Sasol Limited - Record results for the year ended 30 June 2007
Comprehensive additional information is available on our website: www.sasol.com
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Operating profit, excluding Sasol O&S, – up 18%
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Headline earnings per share – up 10%
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Final dividend – up 37% to R5,90 per share
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Oryx GTL producing on specification product
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Several major capital projects nearing completion – expenditure of
R12 billion, 54% in South Africa
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Sasol O&S retained – turnaround in progress
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BEE transformation progressing well – 10% ownership transaction at
Sasol limited announced
Overview
“This has been a year with good results and significant strides on safety, transformation, improved
stakeholder relations and major capital projects, which together with our strong balance sheet
provides a solid foundation for sustainable long-term growth,” says chief executive Pat Davies.
Earnings attributable to shareholders for the year ended 30 June 2007 increased by 64% to R17,0
billion from R10,4 billion. Our earnings per share of R27,35 and headline earnings per share of
R25,37 were respectively 63% and 10% higher than those of the previous year.
Operating profit of R25,6 billion was 49% higher than the prior year. The increase in operating profit
resulted from a 12% weakening in the average exchange rate and a 2% increase in the average
dated Brent crude oil price. The increase was partly offset by the combined effect of the two planned
maintenance shutdowns of our Synfuels operations, the starting up of the selective catalytic cracker
(SCC), production interruptions and lower sales volumes.
“The pleasing earnings growth, despite the negative impact of the Synfuels maintenance shutdowns,
together with our strong cash flows have enabled us to deliver on our financial targets and build
value for our shareholders,” says Christine Ramon, chief financial officer.
These results include the Sasol Olefins & Surfactants (O&S) business which was reclassified as a
continuing operation from March 2007. Operating profit would have increased by 18% and earnings
by 15%, had the impact of Sasol O&S been excluded.
Our cash generated by operating activities of R28,5 billion represents a 16% increase on the prior
year.
The directors have declared a final dividend of R5,90 per share. The total dividend declared for the
year of R9,00, including the interim dividend, reflects a 27% increase on the previous year and
translates into a dividend cover of 3 times.
Safety focus delivering results
Safety remains a top priority for the group. Our recordable case rate (RCR), covering employees
and service providers, including injuries and illnesses, has improved from 0,91 at 30 June 2006 to
0,73 at 30 June 2007. It is very pleasing to report that Sasol Gas achieved an RCR of zero for the
year and that most businesses recorded significant improvements in their respective RCRs.