Good results for third quarter 2014 show Royal Dutch Shell can create value from a streamlined portfolio, Chief Executive Officer Ben van Beurden said Thursday.

Shell reported earnings increased by more than 30 percent year-on-year to about $5.8 billion for third quarter 2014. Net income, however, declined 5 percent to $4.5 billion.

Van Buerden said a decision to unload some of its shale assets in the United States was part of an effort to focus on opportunities that are more lucrative.

"We are now focusing on creating value from this slimmed-down position," he said.

Exploration and production earnings increased in particular because of high-margin production where exploration expenses are low.

The decline in crude oil prices since June has put pressure on shale operators in North America.

"The recent decline in oil prices is part of the volatility in our industry," the CEO said. "It underlines the importance of our drive to get a tighter grip on performance management, keep a tight hold on costs and spending, and improve the balance between growth and returns."

Shell credited much of its production growth from the third quarter to developments in the deep waters of the United States, West Africa and Malaysia.

The company added it tapped Charles Holliday, a former Bank of America chairman, to take over for Shell Chairman Jorma Ollila next year.