Shell: A Cheap, High-Yield Super-Major?

Did you know that Shell used to sell seashells?

The company began as an import-export business that sold decorative seashells in London. But in the late 1800’s, Shell expanded their business and began transporting oil.

There’s an interesting book called Breaking Rockefeller, if you’re curious about Shell’s history.

But today, we’re focusing on Shell plc ($SHEL) in its current form.

Shell is one of the “Super-Majors,” which are the largest energy companies in the world. Depending on metrics, Shell is usually the third or fourth biggest oil company on the planet, behind the likes of Chevron and Exxon Mobil.

And with a market capitalization of $212 billion, Shell is roughly the size of McDonald’s.

This is an enormous, globally diversified company. But, one that’s trading at a single-digit valuation while yielding over 4% in dividends. In a world where the S&P 500 hit 47 new 52-week highs over the past year, could Shell be a deep-value income investment?

What Does Shell Do?

Shell is vertically integrated energy producer.

This means the company does everything from exploring potential oil deposits, to refining fuels, to distributing gasoline through its chain of…