Shell raises dividends 4% as profits tumble 22% and CEO pay soars
Shell has announced a 4% dividend increase despite a sharp drop in annual profits. The energy giant's shares have also climbed by 21% since January, reaching a new 52-week high today. Shareholders will soon vote on a controversial plan to boost the CEO's long-term bonus by 50%.
The company's adjusted net profit for 2025 fell by 22% to $18.1 billion. Yet operating cash flow stayed robust at $42.9 billion, helping fund returns to investors. Shell confirmed a fourth-quarter dividend of $0.372 per share, payable on March 30.
Over the year, Shell returned around $22.4 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. The ongoing share repurchase programme continues at $3.5 billion per quarter. CEO Wael Sawan's total pay rose by 60% in 2025, reaching £13.8 million. Now, the board wants shareholders to approve a new remuneration policy at the May 19 annual general meeting. If passed, the CEO's maximum long-term bonus could increase by an extra 50%.
The dividend hike and strong share performance contrast with lower profits. Shareholders will decide next month whether to back the proposed pay rise for the CEO. The outcome will signal their stance on executive rewards amid shifting financial results.
