Shell Launches $3.5 Billion Share Buyback Program
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1h ago
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Should l Buy SHEL?
Source: Newsfilter
- Program Launch: Shell has announced the initiation of a $3.5 billion share buyback program over approximately three months, aimed at reducing the company's issued share capital, thereby enhancing earnings per share and shareholder value.
- Market Operation Arrangement: The program will be executed through irrevocable contracts with a single broker, expected to be completed before the Q1 2026 earnings announcement, demonstrating the company's sensitivity to market conditions and ability to respond flexibly.
- Buyback Scale and Limits: The maximum number of ordinary shares to be repurchased is capped at 400 million, in accordance with the authorities granted by shareholders at the 2025 Annual General Meeting, ensuring compliance and transparency in the buyback process.
- Compliance and Regulation: The buyback program will adhere to Chapter 9 of the UK Listing Rules and the EU Market Abuse Regulation, ensuring operations within the legal framework and further enhancing investor confidence.
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Analyst Views on SHEL
Wall Street analysts forecast SHEL stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for SHEL is 74.27 USD with a low forecast of 41.75 USD and a high forecast of 91.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
10 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
5 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 77.630
Low
41.75
Averages
74.27
High
91.00
Current: 77.630
Low
41.75
Averages
74.27
High
91.00
About SHEL
Shell plc is an international energy company engaged in the principal aspects of the energy and petrochemical industries. The Company's segments include Integrated Gas, Upstream, Marketing, Chemicals and Products, Renewables and Energy Solutions, and Corporate. The Integrated Gas segment includes liquefied natural gas (LNG), conversion of natural gas into gas-to-liquids (GTL) fuels and other products. It includes natural gas and liquids exploration and extraction, and the operation of the upstream and midstream infrastructure. The Upstream segment includes exploration and extraction of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids. It also markets and transports oil and gas and operates the infrastructure necessary to deliver them to the market. The Marketing segment comprises the Mobility, Lubricants, and Sectors & Decarbonization businesses. The Chemicals and Products segment includes chemicals manufacturing plants with their own marketing network, and refineries.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Earnings Growth Projection: Shell is projected to report a 9.3% increase in fourth-quarter earnings on February 5, with an estimated EPS of $1.29, indicating resilience in profitability despite anticipated revenue decline.
- Revenue Decline Expected: Revenue is expected to reach $65.82 billion, reflecting a 0.7% year-on-year decrease, which indicates market caution regarding growth amid fluctuating global oil prices.
- Production Outlook Adjustment: The company has adjusted its integrated gas production forecast to between 930 and 970 kboe/d, with LNG liquefaction volumes expected between 7.5 and 7.9 MT, demonstrating adaptability to changing market demands.
- Shareholder Return Pressure: Despite previously committing to allocate 40%-50% of cash flow to dividends and buybacks, Shell is expected to reduce its quarterly repurchase amount from $3.5 billion to $3 billion, reflecting a cautious strategy in response to declining oil prices.
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- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Shell declares a quarterly dividend of $0.372 per share, with ADS holders receiving $0.744 per ADS, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to stable cash flow and shareholder returns.
- Dividend Payment Schedule: The dividend for ordinary shareholders will be payable on March 30, with a record date of February 20 and an ex-dividend date of February 19, ensuring timely returns for investors and bolstering confidence in the stock.
- Share Buyback Program: Shell initiates a $3.5 billion share buyback program expected to be completed within three months, aimed at enhancing earnings per share and rewarding shareholders, indicating the company's confidence in its future financial health.
- Future Outlook: The buyback program is set to conclude before the company's Q1 2026 results announcement, signaling Shell's positive outlook on future performance while providing additional returns to shareholders.
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- Significant Profit Growth: Shell's pre-tax income for Q4 reached $6.898 billion, a substantial increase from last year's $4.205 billion, indicating strong profitability despite a slight revenue decline.
- Earnings Per Share Surge: Net income attributable to shareholders skyrocketed from $928 million ($0.15 per share) last year to $4.134 billion ($0.71 per share), reflecting successful strategies in cost control and market demand.
- Share Buyback Initiative: Shell announced a $3.5 billion share buyback program expected to be completed before the Q1 2026 results, aimed at enhancing shareholder returns and boosting market confidence.
- Future Production Outlook: The company projects Q1 Integrated Gas production to be approximately 920,000 to 980,000 boe/d, with LNG liquefaction volumes expected to be around 7.4 to 8.0 million tonnes, indicating ongoing growth potential in future markets.
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- Dividend Amount: Shell plc has announced an interim dividend of $0.372 per ordinary share for Q4 2025, reflecting the company's ongoing profitability and commitment to shareholder returns, which is expected to bolster investor confidence.
- Payment Options: Shareholders can elect to receive dividends in US dollars, euros, or pounds sterling, providing flexibility to meet diverse investor needs and potentially attracting more international investors.
- Key Dates: The dividend announcement date is February 5, 2026, with the ex-dividend date for ordinary shares set for February 19, 2026, ensuring shareholders are promptly informed about dividend payment arrangements, thus enhancing transparency.
- Reinvestment Plans: Shell offers Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRIPs) that allow shareholders to use their dividends to purchase company shares, further enhancing long-term investment value for shareholders and strengthening the company's capital base.
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- Program Launch: Shell has announced the initiation of a $3.5 billion share buyback program over approximately three months, aimed at reducing the company's issued share capital, thereby enhancing earnings per share and shareholder value.
- Market Operation Arrangement: The program will be executed through irrevocable contracts with a single broker, expected to be completed before the Q1 2026 earnings announcement, demonstrating the company's sensitivity to market conditions and ability to respond flexibly.
- Buyback Scale and Limits: The maximum number of ordinary shares to be repurchased is capped at 400 million, in accordance with the authorities granted by shareholders at the 2025 Annual General Meeting, ensuring compliance and transparency in the buyback process.
- Compliance and Regulation: The buyback program will adhere to Chapter 9 of the UK Listing Rules and the EU Market Abuse Regulation, ensuring operations within the legal framework and further enhancing investor confidence.
See More
- Significant Revenue Growth: Shell reported $17.838 billion in income attributable to shareholders for Q4 2025, a 90% increase from Q4 2024, primarily driven by asset disposal gains and recovering market demand, demonstrating resilience under adverse market conditions.
- Adjusted Earnings Decline: The adjusted earnings for Q4 2025 stood at $18.529 billion, down 22% year-over-year, reflecting pressures from tax movements, rising operating expenses, and declining market prices, indicating challenges in cost control and market adaptability.
- Strong Free Cash Flow: Free cash flow for Q4 2025 reached $26.052 billion, despite cash outflows from investing activities totaling $16.812 billion, showcasing the company's robust cash generation capability to support future shareholder returns and reinvestment plans.
- Shareholder Return Program: Shell announced a $3.5 billion share buyback program expected to be completed by Q1 2026, further enhancing shareholder confidence while reflecting the company's optimistic outlook on future cash flows.
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