South African integrated energy and petrochemicals company Sasol Ltd. (SSL: Quote) reported Monday that its profit attributable to shareholders for the six months ended December 31, 2012 declined 13 percent to 12.16 billion South African rand from 13.89 billion rand in the prior year. Earnings per share were 20.06 rand, lower than prior year’s 22.91 rand.
The latest results were negatively impacted by once-off charges totaling 3.6 billion rand, compared to last year’s 0.3 billion rand.
Headline earnings per share increased 2 percent to 24.01 rand. Turnover increased to 85.44 billion rand from 83.30 billion rand a year ago.
The company attributed the growth primarily to increased sales volumes, underpinned by an 11 percent weaker average rand/US dollar exchange rate, despite a marginally lower average crude oil price and moderately lower product prices.
Chief Executive Officer David Constable said, “We are entering a significant chapter in Sasol’s history. The strategic mega-projects we advance in the medium term will serve to enhance the company’s position as an international energy and chemicals player.”
Further, the company said an interim gross cash dividend of South African 570 cents per ordinary share has been declared for the six month period, flat with last year.
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by RTT Staff Writer
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