Welcome to our dedicated page for Sasol news (Ticker: SSL), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Sasol stock.
Sasol Limited (NYSE: SSL) is an international integrated energy and chemicals company with operations spanning across 37 countries. With a talented workforce exceeding 31,000 employees, Sasol excels in developing and commercializing advanced technologies, and building world-scale facilities that produce a variety of high-value products such as liquid fuels, chemicals, and low-carbon electricity.
Core Business Segments
- Energy Business: This segment focuses on the production and marketing of liquid fuels and pipeline gas, drawing from Sasol's upstream oil and gas interests and coal mining operations.
- Chemical Business: This segment generates the majority of the company's revenue by producing and marketing commodity and performance chemicals globally.
While maintaining a strong commitment to its home base in South Africa, Sasol is expanding internationally, leveraging its unique value proposition that combines the talent of its people with technological innovation. Over the past six decades, Sasol has been a pioneer in innovation, adapting its methods, facilities, and products to meet evolving market needs and stakeholder expectations. This dynamic approach has enabled the company to sustain long-term shareholder value.
Recent Achievements and Financial Condition
Despite challenging macro-economic conditions, including volatile oil and petrochemical prices and inflationary pressures, Sasol has continued to make significant strides. For the six months ended December 31, 2023, Sasol reported revenue of R136.3 billion, although this was lower than the prior period's R149.8 billion due to decreased chemical product prices. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) were R15.9 billion, reflecting a 34% decrease from the previous period.
The company also declared an interim dividend of 200 cents per share for the six months ended December 31, 2023. This decision underscores the company's confidence in its liquidity and solvency, ensuring that capital remains sufficient to support ongoing operations.
Current Projects and Partnerships
Sasol continues to invest in innovative projects and sustainable initiatives. Recent announcements include the company's commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and improving air quality, as evidenced by the appeal to the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, which was upheld, allowing Sasol to apply load-based limits for SO2 emissions from April 2025 to March 2030.
Additionally, Sasol's production and sales performance metrics for the three months ended September 30, 2023, and six months ended December 31, 2023, have been published, showcasing the company's ongoing operational improvements and strategic initiatives.
Overall, Sasol Limited remains a significant player in the energy and chemicals sectors, continually evolving to meet market demands and stakeholder expectations while delivering sustainable value to its shareholders.
Sasol Ltd. (NYSE: SSL) has entered a partnership with Holiferm Limited to develop and commercialize new biosurfactants, specifically sophorolipids. Sasol will purchase the majority of these biosurfactants from Holiferm's upcoming UK manufacturing facility, slated to begin operations in early 2023. This collaboration aims to address the rising demand for sustainable surfactants, utilizing bio-based raw materials to significantly reduce carbon footprints. Financial terms of the agreement remain undisclosed.
Sasol Chemicals announced that its Brunsbüttel manufacturing facility in Germany now sources all its external electricity from renewable sources. This milestone, achieved through a power purchase agreement with MTB new energy, reflects the company's commitment to sustainability. The facility aims for a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 as part of Sasol's broader goal of reaching net zero by 2050. The plant, located 80 km northwest of Hamburg, produces various organic and inorganic products for multiple industries.
Sasol has sold its German subsidiary, Sasol Wax GmbH, to AWAX s.p.a., a global leader in wax production, effective March 1, 2022. This sale aligns with Sasol's strategy to streamline its portfolio by focusing on core assets. Notably, the South African Fischer-Tropsch hard wax business will remain with Sasol. AWAX aims to leverage Sasol Wax's advanced hydrogenation facility to enhance its technological leadership in the wax market. The transaction reflects Sasol's commitment to repositioning itself within the energy and chemical sectors.
Sasol Limited reported its interim results for the six months ending December 31, 2021, showcasing a 12% increase in EBIT to R24.3 billion. This growth was driven by higher crude oil and chemicals prices despite operational challenges at Secunda Operations. Notably, total assets rose 9% to R394.2 billion, while total liabilities reached R221.6 billion, representing a 6% increase. However, headline earnings fell 20% to R9.5 billion. The company opted not to declare an interim dividend amidst macroeconomic uncertainties. Management changes were announced in the mining and energy sectors.
Sasol is anticipating a mixed financial performance for the half-year ending December 31, 2021, mainly due to better Brent crude oil prices and refining margins. Adjusted EBITDA is projected to rise by 66% to 76%, reaching between R30.9 billion and R32.7 billion. However, lower sales volumes for chemicals and energy have partially offset these gains. Earnings per share are expected to range between R22.81 and R25.15, with headline earnings per share decreasing by 16% to 26%. Notable non-cash adjustments include unrealised losses of R4.9 billion on financial instruments.
Sasol has released production and sales performance metrics for the six months ending December 30, 2021. The report is available on its website under the Investor Centre section. Sasol highlights the potential impacts of COVID-19 on its operations and emphasizes forward-looking statements regarding business strategies, capital investments, and sustainability efforts. The company is focusing on mitigating risks, optimizing operations, and pursuing low-carbon initiatives. Investors are encouraged to review the full report for comprehensive details on performance metrics.
Sasol Limited has revised its Secunda Operations (SO) forecast production volumes for financial year 2022 to 6.7–6.8 million tons, down from previous estimates due to operational challenges. Factors include delays during a September shutdown, power supply interruptions, and safety incidents, leading to over 1 million tons of lost production. Despite improving gasifier and boiler availability, coal stockpile levels have dropped below targets, prompting coal purchases on the open market. Sasol aims to restore production levels and improve coal quality in the coming months.
Sasol is leading a feasibility study for the Boegoebaai green hydrogen project, which has been designated a Strategic Integrated Project in South Africa's National Development Plan. The study, expected to take 24 months, aims to explore Boegoebaai's potential as an export hub for green hydrogen and ammonia. Sasol has partnered with the Northern Cape Development Agency and received joint funding from the Industrial Development Corporation. The project aligns with South Africa's goal to become a global green hydrogen player, promising sustainable job creation and infrastructure investment.
Sasol Limited has announced a commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, enhancing its 2030 GHG emission reduction target from 10% to 30% for its Energy and Chemicals businesses. This update aims for direct decarbonisation without divestments or offsets. The company plans to invest R20 to R25 billion annually to meet its transition goals, targeting a return on invested capital (ROIC) between 12% and 15% by 2025. Additionally, dividends will resume once debt metrics stabilize, supporting shareholder returns while pursuing sustainability.
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