Shell's (SHEL) acquisition of ARC Resources adds portfolio optionality and supports LNG growth, though the company may still fall short of what investors are seeking, RBC Capital Markets said Wednesday in a report.

Recent Middle East developments have shifted investor attention from shareholder distributions toward long-term portfolio strength, the report said. Shell's recent underperformance has made its valuation more compelling even as RBC sees a risk that the company is becoming "ruthlessly well run" without offering the clearer growth catalysts and strategic momentum investors increasingly want.

The ARC deal supports the potential for a final investment decision on LNG Canada Phase 2, the report said. It also strengthens Shell's liquids portfolio and provides integration benefits and feed gas for future LNG expansion, RBC said.

"We expect Shell to continue to be acquisitive on smaller deals to help replenish the upstream hopper and provide stronger platforms for growth in the 2030s," the report said.

RBC resumed coverage of Shell with a sector perform rating and a price target of 4,000 British pence ($53.92).

Price: 84.28, Change: -0.13, Percent Change: -0.15