Who Really Owns Shell?

Posted by John Donovan: 26 Nov 2024

Oh, Shell plc. The oil giant whose reputation for not giving a damn precedes it. Let’s take a closer look at the ownership structure of this titan of pollution, profit, and PR spin. Spoiler alert: the little guy isn’t calling the shots here. Nope, that honor belongs to the institutional investors who hold a whopping 67% of the company. Yep, folks, Shell’s biggest cheerleaders are the mega-money managers, like BlackRock, which owns a cozy 8.3% of the pie. Isn’t it comforting to know who’s steering this climate-destroying ship?

The Institutional Mafia: Climate? What’s That?

Here’s the thing about institutional ownership: it’s basically a rich-kid clique deciding the fate of the planet over lunch at a five-star restaurant. With 67% of Shell’s stock in their greasy hands, these titans of finance don’t just influence the company—they own it. And with Shell’s stock tied to its endless drilling, burning, and general environmental annihilation, it’s clear these institutions are betting big on one thing: squeezing every last drop of profit out of the earth before it collapses.

And leading the pack? None other than BlackRock, the investment behemoth that’s also been busy greenwashing its image with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) funds. Oh, the irony. Maybe BlackRock missed the memo that owning 8.3% of one of the world’s top polluters doesn’t exactly scream “climate champion.”

“Insiders” Own Less Than 1%… Because Who Needs Accountability?

Now, you might think Shell’s board or execs would have some skin in the game. Think again. Insiders—those lovely folks who make the decisions—own less than 1% of the company. Collectively, they control a laughable £25 million worth of stock. For context, Shell’s quarterly profits make that amount look like a tip left at brunch.

So, who keeps this ship afloat? The institutions, of course. They’re the real puppet masters. The board? Just a collection of well-compensated faces there to give the illusion of governance. It’s like putting a cardboard cutout in charge of a freight train.

The Public’s 31% Stake: A Participation Trophy

Ah, the general public—those poor hopefuls who hold 31% of Shell’s shares. Don’t get too excited, though. While it’s adorable that individuals think they can influence one of the most powerful companies in the world, they might as well be shouting into the North Sea. At best, they’re along for the ride as Shell’s stock rises on the back of record-breaking profits, environmental degradation, and institutional cheerleading.

What’s Next? (Hint: It’s Not Saving the Planet)

So, what does this ownership breakdown mean for Shell’s future? Well, if you were hoping for radical climate action, think again. When institutions like BlackRock and Vanguard are calling the shots, the goal is simple: money now, accountability never.

And if you’re still clinging to the hope that Shell might pivot toward renewable energy, let CEO Wael Sawan set you straight: “We do not see ourselves as being advantaged in renewable generation to create material returns over others.” Translation? “Solar is for losers. Pass me the oil rig.”

What the Actual F*, Shell?**

So, here’s the bottom line: Shell is a climate villain masquerading as a responsible corporation. Its biggest investors, like BlackRock, are complicit in the destruction, prioritizing quarterly returns over long-term survival. And while the public clutches their 31% stake and dreams of influence, the institutional overlords keep laughing all the way to the bank.

This isn’t just about Shell. It’s a chilling glimpse into how the world’s most powerful companies—and their investors—are perfectly happy to ride the planet into the ground. After all, you can’t take it with you, right?

 

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