The increase is also substantial compared with the second quarter’s $6 billion in adjusted profit. The group attributes the improvement in particular to refining margins and gas prices. Its gearing ratio falls from 13.1% at the end of June to 9.1% at the end of September.
The board confirms a third interim dividend of €0.90 a share. It also authorises share buybacks for cancellation of $2.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2026 and $2.5 billion in the first quarter of 2027. These announced programmes are distinct from repurchases already completed.