the consistent and disciplined execution of our strategy. This includes investing around $25 billion this year and the delivery of new projects, which we expect to generate $10 billion in cash flow from operating activities by 2018."
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Earlier:
SHELL DIVESTS CANADA $7.25 BLN