Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K, filed on September 23, 2010, announces the release of Gold Fields Limited's Annual Report for the financial year ended June 30, 2010. Gold Fields is a major unhedged gold producer with operations in South Africa, Ghana, Australia, and Peru. The company operates nine mines and maintains an extensive exploration pipeline. Notably, management announced a change in the financial year-end from June 30 to December 31, with the next report expected before the end of March 2011.
Key Financial Metrics and Operational Data
The filing text does not provide specific revenue, profit, cash flow, margin, debt, or liquidity figures for the 2010 financial year; these details are contained within the full Annual Report referenced in the filing. However, the following operational metrics are disclosed:
- Attributable Production: 3.5 million gold equivalent ounces per annum.
- Mineral Reserves: 78 million gold equivalent ounces.
- Mineral Resources: 281 million gold equivalent ounces.
- Operational Footprint: Nine operating mines across four countries.
Material Changes
The primary material change disclosed in this filing is the strategic decision to shift the company's financial reporting calendar. The financial year-end will move from June 30 to December 31, effective with the upcoming reporting cycle.
Outlook, Risks, and Management Commentary
Management highlighted the company's commitment to sustainable growth, noting that the Annual Report achieved an independently assured A+ level of application to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The report covers reviews of operations in South Africa, West Africa, Australasia, and South America, as well as exploration and development projects. No specific forward-looking financial guidance or detailed risk factors were included in this summary filing.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the full financial performance (revenue, net income, cash flow) in the complete Annual Report for the year ended June 30, 2010, available on the company website.
- Confirm the impact of the financial year-end change (June to December) on future reporting schedules and comparability.
- Review the detailed breakdown of the 78 million ounces of Mineral Reserves and 281 million ounces of Mineral Resources by jurisdiction.
- Assess the status of the "extensive growth pipeline" and specific greenfields/near-mine exploration projects mentioned.