Wrap Text
Reviewed Interim Financial Results for the six months ended 31 December 2014
Sasol Limited
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" or "the Company" or "the Group")
Reviewed interim financial results for the six months ended
31 December 2014
Sasol is an international integrated energy and chemicals company that leverages
the talent and expertise of our more than 32 400 people working in 37 countries. We
develop and commercialise technologies, and build and operate world-scale facilities
to produce a range of high-value product streams, including liquid fuels, chemicals
and low-carbon electricity.
Salient features
- Strong group-wide operational performance
- 3% increase in liquid fuels sales volumes for Energy business in
Southern Africa
- Performance Chemicals and Base Chemicals sales volumes up 5%
and 1% respectively
- Normalised cash fixed costs 0,7% below inflation
- Headline earnings per share up by 6% to R32,00
- Business Performance Enhancement Programme annual cost savings
target increased to at least R4,3 billion
- Decisive management action taken in response to lower international
oil prices
- Safety Recordable Case Rate (RCR) excluding illnesses improved to 0,32
- Lake Charles Chemicals Project making good progress
Maintaining momentum
President and Chief Executive Officer, David E. Constable says:
"The changes made to our business since 2011, have resulted in a more effective
and cost-conscious organisation. Through the various improvements that have been
introduced, we are not only more resilient as a company, but far better equipped to
maintain momentum and respond decisively to an evolving global
landscape.
Overall, we continued to deliver strong operational and cost performance despite the
volatile macro-economic environment. With oil prices moving dramatically lower over
the last six months, the management team has formulated a comprehensive
Response Plan to conserve cash and further refine our organisational structures and
near-term strategies.
The benefits of the detailed work we are doing now will ensure that Sasol emerges
from the current challenging environment as an even leaner and
more focused business."
Interim financial results overview*
Earnings attributable to shareholders for the six months ended 31 December 2014
increased by 54% to R19,5 billion from R12,7 billion in the prior period. Headline
earnings per share increased by 6% to R32,00 and earnings per share increased by
53% to R32,04 compared to the prior period.
However, excluding the impact of remeasurement items, net once-off charges,
movements in our share-based payment expense and lower unrealised profit in
inventory, earnings attributable to shareholders decreased by 23% from the prior
period.
Profit from operations of R30,0 billion increased by 39% compared to the prior
period. This achievement was due to an overall strong operational performance from
our Regional Operating Hubs (ROHs) coupled with increased sales volumes and
improved margins in our Performance Chemicals and Base Chemicals Strategic
Business Units. The group's profitability was further enhanced by a 9% weaker
average rand/US dollar exchange rate (R10,99/US$ for the six months ended
31 December 2014 compared with R10,08/US$ in the prior period). This benefit was
partially offset by a 19% decline in average Brent crude oil prices (average dated
Brent was US$89,00/barrel for the six months ended 31 December 2014 compared
with US$109,83/barrel in the prior period).
In addition, Sasol's profitability for the first half of the 2015 financial year was also
impacted by the following notable once-off and significant charges:
- Reversal of the share-based payment expense of R2,5 billion due to a 32%
decline in the share price closing at R431,01.
- The positive movement in unrealised profit in inventory of approximately
R2,0 billion, given our updated operating model and lower international oil
prices.
- Extension of the useful life of our Southern African operations amounting to a
decrease in depreciation of R0,7 billion and environmental rehabilitation
provisions of R1,8 billion respectively.
- Net impairments of R0,2 billion for the six months under review compared to
the prior period of R6,0 billion (which included the R5,3 billion partial
impairment of our Canadian shale gas assets).
- Remeasurement items relating primarily to the R1,3 billion partial impairment
reversal of the FT Wax Expansion Project and the partial impairment of our
Etame assets in Gabon of R1,3 billion.
Over the period, we maintained a strong operational performance across our ROHs.
In tandem, our Energy business in Southern Africa increased its liquid fuels sales
volumes by 3% compared to the prior period. Furthermore, our Chemicals
businesses delivered an exceptional performance, having consistently reported
increased sales volumes over the past two years. Normalising for the impact of the
sale of our Solvents Germany and Sasol Polymer Middle East (SPME) businesses
and due to focused marketing and sales initiatives, sales volumes for Performance
Chemicals and Base Chemicals increased by 5% and 1%, from the prior period.
Our ORYX GTL plant sustained a solid performance, with an average utilisation rate
of 91% for the period, despite an earlier than planned shutdown during December
2014.
Normalised cash fixed costs increased by only 6,1%, 0,7% below the South African
producers' price index (SA PPI) of 6,8% for the period. This was achieved despite a
challenging South African cost environment in respect of labour, maintenance and
electricity charges. A key focus area for the management team since 2013 has been
delivering on our company-wide Business Performance Enhancement Programme,
where we have made significant progress in reducing our cost base sustainably.
The reduction in the effective corporate tax rate from 37,5% to 31,8% resulted mainly
from the impact of the R5,3 billion partial impairment of our Canadian shale gas
assets in the prior period.
Cash flow generated from operations increased by 21% to R34,0 billion compared
with R28,1 billion in the prior period. This includes a decrease in working capital of
R1,8 billion in the current period, due to lower commodity prices. Our net cash
position improved by 29% from R38,0 billion in June 2014 to R48,9 billion as at
31 December 2014. Capital expenditure over the period amounted to R22,1 billion,
which is in line with our expectations.
As previously announced, our revised dividend policy is a dividend cover range which
will be based on headline earnings per share. The interim dividend cover was 4,6
times at 31 December 2014 (31 December 2013: 3,8 times). Taking into account the
current volatile macro-economic environment, capital investment plans, our cash
conservation initiative, the current strength of our financial position, and the dividend
cover range, the Sasol Limited board of directors has declared an interim dividend of
R7,00 per share (12,5% lower compared to the prior period).
* All comparisons refer to the prior period as the six months ended 31 December 2013. Except for
earning attributable to shareholders, all numbers are quoted on a pre-tax basis.
Group Financial Controller, Paul Victor says:
"Despite the headwinds of economic uncertainty and persisting geo-political tensions,
the underlying fundamentals of our business remain robust over the long-term. In the
near term, we expect tough trading conditions to prevail for the remainder of calendar
year 2015. This notwithstanding, we are determined to build on our solid operational
platform and improve the effectiveness, simplicity and efficiency of our organisation.
Mitigating the challenges of low international oil prices and continuing to deliver
maximum sustainable value to our shareholders remains one of our top priorities.
As previously announced, our new operating model, and a simplified and
consolidated legal structure, came into effect on 1 July 2014. The interim financial
results reflect the performance of our six reportable business segments organised
along an integrated value chain."
Business Performance Enhancement Programme delivering results
As part of our Business Performance Enhancement Programme, the process of
implementing organisational structures and employee placements to align with our
updated operating model will be concluded by the end of June 2015. As at
31 December 2014, nearly 1 500 voluntary separations and early retirements were
approved by the company.
We still expect cost savings of R4,0 billion by financial year 2016 off a 2013 cost
base. We have identified further savings opportunities and now forecast an exit run
rate of at least R4,3 billion by the end of financial year 2016. Cost trends are still
forecast to track SA PPI from financial year 2017.
At 31 December 2014, the programme realised actual sustainable benefits of
R991 million. For the end of the financial year we expect sustainable savings to
increase to approximately R1,5 billion.
Implementation costs for the programme amount to R1,5 billion for the first half of
the year, and are expected to increase to approximately R2,1 billion for the full
financial year. The savings and implementation costs reported are all in line with
previous guidance.
As part of our Response Plan actions, we plan to deliver further cash cost
sustainable savings of R1 billion annually. These savings will be achieved through
additional organisational structural refinements, a 30-month freezing of between 500
and 1 000 vacancies, and focused supply chain cost base reduction initiatives.
Response to lower international oil prices
In response to a lower-for-longer oil price environment, we announced our Response
Plan on 28 January 2015. We have set a 30-month cash conservation target range of
between R30 billion to R50 billion, using 31 December 2014 as the baseline. This
cash conservation target range supplements our current Business Performance
Enhancement Programme sustainable cost savings target of at least R4,3 billion per
year, from financial year 2017.
Our Response Plan target of R30 billion to R50 billion will be realised from the
following key areas:
- capital portfolio phasing and reductions - target of R13 billion to R22 billion;
- capital structuring - target of R8 billion to R12 billion;
- further cash cost reductions - target of R4 billion to R7 billion of which R1 billion
per annum will be considered sustainable at the end of the 30-month period; and
- working capital and margin improvements - target of R5 billion to R9 billion.
As previously announced, decisive measures have already been agreed to and key
decisions have been taken to conserve cash, including the delay of our gas-to-liquids
(GTL) plant in the US, the change to our dividend policy as well as the further
optimisation of our organisational structures.
Advancing projects to enable future growth
We are encouraged by the headway we are making in delivering on our project
pipeline:
- Focusing on our Operating Business Units (OBUs) which secure our feedstock
supply:
- The development of the Impumelelo and Shondoni collieries, which are part of
our Mining OBU's R14,0 billion mine replacement programme, continues to
progress steadily. The establishment of these collieries will ensure
uninterrupted coal supply to our Secunda Synfuels Operations. Beneficial
operation for both collieries is on track for the first and second half of the 2015
calendar year respectively. Both projects are expected to be delivered on
budget.
- The full field development plan for the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA)
was submitted to the Mozambican authorities for approval by the
February 2015 deadline. A further update on the investment strategy and
monetisation plan will be provided once approval is received from the relevant
authorities in Mozambique.
- Offshore Gabon, we are maturing and developing additional proven oil
reserves to maintain production in the non-operated Etame Marin Permit. The
Etame Expansion Project and the South East Etame and North Tchibala
Project are expected to achieve beneficial operation in the 2015 calendar
year. Both projects are expected to be delivered on schedule and within
budget.
- Looking at the growth projects within our Strategic Business Units (SBUs):
Growing our Energy business in Mozambique
- The R1,6 billion Loop Line on the Mozambique to Secunda pipeline reached
beneficial operation during the last quarter of the 2014 calendar year, on
schedule and below budget.
- We completed the development of the US$246 million, 175 megawatt gas-
fired power generation plant in Mozambique, in partnership with the country's
state-owned power utility, Electridade de Moçambique (EDM) at Ressano
Garcia. All 18 gas engines have been commissioned and beneficial operation
is expected within budget during the first half of the 2015 calendar year.
- In Mozambique, a joint pre-feasibility study for a large-scale GTL plant, which
will be based on gas from the Rovuma Basin in Northern Mozambique, is
underway. The study, which is being conducted in conjunction with
Mozambique's national oil company, Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos
(ENH) and Italian multinational, Eni S.p.A. (Eni), will assess the viability and
benefits of such a plant in the region.
Expanding our Energy, Base Chemicals and Performance Chemicals SBUs
in South Africa and in the United States
- The R14,2 billion Secunda growth programme is nearing completion with 14
of the 19 projects, which include the gas heated heat exchange reformers,
achieving beneficial operation. The completed projects have ensured that the
volume and electricity benefits of the programme were fully realised. The
remaining five projects are smaller environmental enablers and are expected
to reach beneficial operation by the end of the 2015 calendar year.
- The expansion of our FT wax facility in Sasolburg is progressing well with the
commissioning of the new slurry bed reactor expected to take place during
the first half of the 2015 calendar year. Commissioning of phase two of the
project is on track to take place during the second half of the 2016 calendar
year. The total project cost for both phases remains unchanged at
R13,6 billion. In 2013, we partially impaired the project by R2 billion. At
31 December 2014, we recognised a partial reversal of the impairment of
R1,3 billion, mainly due to the extension of the useful life of the asset from
2029 to 2034, supported by the weaker rand/US dollar exchange rate.
- We are making steady progress with the advancement of our US$8,9 billion
ethane cracker and downstream derivatives complex (including infrastructure
and utilities) in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Site preparation is underway, and we
expect that the plant will achieve beneficial operation during the 2018
calendar year. In December 2014, we established a US$4,0 billion banking
facility which will be used to finance the project. Approximately 80% of the
funds required are in place through a combination of project finance and our
own equity contributions. The remainder of the funds required will be raised in
a phased manner, including accessing capital markets and further equity
contributions.
- On 7 August 2014, Sasol and Ineos Olefins & Polymers USA successfully
concluded a toll manufacturing joint venture, Gemini HDPE LLC. Construction
of the US$269 million (Sasol's share) high density polyethylene facility
commenced and plant start-up is planned towards the end of the 2016
calendar year. The complex is expected to produce 470 kilotons per annum.
Strong operational performance on the back of effective cost
management
Operating Business Units
Mining - increased production, unit cost below inflation
Profit from operations of R2 241 million was 66% higher than the prior period. This
was mainly as a result of a 5% increase in production volumes due to the sustained
improvement in underground infrastructure, higher export volumes and the benefit of
increased cost control measures. In addition, the benefits of our Business
Performance Enhancement Programme, coupled with further operational flexibility
created by the mine replacement programme, have resulted in the unit costs from our
operations being contained to below inflation.
Exploration and Production International - impacted by once-off items
Exploration and Production International recorded a loss from operations of
R1 748 million compared to a loss from operations of R6 137 million in the prior
period.
Our businesses excluding Canada, reflected a loss from operations of R1 164 million
which includes a partial impairment of our Etame assets in Gabon of R1 331 million
due to a decline in international oil prices and a loss of R565 million on the exiting of
the Nigerian upstream licences. Excluding these charges, we generated a profit of
R732 million mainly due to favourable gas prices in Mozambique. Gas volumes
remained at similar levels compared to the prior period. Our oil production in Gabon
was slightly lower and averaged 15 000 barrels of oil per day.
Our Canadian shale gas asset in Montney generated a loss from operations of
R584 million compared to R6 484 million in the prior period, which included the
partial impairment of the asset of R5 308 million. Excluding the effect of the prior
period impairment, the loss decreased from R1 176 million to R584 million in the
current period mainly due to lower depreciation and operational costs. We are
actively de-risking this asset, with specific emphasis on the Cypress A acreage.
Strategic Business Units
Energy - improved volumes and cost performance, margins under pressure
Profit from operations of R14 818 million decreased by R1 556 million compared to
the prior period. Production volumes at Secunda Synfuels Operations (SSO) and
Natref Operations, increased by 2% and 6% respectively in comparison with the prior
period. This was mainly due to the total factory shutdown at SSO in the prior period
and improved production throughput at Natref Operations.
In South Africa, our Energy SBU's profitability was enhanced by a 3% increase in
liquid fuels sales volumes compared to the prior period and higher refining margins,
on the back of strong product differentials. The increased cost of production resulting
from higher than inflationary increases in feedstock and utilities, as well as the
reduction in the basic fuel price, on the back of lower international crude oil prices,
resulted in an 18% negative impact on our gross margin. Through our Business
Performance Enhancement Programme, we expect normalised cash costs per unit
for the full year to be below SA PPI.
The Energy SBU's share of profit from equity accounted joint ventures of
R1 291 million decreased from R1 901 million in the prior period. This was mainly
due to lower international oil prices and an earlier than planned shutdown at our
ORYX GTL facility. The plant achieved a utilisation rate of 91%, while maintaining a
world class safety incident RCR of 0,0.
Base Chemicals - increased profit from operations, higher sales volumes and
lower costs
The Base Chemicals SBU delivered a strong performance, increasing profit from
operations by 42% to R5 818 million compared to the prior period. Sales volumes,
normalised for the sale of our Solvents Germany and SPME operations in the prior
period, increased by 1%. Normalised cash fixed costs were contained within inflation.
Profit from operations further benefited from the extension of the useful life of
operating assets in South Africa amounting to R899 million, once-off items in the
prior period and a weaker rand/US dollar exchange rate. This was partially negated
by lower sales prices. For the six months ended 31 December 2014, our chemical
basket dollar prices have declined by 5% in comparison with a 19% decline in
average Brent crude oil prices.
Performance Chemicals - improved performance boosted by higher sales
volumes
The Performance Chemicals SBU continued to deliver a solid performance,
increasing profit from operations by 60% to R7 365 million compared to
R4 614 million for the prior period. Sales volumes increased by 5% from the prior
period, mainly due to improved production output, supported by higher demand. In
Euro terms, costs were maintained within inflation. Although still realising healthy
margins in our US business, the decrease in the oil price resulted in a corresponding
decrease in polyethylene prices. Our European ROH continued to report improved
volumes. The financial performance was positively impacted by the R1 336 million
partial impairment reversal of the Wax Expansion Project in Sasolburg, the impact of
the weaker rand/Euro exchange rate, and a 6% increase in operating margin.
Maintaining our focus on sustainable value creation
We continued to deliver on our broader sustainability and community contributions
during the period:
- Safety remains a top priority for Sasol. We have shown steady progress in our
safety performance in the first six months of the year with the RCR for employees
and service providers improving to 0,32 (excluding illnesses) at
31 December 2014 (0,36 as at 30 June 2014). Including illnesses, our RCR
improved to 0,40 (0,42 as at 30 June 2014). Tragically, we experienced one
fatality involving a service provider at a mining construction project. Our
operations continue to make steady progress in the reduction of process safety
incidents.
- During the six months ended 31 December 2014, we spent over R0,5 billion on
skills and socio-economic development, which includes our public/private Ikusasa
initiative, bursaries, learnerships and artisan training programmes.
- To ensure our ongoing compliance with new air quality regulations in
South Africa, Sasol applied for certain postponements to manage our short-term
challenges relating to the compliance timeframes. We have now received
decisions on our postponement applications from the National Air Quality Officer,
which, while aligned with our requests, impose stretched targets. Our focus is
now on the alignment of our licences to reflect these postponement decisions,
and on implementing our air quality roadmaps, including community-based
offsets to sustainably improve ambient air quality in the areas where we operate.
- During the period, we paid R16,2 billion in direct and indirect taxes to the
South African government. Sasol remains one of the largest corporate taxpayers
in South Africa, contributing significantly to the country's economy.
- The Sasol Inzalo transaction, Sasol's landmark broad-based black economic
empowerment (B-BBEE) transaction, has been partially refinanced, which will
significantly contribute to reducing the scheme's financing costs. The refinancing
will also return increased value to its shareholders.
Proposed carbon tax for South Africa
South Africa's carbon emissions are not expected to increase before 2020, and the
implementation of a carbon tax will have a limited effect on emissions, but will,
instead, add a further cost burden to the economy.
At the same time, we are concerned that the proposed carbon tax will diminish
South Africa's international competitiveness and result in a range of other unintended
consequences. In our view, South Africa needs appropriate incentives to invest in
new, more energy efficient processes and projects that improve our energy security.
Sasol continues to engage with the Department of Environmental Affairs and
National Treasury in South Africa on the carbon tax issue.
Competition law compliance
On 5 June 2014, the South African Competition Tribunal (the Tribunal) released its
decision relating to Sasol Polymers' pricing of propylene and polypropylene. This
matter was initiated at the end of 2007, when the South African Competition
Commission (Commission) commenced its investigation into the South African
monomers and polymers industries. The Commission's complaint was referred to the
Tribunal in 2010, contending that Sasol Polymers had, between January 2004 and
December 2007, charged excessive prices for propylene and polypropylene supplied
into the South African market. In its decision, the Tribunal found against Sasol
Polymers in relation to the pricing of both propylene and polypropylene, for the period
in question. The Tribunal imposed an administrative penalty of R534 million. The
Tribunal also ordered revised future pricing of propylene and polypropylene. Sasol
appealed the Tribunal's ruling to the Competition Appeal Court. The appeal was
heard in December 2014. At this stage, it is not known when the Competition Appeal
Court will make its ruling.
Separately, the Commission is conducting investigations into several industries in
which Sasol operates, including the petroleum and polymer industries and has
initiated a market inquiry in the South African liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) market.
We continue to cooperate with the Commission in these investigations. To the extent
appropriate, further announcements will be made in future.
Profit outlook+ - strong production performance and cost reductions to
continue
The global economic environment remains volatile and uncertain. We expect oil
prices to remain low for the rest of the 2015 calendar year. We also expect the rand
exchange rate to be impacted by quantitative easing in the Eurozone, uncertainties
relating to the interest rate normalisation by key central banks and infrastructure
constraints in South Africa. Both oil price and rand exchange rate developments are
outside of our influence, and therefore our focus remains firmly on factors within our
control, which include volume growth, margin improvement and cost optimisation.
Oil and other commodity price risk hedging are evaluated on an ongoing basis. The
market is constantly monitored for risk management opportunities, taking cognisance
of integration benefits and the strength of Sasol's balance sheet.
We expect an overall strong production performance for the 2015 financial year, with:
- Liquid fuels product volumes for the Energy SBU in Southern Africa to be
approximately 59 million barrels;
- The average utilisation rate at ORYX GTL in Qatar to be above 90% of
nameplate capacity;
- Base Chemicals normalised sales volumes to be slightly higher than the previous
financial year with margins under pressure due to lower international oil prices;
- Performance Chemicals sales volumes to outperform the previous financial year
on the back of increased market demand;
- Average Brent crude oil prices to be at least 30% lower during the second half of
the financial year compared to the first half;
- Normalised cash fixed costs to follow SA PPI;
- Capital expenditure of R45 billion for 2015, R65 billion in 2016 and R60 billion in
2017 as we progress with the execution of our growth plan and strategy;
- Our balance sheet gearing up to a level of between 2% and 7% at year-end; and
- The Response Plan cash flow contribution from all streams to range between
R6 billion and R10 billion.
+ The financial information contained in this profit outlook is the responsibility of the directors and in
accordance with standard practice, it is noted that this information has not been reviewed and reported
on by the company's auditors.
Disposals of businesses
In September 2014, we notified our partners in the Nigerian licenses OML-140 and
OPL-214, of our withdrawal from both licenses as part of an ongoing restructuring of
our asset base. Accordingly, we recognised a loss on disposal of R565 million
relating to these licences for the six months ended 31 December 2014.
On 1 November 2014, the sale of our marketing business, Exel Lesotho (Pty) Ltd,
was concluded for a purchase consideration of R164 million, realising a profit on
disposal of R84 million.
Subsequent events
On 9 February 2015, Sasol announced changes to its top management structures.
Sasol has also decided to combine two of its reportable segments, Southern Africa
Energy and International Energy, and their associated management structures, into
one segment, now referred to as Energy. Given this decision, Sasol's segmental
reporting now consists of six reportable segments: Mining, Exploration and
Production International, Energy, Base Chemicals, Performance Chemicals, and
Group Functions.
On 4 March 2015, the FTSE/JSE Advisory Committee approved changes to the
FTSE/JSE Index series, resulting in Sasol being reclassified from an 'Integrated Oil &
Gas' company to a 'Speciality Chemicals' company. This change will be effective
from 23 March 2015.
Change in directors
Ms Nomgando Matyumza was appointed as an independent non-executive director
of Sasol with effect from 8 September 2014 and a member of the audit committee
with effect from 26 September 2014.
Mr Bongani Nqwababa resigned as a non-executive director and member of the audit
committee with effect from 26 September 2014, and was appointed as executive
director and Chief Financial Officer of Sasol with effect from 1 March 2015.
Mr Paul Victor returned to his permanent role of Group Financial Controller with
effect from 1 March 2015.
Declaration of cash dividend number 71
An interim gross cash dividend of South African 700,00 cents per ordinary share
(31 December 2013 - 800,00 cents per ordinary share) has been declared for the six
months ended 31 December 2014. The interim cash dividend is payable on the
ordinary shares and the Sasol BEE ordinary shares. The dividend has been declared
out of retained earnings (income reserves). The South African dividend withholding
tax rate is 15% and no credits in terms of secondary tax on companies have been
utilised. At the declaration date, there are 650 879 016 Sasol ordinary, 25 547 081 Sasol
preferred ordinary and 2 838 565 Sasol BEE ordinary shares in issue. The net
dividend amount payable to shareholders, who are not exempt from the dividend
withholding tax, is 595,00 cents per share, while the dividend amount payable to
shareholders who are exempt from dividend withholding tax is 700,00 cents per share.
The salient dates for holders of ordinary shares and Sasol BEE ordinary shares are:
Declaration date Monday, 9 March 2015
Last day for trading to qualify for and participate in the final
dividend (cum dividend) Wednesday, 1 April 2015
Trading ex dividend commences Thursday, 2 April 2015
Record date Friday, 10 April 2015
Dividend payment date Monday, 13 April 2015
The salient dates for holders of our American Depository Receipts are 1:
Ex dividend on New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Wednesday, 8 April 2015
Record date Friday, 10 April 2015
Approximate date of currency conversion Tuesday, 14 April 2015
Approximate dividend payment date Thursday, 23 April 2015
1. All dates are approximate as the NYSE sets the record date after receipt of the dividend declaration.
On Monday, 13 April 2015, dividends due to certificated shareholders on the
South African registry will either be electronically transferred to shareholders' bank
accounts or, in the absence of suitable mandates, dividend cheques will be posted to
such shareholders. Shareholders who hold dematerialised shares will have their
accounts held by their CSDP or broker credited on Monday, 13 April 2015.
Share certificates may not be dematerialised or re-materialised between Thursday,
2 April 2015 and Friday, 10 April 2015, both days inclusive.
On behalf of the board
Mandla SV Gantsho David E Constable Paul Victor
Chairman President and Group Financial Controller
Chief Executive Officer (Acting Chief Financial
Officer for the period)
Sasol Limited
9 March 2015
Basis of preparation
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended
31 December 2014 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS), IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting, the SAICA
Financial Reporting Guides as issued by the Accounting Practices Committee and
Financial Pronouncements as issued by the Financial Reporting Standards Council,
as well as the requirements of the South African Companies Act, 2008, as amended
and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange Listings Requirements.
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements do not include all the
disclosure required for complete annual financial statements prepared in accordance
with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with the historic cost convention except that certain items, including
derivative instruments, liabilities for cash-settled share-based payment schemes,
financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and available-for-sale financial
assets, are stated at fair value.
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements are presented in
South African rand, which is Sasol Limited's functional and presentation currency.
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements appearing in this
announcement are the responsibility of the directors. The directors take full
responsibility for the preparation of the condensed consolidated interim financial
statements. Paul Victor CA(SA), in his capacity as the Acting Chief Financial Officer
for the period has taken responsibility for this set of condensed consolidated interim
financial statements and has supervised the preparation thereof in conjunction with
the Vice President: Financial Reporting, Nina Stofberg CA(SA).
Accounting policies
The accounting policies applied in the preparation of these condensed consolidated
interim financial statements are in terms of IFRS and are consistent with those
applied in the consolidated annual financial statements for the year ended
30 June 2014.
Related party transactions
The group, in the ordinary course of business, entered into various sale and
purchase transactions on an arm's length basis at market rates with related parties.
Reassessment of useful lives of assets
On 1 July 2014, we operationalised our Project 2050 initiative to extend the lifespan
of Sasolburg and Natref operations to 2034 and our Secunda operations to the
middle of the century. The extension of useful lives has been accounted for as a
change in estimate and has been applied prospectively.
The change in useful lives estimate of the affected assets has impacted the following
lines in the financial statements:
Half year Half year
2015 - including 2015 - excluding the
effect of change in effect of change in Difference due to
estimate estimate change in estimate
Increase/(Decrease)
Rm Rm Rm
Depreciation * 6 393 7 095 (702)
Mining 651 691 (40)
Exploration and 1 301 1 301 -
Production International
Energy 1 527 1 745 (218)
Base Chemicals 1 443 1 823 (380)
Performance Chemicals 1 285 1 347 (62)
Group Functions 186 188 (2)
Rehabilitation 10 617 12 433 (1 816)
provision *
Mining 1 125 1 125 -
Exploration and 4 097 4 097 -
Production International
Energy 2 609 3 672 (1 063)
Base Chemicals 1 482 2 001 (519)
Performance Chemicals 1 304 1 538 (234)
* The expected impact of the reassessment of the useful lives on depreciation in future periods is limited
to the recognition of the assets over their extended useful lives and is accordingly R702 million. The
expected future impact on the rehabilitation provision will be through the unwinding of the provision over
a longer period. Accordingly, before consideration of future expansion and assuming no changes in
discount rates or other assumptions, the future impact is R1 816 million.
Financial Instruments
Fair value
Valuation techniques and assumptions utilised for the purpose of calculating fair
value
The group does not hold any financial instruments traded in an active market, except
for the investment in listed equity instruments. Fair value is determined using
valuation techniques as outlined below. Where possible, inputs are based on quoted
prices and other market determined variables.
Fair Value hierarchy
The following table is provided representing the assets and liabilities measured at fair
value at reporting date, or for which fair value is disclosed at 31 December 2014. The
calculation of fair value requires various inputs into the valuation methodologies
used. The source of the inputs used affects the reliability and accuracy of the
valuations. Significant inputs have been classified into the hierarchical levels in line
with IFRS 13, as shown below:
Level 1 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or
liability (directly or indirectly).
Level 3 Inputs for the asset or liability that are unobservable.
Fair Fair Value
Value hierarchy
Financial instrument Rm Valuation method Significant inputs of inputs
Financial Assets
Investments in 888 Fair value Quoted market price for Level 1
securities - measured the same or similar
at fair value instruments
Investments in 140 Discounted cash Market related interest Level 3
securities - measured flow rates
at amortised cost
Investments in ** ** **
securities - measured
at cost**
Long-term receivables 1 856 Discounted cash Market related interest Level 3
flow rates
Financial assets 863 Forward rate Forward exchange Level 2
(derivatives) interpolator model, contracted rates, market
appropriate currency foreign exchange rates,
specific discount forward contract rates,
curve. market commodity prices
Trade receivables 20 231 * * Level 3*
Other receivables 2 239 * * Level 3*
Cash and cash 48 921 * * Level 1*
equivalents
Financial liabilities
Long-term debt 35 115 Discounted cash Quoted market price for Level 3
flow the same or similar
instruments or on the
current rates available for
debt with the same
maturity profile and with
similar cash flows
Short-term debt 447 * * Level 3*
Financial liabilities 164 Forward rate Forward exchange Level 2
(derivatives) interpolator model, contracted rates, market
appropriate currency foreign exchange rates,
specific discount forward contract rates,
curve. market commodity prices
Trade payables 16 254 * * Level 3*
Other payables 1 947 * * Level 3*
* The fair value of these instruments approximates their carrying value, due to their short-term nature.
** These investments are held in equity instruments which do not have quoted prices, as they are not
listed on an exchange. Fair value therefore cannot be measured reliably. As a result, these instruments
are held at cost.
Restated segments
To reflect our new operating model, our financial reporting has been updated and
new reportable segments have been restated accordingly. The restated reportable
segments are presented on the next two pages.
SASOL LIMITED GROUP
SEGMENT ANALYSIS
for the six months ended 31 December 2013
Operating Business Units Strategic Business Units Other
Exploration and
Production Performance
Mining International Energy Base Chemicals Chemicals Group Functions Total operations
Rm Rm Rm Rm Rm Rm Rm
Turnover
external 1 103 1 482 41 432 21 017 33 234 - 98 268
intersegment 5 875 926 724 1 337 1 497 - 10 359
Total turnover 6 978 2 408 42 156 22 354 34 731 - 108 627
Operating profit/(loss) before remeasurement items and translation gains/(losses) 1 344 (551) 14 128 4 207 4 597 331 24 056
Translation gains/(losses) 2 (108) (86) 244 91 912 1 055
Operating profit/(loss) before remeasurement items 1 346 (659) 14 042 4 451 4 688 1 243 25 111
Remeasurement items 5 (5 478) 429 (604) (75) (7) (5 730)
Operating profit/(loss) after remeasurement items 1 351 (6 137) 14 471 3 847 4 613 1 236 19 381
Share of profit of equity accounted joint ventures, net of tax - - 1 901 96 - - 1 997
Share of profit/(loss) of associates, net of tax - - 2 164 1 (11) 156
Profit/(loss) from operations 1 351 (6 137) 16 374 4 107 4 614 1 225 21 534
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 561 1 628 1 508 1 544 1 120 173 6 534
Amortisation of intangibles - 10 14 12 44 69 149
EBITDA 1 912 (4 499) 17 896 5 663 5 778 1 467 28 217
Statement of financial position
Property, plant and equipment 9 380 10 412 28 126 32 540 21 734 2 132 104 324
Assets under construction 4 831 6 826 9 919 8 268 15 949 944 46 737
Other Intangible assets 7 66 98 83 816 481 1 551
Other non-current assets 1 495 - 9 034 2 802 1 489 1 115 14 935
Current assets 1 1 306 2 843 21 417 15 240 21 780 23 408 85 994
Total external assets 1 16 019 20 147 68 594 58 933 61 768 28 080 253 541
Non-current liabilities 1 2 121 2 825 6 836 3 446 7 647 20 736 43 611
Current liabilities 1 1 685 1 564 12 953 4 617 7 725 4 135 32 679
Total external liabilities 1 3 806 4 389 19 789 8 063 15 372 24 871 76 290
Cash flow information
Additions to non-current assets 2 345 2 925 5 251 4 051 5 115 209 19 896
Capital commitments
Subsidiaries and joint operations 9 178 6 265 18 790 9 144 15 755 665 59 797
Equity accounted joint ventures and associates - - 895 58 - - 953
Total Capital commitments 9 178 6 265 19 685 9 202 15 755 665 60 750
Number of employees 2 8 279 483 5 168 6 478 6 157 7 196 33 761
1 Excludes deferred tax asset, deferred tax liability, tax receivable, tax payable and post-retirement benefit assets.
2 Includes permanent and non-permanent employees.
SASOL LIMITED GROUP
SEGMENT ANALYSIS
for the year ended 30 June 2014
Operating Business Units Strategic Business Units Other
Exploration and
Production Performance
Mining International Energy Base Chemicals Chemicals Group Functions Total operations
Rm Rm Rm Rm Rm Rm Rm
Turnover
external 2 154 2 990 84 632 42 262 70 592 53 202 683
intersegment 11 980 2 218 1 420 2 778 2 982 - 21 378
Total turnover 14 134 5 208 86 052 45 040 73 574 53 224 061
Operating profit/(loss) before remeasurement items and translation gains/(losses) 2 463 (378) 27 931 7 802 12 074 (1 387) 48 505
Translation gains/(losses) (3) (130) (179) 255 27 828 798
Operating profit/(loss) before remeasurement items 2 460 (508) 27 752 8 057 12 101 (559) 49 303
Remeasurement items (7) (5 472) (47) (1 765) (254) (84) (7 629)
Operating profit/(loss) after remeasurement items 2 453 (5 980) 27 705 6 292 11 847 (643) 41 674
Share of profit of equity accounted joint ventures, net of tax - - 3 710 100 - - 3 810
Share of profit/(loss) of associates, net of tax - - 8 350 1 (25) 334
Profit/(loss) from operations 2 453 (5 980) 31 423 6 742 11 848 (668) 45 818
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 1 211 2 654 3 174 3 281 2 497 382 13 199
Amortisation of intangibles - 23 27 26 91 150 317
EBITDA 3 664 (3 303) 34 624 10 049 14 436 (136) 59 334
Statement of financial position
Property, plant and equipment 10 578 10 496 29 378 33 466 25 124 2 407 111 449
Assets under construction 6 380 7 888 11 029 8 945 16 088 990 51 320
Other Intangible assets 9 64 123 309 882 495 1 882
Other non-current assets 1 527 - 8 140 2 938 1 685 1 322 14 612
Current assets 1 1 726 2 869 19 893 13 393 27 497 31 443 96 821
Total external assets 1 19 220 21 317 68 563 59 051 71 276 36 657 276 084
Non-current liabilities 1 4 360 3 287 6 775 3 848 8 287 21 698 48 255
Current liabilities 1 2 402 1 486 13 610 4 008 8 722 7 669 37 897
Total external liabilities 1 6 762 4 773 20 385 7 856 17 009 29 367 86 152
Cash flow information
Additions to non-current assets 5 837 4 564 8 946 7 940 10 358 1 134 38 779
-
Capital commitments
Subsidiaries and joint operations 7 532 6 639 18 841 10 271 15 272 503 59 058
Equity accounted joint ventures and associates - - 747 17 - - 764
Total Capital commitments 7 532 6 639 19 588 10 288 15 272 503 59 822
Number of employees 2 8 435 527 5 219 6 220 6 112 6 887 33 400
1 Excludes deferred tax asset, deferred tax liability, tax receivable, tax payable and post-retirement benefit assets.
2 Includes permanent and non-permanent employees.
The interim financial statements are presented on a condensed consolidated basis.
Statement of financial position
at
half year half year full year
31 Dec 14 31 Dec 13 30 Jun 14
Reviewed Reviewed Audited
Rm Rm Rm
ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment 124 476 104 324 111 449
Assets under construction 55 273 46 737 51 320
Goodwill 575 631 644
Other intangible assets 1 669 1 551 1 882
Investments in equity accounted joint ventures 9 393 8 804 8 280
Investments in associates 2 099 2 093 1 877
Post-retirement benefit assets 568 452 487
Deferred tax assets 1 932 2 435 3 143
Other long-term assets 3 021 3 407 3 811
Non-current assets 199 006 170 434 182 893
Assets in disposal groups held for sale 426 1 463 1 419
Inventories 24 389 26 241 26 758
Trade and other receivables 26 560 27 352 30 374
Short-term financial assets 863 1 789 420
Cash restricted for use 4 875 3 718 1 245
Cash 44 577 25 886 37 155
Current assets 101 690 86 449 97 371
Total assets 300 696 256 883 280 264
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Shareholders' equity 183 988 158 212 170 977
Non-controlling interests 4 176 3 512 3 792
Total equity 188 164 161 724 174 769
Long-term debt 32 386 21 893 23 419
Long-term financial liabilities 11 19 17
Long-term provisions 11 686 12 614 15 232
Post-retirement benefit obligations 10 577 8 783 9 294
Long-term deferred income 317 302 293
Deferred tax liabilities 21 900 17 895 18 246
Non-current liabilities 76 877 61 506 66 501
Liabilities in disposal groups held for sale 32 1 495 57
Short-term debt 2 922 1 922 2 637
Short-term financial liabilities 164 80 446
Other current liabilities 32 006 29 419 35 475
Bank overdraft 531 737 379
Current liabilities 35 655 33 653 38 994
Total equity and liabilities 300 696 256 883 280 264
Income statement
for the period ended
half year half year full year
31 Dec 14 31 Dec 13 30 Jun 14
Reviewed Reviewed Audited
Rm Rm Rm
Turnover 99 837 98 268 202 683
Materials, energy and consumables used (44 770) (44 100) (89 224)
Selling and distribution costs (3 019) (2 758) (5 762)
Maintenance expenditure (3 832) (4 048) (8 290)
Employee-related expenditure (8 184) (11 602) (28 569)
Exploration expenditure and feasibility costs (268) (300) (604)
Depreciation and amortisation (6 561) (6 683) (13 516)
Other expenses, net (4 673) (3 666) (7 415)
Translation (losses)/gains (416) 1 055 798
Other operating expenses (5 016) (5 244) (12 522)
Other operating income 759 523 4 309
Operating profit before remeasurement items 28 530 25 111 49 303
Remeasurement items (169) (5 730) (7 629)
Operating profit after remeasurement items 28 361 19 381 41 674
Share of profits of equity accounted joint ventures, net of tax 1 377 1 997 3 810
Share of profits of associates, net of tax 296 156 334
Profit from operations 30 034 21 534 45 818
Net finance costs (466) (449) (705)
Finance income 594 512 1 220
Finance costs (1 060) (961) (1 925)
Profit before tax 29 568 21 085 45 113
Taxation (9 406) (7 900) (14 696)
Profit for period 20 162 13 185 30 417
Attributable to:
Owners of Sasol Limited 19 545 12 710 29 580
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries 617 475 837
20 162 13 185 30 417
Earnings per share Rand Rand Rand
Basic earnings per share 32,04 20,88 48,57
Diluted earnings per share 31,95 20,85 48,27
Statement of comprehensive income
for the period ended
half year half year full year
31 Dec 14 31 Dec 13 30 Jun 14
Reviewed Reviewed Audited
Rm Rm Rm
Profit for period 20 162 13 185 30 417
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Items that can be subsequently reclassified to the income statement 2 241 3 770 4 460
Effect of translation of foreign operations* 2 235 3 772 4 477
Effect of cash flow hedges 1 (16) (66)
Fair value of investments available-for-sale 6 13 34
Tax on items that can be subsequently reclassified to the income statement (1) 1 15
Items that cannot be subsequently reclassified to the income statement (856) 157 (22)
Remeasurements on post-retirement benefit obligations (1 238) 224 (80)
Tax on items that cannot be subsequently reclassified to the income statement 382 (67) 58
Total comprehensive income for the period 21 547 17 112 34 855
Attributable to
Owners of Sasol Limited 20 926 16 629 34 002
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries 621 483 853
21 547 17 112 34 855
* Includes the effect of the realisation of the foreign currency translation reserve on the net investment in foreign operation of
R547 million.
Statement of changes in equity
for the period ended
half year half year full year
31 Dec 14 31 Dec 13 30 Jun 14
Reviewed Reviewed Audited
Rm Rm Rm
Balance at beginning of period 174 769 152 893 152 893
Shares issued on implementation of share options 74 220 373
Share-based payment expense 387 136 267
Transactions with non-controlling shareholders in subsidiaries - (14) 1
Total comprehensive income for the period 21 547 17 112 34 855
Dividends paid to shareholders (8 376) (8 357) (13 248)
Dividends paid to non-controlling shareholders in subsidiaries (237) (266) (372)
Balance at end of period 188 164 161 724 174 769
Comprising
Share capital 29 158 28 931 29 084
Share repurchase programme (2 641) (2 641) (2 641)
Sasol Inzalo share transaction (22 054) (22 054) (22 054)
Retained earnings 155 295 132 349 144 126
Share-based payment reserve 9 537 9 020 9 150
Foreign currency translation reserve 16 932 14 001 14 704
Remeasurements on post-retirement benefit obligations (2 265) (1 431) (1 413)
Investment fair value reserve 32 9 28
Cash flow hedge accounting reserve (6) 28 (7)
Shareholders' equity 183 988 158 212 170 977
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries 4 176 3 512 3 792
Total equity 188 164 161 724 174 769
Statement of cash flows
for the period ended half year half year full year
31 Dec 14 31 Dec 13 30 Jun 14
Reviewed Reviewed Audited
Rm Rm Rm
Cash receipts from customers 103 188 99 409 203 549
Cash paid to suppliers and employees (69 224) (71 301) (138 100)
Cash generated by operating activities 33 964 28 108 65 449
Cash flow from operations 32 158 33 235 67 592
Decrease/(increase) in working capital 1 806 (5 127) (2 143)
Finance income received 2 775 3 043 5 920
Finance costs paid (190) (255) (499)
Tax paid (4 729) (6 604) (13 647)
Dividends paid (8 376) (8 357) (13 248)
Cash retained from operating activities 23 444 15 935 43 975
Additions to non-current assets (21 345) (19 896) (38 779)
Disposal of businesses 715 2 319 1 353
Cash disposed of on disposal of businesses (9) - -
Additional investment in equity accounted joint ventures (137) (55) (632)
Acquisition of investments in associates - (519) (519)
Reimbursement of capital in associate - 274 616
Other net cash flow from investing activities 33 390 148
Cash used in investing activities (20 743) (17 487) (37 813)
Share capital issued on implementation of share options 74 220 373
Contributions from non-controlling shareholders in subsidiaries - - 3
Dividends paid to non-controlling shareholders in subsidiaries (237) (266) (372)
Proceeds from long-term debt 8 023 239 3 263
Repayments of long-term debt (1 576) (962) (2 207)
Proceeds from short-term debt 1 974 993 2 346
Repayments of short-term debt (1 657) (763) (2 497)
Cash generated by/(used in) financing activities 6 601 (539) 909
Translation effects on cash and cash equivalents of foreign
operations 1 598 454 455
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 10 900 (1 637) 7 526
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 38 021 30 555 30 555
Net reclassification to held for sale - (51) (60)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 48 921 28 867 38 021
SEGMENT REPORT
for the period ended
Turnover Profit/(loss) from operations
R million Business unit analysis R million
full year half year half year half year half year full year
30 Jun 14 31 Dec 13 31 Dec 14 31 Dec 14 31 Dec 13 30 Jun 14
19 342 9 386 10 623 Operating Business Units 493 (4 786) (3 527)
14 134 6 978 7 817 Mining 2 241 1 351 2 453
5 208 2 408 2 806 Exploration and Production International (1 748) (6 137) (5 980)
204 666 99 241 101 211 Strategic Business Units 28 001 25 095 50 013
86 052 42 156 41 860 Energy 14 818 16 374 31 423
45 040 22 354 21 387 Base Chemicals 5 818 4 107 6 742
73 574 34 731 37 964 Performance Chemicals 7 365 4 614 11 848
53 - 176 Group Functions 1 540 1 225 (668)
224 061 108 627 112 010 30 034 21 534 45 818
(21 378) (10 359) (12 173) Intercompany turnover
202 683 98 268 99 837
full year half year half year half year half year full year
30 Jun 14 31 Dec 13 31 Dec 14 31 Dec 14 31 Dec 13 30 Jun 14
9% 8% 10% Operating Business Units 7% 5% 5%
6% 6% 7% Mining 7% 5% 5%
3% 2% 3% Exploration and Production International - - -
91% 92% 90% Strategic Business Units 88% 91% 95%
38% 39% 37% Energy 47% 59% 60%
20% 21% 19% Base Chemicals 18% 15% 13%
33% 32% 34% Performance Chemicals 23% 17% 22%
- - - Group Functions 5% 4% -
100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
SALIENT FEATURES
for the period ended
half year half year full year
31 Dec 14 31 Dec 13 30 Jun 14
Selected ratios
Return on equity % 22,8 * 17,5 * 18,5
Return on total assets % 22,0 * 18,5 * 17,9
Operating profit margin % 30,1 21,9 22,6
Finance costs cover times 161,2 86,5 94,3
Dividend cover - Attributable basic earnings per share times 4,6 2,6 2,3
Dividend cover - Headline earnings per share times 4,6 3,8 2,8
* Annualised
Share statistics
Total shares in issue million 679,3 678,2 678,9
Sasol ordinary shares in issue million 650,9 649,9 650,6
Treasury shares (share repurchase programme) million 8,8 8,8 8,8
Weighted average number of shares million 610,1 608,7 609,0
Diluted weighted average number of shares million 617,5 609,5 620,8
Share price (closing) Rand 431,01 514,50 632,36
Market capitalisation - Sasol ordinary shares Rm 280 533 334 374 411 413
Market capitalisation - Sasol BEE ordinary shares Rm 1 011 1 064 1 330
Net asset value per share Rand 302,91 260,95 281,68
Dividend per share Rand 7,00 8,00 21,50
- interim Rand 7,00 8,00 8,00
- final Rand - - 13,50
Other financial information
Total debt (including bank overdraft) 35 839 24 552 26 435
- interest bearing Rm 35 239 23 991 25 744
- non-interest bearing Rm 600 561 691
Finance expense capitalised Rm 399 250 530
Capital commitments (subsidiaries and joint operations) Rm 128 913 59 797 59 058
- authorised and contracted Rm 86 163 70 747 66 491
- authorised, not yet contracted Rm 96 808 38 886 44 951
- less expenditure to date Rm (54 058) (49 836) (52 384)
Capital commitments (equity accounted joint ventures) 991 953 764
- authorised and contracted Rm 1 126 1 221 1 152
- authorised, not yet contracted Rm 496 400 438
- less expenditure to date Rm (631) (668) (826)
Guarantees, indemnities and contingent liabilities
- total amount Rm 53 917 43 356 42 552
- liability included in the statement of financial position Rm 32 653 21 995 23 733
Significant items in operating profit
- Restructuring costs related to our business performance
enhancement programme1 Rm 1 365 190 1 131
Retrenchment packages provided for 612 - 269
Retrenchment packages settled during the year 205 - 60
Accelerated share-based payments 395 - 417
Consultancy costs 144 190 320
System implementation costs 9 - 65
- Share-based payment expenses Rm (2 523) 1 210 5 652
Sasol share incentive schemes Rm (2 910) 1 074 5 385
Sasol Inzalo share transaction2 Rm 387 136 267
1 In addition to these costs, an additional R108 million of internal resources was allocated to the project, bringing the total spend for the period to
R1 473 million.
2 Includes a share-based payment expense of R280 million relating to the partial refinancing of the Sasol Inzalo transaction.
SALIENT FEATURES
for the period ended
half year half year full year
31 Dec 14 31 Dec 13 30 Jun 14
Effective tax rate % 31,8 37,5 32,6
Number of employees1 number 32 495 33 761 33 400
Average crude oil price - dated Brent US$/barrel 89,00 109,83 109,40
Average rand / US$ exchange rate 1US$ = Rand 10,99 10,08 10,39
Closing rand / US$ exchange rate 1US$ = Rand 11,57 10,50 10,64
1 The total number of employees includes permanent and non-permanent employees and the group's share of employees within joint operations,
but excludes contractors, equity accounted joint ventures' and associates' employees.
Reconciliation of headline earnings Rm Rm Rm
Earnings attributable to owners of Sasol Limited 19 545 12 710 29 580
Effect of remeasurement items for subsidiaries and joint operations 169 5 730 7 629
Impairment of property, plant and equipment 456 3 265 3 289
Impairment of assets under construction 1 093 2 625 2 625
Impairment of investment in equity accounted joint venture - - 275
Impairment of other intangible assets 3 81 79
Other impairments - 21 3
Reversal of impairment (1 353) (10) (1)
(Profit) / loss on disposal of non-current assets (81) (10) 45
Loss / (profit) on disposal of investment in businesses 483 (255) 747
Fair value gain on acquisition of businesses - (110) (110)
Scrapping of non-current assets 120 74 634
Write off of unsuccessful exploration wells (5) 49 43
Realisation of foreign currency translation reserve (547) - -
Tax effects and non-controlling interests (195) (77) (582)
Effect of remeasurement items for equity accounted joint ventures and associates
Gross remeasurement items 2 12 13
Tax effects - - -
Headline earnings 19 521 18 375 36 640
Headline earnings adjustments per above
Mining 8 (5) 7
Exploration and Production International 1 825 5 478 5 472
Energy (48) (417) 60
Base Chemicals 252 604 1 765
Performance Chemicals (1 318) 75 254
Group Functions (548) 7 84
171 5 742 7 642
Headline earnings per share Rand 32,00 30,19 60,16
Diluted headline earnings per share Rand 31,92 30,04 59,64
The reader is referred to the definitions contained in the 2014 Sasol Limited financial statements.
Independent review by the auditors
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements, including the segment
report for the six months ended 31 December 2014 have been reviewed by
PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc., who expressed an unmodified conclusion thereon.
The individual auditor assigned to perform the review is Mr PC Hough. A copy of the
auditor's unmodified review report on the condensed consolidated interim financial
statements is available for inspection at the company's registered office, together
with the condensed consolidated interim financial statements identified in the
auditor's report. The auditor's report does not necessarily report on all of the
information contained in this announcement of interim financial results. Shareholders
are therefore advised that in order to obtain a full understanding of the nature of the
auditor's engagement they should obtain a copy of the auditor's report together with
the accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial statements from the
company's registered office.
Registered office: Sasol Limited, 1 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg 2196
PO Box 5486, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
Share registrars: Computershare Investor Services (Pty) Ltd, 70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg 2001
PO Box 61051, Marshalltown 2107, South Africa, Tel: +27 11 370-7700 Fax: +27 11 370-5271/2
JSE Sponsor: Deutsche Securities (SA) Proprietary Limited
Directors (non-executive): Dr MSV Gantsho* (Chairman), Mr C Beggs*, Mr HG Dijkgraaf (Dutch)*,
Ms NNA Matyumza*, Ms IN Mkhize*, Mr ZM Mkhize*, Mr MJN Njeke*, Mr PJ Robertson (British and
American)*, Prof JE Schrempp (German)^, Mr S Westwell (British)*
Directors (executive): Mr DE Constable (President and Chief Executive Officer) (Canadian),
Mr B Nqwababa (Chief Financial Officer), Ms VN Fakude
*Independent ^Lead independent director
Company secretary: Mr VD Kahla
Company registration number: 1979/003231/06, incorporated in the Republic of South Africa
Income tax reference number: 9520/018/60/8
JSE NYSE
Sasol Ordinary shares
Share code: SOL SSL
ISIN: ZAE000006896 US8038663006
Sasol BEE Ordinary shares
Share code: SOLBE1
ISIN: ZAE000151817
American depository receipts (ADR) program:
Cusip number 803866300 ADR to ordinary share 1:1
Depositary: The Bank of New York Mellon, 22nd floor, 101 Barclay Street, New York, NY 10286, United
States of America
Disclaimer - 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 29 September 2014 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.
Please note: A billion is defined as one thousand million. All references to years refer to the financial
year ended 30 June. Any reference to a calendar year is prefaced by the word "calendar".
Comprehensive additional information is available on our website: www.sasol.com
Date: 09/03/2015 07:05:00 Produced by the JSE SENS Department. The SENS service is an information dissemination service administered by the JSE Limited ('JSE').
The JSE does not, whether expressly, tacitly or implicitly, represent, warrant or in any way guarantee the truth, accuracy or completeness of
the information published on SENS. The JSE, their officers, employees and agents accept no liability for (or in respect of) any direct,
indirect, incidental or consequential loss or damage of any kind or nature, howsoever arising, from the use of SENS or the use of, or reliance on,
information disseminated through SENS.
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