Sasol delivers strong performance despite COVID-19 pandemic
Sasol delivered a strong set of results for the year ended 30 June 2021. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of R16,6 billion increased by more than 100% compared to the prior year. This performance was underpinned by a strong cost, working capital and capital expenditure performance, despite the continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and adverse weather events.
A notable gross margin recovery was recorded in the second half of the financial year, supported by the combined impact of higher Brent crude oil and chemicals prices, offset by a stronger rand/US dollar exchange rate.
Earnings were mainly impacted by the following non-cash adjustments the net of which amounted to R15,4 billion:
- Net impairments of R28,7 billion mainly due to adjustments to our long-term exchange rate outlook and higher cost to procure gas over the longer term;
- Net profit on disposal of businesses of R2,2 billion, including the Air Separation Units;
- R3,4 billion gain on the realisation of the foreign currency translation reserve (FCTR), mainly on the divestment of a 50% interest in the LCCP Base Chemicals business;
- Gains of R5,5 billion on the translation of monetary assets and liabilities due to a 18% strengthening of the closing rand/US dollar exchange rate compared to June 2020; and
- Gains of R2,3 billion on the valuation of financial instruments and derivative contracts.
Actual capital expenditure amounted to R16,4 billion compared to R35,2 billion during 2020. The reduction in capital expenditure was carefully executed as a result of our optimised risk management focus whilst ensuring asset integrity and safety were not compromised.
Sasol gearing decreased from 117,0% at 30 June 2020 to 61,5% at 30 June 2021 mainly due to repayment of US dollar debt and a stronger closing rand/US dollar exchange rate.
