Form 6-K ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI LTD For: May 11
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Report on Form 6-K dated May 11, 2015
Commission File Number 1-14846
AngloGold Ashanti Limited
(Name of registrant)
76 Jeppe Street
Newtown, 2001
(P.O. Box 62117, Marshalltown, 2107)
South Africa
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form
20-F or Form 40-F.
20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F X
Form 40-F
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by
Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):
Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):
Yes
No X
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by
Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):
Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):
Yes
No X
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form
is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes
No X
Enclosure: AngloGold Ashanti Beats Q1 Operating Guidance; Costs 7% Lower
1
AngloGold Ashanti Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
Reg. No. 1944/017354/06)
ISIN No. ZAE000043485 – JSE share code: ANG
CUSIP: 035128206 – NYSE share code: AU
11 May 2015
NEWS RELEASE
AngloGold Beats Q1 Operating Guidance; Costs 7% Lower
(JOHANNESBURG – PRESS RELEASE) -- AngloGold Ashanti today posted a first-quarter
operational performance ahead of market guidance, with a 7% year-on-year improvement in all-in
sustaining costs (AISC) due mainly to a strong result from its international mines. The company
maintained its full-year guidance for production, costs and capital expenditure.
Production was 969,000oz at total cash cost of $744/oz in the three months through March 31, 2015,
down from 1.055Moz at $770/oz in the first quarter of last year. Production was affected by a slow
start in South Africa after the Christmas break, the sale of the Navachab mine last year as well as the
transition of Obuasi to limited operations phase in December. The result compared with guidance of
900,000oz to 940,000oz at $830/oz to $860/oz/oz. AISC improved from $993/oz to $926/oz, while all-
in-costs decreased by 8% from $1,114/oz to $1,026/oz over the same period.
“This is an exceptionally strong performance from our International portfolio in particular, and
one which shows the benefit of our diversified portfolio,” Chief Executive Officer Srinivasan
Venkatakrishnan said. “We’ve continued to focus on delivering real operational efficiencies
and tight cost management, while ensuring we benefit from weaker producer currencies and
lower oil prices. It shows in these results.”
AngloGold Ashanti has over the past two years cut overhead expenditure by two-thirds while
improving the quality of its portfolio through the introduction of two new, low-cost mines, selling some
assets, closing others and removing loss-making ounces from ongoing operations. The company is
testing market interest for the sale of all or part of its Cripple Creek & Victor mine in the US, and is in
talks to sell its stake in the Sadiola and Yatela mines in Mali, with the proceeds of any potential sales
earmarked to reduce debt levels. Binding bids submitted for all, or part of Cripple Creek, are currently
being considered.
The company’s international portfolio, which covers mines in nine countries, saw AISC 13% lower
than the first quarter of 2014 at $849/oz, while production from ongoing operations was 2% higher
year-on-year at 730,000oz. Standout performances were delivered by the Geita and Cerro
Vanguardia mines, while the contribution from the Tropicana and Kibali mines reflected their full ramp-
up. Work is currently underway on a range of brownfield projects to extend life, improve production or
enhance efficiencies, at the Geita, Serra Grande, Siguiri and Sunrise Dam mines.
The international portfolio helped offset a difficult start for the South Africa mines, which were
impacted by safety-related stoppages and power outages. Production from South Africa was down
18% compared with the first quarter of last year, while AISC were 12% higher. Delays in accessing
higher-grade ore from the Mponeng mine’s Below 120 Level project caused primarily by safety
stoppages are likely to affect efficiencies at that operation this year.
(JOHANNESBURG – PRESS RELEASE) -- AngloGold Ashanti today posted a first-quarter
operational performance ahead of market guidance, with a 7% year-on-year improvement in all-in
sustaining costs (AISC) due mainly to a strong result from its international mines. The company
maintained its full-year guidance for production, costs and capital expenditure.
Production was 969,000oz at total cash cost of $744/oz in the three months through March 31, 2015,
down from 1.055Moz at $770/oz in the first quarter of last year. Production was affected by a slow
start in South Africa after the Christmas break, the sale of the Navachab mine last year as well as the
transition of Obuasi to limited operations phase in December. The result compared with guidance of
900,000oz to 940,000oz at $830/oz to $860/oz/oz. AISC improved from $993/oz to $926/oz, while all-
in-costs decreased by 8% from $1,114/oz to $1,026/oz over the same period.
“This is an exceptionally strong performance from our International portfolio in particular, and
one which shows the benefit of our diversified portfolio,” Chief Executive Officer Srinivasan
Venkatakrishnan said. “We’ve continued to focus on delivering real operational efficiencies
and tight cost management, while ensuring we benefit from weaker producer currencies and
lower oil prices. It shows in these results.”
AngloGold Ashanti has over the past two years cut overhead expenditure by two-thirds while
improving the quality of its portfolio through the introduction of two new, low-cost mines, selling some
assets, closing others and removing loss-making ounces from ongoing operations. The company is
testing market interest for the sale of all or part of its Cripple Creek & Victor mine in the US, and is in
talks to sell its stake in the Sadiola and Yatela mines in Mali, with the proceeds of any potential sales
earmarked to reduce debt levels. Binding bids submitted for all, or part of Cripple Creek, are currently
being considered.
The company’s international portfolio, which covers mines in nine countries, saw AISC 13% lower
than the first quarter of 2014 at $849/oz, while production from ongoing operations was 2% higher
year-on-year at 730,000oz. Standout performances were delivered by the Geita and Cerro
Vanguardia mines, while the contribution from the Tropicana and Kibali mines reflected their full ramp-
up. Work is currently underway on a range of brownfield projects to extend life, improve production or
enhance efficiencies, at the Geita, Serra Grande, Siguiri and Sunrise Dam mines.
The international portfolio helped offset a difficult start for the South Africa mines, which were
impacted by safety-related stoppages and power outages. Production from South Africa was down
18% compared with the first quarter of last year, while AISC were 12% higher. Delays in accessing
higher-grade ore from the Mponeng mine’s Below 120 Level project caused primarily by safety
stoppages are likely to affect efficiencies at that operation this year.
First-quarter adjusted headline earnings (AHE) were $35m, or 9 US cents per share in the three
months to 31 March 2015, compared with $119m, or 29 US cents per share, in the first quarter of
2014, impacted by lower ounces sold from Ghana, Namibia and South Africa, the lower gold price and
a higher tax charge. An adjusted headline loss of $117m, or 29 US cents per share, was recorded the
previous quarter.
Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (Adjusted EBITDA) were $409m,
compared with $476m in the first quarter of 2014, with the reduction due mainly to the 6% reduction in
the gold price received and a 9% reduction in ounces sold. However, adjusted EBITDA was higher
than the previous quarter’s $407m, given the lower costs quarter-on-quarter which helped offset lower
output from the South Africa region.
Outlook
Production guidance for the second quarter is estimated to be between 960,000oz to 1,000,000oz at
total cash costs of $770/oz to $820/oz, assuming average exchange rates of R11.92/$. BRL2.95/$,
$0.79/A$ and AP9.00/$. Oil at $70/bl average for the quarter.
The annual guidance remains unchanged for production at 4.0moz to 4.3moz total cash costs at
US$770/oz to $820/oz and All-in sustaining costs of $1,000/oz-$1,050/oz, assuming average
exchange rates of R11.60/$. BRL2.60/$, $0.85/A$ and AP9.50/$, while the average oil price for the
year is assumed at $70/bl. Capital expenditure guidance for the year also remains unchanged at $1.0
to 1.1bn.
Both production and cost estimates assume neither labour interruptions, power disruptions or changes
in asset portfolio and/or operating mines. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could also have a
material adverse effect on our future results.
months to 31 March 2015, compared with $119m, or 29 US cents per share, in the first quarter of
2014, impacted by lower ounces sold from Ghana, Namibia and South Africa, the lower gold price and
a higher tax charge. An adjusted headline loss of $117m, or 29 US cents per share, was recorded the
previous quarter.
Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (Adjusted EBITDA) were $409m,
compared with $476m in the first quarter of 2014, with the reduction due mainly to the 6% reduction in
the gold price received and a 9% reduction in ounces sold. However, adjusted EBITDA was higher
than the previous quarter’s $407m, given the lower costs quarter-on-quarter which helped offset lower
output from the South Africa region.
Outlook
Production guidance for the second quarter is estimated to be between 960,000oz to 1,000,000oz at
total cash costs of $770/oz to $820/oz, assuming average exchange rates of R11.92/$. BRL2.95/$,
$0.79/A$ and AP9.00/$. Oil at $70/bl average for the quarter.
The annual guidance remains unchanged for production at 4.0moz to 4.3moz total cash costs at
US$770/oz to $820/oz and All-in sustaining costs of $1,000/oz-$1,050/oz, assuming average
exchange rates of R11.60/$. BRL2.60/$, $0.85/A$ and AP9.50/$, while the average oil price for the
year is assumed at $70/bl. Capital expenditure guidance for the year also remains unchanged at $1.0
to 1.1bn.
Both production and cost estimates assume neither labour interruptions, power disruptions or changes
in asset portfolio and/or operating mines. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could also have a
material adverse effect on our future results.
ENDS
Johannesburg
JSE Sponsor: Deutsche Securities (SA) Proprietary Ltd
JSE Sponsor: Deutsche Securities (SA) Proprietary Ltd
Contacts
Media
Chris Nthite
Chris Nthite
+27 11 637 6388/+27 83 301 2481
Stewart Bailey
+27 81 032 2563 / +27 11 637 6031
General inquiries
Investors
Stewart Bailey
Stewart Bailey
+27 81 032 2563 / +27 11 637 6031
Sabrina Brockman (US & Canada)
+1 212 858 7702 / +1 646 379 2555
Fundisa Mgidi (South Africa)
+27 11 6376763 / +27 82 821 5322
Certain statements contained in this document, other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, those
concerning the economic outlook for the gold mining industry, expectations regarding gold prices, production, cash costs, all-in
sustaining costs, all-in costs, cost savings and other operating results, return on equity, productivity improvements, growth
prospects and outlook of AngloGold Ashanti’s operations, individually or in the aggregate, including the achievement of project
milestones, commencement and completion of commercial operations of certain of AngloGold Ashanti’s exploration and production
projects and the completion of acquisitions, dispositions or joint venture transactions, AngloGold Ashanti’s liquidity and capital
resources and capital expenditures and the outcome and consequence of any potential or pending litigation or regulatory
proceedings or environmental health and safety issues, are forward-looking statements regarding AngloGold Ashanti’s operations,
economic performance and financial condition. These forward-looking statements or forecasts involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause AngloGold Ashanti’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially
from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. Although
AngloGold Ashanti believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and forecasts are reasonable, no
assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Accordingly, results could differ materially from those
set out in the forward-looking statements as a result of, among other factors, changes in economic, social and political and market
conditions, the success of business and operating initiatives, changes in the regulatory environment and other government actions,
including environmental approvals, fluctuations in gold prices and exchange rates, the outcome of pending or future litigation
proceedings, and business and operational risk management. For a discussion of such risk factors, refer to AngloGold
concerning the economic outlook for the gold mining industry, expectations regarding gold prices, production, cash costs, all-in
sustaining costs, all-in costs, cost savings and other operating results, return on equity, productivity improvements, growth
prospects and outlook of AngloGold Ashanti’s operations, individually or in the aggregate, including the achievement of project
milestones, commencement and completion of commercial operations of certain of AngloGold Ashanti’s exploration and production
projects and the completion of acquisitions, dispositions or joint venture transactions, AngloGold Ashanti’s liquidity and capital
resources and capital expenditures and the outcome and consequence of any potential or pending litigation or regulatory
proceedings or environmental health and safety issues, are forward-looking statements regarding AngloGold Ashanti’s operations,
economic performance and financial condition. These forward-looking statements or forecasts involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause AngloGold Ashanti’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially
from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. Although
AngloGold Ashanti believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and forecasts are reasonable, no
assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Accordingly, results could differ materially from those
set out in the forward-looking statements as a result of, among other factors, changes in economic, social and political and market
conditions, the success of business and operating initiatives, changes in the regulatory environment and other government actions,
including environmental approvals, fluctuations in gold prices and exchange rates, the outcome of pending or future litigation
proceedings, and business and operational risk management. For a discussion of such risk factors, refer to AngloGold
Ashanti’s annual reports on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. These factors are not
necessarily all of the important factors that could cause AngloGold Ashanti’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed
in any forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could also have material adverse effects on future results.
Consequently, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. AngloGold Ashanti undertakes no
obligation to update publicly or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the
date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except to the extent required by applicable law. All subsequent
written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to AngloGold Ashanti or any person acting on its behalf are qualified by the
cautionary statements herein. This communication may contain certain “Non-GAAP” financial measures. AngloGold Ashanti utilises
certain Non-GAAP performance measures and ratios in managing its business. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in
addition to, and not as an alternative for, the reported operating results or cash flow from operations or any other measures of
performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. In addition, the presentation of these measures may not be comparable to similarly
titled measures other companies may use. AngloGold Ashanti posts information that is important to investors on the main page of its
website at www.anglogoldashanti.com and under the “Investors” tab on the main page. This information is updated regularly.
Investors should visit this website to obtain important information about AngloGold Ashanti.
necessarily all of the important factors that could cause AngloGold Ashanti’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed
in any forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could also have material adverse effects on future results.
Consequently, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. AngloGold Ashanti undertakes no
obligation to update publicly or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the
date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except to the extent required by applicable law. All subsequent
written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to AngloGold Ashanti or any person acting on its behalf are qualified by the
cautionary statements herein. This communication may contain certain “Non-GAAP” financial measures. AngloGold Ashanti utilises
certain Non-GAAP performance measures and ratios in managing its business. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in
addition to, and not as an alternative for, the reported operating results or cash flow from operations or any other measures of
performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. In addition, the presentation of these measures may not be comparable to similarly
titled measures other companies may use. AngloGold Ashanti posts information that is important to investors on the main page of its
website at www.anglogoldashanti.com and under the “Investors” tab on the main page. This information is updated regularly.
Investors should visit this website to obtain important information about AngloGold Ashanti.
AngloGold Ashanti Limited
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa Reg No: 1944/017354/06
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa Reg No: 1944/017354/06
ISIN No. ZAE000043485 – JSE share code: ANG CUSIP: 035128206 – NYSE share code: AU
Website:
Website:
www.anglogoldashanti.com
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AngloGold Ashanti Limited
Date: May 11, 2015
By:
/s/ M E SANZ PEREZ
Name:
M E Sanz Perez
Title: Group General Counsel and Company
Title: Group General Counsel and Company
Secretary
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