OREANDA-NEWS. Royal Dutch Shell’s second quarter 2013 earnings, on a current cost of supplies (CCS) basis (see Note 1), were USD 2.4 billion compared with USD 6.0 billion in the same quarter a year ago. Second quarter 2013 earnings included an identified net charge of USD 2.2 billion after tax, mainly reflecting impairments (see page 6).

Second quarter 2013 CCS earnings excluding identified items (see page 6), were USD 4.6 billion and included a combined negative impact of USD 0.7 billion after tax related to the impact of the weakening Australian dollar on a deferred tax liability and the impact of the deteriorating operating environment in Nigeria. Compared to the second quarter 2012, CCS earnings excluding identified items were also impacted by higher operating expenses and depreciation as well as increased exploration well write-offs. Second quarter 2012 CCS earnings excluding identified items were USD 5.7 billion.

Basic CCS earnings per share excluding identified items decreased by 21% versus the same quarter a year ago.

Cash flow from operating activities for the second quarter 2013 was USD 12.4 billion, compared with USD 13.3 billion in the same quarter last year. Excluding working capital movements, cash flow from operating activities for the second quarter 2013 was USD 8.4 billion, compared with USD 9.5 billion in the second quarter 2012.

Capital investment for the second quarter 2013 was USD 11.3 billion. Net capital investment (see Note 1) for the quarter was USD 10.9 billion.

Total dividends distributed in the quarter were USD 2.8 billion, of which some USD 0.8 billion were settled under the Scrip Dividend Programme. During the second quarter some 56.2 million shares were bought back for cancellation for a consideration of USD 1.9 billion.

Gearing at the end of the second quarter 2013 was 10.3% (see Note 2).

A second quarter 2013 dividend has been announced of USD 0.45 per ordinary share and USD 0.90 per American Depositary Share (“ADS”), an increase of 5% compared with the second quarter 2012.