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Sasol Limited Financial Results for the Year Ended 30 June 2009
 

JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Comprehensive additional information is available on our website: www.sasol.com

Delivering results in uncertain times

  • Cash generated by operating activities of R48 billion
  • Excluding once-off charges, operating profit maintained
  • Headline earnings per share down 33% to R25,42
  • Oil hedge cushions impact of sharp decline in oil prices
  • Deleveraged balance sheet positions company well to fund growth
  • Overall group production volumes up
  • Oryx and Arya Sasol plants performing successfully
  • Growth projects remain on course

Overview

Chief Executive, Pat Davies says:

"Our deleveraged balance sheet and strong cash flows continue to serve the group well in weathering the storm and in funding our prioritised growth programme in tough credit markets. The global economic recession created opportunities for us to examine all our operations. Our response has, for instance, resulted in significant working capital improvements across our businesses, positively impacting the group's cash position. This, together with our focus on efficiency and operational improvements is enhancing the group's competitiveness. Our growth strategy remains unchanged and, despite the economic crisis, we have many opportunities which will provide for long-term, sustainable growth. We have acted swiftly to improve competition law compliance and will have completed our comprehensive group-wide review by December 2009."

The global economic impacts and consequent weakening in the market for our products affected our results. Earnings attributable to shareholders for the year ended 30 June 2009 decreased by 39% to R13,6 billion from R22,4 billion in the previous financial year, while earnings per share and headline earnings per share decreased by 39% to R22,90 and by 33% to R25,42, respectively, compared to the prior year.

Operating profit of R24,7 billion declined by 27% compared to the previous financial year. Operating profit was negatively impacted by lower average crude oil prices (average dated Brent was US$68,14/barrel in 2009 compared to US$95,51/barrel in 2008) and chemical product prices, partially offset by a 24% weaker average rand/US dollar exchange rate (R9,04/US$ in 2009 compared to R7,30/US$ in 2008). The average oil price achieved during the year was cushioned by the effect of the oil hedges during the year which resulted in a realised gain of R5 056 million. The decrease in operating profit was further impacted by large once-off charges including competition related fines of R3 947 million, the Escravos gas-to-liquids (EGTL) provision of R1 280 million and the Inzalo share-based payment expense of R3 202 million. Excluding the impact of once-off charges, operating profit was maintained.

The increase in the effective tax rate is as a result of the competition related fines and the share-based payment expenses which are not deductible for tax purposes.

The increase in cash fixed costs, excluding the effects of once-off costs and growth initiatives, at 16% is well above inflationary levels. This increase resulted mainly due to the negative impact of a weaker exchange rate on our costs and the abnormal increase in electricity costs at our South African operations. Whilst we are able to generate nearly a third of our electricity requirements, the South African state owned electricity provider, Eskom, increased average annual electricity tariffs by 27,5% in June 2008.

Cash of R48,2 billion generated by operating activities represents a 39% increase compared to the previous financial year. The increase is mainly due to significant working capital improvements.

Chief Financial Officer, Christine Ramon says:

"Our strong cash position was enhanced by the cash conservation approach instituted last October at the onset of the global economic crisis. We have reprioritised capital expenditure for the next two years to about R15 billion per annum. We continue to maintain a flexible approach to our capital expenditure programme, ensuring that our pipeline of growth projects is not affected, and our investment in growth continues unabated.

Signs of economic recovery are visible with improved market sentiment reflected in the uptick in oil and product prices. However, we remain cautious on the shorter term outlook for oil prices and product prices and continue to plan prudently for an extended period of global economic recovery."

Sustained performance from our existing businesses

South African energy cluster

Sasol Mining - increased turnover despite lower sales volumes

Operating profit of R1 593 million was 14% higher than the previous year. While turnover increased due to higher coal prices achieved in the first half of the year, this was partially offset by lower sales volumes to Sasol Synfuels and to the coal export market coupled with higher operating costs per unit in light of lower production volumes.

Sasol Gas - stable sales volumes at higher gas prices

Operating profit increased by 36% to R2 424 million compared to the previous year as a result of higher gas prices and stable sales volumes. Higher cash fixed costs were experienced due to a focus on safety initiatives and preparation for the commissioning of a new compressor station at Komatipoort.

Sasol Synfuels - increased operating profit despite lower production volumes

Sasol Synfuels' operating profits increased by 30% to R25 188 million, despite 4,1% lower production volumes compared to the previous year as a result of instability in key plants. The increase in profits resulting from weaker exchange rates was, however, partially offset by lower average oil prices and significant feedstock price escalations. Included in the operating profit is a gain of R4 904 million relating to the oil hedge.

Sasol Oil - declining product prices resulting in losses

Sasol Oil recorded an operating loss of R351 million compared to an operating profit of R5 507 million for the prior year as a result of the steep decline in product prices on the back of fast falling crude oil prices. This resulted in negative stock effects and pressure on refining margins during the first half of the year. Improved performance in the latter part of the year did not fully offset the earlier losses.

International energy cluster

Sasol Synfuels International (SSI) - successful production ramp up of Oryx GTL plant

SSI reflected an operating loss of R235 million compared to an operating loss of R621 million in the previous year. This improvement was mainly due to the successful ramp up in production of the Oryx gas-to-liquids (GTL) plant, offset by higher study costs to assess the commercial viability of a number of opportunities together with a loss of R771 million realised on the reduction of our economic interest in the EGTL project. Following negotiations with Chevron Nigeria Limited, Sasol reduced its economic interest from 37,5% to 10% for which a consideration of R3 486 million (US$360 million) was received. Due to uncertainties that have recently arisen from the fiscal arrangements for the project, management reassessed the impact on its commitments relating to the project. This resulted in a provision of R1 280 million being recognised. Sasol's retained 10% economic interest in EGTL is now recognised as an investment in an associate.

Production at the Oryx GTL plant in Qatar increased steadily and the average daily production more than doubled since the previous year.

Sasol Petroleum International (SPI) - increasing upstream capacity

Operating profit increased by 11% to R1 115 million compared to the previous year, mainly due to higher sales volumes and the weakening of the rand/US dollar exchange rate. Gas production levels in Mozambique were maintained, while oil and condensate production levels increased slightly compared to the prior year. During the year, SPI extended its global footprint and made entries into Papua New Guinea and Australia. With the commissioning of the Pande gas field in Mozambique as well as the execution of a second gas sales agreement, SPI achieved a 5 year average proved reserve replacement ratio of 167%.

Chemical cluster

Sasol Polymers - positive contribution from offshore operations

Operating profit decreased by 37% to R946 million compared to the previous year, mainly due to the sharp decline in polymer sales prices in the latter part of the year. The resulting margin squeeze was partially offset by additional production volumes at Arya Sasol Polymers plants, which made a positive contribution to our operating profit.

Sasol Solvents - lower sales volumes and margins

Operating profit decreased by 79% to R495 million compared to the previous year due to reduced sales volumes following market-related cutbacks in production. Sales prices and, to a lesser extent, margins were lower in the second half, than in the first half of the year.

Sasol Olefins & Surfactants (Sasol O&S) - inventory revaluations leads to operating loss

Sasol O&S reported an operating loss of R160 million compared to an operating profit of R1 512 million for the previous year, mainly as a result of the revaluation of inventory at lower international product prices. In addition, the business experienced reduced sales volumes and margins due to the economic downturn, especially in the global automotive and construction sectors. Sasol O&S's turnaround and restructuring is well on track and has already positioned the business to better respond to the economic downturn.

Other chemical businesses - competition related penalties, reduced sales volumes and inventory revaluations result in operating losses

Other chemical businesses recorded an operating loss of R3 525 million compared to an operating profit of R1 200 million for the previous year due to the European Commission fine on Sasol Wax GmbH of R3 678 million (euro 318,2 million) and the administrative penalty payable by Sasol Nitro to the South African Competition Commission of R251 million. Additionally, an amount of R242 million is provided for the closure of the Sasol Nitro Phalaborwa and Polyfos operations. Excluding these once-off items, operating profit decreased by 44% compared to the previous year resulting from reduced sales volumes and inventory revaluations.

Competition law compliance

As announced previously, we initiated a comprehensive group-wide competition law compliance review in July 2008, which is still ongoing. We will, in the course of conducting these reviews, adopt appropriate remedial and/or mitigating steps and make disclosures on material findings as and when appropriate. The competition law compliance review has revealed and may still reveal competition law contraventions or potential contraventions in respect of which we have taken or will take appropriate remedial and/or mitigating steps including lodging leniency applications. Additionally, we have reached a settlement agreement with the Competition Commission in respect of previously disclosed matters pertaining to Sasol Nitro.

The South African Competition Commission is conducting investigations into the South African piped gas, petroleum, wax and polymer industries. We continue to interact and co-operate with the Competition Commission in respect of the subject matter of the leniency applications as well as in the areas that are subject to Competition Commission investigations. The company is continuing to evaluate and enhance its legal compliance controls mainly by way of the competition law compliance review. To the extent appropriate, further announcements will be made in future.

Sustaining Sasol into the future

Pursuing sustainable development opportunities remains a focus area for Sasol:

  • The recordable case rate for employees and service providers, including injuries and illnesses, was 0,54 at 30 June 2009 compared to 0,50 at 30 June 2008.
  • We have updated our challenging targets to reduce our carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Existing operations will emit 15% less CO2 per unit of production by 2020 than they did in 2005. New coal-to-liquids (CTL) plants will emit 20% less CO2 by 2020 and 30% less by 2030 than the average 2005 CTL design baseline.
  • We regularly review the group's long-term (i.e. towards 2050) absolute green house gas (GHG) emission targets, as developments in the global climate change arena take place. Such targets are also contingent on technological advances, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), increased utilisation of renewable energy as well as developments in the regulatory and fiscal environments in which we operate.
  • The first phase of the Sasol Mining black economic empowerment (BEE) strategy received a setback when a notice of intention to withdraw from the Igoda transaction was given by our partner, Exxaro Coal Mpumalanga. Sasol Mining is actively pursuing alternatives to ensure that its BEE strategy remains intact. Sasol Mining remains in compliance with the Mining Charter and will be compliant with the Charter by 2014.

Growth projects achieving objectives

Our flexible approach to our capital expenditure programme allows us to continuously reprioritise and ensure that our pipeline of growth projects is advanced.

  • Our feasibility study into a CTL plant in China is progressing according to schedule.
  • In April 2009, SSI signed a heads of agreement for the possible construction of a 1,3 million tonnes per annum GTL plant in Uzbekistan with our partners, Uzbekneftegaz and Petronas.
  • In India, the SSI and Tata joint venture for a CTL facility has progressed to the pre-feasibility stage following the award of a coal block in the eastern state of Orissa.
  • Gas production capacity in Mozambique has increased with SPI's commissioning of the onshore Pande gas field, and we are well on track to increase the capacity of our upstream production facilities from 120 to 183 million giga joules per annum.
  • In Gabon, SPI's Ebouri offshore oil field was successfully commissioned.
  • Preparatory work for phase one of the Sasol Synfuels progressive expansion project in South Africa, the Secunda Growth Programme, is progressing. Phase one, based on natural gas, is expected to increase production by 3% by 2012 and will improve energy efficiency through internal electricity generation capacity increasing by 33%.
  • In South Africa, Project Mafutha is scheduled to start bulk sample mining before the end of the 2009 calendar year in order to commence large scale gasification trials in one of Sasol Synfuels' gasifiers. The environmental impact study is scheduled to start in the third quarter of the 2009 calendar year.
  • Sasol Wax to continue with basic engineering and environmental approvals for the project to double hard wax production at our Sasolburg facilities in South Africa.

Cash conservation contributes to deleveraged balance sheet

The deleveraged balance sheet reflected an under-geared position of 1,2% at 30 June 2009 compared to a gearing level of 20,5% at 30 June 2008. This resulted from our cash conservation drive, the suspension of the share repurchase programme and capital prioritisation. A low level of gearing is expected to be maintained in the short-term, but we expect that it will return to within our targeted range of 20% to 40% in the medium to long term as a result of our large capital intensive growth programme.

During the current year, the company repurchased a total of 3 216 769 Sasol ordinary shares at an average price of R346,45 per share. Total shares repurchased since the inception of the programme in March 2007 represents about 6,4% of the issued share capital at 30 June 2009, excluding the shares issued in terms of the Sasol Inzalo share transaction. During the period, 31 500 000 ordinary shares of the repurchased shares were cancelled for a total value of R7,9 billion. Sasol Investment Company (Pty) Limited holds 8 809 886 Sasol ordinary shares. At the Annual General Meeting of 28 November 2008, shareholders renewed the authority to buy back up to 4% of the issued share capital for a further 15 months.

Profit outlook* - reduction in earnings for the full 2010 financial year

The decline in global chemical markets seen in the second half of the year is expected to stabilise, although increasing feedstock costs are expected to have a negative impact on our chemical businesses. While there has been some recovery in the markets of late, the crude oil price and rand/US dollar exchange rate remains volatile.

Taking into account the overall market conditions and our assumptions in respect of crude oil and product prices which are expected to remain at levels seen in the latter part of the 2009 financial year, as well as the current levels of lower chemical product demand, an expected significantly stronger rand/US dollar exchange rate and some improvement in overall production volumes, the earnings for the 2010 financial year are expected to reflect a reduction compared to the 2009 financial year. The current volatility and uncertainty of global markets makes it difficult to be more precise in this outlook statement.

The board considered it prudent to declare the final dividend in line with our dividend policy and targeted earnings cover range of 2,5 times to 3,5 times given the volatility and uncertainty in the current economic climate in the interests of the company's growth strategy and the preservation of long-term shareholder value. Accordingly, the dividend for the full 2009 financial year reflects the lower earnings achieved for the year. In future, we expect to maintain our dividend policy within the targeted range of 2,5 times to 3,5 times annual earnings cover.

*In accordance with standard practice, it is noted that this information has not been reviewed or reported on by the company's auditors.

Acquisitions and disposals of businesses

In July 2008, Exel Petroleum (Pty) Limited acquired the remaining 50,1% of Exelem Aviation (Pty) Limited for a purchase consideration of US$1,7 million.

With effect from 20 August 2008, Sasol Properties (Pty) Limited acquired accommodation for staffing for the Sasol Synfuels growth initiative for a purchase consideration of R17,3 million.

With effect from 23 December 2008, SSI reduced its interest in the Escravos GTL Project in Nigeria for a consideration of US$360 million, retaining a 10% interest.

On 24 December 2008, Sasol Group Services (Pty) Limited acquired a 40% interest in Thin Film Solar Technologies (Pty) Limited in South Africa, for a purchase consideration of R40 million.

Subsequent events

On 9 July 2009, Mr. C Beggs was appointed as a non-executive director of Sasol Limited as well as a member of the Audit Committee.

On 15 July 2009, Sasol signed a joint venture agreement with Uzbekneftegaz, the natural oil and gas company of Uzbekistan, and Petronas of Malaysia, and launched a feasibility study for the development and implementation of a GTL project in Uzbekistan.

On 14 August 2009, in the Government Gazette No 32484, a change in ad valorem duties affecting various products in our South African chemical businesses, especially Sasol Polymers, was announced. If the full tariff reduction is applied to the turnover of the relevant businesses it has a negative effect of approximately R400 million on operating profit.

On 18 August 2009, Sasol Nitro announced the possible closure of its Phalaborwa operations due to adverse market conditions.

Declaration of cash dividend number 60

A final cash dividend of South African R6,00 per ordinary share (2008: R9,35 per share) has been declared. The final cash dividend is payable on all ordinary shares, excluding the Sasol preferred ordinary shares.

The salient dates for holders of ordinary shares are:

    Last day for trading to qualify for
     and participate in the dividend (cum dividend)     Friday, 9 October 2009
    Trading ex dividend commences                      Monday, 12 October 2009
    Record date                                        Friday, 16 October 2009
    Dividend payment date                              Monday, 19 October 2009

Holders of American Depositary Receipts:

    Ex dividend on New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)   Wednesday, 14 October 2009
    Record date                                        Friday, 16 October 2009
    Approximate date for currency conversion          Tuesday, 20 October 2009
    Approximate dividend payment date                  Friday, 30 October 2009

On Monday, 19 October 2009, dividends due to certificated shareholders on the South African registry will either be electronically transferred to shareholders' bank accounts or, in the absence of suitable mandates, dividend cheques will be posted to such shareholders. Shareholders who have dematerialised their share certificates will have their accounts credited on Monday, 19 October 2009.

Share certificates may not be dematerialised or re-materialised between Monday, 12 October 2009 and Friday, 16 October 2009, both days inclusive.

On behalf of the board

    Hixonia Nyasulu         Pat Davies              Christine Ramon
    Chairman                Chief Executive         Chief Financial Officer

Sasol Limited

11 September 2009

Registered office: Sasol Limited, 1 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg 2196, PO Box 5486, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa

Share registrars: Computershare Investor Services (Pty) Limited, 70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg 2001 PO Box 61051, Marshalltown 2107, South Africa, Tel: +27 11 370-7700 Fax: +27 11 370-5271/2

Sponsor: Deutsche Securities (SA) (Pty) Limited

Directors (non-executive): TH Nyasulu (Chairman), C Beggs*, BP Connellan*, HG Dijkgraaf (Dutch)*, MSV Gantsho*, A Jain (Indian), IN Mkhize*, MJN Njeke*, JE Schrempp (German)*, TA Wixley* (executive): LPA Davies (Chief executive), KC Ramon (Chief financial officer), VN Fakude, AM Mokaba *Independent

Company secretary: NL Joubert

Company registration number: 1979/003231/06, incorporated in the Republic of South Africa

                                        JSE            NYSE
    Share code:                         SOL            SSL
    ISIN code:                          ZAE000006896   US8038663006

American depositary receipts (ADR) program: Cusip number 803866300 ADR to ordinary share 1:1

Depositary: The Bank of New York Mellon, 22nd floor, 101 Barclay Street, New York, NY 10286, USA

Sasol Limited is the world's leader in the conversion of coal and gas to transportation fuels and chemicals.

Forward-looking statements: In this document we make certain statements that are not historical facts and relate to analyses and other information which are based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. These statements may also relate to our future prospects, developments and business strategies. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding exchange rate fluctuations, volume growth, increases in market share, total shareholder return and cost reductions. Words such as "believe", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "seek", "will", "plan", "could", "may", "endeavour" and "project" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and there are risks that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. If one or more of these risks materialise, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. You should understand that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors are discussed more fully in our most recent annual report under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on Form 20-F filed on 7 October 2008 and in other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The list of factors discussed therein is not exhaustive; when relying on forward-looking statements to make investment decisions, you should carefully consider both these factors and other uncertainties and events. Forward-looking statements apply only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The reader is referred to the definitions contained in the 2008 Sasol Limited annual financial statements.

Basis of preparation and accounting policies

The preliminary summarised consolidated financial results for the year ended 30 June 2009 have been prepared in compliance with the Listings Requirements of the JSE Limited, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (in particular International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial Reporting) and the South African Companies Act, 1973, as amended.

The accounting policies applied in the presentation of the preliminary summarised consolidated financial results are consistent with those applied for the year ended 30 June 2008, except as follows:

Sasol Limited has early adopted the following standards, except if otherwise stated, which did not have a significant impact on the financial results:

  • IAS 27 (Amendment), Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements.
  • IFRS 1 and IAS 27 (Amendment), Cost of an Investment in a Subsidiary, Jointly Controlled Entity or Associate.
  • IFRS 3 (Revised), Business Combinations.
  • IAS 39 (Amendment), Eligible Hedged Items.
  • IAS 39 and IFRS 7 (Amendments), Reclassifications of Financial Assets - Effective Date and Transition (effective 1 July 2008).
  • IFRS 5 (Amendment), Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations.
  • IFRS 7 (Amendment), Financial Instruments: Disclosures - Improving disclosures about Financial Instruments.
  • IFRIC 16, Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation.
  • IFRIC 18, Transfers of Assets From Customers.
  • Various improvements to IFRSs.

These preliminary summarised consolidated financial results have been prepared in accordance with the historic cost convention except that certain items, including derivatives and available-for-sale financial assets, are stated at fair value.

The preliminary summarised consolidated financial results are presented in rand, which is Sasol Limited's functional and presentation currency.

Related party transactions

The group, in the ordinary course of business, entered into various sale and purchase transactions on an arm's length basis at market rates with related parties.

Significant changes in contingent liabilities since 30 June 2008

On 1 October 2008, the European Union found that members of the European wax industry, including Sasol Wax GmbH, had formed a cartel and violated antitrust laws. A fine of R3 678 million (euro 318,2 million) was imposed by the European Commission on Sasol Wax, who has appealed the quantum of the fine. The fine was paid in January 2009.

Flowing from the group-wide competition law compliance review, an administrative penalty of R251 million was imposed on Sasol Nitro in terms of the settlement agreement concluded between Sasol Nitro and the Competition Commission of South Africa in respect of certain aspects of the Nutri-Flo matter and the sale of the phosphoric acid production asset matters. The penalty has been provided for at 30 June 2009.

Independent audit by the auditors

The preliminary summarised consolidated statement of financial position at 30 June 2009 and the related preliminary summarised consolidated income statement, statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the year then ended was audited by KPMG Inc. The individual auditor assigned to perform the audit is Mr. AW van der Lith. Their unqualified audit report is available for inspection at the registered office of the company.


    SASOL LIMITED GROUP
    SEGMENT REPORT
    for the year ended 30 June

          Turnover                                  Operating profit
             Rm         "Business unit analysis"           Rm
      2008        2009                             2009         2008

    104 790      103 358   "South African
                            energy cluster"       28 684     28 048
      7 479        8 297   Mining                  1 593      1 393
      4 697        5 666   Gas                     2 424      1 785
     39 616       37 701   Synfuels               25 188     19 416
     52 998       51 694   Oil                      (351)     5 507
          -            -   Other                    (170)
        (53)
      3 764        5 166   "International
                            energy cluster"          880        383
      1 793        3 027   "Synfuels
                            International"          (235)      (621)
      1 971        2 139   "Petroleum
                            International"         1 115      1 004
     73 696       81 913   "Chemical
                             cluster"             (2 244)     6 605
     11 304       15 525   Polymers                  946      1 511
     17 182       18 115   Solvents                  495      2 382
     28 780       29 534   "Olefins &
                            Surfactants"            (160)     1 512
     16 430       18 739   "Other chemical
                             businesses"          (3 525)     1 200
      4 273        5 209   "Other
                             businesses*"         (2 654)    (1 220)
    186 523      195 646                          24 666     33 816

    (56 580)     (57 810)  "Intercompany
                             turnover"
    129 943      137 836

    * Includes share-based payment expenses related to the Sasol Inzalo
       share transaction.



    The preliminary financial statements are presented on a summarised
     consolidated basis.

    SASOL LIMITED GROUP
    STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
    at 30 June

                                                  2009          2008
                                                   Rm            Rm

        ASSETS
        Property, plant and equipment            70370         66273
        Assets under construction                14496        11 693
        Goodwill                                   805           874
        Other intangible assets                  1 068           964
        Investments in associates                2 170           830
        Post-retirement benefit assets             716           571
        Deferred tax assets                      1 184         1 453
        Other long-term assets                   2 045         2 631
        Non-current assets                       92854         85289

        Assets held for sale                        86         3 833
        Inventories                              14589         20088
        Trade and other receivables              17117         25323
        Short-term financial assets                520           330
        Cash restricted for use                  1 247           814
        Cash                                     19425         4 435
        Current assets                           52984         54823
        Total assets                            145838        140112

        EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
        Shareholders' equity                     83835         76474
        Non-controlling interest                 2 382         2 521
        Total equity                             86217         78995

        Long-term debt                           13615         15682
        Long-term financial liabilities            143            37
        Long-term provisions                     5 729         4 491
        Post-retirement
         benefit obligations                     4 454         4 578
        Long-term deferred income                  297           376
        Deferred tax liabilities                 9 168         8 446
        Non-current liabilities                  33406         33610

        Liabilities in disposal
         groups held for sale                       65           142
        Short-term debt                          4 762         3 496
        Short-term financial liabilities           354            67
        Other current liabilities                20954         22888
        Bank overdraft                              80           914
        Current liabilities                      26215         27507
        Total equity and liabilities            145838        140112



      SASOL LIMITED GROUP
      INCOME STATEMENT
      for the year ended 30 June

                                                     2009            2008
                                                      Rm              Rm


          Turnover                                 137836          129943
          Cost of sales and
           services rendered                       (88508)         (74634)
          Gross profit                              49328           55309
          Other operating income                    1 021             635
          Marketing and
           distribution expenditure                 (7583)          (6931)
          Administrative expenditure                (9050)          (6697)
          Other operating expenditure               (9050)          (8500)
           Competition related fines                (3947)              -
           Effect of crude oil hedges               4 603            (2201)
           Share-based payment expenses             (3325)          (1782)
           Effect of remeasurement items            (1469)           (698)
           Translation (losses)/gains                (166)            300
           Other expenditure                        (4746)          (4119)

          Operating profit                          24666           33816
          Finance income                            1 790             735
          Share of profits of
          associates (net of tax)                     270             254
          Finance expenses                          (2531)          (1148)
          Profit before tax                         24195           33657
          Taxation                                 (10480)         (10129)

          Profit for the year                       13715           23528

          Attributable to
          Owners of Sasol Limited                   13648           22417
          Non-controlling interest
           in subsidiaries                             67           1 111
                                                    13715           23528


          Earnings per share                         Rand            Rand
            Basic earnings per share                22.90           37,30
            Diluted earnings per share(1)           22.80           36,78

    (1)  Diluted earnings per share are calculated taking the Sasol Share
          Incentive Scheme and Sasol Inzalo share transaction into account.



      SASOL LIMITED GROUP
      STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
      for the year ended 30 June

                                                      2009             2008
                                                       Rm               Rm


      Profit for the year                            13715            23528
      Other comprehensive income

      Effect of translation
       of foreign operations                         (2485)           3 452
      Effect of cash flow hedges                      (497)             261
      Investments available-for-sale                     -               (1)
      Tax on other comprehensive income                101              (60)

      Other comprehensive income
       for the year, net of tax                      (2881)           3 652

      Total comprehensive
       income for the year                          10 834            27180


      Attributable to
      Owners of Sasol Limited                       10 796            26062
      Non-controlling interests
       in subsidiaries                                  38            1 118
                                                    10 834            27180



      SASOL LIMITED GROUP
      STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
      for the year ended 30 June

                                                        2009           2008
                                                         Rm             Rm

          Opening balance                              78995           63269
          Shares issued during year                    1 154             387
          Repurchase of shares                         (1114)          (7300)
          Share-based payment expenses                 3 293           1 574
          Disposal of businesses                         425               -
          Acquisition of businesses                        -            (100)
          Change in shareholding
           of subsidiaries                               406             306
          Total comprehensive
           income for the year                        10 834           27180
          Dividends paid                               (7193)          (5766)
          Dividends paid to non-controlling
           shareholders in subsidiaries                 (583)           (555)
          Closing balance                              86217           78995

          Comprising
          Share capital                                27025           20176
          Share repurchase programme                   (2641)         (10969)
          Sasol Inzalo share transaction              (22054)         (16161)
          Retained earnings                            74882           77660
          Share-based payment reserve                  5 833           2 540
          Foreign currency
           translation reserve                           939           3 006
          Investment fair value reserve                    2               1
          Cash flow hedge
           accounting reserve                           (151)            221
          Shareholders' equity                         83835           76474
          Non-controlling interest
           in subsidiaries                             2 382           2 521
          Total equity                                 86217           78995




      SASOL LIMITED GROUP
      STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
      for the year ended 30 June

                                    2009           2008
                                     Rm             Rm

      Cash receipts from
       customers                   144963         123452
      Cash paid to
       suppliers and
       employees                   (96776)        (88712)
      Cash generated by
       operating activities         48187          34740
      Finance income
       received                     2 264            957
      Finance expenses paid         (2168)         (2405)
      Tax paid                     (10252)         (9572)
      Dividends paid                (7193)         (5766)
      Cash retained from
       operating activities         30838          17954

      Additions to non-
       current assets              (15672)        (10855)
      Acquisition of
       businesses                     (30)          (431)
      Cash obtained on
       acquisition of
       businesses                      19             19
      Disposal of
       businesses                   3 486             693
      Cash disposed of on
       disposal of
       businesses                       -            (31)
      Other net cash flows
       from investing
       activities                    (321)          (239)
      Cash utilised in
       investing activities        (12518)        (10844)

      Share capital issued          1 154            387
      Share repurchase
       programme                    (1114)        (7,300)
      Contributions from
       non-controlling
       shareholders                   406            185
      Dividends paid to
       non-controlling
       shareholders                  (583)          (555)
      Increase/(decrease)
       in long-term debt              755           (782)
      Decrease in short-
       term debt                    (1811)          (350)
      Cash effect of
       financing activities         (1193)         (8415)
      Translation effects
       on cash and cash
       equivalents of
       foreign operations            (870)           324
      Movement in cash and
       cash equivalents             16257           (981)
      Cash and cash
       equivalents at
       beginning of year            4 335          6 088
      Net reclassification
       to held for sale                 -           (772)
      Cash and cash
       equivalents at end
       of year                      20592          4 335




      SASOL LIMITED GROUP
      SALIENT FEATURES
      for the year ended 30 June

                                                         2009         2008

      Selected ratios

      Return on equity                    %              17.0         32.5
      Return on total assets              %              18.7         26.9
      Operating margin                    %              17.9         26.0
      Finance expense cover               times          12.3         14.5
      Dividend cover                      times           2.8          2.8


      Share statistics

      Total shares in issue               million       665.9        676.7
      Treasury shares (share
       repurchase programme)              million         8.8         37.1
      Weighted average
       number of shares                   million       596.1        601.0
      Diluted weighted average
       number of shares                   million       614.0        609.5
      Share price (closing)               Rand         269.98       461.00
      Market capitalisation               Rm          179,780      311,959
      Net asset value per share           Rand         141.14       128.44
      Dividend per share                  Rand           8.50        13.00
      - interim                           Rand           2.50         3.65
      - final                             Rand           6.00         9.35


      Other financial information

      Total debt (including
       bank overdraft)
       - interest bearing                 Rm           17,814        19455
       - non-interest bearing             Rm              643          637

      Finance expense capitalised         Rm               34        1 586

      Capital commitments                 Rm           25,309        25048
       - authorised and contracted        Rm           22,492        24457
       - authorised, not yet contracted   Rm           17,038        17722
       - less expenditure to date         Rm           (14221)      (17131)

      Guarantees and
       contingent liabilities
      - total amount                      Rm           29,545        37381
      - liability included in the
         statement of financial
         position                         Rm           12,795       10 730

      Significant items in
       operating profit
       - employee costs                   Rm           17,532        14443
       - depreciation and amortisation
          of non-current assets           Rm            6,245        5 212
       - operating lease charges          Rm            1,111          887
       - share-based
          payment expenses                Rm            3,325        1 782

      Directors' remuneration             Rm               50           65
      Share options granted to
       directors - cumulative             '000            946        1 011
      Share appreciation
       rights granted
       to directors - cumulative          '000            215           72
      Sasol Inzalo share
       rights granted
       to directors - cumulative          '000             75           75

      Effective tax rate 1                %              43.3         30.1
      Number of employees                 number       33,544       33,928

      Average crude oil
       price - dated Brent                US$/barrel    68.14        95.51
      Average rand / US$
       exchange rate                      1US$ = Rand    9.04         7.30
      Closing rand / US$
       exchange rate                      1US$ = Rand    7.73         7.83

    (1) Increase in effective tax rate as a result of the competition related
        fines and share-based payment expenses which are not deductible for
        tax.



      SASOL LIMITED GROUP
      SALIENT FEATURES (2)
      for the year ended 30 June

                                                          2009    2008
      Reconciliation of headline earnings                  Rm      Rm

      Profit for the year attributable
       to owners of Sasol Limited                       13,648  22,417
        Effect of remeasurement items                    1,469     698
          Impairment of assets                             458     821
          Reversal of impairment                             -    (381)
          Loss/(profit) on disposal of assets              761    (440)
          Loss on repurchase of
          participation rights in GTL venture                -      34
          Loss on realisation of foreign
           currency translation reserve                      -     557
          Scrapping of non-current assets                  234     107
          Write off of unsuccessful
           exploration wells                                16       -
        Tax effects and
         non-controlling interests                          35    (225)
      Headline earnings                                 15,152  22,890



      Remeasurement items per above
      Mining                                                 3       7
      Gas                                                    4     104
      Synfuels                                             137      25
      Oil                                                   (3)    (20)
      Synfuels International                               777     396
      Petroleum International                               18     (27)
      Polymers                                              (1)    (12)
      Solvents                                             158     104
      Olefins & Surfactants                                106     (27)
      Other chemical businesses                            246     229
        Nitro                                              219    (199)
        Wax                                                 27     426
        Other                                                -       2
      Other businesses                                      24     (81)
      Remeasurement items                                1,469     698


      Headline earnings
       per share                                  Rand   25.42   38.09
      Diluted headline
       earnings per share                         Rand   25.25   37.56


    The reader is referred to the definitions contained in the 2008 Sasol
     Limited annual financial statements.
     

    CONTACT:
    Investor Relations Team
    +27 (0)11 441 3113 / 3321 / 3420
    Investor.relations@sasol.com


SOURCE Sasol Limited