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 February 19, 2019
Commission File Number 1-14846
AngloGold Ashanti Limited
(Name of registrant)
76 Rahima Moosa 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.
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):
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):
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.
Yes
No X
Enclosure: Press release:
ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI GROWS MARGINS AND CASH FLOW,
CHARTS PATH FORWARD
AngloGold Ashanti Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
Reg. No. 1944/017354/06
ISIN. ZAE000043485 – JSE share code: ANG
CUSIP: 035128206 – NYSE share code: AU
JSE Bond Company Code – BIANG
(“AngloGold Ashanti” or the “Company”)
19 February 2019
NEWS RELEASE
AngloGold Ashanti Grows Margins and Cash Flow, Charts Path Forward
(JOHANNESBURG – PRESS RELEASE) – AngloGold Ashanti achieved guidance for the
sixth consecutive year, with improved margins driving significant growth in free cash flow
generation. The Company declared a dividend of ZAR 95 cents per share (approximately
7 US cents per share).
generation. The Company declared a dividend of ZAR 95 cents per share (approximately
7 US cents per share).
The Company generated free cash flow of $67 million in the 12 months to 31 December 2018
compared with only $1 million generated in 2017. Before one-time financing expenses and the
costs to complete the successful restructuring of the South African business in 2018, the
Company generated $140 million of free cash flow.
compared with only $1 million generated in 2017. Before one-time financing expenses and the
costs to complete the successful restructuring of the South African business in 2018, the
Company generated $140 million of free cash flow.
"This is a strong operating performance that shows our commitment to meeting our guigance
targets amd improving our margins," Chief Executive Officer Kelvin Dushnisky said. "We have
targets amd improving our margins," Chief Executive Officer Kelvin Dushnisky said. "We have
a clear set of return and leverage targets that will guide our investments, as we work to unlock
value for our shareholders."
value for our shareholders."
CEO Kelvin Dushnisky has started to streamline the portfolio by initiating processes to sell the
Company's interests in its Cerro Vanguardia and Sadiola assets, as he aims to focus
investments on those operations with longer lives and the ability to deliver higher returns. He
has set the hurdle for returns on new investments at 15% (calculated at a gold price of
$1,200/oz) and cut the Company's leverage target to a ratio of 1.0 times Net debt to Adjusted
EBITDA through the cycle, down from 1.5 times previously.
Company's interests in its Cerro Vanguardia and Sadiola assets, as he aims to focus
investments on those operations with longer lives and the ability to deliver higher returns. He
has set the hurdle for returns on new investments at 15% (calculated at a gold price of
$1,200/oz) and cut the Company's leverage target to a ratio of 1.0 times Net debt to Adjusted
EBITDA through the cycle, down from 1.5 times previously.
The redevelopment of the Obuasi mine, which was started in 2018, is on track to produce its
first gold at the end of this year and to build-up to its full production rate during 2020. That
follows on the ramp-up of production from the underground mine at Kibali, and commissioning
of a new plant, able to process hard rock, at its Siguiri mine in Guinea.
first gold at the end of this year and to build-up to its full production rate during 2020. That
follows on the ramp-up of production from the underground mine at Kibali, and commissioning
of a new plant, able to process hard rock, at its Siguiri mine in Guinea.
Production for the year ended 31 December 2018 came in toward the top end of guidance at
3.4Moz. Production from retained operations in 2018 (excluding Moab Khotsong, Kopanang
and TauTona), was 3.349Moz at a total cash cost of $765/oz, compared with 3.279Moz at
$738/oz in 2017.
3.4Moz. Production from retained operations in 2018 (excluding Moab Khotsong, Kopanang
and TauTona), was 3.349Moz at a total cash cost of $765/oz, compared with 3.279Moz at
$738/oz in 2017.
All-in Sustaining Costs (AISC) for these retained operations were $968/oz for the year ended
31 December 2018, compared with $1,017/oz during the same period in 2017. Kibali in the
31 December 2018, compared with $1,017/oz during the same period in 2017. Kibali in the
DRC, Iduapriem in Ghana, Geita in Tanzania, Sunrise Dam in Australia and Mponeng in South
Africa were stand out performers.
Africa were stand out performers.
Headline earnings for the year ended 31 December 2018 were $220 million, or 53 US cents
per share, compared with $27 million, or 6 US cents per share in 2017. Adjusted earnings
before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Adjusted EBITDA) were $1.48 billion in
2018, similar to 2017 levels despite the sale and closure of assets in South Africa. The ratio
of Net debt to Adjusted EBITDA at the end of December 2018 was 1.12 times compared with
1.35 times at the end of December 2017.
per share, compared with $27 million, or 6 US cents per share in 2017. Adjusted earnings
before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Adjusted EBITDA) were $1.48 billion in
2018, similar to 2017 levels despite the sale and closure of assets in South Africa. The ratio
of Net debt to Adjusted EBITDA at the end of December 2018 was 1.12 times compared with
1.35 times at the end of December 2017.
Net debt decreased by 17% to $1.659 billion at 31 December 2018, from $2.001 billion at
31 December 2017. Financial flexibility was further improved in October 2018, when a new
five-year $1.4 billion multi-currency revolving credit facility was agreed with our banking
syndicate replacing our existing $1 billion US Dollar and $500 million Australian Dollar
facilities. Strong liquidity is provided both by this new revolving credit facility, which was fully
undrawn at the end of 2018, and $329 million in cash.
31 December 2017. Financial flexibility was further improved in October 2018, when a new
five-year $1.4 billion multi-currency revolving credit facility was agreed with our banking
syndicate replacing our existing $1 billion US Dollar and $500 million Australian Dollar
facilities. Strong liquidity is provided both by this new revolving credit facility, which was fully
undrawn at the end of 2018, and $329 million in cash.
AngloGold Ashanti places a premium on a clear and uncompromising method of allocating
capital, which means that certain investments may not be made if the returns they offer rank
below other available opportunities within the portfolio. Consistent with this philosophy, the
Company has initiated sales processes for Sadiola in Mali as well as Cerro Vanguardia
(CVSA) in Argentina. Through these processes, AngloGold Ashanti aims to achieve both fair
value for these assets, and to place them with buyers with the operational track record and
financial capacity to take them forward.
capital, which means that certain investments may not be made if the returns they offer rank
below other available opportunities within the portfolio. Consistent with this philosophy, the
Company has initiated sales processes for Sadiola in Mali as well as Cerro Vanguardia
(CVSA) in Argentina. Through these processes, AngloGold Ashanti aims to achieve both fair
value for these assets, and to place them with buyers with the operational track record and
financial capacity to take them forward.
On 14 February 2019, Sadiola Exploration Limited (SADEX), the subsidiary jointly held by
AngloGold Ashanti and IAMGOLD Corporation, entered into a share purchase agreement with
the Government of Mali, whereby SADEX agreed to sell to the Government of Mali its 80%
participation in Societe d'Exploitation des Mines d'Or de Yatela (Yatela), for a consideration
AngloGold Ashanti and IAMGOLD Corporation, entered into a share purchase agreement with
the Government of Mali, whereby SADEX agreed to sell to the Government of Mali its 80%
participation in Societe d'Exploitation des Mines d'Or de Yatela (Yatela), for a consideration
of USD 1 (one US dollar). The transaction remains subject to the fulfilment of a number of
conditions precedent.
conditions precedent.
SAFETY
Regrettably, we lost three of our colleagues during the first half of the year. In Brazil there was
one fatality following an electricity-related incident in January. In South Africa at Moab
Khotsong a tramming incident caused one fatality in February and at Mponeng a mechanical
loader operator was fatally injured in a seismic fall of ground in April.
one fatality following an electricity-related incident in January. In South Africa at Moab
Khotsong a tramming incident caused one fatality in February and at Mponeng a mechanical
loader operator was fatally injured in a seismic fall of ground in April.
The Company will use lessons learned from these tragic incidents to strengthen safety
practices for a sustainable improvement in this important area. Significant progress has been
made, with record All-Injury Frequency Rate (AIFR), the broadest measure of workplace
safety, decreased by 36% to 4.81 injuries per million hours worked for 2018, compared to 7.49
injuries per million hours worked for the previous year.
practices for a sustainable improvement in this important area. Significant progress has been
made, with record All-Injury Frequency Rate (AIFR), the broadest measure of workplace
safety, decreased by 36% to 4.81 injuries per million hours worked for 2018, compared to 7.49
injuries per million hours worked for the previous year.
SECOND HALF
Production from retained operations for the second half of 2018 (excluding Moab Khotsong,
Kopanang and TauTona) was 1.722Moz at a total cash cost of $726/oz, compared to
1.761Moz at $733/oz for the last six months of 2017. AISC for these retained operations were
$936/oz for the last six months of 2018, compared to $1,002/oz for the same period in 2017.
Kopanang and TauTona) was 1.722Moz at a total cash cost of $726/oz, compared to
1.761Moz at $733/oz for the last six months of 2017. AISC for these retained operations were
$936/oz for the last six months of 2018, compared to $1,002/oz for the same period in 2017.
Free cash flow of $118 million was generated in the second half of 2018, compared to $162
million for the same period in 2017. The Company generated $204 million of free cash flow,
before growth capital during the last six months of 2018, compared to $231 million during the
second half of 2017.
million for the same period in 2017. The Company generated $204 million of free cash flow,
before growth capital during the last six months of 2018, compared to $231 million during the
second half of 2017.
OUTLOOK**
Production guidance for 2019 year is estimated to be between 3,250Moz – 3,450Moz (reflects
the impact of the reduced South African operations and a step-down in production at CVSA).
Total cash costs are estimated to be between $730/oz and $780/oz and AISC between
$935/oz and $995/oz at average exchange rates against the US dollar of 14.00 (Rand), 3.65
(Brazil Real), 0.75 (Aus$) and 40.00 (Argentina Peso), and oil at $74/bl average for the year,
based on market expectations. Capital expenditure is anticipated to be $910 million to $990
million reflecting the ramp up of the Obuasi redevelopment expenditure.
the impact of the reduced South African operations and a step-down in production at CVSA).
Total cash costs are estimated to be between $730/oz and $780/oz and AISC between
$935/oz and $995/oz at average exchange rates against the US dollar of 14.00 (Rand), 3.65
(Brazil Real), 0.75 (Aus$) and 40.00 (Argentina Peso), and oil at $74/bl average for the year,
based on market expectations. Capital expenditure is anticipated to be $910 million to $990
million reflecting the ramp up of the Obuasi redevelopment expenditure.
Ends
Johannesburg
JSE Sponsor: The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
**Both production and cost estimates assume neither operational or labour interruptions, or power disruptions, nor further
changes to asset portfolio and/or operating mines and have not been reviewed by our external auditors. Other unknown or
unpredictable factors could also have material adverse effects on our future results and no assurance can be given that any
expectations expressed by AngloGold Ashanti will prove to have been correct. Accordingly, actual results could differ from
guidance and any deviation may be significant. Please refer to the Risk Factors section in AngloGold Ashanti’s annual report on
Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2017, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
changes to asset portfolio and/or operating mines and have not been reviewed by our external auditors. Other unknown or
unpredictable factors could also have material adverse effects on our future results and no assurance can be given that any
expectations expressed by AngloGold Ashanti will prove to have been correct. Accordingly, actual results could differ from
guidance and any deviation may be significant. Please refer to the Risk Factors section in AngloGold Ashanti’s annual report on
Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2017, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
CONTACTS
Media
Chris Nthite +27 11 637 6388/+27 83 301 2481
cnthite@anglogoldashanti.com
Stewart Bailey +27 81 032 2563/+27 11 637 6031
sbailey@anglogoldashanti.com
General inquiries
media@anglogoldashanti.com
Investors
Stewart Bailey +27 81 032 2563/+27 11 637 6031
sbailey@anglogoldashanti.com
Sabrina Brockman +1 646 880 4526/+1 646 379 2555
sbrockman@anglogoldashanti.com
Fundisa Mgidi +27 11 637 6763/+27 82 821 5322
fmgidi@anglogoldashanti.com
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, total cash costs, all-in sustaining costs, all-in costs, cost savings and other operating results, productivity
mining industry, expectations regarding gold prices, production, total cash costs, all-in sustaining costs, all-in costs, cost savings and other operating results, 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 pontential
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
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 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
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.
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.
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.
Website:
www.anglogoldashanti.com
ENDS
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 authorised.
Date: February 19, 2019
AngloGold Ashanti Limited
By:
/s/ M E SANZ PEREZ
Name:
M E Sanz Perez
Title:
EVP: Group Legal, Commercial & Governance