Shell reports a strong rise in first-quarter profits that beats analysts’ expectations, with results boosted by higher oil and gas prices linked to the Iran conflict. Multiple outlets say the company benefits from “unprecedented disruption” and volatility in global energy markets, which lifts realized prices across its business. Reports cite Shell’s profits and underlying earnings increasing sharply year-on-year and point to gains associated with the Middle East war driving market prices upward. One outlet notes Shell’s net profits for the quarter and characterizes the period as its highest quarterly profit in around two years, while another highlights figures expressed in pounds. Shell also updates investors on the costs and operational impacts of the war, including damage to output. In addition, at least one outlet reports Shell raises its dividend by about 5%, while another notes that the company cuts share buybacks, citing the effect of the market environment and capital allocation decisions. Overall, the coverage describes a profit outperformance driven largely by price effects from the conflict, alongside acknowledgement of war-related impacts on parts of its operations.