Shell Q2 profits triple, beat forecasts

London

ROYAL Dutch Shell more than tripled its profits in the second quarter to beat forecasts boosted by strong refining operations and a rise in oil prices.

The Anglo-Dutch oil and gas company also reported a huge recovery in cash flow to US$12.2 billion and a drop in debt as its cost reduction efforts in recent years paid off. It has sold some US$25 billion of assets since acquiring BG Group last year.