Comprehensive additional information is available on our website: www.sasol.com JOHANNESBURG, March 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- -- Solid performance in deteriorating markets -- Operating profit up 53% to R21,5 billion -- Headline earnings per share up 51% to R21,92 -- Oil hedge cushions the impact of sharp decline in oil prices -- Strong balance sheet - gearing lower at 2% -- Overall group production volumes up -- Oryx GTL, Arya Sasol Polymers ramp up production -- Competition law compliance under review Overview Chief executive Pat Davies says: "Sasol's deleveraged balance sheet, cash flows and liquidity position place the company in a favourable position to weather the global economic crisis. Sasol is a solid company supported by comprehensive compliance and risk management processes and a very committed management team. Despite the uncertainty in global markets, our overarching long term strategy remains unchanged: to ensure that we prudently manage our businesses and pursue growth projects that are in the best interests of our shareholders and other valued stakeholders." Earnings attributable to shareholders for the six months ended 31 December 2008 increased by 45% to R13,2 billion from R9,1 billion in the prior year comparable period, while earnings per share and headline earnings per share increased by 47% to R22,17 and by 51% to R21,92, respectively, over the same period. Operating profit of R21,5 billion was 53% higher than the prior year comparable period. The increase in operating profit was buoyed by higher average crude oil prices (average dated Brent was US$84,75/barrel in 2008 compared to US$81,83/barrel in 2007) and chemical product prices, and a 28% weakening in the average rand/US dollar exchange rate (R8,88/US$ in 2008 compared to R6,94/US$ in 2007). The average crude oil price achieved during the period was cushioned by the effect of the oil hedges during the period which resulted in a net gain of R5 064 million. The recognition of the fair value of the oil hedges resulted in an unrealised fair value gain of R3 334 million at the end of the period owing to the significant decrease in crude oil prices towards the end of December 2008. The increase in operating profit was partially reduced by the European Commission fine on Sasol Wax of R3 678 million (euro 318,2 million). Cash of R30,8 billion generated by operating activities represents a 118% increase over the prior year comparable period. Chief financial officer Christine Ramon says: "Sasol has a positive cash position and a strong balance sheet, and has entered a cash conservation mode. Given that we do not expect oil and product prices to recover in the short-term, we believe that it is wise to plan for an extended period of suppressed and volatile market conditions. Accordingly we have renewed our focus on cost containment, improving operational efficiencies, working capital improvement and capital expenditure reprioritisation. We will adopt a flexible approach to our capital expenditure programme and have, at this stage, reduced our capital expenditure forecast for the next three years by approximately 40%. Importantly we are continuing with the pre-feasibility and feasibility studies relating to our large growth projects. We are fortunate to have many attractive growth projects from which to choose." Competition law compliance As announced on 19 January 2009, Sasol is engaged in a comprehensive group-wide review of its compliance with competition law, has lodged a number of leniency applications with the South African Competition Commission and is involved in settlement discussions with the Competition Commission in respect of certain matters pertaining to Sasol Nitro. The Competition Commission has also announced investigations into a number of industries in which Sasol businesses participate. Sasol is still engaged in a group-wide review of its compliance with competition law and continues to interact and co-operate with the Competition Commission in respect of the subject matter of its leniency applications and settlement discussions 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 by the competition law compliance review and remedial steps taken in the process. Certain aspects arising from the competition compliance review have already been announced and, to the extent appropriate, further announcements will be made in future. Continued performance from our existing businesses South African energy cluster Sasol Mining - higher coal export US dollar sales prices achieved Operating profit of R1 434 million was 154% higher than the prior year comparable period, primarily due to higher coal export US dollar sales prices, which were partially offset by lower sales volumes to Sasol Synfuels and the termination of certain coal supply contracts. Sasol Gas - increased sales volumes at higher gas prices Operating profit increased by 57% to R1 448 million compared to the prior year comparable period as a result of increased sales volumes at higher gas prices, partially negated by higher cash fixed costs due to increased safety initiatives and preparation for the construction of new compressor stations at Komatipoort. Sasol Synfuels - decreased production volumes Sasol Synfuels' operating profits increased by 163% to R20 562 million, despite 3,8% lower production volumes compared to the prior year comparable period as a result of plant instability. The increase in profits associated with higher average oil prices and weaker exchange rates were, however, partially offset by costs associated with the pre-feasibility of the Secunda Growth Programme and significant feedstock price escalations. Included in the operating profit is a gain of R4 909 million relating to the oil hedge. Sasol Oil - sharp decline in product prices Sasol Oil recorded an operating loss of R1 626 million compared to an operating profit of R2 031 million for the prior year comparable period as a result of the sharp decline in product prices on the back of fast falling crude oil prices which resulted in negative stock effects and pressure on refining margins. International energy cluster Sasol Synfuels International (SSI) - successful production ramp up of Oryx GTL plant SSI reflected an operating profit of R1 072 million compared to an operating loss of R274 million in the prior year comparable period. This increase was mainly due to the successful ramp up in production of the Oryx gas-to-liquids (GTL) plant and a profit of R509 million realised on the reduction of our economic interest in the Escravos gas-to-liquids (EGTL) Project. Sasol has retained a 10% economic interest in EGTL which is recognised as an investment in an associate. Production at the Oryx GTL plant in Qatar has been increasing steadily and the plant achieved an average production of almost 22 000 barrels a day (b/d) for the six months ended 31 December 2008. For the month of December 2008, the plant achieved an average production of just more than 26 000 b/d. Sasol and Chevron have reviewed and optimised their business model for co-operation regarding their GTL ambitions and have agreed, in future, to work together directly and on a case by case basis. Sasol Petroleum International (SPI) - increased oil and gas sales volumes Operating profit increased by 224% to R1 001 million compared to the prior year comparable period, mainly due to higher oil and gas prices and the weakening of the rand/US dollar exchange rate, as well as higher Etame oil and Temane gas sales volumes. Although exploration expenditure decreased, this was partially offset by expenditure on new business development. The operating profit includes a gain of R155 million relating to the oil hedge. Chemical cluster Sasol Polymers - additional production capacity at Arya Sasol Polymers Operating profit increased by 123% to R1 107 million compared to the prior year comparable period, due mainly to additional production volumes at the Arya Sasol Polymers plant, substantially higher margins at our Petlin joint venture in Malaysia and foreign exchange translation gains. This increase in operating profit was partially offset by decreasing polymer sales prices at our South African operations in the latter part of the period. Sasol Solvents - higher margins, however, reduced sales volumes Operating profit increased by 146% to R1 366 million compared to the prior year comparable period due to improved sales prices and margins, as well as a weakening rand/US dollar exchange rate resulting in translation gains of R556 million, partially negated by lower sales volumes. We are in the process of reviewing, and if necessary, restructuring the European solvents business as part of our business improvement plan. Sasol Olefins & Surfactants (Sasol O&S) - lower sales volumes Operating profit decreased by 71% to R135 million compared to the prior year comparable period, mainly as a result of reduced sales volumes due to the economic downturn, especially in global automotive and construction sectors. Due to its position in the European and US markets, this business was exposed more quickly to the deteriorating worldwide economic conditions. Despite the general downturn due to the economic crisis, the turnaround process has already improved the robustness of the business. Seven plants with a total production capacity in excess of half a million tons per annum were shut down and headcount was reduced by approximately 300. We remain of the view that greater shareholder value can be unlocked by continuing to focus on the turnaround process of the Sasol O&S business and by exploring selected group cost optimisation and growth opportunities. While we will continue to carefully monitor and review the performance of all assets in the Sasol O&S portfolio, we do not intend to sell Sasol O&S at this stage and will therefore retain and further optimise this business. Other chemical businesses - improved performance Other chemical businesses recorded an operating loss of R2 741 million compared to an operating profit of R885 million for the prior year comparable period due to the inclusion of the European Commission fine on Sasol Wax of R3 678 million (euro 318,2 million). Excluding this once-off item, operating profit increased by 6% compared to the prior year comparable period resulting from improved product margins. 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 0,52 at 31 December 2008 compared to 0,50 at 30 June 2008. -- Energy-efficiency projects under construction at our operations include the investment in power generating plants consisting of two new open-cycle gas turbines, to be fuelled by gas otherwise flared or wasted. -- The black public funded and cash invitations of the Sasol Inzalo share transaction were concluded successfully in September 2008. Preference share debt of R4,3 billion related to the funded invitation was issued. -- Sasol group was rated level 6 by Empowerdex in respect of our black economic empowerment (BEE) procurement process, meaning that for each R1,00 spent on Sasol products, customers receive R0,60 BEE preferential procurement recognition. -- In support of reducing our carbon footprint we have established a New Energy business with a focus on identifying and developing lower carbon emission technology and renewable energy sources. Growth projects achieving objectives Our investment in the pre-feasibility and feasibility studies of large capital projects has not been impacted at this stage. Major projects advanced include: -- Our feasibility study into an 80 000 b/d coal-to-liquids (CTL) plant in China is on track to be completed during the first half of 2010. -- The Sasol Synfuels progressive expansion project in South Africa, the Secunda Growth Programme, will be phased in over a period longer than originally planned. Phase one, based on natural gas, is in progress and is expected to increase production by 3% by 2012 compared to the 4% to be achieved by 2010 previously reported. Phase two of the expansion programme is still in the pre-feasibility stage. -- In South Africa, our pre-feasibility study into developing another inland CTL plant (Project Mafutha) near Lephalale in the Limpopo West area with a capacity of about 80 000 b/d has gained momentum. A memorandum of understanding has been signed with the state-owned Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa regarding its participation in Project Mafutha. -- In October 2008, SPI commenced seismic work on four onshore blocks in Papua New Guinea (PNG) as part of a gas exploration campaign in partnership with a PNG company. -- Beneficial operation has been achieved for the entire Arya Sasol Polymers complex. This includes a 1 000 kilo tons per annum (ktpa) ethylene cracker, a 300 ktpa low density polyethylene plant and a 300 ktpa high density polyethylene plant. -- In offshore Blocks 16/19 in Mozambique, two exploration wells were successfully drilled in the period October 2008 to January 2009. Both wells were found to be gas-bearing, however due to technical complexity, a significant amount of follow-up work will be required to assess the commerciality of the discoveries. Cash conservation and targeted gearing range lowered Gearing decreased from 20,5% at 30 June 2008 to 2,3% at 31 December 2008, primarily due to the suspension of the share repurchase programme and entering a cash conservation mode. In response to the global economic crisis, we have lowered our targeted gearing (net debt to equity ratio) from the previous range of 30% - 50% to 20% - 40%. The deleveraged financial position at 31 December 2008 positions the group well to execute its medium-term capital expenditure programme given uncertain credit markets. During the current period, 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 31 December 2008, excluding the shares issued in terms of the Sasol Inzalo share transaction. 31 500 000 ordinary shares of the repurchased shares were cancelled during the period for a total value of R7,9 billion. 8 809 889 Sasol ordinary shares remain held by Sasol Investment Company (Pty) Limited. At the Annual General Meeting of 28 November 2008, shareholders renewed the authority for up to 15 months to buy back up to 4% of the issued share capital of the company. Profit outlook* - reduction in earnings for the full 2009 financial year In line with the sharp downturn in worldwide chemical markets, we expect our chemical businesses to be significantly weaker in the second half of the year compared to the first six months, in contrast to our 2008 performance. Taking into account the overall deterioration in market conditions, with significantly lower than expected crude oil and product prices, as well as lower product demand, partially negated by a weakening in the rand/US dollar exchange rate, the crude oil hedges and increased production volumes at Arya and Oryx, the earnings for the financial year to 30 June 2009 are expected to reflect a reduction compared to the 2008 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 reduce the interim dividend 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. At this stage we expect to maintain our dividend policy within the targeted range of 2,5 times to 3,5 times annual earnings cover. However, consideration will be given to a capitalisation award for the final dividend. *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 23 December 2008, SSI reduced its economic interest in the Escravos GTL Project in Nigeria for a consideration of US$360 million, retaining a 10% economic interest. Subsequent events On 7 January 2009, Sasol Wax settled the amount of euro 318,2 million payable to the European Commission in respect of the fine imposed due to anti-competitive activities. Sasol has appealed the quantum of this fine. On 4 February 2009, Mr MJN Njeke was appointed as a non-executive director of Sasol Limited as well as a member of the Audit Committee. On 27 February 2009, Sasol together with its partners agreed with lenders to repay the Oryx GTL loan balance. Declaration of interim cash dividend number 59 An interim cash dividend of South African R2,50 per ordinary share (2008: R3,65 per share) has been declared. The interim 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 interim dividend (cum dividend) Thursday, 2 April 2009 Trading ex dividend commences Friday, 3 April 2009 Record date Thursday, 9 April 2009 Dividend payment date Tuesday, 14 April 2009 Holders of American Depositary Receipts* Ex dividend on New York Stock Exchange Tuesday, 7 April 2009 Record date Thursday, 9 April 2009 Date for currency conversion Wednesday, 15 April 2009 Dividend payment date Friday, 24 April 2009 * All dates are approximate as the NYSE approves the record date after receipt of the dividend declaration. On Tuesday, 14 April 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 Tuesday, 14 April 2009. Share certificates may not be dematerialised or re-materialised between Friday, 3 April 2009 and Thursday, 9 April 2009, both days inclusive. On behalf of the board Hixonia Nyasulu Pat Davies Christine Ramon Chairman Chief executive Chief financial officer Sasol Limited 9 March 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), 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, AMB 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 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 condensed consolidated interim financial results for the six months ended 31 December 2008 have been prepared in compliance with the Listings Requirements of the JSE Limited, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as published 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 interim 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. -- IFRIC 16, Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation. -- IFRIC 18, Transfers of Assets From Customers. -- Various improvements to IFRSs. These condensed consolidated interim 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 condensed consolidated interim 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 euro 318,2 million was imposed by the European Commission on Sasol Wax, who has appealed the quantum of the fine. The liability has been recognised at 31 December 2008. Flowing from the group-wide competition law compliance review certain provisions have been made where appropriate which includes a provision in respect of the Sasol Nitro matters (certain aspects of the Nutriflo matter referred by the Competition Commission to the Competition Tribunal and the phosphoric acid investigation). Independent review by the auditors The condensed consolidated interim statement of financial position at 31 December 2008 and the related condensed consolidated interim income statement, statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the six months then ended was reviewed by KPMG Inc. The individual auditor assigned to perform the review is Mr AW van der Lith. Their unmodified review report is available for inspection at the registered office of the company. For more information, please contact the Sasol Investor Relations team. Sasol Investor Relations Tel.: +27 11 441 3113 / 3563 / 3321 The interim financial statements are presented on a condensed consolidated basis. SASOL LIMITED GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION at 31-Dec-08 31-Dec-07 30-Jun-08 Reviewed Reviewed Audited Rm Rm Rm ASSETS Property, plant and equipment 68 198 54 394 66 273 Assets under construction 16 366 23 424 11 693 Goodwill 937 607 874 Other intangible assets 911 586 964 Investments in associates 2 102 586 830 Post-retirement benefit assets 781 532 571 Deferred tax assets 1 662 808 1 453 Other long-term assets 3 360 2 408 2 631 Non-current assets 94 317 83 345 85 289 Assets held for sale 31 6 3 833 Inventories 19 190 17 028 20 088 Trade and other receivables 22 605 17 780 25 323 Short-term financial assets 4 401 239 330 Cash restricted for use 1 651 768 814 Cash 21 360 3 956 4 435 Current assets 69 238 39 777 54 823 Total assets 163 555 123 122 140 112 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES Shareholders' equity 89 638 60 228 76 474 Non-controlling interest 2 142 1 759 2 521 Total equity 91 780 61 987 78 995 Long-term debt 21 224 12 687 15 682 Long-term financial liabilities 48 51 37 Long-term provisions 5 526 3 943 4 491 Post-retirement benefit obligations 4 976 3 992 4 578 Long-term deferred income 354 2 942 376 Deferred tax liabilities 10 247 8 657 8 446 Non-current liabilities 42 375 32 272 33 610 Liabilities in disposal group held for sale - - 142 Short-term debt 1 833 8 671 3 496 Short-term financial liabilities 193 1 318 67 Other current liabilities 27 044 16 971 22 888 Bank overdraft 330 1 903 914 Current liabilities 29 400 28 863 27 507 Total equity and liabilities 163 555 123 122 140 112 SASOL LIMITED GROUP INCOME STATEMENT for the period ended half year half year full year 31-Dec-08 31-Dec-07 30-Jun-08 Reviewed Reviewed(2) Audited Rm Rm Rm Turnover 83 118 55 517 129 943 Cost of sales and services rendered (50 747) (32 042) (74 634) Gross profit 32 371 23 475 55 309 Non-trading income 454 215 635 Marketing and distribution expenditure (4 018) (3 226) (6 931) Administrative expenditure (4 114) (2 986) (6 697) Other operating expenditure (3 209) (3 468) (8 500) European paraffin wax fine (3 678) - - Effect of crude oil hedges 4 627 (1 319) (2 201) Share-based payment expenses (3 044) (77) (1 782) Effect of remeasurement items 320 304 (698) Translation gains/(losses) 1 501 (29) 300 Other expenditure (2 935) (2 347) (4 119) Operating profit 21 484 14 010 33 816 Finance income 836 273 735 Finance expenses (1 321) (444) (1 148) Share of profits of associates (net of tax) 233 121 254 Profit before tax 21 232 13 960 33 657 Taxation (8 258) (4 393) (10 129) Profit for the period 12 974 9 567 23 528 Attributable to Owners of Sasol Limited 13 216 9 148 22 417 Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries (242) 419 1 111 12 974 9 567 23 528 Earnings per share Rand Rand Rand Basic earnings per share 22,17 15,05 37,30 Diluted earnings per share(1) 21,79 14,85 36,78 (1) Diluted earnings per share is calculated taking the Sasol Share Incentive Scheme and Sasol Inzalo Employee Trusts into account. (2) Comparative amounts were reclassified for consistency, which resulted in R506 million being reclassified from cost of sales and services rendered to administrative expenditure SASOL LIMITED GROUP STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME for the period ended half year half year full year 31-Dec-08 31-Dec-07 30-Jun-08 Reviewed Reviewed Audited Rm Rm Rm Profit for the period 12 974 9 567 23 528 Other comprehensive income Effect of translation of foreign operations 2 073 53 3 452 Effect of cash flow hedges 146 (30) 261 Available-for-sale financial assets (3) 1 (1) Tax on other comprehensive income - (4) (60) Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax 2 216 20 3 652 Total comprehensive income for the period 15 190 9 587 27 180 Attributable to Owners of Sasol Limited 15 445 9 169 26 062 Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries (255) 418 1 118 15 190 9 587 27 180 SASOL LIMITED GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY for the period ended half year half year full year 31-Dec-08 31-Dec-07 30-Jun-08 Reviewed Reviewed Audited Rm Rm Rm Opening balance 78 995 63 269 63 269 Net shares issued during period 1 089 262 387 Repurchase of shares (1 114) (7 300) (7 300) Share-based payment expense 3 004 77 1,574 Disposal of business 414 - - Acquisition of businesses - - (100) Change in shareholding of subsidiaries 402 73 306 Total comprehensive income for the period 15 190 9 587 27 180 Dividends paid (5 674) (3 597) (5 766) Dividends paid to non-controlling shareholders (526) (384) (555) Closing balance 91 780 61 987 78 995 Comprising Share capital 26 957 3 890 20 176 Share repurchase programme (2 641) (10 969) (10 969) Sasol Inzalo share transaction (22 051) - (16 161) Retained earnings 75 958 66 660 77 660 Share-based payment reserve 5 544 1 043 2 540 Foreign currency translation reserve 5 488 (389) 3 006 Investment fair value reserve (2) 3 1 Cash flow hedge accounting reserve 385 (10) 221 Shareholders' equity 89 638 60 228 76 474 Non-controlling interest 2 142 1 759 2 521 Total equity 91 780 61 987 78 995 SASOL LIMITED GROUP STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the period ended half year half year full year 31-Dec-08 31-Dec-07 30-Jun-08 Reviewed Reviewed Audited Rm Rm Rm Cash receipts from customers 86 255 54 857 123 452 Cash paid to suppliers and employees (55 447) (40 743) (88 712) Cash generated by operating activities 30 808 14 114 34 740 Finance income 1 236 504 957 Finance expenses paid (1 155) (935) (2 405) Tax paid (5 697) (4 712) (9 572) Dividends paid (5 674) (3 597) (5 766) Cash retained from operating activities 19 518 5 374 17 954 Additions to non-current assets (6 952) (4 577) (10 855) Acquisition of businesses (53) - (431) Cash obtained on acquisition of businesses 19 - - Disposal of businesses 3 487 686 693 Cash disposed of on disposal of businesses - (31) (31) Other net cash flows from investing activities 100 41 (220) Cash utilised in investing activities (3 399) (3 881) (10 844) Share capital issued 1 089 262 387 Share repurchase programme (1 114) (7 300) (7 300) Contributions from non-controlling shareholders 369 - 185 Dividends paid to non-controlling shareholders (526) (384) (555) Increase/ (decrease) long-term debt 3 896 (2 014) (782) (Decrease) / increase in short-term debt (1 758) 4 685 (350) Cash effect of financing activities 1 956 (4 751) (8 415) Translation effects on cash and cash equivalents of foreign operations 271 (9) 324 Movement in cash and cash equivalents 18 346 (3 267) (981) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 4 335 6 088 6 088 Net reclassification to held for sale - - (772) Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 22 681 2 821 4 335 SASOL LIMITED GROUP SEGMENT REPORT for the period ended Turnover Business Operating profit R million unit analysis R million full year half-year half-year half-year half-year full year 30-Jun-08 31-Dec-07 31-Dec-08 31-Dec-08 31-Dec-07 30-Jun-08 Audited Reviewed Reviewed Reviewed Reviewed Audited South African 104 790 45 315 64 275 energy cluster 21 754 11 334 28 048 7 479 3 387 4 692 Mining 1 434 565 1 393 4 697 2 173 3 276 Gas 1 448 923 1 785 39 616 16 987 24 456 Synfuels 20 562 7 815 19 416 52 998 22 768 31 851 Oil (1 626) 2 031 5 507 - - - Other (64) - (53) International 3 764 1 407 3 022 energy cluster 2 073 35 383 Synfuels 1 793 577 1 764 International 1 072 (274) (621) Petroleum 1 971 830 1 258 International 1 001 309 1 004 Chemical 73 696 31 804 48 682 Cluster (133) 2 396 6 605 11 304 4 749 8 643 Polymers 1 107 497 1 511 17 182 7 331 10 568 Solvents 1 366 556 2 382 Olefins & 28 780 12 175 18 253 Surfactants 135 458 1 512 Other chemical 16 430 7 549 11 218 businesses (2 741) 885 1 200 Other 4 273 2 616 2 613 businesses* (2 210) 245 (1 220) 186 523 81 142 118 592 21 484 14 010 33 816 Intercompany (56 580) (25 625) (35 474) turnover 129 943 55 517 83 118 * Includes share-based payment expense related to the Sasol Inzalo share transaction SASOL LIMITED GROUP SALIENT FEATURES (1) for the period ended half-year half-year full year 31-Dec-08 31-Dec-07 30-Jun-08 Selected ratios Return on equity % 15,9 15,0 32,5 Return on total assets % 14,9 11,9 26,9 Operating margin % 25,8 25,2 26,0 Finance expense cover times 19,5 15,4 14,5 Dividend cover times 9,1 4,2 2,8 Share statistics Total shares in issue million 665,2 630,6 676,7 Treasury shares (share repurchase programme) million 8,8 37,1 37,1 Weighted average number of shares million 596,0 607,7 601,0 Diluted weighted average number of shares million 613,5 616,0 609,5 Share price (closing) Rand 280,02 339,00 461,00 Market capitalisation Rm 186 269 213 773 311 959 Net asset value per share Rand 150,35 101,48 128,44 Dividend per share Rand 2,50 3,65 13,00 Other financial information Total debt (including bank overdraft) - interest bearing Rm 22 742 22 661 19 455 - non-interest bearing Rm 645 600 637 Finance expense capitalised Rm 42 660 1 586 Capital commitments Rm 25 983 21 605 25 048 - authorised and contracted Rm 23 489 27 095 24 457 - authorised, not yet contracted Rm 18 202 14 340 17 722 - less expenditure to date Rm (15 708) (19 830) (17 131) Guarantees and contingent liabilities - total amount Rm 37 524 31 479 37 381 - liability included on the statement of financial position Rm 9 874 12 931 10 730 Significant items in operating profit - employee costs Rm 8 373 6 465 14 443 - depreciation and amortisation of non- current assets Rm 3 028 2 355 5 212 - share-based payment expenses Rm 3 044 118 1 782 Effective tax rate(1) % 38,9 31,5 30,1 Number of employees number 34 023 32 893 33 928 Average crude oil price - US$/bar dated Brent rel 84,75 81,83 95,51 Average rand / US$ exchange 1US$ = rate Rand 8,88 6,94 7,30 Closing rand / US$ exchange 1US$ = rate Rand 9,49 6,87 7,83 (1)Increase in effective tax rate as a result of the European paraffin wax fine an share-based payment expenses which are not deductible for tax. SASOL LIMITED GROUP SALIENT FEATURES (2) for the period ended half-year half-year full year 31-Dec-08 31-Dec-07 30-Jun-08 Reconciliation of headline earnings Rm Rm Rm Profit for the period attributable to Owners of Sasol Limited 13 216 9 148 22 417 Effect of remeasurement items (320) (304) 698 Impairment of assets 156 27 821 Reversal of impairment - - (381) Profit on disposal of business (509) - - Profit on disposal of assets (9) (391) (440) Loss on repurchase of participation rights in GTL venture - 34 34 Loss on realisation of foreign currency translation reserve - - 557 Scrapping of non-current assets 42 26 107 Tax effects and non-controlling interest 167 7 (225) Headline earnings 13 063 8 851 22 890 Remeasurement items per above Mining (1) (3) 7 Gas 6 - 104 Synfuels 21 - 25 Oil - (26) (20) Synfuels International (509) 34 396 Petroleum International - - (27) Polymers (3) - (12) Solvents 43 23 104 Olefins & Surfactants 79 6 (27) Other chemical businesses 34 (229) 229 Nitro 30 (114) (199) Wax 4 (118) 426 Other - 3 2 Other businesses 10 (109) (81) Remeasurement items (320) (304) 698 Headline earnings per share Rand 21,92 14,56 38,09 Diluted headline earnings per share Rand 21,54 14,37 37,56 The reader is referred to the definitions contained in the 2008 Sasol Limited annual financial statements. DATASOURCE: Sasol Limited CONTACT: Sasol Investor Relations, Tel.: +27-11-441-3113, +27-11-441-3563, or +27-11-441-3321, Web Site: http://www.sasol.com/

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