Shell Launches $3.5 Billion Buyback After Earnings Beat Forecasts

By Christian Moess Laursen

Shell's first-quarter adjusted earnings fell by less than expected, buoyed by strong margins from crude and oil trading, while the energy giant kicked off a $3.5 billion share buyback program as it hurries to close the valuation gap to U.S. rivals.

Write to Christian Moess Laursen at christian.moess@wsj.com