AngloGold Ashanti plc (“AngloGold Ashanti”, “AGA” or the
“Company”) delivered significant year-on-year gains in earnings and
free cash flow* in 2024, following continued focus on cost control
and the year’s strongest gold production period from its managed
operations(2)(3)(4) in Q4 2024.
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Higher revenues were reflected in significantly stronger cash
flow and earnings in a year where costs rose by less than half the
inflation rate for managed operations, and the Company focused on
active management of working capital.
Free cash flow* rose to $942m in 2024, up from $109m in 2023.
Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and
amortisation (“Adjusted EBITDA*”) rose 93% to $2.747bn, from
$1.420bn in 2023.
"The significant growth in free cash flow* — to almost a billion
dollars in 2024 — is a result of our focus on continued operational
and efficiency improvements, which in turn have allowed us to
capture the benefit of a healthy gold price,” CEO Alberto Calderon
said. “With the business receiving appropriate investment and the
balance sheet at its strongest position in well over a decade,
we’re able to pass on those benefits to shareholders in a more
generous dividend policy.”
Headline earnings(5) of $954m, or 221 US cents per share for
2024, compared to a headline loss(5) of $46m, or 11 US cents per
share for 2023. The average gold price received per ounce* for the
group rose 24% to $2,394/oz in 2024 from $1,930/oz in 2023.
New Dividend Policy Improves Competitiveness
As a result of improved operational fundamentals, a robust
balance sheet, and increased confidence in the Company’s outlook,
the Company’s Board of Directors has approved a revised dividend
policy aimed at delivering enhanced and sustainable shareholder
returns. Under the new policy, AngloGold Ashanti will target a 50%
payout of free cash flow, where free cash flow is defined as
operating cash flow less capital expenditure of managed operations,
subject to maintaining an adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA
ratio of 1.0 times. Additionally, the revised policy introduces a
base dividend of $0.50 per share per annum, payable in quarterly
increments of $0.125 per share. This base dividend represents the
minimum payout, ensuring a stable return to shareholders even
through commodity price cycles. This enhanced policy reflects the
Company’s commitment to strong capital discipline, financial
resilience, and delivering long-term value to shareholders, while
providing greater predictability and downside protection in varying
market conditions.
An interim dividend of $347m, or 69 US cents per share, was
declared for the second half. This takes the total payout for 2024
to $439m, or 91 US cents per share.
The new policy is an important part of a balanced capital
allocation framework. The leverage target — a maximum of one times
Adjusted net debt* to Adjusted EBITDA*, through the cycle — remains
unchanged, as does ensuring a well capitalised portfolio and the
ability to fund growth projects.
Lowest Leverage Since 2011
The balance sheet remained in a strong position after funding
all capital expenditure, the prior dividend payment and the cash
portion of the acquisition of Centamin plc (“Centamin”). At the end
of 2024, Adjusted net debt* was $567m, and the Adjusted net debt*
to Adjusted EBITDA* ratio was 0.21 times, the lowest since 2011.
There was approximately $2.6bn in liquidity, including cash and
cash equivalents of $1.4bn, at year end.
Improved Fundamentals Support 2024 Performance
AngloGold Ashanti posted strong performances from several key
operations during 2024, demonstrating improved operational
resilience. The Australian mines recovered well from rains and
flooding in the first half of the year, while Siguiri finished the
year well after Q1 2024 production was impacted by metallurgical
recovery challenges.
The marked operational turnaround of the Brazilian operations
also continued to gain momentum following resumption of concentrate
processing at the Queiroz plant during Q3 2024. Obuasi delivered an
improved Q4 2024 performance, in line with its revised mine plan,
amid improved sub-level open stoping and the continued rollout of
the underhand drift and fill method.
The Company’s Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (“TRIFR”)
of 0.98 injuries per million hours worked in 2024 improved compared
to 1.09 in 2023, and remains far better than the average 2023
performance of 2.59 injuries per million hours worked by the
members of the International Council on Mining and Metals.
Group gold production(2)(3)(4), including 40,000oz from Sukari,
was 2.661Moz for 2024. Gold production(2)(3)(4) for the year was
driven by year-on-year improvements at Cuiabá (AGA Mineração)
(+8%), Cerro Vanguardia (+7%), Siguiri (+5%), Sunrise Dam (+3%) and
Tropicana (+1%), as well as the introduction of Sukari into the
portfolio. These increases were partly offset by lower gold
production contributions from Iduapriem (-12%), Kibali (-10%) and
Serra Grande (-7%). At Obuasi, gold production for the year was
221,000oz, in line with recent guidance, at a total cash cost* of
$1,214/oz. The Obuasi mine generated $26m of free cash flow* for
2024.
The solid gold production performance from AngloGold Ashanti’s
managed operations, alongside continued implementation of the Full
Asset Potential programme and increased vigilance on expenditures
at the site level, delivered a strong overall cost performance
despite persistent inflation across several of its operating
jurisdictions. The aggregate inflation rate for the group was about
6.6%, which represents consumer price index (CPI) changes in the
jurisdictions in which the Company operates. This increase in
inflation was partially mitigated by favourable exchange rate
fluctuations.
Total cash costs per ounce* for the group(1)(2)(3) rose 4%
year-on-year to $1,157/oz in 2024 versus $1,115/oz in 2023. Total
cash costs per ounce* for managed operations(1)(2)(3) rose by only
2% year-on-year to $1,187/oz in 2024 versus $1,162/oz in 2023,
despite inflationary pressures on labour, material and contractor
costs, and the impact of higher royalties paid, driven by the
increase in the average gold price received per ounce*. All-in
sustaining costs per ounce* (“AISC”) for the group(1)(2)(3) rose 4%
year-on-year to $1,611/oz in 2024 versus $1,544/oz in 2023 mainly
due to increased total cash costs per ounce * and higher sustaining
capital expenditure*.
Continued Exploration Success
The Company has achieved significant exploration success over
the past five years, adding 20.9Moz to its gold Mineral Reserve
before accounting for depletion and including the acquisition of
Centamin. This marks the seventh consecutive year that AngloGold
Ashanti has recorded annual increases in gold Mineral Reserve
before depletion. Following the acquisition of Centamin, total
group Mineral Reserve at the end of 2024, was 31.2Moz, total group
gold Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource was 67.1Moz and total
group gold Inferred Mineral Resource was 55.0Moz.
Strong Operational Performance Recorded in Q4 2024
Gold production for the group(1)(2)(3)(4), including 40,000oz
from the newly acquired Sukari mine, was 750,000oz for Q4 2024
versus 738,000oz in Q4 2023.
Total cash costs per ounce* for the group(1)(2)(3) increased 9%
year-on-year to $1,144/oz in Q4 2024 from $1,050/oz in Q4 2023.
AISC per ounce* for the group(1)(2)(3) rose by 3% year-on-year in
Q4 2024 to $1,647/oz compared with $1,598/oz in Q4 2023.
Headline earnings(5) of $405m, or 89 US cents per share, in Q4
2024, compared to headline earnings(5) of $87m, or 21 US cents per
share, in Q4 2023. Adjusted EBITDA* increased to $884m in Q4 2024
from $574m in Q4 2023. Free cash flow* rose to $389m during Q4
2024, from $293m in Q4 2023.
Sukari Acquisition Bolsters Portfolio
On 22 November 2024, the acquisition of Centamin was
successfully completed. Integration of the Sukari gold mine, and
Eastern Desert Exploration commenced immediately. Sukari
contributed 40,000oz of gold production at a total cash cost* of
$1,165/oz in 2024. The mine contributed $61m in free cash flow* to
group free cash flow* in 2024.
“The addition of Sukari, a true tier-one operation, provides a
step-change in our production profile, while improving the cost
outlook and enhancing cash flow generation”, CEO Alberto Calderon
said.
Outlook(6)
The Company is pleased to provide updated 2025 guidance,
following the successful integration of Sukari into the portfolio.
Gold production for the group(2)(3)(4) is forecast to range between
2,900Moz and 3,225Moz. Total cash cost* for the group(2)(3) is
forecast to range between $1,125/oz and $1,225/oz and AISC* for the
group(2)(3) is forecast to range between $1,580/oz and $1,705/oz.
Total capital expenditure for the group(2)(3) is expected to be
between $1,620m and $1,770m.
(1) All financial periods within the financial year ended 31
December 2023 have been adjusted to exclude the Córrego do Sítio
(“CdS”) operation that was placed on care and maintenance in August
2023. (2) The term “managed operations” refers to subsidiaries
managed by AngloGold Ashanti and included in its consolidated
reporting, while the term “non-managed joint ventures” (i.e.,
Kibali) refers to equity-accounted joint ventures that are reported
based on AngloGold Ashanti's share of attributable earnings and are
not managed by AngloGold Ashanti. Managed operations are reported
on a consolidated basis. Non-managed joint ventures are reported on
an attributable basis. (3) On 22 November 2024, the acquisition of
Centamin was successfully completed. Centamin was included in the
financial year ended 31 December 2024 from the effective date of
acquisition. (4) Includes gold concentrate from the Cuiabá mine
sold to third parties. (5) The financial measures “headline
earnings (loss)” and “headline earnings (loss) per share” are not
calculated in accordance with IFRS® Accounting Standards, but in
accordance with the Headline Earnings Circular 1/2023, issued by
the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), at
the request of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange Limited (JSE). These
measures are required to be disclosed by the JSE Listings
Requirements and therefore do not constitute Non-GAAP financial
measures for purposes of the rules and regulations of the US
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) applicable to the use
and disclosure of Non-GAAP financial measures. (6) Refer to the
disclaimer below the heading “Guidance” in the full announcement
for further information. * Refer to “Non-GAAP disclosure” for
definitions and reconciliations.
Key Statistics
Quarter
Quarter
Year
Year
ended
ended
ended
ended
Dec
Dec
Dec
Dec
US Dollar million, except as otherwise
noted
2024
2023
2024
2023
Operating review
Gold
Produced - Group (1) (2) (3) (4)
- oz (000)
750
738
2,661
2,644
Produced - Managed operations (1) (2) (3)
(4)
- oz (000)
670
645
2,352
2,301
Produced - Non-managed joint ventures
(2)
- oz (000)
80
93
309
343
Sold - Group (1) (2) (3) (4)
- oz (000)
725
711
2,679
2,624
Sold - Managed operations(1) (2) (3)
(4)
- oz (000)
647
619
2,370
2,281
Sold - Non-managed joint ventures (2)
- oz (000)
78
92
309
343
Financial review
Gold income
- $m
1,716
1,223
5,673
4,480
Cost of sales - Group
- $m
1,144
1,023
4,106
3,913
Cost of sales - Managed operations
- $m
1,043
929
3,726
3,541
Cost of sales - Non-managed joint
ventures
- $m
101
94
380
372
Total operating costs
- $m
815
740
2,911
2,870
Gross profit
- $m
707
327
2,067
1,041
Average gold price received per ounce* -
Group (1) (2) (3)
- $/oz
2,653
1,971
2,394
1,930
Average gold price received per ounce* -
Managed operations (1) (2) (3)
- $/oz
2,652
1,969
2,393
1,927
Average gold price received per ounce* -
Non-managed joint ventures (2)
- $/oz
2,662
1,984
2,401
1,948
All-in sustaining costs per ounce* - Group
(1) (2) (3)
- $/oz
1,647
1,598
1,611
1,544
All-in sustaining costs per ounce* -
Managed operations (1) (2) (3)
- $/oz
1,702
1,701
1,672
1,634
All-in sustaining costs per ounce* -
Non-managed joint ventures (2)
- $/oz
1,188
907
1,146
951
All-in costs per ounce* - Group (1) (2)
(3)
- $/oz
1,840
1,794
1,846
1,754
All-in costs per ounce* - Managed
operations (1) (2) (3)
- $/oz
1,895
1,909
1,910
1,857
All-in costs per ounce* - Non-managed
joint ventures (2)
- $/oz
1,388
1,023
1,351
1,074
Total cash costs per ounce* - Group (1)
(2) (3)
- $/oz
1,144
1,050
1,157
1,115
Total cash costs per ounce* - Managed
operations (1) (2) (3)
- $/oz
1,165
1,092
1,187
1,162
Total cash costs per ounce* - Non-managed
joint ventures (2)
- $/oz
967
761
935
802
Profit before taxation
- $m
698
144
1,672
63
Adjusted EBITDA*
- $m
884
574
2,747
1,420
Total borrowings
- $m
2,125
2,410
2,125
2,410
Adjusted net debt*
- $m
567
1,268
567
1,268
Profit (loss) attributable to equity
shareholders
- $m
470
28
1,004
(235)
- US cents/share
103
7
233
(56)
Headline earnings (loss) (5)
- $m
405
87
954
(46)
- US cents/share
89
21
221
(11)
Net cash inflow from operating
activities
- $m
690
404
1,968
971
Free cash flow*
- $m
389
293
942
109
Capital expenditure - Group(2)(3)
- $m
369
357
1,215
1,127
Capital expenditure - Managed
operations(2)(3)
- $m
333
334
1,090
1,042
Capital expenditure - Non-managed joint
ventures (2)
- $m
36
23
125
85
(1)All financial periods within the
financial year ended 31 December 2023 have been adjusted to exclude
the Córrego do Sítio (“CdS”) operation that was placed on care and
maintenance in August 2023. All gold production, gold sold, average
gold price received per ounce*, all-in sustaining costs per ounce*,
all-in costs per ounce* and total cash costs per ounce* metrics in
this document have been adjusted to exclude the CdS operation,
unless otherwise stated.
(2)The term “managed operations” refers to
subsidiaries managed by AngloGold Ashanti and included in its
consolidated reporting, while the term “non-managed joint ventures”
(i.e., Kibali) refers to equity-accounted joint ventures that are
reported based on AngloGold Ashanti’s share of attributable
earnings and are not managed by AngloGold Ashanti. Managed
operations are reported on a consolidated basis. Non-managed joint
ventures are reported on an attributable basis.
(3)On 22 November 2024, the acquisition of
Centamin was successfully completed. Centamin was included in the
financial year ended 31 December 2024 from the effective date of
the acquisition.
(4)Includes gold concentrate from the
Cuiabá mine sold to third parties.
(5)The financial measures “headline
earnings (loss)” and “headline earnings (loss) per share” are not
calculated in accordance with IFRS® Accounting Standards, but in
accordance with the Headline Earnings Circular 1/2023, issued by
the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), at
the request of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange Limited (JSE). These
measures are required to be disclosed by the JSE Listings
Requirements and therefore do not constitute Non-GAAP financial
measures for purposes of the rules and regulations of the US
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) applicable to the use
and disclosure of Non-GAAP financial measures.
* Refer to “Non-GAAP disclosure” in the
Full Announcement for definitions and reconciliations.
$ represents US Dollar, unless otherwise
stated.
Rounding of figures may result in
computational discrepancies.
AngloGold Ashanti plc today announces an interim dividend for
the six months ended 31 December 2024 of 69 US cents per share. In
respect of the interim dividend, the timelines, including dates for
currency conversions, set out below will apply.
To holders of ordinary shares on the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE)
2025
Ex-dividend on NYSE
Friday, 14 March
Record date
Friday, 14 March
Payment date
Friday, 28 March
To holders of ordinary shares on the South African
Register
Additional information for South African resident shareholders
of AngloGold Ashanti:
Shareholders registered on the South African section of the
register are advised that the distribution of 69 US cents per
ordinary share will be converted to South African rands at the
applicable exchange rate.
In compliance with the requirements of Strate and the
Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Listings Requirements, the
salient dates for payment of the dividend are as follows:
2025
Declaration date
Wednesday, 19 February
Currency conversion rate for South African
rands announcement date
Friday, 7 March
Last date to trade ordinary shares cum
dividend
Tuesday, 11 March
Ordinary shares trade ex-dividend
Wednesday, 12 March
Record date
Friday, 14 March
Payment date
Friday, 28 March
Dividends in respect of dematerialised shareholdings will be
credited to shareholders’ accounts with the relevant CSDP (as
defined below) or broker.
To comply with further requirements of Strate, share
certificates may not be dematerialised or rematerialised between
Wednesday, 12 March 2025 and Friday, 14 March 2025, both days
inclusive. No transfers between South African, NYSE and Ghanaian
share registers will be permitted between Friday, 7 March 2025 and
Friday, 14 March 2025, both days inclusive.
Details of the exchange rates applicable to the dividend and a
summary of the tax considerations applicable to South African
shareholders is expected to be published on Friday, 7 March
2025.
To Beneficial Owners on the Ghana sub-register holding shares
through the nominee arrangement with the Central Securities
Depositary (GH) LTD
2025
Currency conversion date
Friday, 7 March
Last date to trade and to register shares
cum dividend
Tuesday, 11 March
Shares trade ex-dividend
Wednesday, 12 March
Record date
Friday, 14 March
Approximate payment date of dividend
Friday, 28 March
To Beneficial Owners holding Ghanaian Depositary Shares
(GhDSs) and acting by National Trust Holding Company Ltd as
depository agent 100 GhDSs represent one ordinary share
2025
Currency conversion date
Friday, 7 March
Last date to trade and to register GhDSs
cum dividend
Tuesday, 11 March
GhDSs trade ex-dividend
Wednesday, 12 March
Record date
Friday, 14 March
Approximate payment date of dividend
Friday, 28 March
Beneficial owners on the Ghana sub-register holding shares and
beneficial owners holding GhDSs are advised that the distribution
of 69 US cents per ordinary share will be converted to Ghanaian
cedis at the applicable exchange rate. Assuming an exchange rate of
US$1/¢15.5000, the gross dividend payable per share, is equivalent
to ca. ¢10.695 Ghanaian cedis. However, the actual rate of payment
will depend on the exchange rate on the date for currency
conversion.
Entitlement to interim dividends
A “Shareholder of Record” is a person appearing on the register
of members of the Company in respect of ordinary shares at the
close of business on the relevant record date. A “Beneficial Owner”
is a person who holds ordinary shares of the Company through a
bank, broker, central securities depository participant (“CSDP”),
Shareholder of Record or other agent (sometimes referred to as
holding shares “in street name”).
AngloGold Ashanti plc (Incorporated in England and Wales)
Registration No. 14654651 LEI No. 2138005YDSA7A82RNU96 ISIN:
GB00BRXH2664 CUSIP: G0378L100 NYSE Share code: AU JSE Share code:
ANG A2X Share code: ANG GhSE (Shares): AGA GhSE (GhDS): AAD
Johannesburg, South Africa 19 February 2025
JSE Sponsor: The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
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, 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, the
consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the outcome and
consequences of any potential or pending litigation or regulatory
proceedings or environmental, health and safety issues, are
forward-looking statements regarding AngloGold Ashanti’s financial
reports, operations, economic performance and financial condition.
These forward-looking statements or forecasts are not based on
historical facts, but rather reflect our current beliefs and
expectations concerning future events and generally may be
identified by the use of forward-looking words, phrases and
expressions such as “believe”, “expect”, “aim”, “anticipate”,
“intend”, “foresee”, “forecast”, “predict”, “project”, “estimate”,
“likely”, “may”, “might”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “seek”,
“plan”, “scheduled”, “possible”, “continue”, “potential”,
“outlook”, “target” or other similar words, phrases, and
expressions; provided that the absence thereof does not mean that a
statement is not forward-looking. Similarly, statements that
describe our objectives, plans or goals are or may be
forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements or
forecasts involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors that may cause AngloGold Ashanti’s actual results,
performance, actions or achievements to differ materially from the
anticipated results, performance, actions 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, performance, actions or
achievements could differ materially from those set out in the
forward-looking statements as a result of, among other factors,
changes in economic, social, political and market conditions,
including related to inflation or international conflicts, 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, any
supply chain disruptions, any public health crises, pandemics or
epidemics (including the COVID-19 pandemic), the failure to
maintain effective internal control over financial reporting or
effective disclosure controls and procedures, the inability to
remediate one or more material weaknesses, or the discovery of
additional material weaknesses, in the Company’s internal control
over financial reporting, and other business and operational risks
and challenges and other factors, including mining accidents. For a
discussion of such risk factors, refer to AngloGold Ashanti’s
annual report on Form 20-F for the financial year ended 31 December
2023 filed with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC). These factors are not necessarily all of the
important factors that could cause AngloGold Ashanti’s actual
results, performance, actions or achievements to differ materially
from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Other
unknown or unpredictable factors could also have material adverse
effects on AngloGold Ashanti’s future results, performance, actions
or achievements. 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.
Non-GAAP financial measures
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.
Website: www.anglogoldashanti.com
December 2024 Published
19 February 2025
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250219334902/en/
Media Andrea Maxey: +61 08
9425 4603 / +61 400 072 199 amaxey@anglogoldashanti.com General
inquiries: media@anglogoldashanti.com
Investors Yatish Chowthee:
+27 11 637 6273 / +27 78 364 2080 yrchowthee@anglogoldashanti.com
Andrea Maxey: +61 08 9425 4603 / +61 400 072 199
amaxey@anglogoldashanti.com
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