Our opinion on the current state of SASOL(SOL)

Sasol, a prominent international chemicals and energy company based in South Africa, has its origins in the oil-from-coal technology developed during the apartheid era. The company is significantly influenced by fluctuations in the oil market, with about 50% of its profits directly linked to oil prices. Sasol's major growth initiatives include its 50% stake in the ethane cracker plant in Louisiana, USA, known as the "Lake Charles Chemical Project" (LCCP), and its expanding gas operations in Mozambique, where it has been granted licenses to explore an extensive area of about three thousand square kilometers.

Sasol is also noted for its substantial environmental footprint, being the largest producer of greenhouse gases in South Africa and one of the top 100 fossil-fuel companies contributing to global emissions. This position places Sasol under continual international pressure to effectively manage and reduce its carbon emissions.

The impact of COVID-19 initially led to a significant recovery in Sasol's share price, driven by rising oil prices. However, this recovery has been undermined by recent declines in commodity prices, particularly oil, which have adversely affected the company's financial performance. For the six months ending on 31st December 2023, Sasol reported a decrease in revenue from R149.8 billion to R136.3 billion, primarily due to lower chemical prices and weaker oil prices. The company experienced a 34% drop in headline earnings per share (HEPS) and a 2% decrease in net asset value (NAV).

Sasol's operations continue to be impacted by the volatile macroeconomic environment, characterized by fluctuating petrochemical prices and unstable product demand. Additional challenges include inflationary pressures and the underperformance of state-owned enterprises critical to Sasol's supply chain. Despite these challenges, Sasol has made some operational improvements in South Africa and has recently been successful in an appeal against environmental regulatory decisions that threatened its Secunda plant operations.

The company has also begun to diversify its energy sources, securing 550 megawatts of renewable energy, which aligns with its goals to reduce carbon emissions. However, production issues, particularly at the Secunda plant, led to a 9% drop in production in the quarter ending March 2024, prompting Sasol to revise its full-year production guidance for 2024 to between 6.9 and 7.1 million tons.

These developments have resulted in a sharp decline in Sasol's share price, which continues to trade well below its long-term downward trendline, reflecting the stock's high volatility and the broader uncertainties in the global commodity markets.

For investors, Sasol presents a complex case. While the company holds significant potential due to its strategic initiatives in the energy sector and its efforts to transition towards more sustainable operations, it remains highly susceptible to external economic and environmental factors. Potential investors should carefully consider the inherent risks associated with Sasol's dependency on global commodity prices and its ongoing challenges in operational and environmental compliance before making investment decisions.