Shell Q1 Profit Falls 35% Year-on-Year to $6.75 Billion as Oil Prices and Markets React to US-Iran Ceasefire Hopes
Shell's first-quarter earnings more than doubled from the prior period amid elevated oil prices from the US-Israel war with Iran, even as it trimmed share buybacks. Global stock indexes climbed following reports of a potential one-page agreement to end the conflict, though President Donald Trump cautioned that any deal remains uncertain.
Shell reported nearly $7 billion profit in the first three months of 2026, with earnings more than double the previous quarter's and above expectations. Brent crude futures fell to $97 per barrel after reports of a US-Iran deal before rebounding to over $101 per barrel.
The price had stood over $108 per barrel earlier on the day of the reports. Brent crude was hovering around $70 per barrel before the start of the US-Israel war with Iran. The FTSE 100 closed over 2% up following reports of a US-Iran deal.
Germany's DAX index closed over 2% up and France's CAC 40 was up 3%. The US S&P 500 was up by more than 1% on the day. 22%.
38% higher on Wednesday. Axios reported that the US believes it is close to a one-page document which will end the Iran war and set up detailed nuclear talks. An Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson told Iranian Students' News Agency that the US proposal to end the war with Iran was still being considered.
President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that any agreement by the Iranians is 'a big assumption'. He added that a failure to come to a deal will result in bombardments 'at a much higher level and intensity' than during Operation Epic Fury. The US-Israel war with Iran began on 28 February 2026.
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed for weeks as of the report date. On 8 April 2026, the US and Iran agreed a ceasefire. On Sunday prior to the report, President Donald Trump said the US military would guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz under 'Project Freedom'.
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would pause the operation 'for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed'. He stated 'Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran'. 75 billion in Q1 2026, representing a 35% decline from the same period a year earlier.
6% year-on-year to $13 billion in Q1 2026. 2% after the earnings report. Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc said higher oil prices are costing the company $500 million a month.
5% to 7%. Whirlpool shares dropped 20%. Whirlpool slashed its earnings forecast and hiked prices by 10% with another 4% spike planned.
The company's revenue dropped nearly 10% in the quarter as sales of major appliances in North America declined more than 7%. Whirlpool CEO Marc Bitzer said consumer sentiment was at 'recession level lows' on Iran war.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
6 events- 2026-02-28
US-Israel war with Iran began
2 sourcesBBC News - 2026-04-08
US and Iran agreed a ceasefire
1 sourceBBC News - 2026-05-07
Shell, Maersk and Whirlpool reported Q1 2026 earnings
4 sourcesThe New York Times · CNBC · The Guardian · New York Post - 2026-05-07
Axios reported US close to one-page document ending Iran war
1 sourceAxios - 2026-05-07
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social about deal assumptions and potential intensified bombardments
1 sourcePresident Donald Trump - 2026-05-08
Global stock markets closed higher following deal reports; Brent crude fluctuated between $97 and over $108
1 sourceBBC News
Potential Impact
- 01
Appliance sector sees demand destruction comparable to global financial crisis levels, prompting price hikes
- 02
Higher oil prices added $500 million monthly costs for Maersk, pressuring shipping rates and consumer demand
- 03
Equity markets showed immediate relief on ceasefire and deal signals despite ongoing war uncertainties
Transparency Panel
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