Gold Fields Limited: Operational performance and trading statement for FY 2022

Rhea-AI Summary

Gold Fields Limited (NYSE: GFI) announced its operational performance and trading statement for FY 2022. The company achieved attributable gold equivalent production of 2,399koz, reflecting a 3% YoY increase, exceeding its upgraded guidance of 2,310koz – 2,360koz. All-in costs (AIC) are projected at US$1,320/oz, slightly above FY 2021's costs, while all-in sustaining costs (AISC) stand at US$1,105/oz, also up from the previous year. Notably, headline earnings per share are expected to rise by 16% to 22% due to a US$202m break fee from Yamana. However, basic earnings per share are projected to decline by 7% to 13% due to impairments totaling US$502m.

Positive

• Attributable gold equivalent production increased by 3% YoY to 2,399koz, exceeding guidance.
• Headline earnings per share projected to increase by 16% to 22% driven by a US$202m break fee.

Negative

• Basic earnings per share expected to decline by 7% to 13% due to impairments totaling US$502m.
• AIC increased due to mining inflation despite lower project capex.

JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Gold Fields Limited (Gold Fields) (JSE: GFI) (NYSE: GFI) is pleased to advise that it has met production and cost guidance for FY 2022.

FY 2022 operational performance
Attributable gold equivalent production for FY 2022 is expected to be 2,399koz, a 3% increase YoY (FY 2021: 2,340koz), exceeding the guidance range (upgraded in August 2022) of 2,310koz – 2,360koz.

All-in costs (AIC) for FY 2022 is expected to be US$1,320/oz, 2% higher than FY 2021 (US$1,297/oz), and below the lower end of the guidance range of US$1,370/oz – US$1,410/oz. The YoY increase is driven by an increase in operating costs due to mining inflation, partially offset by decreased project capex at Salares Norte and weaker exchange rates. AIC, if adjusted to 2022 guidance exchange rates (R/US$15.55 and US$/A$0.76), is expected to be US$1,381/oz, within the guidance range.

All-in sustaining costs (AISC) for FY 2022 is expected to be US$1,105/oz, 4% higher than FY 2021 (US$1,063/ oz), also below the lower end of the guidance range of US$1,140/oz - US$1,180/oz. AISC, if adjusted to 2022 guidance exchange rates, is expected to be US$1,160/oz, also within the guidance range.

Q4 2022 operational performance
For Q4 2022, attributable gold equivalent production is expected to be 601koz (Q3 2022: 597koz), with AIC for the quarter expected to be US$1,298/oz (Q3 2022: US$1,279/oz). AISC is expected to be US$1,063/oz (Q3 2022: US$1,061/oz).

Trading statement
Headline earnings per share for the twelve months ended 31 December 2022 (FY 2022) are expected to range from US$1.16-1.22 per share (US$0.16-0.22 per share higher), which is 16% to 22% higher than the headline earnings of US$1.00 per share reported for the twelve months ended 31 December 2021 (FY 2021). The increase in headline earnings is driven by the net proceeds relating to the Yamana break fee of US$202m.

Basic earnings per share for FY 2022 are expected to range from US$0.77-0.83 per share (US$0.06- 0.12 per share lower), which is 7% to 13% lower than the basic earnings of US$0.89 per share reported for FY 2021. The decrease in basic earnings is due to impairments recognised at Tarkwa and Cerro Corona mainly due to an increase in discount rates; a write down of the investment in Far South East; as well as inflationary cost pressures experienced in 2022. This was partially offset by the net proceeds from the Yamana break fee.

• The biggest impairments recognised at year-end comprises:
  Tarkwa: US$325m pre-tax (US$220m post-tax) mainly due to the increase in the discount rate from 8.3% to 15.9% as a result of increases in the Ghana country risk premium and the risk free rate.
• Cerro Corona: US$63m pre-tax (US$44m post-tax) mainly due to the increase in the discount rate from 4.8% to 8.1% as a result of increases in the risk free rate.
• Far South East: US$114m – the investment has been written down to a carrying value of nil.

Normalised earnings per share for FY 2022 are expected to range from US$0.94-1.00 per share (US$0.05-0.11 per share lower), which is 5% to 11% lower than the normalised earnings of US$1.05 per share reported for FY 2021.

The financial and operational information on which this trading statement is based has not been reviewed, and reported on, by the Company's external auditors.

Gold Fields expects to release FY 2022 financial results on Thursday, 23 February 2023.

Notes to editors

About Gold Fields

Gold Fields Limited is a globally diversified gold producer with nine operating mines in Australia, Peru, South Africa, and West Africa (including the Asanko Joint Venture) and one project in Chile. We have total attributable annual gold-equivalent production of 2.34Mo, attributable gold-equivalent Mineral Reserves of 48.6Moz and gold Mineral Resources of 111.8Moz. Our shares are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and our American depositary share trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Sponsor: J.P. Morgan Equities South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Enquiries:
Investors
Avishkar Nagaser
Tel:  +27 11 562-9775
Mobile:  +27 82 312 8692
Email : Avishkar.Nagaser@goldfields.co.za

Thomas Mengel
Tel:  +27 11 562 9849
Mobile:  +27 72 493 5170
Email:  Thomas.Mengel@goldfields.co.za

Media
Sven Lunsche
Tel:  +27 11 562-9763
Mobile:  +27 83 260 9279
Email :  Sven.Lunsche@goldfields.co.za

 

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SOURCE Gold Fields Limited

FAQ

What are Gold Fields' gold production figures for FY 2022?

Gold Fields reported attributable gold equivalent production of 2,399koz for FY 2022, a 3% increase YoY.

What is the projected basic earnings per share for Gold Fields for FY 2022?

Basic earnings per share for FY 2022 are expected to range from US$0.77 to US$0.83, a decline of 7% to 13% YoY.

What is the outlook for Gold Fields' headline earnings for FY 2022?

Headline earnings per share are forecasted to increase by 16% to 22% due to a US$202m break fee.

When will Gold Fields release its FY 2022 financial results?

Gold Fields is expected to release its FY 2022 financial results on February 23, 2023.