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Royal Dutch Shell: 4th Quarter and Full Year 2009 Unaudited Results
  • USA - English


News provided by

Royal Dutch Shell plc

Feb 04, 2010, 04:11 ET

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LONDON, February 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Royal Dutch Shell's fourth quarter 2009 earnings, on a current cost of supplies (CCS) basis, were $1.2 billion compared to $4.8 billion a year ago. Basic CCS earnings per share decreased by 76% versus the same quarter a year ago.

Fourth quarter 2009 CCS earnings, excluding identified items (see page 5), were $2.8 billion compared to $3.9 billion in the fourth quarter 2008.

Full year 2009 earnings, on a current cost of supplies (CCS) basis, were $9.8 billion compared to $31.4 billion a year ago. Basic CCS earnings per share decreased by 69% versus a year ago.

Cash flow from operating activities for the fourth quarter 2009 was $5.7 billion.

Net capital investment for the quarter was $7.2 billion. Total dividends paid to shareholders during the fourth quarter 2009 were $2.6 billion.

Gearing at the end of the fourth quarter 2009 was 15.5%.

A fourth quarter 2009 dividend has been announced of $0.42 per share, an increase of 5% over the US dollar dividend per share for the same period in 2008. The first quarter 2010 dividend is expected to be declared at $0.42 per share.

    Summary of Unaudited Results

             Quarters                    $ million            Full Year
    Q4 2009 Q3 2009 Q4 2008 %(1)                           2009   2008    %

      2,536   1,543   4,663     Upstream                   8,354  26,506
    (1,762)   1,292     561     Downstream                   258   5,309
                                Corporate and Minority
        403     155   (439)     interest                   1,192   (449)
      1,177   2,990   4,785 -75 CCS earnings               9,804  31,366 -69
                                Estimated CCS adjustment
        784     257 (7,595)     for Downstream (see Note 2)2,714 (5,089)
                                -  Income attributable to
      1,961   3,247 (2,810)     shareholders              12,518  26,277 -52

                                Basic CCS earnings per
       0.19    0.49    0.78 -76 share ($)                   1.60    5.09 -69
                                Estimated CCS adjustment
       0.13    0.04  (1.22)     per share ($)               0.44  (0.82)

       0.32    0.53  (0.44)  -  Basic earnings per share($) 2.04    4.27 -52


                                Cash flow from operating
      5,660   7,350  10,287 -45 activities                21,488  43,918 -51

                                Cash flow from operating
       0.92    1.20    1.68 -45 activities per share ($)    3.51    7.13 -51

       0.42    0.42    0.40  +5 Dividend per share ($)      1.68    1.60  +5

    (1) Q4 on Q4 change

Royal Dutch Shell Chief Executive Officer Peter Voser commented:

"Our fourth quarter 2009 results were impacted by the weak global economy. Oil prices have increased compared to a year ago, but gas prices and refining margins have declined sharply, because of weaker demand and high industry inventory levels. We are not assuming that there will be a quick recovery, and the outlook for 2010 is uncertain.

Our strategy is on track, although the near-term industry outlook does remain challenging. We are taking steps to improve our performance, to bridge the company, and our shareholders, into a period of significant growth in the coming years.

We are making good progress on our plans to raise Shell's competitive performance. The Transition 2009 programme, which was launched in mid-2009, is now completed. We have reduced complexity in the company, and our new organisation, announced in July 2009, is now fully up and running. Our Upstream organisation is simpler and our new Projects & Technology organisation makes for better technical integration on bigger projects and a sharper innovation focus along the value chain.

These changes, combined with our global Downstream organisation, and continued streamlining in the corporate functions, have created a powerful platform for future performance. We're seeing a new way of working in Shell, with increased empowerment and accountability for our people.

As a result of our actions in 2009, some 5,000 employees will leave Shell, a reduction of 10% in the impacted areas. We have reduced underlying operating costs by some $1 billion in the fourth quarter 2009, and by over $2 billion in 2009 compared to 2008.

Downstream is facing some tough times. There is a significant overhang of industry refining capacity, exacerbated by the economic downturn. That's why we have initiatives underway to refocus Shell's Downstream footprint into fewer, more profitable markets with growth potential, through disposals and selective growth investment.

In 2009, Shell sold some $1.2 billion of non-core Downstream assets, bringing the five year total to $11 billion, and in early 2010 announced plans to close the 130 thousand barrels per day (b/d) Montreal East refinery in Canada. Asset sales will continue in 2010, with some 560 thousand b/d of refining capacity, 15% of Shell's total, and selected marketing positions, under review.

Cost focus is now embedded in our day-to-day operations. For 2010, we are targeting a further underlying cost reduction of at least $1 billion, and a reduction of some 1,000 employees. Much of this will come from Downstream and ongoing cost initiatives in the corporate functions.

I am pleased with the portfolio progress in 2009. We had successful start-ups of Sakhalin II in Russia and BC-10 in Brazil, and these projects, plus Ormen Lange in Norway have completed their production ramp-ups. We have taken final investment decisions on two substantial new projects; Gorgon LNG in Australia, and Caesar/Tonga in the deep water Gulf of Mexico, and launched a front-end engineering and design study for floating LNG for the Prelude gas field in Australia. Exploration and appraisal performance in 2009 has been strong, with particularly good results in North America tight gas and Western Australia gas. I see exciting opportunities for the medium-term."

Fourth quarter 2009 portfolio developments

In Australia, Shell confirmed that it has accepted Woodside Petroleum Ltd.'s entitlement offer of new shares at a total cost of $0.8 billion, maintaining its 34.27% share in the company.

In Iraq, Shell was awarded a contract as lead operator in developing the Majnoon field (Shell share 45%). Production is expected to reach 1.8 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), up from a current level of approximately 45 thousand boe/d (100% basis). In addition, Shell was awarded a 15% share in a contract for the development of the West Qurna 1 field.

Shell has agreed an asset swap to acquire assets in Gabon and in the UK North Sea, in return for its interest in a pair of Norwegian offshore fields. This transaction, which is still subject to government approval and other requisite consents, is a strategic trade and no cash payment is involved.

In Egypt, Shell signed agreements to acquire a 40% holding and become the operator on the Alam El Shawish West Concession, where oil and gas discoveries have been confirmed.

In Bolivia and Brazil, Shell has sold its share in a gas pipeline and in a thermoelectric power plant and its related assets for a total of $100 million.

During 2009, Shell participated in 10 discoveries, in Australia, the US Gulf of Mexico, Malaysia and Norway. Shell is seeing particularly strong results from exploration and appraisal drilling in the North American Haynesville and Groundbirch tight gas areas, and offshore Western Australia. Shell also increased its overall acreage position, completing acquisitions of new exploration licences in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Guyana, Italy, Jordan, Norway and the USA and successfully bidding for new licences in Egypt, South Africa and French Guiana.

In Singapore, Shell announced the successful start-up of its new world-scale monoethylene glycol (MEG) unit at the Shell Eastern Petrochemicals Complex with a nameplate capacity of 750 thousand tonnes per annum.

Also in Singapore, Shell sold 49% of its share in two chemicals joint ventures (Petrochemical Corporation of Singapore and The Polyolefin Company).

In Australia and New Zealand, Shell announced the sale of its share in two bitumen joint ventures. The sale will be concluded in several phases and finalised by 2014.

Key features of the FOURTH quarter and full year 2009

Fourth quarter 2009 CCS earnings were $1,177 million, 75% lower than in the same quarter a year ago. Full year 2009 CCS earnings were $9,804 million, 69% lower than in 2008.

Fourth quarter 2009 CCS earnings, excluding identified items (see page 5), were $2,774 million compared to $3,888 million in the fourth quarter 2008.

Fourth quarter 2009 reported earnings were $1,961 million compared to a loss of $2,810 million in the same quarter a year ago. Full year 2009 reported earnings were $12,518 million compared to earnings of $26,277 million in 2008.

Basic CCS earnings per share decreased by 76% versus the same quarter a year ago. Full year 2009 basic CCS earnings per share decreased by 69% compared to 2008.

Cash flow from operating activities for the fourth quarter 2009 was $5.7 billion, compared to $10.3 billion in the same quarter last year. Excluding net working capital movements, cash flow from operating activities in the fourth quarter 2009 was $4.4 billion. Full year 2009 cash flow from operating activities was $21.5 billion compared to $43.9 billion in 2008.

Total dividends paid to shareholders during the fourth quarter 2009 were $2.6 billion, bringing the total for the full year 2009 to $10.5 billion.

Capital investment for the fourth quarter 2009 was $8.8 billion. Net capital investment (capital investment, less divestment proceeds) for the fourth quarter 2009 was $7.2 billion, bringing the total for the full year 2009 to some $29 billion.

Return on average capital employed (ROACE), on a reported income basis (see Note 3), was 8.0%.

Gearing was 15.5% at the end of the fourth quarter 2009 versus 5.9% at the end of the fourth quarter 2008.

Upstream

Oil and gas production for the fourth quarter 2009 was 3,331 thousand boe/d.

Full year 2009 oil and gas production was 3,152 thousand boe/d. Production for the fourth quarter and the full year 2009 excluding the impact of divestments, production sharing contracts (PSC) pricing effects and OPEC quota restrictions was 2% lower compared to the same periods last year.

Underlying production, in the fourth quarter and full year 2009, increased by some 200 thousand boe/d from new field start-ups and the continuing ramp-up of fields, more than offsetting the impact of field declines.

LNG sales volumes of 3.96 million tonnes in the fourth quarter 2009 were 18% higher than in the same quarter a year ago. Full year 2009 LNG sales volumes were 13.40 million tonnes compared to 13.05 million tonnes in 2008, an increase of 3%.

Downstream

Oil Products sales volumes were 2% lower than in the fourth quarter 2008. Chemical product sales volumes in the fourth quarter 2009 increased by 8% compared to the fourth quarter 2008.

The weak global economy impacted downstream sales volumes in 2009. Full year 2009 Oil Products sales volumes were 6% lower than in 2008. Full year 2009 Chemical product sales volumes decreased by 10% compared to 2008.

Oil Products refinery availability was 93% compared to 90% in the fourth quarter 2008 (93% for the full year 2009 versus 91% in 2008). Chemicals manufacturing plant availability was 95%, 2% higher than in the fourth quarter 2008 (92% for the full year 2009 versus 94% in 2008).

Supplementary financial and operational disclosure for the fourth quarter and full year 2009 is available at www.shell.com/investor.

Summary of identified items

Earnings in the fourth quarter 2009 reflected the following items, which in aggregate amounted to a net charge of $1,597 million (compared to a net gain of $897 million in the fourth quarter 2008), as summarised in the table below:

Upstream earnings included a net charge of $226 million, reflecting redundancy provisions and a net charge related to changes in the mark-to-market valuation and accounting of certain gas contracts, which were partly offset by a net gain related to asset impairment reversals, divestment gains and tax credits. Earnings for the fourth quarter 2008 included a net gain of $1,398 million.

Downstream earnings included a net chargeof $1,335 million, reflecting asset impairments, redundancy and restructuring provisions, a charge related to the estimated fair value accounting of commodity derivatives (see Note 7), tax charges and provisions, which were partly offset by divestment gains. Earnings for the fourth quarter 2008 included a net charge of $405 million.

Corporate earnings and Minority interest included a charge of $36 million, related to redundancy provisions. Earnings for the fourth quarter 2008 included a charge of $96 million.

Redundancy provisions related to the Transition 2009 programme impacted CCS earnings in the fourth quarter 2009 by some $0.9 billion.

    Summary of Identified Items

           Quarters                    $ million               Full Year
    Q4 2009 Q3 2009 Q4 2008                                   2009    2008
                            Segment earnings impact of
                            identified items:
      (226)   (123)   1,398 Upstream                           (134)  3,487
    (1,335)     536   (405) Downstream                       (1,682)  (435)
       (36)    (42)    (96) Corporate and Minority interest       67   (96)
    (1,597)     371     897 CCS earnings impact              (1,749)  2,956

These identified items generally relate to events with an impact of more than $50 million on Royal Dutch Shell's earnings and are shown to provide additional insight into its segment earnings, CCS earnings and income attributable to shareholders. Further additional comments on the business segments are provided in the section 'Earnings by Business Segment' on page 6 and onwards.

    Earnings by Business Segment

    Upstream

             Quarters                    $ million           Full Year
    Q4 2009 Q3 2009 Q4 2008 %(1)                         2009   2008    %

      2,536   1,543  4,663 -46  Upstream earnings       8,354  26,506  -68
                                Upstream cash flow from
      5,983   4,168  4,199 +42  operations             19,935  38,681  -48
      6,682   5,879  6,951  -4  Capital investment     23,951  32,166  -26
                                Crude oil production
      1,701   1,648  1,772  -4  (thousand b/d)(2)        1,678   1,771   -5
                                Natural gas production
                                available for sale
      9,452   7,411  9,531  -1  (million scf/d)         8,553   8,569    -
                                Barrels of oil
                                equivalent
      3,331   2,926  3,415  -2  (thousand boe/d)        3,152   3,248   -3

                                LNG sales volumes
       3.96    3.49   3.36 +18  (million tonnes)        13.40   13.05   +3

    (1) Q4 on Q4 change
    (2) Includes oil sands bitumen production

Fourth quarter Upstream earnings were $2,536 million compared to $4,663 million a year ago. Earnings included a net charge of $226 million related to identified items, compared to a net gain of $1,398 million in the fourth quarter 2008 (see page 5).

Upstream earnings compared to the fourth quarter 2008 reflected the impact of lower realised natural gas and LNG prices, lower oil production volumes and redundancy provisions. These impacts were partially offset by the effect of higher realised oil prices and increased LNG sales volumes compared to the fourth quarter 2008.

Fourth quarter 2009 oil prices increased compared to the fourth quarter 2008, while fourth quarter 2009 gas prices declined versus the fourth quarter 2008. The benefit from higher realised oil prices on fourth quarter 2009 earnings was more than offset by the combined effect of the reduction in worldwide natural gas prices and lower realised natural gas prices mainly due to time lag pricing effects in many of the natural gas and LNG sales contracts. A generally weak environment for natural gas marketing and trading activities also affected the fourth quarter 2009 earnings.

Global liquids realisations were 23% higher than in the fourth quarter 2008. Global gas realisations were 31% lower than in the same quarter a year ago. In the Americas, gas realisations decreased by 23% whereas outside the Americas, gas realisations decreased by 34%.

Fourth quarter 2009 production was 3,331 thousand boe/d compared to 3,415 thousand boe/d a year ago. Crude oil production was down 4% and natural gas production was broadly in line with the fourth quarter 2008.

Underlying production, compared to the fourth quarter 2008, increased by some 200 thousand boe/d from new field start-ups and the continuing ramp-up of fields over the last 12 months, more than offsetting field declines.

LNG sales volumes of 3.96 million tonnes were 18% higher than in the same quarter a year ago. Volumes reflected the continuous ramp-up in sales volumes from the Sakhalin II LNG project and Train 5 at the North West Shelf project and higher sales from Oman LNG, which were partly offset by lower volumes from Nigeria LNG.

Full year Upstream earnings were $8,354 million compared to $26,506 million in 2008. Earnings included a net charge of $134 million related to identified items, compared to a net gain of $3,487 million in the full year 2008 (see page 5).

Upstream earnings compared to the full year 2008 reflected the impact of significantly lower oil and gas prices and lower oil production volumes. These impacts were partially offset by increased LNG sales volumes, reflecting the continuous ramp-up in sales volumes from the Sakhalin II LNG project and Train 5 at the North West Shelf project, lower royalty and tax expenses and higher natural gas trading contributions compared to the full year 2008.

Global liquids realisations were 38% lower than in the full year 2008. Global gas realisations were 34% lower than a year ago. In the Americas, gas realisations decreased by 53% whereas outside the Americas, gas realisations decreased by 24%.

Full year 2009 production was 3,152 thousand boe/d compared to 3,248 thousand boe/d a year ago. Crude oil production was down 5% and natural gas production was in line with full year 2008 production.

Underlying production, compared to the full year 2008, increased by some 200 thousand boe/d from new field start-ups and the continuing ramp-up of fields in 2009, more than offsetting field declines.

LNG sales volumes of 13.40 million tonnes were 3% higher than in 2008. Volumes reflected the ramp-up in sales volumes from the Sakhalin II LNG project and Train 5 at the North West Shelf project, which was partly offset by lower volumes from Nigeria LNG and reduced LNG demand.

    Downstream

             Quarters                    $ million              Full Year
    Q4 2009 Q3 2009 Q4 2008 %(1)                             2009   2008    %

    (1,762)   1,292     561  -  Downstream CCS earnings     258   5,309 -95
                                Estimated CCS adjustment
        810     251 (7,810)     (see Note 2)              2,796 (5,270)
      (952)   1,543 (7,249) +87 Downstream earnings       3,054      39  -
                                Downstream cash flow from
      2,243   3,157   7,401 -70 operations                4,056   8,607 -53
      2,078   1,819   2,105 -1  Capital investment        7,510   6,036 +24
                                Refinery plant intake
      2,986   2,997   3,125 -4  (thousand boe/d)          3,067   3,388  -9
                                Oil Products sales
      6,296   6,121   6,400 -2  volumes (thousand b/d)    6,156   6,568  -6
      4,835   4,723   4,483 +8  Chemicals sales volumes  18,311  20,327 -10
                                (thousand tonnes)

    (1) Q4 on Q4 change

Fourth quarter Downstream CCS results were a loss of $1,762 million compared to earnings of $561 million in the fourth quarter 2008. Results included a net charge of $1,335 million related to identified items, compared to a net charge of $405 million in the fourth quarter 2008 (see page 5).

Downstream CCS results compared to the fourth quarter 2008 reflected substantially lower realised refining margins and lower refinery plant intake volumes, asset impairments, redundancy and restructuring provisions and non-cash pension charges, which were partly offset by lower operating costs and improved Chemicals earnings. In addition, adverse global downstream market conditions impacted the fourth quarter 2009 results through substantially lower marketing margins and reduced Oil Products sales volumes.

Oil Products marketing CCS earnings compared to the same period a year ago decreased due to lower retail and B2B earnings and reduced trading contributions, which were partly offset by improved lubricants contributions.

Oil Products sales volumes decreased by 2% compared to the same quarter last year, mainly because of lower B2B volumes, partly offset by increased retail sales volumes.

Industry refining margins declined significantly worldwide compared to the same period a year ago, impacting realised refining margins. The lower refinery plant intake volumes, which decreased by 4% compared to the same quarter last year, reflected the reduced demand for refined products coupled with new refining capacity brought on-stream.

Refinery availability was 93% compared to 90% in the fourth quarter 2008.

Chemicals CCS earnings compared to the fourth quarter 2008 reflected improved income from equity- accounted investments, higher sales volumes and lower operating costs, which were partly offset by lower realised chemicals margins.

Chemicals sales volumes increased by 8% compared to the same quarter last year. Chemicals manufacturing plant availability increased to 95%, some 2% higher than in the fourth quarter 2008.

Full year Downstream CCS earnings were $258 million compared to $5,309 million in the full year 2008. Earnings included a net charge of $1,682 million related to identified items, compared to a net charge of $435 million in the full year 2008 (see page 5).

Downstream CCS earnings compared to the full year 2008 were significantly impacted by the weak global economy, and reflected substantially reduced Oil Products refining and marketing earnings. In addition, earnings were impacted by asset impairments, redundancy and restructuring provisions and non-cash pension charges, which were partly offset by divestment gains and lower operating costs.

Oil Products marketing CCS earnings compared to the full year 2008 decreased mainly due to lower retail and B2B earnings, which were partly offset by higher lubricants and trading contributions.

Oil Products sales volumes decreased by 6% compared to 2008, mainly because of lower B2B volumes, partly offset by increased retail sales volumes. During 2009 Oil Products sales volumes were impacted worldwide by lower demand as a consequence of the weak global economy.

Industry refining margins for the full year 2009, compared to 2008, declined significantly worldwide, impacting realised refining margins. Reduced global demand for refined products coupled with new refining capacity brought on-stream led to lower refinery plant intake volumes, which decreased by 9% compared to 2008.

Refinery availability was 93% compared to 91% in the full year 2008.

Chemicals CCS earnings compared to the full year 2008 reflected improved income from equity-accounted investments and lower operating costs, which were partly offset by lower realised chemicals margins and lower chemicals sales volumes.

Chemicals sales volumes decreased by 10% compared to the full year 2008. Chemicals manufacturing plant availability decreased to 92%, some 2% lower than in the full year 2008.

    Corporate and Minority Interest

           Quarters               $ million                  Full Year
    Q4 2009 Q3 2009 Q4 2008                                  2009  2008

        427     202   (373) Corporate(1)                     1,310  (69)
       (24)    (47)    (66) Minority interest                (118) (380)
        403     155   (439) Corporate and Minority interest  1,192 (449)
    (1) See Note 4

Fourth quarter Corporate earnings and Minority interest were $403 million compared to a loss of $439 million for the same period last year. Earnings for the fourth quarter 2009 included a charge of $36 million related to an identified item compared to a charge of $96 million in the fourth quarter 2008 (see page 5).

Corporate earnings compared to the fourth quarter 2008 mainly reflected currency exchange gains and higher net interest income.

Full year Corporate earnings and Minority interest were $1,192 million compared to a loss of $449 million for the full year 2008. Earnings included net gains of $67 million related to identified items compared to a charge of $96 million in the full year 2008 (see page 5).

Corporate earnings compared to the full year 2008 mainly reflected currency exchange gains of $644 million compared to losses of $650 million in 2008.

Forthcoming Events

First quarter 2010 results and first quarter 2010 dividend are scheduled to be announced on April 28, 2010. Second quarter 2010 results and second quarter 2010 dividend are scheduled to be announced on July 29, 2010. Third quarter 2010 results and third quarter 2010 dividend are scheduled to be announced on October 28, 2010. A Shell strategy update is planned on March 16, 2010.

    Appendix: Royal Dutch Shell Financial Report and Tables

    Statement of income(3)

             Quarters                   $ million               Full Year
    Q4 2009 Q3 2009 Q4 2008 %(1)                            2009    2008    %

     81,075  75,009  81,073    Revenue                   278,188 458,361
                               Share of profit of
                               equity-accounted
      1,767     746     350    investments                 4,976   7,446
        577     271   1,279    Interest and other income(5)1,965   5,133
                               Total revenue and other
     83,419  76,026  82,702    income                    285,129 470,940
     60,879  55,781  66,943    Purchases(6)              203,075 359,587
                               Production and
      7,382   5,885   6,746    manufacturing expenses     25,301  25,565
                               Selling, distribution and
      5,532   4,306   4,435    administrative expenses    17,430  16,906
        331     318     384    Research and development    1,125   1,230
        669     637     635    Exploration                 2,178   1,995
                               Depreciation, depletion
      3,748   4,341   3,684    and amortisation(4)        14,458  13,656
          4     189     345    Interest expense              542   1,181
      4,874   4,569   (470)  - Income before taxation     21,020  50,820 -59
      2,863   1,281   2,489    Taxation                    8,302  24,344
      2,011   3,288 (2,959)  - Income for the period      12,718  26,476 -52
                               Income attributable to
         50      41   (149)    minority interest             200     199
      1,961   3,247 (2,810)  - Income attributable to     12,518  26,277 -52
                               Royal Dutch Shell plc
                               shareholders


                          Estimated CCS adjustment for
    (784) (257) 7,595     Downstream                      (2,714)  5,089
    1,177 2,990 4,785 -75 CCS earnings                      9,804 31,366 -69



    Basic earnings per share(3)
           Quarters                                            Full Year
    Q4 2009 Q3 2009 Q4 2008                                  2009    2008

     0.32    0.53   (0.44)  Earnings per share ($)           2.04    4.27
     0.19    0.49    0.78   CCS earnings per share ($)       1.60    5.09


    Diluted earnings per share(3)
           Quarters                                            Full Year
    Q4 2009 Q3 2009 Q4 2008                                  2009    2008

     0.32    0.53   (0.44)  Earnings per share ($)           2.04    4.26
     0.19    0.49    0.78   CCS earnings per share ($)       1.60    5.08


    SHARES(2,3)

           Millions                                            Full Year
    Q4 2009 Q3 2009 Q4 2008                                  2009    2008

                            Weighted average number of shares
                            as the basis for:
    6,124.3 6,127.0 6,123.8 Basic earnings per share        6,124.9 6,159.1
    6,132.0 6,131.0 6,127.5 Diluted earnings per share      6,128.9 6,171.5

                            Basic shares outstanding at the
    6,122.3 6,125.2 6,121.7 end of the period               6,122.3 6,121.7

    (1) Q4 on Q4 change.
    (2) Royal Dutch Shell plc ordinary shares of EUR0.07 each.
    (3) See Notes 1, 2 and 6, where applicable.
    (4) Includes net impairment charges of $1.8 billion for the full year
        2009 and $0.9 billion for the full year 2008.
    (5) Includes gains/(losses) on sale of assets.
    (6) Includes inventory movements.


    Summarised balance sheet (see notes 1 and 5)
                                                    $ million
                                      Dec 31, 2009   Sept 30,   Dec 31, 2008
                                                       2009
    Assets
    Non-current assets:
    Intangible assets                        5,356        5,288        5,021
    Property, plant and equipment          131,619      127,207      112,038
    Investments:
    - equity-accounted investments          31,175       30,265       28,327
    - financial assets                       3,874        4,187        4,065
    Deferred tax                             4,533        4,309        3,418
    Pre-paid pension costs                  10,009        9,691        6,198
    Other                                    9,158        9,646        6,764
                                           195,724      190,593      165,831
    Current assets:
    Inventories                             27,410       25,420       19,342
    Accounts receivable                     59,328       66,966       82,040
    Cash and cash equivalents                9,719       14,275       15,188
                                            96,457      106,661      116,570
    Total assets                           292,181      297,254      282,401
    Liabilities
    Non-current liabilities:
    Debt                                    30,862       31,522       13,772
    Deferred tax                            13,838       13,917       12,518
    Retirement benefit obligations           5,923        5,918        5,469
    Other provisions                        14,048       13,523       12,570
    Other                                    4,586        4,719        3,677
                                            69,257       69,599       48,006
    Current liabilities:
    Debt                                     4,171        4,774        9,497
    Accounts payable and accrued            67,161       69,489       85,091
    liabilities
    Taxes payable                            9,189       11,879        8,107
    Retirement benefit obligations             461          435          383
    Other provisions                         3,807        2,566        2,451
                                            84,789       89,143      105,529
    Total liabilities                      154,046      158,742      153,535
    Equity attributable to Royal Dutch     136,431      136,863      127,285
    Shell plc shareholders
    Minority interest                        1,704        1,649        1,581
    Total equity                           138,135      138,512      128,866
    Total liabilities and equity           292,181      297,254      282,401



    Summarised statement of cash flows (see note 1)

           Quarters                    $ million               Full Year
    Q4 2009 Q3 2009 Q4 2008                                  2009     2008
                            Cash flow from operating
                            activities:
      2,011   3,288 (2,959) Income for the period            12,718   26,476
                            Adjustment for:
      3,409   1,677   2,411 - Current taxation                9,297   24,452
        390     157     414 - Interest (income)/expense       1,247    1,039
                            - Depreciation, depletion and
      3,748   4,341   3,684 amortisation(1)                  14,458   13,656
                            - (Gains)/losses on sale of
      (415)    (81) (1,234) assets                            (781)  (4,071)
                            - Decrease/(increase) in net
      1,253   (384)  14,687 working capital                 (2,331)    7,935
                            - Share of profit of
    (1,767)   (746)   (350) equity-accounted investments    (4,976)  (7,446)
                            - Dividends received from
                            equity-accounted
      1,691     993   2,522 investments                       4,903    9,325
                            - Deferred taxation and other
      (938)   (401) (1,105) provisions                      (1,925)  (1,030)
      (421)     332    (35) - Other                         (1,879)    (549)
                            Cash flow from operating
      8,961   9,176  18,035 activities (pre-tax)             30,731   69,787
    (3,301) (1,826) (7,748) Taxation paid                   (9,243) (25,869)
                            Cash flow from operating
      5,660   7,350  10,287 activities                       21,488   43,918
                            Cash flow from investing
                            activities:
    (7,506) (6,219) (7,892) Capital expenditure            (26,516) (35,065)
                            Investments in equity-accounted
      (653)   (448)   (193) investments                     (2,955)  (1,885)
        520     327   1,179 Proceeds from sale of assets      1,325    4,737
                            Proceeds from sale of
      1,146     267     569 equity-accounted investments      1,633    2,062
                            Proceeds from sale of
                            /(additions to) financial
       (37)    (16)    (36) assets                            (105)      224
         96     118     191 Interest received                   384    1,012
                            Cash flow from investing
    (6,434) (5,971) (6,182) activities                     (26,234) (28,915)
                            Cash flow from
                            financing activities:
                            Net increase/(decrease) in debt
                            with maturity period
      (816)    (57)   3,970 within three months             (6,507)    4,161
        461   5,353   3,001 Other debt: New borrowings       19,742    3,555
      (477)   (241)   (581) Repayments                      (2,534)  (2,890)
      (292)    (86)   (409) Interest paid                     (902)  (1,371)
         20      23      31 Change in minority interest          62       40
          -       -   (302) Repurchase of shares                  -  (3,573)
                            Dividends paid to:
                            - Royal Dutch Shell plc
    (2,613) (2,656) (2,408) shareholders                   (10,526)  (9,516)
       (27)    (65)    (54) - Minority interest               (191)    (325)
                            Treasury shares:
                            - Net sales/(purchases) and
       (43)    (17)      47 dividends received                   27      525
                            Cash flow from financing
    (3,787)   2,254   3,295 activities                        (829)  (9,394)
                            Currency translation
                            differences relating to cash
                            and
          5      46    (33) cash equivalents                    106     (77)
                            Increase/(decrease) in cash and
    (4,556)   3,679   7,367 cash equivalents                (5,469)    5,532
                            Cash and cash equivalents at
     14,275  10,596   7,821 beginning of period              15,188    9,656
                            Cash and cash equivalents at
      9,719  14,275  15,188 end of period                     9,719   15,188


    (1) Includes net impairment charges of $1.8 billion for the full year
    2009 and $0.9 billion for the full year 2008.



    EQUITY (see note 5)

    $ million    Ordinary  Treasury   Other   Retained  Total Minority  Total
                  share    shares   reserves earnings        interest  equity
                  capital
    At December
     31, 2008       527  (1,867)    3,178  125,447  127,285    1,581  128,866
    Income for the
    period            -        -        -   12,518   12,518      200   12,718
    Other
    comprehensive
    income            -        -    6,623        -    6,623       52    6,675
    Capital
    contributions/
    (repayments)
    from/to minority
    shareholders and
    other changes in
    minority interest -        -        -        3        3       62       65
    Dividends paid    -        -        - (10,526) (10,526)    (191) (10,717)
    Treasury shares:
    net sales/
    (purchases)
    and dividends
    received          -      156        -        -      156        -      156
    Repurchases of
    shares            -        -        -        -        -        -        -
    Share-based
    compensation      -        -      181      191      372        -      372
    At December 31,
    2009            527  (1,711)    9,982  127,633  136,431    1,704  138,135




    $ million    Ordinary Treasury  Other   Retained  Total   Minority  Total
                   share   shares  reserves earnings          interest equity
                  capital

    At December 31,
    2007            536  (2,392)   14,148  111,668  123,960    2,008  125,968
    Income for the
    period            -        -        -   26,277   26,277      199   26,476
    Other
    comprehensive
    income            -        - (11,049)        - (11,049)    (341) (11,390)
    Capital
    contributions/
    (repayments)
    from/to minority
    shareholders and
    other changes in
    minority interest -        -        -       58       58       40       98
    Dividends paid    -        -        -  (9,516)  (9,516)    (325)  (9,841)
    Treasury shares:
    net
    sales/(purchases)
    and dividends
    received          -      525        -        -      525        -      525
    Repurchases of
    shares          (9)        -        9  (3,082)  (3,082)        -  (3,082)
    Share-based
    compensation      -        -       70       42      112        -      112
    At December 31,
    2008            527  (1,867)    3,178  125,447  127,285    1,581  128,866


    Explanatory Notes
    1. Accounting policies and basis of presentation

The quarterly financial report and tables are prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of Royal Dutch Shell plc in the Annual Report and Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008 on pages 118 to 122. The accounting policies are in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union.

This publication is unaudited and does not comprise statutory financial statements. Statutory financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008 were approved by the Board of Directors on March 11, 2009 and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors on those accounts was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying the report, and did not contain any statement under sections 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985.

The presentation of the Statement of Income has been changed to provide additional information for the evaluation of Shell's performance. This change provides additional information in relation to our costs and more alignment with industry practice. The main changes are the disclosure of purchases, production and manufacturing expenses and research and development separately (previously disclosed within cost of sales). Depreciation, depletion and amortisation charges previously included in cost of sales, selling, distribution and administrative expenses and exploration are now disclosed separately. Gains and losses on sale of assets are now included in interest and other income.

Purchases are all costs related to the acquisition of supplies, including those used for conversion into finished or intermediary products. Production and manufacturing expenses are the costs of operating, maintaining and managing production and manufacturing assets. Selling, distribution and administrative expenses include direct and indirect costs of marketing and selling products.

2. Earnings on an estimated current cost of supplies (CCS) basis

To facilitate a better understanding of underlying business performance, the financial results are also analysed on an estimated current cost of supplies (CCS) basis as applied for the Downstream segment earnings. Earnings on an estimated current cost of supplies basis provides useful information concerning the effect of changes in the cost of supplies on Shell's results of operations and is a measure to manage the performance of the Downstream segment but is not a measure of financial performance under IFRS.

On this basis, the purchase price of the volumes sold during the period is based on the cost of supplies during the same period after making allowance for the estimated tax effect, instead of the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method of inventory accounting. Earnings calculated on this basis do not represent an application of the last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory basis and do not reflect any inventory drawdown effects.

3. Return on average capital employed (ROACE)

ROACE is defined as the sum of the current and previous three quarters' income adjusted for interest expense, after tax, divided by the average capital employed for the period.

4. Segmental reporting

Segmental reporting has been changed with effect from the third quarter 2009, in line with the change in the way Shell's businesses are managed. Shell now reports its business through three (previously six) reporting segments, Upstream (previously Exploration & Production, Gas & Power and Oil Sands), Downstream (previously Oil Products and Chemicals) and Corporate. Upstream is the aggregation of two operating segments, Upstream International and Upstream Americas, which have similar economic characteristics. Corporate represents the key support functions, comprising holdings and treasury, headquarters, central functions and Shell insurance companies. Prior period financial information has been reclassified accordingly.

Upstream and Downstream results are presented before deduction of minority interest and also exclude interest and other income of a non-operational nature, interest expense, non-trading currency exchange effects and tax on these items, which are included in the Corporate results. With effect from the third quarter 2009, insurance premium costs (excluding external insurance) and self-insured claims are reported within the Corporate segment; previously they were reported within the relevant business segments. The impact of this change in allocation is a reduction of $255 million (pre-tax) of the Corporate earnings in the fourth quarter 2009 ($422 million for the third and fourth quarter 2009), with no effect on Shell's income for the period. Prior period segment earnings are not reclassified (the insurance costs were $22 million (pre-tax) in the fourth quarter 2008 and $172 million (pre-tax) in the full year 2008). Segment results include equity-accounted investments and are after tax.

5. Equity

Total equity comprises equity attributable to Royal Dutch Shell plc shareholders and to minority interest. Other reserves comprise the capital redemption reserve, share premium reserve, merger reserve, share plan reserve and other accumulated comprehensive income (currency translation differences, unrealised gains/(losses) on securities and unrealised gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges).

6. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the income attributable to Royal Dutch Shell plc shareholders for the period by the weighted average number of Class A and B ordinary shares outstanding during the period. To calculate the diluted earnings per share the weighted average number of shares outstanding is adjusted for the number of shares related to share option schemes.

7. Impacts of Accounting for Derivatives

IFRS requires derivative instruments to be recognised in the financial statements at fair value. Any change in the current period between the period-end market price and the contract settlement price is recognised in income where hedge accounting is either not permitted or not applied to these contracts.

The physical crude oil and related products held by the Downstream business as inventory are recorded at historical cost or net realisable value, whichever is lower, as required under IFRS. Consequently, any increase in value of the inventory over cost is not recognised in income until the sale of the commodity occurs in subsequent periods.

In the Downstream business, the buying and selling of commodities includes transactions conducted through the forward markets using commodity derivatives to reduce economic exposure. Some derivatives are associated with a future physical delivery of the commodities.

Differences in the accounting treatment for physical inventory (at cost or net realisable value, whichever is lower) and derivative instruments (at fair value) have resulted in timing differences in the recognition of gains or losses between reporting periods.

Similarly, earnings from long-term contracts held in the Upstream business are recognised in income upon realisation. Associated commodity derivatives are recognised at fair value as of the end of each quarter.

These differences in accounting treatment for long-term contracts (on accrual basis) and derivative instruments (at fair value) have resulted in timing differences in the recognition of gains or losses between the reporting periods.

The aforementioned timing differences for Downstream and Upstream are reported as identified items in the quarterly results and are estimates derived from the overall portfolio of derivatives.

Certain UK gas contracts held by Upstream contain embedded derivatives or written options, for which IFRS requires recognition at fair value, even though they are entered into for operational purposes. The impact of the mark-to-market calculation is also reported as an identified item in the quarterly results.

Cautionary Statement

All amounts shown throughout this Report are unaudited.

First quarter 2010 results and first quarter 2010 dividend are scheduled to be announced on April 28, 2010. Second quarter 2010 results and second quarter 2010 dividend, are scheduled to be announced on July 29, 2010. Third quarter 2010 results and third quarter 2010 dividend, are scheduled to be announced on October 28, 2010. A Shell strategy update is planned on March 16, 2010.

The companies in which Royal Dutch Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate entities. In this document "Shell", "Shell group" and "Royal Dutch Shell" are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Royal Dutch Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies. "Subsidiaries", "Shell subsidiaries" and "Shell companies" as used in this document refer to companies in which Royal Dutch Shell either directly or indirectly has control, by having either a majority of the voting rights or the right to exercise a controlling influence. The companies in which Shell has significant influence but not control are referred to as "associated companies" or "associates" and companies in which Shell has joint control are referred to as "jointly controlled entities". In this document, associates and jointly controlled entities are also referred to as "equity-accounted investments". The term "Shell interest" is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect (for example, through our 34% shareholding in Woodside Petroleum Ltd.) ownership interest held by Shell in a venture, partnership or company, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

This document contains forward-looking statements concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Royal Dutch Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Royal Dutch Shell to market risks and statements expressing management's expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "plan", "objectives", "outlook", "probably", "project", "will", "seek", "target", "risks", "goals", "should", "scheduled" and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Royal Dutch Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this document, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for the Group's products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserve estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments including potential litigation and regulatory effects arising from recategorisation of reserves; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; and (m) changes in trading conditions. All forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional factors that may affect future results are contained in Royal Dutch Shell's Annual Report and Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008 (available at www.shell.com/investor and www.sec.gov). These factors also should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this document, February 4, 2010. Neither Royal Dutch Shell nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this document.

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) permits oil and gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only proved reserves that a company has demonstrated by actual production or conclusive formation tests to be economically and legally producible under existing economic and operating conditions. We use certain terms in this document that SEC's guidelines strictly prohibit us from including in filings with the SEC. U.S. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website http://www.sec.gov. You can also obtain these forms from the SEC by calling +1-800-SEC-0330.

SOURCE Royal Dutch Shell plc

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