flat average Brent crude oil price (average dated Brent was US$109,83/barrel at 31 December 2013 compared
with US$109,81/barrel at 31 December 2012) and improved chemical prices.
Earnings attributable to shareholders in the current period were negatively impacted by net once-off charges
totalling R5,7 billion (31 December 2012 - R3,6 billion). These items relate primarily to the R5,3 billion
(CAD540 million) impairment of our Canadian shale gas assets, the final loss of R198 million on the disposal
of our Arya Sasol Polymer Company (ASPC) investment, the impairment of the Sasol Solvents Germany disposal
group held for sale of R466 million and the fair value gain of R110 million related to the acquisition of the
remaining 60% shareholding in Wesco China. These once-off items also include a gain of R453 million relating
to the profit on disposal of our 49% share in Spring Lights Gas.
* All comparisons refer to the prior year comparative period, as restated for the adoption of the new
consolidation suite of accounting standards unless otherwise stated (refer to the basis of preparation and
accounting policies section of this announcement for details thereon).
"Across our global operations, we are maintaining our strong cash flow generation ability. We continue to
deliver value to our shareholders through the strong performance of our businesses, the advancement of our
growth projects and the execution of our progressive dividend policy. Our balance sheet remains resilient and
provides a sufficient buffer for volatility."
Paul Victor, Acting Chief Financial Officer
First half 2014 highlights
Sasol Synfuels delivered better than expected production volumes for the period of 3,7 million tons (mt) (31
December 2012 - 3,7 mt), despite the east factory total and phase shutdown, which took place in September
2013. This was the largest ever shutdown at Sasol Synfuels, consisting of 155 822 activities undertaken with
an additional 36 000 people on site. Normalised Sasol Synfuels volumes increased by 3% on a comparable basis.
Production performance at our ORYX gas-to-liquids (GTL) plant, which achieved a year-to-date average
utilisation rate of 94%, exceeded our expectations.
In our European chemical businesses, we continue to optimise our production volumes and margins, in light of
the slower than expected tenuous recovery of the European market. However, our Sasol Olefins and Surfactants
business has delivered improved business margins, specifically in the US, while our Sasol Polymers business
has performed better than expected.
Cash fixed costs, excluding the impact of a weaker exchange rate and once-off and growth costs, decreased
marginally by 0,2% in real terms, despite a challenging South African cost environment, driven by high
labour, maintenance and electricity costs. Notwithstanding, our current cost inflation is in line with the
South African producers' price index inflation trends of 6,4% for the first half of the 2014 financial year.
The total costs for the first half of the 2014 financial year increased by 20% compared to the prior year.
Normalised for exchange rate movements of 12%, higher costs associated with increased volumes of 3% and a 3%
increase in depreciation, our total costs increased by 2% related to inflation. To ensure that we sustainably
reduce our cost base, we have taken important strides in our management-led business performance enhancement
project.
Cash flow generated from operations increased by 50% to R28,1 billion compared with R18,7 billion in the
prior year. However, this was offset by increased working capital, both as a result of price and volume
effects. Capital investments for the period amounted to R20,0 billion, in line with our expectations.
Taking into account the ongoing strength of our financial position, current capital investment plans, as well
as our progressive dividend policy, the Sasol board of directors has declared an interim dividend of R8,00
per share, which is an increase of 40%, compared with the prior year. This approach supports our commitment
to consistently return value to our shareholders.
Driving business effectiveness
Since launching our business performance enhancement programme in 2013, we have finalised the design of our
new group-wide operating model including its related top management structures, which will become effective
on 1 July 2014.
Our new group executive committee structure is aligned with our future value chain-based operating model,
comprising four distinct groupings:
- Operating Business Units, which comprise our mining and upstream oil and gas activities;
- Regional Operating Hubs, which include our operations in Southern Africa, North America and Eurasia;
- Strategic Business Units, which focus on our commercial and enhanced customer interfaces within the
energy and chemicals arenas; and
- Group Functions, which will deliver fit-for-purpose business support services and solutions.
By the end of the 2014 financial year, we expect to have reorganised most of our senior management structures
and refined our financial reporting processes, in line with the new operating model. Focus on safety,
operational stability and compliance will remain key during this period.
Together with the implementation of our new management structures and related corporate governance framework,
we are introducing key systems and process changes, to ensure a simplified, cost-effective, efficient,
competitive organisation.
At our 2013 year-end results announcement we confirmed that through this programme, we expect to generate
sustainable annual savings of more than R3 billion. Based on our current analyses, we are confident that we
will exceed this savings target, 30% to 40% of the savings expected to be realised by the end of the 2015