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

Budget 2026: From stabilisation to real economic rvhnelief

South Africa’s 2026 Budget provides a cautiously optimistic economic outlook, signalling early momentum from ongoing structural reforms, improved investor sentiment, and easing inflationary pressures. With growth forecasts gradually rising, tax relief measures introduced to protect disposable income, and a narrowing fiscal deficit, the Budget reflects the government's attempt to balance…
26 Feb 3PM 11 min

Consumer safety alert: NCC investigates popular sanitary pad brands

A product designed for dignity and basic hygiene is now at the centre of a national safety investigation. South Africa’s National Consumer Commission has launched a probe into several sanitary pad and panty liner brands following findings by the University of the Free State that detected potentially harmful chemical elements…
26 Feb 1PM 9 min

Motus interim results

Motus Holdings Limited has delivered a stronger interim performance, signalling resilience in the country’s automotive and mobility sectors. For the six months ended 31 December 2025, the group reported an 8% increase in operating profit to R2.7 billion, a sharp 23% decline in net finance costs, and a 19% jump…
26 Feb 3PM 11 min

What budget means for the property market

South Africa’s 2026 Budget has delivered a suite of consumer-friendly fiscal measures aimed at putting more money back into households and supporting small business activity. For the property sector, the adjustments to tax brackets, savings incentives, and capital gains exclusions signal an environment designed to strengthen demand and improve affordability…
26 Feb 3PM 11 min

Inside Your Business: SMEs, Budget 2026 and Black Business Participation

Black Business Council CEO Kganki Matabane unpacks what Minister Enoch Godongwana’s Budget means for businesses by focusing on practical impacts, including tax pressure, SME support, procurement access, and whether fiscal policy truly improves the operating environment for black and small businesses.
26 Feb 1PM 4 min