EBSCO Publishing Citation Format: APA 7th Edition (American Psychological Assoc.):

NOTE: Review the instructions at http://support.ebsco.com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/help/?int=ehost&lang=&feature_id=APA and make any necessary corrections before using. Pay special attention to personal names,capitalization, and dates. Always consult your library resources for the exact formatting and punctuation guidelines.

ReferencesNARAYANAN, A. (2018, July 26). Royal Dutch Shell Finally Delivers Big Stock Buyback, But Shares Break Support.

Investors Business Daily, N.PAG.<!–Additional Information: Persistent link to this record (Permalink): https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=131003207&site=ehost-live&scope=site End of citation–>

Royal Dutch Shell Finally Delivers Big Stock Buyback, But Shares Break Support Royal Dutch Shell (RDSA) will reward patient shareholders with a massive stock buyback even as it missed profitestimates. while ConocoPhillips (COP) narrowly beat earnings views as oil prices recovered. Meanwhile, DowJones energy giants Exxon Mobil (XOM) and Chevron (CVX) report Friday.

Royal Dutch's $25 billion share buyback program, promised by the oil major since it acquired BG Group in 2016,signals its recovery from a severe, extended energy downturn.

"Our free cash flow outlook and the progress we have made to strengthen our balance sheet give us the confidenceto start our share buyback program," CEO Ben van Beurden said in a statement.

On Thursday, the Anglo-Dutch company announced second-quarter profits that rang in well below analystestimates. Its debt load eased in the quarter. Debt ratio vs. capitalization, termed "gearing," declined to 23.6% in thefirst half of 2018 from 25.8% in the same period last year.

Buybacks are "subject to further progress with debt reduction and oil price conditions," it said.

ConocoPhillips earned $1.09 a share excluding items, beating consensus second-quarter views by three cents.Revenue climbed 4% to $9.24 billion, but missed expectations slightly.

Shares of Royal Dutch Shell tumbled 3.7% to 67.76 on the stock market today, diving below the 50-day movingaverage. Royal Dutch stock is in a flat base with a 73.95 buy point. ConocoPhillips rose 0.4% to 71.80, closing apenny below a 71.81 buy point.

Big 2 Oil StocksChevron and Exxon Mobil report Friday.

The integrated oil giants, including Royal Dutch Shell, have been pouring more money into the booming shalesector, especially in the Permian Basin.

Surging crude prices have fueled a rise in many oil stocks, with both Chevron and Exxon higher so far this week.

But in recent months, the oil market has been choppy amid U.S.-Iran tensions and fears of a global trade war.

Exxon Mobil stock rose 0.8%, moving back in buy range but in low volume. Chevron stock slipped 0.7% as itcontinues to consolidate largely below the 50-day moving average.

Get instant access to more trading ideas, exclusive stock lists and IBD proprietary ratings for only $5.

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN:

How To Make Electric Vehicles Profitable As Tesla, GM Look To Build Millions

IBD Stock Of The Day

Best Growth Stocks To Buy And Watch: See Updates To IBD Stock Lists

Stocks To Buy And Watch: Top IPOs, Big And Small Caps, Growth Stocks

~~~~~~~~By APARNA NARAYANAN

Copyright of Investors Business Daily is the property of Investor's Business Daily and its content may not be copiedor emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission.However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.