
"Shell's Strong Performance: Profit Beats Estimates and Dividend Hikes Amid Cooling Energy Prices"
Shell reported a drop in annual profits to $28.2bn in 2023 from $39.9bn in 2022, attributed to lower energy prices following the surge caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The company paid £178m in UK windfall tax for 2022 and confirmed a total tax payment of £1.1bn in the UK for 2023. Despite the decline in profits, Shell plans to increase its dividend by 4% and initiate a $3.5bn share buyback program. The company's strong results were driven by its gas division, with expectations of continued unpredictability in oil and gas prices due to geopolitical tensions. Shell's chief executive emphasized a focus on delivering more value with fewer emissions in 2024.




