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 has published its integrated report for the year ending June 30, 2021, which is available on its website. The annual financial statements received an unmodified opinion from PricewaterhouseCoopers and were previously published on August 16, 2021. Additionally, Sasol will file its annual report on Form 20-F with the SEC on September 22, 2021. A virtual Capital Markets Day is scheduled for the same day to discuss the company's long-term strategy. The Annual General Meeting will be held electronically on November 19, 2021.
Sasol and Haldor Topsøe have expanded their collaboration to jointly license and develop technologies for sustainable liquid fuels and chemicals production using Fischer-Tropsch (FT) technology. They aim to create integrated solutions for producing e-Fuels from renewable sources. Their partnership, lasting over two decades, has seen successful deployments of world-first technologies and aims to support hard-to-abate sectors like aviation. New technologies, including electrified reforming, will further enhance product yields while aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Sasol and the Central Energy Fund (CEF) have reached a memorandum of understanding to enhance gas solutions in South Africa. This partnership aims to secure domestic energy supply and foster job creation through a just energy transition. Gas is critical to the country's energy mix and both companies will focus on future supply options and necessary infrastructure. Currently, gas supply is mainly from Mozambique, and there is a need for additional sources as reserves mature. The collaboration aims to explore various low-cost gas import locations and develop the Southern African natural gas market.
Sasol reported a significant recovery in earnings for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2021, with EBIT of R16.6 billion, surpassing the previous year's loss of R111.9 billion. Despite challenges from COVID-19 and adverse weather, the company benefitted from increased Brent crude oil and chemicals prices. Key metrics include adjusted EBITDA of R48.4 billion, headline earnings per share at R39.53, and a reduction in total debt to R102.9 billion. The company's liquidity remains robust at R84 billion, while it has opted not to declare dividends amid macroeconomic uncertainty.
Sasol's trading statement for the year ending June 30, 2021, shows significant recovery with earnings per share (EPS) projected between R12.00 and R18.00, a turnaround from a loss of R148.49 the previous year. Headline earnings per share (HEPS) are expected between R39.00 and R41.00, indicating over 100% improvement. Adjusted EBITDA is forecasted to rise by 32% to 49% to R46 billion to R52 billion, driven by stronger chemical prices and effective cost management. However, weather-related disruptions in the US impacted production by 300kt.
Sasol reported production and sales metrics for the year ended 30 June 2021, highlighting a resilient performance despite challenges. Chemical volumes decreased due to divestments and adverse weather, yet higher chemical prices led to increased revenue. The Energy sector benefited from recovering demand post-lockdowns and rising oil prices. The company is currently closing its financial year and plans to release its annual results on 16 August 2021. Investors can expect a Trading Statement in early August, detailing performance metrics further.
Sasol Limited and the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa have signed a memorandum of cooperation to advance South Africa's green hydrogen economy. The MOC aims to leverage the country's renewable resources and Sasol's technology to become a leader in the global hydrogen market. Both entities will collaborate on policy advocacy, developing pilot and commercial hydrogen projects, and securing financing. Sasol's leadership in creating hydrogen ecosystems could generate sustainable energy products and job opportunities, supporting the nation's energy transition and economic growth.
On July 1, 2021, Sasol Limited announced the resignation of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Paul Victor, effective June 30, 2022. He will assist during a six-month transition period to facilitate the handover of responsibilities. Mr. Hanré Rossouw, currently CFO of Royal Bafokeng Platinum, will succeed Victor as CFO and executive director on July 1, 2022, after joining the company on April 4, 2022. Rossouw brings extensive experience in debt restructuring and corporate finance, enhancing Sasol’s leadership during upcoming business challenges.
Sasol announced the approval from the Competition Tribunal for the sale of its Air Separation Units (ASUs) to Air Liquide. This approval fulfills the last condition for the transaction, which is expected to close within 10 business days. The deal, worth R5.525 billion and EUR148.75 million, will help Sasol reduce debt. Several commitments were made regarding joint renewable power procurement and economic empowerment. The financial implications will be detailed in Sasol's 2021 annual report.
Sasol has made strides in reducing its debt following a strong operational performance, supported by favorable macroeconomic conditions and cash conservation efforts. The company aims to lower debt levels further, potentially reinstating dividend payments. Sasol has restructured its hedging program, raising the floor oil price from US$43.11 to approximately US$60.09 per barrel, while providing a cap at about US$71.97 per barrel. The hedge cover ratio has increased to 90%, covering 24 million barrels for the financial year 2022, enhancing financial stability despite ongoing oil price volatility.
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