UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Report on Form 6-K for April, 2020
Commission File Number 1-31615
Sasol Limited
50 Katherine Street
Sandton 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 __X__ Form 40-F _____
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-
T Rule 101(b)(1):
T Rule 101(b)(1):
Yes _____ No __X__
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-
T Rule 101(b)(7):
T Rule 101(b)(7):
Yes _____ No __X__
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also
thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.
thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes _____ No __X__
Enclosures: SASOL LIMITED | BUSINESS UPDATE, PRODUCTION AND SALES
METRICS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2020
Sasol Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number 1979/003231/06)
Sasol Ordinary Share codes:
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number 1979/003231/06)
Sasol Ordinary Share codes:
JSE: SOL
NYSE: SSL
Sasol Ordinary ISIN codes:
ZAE000006896
US8038663006
Sasol BEE Ordinary Share code: JSE: SOLBE1
Sasol BEE Ordinary ISIN code: ZAE000151817
(“Sasol” or “Company”)
BUSINESS UPDATE, PRODUCTION AND SALES METRICS FOR THE NINE
MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2020
OPERATIONS SAFETY UPDATE
The safety and wellbeing of our employees and service providers remains our top
priority. Sasol management is disheartened by the tragic fatality suffered by a
service provider at our Secunda operations on 7 April 2020. An internal incident
investigation, in collaboration with the service provider, is well underway to
determine the root cause of this incident. The journey towards zero harm and
eliminating fatalities remains an imperative for Sasol.
FURTHER UPDATE OF COVID-19 ON GLOBAL OPERATIONS
In relation to the COVID-19 impacts on employees and service providers, Sasol
has implemented a range of measures and strict protocols to ensure that
employees can continue to perform essential work safely. Detailed COVID-19
response plans are in place for all sites globally, with dedicated task teams closely
monitoring and managing the situation in line with relevant local guidance.
Fourteen Sasol employees have tested positive for COVID-19 globally, of which
nine employees have recovered and the remaining five employees remain in self-
isolation and are receiving appropriate support. No employee has tested positive
for COVID-19 at our South African operations.
The lockdown in South Africa continues to have a significant impact on fuel
demand. Consistent with Sasol’s COVID-19 update on 8 April, this has resulted in
the phased suspension of production at the Natref refinery and a 25% reduction in
production rates at Secunda Synfuels Operations (SSO). Chemicals used in the
mining and construction sectors have also seen a reduction in demand, which has
necessitated the suspension of production of Sasol’s ammonia, nitric acid and
chlor-vinyl plants in Sasolburg. Market demand for Sasol’s other industrial
chemicals has not been significantly impacted and therefore SSO’s residual
operating capacity is prioritising chemicals production for supply to domestic and
export markets. Fuel demand is being closely monitored in light of the two week
extension of the lockdown in South Africa.
Sasol BEE Ordinary ISIN code: ZAE000151817
(“Sasol” or “Company”)
BUSINESS UPDATE, PRODUCTION AND SALES METRICS FOR THE NINE
MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2020
OPERATIONS SAFETY UPDATE
The safety and wellbeing of our employees and service providers remains our top
priority. Sasol management is disheartened by the tragic fatality suffered by a
service provider at our Secunda operations on 7 April 2020. An internal incident
investigation, in collaboration with the service provider, is well underway to
determine the root cause of this incident. The journey towards zero harm and
eliminating fatalities remains an imperative for Sasol.
FURTHER UPDATE OF COVID-19 ON GLOBAL OPERATIONS
In relation to the COVID-19 impacts on employees and service providers, Sasol
has implemented a range of measures and strict protocols to ensure that
employees can continue to perform essential work safely. Detailed COVID-19
response plans are in place for all sites globally, with dedicated task teams closely
monitoring and managing the situation in line with relevant local guidance.
Fourteen Sasol employees have tested positive for COVID-19 globally, of which
nine employees have recovered and the remaining five employees remain in self-
isolation and are receiving appropriate support. No employee has tested positive
for COVID-19 at our South African operations.
The lockdown in South Africa continues to have a significant impact on fuel
demand. Consistent with Sasol’s COVID-19 update on 8 April, this has resulted in
the phased suspension of production at the Natref refinery and a 25% reduction in
production rates at Secunda Synfuels Operations (SSO). Chemicals used in the
mining and construction sectors have also seen a reduction in demand, which has
necessitated the suspension of production of Sasol’s ammonia, nitric acid and
chlor-vinyl plants in Sasolburg. Market demand for Sasol’s other industrial
chemicals has not been significantly impacted and therefore SSO’s residual
operating capacity is prioritising chemicals production for supply to domestic and
export markets. Fuel demand is being closely monitored in light of the two week
extension of the lockdown in South Africa.
The COVID-19 situation remains highly dynamic with infection rates varying
across Sasol’s operating jurisdictions. Sasol’s operations offer some flexibility to
balance fuels and chemicals output to respond to product demand.
RESPONSE STRATEGY PROGRESS
Sasol has made significant progress in implementing the self-help measures
communicated on 17 March 2020 as part of the response strategy to the COVID-
19 pandemic and oil price volatility. Most of the financial year 2020 initiatives have
already been agreed and are now being implemented. However, savings relating
to working capital carry some risk due to higher than expected inventory levels
following reduced demand and the weaker exchange rate impact on accounts
receivable. For financial year 2021, we have made significant progress and have
committed actions in place for more than 80% of the savings target.
The first set of self-help measures announced on 17 March 2020 is being realised
mainly by:
across Sasol’s operating jurisdictions. Sasol’s operations offer some flexibility to
balance fuels and chemicals output to respond to product demand.
RESPONSE STRATEGY PROGRESS
Sasol has made significant progress in implementing the self-help measures
communicated on 17 March 2020 as part of the response strategy to the COVID-
19 pandemic and oil price volatility. Most of the financial year 2020 initiatives have
already been agreed and are now being implemented. However, savings relating
to working capital carry some risk due to higher than expected inventory levels
following reduced demand and the weaker exchange rate impact on accounts
receivable. For financial year 2021, we have made significant progress and have
committed actions in place for more than 80% of the savings target.
The first set of self-help measures announced on 17 March 2020 is being realised
mainly by:
-
Optimising and reducing cash costs. A wide range of measures have been
taken to cut operating costs. Some examples include non-payment of the
financial year 2020 short-term incentive scheme to employees, freezing of
vacancies and the drastic curtailment of external spend through
engagements with suppliers to consider renegotiations on price and
reduction in scope of services.
financial year 2020 short-term incentive scheme to employees, freezing of
vacancies and the drastic curtailment of external spend through
engagements with suppliers to consider renegotiations on price and
reduction in scope of services.
-
Significant results realised by re-prioritising capital expenditure following a
risk based evaluation.
-
Several actions are planned to manage working capital to optimal levels for
the Company to the end of financial year 2021 as the disruption associated
with COVID-19 is expected to ease.
with COVID-19 is expected to ease.
The ongoing negative demand impact from COVID-19 requires management to
consider further self-help measures. These measures are necessary to help
protect the Company’s balance sheet and liquidity until at least the end of financial
year 2021. The Company will implement the following key human capital
measures:
-
-
A 20% to 40% reduction in directors’ fees.
A two-part salary sacrifice for the President and Chief Executive Officer
A two-part salary sacrifice for the President and Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) which entails a donation of 33% of the CEO’s salary for three
months from May 2020 to the Solidarity Fund set up by the South African
government to support the fight against COVID-19, and for the remaining
five months to December 2020, a salary sacrifice of 20% will apply.
months from May 2020 to the Solidarity Fund set up by the South African
government to support the fight against COVID-19, and for the remaining
five months to December 2020, a salary sacrifice of 20% will apply.
-
Salary sacrifices for the Group Executive Committee and senior leadership
members of 20%, and for middle to junior management levels ranging from
15-10%. Salary sacrifices are planned for 8 months, however the duration
of the temporary measures will be reassessed against the progress we
15-10%. Salary sacrifices are planned for 8 months, however the duration
of the temporary measures will be reassessed against the progress we
make towards our savings targets. Furthermore, no salary increases will be
effected in 2020.
effected in 2020.
In addition we are proactively investigating the opportunity to conduct critical and
statutory work during the current period of the lower product demand at SSO,
which could allow the maintenance intervention planned for September 2020 to be
optimised significantly or even postponed.
In parallel, Sasol has made progress on its expedited review of the business to
consider how it can be most effectively positioned to be sustainable in a low oil
price environment. Consistent with this approach, the expanded asset disposal
process has yielded good interest in relation to a number of assets, despite the
macro environment uncertainty. Updates on progress will be provided at the
appropriate time.
UPDATE ON FINANCIAL POSITION
Sasol aims to sustain liquidity headroom above US$1 billion for the foreseeable
future considering that it has no significant debt maturities before May 2021. The
contribution of the suite of self-help measures is key in maintaining this liquidity
position with asset disposals remaining essential to reduce Sasol’s debt levels.
The COVID-19 impact will have a significant negative effect on operating cash
flows. The response strategy measures detailed above are necessary to mitigate
the impact of reduced demand and much weaker macro-economic indicators on
the Company’s profitability. The necessity of any additional measures required will
be assessed on the basis of the further market developments.
Sasol appreciates the ongoing support from its lending group. The process to
secure appropriate adjustments to relevant covenants is underway and a further
update will be provided in due course.
We are currently in the process of assessing the impact of lower-for-longer macro-
economic assumptions on the value of our assets ahead of the 2020 financial year
end process. Details will be provided in our future trading updates.
BUSINESS OUTLOOK
Sasol Mining’s full year productivity is expected to range between 1 130-1 180
tons per continuous miner per shift, without taking into account any potential
effects of the COVID-19 spread amongst our workforce and the subsequent
impact on operations. We have reduced our additional external coal stock
purchases by approximately 400 – 600 kilotons for the SSO value chain for the
remainder of the financial year, following the recent reduction in both internal and
external customer demand. The resultant increase in coal stockpiles will help
statutory work during the current period of the lower product demand at SSO,
which could allow the maintenance intervention planned for September 2020 to be
optimised significantly or even postponed.
In parallel, Sasol has made progress on its expedited review of the business to
consider how it can be most effectively positioned to be sustainable in a low oil
price environment. Consistent with this approach, the expanded asset disposal
process has yielded good interest in relation to a number of assets, despite the
macro environment uncertainty. Updates on progress will be provided at the
appropriate time.
UPDATE ON FINANCIAL POSITION
Sasol aims to sustain liquidity headroom above US$1 billion for the foreseeable
future considering that it has no significant debt maturities before May 2021. The
contribution of the suite of self-help measures is key in maintaining this liquidity
position with asset disposals remaining essential to reduce Sasol’s debt levels.
The COVID-19 impact will have a significant negative effect on operating cash
flows. The response strategy measures detailed above are necessary to mitigate
the impact of reduced demand and much weaker macro-economic indicators on
the Company’s profitability. The necessity of any additional measures required will
be assessed on the basis of the further market developments.
Sasol appreciates the ongoing support from its lending group. The process to
secure appropriate adjustments to relevant covenants is underway and a further
update will be provided in due course.
We are currently in the process of assessing the impact of lower-for-longer macro-
economic assumptions on the value of our assets ahead of the 2020 financial year
end process. Details will be provided in our future trading updates.
BUSINESS OUTLOOK
Sasol Mining’s full year productivity is expected to range between 1 130-1 180
tons per continuous miner per shift, without taking into account any potential
effects of the COVID-19 spread amongst our workforce and the subsequent
impact on operations. We have reduced our additional external coal stock
purchases by approximately 400 – 600 kilotons for the SSO value chain for the
remainder of the financial year, following the recent reduction in both internal and
external customer demand. The resultant increase in coal stockpiles will help
mitigate potential business continuity risk including the potential impact of the
spread of COVID-19 amongst the workforce.
Given the decline in liquid fuels demand following the COVID-19 prevalence, sales
volumes are expected to be approximately 50-51 million barrels for financial year
2020. This is based on the current extended COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa,
and a phased demand ramp-up after the lifting of the lockdown restrictions.
Accordingly, SSO production for the full year is forecasted to decrease to
approximately 7,3-7,4 million tons. Chemicals production will be prioritised within
the revised SSO operating parameters.
Despite the Lake Charles Chemical Project (LCCP) ramp up continuing in line with
expectations for operational performance, further price weakness means that the
earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA)
contribution from LCCP for financial year 2020 has been revised to a loss of
between US$50-US$100 million. This compares to the previous guidance of a
positive EBITDA of US$50-US$100 million before the price weakness as a result
of the decline in oil prices and the COVID-19 global demand reduction.
Beneficial operations of the Guerbet and Ziegler units remain on track for the end
of June 2020 and the LDPE unit, which was planned for the second half of the
calendar year 2020, is now targeted to be on-line by the third quarter of calendar
year 2020. The acceleration of this timeline will ensure that Sasol captures the
additional contribution margin above ethylene, given the current low ethylene
prices achieved in the market.
The financial information on which this update is based has not been reviewed and
reported on by the Company's external auditors.
PRODUCTION AND SALES METRICS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED 31
MARCH 2020
Sasol has published its production and sales metrics for the nine months ended 31
March 2020 on the Company´s website at www.sasol.com, under the Investor
Centre section or via this URL:
spread of COVID-19 amongst the workforce.
Given the decline in liquid fuels demand following the COVID-19 prevalence, sales
volumes are expected to be approximately 50-51 million barrels for financial year
2020. This is based on the current extended COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa,
and a phased demand ramp-up after the lifting of the lockdown restrictions.
Accordingly, SSO production for the full year is forecasted to decrease to
approximately 7,3-7,4 million tons. Chemicals production will be prioritised within
the revised SSO operating parameters.
Despite the Lake Charles Chemical Project (LCCP) ramp up continuing in line with
expectations for operational performance, further price weakness means that the
earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA)
contribution from LCCP for financial year 2020 has been revised to a loss of
between US$50-US$100 million. This compares to the previous guidance of a
positive EBITDA of US$50-US$100 million before the price weakness as a result
of the decline in oil prices and the COVID-19 global demand reduction.
Beneficial operations of the Guerbet and Ziegler units remain on track for the end
of June 2020 and the LDPE unit, which was planned for the second half of the
calendar year 2020, is now targeted to be on-line by the third quarter of calendar
year 2020. The acceleration of this timeline will ensure that Sasol captures the
additional contribution margin above ethylene, given the current low ethylene
prices achieved in the market.
The financial information on which this update is based has not been reviewed and
reported on by the Company's external auditors.
PRODUCTION AND SALES METRICS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED 31
MARCH 2020
Sasol has published its production and sales metrics for the nine months ended 31
March 2020 on the Company´s website at www.sasol.com, under the Investor
Centre section or via this URL:
https://www.sasol.com/investor-centre/financial-
reporting/business-performance-metrics
Sasol is hosting a webcast to discuss the business update and production and
sales metrics at 15:00 SA on Thursday, 23 April 2020. For participation, please
register on the following link:
https://www.corpcam.com/Sasol23042020
A replay facility will be available for a period of five days from the date of this
announcement.
23 April 2020
announcement.
23 April 2020
Johannesburg
Sponsor: Merrill Lynch South Africa Proprietary Limited
Disclaimer - Forward-looking statements
Sasol may, in this document, 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, expectations, developments and business
strategies. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not
limited to, statements regarding exchange rate fluctuations, expectations regarding
future cash flow, Sasol’s ability to meet its debt covenants, Sasol’s ability to
achieve the cost savings or complete its asset disposal programme, the actions
referred to herein intended to strengthen Sasol’s balance sheet and to maintain
profitability at lower oil prices and business performance outlook. Words such as
“believe”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “intend", “seek”, “will”, “plan”, “could”, “may”,
“endeavour”, “target”, “forecast” 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 and others are discussed more fully in our most
recent annual report on Form 20-F filed on 28 October 2019 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.
Sponsor: Merrill Lynch South Africa Proprietary Limited
Disclaimer - Forward-looking statements
Sasol may, in this document, 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, expectations, developments and business
strategies. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not
limited to, statements regarding exchange rate fluctuations, expectations regarding
future cash flow, Sasol’s ability to meet its debt covenants, Sasol’s ability to
achieve the cost savings or complete its asset disposal programme, the actions
referred to herein intended to strengthen Sasol’s balance sheet and to maintain
profitability at lower oil prices and business performance outlook. Words such as
“believe”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “intend", “seek”, “will”, “plan”, “could”, “may”,
“endeavour”, “target”, “forecast” 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 and others are discussed more fully in our most
recent annual report on Form 20-F filed on 28 October 2019 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.
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: 23 April 2020
duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: 23 April 2020
By:
/s/ M M L Mokoka
Name:
M
M
L
Mokoka
Title: Company Secretary