Shell is “starting to see some more opportunities” for deals due to lower oil prices. Photo by CARL COURT/AFP via Getty Images/Postmedia files

Shell PLC beat profit estimates and maintained share buybacks while paying down debt, showing its resilience to weaker oil prices .

The third-quarter performance was helped by stronger oil and gas trading , a vital part of the business that struggled earlier in the year amid geopolitical volatility. An expansion in Shell’s liquefied natural gas business after the startup of a new project in Canada also contributed to the positive outlook.

The strength of Shell’s balance sheet — with net-debt falling from the prior quarter — has positioned the company to maintain consistent returns to investors even as oil prices have fallen. Following

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