Chemicals group Omnia Holdings says it delivered a strong performance from its core mining and agriculture segments for the six months ended September 30, reflecting growth across diversified global markets.

The group’s operating profit increased by 12% to R900-million from R802-million in the interim period of the prior financial year, while the margin increased to 8% from 7.3% despite the impact of extended supplier shutdowns.

“The execution of our strategy delivered strong operating profit growth, enabled by disciplined capital management and operational agility. In the face of persistent global complexity and regional challenges, this strong result reflects our team’s unwavering focus on delivering sustainable growth and long-term value for our stakeholders.

“This profit growth was enabled by higher volumes across our core businesses, supported by the group’s integrated manufacturing and supply chain, which successfully navigated the impact of extended supplier shutdowns,” CEO Seelan Gobalsamy explains.

Headline earnings a share increased 11% to 320c from 288c.

A reduction in working capital to R3.8-billion from R4-billion is said to reflect proactive management as inventory increased in preparation of an earlier planting season in Agriculture RSA and the improved agronomic conditions in Rest of Africa and was offset by increased payables (including supply chain finance).

The release of capital in the restructured Chemicals segment positively contributed to the improved cash conversion cycle.

Disciplined working capital management and strong cash generation from operations resulted in a solid net cash position of R695-million, albeit a decrease from R812-million.

The group says it continues to demonstrate the strength of its disciplined capital allocation framework, prioritising consistent cash generation, strategic investment in core operations and pursuit of global growth opportunities that underpin long-term value creation.

The successful execution of the Chemicals segment’s restructuring plan – releasing capital and positioning the business for sustainable, long-term profitability – is said to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing the core businesses and actively managing capital to increase returns.

The mining segment delivered a strong performance, benefitting from higher volumes across its diversified portfolio and enhanced cost efficiencies.

The segment increased its margin despite the impact of a currency translation movement on its Zambian operations following the strengthening of the kwacha.

The agriculture segment delivered a resilient performance, mitigating the impacts of adverse climatic conditions in certain international markets, currency volatility and growing global trade uncertainty.

Strong sales volumes in South Africa supported by favourable agronomic conditions and pricing dynamics, along with a recovery in the Rest of Africa, contributed to the segment's overall performance.

The group recorded an increase in its recordable case rate to 0.21, compared with 0.20 for the financial year ended March 31, 2025, and 0.09 for the six months to September 30, 2024. Omnia says it has reinforced its safety efforts through targeted initiatives in its drive to achieve zero harm.

Environmental performance was sustained despite several operational headwinds.

A recent milestone in October was the completion of an extension to the group’s renewable-energy project at the Sasolburg solar facilities, augmenting its production capacity by an additional 5 MW to over 15 MW.