Shell plans to increase shareholder returns by focusing on liquefied natural gas (LNG)

Shell announced on Tuesday plans to increase shareholder dividends, prioritize share buybacks, and reduce capital expenditures, aiming to create greater value with lower emissions.

In its statement, the company revealed that it will expand liquefied natural gas (LNG) sales—the primary driver of profit growth in recent years—by 4% to 5% annually until 2030, allowing it to return more cash to investors through share repurchases.

The British oil company stated that it will boost shareholder distributions to 40%-50% of cash flow from operations, up from the previous range of 30%-40%, and remains committed to a progressive dividend increase of 4% annually.

The London-based company also plans to increase overall oil and gas production by 1% annually until 2030.

CEO Wael Sawan stated in the announcement: "We aim to become the world's leading LNG company. Today, we are raising the bar on our key financial targets, investing in areas where we have competitive advantages, and delivering more for our shareholders