Sasol: Trading Statement

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Expected headline earnings per share for the financial year ended 30 June 2011 to increase by between 22% and 32%, and earnings per share to increase by between 18% and 28%, compared to the prior year.

In the update from the chief financial officer released on 14 June 2011, we stated that we were confident of achieving an overall solid operational performance and containing cost increases to within inflationary levels for the 2011 financial year. At the time the volatility and uncertainty of global markets, as well as any adjustments arising from our year end closure process, made it difficult to be more precise in our profit outlook statement.

Sasol's profitability for the financial year ended 30 June 2011 has improved due to our sustained focus on factors within our control - such as enhancing operational efficiencies, delivering on our business improvement plans and strict cost management. In addition, robust global commodity prices have countered the impact of the strong rand.

The Group remains a strong cash generator and maintains a solid financial position.

Shareholders are accordingly advised that Sasol's headline earnings per share (HEPS) for the year ended 30 June 2011 are expected to increase by between 22% and 32%, and earnings per share (EPS) for the year ended 30 June 2011 are expected to increase by between 18% and 28%, compared to the previous financial year.

Our results may be further affected by any adjustments resulting from our year-end process. This may result in a change in the estimated earnings.

Sasol's financial results for the year ended 30 June 2011 will be announced on Monday, 12 September 2011.

The financial information on which this trading statement is based has not been reviewed or reported on by the Company's external auditors.

Sasol Investor Relations
Tel.: +27 (0)11 441 3321 / 3745 / 3008

Sponsor
Deutsche Securities (SA) (Pty) Limited

JSE – SOL; NYSE – SSL

Forward-looking statement - Disclaimer:

Sasol may, in this announcement, 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, resource volumes and values 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. Some of 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 28 September 2010 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.

SOURCE Sasol