Omnia reports an exceptional performance for HY2023

Loading player...
Seelan Gobalsamy – Omnia CEO talks Omnia reports.
Omnia Holdings Limited (“Omnia” or “the Group”), a JSE-listed diversified chemicals Group, today published its interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2022. This exceptional financial performance was achieved despite ongoing international geopolitical conflict and supply chain challenges, which was exacerbated by deteriorating utility infrastructure, socio political instability, and disruptions to electricity supply in South Africa. 

Omnia’s CEO, Seelan Gobalsamy, commented: “Against a complex and challenging macroeconomic backdrop, our teams have delivered an exceptional performance, leveraging the underlying strength of our business model to execute our strategy. Our supply chain optimisation programme and integrated manufacturing capabilities supported the Group’s competitive position, agility, and responsiveness in a dynamic market environment to deliver to our Agriculture, Mining and Manufacturing customers. This unlocked efficiencies which enhanced margins and profitability.”

The successful implementation of the Group’s operating model resulted in improved performance and ensured the security of supply of ammonium nitrate, despite ammonia supply constraints, to enable the Group to meet customer demand across all business segments. Additional key performance drivers include an improvement in the volume-margin mix, greater sales of specialty and value adding chemicals, in an elevated commodity price environment.

Group revenue from continuing operations (excluding Zimbabwe) increased 19% to R11.6 billion. Operating profit from continuing operations (excluding Zimbabwe) rose by 47% to R1.1 billion with the operating margin from continuing operations (excluding Zimbabwe) growing from 7.5% to 9.2%. EBITDA from continuing operations (excluding Zimbabwe and impairments) increased by 30% to R1.4 billion and adjusted headline earnings per share (HEPS) from continuing operations was 32% higher at 401 cents. 

Working capital increased to R5.2 billion, driven by high commodity prices and increased investments in inventory, largely in the agriculture segment due to a more normalised sales cycle. Sales volumes have increased in the second quarter and working capital is expected to unwind for the full year. After investing R2.1 billion in working capital, the Group maintained a positive net cash balance of R140 million excluding lease liabilities. This resulted in Omnia being able to meet supply to its customers in a tough and challenging environment.

“Our continued focus on cost discipline, stringent working capital management, and prudent capital allocation saw us maintain a strong balance sheet, while investing for the future. In line with our commitment to lower the environmental impact of our operations, we invested in a reverse osmosis water treatment plant and a solar energy plant at our Sasolburg operations, both of which were recently commissioned,” added Gobalsamy.
22 Nov 2022 1PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Jetour T2 Makes History: How a Newcomer Won SA Car of the Year

For the first time in 40 years, a Chinese brand has taken South Africa’s top automotive honour. The Jetour T2 beat 55 contenders to win Car of the Year 2026. Vice President for Jetour South Africa Nic Campbell explains what set the T2 apart, why Chinese brands are rising so…
5 Jun 5AM 11 min

Retail Rebound: NIQ Unpacks SA’s Surprising Q1 Consumer Surge

South Africans spent R173.6 billion on FMCG goods in Q1 — with volumes up 9.1%. Snacks, beverages and tobacco surged, while baby food and care declined. NIQ’s Lané Klopper breaks down the drivers behind the rebound, the rise of traditional trade, and why inflation may tighten the screws again in…
5 Jun 5AM 12 min

Canal+ Lists on the JSE: What It Signals for SA’s Capital Markets

JSE Capital Markets Chief Helina Andhee breaks down the significance of Canal+’s new listing and what it reveals about South Africa’s evolving listings environment. We explore liquidity, innovation, delistings vs. new entrants, and the JSE’s strategy to attract global issuers in a competitive capital markets landscape.
3 Jun 3PM 15 min

Beyond the Rate Hike: Fuel Shocks, Credit Stress & SA’s Financial Fragility

TransUnion Africa CEO Lee Naik analyzes how rising rates, fuel spikes, and deepening credit stress are reshaping household finances. We unpack a 14% collapse in fuel buying power, soaring non‑bank loan delinquencies, and why the new withdrawal system may offer less relief than expected. A data‑driven guide to absorb, adapt,…
3 Jun 3PM 13 min

Can BRICS Absorb SA’s Confidence Shock? Advocate Xulu on Trade

BRICS Business Council’s Advocate Mtho Xulu joins us to discuss South Africa’s widening BRICS trade deficit, the urgent need to shift from raw exports to value-added manufacturing, and whether BRICS-Plus markets can help offset domestic demand weakness. A strategic look at SA’s place in a rapidly shifting global trade environment.
3 Jun 2PM 11 min