Shell reported better-than-expected first-quarter profit and maintained its share buyback pace, despite earnings falling over 25% from a year earlier, according to CNBC. The oil major posted $5.58 billion in adjusted Q1 earnings, surpassing analyst expectations of $5.09 billion. Investor concern over Big Oil’s shareholder returns has intensified as profits decline from 2022’s record highs. Weakened demand, lower crude prices, and Trump’s shifting trade policy have further shaken confidence. Shell announced a $3.5 billion share buyback to be completed in three months, marking its 14th quarter of buybacks exceeding \$3 billion.
