Sasol’s outlook is bright

Article Excerpt

SASOL LTD. (ADR) $46.39 (New York symbol SSL; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (082-883-9697; www.sasol.com; ADRs outstanding: 645.0 million; Market cap: $29.9 billion; Dividend yield: 3.1%) reports that in its fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, revenue rose 19.0%, to $20.3 billion from $17.1 billion in the previous fiscal year (all figures in U.S. dollars). Earnings per ADR rose 25.8%, to $5.05 from $3.99. Higher oil prices were the main reason for the gains. The U.S. dollar also rose against the South African rand; that pushed up the value of Sasol’s sales outside South Africa. The company plans to build an $8-billion to $9-billion gas-to-liquids (GTL) plant in Louisiana. It has also completed a feasibility study for an $8-billion GTL plant in Alberta. Expanding in Canada and the U.S. helps Sasol offset the political and currency risks of operating mainly in South Africa. Sasol is a buy for aggressive investors. investors…