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SOL/SOLBE1 - Sasol Limited - Update from the Chief Financial Officer
Sasol Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number 1979/003231/06)
Sasol Ordinary Share codes: JSE : SOL NYSE : SSL
Sasol Ordinary ISIN codes: ZAE000006896 US8038663006
Sasol BEE Ordinary Share code: JSE : SOLBE1
Sasol BEE Ordinary ISIN code: ZAE000151817
("Sasol")
UPDATE FROM THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Dear Sasol follower,
In the 2012 financial year to date, oil and commodity prices reflect a
considerable improvement compared to the prior comparable period. This together
with improved operational performance in certain businesses and a weaker South
African rand has enhanced group profitability.
Operationally, our performance was mixed. Sasol Synfuels had a tough start to
the year with industrial strike action and production incidents hampering smooth
operations. However, we are pleased to report continued operational improvements
at ORYX GTL. Our international polymers, olefins and surfactants, mining, and
international upstream businesses also had a good quarter.
In line with our focus on factors within our control, we are working to ensure
the sustainable performance of our businesses by maintaining strict cost
discipline and driving margin improvement. This focus is underpinned by our
strategic initiatives of sales and marketing excellence, and planning and
optimisation throughout the group.
We previously announced our intention to review our investment in Iran and we
have subsequently entered into discussions to potentially divest our stake in
Arya Sasol Polymers Company.
We are excited about the growth prospects presented by our recent agreement to
explore for coal bed methane in Botswana as well as the opportunity to further
convert abundant ethane to chemicals at our operations in Louisiana in the
United States. We will commence studies on the feasibility of each of these
opportunities in the near future.
We are well positioned to deliver increased earnings for the 2012 financial
year.
The 17th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP17) is taking
place in Durban until 9 December 2011. Sasol is proud to have worked closely
with the South African government to ensure the successful hosting of this
important event. We remain committed to transitioning to a lower carbon and
climate resilient economy and are actively engaging with the South African
government in its development of national policy.
Markets remain volatile
The euro area sovereign debt crisis and fears over its potential impact on
global economic activity led to a particularly volatile period. Initially,
peripheral euro area economies were the focal point of the crisis, but this has
now spread to Italy, Europe`s third-largest economy. These uncertainties and
continuing market turbulence, along with some policy-induced slowdowns in
economic growth in countries such as China, are already having an impact on the
outlook for global economic growth. In all likelihood, the euro area may
experience the start of a mild industrial recession towards the end of this
calendar year.
Against this background, we expect markets to remain volatile, responding to
news flow from policy makers in Europe. The extent to which the euro area debt
crisis will impact the global economic growth outlook remains unclear and much
still depends on the credibility and success of the plans put forward to address
the debt crisis in some European economies. What is clear, however, is that the
greatest downside risk to both the global and domestic economic growth outlook
emanates from Europe.
Higher oil, product prices and a weaker rand drive profitability
During the first quarter of our 2012 financial year, dated Brent crude averaged
US$113 per barrel (bbl), up 18% from the previous financial year. This increase,
combined with a weakening of the rand against the US dollar, led to a 21% rise
in average domestic fuel prices in the first quarter from the previous financial
year.
Despite a weakening global growth outlook and the prospect of a return of Libyan
oil supply, oil prices are expected to trade in a range of US$100/bbl to
US$120/bbl in the near term.
In the chemical markets, polymer prices were held back by sluggish global demand
and remained relatively flat from the previous financial year. Chinese demand
slowed down as a result of both the European economic situation and the Chinese
government`s desire to reduce inflation. Feedstock prices into our South African
polymer operations have increased on the back of higher crude oil prices.
International solvents prices have also softened slightly, due to deliberate de-
stocking by customers to reduce working capital and the global economic
uncertainty. Nevertheless, average US dollar prices in the first quarter were 7%
higher than the average for the previous financial year. The weakening of the
South African currency positively impacted our effective rand sales prices
throughout the group`s businesses.
Prices for alcohols (especially mid-cut alcohols) continued to decline, driven
mainly by rapidly declining lauric oil prices. These have fallen by 50% since
February 2011. However, lauric oil prices now appear to have stabilised and have
even increased somewhat in the last several weeks, which should help prevent
further alcohol pricing declines as we move into the new calendar year. Prices
for alcohol-related surfactants have to a large extent followed alcohol pricing.
However, it is important to note that the competitiveness of our integrated Lake
Charles facility in North America which manufactures synthetic alcohols from
ethylene has enabled us to remain robust in the face of margin volatility in the
price-setting oleochemical alcohol market.
Offshore businesses deliver an improved operational performance
Sasol Synfuels` first quarter production totalled 1,6 million tons. This was 4%
lower than the same period in the previous financial year due to industrial
strike action and other production incidents. Notwithstanding these challenges,
Sasol Synfuels remained a star group performer, with an operating margin for the
period in excess of 40%.
In October 2011, Sasol Synfuels concluded a very successful phase shutdown, with
no major injuries or incidents. All units were available in line with the start-
up schedule. Repair work to the raw gas line and gasifiers damaged in a fire at
the start of the financial year has been completed and all equipment is back in
production. During November, coal supply to the Secunda East plant was
interrupted by an incident on the coal conveyor system. The coal conveyor system
is in the process of being repaired. Management rigorously investigates
incidents of this nature in order to establish the root cause and to apply the
lessons for future operations. Sasol Mining had a good first quarter, with
improved production compared to the prior comparable period.
In Qatar, our ORYX GTL joint venture plant performed exceptionally well during
the first quarter of the financial year. Average daily production during this
period was 28 200 barrels per day (bbl/d), at an average capacity utilisation
rate of 87%. The plant has met and frequently exceeded nameplate capacity, with
a daily average production utilisation rate for September 2011 of 105% or 33 900
bbl/d.
The first quarter results for Arya Sasol Polymer Company were negatively
influenced by the downtime required to modify the demethaniser column in the
cracker section of the plant. For this reason, utilisation rates for the
integrated facility were, on average, around 70% in the period. However,
remedial work was completed successfully and the cracker has since concluded its
full-rate trials and the plants are running steadily at higher rates.
Sasol Olefins & Surfactants posted a very strong set of results for the first
quarter, maintaining a double-digit operating margin. Rising feedstock pricing
has been mitigated through product portfolio optimisation, some pass-through of
price increases, and continued cost management. Sales volumes in the first
quarter declined marginally compared to levels achieved in the last quarter of
the 2011 financial year. A further softening in sales is expected, partly as a
result of seasonality. At our Lake Charles operations, low regional natural gas
prices continue to support the profitability of our ethane cracker. In light of
the current euro zone debt crisis, we have a renewed focus on working capital
and risk management.
Strict cost discipline leads to lower real cash fixed costs in the first quarter
The group continues to focus on strict cost management. Group cash fixed costs
for the first quarter of the 2012 financial year were lower in real terms than
those of the first quarter of the 2011 financial year.
Reviewing our activities in Iran
Sasol has entered into discussions with a view to potentially divest of its
stake in the Arya Sasol Polymer Company. Further announcements will be made at a
later date once sufficient progress has been made on these discussions.
Canada upstream development continues
Sasol is participating with Talisman Energy Inc. in a 50:50 partnership in the
development of Farrell Creek and Cypress A shale gas assets in British Columbia,
Canada. These assets are operated by Talisman.
On the Farrell Creek acreage an extensive appraisal and development programme
has been executed in the 2011 calendar year, with newly drilled and completed
wells adding to the existing inventory of producing wells. Production for the
year to date has been below expectations as a result of drilling and completion
delays, and reservoir complexity. This has also resulted in unit costs exceeding
the initial investment plan. The partnership is however pursuing various
alternatives to bring production and costs back in line with our growth
expectations. Against the back drop of a weak near term outlook for North
American gas prices, it is deemed prudent to temporarily slow down the
development drilling activities and focus on a more comprehensive appraisal
campaign to better define "sweet spots", allow for the implementation of cost
savings and the establishment of efficient operations. The lessons from that
will then allow for a more optimised ramp-up of operations in the ensuing years.
In preparation for a ramp-up of production, in June 2011 the partnership
increased capacity at the central production facility to 180 million standard
cubic feet per day (mmscf/d). Gross production at the end of calendar year 2011
is expected to be in the range of 70-80 mmscf/d.
Progressing the Uzbekistan GTL project to FEED
In September 2011, Sasol and its partners in Uzbekistan GTL LLC signed an
investment agreement with Uzbekistan`s Minister of Foreign Economic Relations,
Investment and Trade for the development and implementation of a gas-to-liquids
(GTL) project in the Central Asian country. Under this agreement, the investors
and the GTL project will enjoy investment protection and various fiscal benefits
to ensure the successful implementation and operation of the GTL facility.
Sasol and Uzbekneftegaz each hold a 44,5% interest in Uzbekistan GTL LLC and
PETRONAS of Malaysia has an 11% interest. The partners have commenced the front
end engineering and design (FEED) phase for a 38 000 bbl/d GTL plant. Depending
on the timing of the final investment decision, the plant is expected to come
into operation in the second half of this decade. The escalated end of job cost
for the project is estimated at US$4,2 billion.
Coal bed methane (CBM) in Botswana
Sasol and Australia`s Origin Energy, via the Kubu Joint Venture, have signed an
agreement to jointly acquire three prospecting licences in Botswana from
Sekaname (Pty) Ltd, a local CBM exploration company based in Gaborone. The
prospecting licences cover an area of approximately 3 000 square kilometres and
are located in the central district of Botswana. The transaction is subject to
final approval by the Botswana government.
The joint venture partners plan to conduct a number of exploration activities in
the licence area in the next two years to determine the quantity of natural gas
available and the feasibility for future commercial development. The first phase
of the exploration will include an airborne magnetic survey, sampling of
borehole cores, and the drilling of test wells.
Karoo Basin technical study concluded, permit expired
We recently concluded an extensive technical study for shale gas in the Karoo
Basin in South Africa. The technical cooperation permit (TCP) which allowed us
to do this expired on 17 November 2011 and we have decided not to pursue further
exploration activities in the area at this stage. Sasol will, however, continue
to monitor the South African shale gas landscape for new developments.
Feasibility study for an ethane cracker facility at Lake Charles to advance
The rapid development of the shale gas industry in North America and the
resulting decoupling of the crude oil and natural gas prices have created
several opportunities for growth for Sasol in both fuels and chemicals. In
particular, the availability of significant volumes of natural gas liquids, and
specifically ethane, has opened up opportunities in the ethane feedstock area
for cracker-based chemicals.
We recently completed a pre-feasibility study into such opportunities. It
confirmed that a world-scale ethane cracker with certain downstream ethylene-
derivative units at our Lake Charles site in Louisiana offers an attractive
investment opportunity with a sustainable competitive advantage to Sasol. It
also supports our growth aspirations, delivering on the targets to expand our
chemical businesses. The Sasol board of directors has approved the advancement
of this project into a feasibility study, to assess in more detail the technical
and commercial viability of such a world-scale ethane cracker and the
development of strategic partnerships at an appropriate level, to the extent
necessary. The envisaged capacity of the cracker will be to produce between 1
million and 1,4 million tons of ethylene per annum. A cracker and derivatives
complex of this size is anticipated to cost between US$3,5 billion and US$4,5
billion. The feasibility study is scheduled for completion in the second half of
the 2013 financial year.
Additional mine replacement at Secunda approved
As mentioned in the past, our Middelbult Colliery near Secunda is nearing the
end of its useful life and will start to reduce its production volumes from
2015. As a result, the Sasol board approved the capital application of R5
billion to establish the new Shondoni Colliery. The total extractable reserves
at this new mine are approximately 190 million tons (Mt), giving Shondoni
Colliery an operating life of 20 years.
Construction of our Thubelisha shaft and Impumelelo Colliery is progressing
well. These two mines will unlock extractable coal reserves of approximately 160
Mt and 290 Mt respectively. Together with Shondoni, they will add significantly
to our ability to sustain our Sasol Synfuels business value chain and our export
business for decades to come.
Confronting the climate change challenge
Sasol recognises the importance of COP17 to South Africa as a nation and has
been working with government and other stakeholders to ensure a successful
hosting of the event. In particular, Sasol commits to showcasing its mitigation
and adaptation achievements, sharing best practices and participating in
effective and aligned engagements. Sasol is proud to support collective action
between stakeholders as reflected in the Green Economy Accord, which has been
signed by the South African government, business, organised labour and community
constituencies and the Energy Efficiency Leadership Network pledge, which will
be signed during COP17.
In October 2011, the government gazetted its white paper on the national climate
change response policy in which it committed to partnering with business and
industry. Sasol welcomes this commitment and continues to work to foster a
constructive partnership with the government.
Sasol also welcomes the government`s recognition that the development of any
carbon tax regime must be informed by a number of considerations as set out in
the white paper. Together with Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), we are
engaging with the National Treasury to provide information on a number of
issues.
Feedback from Sasol`s annual general meeting
At the Sasol annual general meeting on 25 November 2011, shareholders, among
other resolutions, authorised the Sasol board of directors to approve the
repurchase of up to 10% of the company`s issued ordinary shares on the open
market, in accordance with the Companies Act and the JSE Listings Requirements.
Trading statement
In our trading statement issued on 23 November 2011, we forecast our earnings
per share and headline earnings per share for the six months ending 31 December
2011 to increase by at least 45% compared to the prior comparable reporting
period. Due to continued volatility, Sasol is unable at this time to give a more
precise indication of how much this increase will be, but a more accurate
estimate will be given once the half year has closed and we have greater
certainty.
In addition, our results may be impacted by further changes in oil and product
prices, volume variances, the impact of closing exchange rates on financial
assets and liabilities, as well as any adjustments resulting from our half year-
end process. This may result in a change in the estimated earnings.
Guidance for the full year
Sasol Synfuels` production volume guidance for the 2012 financial year has been
revised to a range of between 7,0 Mt and 7,2 Mt to take into account the
cumulative effect of three unforeseen incidents that have impacted production
for the year to date.
We expect ORYX GTL to achieve a full-year utilisation rate of between 80% and
90% of nameplate capacity and we remain confident that full-year production at
Arya Sasol Polymer Company will be above 80% of nameplate capacity. In spite of
the production delays experienced at Farrell Creek, we expect year-on-year
volume growth from this shale gas venture. In addition, we remain committed to
containing costs within inflation and improving margins.
We are well positioned to deliver increased earnings for the 2012 financial
year. We will release Sasol`s results for the six months ending 31 December 2011
on Monday 12 March 2012.
The forecast financial information appearing in this update has not been
reviewed and reported on by Sasol`s external auditors.
In closing
We were encouraged that Sasol`s 2010 annual report, including the annual
financial statements, were ranked 9th among the top 300 global annual reports
out of the listed companies surveyed in the 2010 Annual Report of Annual
Reports, published by Report Watch of e.com.
Thank you for your on-going interest in Sasol, especially through these volatile
times. We remain confident that we will deliver improved results and grow
shareholder value.
Best wishes for a safe and joyous festive season!
Best regards,
Christine Ramon
Notice of site visit
We would like to draw your attention to the upcoming site visit to our ORYX GTL
plant in Ras Laffan, Qatar, where we will share insight on the performance of
this, our flagship GTL facility. The visit will be hosted by Sasol on 7 and 8
December 2011, and will coincide with the World Petroleum Congress in Doha.
Presentations made at this site visit will be made available on our website,
www.sasol.com.
30 November 2011
Johannesburg
Issued by sponsor: Deutsche Securities (SA) (Proprietary) Limited
Forward-looking statements:
Sasol may, in this document, make certain statements that are not historical
facts and relate to analyses and other information which are based on forecasts
of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. These
statements may also relate to our future prospects, developments and business
strategies. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not
limited to, statements regarding exchange rate fluctuations, volume growth,
increases in market share, total shareholder return and cost reductions. Words
such as "believe", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "seek", "will", "plan",
"could", "may", "endeavour" and "project" and similar expressions are intended
to identify such forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of
identifying such statements. By their very nature, forward-looking statements
involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and there
are risks that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking
statements will not be achieved. If one or more of these risks materialise, or
should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may differ
materially from those anticipated. You should understand that a number of
important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the
plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such
forward-looking statements. These factors are discussed more fully in our most
recent annual report under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on Form 20-F
filed on 7 October 2011 and in other filings with the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission. The list of factors discussed therein is not
exhaustive; when relying on forward-looking statements to make investment
decisions, you should carefully consider both these factors and other
uncertainties and events. Forward-looking statements apply only as of the date
on which they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or
revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise.
Date: 30/11/2011 14:02:01 Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za
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