ICL Reports Record Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2022 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

ICL (NYSE: ICL), a global specialty minerals company, reported record annual sales exceeding $10 billion for 2022, a 44% increase year-over-year. Annual operating income surged 191% to $3.516 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $4 billion, up 138%. Net income rose to $2.159 billion, reflecting a 176% increase. The fourth quarter produced sales of $2.091 billion, up 3%, with operating income increasing by 17% year-over-year. Looking ahead, ICL expects adjusted EBITDA of $2.2 billion to $2.4 billion for 2023, fueled by its specialties businesses. The company also declared a dividend of $0.1383 per share, amounting to $178 million, payable on March 15, 2023.

Positive

• Record annual sales of $10.015 billion, up 44% from 2021.
• Operating income increased 191% to $3.516 billion.
• Net income rose to $2.159 billion, a 176% year-over-year increase.
• Adjusted EBITDA reached $4.007 billion, up 138%.

Negative

• Phosphorus-based products saw lower sales due to inflation and higher interest rates.
• Sales volume declines in bromine and phosphorus-based flame retardants.
• Lower sales volumes in the fourth quarter reflected ongoing supply chain challenges.

Company concludes record year, as sales topped more than $10 billion, with benefit from strong performance of specialties businesses and significant market upside

TEL AVIV, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ICL (NYSE: ICL) (TASE: ICL), a leading global specialty minerals company, today reported its fourth quarter and full year financial results for the year ended December 31, 2022. Consolidated annual sales were $10,015 million, an increase of 44% year-over-year versus $6,955 million recorded in 2021. Annual operating income of $3,516 million was up 191%, while adjusted operating income of $3,509 million was up 194%. Net income of $2,159 million in 2022 was 176%, while adjusted net income of $2,350 million was up 185%. Annual adjusted EBITDA of $4,007 million was up 138% over $1,687 million, and adjusted EBITDA margin of 40% was up significantly versus 24%. Diluted earnings per share for 2022 of $1.67 were up 178% versus $0.60 while adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.82 were up 185% versus $0.64.

For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2022, consolidated sales of $2,091 million were up 3% year-over-year versus $2,038 million. Operating income of $540 million was up 17% versus $461 million, while adjusted operating income of $562 million was up 23% versus $458 million. Net income of $331 million was up 17%, while adjusted net income of $358 million was up 6%. Adjusted EBITDA of $698 million was up 19% versus $587 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin of 33% was up versus 29%. Diluted earnings per share of $0.25 were up 19% versus $0.21, while adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.28 were up 5% versus $0.26.

"ICL delivered record sales of more than $10 billion and EBITDA of more than $4 billion for 2022, and this amount exceeded our guidance, which we raised each quarter. As expected, we saw a return to more traditional seasonality, in the fourth quarter. Throughout the year, we navigated global uncertainty, supply chain challenges and cost inflation, while simultaneously focusing on operating efficiency and productivity, introducing new innovative products, and delivering value to all of our stakeholders,” said Raviv Zoller, president and CEO of ICL. “In 2023, we will remain focused on executing against our five-year plan leveraging new opportunities in our specialties businesses, with consistent cost discipline, and resolve to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to our customers around the world.”

ICL full year 2023, adjusted EBITDA is expected to be within a range of $2.2 billion to $2.4 billion, with approximately $1.1 billion of this amount estimated to come from the Company’s specialties focused businesses. (1a)

Financial Figures and non-GAAP Financial Measures

		10-12/2022				10-12/2021				1-12/2022				1-12/2021
		$ millions		% of sales		$ millions		% of sales		$ millions		% of sales		$ millions		% of sales
Sales		2,091		-		2,038		-		10,015		-		6,955		-
Gross profit		933		45		857		42		5,032		50		2,611		38
Operating income		540		26		461		23		3,516		35		1,210		17
Adjusted operating income (1)		562		27		458		22		3,509		35		1,194		17
Net income attributable to the shareholders of the Company		331		16		283		14		2,159		22		783		11
Adjusted net income - shareholders of the Company (1)		358		17		339		17		2,350		23		824		12
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars)		0.25		-		0.21		-		1.67		-		0.60		-
Diluted adjusted earnings per share (in dollars) (2)		0.28		-		0.26		-		1.82		-		0.64		-
Adjusted EBITDA (2)		698		33		587		29		4,007		40		1,687		24
Cash flows from operating activities		467		-		344		-		2,025		-		1,065		-
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (3)		212		-		185		-		747		-		611		-

(1)		See “Adjustments to Reported Operating and Net income (non-GAAP)” below.
(2)		See “Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Diluted Adjusted Earnings Per Share for the periods of activity" below.
(3)		See “Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (unaudited)” to the accompanying financial statements.

		Industrial Products				Potash				Phosphate Solutions				Growing Solutions
		Three-months ended 31 December
		2022		2021		2022		2021		2022		2021		2022		2021
Segment operating income		95		111		340		244		116		87		32		42
Depreciation and amortization		15		18		45		40		49		46		24		21
Segment EBITDA		110		129		385		284		165		133		56		63

Segment Information

Industrial Products

The Industrial Products segment produces bromine from a highly concentrated solution in the Dead Sea and bromine‑based compounds at its facilities in Israel, the Netherlands and China. In addition, the segment produces salts, magnesium chloride, magnesia-based products, phosphorus-based, products and functional fluids.

Results of operations

		10-12/2022		10-12/2021		1-12/2022		1-12/2021
		$ millions		$ millions		$ millions		$ millions
Segment Sales		349		422		1,766		1,617
Sales to external customers		343		418		1,737		1,601
Sales to internal customers		6		4		29		16
Segment Operating Income		95		111		628		435
Depreciation and amortization		15		18		61		65
Segment EBITDA		110		129		689		500
Capital expenditures		27		25		90		74

Significant highlights

• Record annual sales and operating income of $1,766 million and $628 million were up 9% and 44% year-over-year, respectively.
• Bromine-based flame retardants: For 2022, sales increased year-over-year, with higher prices offsetting lower quantities. Electronics end-market demand softened as the year progressed, reflecting weaker consumer spending - a trend that is expected to continue into the beginning of 2023.
• Elemental bromine: Annual sales declined year-over-year as higher prices did not fully offset lower volumes.
• Phosphorus-based flame retardants: Construction activity was impacted, as both inflation and higher interest rates – mainly in the US and Europe – drove annual sales lower year-over-year on lower volumes, even as prices increased.
• Clear brine fluids: For 2022, sales increased year-over-year on higher prices.
• Specialty minerals: Annual sales were higher than last year with higher selling prices offsetting lower volumes.
• Overall raw material inputs remained elevated throughout most of 2022.

Results analysis for the period October – December 2022

		Sales			Expenses			Operating income
		$ millions
Q4 2021 figures		422			(311	)		111
Quantity		(128	)		63			(65	)
Price		64			-			64
Exchange rates		(9	)		10			1
Raw materials		-			(18	)		(18	)
Energy		-			(5	)		(5	)
Transportation		-			(3	)		(3	)
Operating and other expenses		-			10			10
Q4 2022 figures		349			(254	)		95

- Quantity – The negative impact on operating income was primarily related to a decrease in sales volumes of bromine and phosphorus-based flame retardants, elemental bromine, and specialty minerals, partially offset by an increase in sales volumes of clear brine fluids.

- Price – The positive impact on operating income was mainly due to higher selling prices of bromine-based flame retardants and bromine-based industrial solutions, as well as specialty minerals.

- Exchange rates – The positive impact on operational costs due to the depreciation of the average exchange rate of the Israeli shekel and the euro against the US dollar, was almost entirely offset by the negative impact on sales due to the depreciation of the average exchange rate of the euro against the US dollar.

- Raw materials – The negative impact on operating income resulted from higher costs of raw materials.

- Energy - The negative impact on operating income was due to higher electricity and gas prices.

- Operating and other expenses – The positive impact on operating income was primarily due to lower operational costs.

Potash

The Potash segment produces and sells mainly potash, salts, magnesium, and electricity. Potash is produced in Israel and Spain using an evaporation process to extract potash from the Dead Sea at Sodom Israel and conventional mining from an underground mine in Spain. The segment also includes the production and sale of pure magnesium and magnesium alloys, as well as the production and sale of chlorine. In addition, the segment sells salt products produced at its potash site in Spain. The segment operates a power plant in Sodom which supplies electricity to ICL companies in Israel (surplus electricity is sold to external customers) and steam to all facilities at the Sodom site.

Results of operations

		10-12/2022		10-12/2021		1-12/2022		1-12/2021
		$ millions		$ millions		$ millions		$ millions
Segment Sales		713		647		3,313		1,776
Potash sales to external customers		568		541		2,710		1,401
Potash sales to internal customers		36		18		184		94
Other and eliminations (1)		109		88		419		281
Gross Profit		456		372		2,292		870
Segment Operating Income		340		244		1,822		399
Depreciation and amortization		45		40		166		148
Segment EBITDA		385		284		1,988		547
Capital expenditures		92		85		346		270
Potash price - CIF ($ per tonne)		594		520		682		356

(1)

Includes salt produced in Spain, metal magnesium-based products, chlorine, and sales of excess electricity produced by ICL’s power plant at ICL Dead Sea.

Significant highlights

ICL Dead Sea:

• ICL Dead Sea reached an all-time annual potash production record of 4,011K tonnes in 2022, following continued process improvements. In addition, the site achieved sales and operating income records, which were supported by market conditions.

ICL Iberia:

• Performance improvement projects implemented by ICL Iberia throughout 2022 are expected to result in increased production and to address operational and geological challenges, which negatively impacted production in recent years.

Metal Magnesium:

• Metal magnesium achieved annual sales and operating income records, which were supported by annual contracts securing high prices in a volatile pricing environment.

Additional segment information

Global potash market - average prices and imports:

Average prices				10-12.2022		10-12.2021		VS Q4 2021		07-09/2022		VS Q3 2022
Granular potash – Brazil		CFR spot ($ per tonne)		570		787		(27.6)%		844		(32.5)%
Granular potash – Northwest Europe		CIF spot/contract (€ per tonne)		813		543		49.7%		875		(7.1)%
Standard potash – Southeast Asia		CFR spot ($ per tonne)		675		578		16.8%		873		(22.7)%
Potash imports
To Brazil		million tonnes		1.5		3.4		(55.9)%		2.9		(48.3)%
To China		million tonnes		1.8		1.6		12.5%		2.1		(14.3)%
To India		million tonnes		0.5		0.5		0.0%		0.6		(9.1)%

Sources: CRU (Fertilizer Week Historical Price: January 2023), FAI, Brazilian and Chinese customs data.

Potash – Production, and Sales

Thousands of tonnes		10-12/2022		10-12/2021		1-12/2022		1-12/2021
Production		1,224		1,188		4,691		4,514
Total sales (including internal sales)		1,068		1,147		4,499		4,434
Closing inventory		547		355		547		355

Full year 2022

- Production – In 2022, potash production was 177 thousand tonnes higher than the prior year due to ongoing operational improvements at both ICL Dead Sea and ICL Iberia, which include, among others, the connection of the ramp to the Cabanasses mine at ICL Iberia.

- Sales – The quantity of potash sold in 2022 was 65 thousand tonnes higher than the prior year mainly due to higher sales to India, Brazil and Asia, partially offset by lower sales to Europe, and the US.

Fourth quarter 2022

- Production – Production was 36 thousand tonnes higher year-over-year due to operational improvements implemented at ICL Dead Sea and ICL Iberia.

- Sales – The quantity of potash sold was 79 thousand tonnes lower year-over-year, mainly due to lower sales volumes to Brazil and Asia, partially offset by higher sales to India, Europe and the US.

Results analysis for the period October – December 2022

		Sales		Expenses		Operating income
		$ millions
Q4 2021 figures		647		(403)		244
Quantity		(72)		22		(50)
Price		150		-		150
Exchange rates		(12)		3		(9)
Raw materials		-		(1)		(1)
Energy		-		4		4
Transportation		-		10		10
Operating and other expenses		-		(8)		(8)
Q4 2022 figures		713		(373)		340

- Quantity – The negative impact on operating income was primarily related to decreased potash sales volumes from ICL Dead Sea, partially offset by higher sales volumes from ICL Iberia.

- Price – The positive impact on operating income resulted primarily from an increase of $74 in the price of potash (CIF) per tonne year-over-year.

- Exchange rates – The unfavorable impact on operating income was due to depreciation of the average exchange rate of the euro against the US dollar, which led to a negative impact on sales that was partially offset by a positive impact on operational costs resulting from depreciation of the average exchange rate of the Israeli shekel against the US dollar.

- Transportation – The positive impact on operating income was due to decreased marine transportation costs.

- Operating and other expenses – The negative impact on operating income was primarily related to higher operational costs.

Phosphate Solutions

The Phosphate Solutions segment operates ICL's phosphate value chain and uses phosphate rock and fertilizer-grade phosphoric acid to produce downstream phosphate-based specialty products, as well as to produce and sell phosphate-based fertilizers.

Sales of phosphate specialties of $403 million and operating income of $66 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 were approximately 8% and 47% higher, respectively, compared to the fourth quarter of 2021. The increase in operating income was driven mainly by higher prices which offset increased raw material costs, as well as higher energy and other production costs. Despite ongoing supply chain challenges, the segment’s global production footprint enabled it to provide reliable supply to its customers worldwide.

Sales of phosphate commodities amounted to $224 million, approximately 14% higher than in the fourth quarter of 2021, due to an increase in quantities sold and higher market prices. Operating income of $50 million, a year-over-year increase of $8 million, was primarily due to higher prices, partially offset by higher costs of raw materials, mainly sulphur.

Results of operations

		10-12/2022		10-12/2021		1-12/2022		1-12/2021
		$ millions		$ millions		$ millions		$ millions
Segment Sales		627		571		3,106		2,254
Sales to external customers		574		527		2,851		2,087
Sales to internal customers		53		44		255		167
Segment Operating Income		116		87		777		294
Depreciation and amortization*		49		46		189		207
Segment EBITDA		165		133		966		501
Phosphate specialties EBITDA		79		60		436		209
Phosphate commodities EBITDA		86		73		530		292
Capital expenditures		78		62		259		228

* For Q4 2022, comprised of $13 million in phosphate specialties and $36 million in phosphate commodities. For Q4 2021, $15 million in phosphate specialties and $31 million in phosphate commodities.

Significant highlights

• In 2022, the specialty phosphates business benefited from higher prices in all regions, while persistent supply-chain challenges negatively impacted raw material and production costs.
• Despite these challenges, and even as major raw material suppliers continued to experience unplanned production downtime, the Company provided reliable supply to customers via its global production and logistics network.
• Phosphate salts: Annual sales increased year-over-year, with both higher prices and volumes. End market demand for food solutions was solid in North and South America but weaker in Europe. For industrial end-markets, demand for commercial applications remained stable, while demand for products related to residential applications subsided, as inflation and interest rates increased.
• White phosphoric acid (WPA): Sales for 2022 increased year-over-year, with higher selling prices – especially in Europe and in North and South America – offsetting lower volumes, through the fourth quarter.
• Energy storage solutions (ESS)

- In October, the Company announced plans to build a $400 million lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode active material manufacturing (CAM) plant in St. Louis, which is expected to be the first large-scale LFP material manufacturing facility in the U.S. The plant is expected to be operational by 2024 and will produce high-quality LFP material for the global lithium battery industry, using a primarily domestic supply chain.

- The Company's YPH joint venture in China continued to experience growing demand for the specialty raw materials used for energy storage solutions.

• Phosphate fertilizers: Annual sales increased on both higher prices and volumes. While prices declined during the fourth quarter, they began to moderate by the end of the year, due to increasing demand – mainly in Latin America and also supported by better affordability and limited supply available from China.

Additional segment information

Global phosphate commodities market - average prices:

Average prices	$ per tonne		10-12.2022		10-12.2021		VS Q4 2021		07-09/2022		VS Q3 2022
DAP	CFR India Bulk Spot		734		809		(9)%		863		(15)%
TSP	CFR Brazil Bulk Spot		543		677		(20)%		797		(32)%
SSP	CPT Brazil inland 18-20% P2O5 Bulk Spot		270		395		(32)%		423		(36)%
Sulphur	Bulk FOB Adnoc monthly Bulk contract		138		226		(39)%		193		(28)%
Source: CRU (Fertilizer Week Historical Prices, January 2023).

Results analysis for the period October - December 2022

		Sales		Expenses		Operating income
		$ millions
Q4 2021 figures		571		(484)		87
Quantity		(20)		(1)		(21)
Price		116		-		116
Exchange rates		(40)		39		(1)
Raw materials		-		(39)		(39)
Energy		-		(8)		(8)
Transportation		-		1		1
Operating and other expenses		-		(19)		(19)
Q4 2022 figures		627		(511)		116

- Quantity – The negative impact on operating income was primarily related to lower sales volumes of white phosphoric acid (WPA), mainly in Europe and South America, as well as lower sales volumes of salts and phosphate-based food additives. This was partially offset by an increase in sales volumes of fertilizers in China.

- Price – The positive impact on operating income was primarily due to higher selling prices of phosphate-based food additives, WPA and salts, in most regions, mainly in Europe. This was partially offset by a decrease in selling prices of fertilizers in America.

- Exchange rates – The negative impact on sales was due to the depreciation of the average exchange rate of the Chinese yuan and the euro against the US dollar, which was almost entirely offset by the positive impact on operational costs.

- Raw materials – The negative impact on operating income was due to higher costs, mainly sulphur, caustic soda and potassium hydroxide (KOH).

- Energy – The negative impact on operating income was due to higher electricity and gas prices, mainly in Europe and North America.

- Operating and other expenses – The negative impact on operating income was primarily related to higher operational costs.

Growing Solutions

The Growing Solutions segment aims to achieve global leadership in plant nutrition markets by enhancing its position in its core markets of specialty agriculture, ornamental horticulture, turf and landscaping, fertilizers and FertilizerpluS, targeting high-growth markets such as Brazil, India, and China. The segment also looks to leverage its unique R&D capabilities, substantial agronomic experience, global footprint, backward integration to potash, phosphate, polysulphate and its chemistry know-how, as well as its ability to integrate and generate synergies from acquired businesses. The segment works continuously to expand its broad portfolio of specialty plant nutrition, plant stimulation and plant health solutions, which consist of enhanced efficiency and controlled release fertilizers (CRF), water-soluble fertilizers (WSF), liquid fertilizers and straights (MKP/MAP/PeKacid), its FertilizerpluS range, soil and foliar micronutrients, secondary nutrients, biostimulants, soil conditioners, seed treatment products, and adjuvants.

In line with the Company's continued focus on targeting long-term growth through its diversified specialty solutions, in 2022 it changed its managerial structure so that the activities of ICL Boulby and other European business components were transferred from the Potash and Phosphate Solutions segments, respectively, to the Growing Solutions segment. Accordingly, the Company restated comparative figures to reflect the structural change of the reporting segments.

Results of operations

		10-12/2022		10-12/2021		1-12/2022		1-12/2021
		$ millions		$ millions		$ millions		$ millions
Segment Sales		527		492		2,422		1,670
Sales to external customers		513		481		2,376		1,644
Sales to internal customers		14		11		46		26
Segment Operating Income		32		42		378		135
Depreciation and amortization		24		21		70		62
Segment EBITDA		56		63		448		197
Capital expenditures		38		38		101		74

Significant highlights

• Specialty fertilizers: Annual sales increased year-over-year, as higher prices for straights, liquid NPKs, water-soluble NPKs and controlled-release fertilizers offset lower volumes.
• Turf and Ornamental (T&O): Annual sales increased year-over-year with both higher prices and higher volumes, as the turf market remained stable. In the fourth quarter, the ornamental end-market was impacted by inflation – for both growers and consumers - and this uncertainty component is expected to continue into the beginning of 2023.
• Brazil: Sales for 2022 reflect strong demand in the first half of the year due to supply concerns related to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, which abated in the second half, resulting in lower prices for the fourth quarter.
• Polysulphate-based products: Annual sales of FertilizerpluS products increased year-over-year due to higher selling prices.
• ICL Boulby: Annual production of polysulphate increased by 21% to 953 thousand tonnes.

Results analysis for the period October – December 2022

		Sales		Expenses		Operating income
		$ millions
Q4 2021 figures		492		(450)		42
Quantity		(74)		60		(14)
Price		126		-		126
Exchange rates		(17)		15		(2)
Raw materials		-		(108)		(108)
Energy		-		(1)		(1)
Transportation		-		(14)		(14)
Operating and other expenses		-		3		3
Q4 2022 figures		527		(495)		32

- Quantity – The negative impact on operating income was due to lower sales volumes of specialty agriculture and FertilizerpluS products.

- Price – The positive impact on operating income was due to higher selling prices across most business lines, primarily specialty agriculture and FertilizerpluS products.

- Exchange rates – The negative impact on sales was due to depreciation of the average exchange rate of the euro against the US dollar, which was almost entirely offset by the positive impact on operational costs due to depreciation of the average exchange rate of the euro and the British pound against the US dollar.

- Raw materials – The negative impact on operating income was primarily due to higher costs of commodity fertilizers, potassium hydroxide (KOH) and urea.

- Transportation – The negative impact on operating income resulted from increased marine and inland transportation costs.

Financing expenses, net

Net financing expenses in the fourth quarter of 2022 amounted to $41 million, compared to $38 million in the corresponding quarter last year, an increase of $3 million.

Tax expenses

In 2022, the Company’s reported tax expenses were $1,185 million, which include prior years’ expenses following a settlement agreement with the Israeli Tax Authority regarding the surplus profit levy, compared to $260 million in 2021. The Company’s adjusted tax expenses for 2022 amounted to $987 million, excluding the said prior years expenses, compared to $203 million in 2021, reflecting an effective tax rate of 29% and 19%, respectively.

The Company’s higher effective tax rate for 2022 was mainly due to the surplus profit levy. The Company’s relatively low effective tax rate for the prior year resulted primarily from higher profit deriving from tax jurisdictions with lower effective tax rates.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and deposits amounted to $508 million compared to $564 million as of December 31, 2021. In addition, the Company maintained $748 million of unused credit facilities as of December 31, 2022.

Outstanding net debt

As of December 31, 2022, ICL’s net financial liabilities amounted to $2,316 million, a decrease of $133 million compared to December 31, 2021.

Dividend Distribution

In connection with ICL’s fourth quarter 2022 results, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of 13.83 cents per share, or approximately $178 million. The dividend will be paid on March 15, 2023. The record date is March 1, 2023.

About ICL

ICL Group Ltd. is a leading global specialty minerals company, which creates impactful solutions for humanity’s sustainability challenges in the food, agriculture, and industrial markets. ICL leverages its unique bromine, potash, and phosphate resources, its global professional workforce, and its sustainability focused R&D and technological innovation capabilities, to drive the Company’s growth across its end markets. ICL shares are dual listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (NYSE and TASE: ICL). The Company employs more than 12,500 people worldwide, and its 2022 revenue totaled approximately $10 billion. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.icl-group.com¹.

We disclose in this quarterly report non-IFRS financial measures titled adjusted operating income, adjusted net income attributable to the Company’s shareholders, diluted adjusted earnings per share, and adjusted EBITDA. Our management uses adjusted operating income, adjusted net income attributable to the Company’s shareholders, diluted adjusted earnings per share, and adjusted EBITDA to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period. We calculate our adjusted operating income by adjusting our operating income to add certain items, as set forth in the reconciliation table under “Adjustments to reported operating, and net income (non-GAAP)” below. Certain of these items may recur. We calculate our adjusted net income attributable to the Company’s shareholders by adjusting our net income attributable to the Company’s shareholders to add certain items, as set forth in the reconciliation table under “Adjustments to reported operating, and net income (non-GAAP)” below, excluding the total tax impact of such adjustments. We calculate our diluted adjusted earnings per share by dividing adjusted net income by the weighted-average number of diluted ordinary shares outstanding. Our adjusted EBITDA is calculated as net income before financing expenses, net, taxes on income, share in earnings of equity-accounted investees, depreciation and amortization, and adjust items presented in the reconciliation table under “Consolidated adjusted EBITDA, and diluted adjusted Earnings Per Share for the periods of activity” below, which were adjusted for in calculating the adjusted operating income. Commencing with the year 2022, the Company’s “adjusted EBITDA” calculation is no longer adding back “minority and equity income, net“. While “minority and equity income, net” reflects the share of an equity investor in one of our owned operations, since adjusted EBITDA measures the Company’s overall performance, its operations and its ability to satisfy cash needs, before profit is allocated to the equity investor, management believes that adjusted EBITDA before deduction of such item is more reflective.

You should not view adjusted operating income, adjusted net income attributable to the Company’s shareholders, diluted adjusted earnings per share or adjusted EBITDA as a substitute for operating income or net income attributable to the Company’s shareholders determined in accordance with IFRS, and you should note that our definitions of adjusted operating income, adjusted net income attributable to the Company’s shareholders, diluted adjusted earnings per share, and adjusted EBITDA may differ from those used by other companies. Additionally, other companies may use other measures to evaluate their performance, which may reduce the usefulness of our non-IFRS financial measures as tools for comparison. However, we believe adjusted operating income, adjusted net income attributable to the Company’s shareholders, diluted adjusted earnings per share, and adjusted EBITDA provide useful information to both management, and investors by excluding certain items that management believes are not indicative of our ongoing operations. Our management uses these non-IFRS measures to evaluate the Company's business strategies, and management performance. We believe that these non IFRS measures provide useful information to investors because they improve the comparability of our financial results between periods and provide for greater transparency of key measures used to evaluate our performance.

1The reference to our website is intended to be an inactive textual reference and the information on, or accessible through, our website is not intended to be part of this Form 6-K.

(1a) The Company only provides guidance on a non-GAAP basis. The Company does not provide a reconciliation of forward-looking adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) to GAAP net income (loss), due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting, and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such reconciliation, in particular, because special items such as restructuring, litigation, and other matters, used to calculate projected net income (loss) vary dramatically based on actual events, the Company is not able to forecast on a GAAP basis with reasonable certainty all deductions needed in order to provide a GAAP calculation of projected net income (loss) at this time. The amount of these deductions may be material, and therefore could result in projected GAAP net income (loss) being materially less than projected adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP). The guidance speaks only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect actual outcomes, unless required by law. Specialties focused businesses are represented by the Industrial Products, and Growing Solutions segments, and the specialties part of the Phosphate Solutions segment. We present EBITDA from the phosphate specialties part of the Phosphate Solutions segment as we believe this information is useful to investors in reflecting the specialty portion of our business

We present a discussion in the period-to-period comparisons of the primary drivers of change in the Company’s results of operations. This discussion is based in part on management’s best estimates of the impact of the main trends on our businesses. We have based the following discussion on our financial statements. You should read such discussion together with our financial statements.

Adjustments to Reported Operating and Net income (non-GAAP)

		10-12/2022		10-12/2021		1-12/2022		1-12/2021
		$ millions		$ millions		$ millions		$ millions
Operating income		540		461		3,516		1,210
Divestment related items and transaction costs from acquisitions (1)		-		(16)		(29)		(22)
Legal proceedings, dispute and other settlement expenses (2)		22		13		22		5
Impairment and disposal of assets, provision for closure and restoration costs (3)		-		-		-		1
Total adjustments to operating income		22		(3)		(7)		(16)
Adjusted operating income		562		458		3,509		1,194
Net income attributable to the shareholders of the Company		331		283		2,159		783
Total adjustments to operating income		22		(3)		(7)		(16)
Total tax adjustments (4)		5		59		198		57
Total adjusted net income - shareholders of the Company		358		339		2,350		824

(1)		For 2022, reflects a capital gain related to the sale of an asset in Israel and the Company’s divestment of a 50%-owned joint venture, Novetide. For 2021, reflects a capital gain related to the sale of an asset in Israel and the divestment of the Industrial Products segment's Zhapu site in China, partially offset by an earnout adjustment relating to a divestment in previous years, as well as transaction costs related to acquisitions in Brazil.
(2)		For 2022, reflects mainly the costs of a mediation settlement regarding the claims related to the Ashalim Stream incident. For 2021, reflects settlement costs related to the termination of a partnership between ICL Iberia and Nobian, as well as reimbursement of arbitration costs related to a potash project in Ethiopia, which was partially offset by a reversal of a VAT provision following a court ruling in Brazil.
(3)		For 2021, reflects the write-off of a pilot investment in Spain that did not materialize and an increase in restoration costs, offset by a reversal of impairment due to the strengthening of phosphate prices.
(4)		For 2022, reflects tax expenses in respect of prior years following a settlement with Israel’s Tax Authority regarding Israel's surplus profit levy, which outlines understandings for the calculation of the levy, including the measurement of fixed assets and the tax impact of adjustments made to operational income. For 2021, the amount includes tax expenses related to the release of accumulated profits of the Company and certain Israeli subsidiaries that were exempt from tax until their distribution as a dividend, following a temporary provision to Israel’s Encouragement Law, as well as the tax impact of adjustments made to operational income.

Consolidated adjusted EBITDA and diluted adjusted Earnings Per Share for the periods of activity

Calculation of adjusted EBITDA was made as follows:

		10-12/2022		10-12/2021		1-12/2022		1-12/2021
		$ millions		$ millions		$ millions		$ millions
Net income		342		298		2,219		832
Financing expenses, net		41		38		113		122
Taxes on income		158		128		1,185		260
Less: Share in earnings of equity-accounted investees		(1)		(3)		(1)		(4)
Operating income		540		461		3,516		1,210
Depreciation and amortization		136		129		498		493
Adjustments (1)		22		(3)		(7)		(16)
Total adjusted EBITDA (2)		698		587		4,007		1,687

(1)		See "Adjustments to Reported Operating and Net income (non-GAAP)" above.
(2)		Commencing 2022, the Company’s adjusted EBITDA definition was updated, see the disclaimer above.

Calculation of diluted adjusted earnings per share was made as follows:

		10-12/2022		10-12/2021		1-12/2022		1-12/2021
		$ millions		$ millions		$ millions		$ millions
Net income attributable to the shareholders of the Company		331		283		2,159		783
Adjustments (1)		22		(3)		(7)		(16)
Total tax adjustments		5		59		198		57
Adjusted net income - shareholders of the Company		358		339		2,350		824
Weighted-average number of diluted ordinary shares outstanding (in thousands)		1,291,299		1,288,963		1,289,947		1,287,051
Diluted adjusted earnings per share (in dollars) (2)		0.28		0.26		1.82		0.64

(1)		See "Adjustments to Reported Operating and Net income (non-GAAP)" above.
(2)		The diluted adjusted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the adjusted net income‑shareholders of the Company by the weighted-average number of diluted ordinary shares outstanding (in thousands).

Consolidated Results Analysis

Results analysis for the period October – December 2022

		Sales		Expenses		Operating income
		$ millions
Q4 2021 figures		2,038		(1,577)		461
Total adjustments Q4 2021*		-		(3)		(3)
Adjusted Q4 2021 figures		2,038		(1,580)		458
Quantity		(261)		132		(129)
Price		393		-		393
Exchange rates		(79)		73		(6)
Raw materials		-		(106)		(106)
Energy		-		(15)		(15)
Transportation		-		(5)		(5)
Operating and other expenses		-		(28)		(28)
Adjusted Q4 2022 figures		2,091		(1,529)		562
Total adjustments Q4 2022*		-		(22)		(22)
Q4 2022 figures		2,091		(1,551)		540
* See "Adjustments to reported Operating and Net income (non-GAAP)" above

- Quantity - The negative impact on operating income was primarily due to lower sales volumes of potash, bromine and phosphorus-based flame retardant, elemental bromine, specialty minerals, specialty agriculture and FertilizerpluS products, as well as white phosphoric acid (WPA). These were partially offset by increased sales volumes of phosphate fertilizers and clear brine fluids.

- Price - The positive impact on operating income was primarily related to an increase of $74 in the potash price (CIF) per tonne year-over-year, as well as higher selling prices of specialty agriculture and FertilizerpluS products, phosphate-based food additives, WPA, salts and bromine-based flame retardants. These were partially offset by a decrease in selling prices of phosphate fertilizers.

- Exchange rates – The unfavorable impact on operating income was due to a negative impact on sales caused by the depreciation of the average exchange rate of the euro and the Chinese yuan against the US dollar. This was partially offset by the positive impact on operational costs due to depreciation of the average exchange rate of the euro, Chinese yuan, and the Israeli shekel against the US dollar.

- Raw materials – The negative impact on operating income was due to higher costs of raw materials used in the production of industrial solutions products, as well as higher costs of commodity fertilizers, sulphur, caustic soda and potassium hydroxide (KOH).

- Energy – The negative impact on operating income was due to increased electricity and gas prices, mainly in Europe.

- Transportation – The negative impact on operating income resulted from increased inland transportation costs.

- Operating and other expenses – The negative impact on operating income was primarily related to higher maintenance and operational costs.

The following table sets forth sales by geographical regions based on the location of the customers:

		10-12/2022				10-12/2021
		$ millions		% of Sales		$ millions		% of Sales
Europe		608		29		517		25
Asia		592		28		554		27
South America		396		19		509		25
North America		358		17		329		16
Rest of the world		137		7		129		7
Total		2,091		100		2,038		100

- Europe – The increase primarily relates to higher selling prices and sales volumes of potash, FertilizerpluS products and bromine-based industrial solutions, as well as higher selling prices of white phosphoric acid (WPA), phosphate-based food additives, salts and bromine-based flame retardants. The increase was partially offset by lower sales volumes of bromine and phosphorous-based flame retardants, WPA, phosphate-based food additives and salts.

- Asia – The increase primarily relates to higher selling prices of potash and bromine-based flame retardants, as well as higher sales volumes of phosphate fertilizers and clear brine fluids. The increase was partially offset by lower sales volumes of bromine-based flame retardants, bromine-based industrial solutions, potash and WPA, as well as lower sales volumes and selling prices of elemental bromine.

- South America – The decrease primarily relates to lower selling prices and sales volumes of potash and phosphate fertilizers, as well as lower sales volumes of specialty agriculture and FertilizerpluS products, WPA and clear brine fluids. This was partially offset by higher selling prices of specialty agriculture products, phosphate-based food additives and WPA.

- North America – The increase primarily relates to higher selling prices of phosphate-based food additives, WPA and salts. This increase was partially offset by lower sales volumes of phosphorous-based flame retardants, as well as lower selling prices and sales volumes of phosphate fertilizers.

- Rest of the world – The increase in sales was primarily related to higher selling prices of potash, as well as higher sales volumes of phosphate fertilizers. This increase was partially offset by lower sales volumes of specialty agriculture products.

Forward-looking Statements

This announcement contains statements that constitute “forward‑looking statements”, many of which can be identified by the use of forward‑looking words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “expect”, “should”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, “strive”, “forecast”, “targets” and “potential”, among others.

Forward‑looking statements appear in a number of places in this announcement and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our intent, belief or current expectations. Forward‑looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and the actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward‑looking statements due to various factors, including, but not limited to:

Changes in exchange rates or prices compared to those we are currently experiencing; loss or impairment of business licenses or mineral extractions permits or concessions; volatility of supply and demand and the impact of competition; the difference between actual reserves and our reserve estimates; natural disasters and cost of compliance with environmental regulatory legislative and licensing restrictions including laws and regulation related to, and physical impacts of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions; failure to "harvest" salt which could lead to accumulation of salt at the bottom of the evaporation Pond 5 in the Dead Sea; disruptions at our seaport shipping facilities or regulatory restrictions affecting our ability to export our products overseas; general market, political or economic conditions in the countries in which we operate; price increases or shortages with respect to our principal raw materials; delays in termination of engagements with contractors and/or governmental obligations; the inflow of significant amounts of water into the Dead Sea which could adversely affect production at our plants; labor disputes, slowdowns and strikes involving our employees; pension and health insurance liabilities; Pandemics may create disruptions, impacting our sales, operations, supply chain and customers; changes to governmental incentive programs or tax benefits, creation of new fiscal or tax related legislation; and/or higher tax liabilities; changes in our evaluations and estimates, which serve as a basis for the recognition and manner of measurement of assets and liabilities; failure to integrate or realize expected benefits from mergers and acquisitions, organizational restructuring and joint ventures; currency rate fluctuations; rising interest rates; government examinations or investigations; disruption of our, or our service providers', information technology systems or breaches of our, or our service providers', data security; failure to retain and/or recruit key personnel; inability to realize expected benefits from our cost reduction program according to the expected timetable; inability to access capital markets on favorable terms; cyclicality of our businesses; changes in demand for our fertilizer products due to a decline in agricultural product prices, lack of available credit, weather conditions, government policies or other factors beyond our control; sales of our magnesium products being affected by various factors that are not within our control; our ability to secure approvals and permits from the authorities in Israel to continue our phosphate mining operations in Rotem Amfert Israel; volatility or crises in the financial markets; hazards inherent to mining and chemical manufacturing; the failure to ensure the safety of our workers and processes; litigation, arbitration and regulatory proceedings; exposure to third party and product liability claims; product recalls or other liability claims as a result of food safety and food-borne illness concerns; insufficiency of insurance coverage; closing of transactions, mergers and acquisitions; war or acts of terror and/or political, economic and military instability in Israel and its region; filing of class actions and derivative actions against the Company, its executives and Board members; The Company is exposed to risks relating to its current and future activity in emerging markets; and other risk factors discussed under ”Item 3 - Key Information— D. Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 23, 2022 (the “Annual Report”).

Forward‑looking statements speak only as at the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information or future developments or to release publicly any revisions to these statements in order to reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

This report for the fourth quarter of 2022 (the “Quarterly Report”) should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report and the report for the first, second and third quarter of 2022 published by the Company (the “prior quarterly report”), including the description of the events occurring subsequent to the date of the statement of financial position, as filed with the U.S. SEC.

Appendix:

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of (Unaudited)

		December 31, 2022		December 31, 2021
		$ millions		$ millions
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		417		473
Short-term investments and deposits		91		91
Trade receivables		1,583		1,418
Inventories		2,134		1,570
Prepaid expenses and other receivables		323		357
Total current assets		4,548		3,909
Non-current assets
Deferred tax assets		150		147
Property, plant and equipment		5,969		5,754
Intangible assets		852		867
Other non-current assets		231		403
Total non-current assets		7,202		7,171
Total assets		11,750		11,080
Current liabilities
Short-term debt		512		577
Trade payables		1,006		1,064
Provisions		81		59
Other payables		1,007		912
Total current liabilities		2,606		2,612
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and debentures		2,312		2,436
Deferred tax liabilities		423		384
Long-term employee liabilities		402		564
Long-term provisions and accruals		234		278
Other		60		70
Total non-current liabilities		3,431		3,732
Total liabilities		6,037		6,344
Equity
Total shareholders’ equity		5,464		4,527
Non-controlling interests		249		209
Total equity		5,713		4,736
Total liabilities and equity		11,750		11,080

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

(In millions except per share data)

		For the three-month period ended				For the year ended
		December 31, 2022		December 31, 2021		December 31, 2022		December 31, 2021
		$ millions		$ millions		$ millions		$ millions
Sales		2,091		2,038		10,015		6,955
Cost of sales		1,158		1,181		4,983		4,344
Gross profit		933		857		5,032		2,611
Selling, transport and marketing expenses		281		304		1,181		1,067
General and administrative expenses		78		78		291		276
Research and development expenses		15		19		68		64
Other expenses		24		18		30		57
Other income		(5)		(23)		(54)		(63)
Operating income		540		461		3,516		1,210
Finance expenses		65		100		327		216
Finance income		(24)		(62)		(214)		(94)
Finance expenses, net		41		38		113		122
Share in earnings of equity-accounted investees		1		3		1		4
Income before taxes on income		500		426		3,404		1,092
Taxes on income		158		128		1,185		260
Net income		342		298		2,219		832
Net income attributable to the non-controlling interests		11		15		60		49
Net income attributable to the shareholders of the Company		331		283		2,159		783
Earnings per share attributable to the shareholders of the Company:
Basic earnings per share (in dollars)		0.26		0.21		1.68		0.61
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars)		0.25		0.21		1.67		0.60
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares outstanding:
Basic (in thousands)		1,289,100		1,284,722		1,287,304		1,282,807
Diluted (in thousands)		1,291,299		1,288,963		1,289,947		1,287,051

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

		For the three-month period ended				For the year ended
		December 31, 2022		December 31, 2021		December 31, 2022		December 31, 2021
		$ millions		$ millions		$ millions		$ millions
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income		342		298		2,219		832
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortization		136		126		498		490
Fixed assets impairment (reversal of)		-		3		-		(6)
Exchange rate, interest and derivative, net		(4)		17		157		99
Tax expenses		158		128		1,185		260
Change in provisions		(8)		9		(83)		(4)
Other		4		(19)		(15)		(21)
		286		264		1,742		818
Change in inventories		(72)		(155)		(527)		(267)
Change in trade receivables		149		(218)		(215)		(426)
Change in trade payables		(100)		166		(42)		274
Change in other receivables		12		29		(46)		9
Change in other payables		48		81		107		107
Net change in operating assets and liabilities		37		(97)		(723)		(303)
Interest paid, net		(38)		(16)		(106)		(89)
Income taxes paid, net of refund		(160)		(105)		(1,107)		(193)
Net cash provided by operating activities		467		344		2,025		1,065
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds (payments) from deposits, net		1		148		(36)		355
Business combinations		-		2		(18)		(365)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets		(212)		(185)		(747)		(611)
Proceeds from divestiture of assets and businesses, net of transaction expenses		4		13		33		39
Other		-		-		14		3
Net cash used in investing activities		(207)		(22)		(754)		(579)
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid to the Company's shareholders		(314)		(107)		(1,166)		(276)
Receipt of long-term debt		311		113		1,045		1,230
Repayments of long-term debt		(383)		(207)		(1,181)		(1,120)
Receipts (repayments) of short-term debt, net		30		50		(21)		(58)
Receipts (payments) from transactions in derivatives		1		1		20		(17)
Other		-		(3)		-		(3)
Net cash used in financing activities		(355)		(153)		(1,303)		(244)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(95)		169		(32)		242
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period		498		301		473		214
Net effect of currency translation on cash and cash equivalents		14		3		(24)		17
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period		417		473		417		473

A. Operating segment data

		Industrial Products		Potash		Phosphate Solutions		Growing Solutions		Other Activities		Reconciliations		Consolidated
	$ millions
For the three-month period ended December 31, 2022
Sales to external parties		343		656		574		513		5		-		2,091
Inter-segment sales		6		57		53		14		1		(131)		-
Total sales		349		713		627		527		6		(131)		2,091
Segment operating income (loss)		95		340		116		32		(2)		(19)		562
Other expense not allocated to the segments														(22)
Operating income														540
Financing expenses, net														(41)
Share in earnings of equity-accounted investees														1
Income before income taxes														500
Depreciation and amortization		15		45		49		24		1		2		136
Capital expenditures		27		92		78		38		2		7		244

A. Operating segment data (cont'd)

For the three-month period ended December 31, 2021		Industrial Products		Potash		Phosphate Solutions		Growing Solutions		Other Activities		Reconciliations		Consolidated
		$ millions
Sales to external parties		418		606		527		481		6		-		2,038
Inter-segment sales		4		41		44		11		1		(101)		-
Total sales		422		647		571		492		7		(101)		2,038
Segment operating income (loss)		111		244		87		42		(1)		(25)		458
Other income not allocated to the segments														3
Operating income														461
Financing expenses, net														(38)
Share in earnings of equity-accounted investees														3
Income before income taxes														426
Depreciation amortization and impairment		18		40		46		21		-		4		129
Capital expenditures		25		85		62		38		2		7		219

B. Information based on geographical location

The following table presents the distribution of the operating segments sales by geographical location of the customer:

		10-12/2022				10-12/2021
		$ millions		% of sales		$ millions		% of sales
Brazil		359		17		477		23
USA		333		16		302		15
China		283		14		272		13
India		153		7		79		4
United Kingdom		108		5		84		4
Germany		94		4		82		4
Spain		80		4		68		3
Israel		76		4		83		4
France		66		3		65		3
Netherlands		44		2		29		1
All other		495		24		497		26
Total		2,091		100		2,038		100

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230214005821/en/

Investor and Press Contact – Global

Peggy Reilly Tharp

VP, Global Investor Relations

+1-314-983-7665

Peggy.ReillyTharp@icl-group.com

Investor and Press Contact - Israel

Adi Bajayo

ICL Spokesperson

+972-3-6844459

Adi.Bajayo@icl-group.com

Source: ICL Group LTD

FAQ

What were ICL's total sales in 2022?

ICL reported total sales of $10.015 billion in 2022.

How much did ICL's operating income increase in 2022?

ICL's operating income increased by 191% to $3.516 billion.

What is the expected adjusted EBITDA for ICL in 2023?

ICL expects adjusted EBITDA to range between $2.2 billion to $2.4 billion for 2023.

When is ICL's dividend payment scheduled?

ICL's dividend payment of $0.1383 per share is scheduled for March 15, 2023.

What factors impacted ICL's performance in Q4 2022?

ICL faced lower sales volumes in bromine products and phosphorus-based flame retardants due to inflation and supply chain challenges.