ICL Reports Q4 and Full Year 2019 Results

TEL AVIV, Israel, Feb. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ICL (NYSE: ICL) (TASE: ICL), a leading global specialty minerals and chemicals company, today reported its unaudited^[1] financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2019.

-  Successfully completed the planned potash capacity upgrade of the Dead Sea facilities, which reduced production during Q4 2019. Lower production, the absence of a potash supply contract to China and weak commodity markets, resulted in a significant impact on results.

-  Quarterly Sales of $1.1 billion compared to $1.4 billion in Q4 2018, led to a decrease in annual sales from $5.6 billion in 2018 to $5.3 billion in 2019.

-  Operating income and adjusted operating income of $88 million in Q4 2019, compared to operating income and adjusted operating income of $166 and of $214 million, respectively, in Q4 2018.

-  2019 operating income of $756 million compared to $1,519 million in 2018, which also included a capital gain of $841 million from divestments. Adjusted operating income of $760 million in 2019 surpassed the $753 million recorded in 2018.

-  Value of ICL's specialty businesses reflected in the stability of 2019 adjusted operating income and in a 3% growth in adjusted EBITDA to approximately $1.2 billion.

-  Continued strong cash generation in Q4 2019 resulted in an annual increase of 60% in operating cash flow to $992 million. 

-  Extended existing policy of returning up to 50% of adjusted net income to shareholders through dividends. Dividends for 2019 amounted to approximately $0.18 per share, similar to 2018.

The results for the fourth quarter of 2019 were significantly impacted by the planned shutdown and upgrade of ICL's facilities at the Dead Sea, which is expected to increase annual potash production by approximately 5% (the "Dead Sea Facilities Upgrade"). The nearly one-month shutdown resulted in a significant decrease in potash production and also impacted bromine operations. ICL's results were also negatively impacted by the continued delay in the signing of a potash supply agreement in China and the weak commodity fertilizer market environment. Despite these factors, ICL's operating cash flow and adjusted EBITDA increased in 2019 due to ICL's strategic focus on value-added specialties, which have favorable pricing dynamics relative to commodity products, and on cost controls and operating efficiencies.

ICL's President & CEO, Raviv Zoller, stated, "ICL achieved several important milestones in 2019, the most recent of which was the upgrade of our Dead Sea facilities. While ICL's results for the fourth quarter were impacted by disruptions associated with the upgrade, a weak environment for commodity fertilizers and the unfavorable impact of exchange rates, we believe that the actions we have taken throughout 2019 have significantly strengthened ICL's position and prospects to create value for our shareholders for years to come."

Zoller continued, "In addition to upgrading our capacity in the Dead Sea, we also completed the construction of our new food grade phosphoric acid plant in China that will allow us to shift from commodity phosphates to specialty products. We also introduced breakthrough solutions for plant-based meat alternatives and executed strategic long-term agreements with bromine compounds' customers, which further demonstrates our ability to execute on our specialty-focused growth strategy. ICL's business mix continues to strengthen as we increase our focus on developing innovative products, novel materials and cost-effective processes that will create competitive advantages for ICL." 

Zoller concluded: "Of all of the actions that ICL has taken, I am particularly proud of our initiatives focused on sustainable development goals and the recognitions we have received based on the rising quality of our work environment, our focused approach to sustainability and our leadership in industry innovation. These are all pillars that are critical to our ongoing growth and success."

Financial Figures and Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Consolidated Results Analysis

-  Quantity – The negative impact on operating income was primarily related to lower production and sales volumes of potash, mainly as a result of the Dead Sea Facilities Upgrade, a lack of shipments to China due to the delay in the signing of new supply contracts and weak market conditions. Sales volumes of bromine-based flame retardants and industrial solutions (mainly elemental bromine) also decreased as the Dead Sea Facilities Upgrade impacted bromine
production and its availability for the production of bromine compounds. The pending antidumping claim against ICL's magnesium business in the US resulted in lower magnesium production, which impacted bromine production due to lower chlorine availability. In addition, weak commodity market conditions led to lower sales volumes of phosphate fertilizers.

-  Price – The negative impact on operating income was primarily related to a $18 decrease in the average realized price per tonne of potash compared to the same quarter last year and a decrease in phosphate commodities prices. This decrease was partly offset by an increase in the selling prices of bromine-based industrial solutions, bromine‑based flame retardants and specialty phosphates.

-  Exchange rates – The negative impact on operating income was primarily related to the appreciation of the average exchange rate of the shekel against the dollar, which increased operational costs in dollar terms. In addition, the depreciation of the euro against the dollar decreased revenues more than it contributed to operational cost-saving.

-  Raw materials – The positive impact of raw materials prices on operating income was primarily related to lower prices of sulphur consumed during the quarter, partly offset by higher costs of acids acquired from external sources.

Financing expenses, net

Net financing expenses in the fourth quarter of 2019 amounted to $25 million, compared to $66 million in the same quarter last year. Financing expenses were primarily impacted by three factors:

-  A decrease of $42 million resulting from profit recorded this quarter attributable to hedging transactions and balance sheet revaluation due to the weakening of the dollar against the shekel versus losses recorded in the same quarter last year due to the strengthening of the dollar against the shekel.

-  Interest expenses of $7 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2018 related to past royalties.

-  An increase of $11 million in employee benefits and leases (IFRS 16 impact on finance expenses) attributable to the weakening of the dollar against the shekel at the end of 2019, compared to the strengthening of the dollar against the shekel at the end of last year.

Tax expenses

Tax expenses in the fourth quarter of 2019 amounted to $ 15 million, reflecting an effective tax rate of about 24%. The Company recorded a higher tax rate in the fourth quarter of 2019 and in 2019 compared to the same periods in 2018. This was mainly due to the impact of shekel-dollar exchange rate fluctuations (appreciation of the shekel against the dollar during the fourth quarter of 2019, compared to depreciation of the shekel against the dollar during the same quarter last year).

Segment Information

Industrial Products

The Industrial Products segment sales and operating income decreased year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2019 due to lower bromine production and sales volumes, mainly as a result of the Dead Sea Facilities Upgrade and the pending magnesium antidumping claim, which led to a temporary reduction in the availability of chlorine, a major raw material for bromine production. However, clear brine fluids sales increased in the fourth quarter of 2019, driven by higher activity in the North Sea, leading to a record year for ICL's clear brine fluids business.

The segment's value-oriented approach, in addition to resource depletion and environmental pressure in China, led to a $65 million contribution from higher prices, which, along with record sales of clear brine fluids, led to a record operating income and profit margin for the segment in 2019. A number of significant strategic milestones were also achieved in 2019, including the signing of long term agreements with major customers and the implementation of innovative approaches for the development of new bromine applications.

Industrial Products accounted for 26% of the Company's sales and 68% of adjusted operating income in the fourth quarter of 2019, compared to 22% of sales and 33% of adjusted operating income in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Significant highlights and business environment

• During the fourth quarter of 2019, market prices of elemental bromine in China remained stable compared to the third quarter of 2019 and were lower compared to the fourth quarter of 2018 due to lower production of brominated flame retardants in China, which resulted in lower domestic demand for elemental bromine. The decrease in the production of brominated flame retardants was caused by environmental-related regulatory pressure, which, together with depletion in Chinese bromine resources, led to a shift in the production of flame retardants from China to producers in the Western Hemisphere. ICL's sales prices of elemental bromine remained stable compared to the fourth quarter of 2018.
• Global demand for flame retardants remained stable, and following the usual seasonal decrease in the fourth quarter of 2019, shipments returned to normal levels in early 2020. ICL concluded annual supply agreements for 2020 with moderate price increases.
• During the fourth quarter of 2019, ICL's sales volume of elemental bromine in China and of bromine flame retardants decreased compared to same period last year, mainly as a result of the Dead Sea Facilities Upgrade, which negatively impacted elemental bromine production and its availability for the production of ICL's flame retardants. Elemental bromine production was also negatively impacted by the pending magnesium antidumping claim, which forced the magnesium business to reduce production, resulting in lower availability of chlorine, which is a necessary raw material for bromine production.
• Clear brine fluids sales increased in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the same quarter last year, driven by higher activity in the North Sea and higher prices.
• Phosphorus-based flame retardants sales and operating income for the fourth quarter of 2019 decreased slightly compared to the fourth quarter of 2018 due to lower sales volumes as a result of increased Chinese competition, partly offset by higher prices. The annual operating income of phosphorus‑based flame retardants increased significantly compared to 2018, mainly due to the continuing implementation of ICL's "value-over-volume" strategy.
• Sales of specialty minerals increased slightly in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 due to higher prices. MgCl sales for de-icing and de-dusting reached record levels in 2019 following a capacity expansion.

-  Quantity – The negative impact on the segment's operating income was primarily related to a decrease in the quantities sold of bromine-based industrial solutions (mainly elemental bromine) and bromine-based flame retardants, mainly due to the Dead Sea Facilities Upgrade, as well as weak sales in December.

-  Price – The positive impact on the segment's operating income was primarily related to an increase in the selling prices of bromine-based industrial solutions and bromine‑based flame retardants.

-  Exchange rates – The unfavorable impact on the segment's operating income was primarily related to the appreciation of the average exchange rate of the shekel against the dollar, which increased operational costs. Additionally, the depreciation of the average exchange rate of the euro against the dollar decreased the segment's revenue more than it contributed to operational cost-saving.

Potash

The Potash segment's sales decreased by 49% and operating income decreased by 86% in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the same quarter last year. The decrease was caused by lower potash production and sales volume due to a combination of the impact on production of the Dead Sea Facilities Upgrade, lack of shipments to China due to the delay in the signing of new supply contracts and weak market conditions. Lower production also resulted in unfavorable fixed costs absorption, which, together with lower prices, resulted in significant profit margin erosion.

Potash accounted for 24% of ICL's sales and 25% of adjusted operating income in the fourth quarter of 2019, compared to 33% of sales and 64% of adjusted operating income in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Significant highlights and business environment

• The Grain Price Index increased towards the end of the fourth quarter of 2019, mainly due to a decrease in wheat production in Australia due to severe drought conditions, a decrease in production estimates in Russia and increased consumption in the EU that led to a decrease in estimated ending stocks. In addition, estimates for corn supply lagged estimates for consumption. In the USDA's WASDE (World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates) report published on February 11, 2020, the estimated grains stock-to-use ratio for the 2019/2020 agricultural year decreased to 29.7%, compared to 30.3% for 2018/2019 and 31.4% for 2017/2018.
• Potash spot prices continued to decrease during the fourth quarter of 2019 across global markets due to high availability, seasonality and a lack of shipments to China.
• According to CRU (Fertilizer Week Historical Prices, January 2020) the average price of granular potash imported to Brazil was $293 per tonne (CFR spot) in the fourth quarter of 2019, a decrease of 10.2% and 16.3% compared to the third quarter of 2019 and the fourth quarter of 2018, respectively. Prices continued to decrease in early 2020 and reached a level of $253 per tonne (CFR spot) at the end of January 2020. As a result of these price decreases, affordability of potash for Brazilian farmers reached its highest level in 3 years, which may positively impact fertilizer demand in Brazil in 2020.
• According to CRU (Fertilizer Week Historical Prices, January 2020), the average price of granular potash imported to Southeast Asia was $278 per tonne (CFR spot) in the fourth quarter of 2019, a decrease of 5.0% and 7.1% compared to the third quarter of 2019 and the fourth quarter of 2018, respectively. Following the end of the fourth quarter of 2019, prices in Southeast Asia decreased further, reaching $265 per tonne at the end of January 2020.
• According to CRU (Fertilizer Week Historical Prices, January 2020) the average price of granular potash imported to Northwest Europe was €273 per tonne (CIF spot/contract) in the fourth quarter of 2019, a decrease of 2.5% and 5.9% compared to the third quarter of 2019 and the fourth quarter of 2018, respectively. Following the end of the fourth quarter of 2019, prices in Northwest Europe decreased further, reaching €255 per tonne at the end of January 2020.
• According to Chinese customs data, potash imports to China in the fourth quarter of 2019 amounted to 1.37 million tonnes, a decrease of about 27% over the same period last year. Imports in 2019 amounted to 9.1 million tonnes, an increase of approximately 22% over 2018. Demand in China was negatively impacted, however, by the depreciation of the Chinese yuan and a decrease in planted areas caused by the African Swine Fever. Port inventories at the end of 2019 reached about 3.2 million tonnes compared to about 1.55 million tonnes in 2018 year-end.
• According to the FAI (Fertilizer Association of India), potash imports to India amounted to 0.7 million tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2019, a decrease of 36% compared to the same quarter last year. Imports in 2019 amounted to 4.1 million tonnes, a decrease of approximately 7% over 2018. 
• According to Brazil's customs data, potash imports to Brazil reached about 2.2 million tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2019, a decrease of approximately 21% compared to the same quarter last year. Imports in 2019 reached a record level of 10.2 million tonnes, an increase of approximately 2% over 2018.
• Market conditions led several major manufacturers, including Mosaic (USA), Nutrien (Canada), Uralkali (Russia), Belaruskali (Belarus) and K+S (Germany) to announce production curtailments, which took place during the second half of 2019 and into 2020, estimated at 3.5 to 4.0 million tonnes on an annual basis. Following the end of the fourth quarter of 2019, Mosaic announced it will idle its Colonsay mine indefinitely, removing estimated annual production capacity of 2 million tonnes.
• The production and sales of Polysulphate® at ICL's Boulby mine reached quarterly record levels of 190 thousand tonnes and 171 thousand tonnes, respectively, an increase of 57% and 58%, respectively, compared to the fourth quarter of 2018. Polysulphate® production of 635 thousand tonnes and sales of 480 thousand tonnes in 2019 represented increases of 82% and 51%, respectively, compared to 2018. PotashpluS production amounted to 29 thousand tonnes and 125 thousand tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2019 and the full year, respectively. We expect highly positive market acceptance to drive further sales momentum.
• The Dead Sea Facilities Upgrade was successfully completed in December 2019, and the upgrade is expected to enable increased production going forward.
• As part of ICL's on-going efficiency initiatives, the Company launched its new terminal in the Port of Barcelona, Spain, at the beginning of 2020. We expect the new terminal to improve the capability and efficiency of ICL's logistics in Spain. 
• The magnesium market has been characterized by improved demand in the U.S. and in parts of Europe, where moderate signs of recovery were seen. Demand in China remained constrained.

ICL's magnesium production and shipments during the fourth quarter of 2019 were negatively impacted by anti-dumping duties of over 200% imposed on magnesium imported from Israel to the US, which negatively impacted the viability of shipments. On December 18, 2019, ICL received the final determination of the International Trade Commission ("ITC"), regarding the petition filed to impose such duties. The ITC unanimously resolved that no material injury or threat of injury was caused to the US magnesium industry. As a result, these anti-dumping duties have been eliminated and shipments from Israel have resumed.

* Primarily includes salt produced in underground mines in the UK and Spain, Polysulphate® and Polysulphate®-based products, magnesium-based products and sales of electricity produced in Israel.

** Potash average realized price (dollar per tonne) is calculated by dividing total potash revenue by total sales quantities. The difference between FOB price and average realized price is primarily marine transportation costs.

Potash – Production and Sales

10-12/2019

-  Production – In the fourth quarter of 2019, potash production was 379 thousand tonnes lower than in the same quarter last year. This decrease was due to lower production at ICL's Dead Sea facilities as a result the Dead Sea Facilities Upgrade and due to potash production challenges at ICL Iberia, including some mechanical failures.

-  Sales – The quantity of potash sold in the fourth quarter of 2019 was 708 thousand tonnes lower than in the same quarter last year, primarily due to a decrease in potash sales to China, Brazil and India.

1-12/2019

-  Production – In 2019, potash production was 721 thousand tonnes lower than in 2018. This decrease was due to lower production at ICL's Dead Sea facilities, the shift to Polysulphate^® at ICL Boulby in mid-2018 and lower production at ICL Iberia.

-  Sales – The quantity of potash sold in 2019 was 765 thousand tonnes lower than in 2018,  primarily due to a decrease in potash sales to Brazil, China and India.

-  Quantity – The negative impact was primarily related to the Dead Sea Facilities Upgrade, a lack of shipments to China due to the delay in the signing of new supply contracts and weak market conditions.

-  Price – The negative impact on the segment's operating income was primarily related to a decrease of $18 in the average realized price per tonne of potash compared to the same quarter last year.

-  Exchange rates – The unfavorable impact of exchange rates on the segment's operating income was primarily related to the appreciation of the average exchange rate of the shekel against the dollar, which increased operational costs.

-  Operating and other expenses – The negative impact of operating and other expenses on the segment's operating income was primarily related to higher operating costs due to the Dead Sea Facilities Upgrade, partially offset by lower labor costs and income related to changes in pension liabilities.

Phosphate Solutions

Higher prices and reduced costs led to higher profit in phosphate specialties in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the same period last year, partially offsetting the impact of significantly lower phosphate commodity selling prices and sales quantities.

The segment demonstrated resilience throughout 2019 as ICL's focus on specialty products and improvements at YPH JV's operations offset accelerating weakness in the commodity market environment. During 2019, the segment also reached several important strategic milestones, including the launch of the new food grade phosphoric acid plant in China and the breakthrough solution for plant-based meat alternatives, both of which further position ICL to execute its specialty-focused strategy.

Phosphate Solutions accounted for 36% of ICL's sales and 1% of adjusted operating income in the fourth quarter of 2019, compared to 33% of sales and 7% of adjusted operating income in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Sales of Phosphate Specialties of $262M in the fourth quarter of 2019 were approximately 2% lower than the fourth quarter of 2018. The decrease was mainly driven by lower demand for dairy proteins in a softening Chinese market and the depreciation of the euro and Chinese yuan against the dollar. Adjusting for exchange rate fluctuations, revenues of phosphate specialties were almost flat compared to the fourth quarter of 2018.

Sales of Phosphate Commodities amounted to $155 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, approximately 32% lower than the fourth quarter of 2018. The decrease was due to a decrease in sales volume and prices. Sales volumes of phosphate fertilizers in the fourth quarter of 2019 decreased by 24% to 407 thousand tonnes, primarily driven by market conditions. In addition, results of the YPH JV were lower in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the same period last year, due to lower sales and production quantities and higher costs (mainly maintenance).

Significant highlights and business environment

• Revenues from phosphate salts increased moderately in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the same quarter last year, driven by higher prices and increased sales volumes of food grade phosphates in North America and Europe.
• Phosphoric acid revenues decreased slightly in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the same period last year, primarily due to a competitive environment resulting in lower sales volumes in North America. Revenues in Europe were higher due to increased volumes with key accounts. Sales in South America decreased driven by lower sales volumes primarily due to general market conditions. Sales in South America were also negatively impacted by lower production due to an overhaul at ICL's plant in Brazil. In China, a favorable market environment contributed to improved market prices due to increasing environmental regulatory requirements on the production of thermal phosphoric acid.
• In December 2019, ICL launched its new food grade phosphoric acid plant in the YPH JV in China. The plant will add an additional 70 thousand tonnes of food grade acid capacity to the existing 60 thousand tonnes of technical grade acid capacity and is scheduled to produce commercial quantities in early 2020.
• In early 2020, ICL's Rovitaris® alternative protein technology for the meat alternatives market, which was introduced in the third quarter of 2019, won the Food Ingredients Europe Innovation Award in the protein category. ICL is the first company to launch the fava bean technology as a new alternative protein solution in the meatless category and has already signed several supply agreements with leading food companies in the US and South America.
• Dairy protein revenues were weaker in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the fourth quarter of 2018 due to ongoing portfolio optimization efforts, as ICL shifts from milk commodities to value added ingredients. While this strategy benefited results, business performance was negatively impacted by lower customer demand due to the softening of the infant formula market in China in 2019 and by high maintenance and operational expenses. ICL continues to focus on developing its global leadership position in organic dairy solutions for the infant food industry.
• Lower demand during the fourth quarter of 2019, mainly in China, led to global oversupply, which continued to put pressure on phosphate commodity prices, with some products reaching their lowest price levels in 12 years.
• As a result of the oversupply in the phosphate commodity market, major suppliers have announced further production curtailments. A group of Chinese DAP suppliers representing approximately 70% of China's capacity agreed in November 2019 to maintain 60% utilization rates in production throughout 2020 and to focus on the Chinese market rather than export markets. OCP (Morocco) announced it would reduce its granular phosphates production output by 0.5 million tonnes from mid-December 2019 through February 2020 in light of weather conditions which forced the closure of Jorf Lasfar marine port several times during November and December 2019. Mosaic (USA) announced it plans to cut phosphate production at its Central Florida facilities by 0.15 million tonnes per month beginning in January 2020. PhosAgro (Russia) announced it would limit export sales (mainly DAP/MAP) in early 2020 by roughly 20% relative to previously planned exports. Following these announcements, prices of phosphate fertilizers began to recover in early 2020, primarily in North America.
• According to CRU (Fertilizer Week Historical Prices, January 2020), the average price of DAP in the fourth quarter of 2019 (CFR India Spot) amounted to $318/tonne, a decrease of 7% compared to the third quarter of 2019 and 25% compared to the fourth quarter of 2018. In the fourth quarter of 2019, the average price of TSP (CFR Brazil Spot) amounted to $270/tonne, a decrease of 12% compared to the third quarter of 2019 and 27% compared to fourth quarter of 2018. The average price of SSP (CPT Brazil inland 18-20% P₂O₅ Spot) in the fourth quarter of 2019 amounted to $206/tonne, a decrease of 7% compared to the third quarter of 2019 and 14% compared to the third quarter of 2018. The average price of sulphur in the fourth quarter of 2019 (bulk FOB Adnoc monthly contract) amounted to $46/tonne, a decrease of 45% compared to the third quarter of 2019 and 73% compared to the fourth quarter of 2018.
• The phosphoric acid contract price (100% P2O5) signed between OCP (Morocco) and its Indian partners for the first quarter of 2020 was set at $590/tonne, a decrease of $35/tonne compared to the fourth quarter of 2019.

-  Quantity – The negative impact on the segment's operating income was primarily related to a decrease in sales volumes of phosphate fertilizers, which was partly offset by an increase in the quantity of green phosphoric acid sold.

-   Price – The negative impact on the segment's operating income was primary related to a decrease in the selling prices of phosphate fertilizers and green phosphoric acid, which was partly offset by an increase in selling prices of phosphate specialties.

-  Exchange rates – The unfavorable impact of exchange rates on the segment's operating income was primarily related to the appreciation of the average exchange rate of the shekel against the dollar, which increased operational costs in dollar terms.

-  Raw materials – The positive impact of raw material prices on the segment's operating income was primarily related to lower consumed sulphur prices, partly offset by higher costs of acids acquired from external sources.

Innovative Ag Solutions

The IAS segment's sales increased and operating loss decreased in the fourth quarter of 2019, driven by higher prices and increased sales volumes in the Turf and Ornamental horticulture markets. Despite a challenging business environment in 2019 mainly due to a weather-related decrease in sales volumes and unfavorable exchange rates fluctuations, the segment successfully implemented a value-oriented pricing approach, reduced lower-margin sales of third party products and increased sales in high growth markets.

The IAS segment accounted for 13% of the Company's sales in the fourth quarter of 2019, compared to 10% of sales in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Significant highlights and business environment

• Sales of specialty fertilizers in the fourth quarter of 2019 increased slightly compared to the same quarter last year due to growth in developing markets and in North America and despite unfavorable exchange rates.
• Sales to the specialty agriculture market in the fourth quarter of 2019 were negatively impacted by unfavorable dollar-euro exchange rates and adverse weather conditions in some key regions (mainly significant precipitation in Spain resulting in major floods). The impact of these factors was partially offset by higher sales in emerging markets, including China, India, Brazil and Turkey.
• Global demand for straight fertilizers, including MKP and MAP, continued to be favorable in the fourth quarter of 2019.
• Sales to the Turf and Ornamental market were higher in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the same quarter last year, despite the negative impact of exchange rates. 
• Sales of Growing Media in the UK increased and margins on these sales improved in the fourth quarter of 2019.
• ICL began to supply its Agriform tablets in Mexico during the fourth quarter of 2019 in conjunction with the Mexican government's initiative to promote sustainable agriculture practices and improve farmer economics. Agriform tablets are ICL's innovative solution that delivers sufficient nutrition to feed the plant for up to 12 months, resulting in a significant decrease in labor and material costs and reapplications.
• Significant drought conditions in Australia and New Zealand, which led to major fires across Australia, are continuing to negatively impact fertilizers sales in the region.
• In 2019, ICL established blending capabilities in the UK and Spain in order to reduce logistic costs and improve its ability to supply just-in-time products. In addition, ICL increased its Controlled Release Fertilizers' capacity, mainly in the US.  

-  Quantity – The minor positive impact on the segment's operating income was primarily related to higher sales volumes in Brazil and India, which were partly offset by lower sales volumes in Europe.

-  Price – The positive impact on the segment's operating income was primarily related to an increase in the selling prices of chemicals and liquid fertilizers.

-  Exchange rates – The unfavorable impact of exchange rates on the segment's operating income was primarily related to the depreciation of the average exchange rate of the euro against the dollar, which decreased the segment's revenue more than it contributed to lower operational costs.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Source and uses of cash

Set forth below are the highlights of the changes in the cash flows in the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with the same quarter last year:

Net cash provided by operating activities:

In the fourth quarter of 2019, cash flows provided by operating activities decreased by $12 million compared to the same quarter last year. Cash flows provided by operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2019 were primarily impacted by the lower profit due to challenging market conditions, lower proceeds from derivative transactions and higher tax and interest payments, offset by a decrease in net working capital.

Net cash used in investing activities:

In the fourth quarter of 2019, cash flows used in investing activities decreased by $44 million compared with the same quarter last year. This decrease was primarily related to a decrease in cash used for investment in property, plant, equipment and intangible assets, and proceeds received from the sale of land in Germany.

Outstanding Net Debt

As at December 31, 2019, ICL's net financial liabilities amounted to $2,410 million, an increase of $198 million compared to December 31, 2018.

The increase primarily relates to an increase of $300 million in long and short-term liabilities as a result of IFRS 16 implementation. This was partly offset by a decrease in debt balances with financial institutions, mainly as a result of strong cash flow generation, allowing loan repayments.

Dividend Policy & Distribution

On February 12, 2020, the Board of Directors declared a dividend totaling 1.8 cents per share or about $23 million in the aggregate. The dividend will be paid on March 18, 2020.  The record date is March 4, 2020. Dividends for 2019 amounted to approximately $0.18 per share, similar to 2018.

ICL's Board of Directors further resolved to extend the Company's current dividend policy until further notice. According to the policy, dividends will be distributed at a payout ratio of up to 50% of annual adjusted net income, as expected at the date of the decision regarding the distribution, and subject to applicable law.

About ICL

ICL is a global specialty minerals and chemicals company operating bromine, potash and phosphate mineral value chains in a unique, integrated business model. ICL extracts raw materials from well-positioned mineral assets and utilizes technology and industrial know-how to add value for customers in key agricultural and industrial markets worldwide. ICL focuses on strengthening leadership positions in all of its core value chains. It also plans to strengthen and diversify its offerings of innovative agro solutions by leveraging ICL's existing capabilities and agronomic know-how, as well as the Israeli technological ecosystem. Our operations are organized under four segments: Industrial Products, Potash, Phosphate Solutions and Innovative Ag Solutions. ICL shares are dually listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (NYSE and TASE: ICL). The company employs more than 11,000 people worldwide, and its sales in 2019 totaled approximately $5.3 billion. For more information, visit the Company's website at www.icl-group.com^[2].

^[1] Our audit is ongoing and not complete, particularly our valuation of assets and impairment testing, and accordingly the information presented may be subject to change as our audit is complete

^[2] The 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.

SOURCE ICL

Related Links

http://www.icl-group.com