Shell's 2025 profits plummet 22% as CEO pay soars 60% to £13.8M
Shell has reported a sharp drop in profits for 2025, with adjusted net earnings falling by 22% to $18.1 billion. Despite this decline, the energy giant raised its dividend and maintained a strong share buyback programme. Meanwhile, CEO Wael Sawan saw his total pay jump by 60% to £13.8 million, a move set to face shareholder scrutiny at the upcoming annual general meeting.
The company's financial results for 2025 showed a clear decline in profitability. Adjusted net profit dropped to $18.1 billion, down from the previous year. Yet operating cash flow remained robust at $42.9 billion, helping Shell return around $22.4 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks.
Shell announced a 4% increase in its quarterly dividend, setting the fourth-quarter payout at $0.372 per share. Shareholders will receive this payment on March 30. The firm also continued its share buyback scheme at a steady rate of $3.5 billion per quarter. CEO Wael Sawan's compensation package surged to £13.8 million in 2025, up from £8.6 million in 2024. However, four fatal workplace accidents last year led to a partial reduction in his bonus, though it did not prevent a payout entirely. The board is now seeking approval for a new remuneration policy that could increase the maximum long-term bonus for the CEO by another 50%. Investor reaction has been mixed. While Shell's stock has climbed roughly 21% since January, reaching a new 52-week high, the proposed pay rise for Sawan will be put to a vote at the annual general meeting on May 19.
Shell's 2025 results highlight a mix of financial resilience and internal challenges. The company maintained strong cash flow and shareholder returns despite lower profits. However, the significant increase in CEO pay, alongside workplace safety concerns, will likely draw close attention from investors in the coming weeks.
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