6-K 1 j8308_6k.htm 6-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

Report of Foreign Private Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 13a -16 or 15d -16 of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

Report on Form 6-K for February 4, 2003

Sasol Limited

1 Sturdee Avenue

Rosebank 2196

South Africa

 

(Name and address of registrant’s principal executive office)

(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.)

 

Form 20-F  ý                         Form 40-F  o

 

Enclosures:

 

Consolidated interim results of Sasol Limited and declaration of dividend number 47 for the half-year ended 31 December 2002

 

 



SOLID PERFORMANCE OFF HIGH BASE

 

             operating profit before translation effects up 35%

             world acclaim for Sasol’s high-achiever mines

             Gas-to-liquid (GTL) projects advance

             world-scale alcohols plant successfully commissioned

             New York Stock Exchange Listing

             Sasol’s corporate credit rating upgraded

 

Consolidated interim results of Sasol Limited and declaration of dividend number 47 for the half-year ended 31 December 2002 reviewed by the auditors KPMG

 

Financial Overview

Following the Sasol Group’s surging financial performances over the last three years, operating profit for the six-month interim period ended 31 December 2002 increased by a modest 4% to R7,3 billion (decreased 4% to US$728 million), compared to the result of the same reporting period in the previous year.

 

Attributable earnings of R4,6 billion were almost equal to, and basic earnings per share (EPS) of 751 cents, were slightly above those achieved in the previous reporting period. In US$ terms, attributable earnings decreased by 8% to US$456 million and EPS by 6% to 75 cents.

 

Basic headline earnings per share increased by 3% to 752 cents (decreased by 5% to US75 cents). Impairment charges of R203 million relating to the explosives facility at Brandon, Canada, and investments within Sasol Wax International were largely offset by R88 million profit after tax on the disposal of sundry assets and (net) negative goodwill amortised of R110 million.

 

Derived crude oil prices averaged US$22,35 and were 2% lower than in the previous reporting period. Pervasive global political and economic uncertainty adversely impacted on petrochemical markets. Margins, particularly in Europe, came under pressure and dropped significantly. The detrimental effects of these conditions affected particularly the Olefins and Surfactants business.

 

The rand/US$ exchange rate weakened by 8% from an average of R9,29 in the comparable reporting period to R10,03 in this reporting period. While the weaker rate had a beneficial effect on sales, the closing rate on 31 December 2002 of R8,57 was much stronger than the closing rate of preceding months and 28% stronger than the closing rate of R11,95 on 31 December 2001. This resulted in net translation losses of R974 million being charged to the income statement as a result of the revaluation of financial assets and liabilities at 31 December 2002. This compares to net translation gains in the previous reporting period of R922 million.

 

This represents a swing of R1,9 billion in the operating results of the group. Before taking these translation effects into account, operating profit increased by 35% from R6,1 billion to

 



 

R8,3 billion (by 25% to US$825 million) for the six months ended 31 December 2002, compared to the results of the same reporting period in the previous year.

 

Financing costs rose by 23% to R529 million, mainly as a result of higher capital expenditure, which increased from R3,6 billion to R5,7 billion during the comparable periods. Financing cost cover remained satisfactory at 14 times. The increase in capital expenditure arose primarily from the Mozambique natural gas project, the Qatari and Nigerian gas-to-liquid (GTL) projects and the n-Butanol and acrylic acid projects at Sasolburg. Capital commitments at 31 December 2002 amounted to R18,7 billion.

 

Previous plans for a major chemical business acquisition have been shelved as the Group concentrates its resources on advancing capital projects that are focused strategically on beneficiating highly competitive feedstocks and linking the Group’s proprietary technology to low-cost hydrocarbon reserves at various locations around the world.

 

The share buyback programme continued, taking cognisance of Sasol’s cash position. At 31 December 2002, 8,8% (58,9 million shares) of Sasol issued share capital had been purchased at an average price of R60 per share.

 

Gearing, defined as interest-bearing debt less cash as a percentage of total shareholders’ equity, was 32% at 31 December 2002. Notwithstanding the Group’s exciting and aggressive growth programme, this was comfortably within the target range of 20% to 40%. During the reporting period Sasol’s corporate credit rating on long-term foreign currency was upgraded by Standard and Poor’s to BBB, which was above South Africa’s sovereign rating.

 

An interim dividend of 215 cents per share has been declared. This represents an increase of 7,5% over the previous interim declaration.

 

Sasol Mining

Following its spectacular profit increases in recent years, Sasol Mining increased operating profit (including capital gains of R6 million) by 10% to R708 million. Productivity improvement processes continued with vigour. It is most gratifying that this business was recently recognised at The Platts-Business Week Global Energy Awards in New York as the global coal company of the year for 2002.

 

Sasol Synfuels

Sasol Synfuels increased its operating profit by a pleasing 36% from R3 688 million to R5 023 million. While the business benefited from the weaker rand/US$ exchange rate, ongoing productivity improvement initiatives and better conversion efficiencies and yields also made a meaningful contribution. Monthly records for the production of pure synthesis gas were achieved in August and December 2002, and total production per day during the reporting period reached an all-time high.

 

Sasol Chemical Industries (SCI)

Generally, businesses within SCI experienced difficult trading conditions with some of them being exposed to severe margin pressures because of intense competition and higher energy-related feedstock costs. Before the impact of translation effects, SCI’s operating profit increased by 43% from R1 330 million to R1 898 million. Because this division carried a large portion of Sasol’s translation losses, its consolidated operating profit after translation effects decreased by 27% to R1 381 million (including capital losses of R201 million).

 

A highlight was the performance of Sasol Polymers, which increased operating profit by 91% to R434 million. Sasol Solvents maintained trading margins but was substantially impacted by

2



 

translation effects. Sasol Olefins and Surfactants was adversely affected by prevailing cyclical market conditions and substantial margin pressure in its alkylates business, resulting in a material profit reduction.

 

Despite arduous conditions, it is noteworthy that most businesses retained or improved their customer service standards and achieved pleasing progress in terms of quality accreditation and safety performance. They are all poised to deliver more substantially once trading conditions improve and commodity chemical prices and margins recover.

 

Sasol Oil and Sasol Gas

Sasol Oil’s results were disappointing. Operating profit (including capital gains of R84 million) decreased by 39% to R565 million. The main reasons for this reduction were lower production at the Natref refinery as a result of a planned shutdown (R200 million) and unforeseen problems and delays experienced with the refinery expansion project (R200 million). Close scrutiny of circumstances during the execution of this complex expansion project highlighted role clarification and competency shortcomings within project management and the managing contractor. The refinery has since been operating at satisfactory production rates.

 

Sasol Gas performed according to expectations. National pipeline gas sales volumes were about 11% higher than those of the previous reporting period and profit targets were met.

 

Profit Outlook

Widespread uncertainty in global markets has been exacerbated by looming war in the Middle East and most of the world’s major economies have slowed. Predicting oil and petrochemical prices with confidence in these circumstances is challenging and perhaps imprudent. At the same time, the unexpected further strengthening of the rand to levels last experienced prior to the calamitous events of 11 September 2001, makes currency forecasting equally complex. This is evidenced by the disparate views offered by pre-eminent economists from reputable institutions whose forecasts of the rand/US$ exchange rate vary significantly.

 

In these depressed and volatile trading circumstances, it is likely that attributable earnings for the full financial year ending 30 June 2003 will be less than those of the previous financial year. This forecast should be viewed in the context of the highly efficient and value-adding base of financial 2002, which, for the third successive year, was a commendable record performance.  Based on current views of oil prices and currencies, it is anticipated that the total dividend for the year will be the same as in the previous financial year.

 

The group remains poised for long-term growth.

 

New York Stock Exchange Listing

It is also announced today that Sasol Limited has filed a registration statement on Form 20F with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This registration statement has been declared effective by the SEC. Sasol Limited will therefore comply with the ongoing filing requirements of the SEC from this point. Sasol Limited intends to list on the New York Stock Exchange on 9 April 2003.

 

Corporate Governance

The Group subscribes to, affirms its commitment to and complies, in all material respects with the code on Corporate Practices and Conduct as contained in the second King Report on Corporate Governance for South Africa. Strong corporate governance structures and mechanisms are in place at Sasol and are constantly being reviewed to reflect internal corporate changes, legislative changes and national and international developments in relation to corporate governance.

 

3



 

All the key principles underlying responsible and effective corporate governance practices and conduct are reflected in Sasol’s corporate governance structures and practices.

 

Declaration of Interim Dividend Number 47

The directors of Sasol Limited have declared an interim dividend of 215 cents per share (2001: 200 cents per share) for the half-year to 31 December 2002. The dividend has been declared in the currency of the Republic of South Africa.

 

Trading in the STRATE environment requires settlement within five business days. In accordance with the settlement procedures of STRATE, the following dates will apply to the interim dividend:

 

Last day for trading to qualify for and participate in the interim dividend (cum dividend)

 

Friday, 4 April 2003

Trading ex dividend commences

 

Monday, 7 April 2003

Record date

 

Friday, 11 April 2003

Dividend payment date (electronic and certificated register)

 

Monday, 14 April 2003

 

Dividend cheques in payment of this dividend to certificated shareholders will be posted to shareholders on or about Monday, 14 April 2003. Electronic payment to certificated shareholders will be undertaken simultaneously.

 

Shareholders who have dematerialised their share certificates will have their accounts at their Central Securities Depository Participant or Broker credited on Monday, 14 April 2003.

 

In the case of certificated shareholders, notice of any change of address of shareholders must reach the transfer secretaries, Computershare Investor Services Limited, on or before Friday, 4 April 2003. Share certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between Monday, 7 April 2003 and Friday, 11 April 2003, both days inclusive.

 

 

By order of the board

 

 

P du P Kruger

 

P V Cox

Chairman

 

Deputy chairman and chief executive

 

 

 

Sasol Limited

 

 

10 March 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRANSFER SECRETARIES:

Computershare Investor Services Limited

PO Box 61051    Marshalltown 2107

70 Marshall Street    Johannesburg 2001

 

4



 

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

 

A billion is defined as one thousand million.

 

The principal reporting currency of the Group is rand.  US$ figures are presented for convenience purposes only and are translated on a line by line basis in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

 

Principal foreign currency conversion rates

 

 

 

Half-year
December
2002

 

Half-year
December
2001

 

Year
June
2002

 

Rand/USD (closing)

 

8,57

 

11,95

 

10,27

 

Rand/USD (average)

 

10,03

 

9,29

 

10,13

 

Rand/euro (closing)

 

9,00

 

10,63

 

10,19

 

Rand/euro (average)

 

9,95

 

8,31

 

9,08

 

 

Basis of Preparation

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and in particular with the provisions of IAS 34 “Interim Financial Reporting”, the requirements of the South African Companies Act, 1973, as amended and the Listing Requirements of the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa. The policies adopted are consistent with those applied in the annual financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2002. These interim results should be read in conjunction with the 2002 annual financial statements.

 

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the historic cost convention except for certain financial instruments which are stated at fair value. Comparative amounts have been restated where necessary to conform to current period presentation and to allow for a more meaningful comparison of performance.

 

The principal reporting currency of the Sasol Group is rand.  This currency reflects the economic substance of the underlying events and circumstances of the Group.  Figures presented in United States dollars are presented for convenience purposes only.

 

Related Party Transactions

During the period under review the company and its subsidiaries, in the ordinary course of business, entered into various sale and purchase transactions with related parties. The Group enters into these transactions on an arm’s-length basis at market rates.

 

Independent review by the Auditors

The Group’s condensed consolidated interim financial statements at 31 December 2002 and for the six months then ended have been reviewed by our auditors, KPMG Inc., who have performed their review in accordance with the statement of South African Auditing Standards applicable to review engagements. The scope of their review was to enable the auditors to report that nothing came to their attention that caused them to believe that the accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial statements are not fairly presented, in all material respects, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards applicable to Interim Financial Reporting and the South African Companies Act. KPMG Inc.’s unmodified review report on the condensed consolidated interim financial statements is available for inspection at the registered office of the company.

 

5



 

balance sheet

 

30 June
2002
USDm

 

31 Dec
2001
USDm

 

31 Dec
2002
USDm

 

 

 

31 Dec
2002
Rm

 

31 Dec
2001
Rm

 

30 June
2002
Rm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 570

 

2 842

 

4 461

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

38 231

 

33 960

 

36 667

 

(51

)

(62

)

(43

)

Goodwill and negative goodwill

 

(365

)

(737

)

(518

)

180

 

120

 

220

 

Intangible assets

 

1 886

 

1 429

 

1 852

 

226

 

170

 

254

 

Other long-term assets

 

2 172

 

2 029

 

2 327

 

3 925

 

3 070

 

4 892

 

Non-current assets

 

41 924

 

36 681

 

40 328

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

878

 

751

 

1 096

 

Inventories

 

9 392

 

8 972

 

9 013

 

1 024

 

1 007

 

1 151

 

Trade and other receivables

 

9 869

 

12 041

 

10 515

 

23

 

51

 

8

 

Short-term financial assets

 

68

 

609

 

232

 

367

 

278

 

375

 

Cash

 

3 215

 

3 323

 

3 769

 

2 292

 

2 087

 

2 630

 

Current assets

 

22 544

 

24 945

 

23 529

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 217

 

5 157

 

7 522

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

64 468

 

61 626

 

63 857

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 928

 

2 373

 

3 726

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

31 931

 

28 363

 

30 070

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25

 

13

 

30

 

Minority interest

 

255

 

156

 

262

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

529

 

555

 

567

 

Long-term loans

 

4 859

 

6 622

 

5 427

 

552

 

492

 

619

 

Long-term provisions

 

5 309

 

5 882

 

5 670

 

6

 

 

12

 

Long-term deferred income

 

105

 

 

65

 

531

 

424

 

594

 

Deferred tax

 

5 089

 

5 063

 

5 444

 

1 618

 

1 471

 

1 792

 

Non-current liabilities

 

15 362

 

17 567

 

16 606

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

338

 

431

 

700

 

Short-term loans

 

6 003

 

5 154

 

3 474

 

1 135

 

869

 

983

 

Other current liabilities

 

8 421

 

10 386

 

11 671

 

173

 

 

291

 

Bank overdraft

 

2 496

 

 

1 774

 

1 646

 

1 300

 

1 974

 

Current liabilities

 

16 920

 

15 540

 

16 919

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 217

 

5 157

 

7 522

 

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

 

64 468

 

61 626

 

63 857

 

 

6



 

income statement

 

year
June
2002
USDm

 

half-year
December
2001

USDm

 

half-year
December
2002
USDm

 

 

 

half-year
December
2002
Rm

 

half-year
December
2001
Rm

 

year
June
2002
Rm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 078

 

2 997

 

3 392

 

Sales

 

34 015

 

27 863

 

61 578

 

(3 621

)

(1 829

)

(1 960

)

Cost of sales

 

(19 657

)

(16 994

)

(36 688

)

2 457

 

1 168

 

1 432

 

Gross profit

 

14 358

 

10 869

 

24 890

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1 042

)

(509

)

(607

)

Operating expenses

 

(6 079

)

(4 744

)

(10 551

)

1 415

 

659

 

825

 

Operating profit before translation effects

 

8 279

 

6 125

 

14 339

 

55

 

99

 

(97

)

Translation (losses / gains)

 

(974

)

922

 

556

 

1 470

 

758

 

728

 

Operating profit

 

7 305

 

7 047

 

14 895

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23

 

13

 

9

 

Dividends and interest received

 

93

 

119

 

230

 

3

 

3

 

3

 

Income from associates

 

30

 

27

 

31

 

(85

)

(46

)

(53

)

Finance costs

 

(529

)

(430

)

(863

)

1 411

 

728

 

687

 

Net income before tax

 

6 899

 

6 763

 

14 293

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(471

)

(231

)

(223

)

Taxation

 

(2 241

)

(2 144

)

(4 769

)

940

 

497

 

464

 

Net income after tax

 

4 658

 

4 619

 

9 524

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3

)

(3

)

(8

)

Minority interest

 

(82

)

(24

)

(28

)

937

 

494

 

456

 

Attributable earnings

 

4 576

 

4 595

 

9 496

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

1

 

1

 

Goodwill amortised

 

13

 

11

 

33

 

(28

)

(13

)

(12

)

Negative goodwill amortised

 

(123

)

(119

)

(282

)

24

 

 

21

 

Impairment of assets

 

203

 

 

240

 

 

 

(9

)

(Profit)/loss on disposal of assets

 

(90

)

 

(4

)

(3

)

 

 

Tax effect thereon

 

2

 

 

(28

)

933

 

482

 

457

 

Headline earnings

 

4 581

 

4 487

 

9 455

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share (cents)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

153

 

80

 

75

 

– attributable earnings basis

 

751

 

748

 

1 550

 

152

 

79

 

75

 

– headline earnings basis

 

752

 

731

 

1 544

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share (cents)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

150

 

79

 

74

 

– attributable earnings basis

 

738

 

737

 

1 519

 

149

 

77

 

74

 

– headline earnings basis

 

739

 

720

 

1 513

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends per share (cents)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20

 

20

 

25

 

– interim

 

215

 

200

 

200

 

24

 

 

 

 

 

– final

 

 

 

 

 

250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends are translated at actual rates on date of payment.  The current year is an indicative rate only.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7



 

changes in equity statement

 

 

 

half-year
December
2002
Rm

 

half-year
December
2001
Rm

 

year
June
2002
Rm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning

 

30 070

 

22 217

 

22 217

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares issued

 

57

 

37

 

76

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares purchased

 

(112

)

(567

)

(1 020

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable earnings

 

4 576

 

4 595

 

9 496

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid

 

(1 524

)

(1 101

)

(2 325

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Decrease) / increase in foreign currency translation reserve

 

(1 135

)

2 636

 

1 865

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in non-trading financial assets reserve

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Decrease) / increase in cash flow hedge accounting reserve

 

(1

)

546

 

(241

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

 

31 931

 

28 363

 

30 070

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprising

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share capital

 

2 763

 

2 667

 

2 706

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share buyback programme

 

(3 541

)

(2 976

)

(3 429

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated profit

 

31 869

 

25 140

 

28 817

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation reserve

 

1 080

 

2 986

 

2 215

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-trading financial assets reserve

 

2

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow hedge accounting reserve

 

(242

)

546

 

(241

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

31 931

 

28 363

 

30 070

 

 

8



 

cash flow statement

 

 

 

half-year
December
2002
Rm

 

half-year
December
2001
Rm

 

year June
2002
Rm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from operations

 

9 139

 

9 150

 

19 157

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment income

 

103

 

129

 

247

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Increase) / Decrease in working capital

 

(1 303

)

(932

)

300

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance costs paid

 

(529

)

(430

)

(863

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax paid

 

(4 164

)

(3 178

)

(4 749

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid

 

(1 524

)

(1 101

)

(2 325

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash retained from operating activities

 

1 722

 

3 638

 

11 767

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash utilised in investing activities

 

(6 215

)

(2 370

)

(8 344

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash effect of financing activities

 

3 629

 

(1 247

)

(4 524

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Decrease)/increase in cash

 

(864

)

21

 

(1 101

)

Cash at beginning of period

 

1 995

 

2 370

 

2 370

 

Arising on translation

 

(412

)

932

 

726

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash at end of period

 

719

 

3 323

 

1 995

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprising

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

3 215

 

3 323

 

3 769

 

Bank overdraft

 

(2 496

)

 

(1 774

)

 

 

719

 

3 323

 

1 995

 

 

9



 

statement of value added

 

year
June
2002
USDm

 

half-year
December
2001
USDm

 

half-year
December
2002
USDm

 

 

 

half-year
December
2002
Rm

 

half-year
December
2001
Rm

 

year
June
2002
Rm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 078

 

2 997

 

3 392

 

Sales

 

34 015

 

27 863

 

61 578

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3 436

)

(1 656

)

(2 024

)

Purchased materials and services

 

(20 295

)

(15 382

)

(34 801

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 642

 

1 341

 

1 368

 

Value added

 

13 720

 

12 481

 

26 777

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26

 

16

 

12

 

Investment income

 

123

 

146

 

261

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 668

 

1 357

 

1 380

 

Wealth created

 

13 843

 

12 627

 

27 038

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

782

 

391

 

443

 

Employees

 

4 447

 

3 632

 

7 921

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

229

 

121

 

160

 

Providers of equity capital

 

1 606

 

1 125

 

2 353

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

85

 

46

 

53

 

Providers of loan capital

 

529

 

430

 

863

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

461

 

273

 

228

 

Government

 

2 285

 

2 544

 

4 669

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 111

 

526

 

496

 

Reinvested in the Group

 

4 976

 

4 896

 

11 232

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 668

 

1 357

 

1 380

 

Wealth distribution

 

13 843

 

12 627

 

27 038

 

 

10



 

supplementary information

 

 

 

 

 

half-year
December
2002

 

half-year
December
2001

 

year
June
2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selected ratios

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return on equity

 

%

 

15,2

 

19,2

 

36,3

 

Return on total assets

 

%

 

11,8

 

15,3

 

26,6

 

Operating profit to sales

 

%

 

17,9

 

17,0

 

17,1

 

Financing cost cover

 

times

 

14,0

 

16,7

 

17,6

 

Dividend cover

 

times

 

3,5

 

3,7

 

3,4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share statistics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total shares in issue

 

million

 

668,2

 

665,9

 

666,9

 

Net shares in issue

 

million

 

609,3

 

611,8

 

609,0

 

Weighted average number of shares

 

million

 

609,3

 

614,2

 

612,5

 

Fully diluted number of shares

 

million

 

620,3

 

623,3

 

625,0

 

Share price  (closing)

 

cents

 

10 500

 

10 540

 

11 000

 

Market capitalisation

 

Rm

 

70 161

 

70 186

 

73 356

 

Net asset value per share

 

cents

 

5 241

 

4 618

 

4 938

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other financial information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans (including bank overdraft)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– interest bearing

 

Rm

 

13 310

 

11 766

 

10 612

 

– non-interest bearing

 

Rm

 

48

 

10

 

63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital commitments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– authorised and contracted

 

Rm

 

7 204

 

8 256

 

7 430

 

– authorised, not yet contracted

 

Rm

 

11 496

 

5 240

 

16 632

 

Guarantees and contingent liabilities

 

Rm

 

11 116

 

9 936

 

10 114

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Significant items in operating profit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

– employee costs

 

Rm

 

4 447

 

3 632

 

7 921

 

– depreciation of property, plant and equipment

 

Rm

 

1 968

 

1 986

 

4 117

 

– operating lease charges

 

Rm

 

231

 

194

 

369

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective tax rate

 

%

 

32,5

 

31,7

 

33,4

 

Number of employees

 

 

 

31 100

 

30 250

 

31 100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average crude oil price – Brent

 

USD/bbl

 

22,35

 

22,84

 

23,24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The reader is referred to the definitions contained in the 2002 annual financial statements.

 

11



 

Principal foreign currency conversion rates

 

 

 

Half-year
December
2002

 

Half-year
December
2001

 

Year
June
2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rand/USD (closing)

 

8,57

 

11,95

 

10,27

 

Rand/USD (average)

 

10,03

 

9,29

 

10,13

 

Rand/euro (closing)

 

9,00

 

10,63

 

10,19

 

Rand/euro (average)

 

9,95

 

8,31

 

9,08

 

 

12



 

SIGNATURE

 

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant, Sasol Limited, has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

Date: March 7, 2003

By:

 

/s/ Dr N L Joubert

 

 

Dr N L Joubert

 

 

Company Secretary

 

13