Royal Capital Markets analysts Biraj Borkhataria and Adnan Dhanani wrote that Shell did not perform well at the end of last year. They added that the British oil giant's trading update could drag down earnings and cash flow expectations. The analysts said that management had warned that quarterly results would be relatively weak, but the situation seemed worse than expected. They added that the key question now is whether management will ignore this weak quarter and maintain its $3.5 billion quarterly share repurchase plan. Shell shares fell 1.6% to 2,612.50 pence.

Royal Capital Markets analysts Biraj Borkhataria and Adnan Dhanani wrote that Shell did not perform well at the end of last year. They added that the British oil giant's trading update could drag down earnings and cash flow expectations. The analysts said that management had warned that quarterly results would be relatively weak, but the situation seemed worse than expected. They added that the key question now is whether management will ignore this weak quarter and maintain its $3.5 billion quarterly share repurchase plan. Shell shares fell 1.6% to 2,612.50 pence.