SHELL PLC 4TH QUARTER 2023 AND FULL YEAR UNAUDITED RESULTS

1.Q4 on Q3 change

Quarter Analysis1

Income attributable to Shell plc shareholders, compared with the third quarter 2023, reflected higher LNG trading and optimisation margins, favourable deferred tax movements, and higher production, offset by lower refining margins, lower margins from crude and oil products trading and optimisation, and higher operating expenses.

Fourth quarter 2023 income attributable to Shell plc shareholders also included net impairment charges and reversals ($3.9 billion), and unfavourable movements due to the fair value accounting of commodity derivatives. These charges and unfavourable movements are included in identified items amounting to a net loss of $6.0 billion in the quarter. This compares with identified items in the third quarter 2023 which amounted to a net loss of $0.1 billion, and mainly related to impairment charges, largely offset by favourable movements due to the fair value accounting of commodity derivatives.

Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as income attributable to Shell plc shareholders and adjusted for the above identified items and the cost of supplies adjustment of positive $0.8 billion.

Cash flow from operating activities for the fourth quarter 2023 was $12.6 billion, and primarily driven by Adjusted EBITDA, and a working capital inflow of $3.3 billion, partly offset by tax payments of $3.6 billion, and a derivatives outflow of $1.0 billion and the timing impact of payments relating to emission certificates and biofuel programmes of $0.9 billion. The working capital inflow mainly reflected inventory movements due to lower prices.

Cash flow from investing activities for the quarter was an outflow of $5.7 billion, and included cash capital expenditure of $7.1 billion, and divestment proceeds of $0.6 billion.

Net debt and Gearing: At the end of the fourth quarter 2023, net debt was $43.5 billion, compared with $40.5 billion at the end of the third quarter 2023, mainly reflecting share buybacks, cash dividends paid to Shell plc shareholders, lease

additions, and interest payments, partly offset by free cash flow. Gearing was 18.8% at the end of the fourth quarter 2023, compared with 17.3% at the end of the third quarter 2023, driven by higher net debt and lower equity.

Shareholder distributions

Total shareholder distributions in the quarter amounted to $6.2 billion comprising repurchases of shares of $4.0 billion and cash dividends paid to Shell plc shareholders of $2.2 billion. Dividends declared to Shell plc shareholders for the fourth quarter 2023 amount to $0.3440 per share. Shell has now completed $3.5 billion of share buybacks announced in the third quarter 2023 results announcement. Today, Shell announces a share buyback programme of $3.5 billion which is expected to be completed by the first quarter 2024 results announcement.

Full Year Analysis1

Full year 2023 income attributable to Shell plc shareholders, compared with the full year 2022, reflected lower realised oil and gas prices, lower volumes, and lower refining margins, partly offset by higher LNG trading and optimisation margins, and higher Marketing margins. By focusing the portfolio and simplifying the organisation, $1.0 billion of pre-tax structural cost reductions4 were delivered compared with the full year 2022, mainly driven by divestments.

Full year 2023 income attributable to Shell plc shareholders also included net impairment charges and reversals of $6.2 billion, and unfavourable movements of $1.3 billion due to the fair value accounting of commodity derivatives. These charges and unfavourable movements are included in identified items amounting to a net loss of $8.2 billion. This compares with identified items in the full year 2022 which amounted to a net gain of $1.2 billion.

Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 for the full year 2023 were driven by the same factors as income attributable to Shell plc shareholders and adjusted for identified items and the cost of supplies adjustment of positive $0.6 billion.

Cash flow from operating activities for the full year 2023 was $54.2 billion, and primarily driven by Adjusted EBITDA, and a working capital inflow of $7.8 billion, partly offset by tax payments of $13.7 billion, and a derivatives outflow of $6.1 billion.

Cash flow from investing activities for the full year 2023 was an outflow of $17.7 billion and included cash capital expenditure of $24.4 billion, divestment proceeds of $3.1 billion, interest received of $2.1 billion, and net other investing cash inflows of $1.4 billion.

This Unaudited Condensed Financial Report, together with supplementary financial and operational disclosure for this quarter, is available at www.shell.com/investors3. Progress to date on the financial targets that were announced during Capital Markets Day in June 2023 is available at www.shell.com/investors/results-and-reporting/progress-on-cmd23.html3.

1.All earnings amounts are shown post-tax, unless stated otherwise.

2.Adjusted EBITDA is without taxation.

3.Not incorporated by reference.

4.Structural cost reductions describe decreases in underlying operating expenses as a result of operational efficiencies, divestments, workforce reductions and other cost-saving measures that are expected to be sustainable compared with 2022 levels.

FOURTH QUARTER 2023 PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENTS

Integrated Gas

In October 2023, we completed the previously announced sale of our participating interest of 35% in Indonesia’s Masela production-sharing contract to Indonesia’s PT Pertamina Hulu Energi and PETRONAS Masela Sdn. Bhd. The participating interest includes the Abadi gas project.

In October 2023, we and our partners in the Oman LNG LLC venture signed an amended shareholders’ agreement for Oman LNG LLC (Oman LNG) extending the business beyond 2024. We will remain the largest private shareholder in Oman LNG, with a 30% shareholding.

Upstream

In December 2023, we announced the start of production of the FPSO Sepetiba in the Mero field, offshore Santos Basin in Brazil. We hold a 19.3% stake in the Mero Unitized Field.

In December 2023, we announced the final investment decision for Sparta, a deep-water development in the US Gulf of Mexico. We hold a 51% interest.

In January 2024, we reached an agreement to sell The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) to Renaissance. Completion of the transaction is subject to approvals by the Federal Government of Nigeria and other conditions.

 

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Chemicals and Products

In January 2024, we announced the final investment decision to convert the hydrocracker of the Wesseling site at the Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland in Germany into a production unit for Group III base oils, used in making high-quality lubricants such as engine and transmission oils. Crude oil processing will end at the Wesseling site by 2025 but will continue at the Godorf site.

 

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PERFORMANCE BY SEGMENT

1.Q4 on Q3 change

2.Segment earnings, Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA are presented on a CCS basis (see Note 2).

Integrated Gas 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 necessary to deliver these to market. Integrated Gas also includes the marketing, trading and optimisation of LNG, including LNG as a fuel for heavy-duty vehicles.

Quarter Analysis1

Segment earnings, compared with the third quarter 2023, reflected the net effect of higher contributions from trading and optimisation, and realised prices (increase of $1,559 million), and higher volumes (increase of $81 million), partly offset by higher operating expenses (increase of $146 million), and unfavourable deferred tax movements ($140 million). Trading and optimisation results reflect seasonality and a high number of optimisation opportunities.

Fourth quarter 2023 segment earnings also included unfavourable movements of $1,587 million due to the fair value accounting of commodity derivatives, and impairment charges of $547 million. As part of Shell's normal business, commodity derivative hedge contracts are entered into for mitigation of economic exposures on future purchases and sales. As these commodity derivatives are measured at fair value, this creates an accounting mismatch over periods. These unfavourable movements and impairment charges are part of identified items and compare with the third quarter 2023 which included unfavourable movements of $340 million due to the fair value accounting of commodity derivatives.

Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as the segment earnings and adjusted for identified items.

Cash flow from operating activities for the quarter was primarily driven by Adjusted EBITDA, partly offset by net cash outflows related to derivatives of $1,596 million, tax payments of $731 million and working capital outflows of $654 million.

Total oil and gas production was in line with the third quarter 2023. LNG liquefaction volumes increased by 3% mainly due to lower maintenance.

Full Year Analysis1

Segment earnings, compared with the full year 2022, reflected the net effect of lower realised prices and higher contributions from trading and optimisation (decrease of $1,143 million), lower volumes (decrease of $466 million), and unfavourable deferred tax movements ($728 million).

Full year 2023 segment earnings also included unfavourable movements of $4,407 million due to the fair value accounting of commodity derivatives, and net impairment charges and reversals of $2,247 million. These unfavourable movements and net impairment charges and reversals are part of identified items and compare with the full year 2022 which included favourable movements of $6,273 million due to the fair value accounting of commodity derivatives, and net impairment reversals of $779 million, partly offset by other impacts of $608 million, which mainly comprised loan write-downs, as well as charges of $387 million due to provisions for onerous contracts.

 

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Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as the segment earnings and adjusted for identified items.

Cash flow from operating activities for the full year 2023 was primarily driven by Adjusted EBITDA, and a working capital inflow of $2,023 million, partly offset by net cash outflows related to derivatives of $4,668 million, and tax payments of $3,574 million.

Total oil and gas production, compared with the full year 2022, increased by 2% mainly due to ramp-up of new fields in Oman, Canada, Australia, and Trinidad and Tobago, and lower maintenance in Pearl GTL (Qatar) and Trinidad and Tobago, partly offset by derecognition of Sakhalin-related volumes, and production-sharing contract effects in Egypt and Pearl GTL (Qatar). LNG liquefaction volumes decreased by 5% mainly due to the derecognition of Sakhalin-related volumes.

1.All earnings amounts are shown post-tax, unless stated otherwise.

2.Adjusted EBITDA is without taxation.

 

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1.Q4 on Q3 change

2.Segment earnings, Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA are presented on a CCS basis (see Note 2).

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.

Quarter Analysis1

Segment earnings, compared with the third quarter 2023, mainly reflected favourable movements in deferred tax positions ($628 million) and higher volumes (increase of $185 million).

Fourth quarter 2023 segment earnings also included net impairment charges and reversals of $454 million, charges of $424 million related to the impact of the weakening Argentine peso on a deferred tax position, and legal provisions of $358 million, partly offset by a gain of $182 million due to the impact of the discount rate change on provisions. These charges and gains are part of identified items, and compare with the third quarter 2023 which included legal provisions of $169 million and charges of $62 million related to the impact of the weakening Brazilian real on a deferred tax position.

Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as the segment earnings and adjusted for identified items.

Cash flow from operating activities for the quarter was primarily driven by Adjusted EBITDA, partly offset by tax payments of $2,015 million.

Total production, compared with the third quarter 2023, increased mainly due to lower scheduled maintenance and growth from new fields.

Full Year Analysis1

Segment earnings, compared with the full year 2022, mainly reflected lower realised oil and gas prices (decrease of $5,696 million) and lower volumes (decrease of $2,001 million).

Full year 2023 segment earnings also included net impairment charges and reversals of $642 million, and net charges of $295 million related to the impact of the weakening Argentine peso and strengthening Brazilian real on a deferred tax position. These charges and gains are part of identified items, and compare with the full year 2022 which included net impairment reversals and charges of $853 million, and charges of $1,385 million relating to the EU solidarity contribution and $802 million relating to the UK Energy Profits Levy.

Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as the segment earnings and adjusted for identified items.

Cash flow from operating activities for the full year 2023 was primarily driven by Adjusted EBITDA, partly offset by tax payments of $8,470 million.

Total production, compared with the full year 2022, decreased mainly due to the impact of divestments. The impact of field decline was more than offset by growth from new fields.

1.All earnings amounts are shown post-tax, unless stated otherwise.

2.Adjusted EBITDA is without taxation.

 

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1.Q4 on Q3 change

2.Segment earnings, Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA are presented on a CCS basis (see Note 2).

The Marketing segment comprises the Mobility, Lubricants, and Sectors & Decarbonisation businesses. The Mobility business operates Shell’s retail network including electric vehicle charging services. The Lubricants business produces, markets and sells lubricants for road transport, and machinery used in manufacturing, mining, power generation, agriculture and construction. The Sectors & Decarbonisation business sells fuels, speciality products and services including low-carbon energy solutions to a broad range of commercial customers including the aviation, marine, and agricultural sectors.

Quarter Analysis1

Segment earnings, compared with the third quarter 2023, reflected lower Marketing margins (decrease of $101 million) including lower Lubricants margins due to higher feedstock costs and impact of seasonality on Mobility margins, partly offset by higher Sectors & Decarbonisation margins. Fourth quarter 2023 segment earnings also included lower tax charges (decrease of $121 million) mainly due to one-off tax helps.

Fourth quarter 2023 segment earnings also included impairment charges of $406 million, and charges of $97 million related to redundancy and restructuring. These charges are part of identified items.

Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as the segment earnings and adjusted for identified items.

Cash flow from operating activities for the quarter was primarily driven by Adjusted EBITDA and working capital inflows of $1,843 million. These inflows were partly offset by tax payments of $280 million and non-cash cost-of-sales (CCS) adjustments of $81 million.

Marketing sales volumes (comprising hydrocarbon sales), compared with the third quarter 2023, decreased mainly due to seasonality.

Full Year Analysis1

Segment earnings, compared with the full year 2022, reflected higher Marketing margins (increase of $1,465 million) including higher unit margins in Mobility, higher margins in Lubricants due to lower feedstock costs and higher volumes in Sectors & Decarbonisation. These were partly offset by higher operating expenses (increase of $703 million) and higher depreciation charges (increase of $264 million) mainly due to asset acquisitions.

Full year 2023 segment earnings also included net impairment charges and reversals of $457 million, and charges of $111 million related to redundancy and restructuring partly offset by gains of $298 million related to indirect tax credits. These charges and gains are part of identified items and compare with the full year 2022 which included net impairment charges and reversals of $321 million, net losses of $135 million related to the sale of assets, and provisions for onerous contracts of $62 million.

Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as the segment earnings and adjusted for identified items.

Cash flow from operating activities for the full year 2023 was primarily driven by Adjusted EBITDA, working capital inflows of $873 million, and the timing impact of payments relating to emission certificates and biofuel programmes of $296 million. These inflows were partly offset by tax payments of $744 million, and non-cash cost-of-sales (CCS) adjustments of $221 million.

Marketing sales volumes (comprising hydrocarbon sales), compared with the full year 2022, increased mainly due to improved demand in Aviation.

 

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1.All earnings amounts are shown post-tax, unless stated otherwise.

2.Adjusted EBITDA is without taxation.

 

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1.Q4 on Q3 change

2.Segment earnings, Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA are presented on a CCS basis (see Note 2).

The Chemicals and Products segment includes chemicals manufacturing plants with their own marketing network, and refineries which turn crude oil and other feedstocks into a range of oil products which are moved and marketed around the world for domestic, industrial and transport use. The segment also includes the pipeline business, trading and optimisation of crude oil, oil products and petrochemicals, and Oil Sands activities (the extraction of bitumen from mined oil sands and its conversion into synthetic crude oil).

Quarter Analysis1

Segment earnings, compared with the third quarter 2023, reflected lower Products margins (decrease of $1,193 million) mainly driven by lower refining margins due to lower global product demand and lower margins from trading and optimisation. Segment earnings also reflected lower Chemicals margins (decrease of $150 million) including the impact of continuing global oversupply as well as weak demand and lower income from joint ventures and associates. In addition, the fourth quarter 2023 reflected higher operating expenses (increase of $76 million). These were partly offset by favourable deferred tax movements (increase of $123 million).

Fourth quarter 2023 segment earnings also included net impairment charges and reversals of $1,977 million mainly relating to the Chemicals assets in Singapore, and charges of $78 million related to redundancy and restructuring partly offset by favourable movements of $130 million due to the fair value accounting of commodity derivatives. These charges and gains are part of identified items, and compare with the third quarter 2023 which included net impairment charges and reversals of $79 million, legal provisions of $74 million, and unfavourable movements of $53 million due to the fair value accounting of commodity derivatives.

Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as the segment earnings and adjusted for identified items. In the fourth quarter 2023, Chemicals had negative Adjusted Earnings of $492 million and Products had positive Adjusted Earnings of $576 million.

Cash flow from operating activities for the quarter was primarily driven by working capital inflows of $1,353 million, Adjusted EBITDA, cash inflows relating to commodity derivatives of $294 million, and dividends (net of profits) from joint ventures and associates of $222 million. These inflows were partly offset by non-cash cost-of-sales (CCS) adjustments of $1,028 million, the timing impact of payments relating to emission certificates and biofuel programmes of $970 million, and tax payments of $273 million.

Chemicals manufacturing plant utilisation was 62% compared with 70% in the third quarter 2023, due to higher planned and unplanned maintenance in North America and economic optimisation.

Refinery utilisation was 81% compared with 84% in the third quarter 2023, due to planned maintenance in North America.

Full Year Analysis1

Segment earnings, compared with the full year 2022, reflected lower Products margins (decrease of $1,528 million) mainly driven by lower refining margins partly offset by higher margins from trading and optimisation. The segment earnings also reflected higher depreciation charges (increase of $546 million) due to start-up of operations at Shell Polymers Monaca in the USA. These were partly offset by higher Chemicals margins (increase of $612 million).

Full year 2023 segment earnings also included net impairment charges and reversals of $2,204 million mainly relating to the Chemicals assets in Singapore, and charges of $84 million related to redundancy and restructuring partly offset by

 

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favourable movements of $213 million due to the fair value accounting of commodity derivatives. These charges and gains are part of identified items, and compare with the full year 2022 which included net impairment charges and reversals of $226 million, legal provisions of $149 million, unfavourable movements of $147 million related to the fair value accounting of commodity derivatives, tax charges relating to the EU solidarity contribution of $74 million partly offset by gains of $223 million related to the sale of assets, and gains of $104 million related to the remeasurement of redundancy and restructuring costs.

Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as the segment earnings and adjusted for identified items. In the full year 2023, Chemicals had negative Adjusted Earnings of $1,622 million and Products had positive Adjusted Earnings of $5,313 million.

Cash flow from operating activities for the full year 2023 was primarily driven by Adjusted EBITDA, working capital inflows of $609 million, cash inflows relating to commodity derivatives of $529 million, and dividends (net of profits) from joint ventures and associates of $300 million. These inflows were partly offset by the timing impact of payments relating to emission certificates and biofuel programmes of $1,224 million, non-cash cost-of-sales (CCS) adjustments of $627 million, and tax payments of $484 million.

Chemicals manufacturing plant utilisation was 68% compared with 79% in the full year 2022, mainly due to planned and unplanned maintenance and economic optimisation during the full year 2023.

Refinery utilisation was 85% compared with 86% in the full year 2022.

1.All earnings amounts are shown post-tax, unless stated otherwise.

2.Adjusted EBITDA is without taxation.

 

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1.Q4 on Q3 change

2.Segment earnings, Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA are presented on a CCS basis (see Note 2).

3.Physical power sales to third parties; excluding financial trades and physical trade with brokers, investors, financial institutions, trading platforms, and wholesale traders.

4.Physical natural gas sales to third parties; excluding financial trades and physical trade with brokers, investors, financial institutions, trading platforms, and wholesale traders. Excluding sales of natural gas by other segments and LNG sales.

Renewables and Energy Solutions includes activities such as renewable power generation, the marketing and trading and optimisation of power and pipeline gas, as well as carbon credits, and digitally enabled customer solutions. It also includes the production and marketing of hydrogen, development of commercial carbon capture and storage hubs, investment in nature-based projects that avoid or reduce carbon emissions, and Shell Ventures, which invests in companies that work to accelerate the energy and mobility transformation.

Quarter Analysis1

Segment earnings, compared with the third quarter 2023, reflected higher margins (increase of $118 million) mainly due to trading and optimisation primarily in Europe and the Americas as a result of market volatility and seasonality, and favourable tax movements ($110 million), partly offset by higher operating expenses (increase of $38 million).

Fourth quarter 2023 segment earnings also included impairment charges of $551 million, partly offset by favourable movements of $125 million due to the fair value accounting of commodity derivatives. As part of Shell's normal business, commodity derivative hedge contracts are entered into for mitigation of economic exposures on future purchases, sales and inventory. As these commodity derivatives are measured at fair value, this creates an accounting mismatch over periods. These charges and favourable movements are part of identified items and compare with the third quarter 2023 which included favourable movements of $506 million due to the fair value accounting of commodity derivatives.

Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as the segment earnings and adjusted for identified items. Most Renewables and Energy Solutions activities were loss-making in the fourth quarter 2023, more than offset by positive adjusted earnings from trading and optimisation.

Cash flow from operating activities for the quarter was primarily driven by working capital outflows of $970 million, tax payments of $413 million, and net cash outflows related to derivatives of $268 million, partly offset by Adjusted EBITDA.

Full Year Analysis1

Segment earnings, compared with the full year 2022, reflected lower margins (decrease of $684 million) mainly from trading and optimisation due to lower gas and power prices in 2023, unfavourable tax movements ($218 million), and higher operating expenses (increase of $186 million).

Full year 2023 segment earnings also included favourable movements of $2,756 million due to the fair value accounting of commodity derivatives, partly offset by net impairment charges and reversals of $669 million. These favourable movements and charges are part of identified items and compare with the full year 2022 which included unfavourable movements of $2,444 million due to the fair value accounting of commodity derivatives, and impairment charges of $361 million.

Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA2 were driven by the same factors as the segment earnings and adjusted for identified items. Most Renewables and Energy Solutions activities were loss-making for the full year 2023, more than offset by positive adjusted earnings from trading and optimisation.

Cash flow from operating activities for the full year 2023 was primarily driven by working capital inflows of $3,723 million, and Adjusted EBITDA, partly offset by net cash outflows related to derivatives of $1,988 million, and tax payments of $762 million.

 

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1.All earnings amounts are shown post-tax, unless stated otherwise.

2.Adjusted EBITDA is without taxation.

Additional Growth Measures

1.Q4 on Q3 change

2.Shell's equity share of renewable generation capacity post commercial operation date. It excludes Shell's equity share of associates where information cannot be obtained.

3.Shell's equity share of renewable generation capacity under construction and/or committed for sale under long-term offtake agreements (PPA). It excludes Shell's equity share of associates where information cannot be obtained.

1.Segment earnings, Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA are presented on a CCS basis (see Note 2).

The Corporate segment covers the non-operating activities supporting Shell, comprising Shell’s holdings and treasury organisation, its self-insurance activities and its headquarters and central functions. All finance expense and income and related taxes are included in Corporate segment earnings rather than in the earnings of business segments.

Quarter Analysis1

Segment earnings, compared with the third quarter 2023, reflected unfavourable movements in currency exchange rate effects and net interest expense, partly offset by a favourable movement in tax credits.

Adjusted EBITDA2 was mainly driven by unfavourable currency exchange rate effects.

Full Year Analysis1

Segment earnings, compared with the full year 2022, were primarily driven by unfavourable movements in currency exchange rate effects and tax credits.

Adjusted EBITDA2 was mainly driven by unfavourable currency exchange rate effects.

1.All earnings amounts are shown post-tax, unless stated otherwise.

2.Adjusted EBITDA is without taxation.

PRELIMINARY RESERVES UPDATE

When final volumes are reported in the 2023 Annual Report and Accounts and 2023 Form 20-F, Shell expects that SEC proved oil and gas reserves additions before taking into account production will be approximately 1.3 billion boe, and that 2023 production will be approximately 1.1 billion boe. As a result, total proved reserves on an SEC basis are expected to be approximately 9.8 billion boe. Acquisitions and divestments of 2023 reserves are expected to account for a net increase of approximately 0.2 billion boe.

The proved Reserves Replacement Ratio on an SEC basis is expected to be 120% for the year and 120% for the 3-year average. Excluding the impact of acquisitions and divestments, the proved Reserves Replacement Ratio is expected to be 99% for the year and 90% for the 3-year average.

Further information will be provided in the 2023 Annual Report and Accounts and 2023 Form 20-F.

OUTLOOK FOR THE FIRST QUARTER 2024

Cash capital expenditure for full year 2024 is expected to be within $22 - $25 billion.

 

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Integrated Gas production is expected to be approximately 930 - 990 thousand boe/d. LNG liquefaction volumes are expected to be approximately 7.0 - 7.6 million tonnes. Outlook reflects Prelude back in operation after a major turnaround.

Upstream production is expected to be approximately 1,730 - 1,930 thousand boe/d. Production outlook reflects the planned maintenance in deep-water assets.

Marketing sales volumes are expected to be approximately 2,150 - 2,650 thousand b/d.

Refinery utilisation is expected to be approximately 83% - 91%, higher due to completion of planned maintenance activities in North America. Chemicals manufacturing plant utilisation is expected to be approximately 68% - 76%.

Corporate Adjusted Earnings are expected to be a net expense of approximately $400 - $600 million in the first quarter and a net expense of approximately $1,500 - $2,100 million for the full year 2024. This excludes the impact of currency exchange rate and fair value accounting effects.

Energy Transition Strategy Update: As Shell progresses towards its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 in an evolving energy marketplace serving a dynamic world, Shell continuously evaluates and updates its energy transition strategy, including its interim targets to reduce the carbon intensity of the energy products it sells. Shell expects to publish its 2024 Energy Transition Strategy on March 14, 2024. This publication will update shareholders and wider society on Shell’s energy transition strategy in line with its Capital Markets Day 2023 communications and set out Shell’s climate targets and ambitions for the future.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

 

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UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.    See Note 2 “Segment information”.

2.    See Note 8 “Other notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements”.

3.    See Note 4 “Earnings per share”.

 

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1.    See Note 8 “Other notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements”.

2.    See Note 7 “Derivative financial instruments and debt excluding lease liabilities”.

 

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1.    See Note 5 “Share capital”.

2.    See Note 6 “Other reserves”.

3.    The amount charged to retained earnings is based on prevailing exchange rates on payment date.

4.     Includes shares committed to repurchase under an irrevocable contract and repurchases subject to settlement at the end of the quarter.

 

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1.See Note 8 “Other notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements”.

 

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NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of preparation

These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Shell plc (“the Company”) and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Shell”) have been prepared on the basis of the same accounting principles as those used in the Company's Annual Report and Accounts (pages 237 to 307) for the year ended December 31, 2022 as filed with the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales and the Autoriteit Financiële Markten (the Netherlands) and Form 20-F (pages 216 to 287) for the year ended December 31, 2022 as filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, and should be read in conjunction with these filings.

The financial information presented in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434(3) of the Companies Act 2006 (“the Act”). Statutory accounts for the year ended December 31, 2022 were published in Shell's Annual Report and Accounts, a copy of which was delivered to the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales, and in Shell's Form 20-F. The auditor's report on those accounts was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying the report and did not contain a statement under sections 498(2) or 498(3) of the Act. The statutory accounts for the year ended December 31, 2023 will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales in due course.

On consolidation, assets and liabilities of non-dollar entities are translated to dollars at period-end rates of exchange, while their statements of income, other comprehensive income and cash flows are translated at average rates. Until the end of 2022 this translation was performed at quarterly average rates. As from January 1, 2023 this translation is performed at monthly average rates. This change had no significant impact on Shell's financial reporting.

New standards adopted in 2023

IFRS 17 Insurance contracts (IFRS 17) as issued in 2017, with amendments published in 2020 and 2021, was adopted as from January 1, 2023. The adoption of IFRS 17 had no significant effect on Shell's financial reporting.

Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction (Amendments to IAS 12 Income taxes (IAS 12)), published in May 2021, was adopted as from January 1, 2023. The adoption of these amendments had no significant effect on Shell's financial reporting.

International Tax Reform — Pillar Two Model Rules (Amendments to IAS 12) as issued on May 23, 2023, was adopted as from that date. The amendments to IAS 12 introduce a temporary mandatory relief from accounting for deferred tax that arises from legislation implementing OECD Pillar Two. On June 20, 2023, the United Kingdom substantively enacted Pillar Two. The adoption of the Pillar Two Model Rules by the jurisdictions in which Shell operates is not expected to have a significant impact on Shell. As required by the amendments to IAS 12, Shell has applied the exception to recognising and disclosing information about deferred tax assets and liabilities related to Pillar Two income taxes.

Key accounting considerations, significant judgements and estimates

Future long-term commodity price assumptions and management’s view on the future development of refining margins represent a significant estimate. Future long-term commodity price assumptions were subject to change in the second quarter 2023. These assumptions continued to apply for impairment testing purposes in the fourth quarter 2023.

The discount rate applied in assessing value in use represents a significant estimate. The discount rate applied was subject to change in the second quarter 2023.

The discount rate applied to provisions is reviewed on a regular basis. The discount rate was reviewed and adjusted in the fourth quarter 2023. See Note 8.

2. Segment information

Segment earnings are presented on a current cost of supplies basis (CCS earnings), which is the earnings measure used by the Chief Executive Officer for the purposes of making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance. On this basis, the purchase price of volumes sold during the period is based on the current cost of supplies during the same period after making allowance for the tax effect. CCS earnings therefore exclude the effect of changes in the oil price on inventory carrying amounts. Sales between segments are based on prices generally equivalent to commercially available prices.

 

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1.Includes revenue from sources other than from contracts with customers, which mainly comprises the impact of fair value accounting of commodity derivatives. Fourth quarter 2023 included income of $3,021 million (third quarter 2023: $3,530 million income; fourth quarter 2022: $10,371 million income). This amount includes both the reversal of prior gains of $711 million (third quarter 2023: $2,583 million gains; fourth quarter 2022: $621 million losses) related to sales contracts and prior losses of $248 million (third quarter 2023: $965 million losses; fourth quarter 2022: $1,032 million losses) related to purchase contracts that were previously recognised and where physical settlement took place in the fourth quarter 2023.

2.See Note 3 "Reconciliation of income for the period to CCS Earnings, Operating expenses and Total Debt".

 

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Cash capital expenditure represents cash spent on maintaining and developing assets as well as on investments in the period. Management regularly monitors this measure as a key lever to delivering sustainable cash flows. Cash capital expenditure is the sum of the following lines from the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows: Capital expenditure, Investments in joint ventures and associates and Investments in equity securities.

 

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3. Reconciliation of income for the period to CCS Earnings, Operating expenses and Total Debt

4. Earnings per share

 

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5. Share capital

1.Share capital at December 31, 2022, also included 50,000 issued and fully paid sterling deferred shares of £1 each, which were redeemed on March 27, 2023. Upon redemption, the sterling deferred shares were treated as cancelled and the Company's issued share capital was reduced by the nominal value of the shares redeemed in accordance with section 688 of the UK Companies Act 2006.

On January 29, 2022, as part of the simplification announced on December 20, 2021, the Company's A shares and B shares assimilated into a single line of ordinary shares. This is reflected in the above table.

At Shell plc’s Annual General Meeting on May 23, 2023, the Board was authorised to allot ordinary shares in Shell plc, and to grant rights to subscribe for, or to convert, any security into ordinary shares in Shell plc, up to an aggregate nominal amount of approximately €161 million (representing approximately 2,307 million ordinary shares of €0.07 each), and to list such shares or rights on any stock exchange. This authority expires at the earlier of the close of business on August 22, 2024, or the end of the Annual General Meeting to be held in 2024, unless previously renewed, revoked or varied by Shell plc in a general meeting.

6. Other reserves

The merger reserve and share premium reserve were established as a consequence of Shell plc (formerly Royal Dutch Shell plc) becoming the single parent company of Royal Dutch Petroleum Company and The “Shell” Transport and Trading

 

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Company, p.l.c., now The Shell Transport and Trading Company Limited, in 2005. The merger reserve increased in 2016 following the issuance of shares for the acquisition of BG Group plc. The capital redemption reserve was established in connection with repurchases of shares of Shell plc. The share plan reserve is in respect of equity-settled share-based compensation plans.

7. Derivative financial instruments and debt excluding lease liabilities

As disclosed in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, presented in the Annual Report and Accounts and Form 20-F for that year, Shell is exposed to the risks of changes in fair value of its financial assets and liabilities. The fair values of the financial assets and liabilities are defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values at December 31, 2023, are consistent with those used in the year ended December 31, 2022, though the carrying amounts of derivative financial instruments have changed since that date. The movement of the derivative financial instruments between December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023 is a decrease of $9,339 million for the current assets and a decrease of $14,250 million for the current liabilities.

The table below provides the comparison of the fair value with the carrying amount of debt excluding lease liabilities, disclosed in accordance with IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures.

1.    Mainly determined from the prices quoted for these securities.

8. Other notes to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Statement of Income

Interest and other income

Depreciation, depletion and amortisation

Impairments recognised in the fourth quarter 2023 of $5,508 million pre-tax ($4,044 million post-tax) relate to various assets in Chemicals and Products ($2,490 million), Upstream ($1,161 million), Integrated Gas ($873 million), Renewables and Energy Solutions ($614 million) and Marketing ($370 million). Impairments in Chemicals and Products principally relate to the impairment of chemicals assets in Singapore triggered by lower expected chemicals margins and linked to portfolio choices. Impairments recognised in Upstream principally relate to projects in North America, Nigeria and the UK

 

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triggered by factors including revised reserves estimates and portfolio choices. Impairments recognised in Integrated Gas principally relate to a project in Australia triggered by factors including revised production estimates and regulatory changes. Impairments recognised in Renewables and Energy Solutions mainly relate to an asset in North America triggered by annual goodwill impairment testing reflecting factors including the impact of the deteriorated macro environment.

Impairments recognised in the third quarter 2023 of $359 million pre-tax ($299 million post-tax) mainly related to various assets in Renewables and Energy Solutions and Chemicals and Products. Impairments in the fourth quarter 2022 mainly related to Renewables and Energy Solutions, Chemicals and Products and Upstream.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

Deferred tax

The presentation in the balance sheet takes into consideration the offsetting of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities within the same tax jurisdiction, where this is permitted. The overall deferred tax position in a particular tax jurisdiction determines if a deferred tax balance related to that jurisdiction is presented within deferred tax assets or deferred tax liabilities.

Shell's net deferred tax position was a liability of $8,893 million at December 31, 2023 (December 31, 2022: $8,371 million). The net increase in the net deferred tax liability is mainly driven by a reduction of the deferred tax asset due to the utilisation of tax losses partly offset by an increase of the deferred tax asset due to impairments.

Assets classified as held for sale

Assets classified as held for sale and associated liabilities at December 31, 2023, principally relate to an asset in Chemicals and Products in Europe, a Renewables and Energy Solutions project in North America and an asset in Marketing in Asia. The major classes of assets and liabilities classified as held for sale at December 31, 2023, are Inventories ($463 million; December 31, 2022: $8 million) and Property, plant and equipment ($250 million; December 31, 2022: $2,526 million).

Retirement benefits

Amounts recognised in the balance sheet in relation to defined benefit plans include both plan assets and obligations that are presented on a net basis on a plan-by-plan basis. The change of the net retirement benefit liability is mainly driven by a decrease of the market yield on high-quality corporate bonds, a decrease in long-term inflation rate expectations, experience losses due to high short-term inflation and returns on plan assets.

 

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Decommissioning and other provisions

The discount rate applied at December 31, 2023 was 4.5% (September 30, 2023: 3.25%, December 31, 2022: 3.25%). Besides movements such as additions, utilisation, accretion and the effect of currency translation, the change in non-current decommissioning and other provisions includes a decrease of $2,916 million as a result of the change in the discount rate, partly offset by an increase of $1,340 million resulting from changes in cost estimates for decommissioning & restoration provisions.

Non-controlling interest

The change in non-controlling interest is mainly driven by dividend payments to non-controlling shareholders during the second quarter 2023.

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Cash flow from operating activities - Other

Cash flow from operating activities - Other for the fourth quarter 2023 includes $875 million of net outflows (third quarter 2023: $630 million net outflows; fourth quarter 2022: $541 million net outflows) due to the timing of payments relating to emission certificates and biofuel programmes in Europe and North America and $398 million in relation to reversal of currency exchange gains on Cash and cash equivalents (third quarter 2023: $336 million losses; fourth quarter 2022: $683 million gains).

9. Post-balance sheet events

On January 16, 2024, Shell reached an agreement to sell its Nigerian onshore subsidiary The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) for a consideration of $1.3 billion with additional cash payments up to $1.1 billion as well as further contingent payments. Under the agreed deal structure, economic performance accrues to the buyer with effect from December 31, 2021, however, Shell will continue to consolidate SPDC until control transfers at completion. At completion Shell will provide secured term loans of up to $1.2 billion and additional financing of up to $1.3 billion over future years. Completion of the transaction is subject to approvals by the Federal Government of Nigeria and other conditions.

On January 30, 2024, the principal defined benefit pension plan in the USA, Shell Pension Plan, entered into a contract with an external party to settle $5,052 million of pension liabilities. The settlement price consisted of $4,920 million of pension assets. As a result of this transaction, all legal and constructive obligations for a tranche of benefits provided by the Shell Pension Plan have been eliminated. No significant impact is expected on the Group income statement, balance sheet or cashflow statement.

 

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ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE (NON-GAAP) MEASURES

A.Adjusted Earnings, Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (“Adjusted EBITDA”) and Cash flow from operating activities

The “Adjusted Earnings” measure aims to facilitate a comparative understanding of Shell’s financial performance from period to period by removing the effects of oil price changes on inventory carrying amounts and removing the effects of identified items. These items are in some cases driven by external factors and may, either individually or collectively, hinder the comparative understanding of Shell’s financial results from period to period. This measure excludes earnings attributable to non-controlling interest.

We define “Adjusted EBITDA” as “Income/(loss) for the period” adjusted for current cost of supplies; identified items; tax charge/(credit); depreciation, amortisation and depletion; exploration well write-offs and net interest expense. All items include the non-controlling interest component. Management uses this measure to evaluate Shell's performance in the period and over time.

1. See Note 2 “Segment information”.

 

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