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ICL Group Ltd.

Foreign Filer Report May 10, 2017

6843_rns_2017-05-10_0144e223-cc8f-4ba0-935a-b6c8f5260075.pdf

Foreign Filer Report

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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of May, 2017 _________________

Commission File Number: 001-13742

ISRAEL CHEMICALS LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Israel Chemicals Ltd. Millennium Tower 23 Aranha Street P.O. Box 20245 Tel Aviv, 61202 Israel (972-3) 684-4400 (Address of principal executive office)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

Form 20-F X Form 40-F

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):

Yes No X

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):

Yes No X

ISRAEL CHEMICALS LTD.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This report on Form 6-K shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into the registration statement on Form S-8 (Registration Number: 333- 205518) of Israel Chemicals Ltd. and to be a part thereof from the date on which this report is filed, to the extent not superseded by documents or reports subsequently filed or furnished.

  1. Q1 2017 Results

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as at (Unaudited)

March 31, 2017March 31, 2016 December 31, 2016
\$ millions \$ millions \$ millions
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 81 123 87
Short-term investments and deposits 38 89 29
Trade receivables 968 969 966
Inventories 1,248 1,444 1,267
Assets held for sale 122 10 -
Other receivables 247 296 222
Total current assets 2,704 2,931 2,571
Non-current assets
Investments in equity-accounted investees 31 148 153
Financial assets available for sale 240 268 253
Deferred tax assets 144 131 150
Property, plant and equipment 4,349 4,288 4,309
Intangible assets 829 1,219 824
Other non-current assets 336 318 292
Total non-current assets 5,929 6,372 5,981
Total assets 8,633 9,303 8,552
Current liabilities
Short-term credit 590 683 588
Trade payables 695 717 644
Provisions 92 50 83
Other current liabilities 701 655 708
Total current liabilities 2,078 2,105 2,023
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and debentures 2,791 2,960 2,796
Deferred tax liabilities 305 296 303
Long-term employee provisions 595 576 576
Provisions 174 129 185
Other non-current liabilities 9 23 10
Total non-current liabilities 3,874 3,984 3,870
Total liabilities
5,952 6,089 5,893
Equity
Total shareholders' equity 2,603 3,061 2,574
Non-controlling interests 78 153 85
Total equity 2,681 3,214 2,659
Total liabilities and equity
8,633 9,303 8,552

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

(in millions except per share data)

For the three-month
period ended
March 31, 2017March 31, 2016 December 31,
For the
year ended
2016
\$ millions \$ millions \$ millions
Sales 1,295 1,265 5,363
Cost of sales 937 899 3,703
Gross profit 358 366 1,660
Selling, transport and marketing expenses 180 155 722
General and administrative expenses 66 80 321
Research and development expenses 15 17 73
Other expenses - 10 618
Other income (19) (3) (71)
Operating income (loss) 116 107 (3)
Finance expenses 91 42 157
Finance income (77) (14) (25)
Finance expenses, net 14 28 132
Share in earnings of equity-accounted investees 1 2 18
Income (loss) before income taxes 103 81 (117)
Income taxes 42 22 55
Net income (loss) 61 59 (172)
Net loss attributable to the non-controlling interests (7) (7) (50)
Net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of the Company 68 66 (122)
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to
the shareholders of the Company:
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in cents) 5.30 5.20 (10.00)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in cents) 5.30 5.20 (10.00)
Weighted-average number of
ordinary shares outstanding:
Basic (in thousands) 1,276,098 1,272,930 1,273,295
Diluted (in thousands) 1,276,975 1,273,499 1,273,295

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

For the three-month
period ended
March 31, 2017March 31, 2016 December 31,
For the
year ended
2016
\$ millions \$ millions \$ millions
Net income (loss) 61 59 (172)
Components of other comprehensive income that will be reclassified
subsequently to net income (loss)
Currency translation differences 30 48 (90)
Changes in fair value of derivatives designated as a cash flow hedge - (1) (1)
Changes in fair value of financial assets available for sale
Income (loss) tax relating to items that will be reclassified subsequently to net
(15) 13 17
income (loss) 4 (3) (5)
Total 19 57 (79)
Components of other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified to
net income (loss)
Actuarial losses from defined benefit plan (4) (19) (48)
Income tax relating to items that will not be reclassified to net income (loss) 1 6 8
Total (3) (13) (40)
Total comprehensive income (loss) 77 103 (291)
Comprehensive loss attributable to the non-controlling interests (7) (7) (59)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of the
Company
84 110 (232)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

For the three-month
period ended
For the
year ended
2016
March 31, 2017March 31, 2016 December 31,
\$ millions \$ millions \$ millions
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss) 61 59 (172)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortization 94 99 406
Revaluation of balances from financial institutions and interest expenses, net 57 29 76
Share in earnings of equity-accounted investees, net (1) (2) (18)
Other capital losses (gains), net (9) 1 433
Share-based compensation 2 5 15
Deferred tax expenses (income) 13 (5) (2)
217 186 738
Change in inventories 28 (57) 70
Change in trade and other receivables (23) 114 150
Change in trade and other payables (32) (36) (90)
Change in provisions and employee benefits 5 15 98
Net change in operating assets and liabilities (22) 36 228
Net cash provided by operating activities 195 222 966
Cash flows from investing activities
Investments in shares and proceeds from deposits, net (10) (249) (198)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (106) (187) (632)
Proceeds from divestiture of subsidiaries - 17 17
Other 15 (1) 13
Net cash used in investing activities (101) (420) (800)
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividend paid to the company's shareholders (60) - (162)
Receipt of long-term debt 420 400 1,278
Repayment of long-term debt (425) (250) (1,365)
Short-term credit from banks and others, net (36) 7 14
Other - - (4)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (101) 157 (239)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (7) (41) (73)
Cash and cash equivalents as at beginning of the year 87 161 161
Net effect of currency translation on cash and cash equivalents 1 3 (1)
Cash and cash equivalents as at the end of the period 81 123 87

Additional Information

For the three-month period
ended
March 31, 2017March 31, 2016 December 31,
\$ millions \$ millions \$ millions
Income taxes paid, net of tax refunds 21 36 84
Interest paid 21 16 112

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Unaudited)

Attributable to the shareholders of the Company Non
controlling
interests
Total
equity
Share
capital
Share
premium
Cumulative
translation
adjustments
Capital
reserves
Treasury
shares,
at cost
Retained
earnings
Total
shareholders'
equity
\$ millions
For the three-month period ended
March 31, 2017
Balance as at January 1, 2017 544 174 (481) 79 (260) 2,518 2,574 85 2,659
Share-based compensation
Dividends
Comprehensive income (loss)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
30
2
-
(11)
-
-
-
-
(57)
65
2
(57)
84
-
-
(7)
2
(57)
77
Balance as at March 31, 2017 544 174 (451) 70 (260) 2,526 2,603 78 2,681

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Unaudited) (cont'd)

Attributable to the shareholders of the Company Non-
controlling
interests
Total
equity
Share
capital
Share
premium
Cumulative
translation
adjustments
Capital
reserves
Treasury
shares,
at cost
Retained
earnings
Total
shareholders'
equity
\$ millions
For the three-month period ended
March 31, 2016
Balance as at January 1, 2016 544 149 (400) 93 (260) 2,902 3,028 160 3,188
Share-based compensation
Dividends
-
-
1
-
-
-
4
-
-
-
-
(67)
5
(67)
-
-
5
(67)
Changes in equity of equity-accounted
investees
- - - (15) - - (15) - (15)
Comprehensive income (loss) - - 48 9 - 53 110 (7) 103
Balance as at March 31, 2016 544 150 (352) 91 (260) 2,888 3,061 153 3,214

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Unaudited) (cont'd)

Attributable to the shareholders of the Company
controlling
interests
Total
equity
Share
capital
Share
premium
Cumulative
translation
adjustments
Capital
reserves
Treasury
shares,
at cost
Retained
earnings
Total
shareholders'
equity
\$ millions
For the year ended December 31,
2016
Balance as at January 1, 2016 544 149 (400) 93 (260) 2,902 3,028 160 3,188
Share-based compensation - * 25 - (10) - - 15 - 15
Dividends
Changes in equity of equity-accounted
- - - - - (222) (222) (4) (226)
investees - - - (15) - - (15) - (15)
Non-controlling interests in business
combinations from prior periods
- - - - - - - (12) (12)
Comprehensive loss - - (81) 11 - (162) (232) (59) (291)
Balance as at December 31, 2016 544 174 (481) 79 (260) 2,518 2,574 85 2,659

* Less than \$1 million.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

Note 1 – The Reporting Entity

Israel Chemicals Ltd. (hereinafter – the Company or ICL), is a leading global specialty minerals group that operates a unique, integrated business model.

ICL is a global manufacturer of products based on specialty minerals that fulfill humanity's essential needs in three primary markets: agriculture, food and engineered materials, by utilizing a unique, integrated business model.

The agricultural products produced by ICL help to feed the world's growing population. The potash and phosphates ICL mines and manufactures are used as ingredients in fertilizers and serve as an essential component in the pharmaceutical and food additives industries. ICL's bromine-based and phosphorous-based applications allow the safe and widespread use of a variety of products and materials, help to create energy that is more efficient and environmentally friendly and prevent the spread of forest fires. The food additives that ICL produces enable greater access to more varied and higher quality food.

ICL is a company domiciled and incorporated in Israel, the shares of which are traded on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange in Israel and on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") in the United States. The Company's main shareholder is Israel Corporation Ltd.

Note 2 – Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The Company's financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the Company uses IFRS as its generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements were prepared in accordance with IAS 34, "Interim Financial Reporting" and do not include all the information required in complete, annual financial statements. These condensed consolidated interim financial statements and notes are unaudited and should be read together with the Company's audited financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 20-F as at and for the year ended December 31, 2016 (hereinafter – the Annual Financial Statements), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

The accounting policies and assumptions used in preparation of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements are consistent with those used in preparation of the Company's Annual Financial Statements and in the Company's opinion include all the adjustments necessary to fairly present such information. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the Company's expected results for the entire year.

Note 3 - Operating Segments

A. General

1. Information on operating segments:

ICL is a leading global specialty minerals company that operates a unique integrated business model. The Company operates via two segments: the Essential Minerals Segment and the Specialty Solutions Segment, which constitute the Company's strategic business segments.

Essential Minerals Segment – This segment includes three business lines: ICL Potash & Magnesium, ICL Phosphate and, since January 2017, also ICL Specialty Fertilizers. The comparative data has been restated in order to reflect the change. The segment targets the Agro market and focuses on efficiency, process innovation and operational excellence, in order to improve the competitive position.

ICL Potash & Magnesium – ICL Potash & Magnesium extracts potash from the Dead Sea and mines and produces potash and salt from subterranean mines in Spain and the UK. ICL Potash & Magnesium processes the potash into its types and markets it globally and also carries on other intercompany operations not solely related to the potash activities. The Company also mines and produces polysulphate (also known as polyhalite) in a subterranean mine in the UK. The magnesium business markets and sells pure magnesium and magnesium alloys, and also produces dry carnallite and related by-products, including chlorine and sylvinite.

ICL Phosphate – ICL Phosphate mines and processes phosphate rock from open pit mines – three of which are located in the Negev Desert in Israel while the fourth is situated in the Yunnan province in China. In addition, ICL Phosphate produces sulfuric acid, agricultural phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizers in its facilities in Israel, China and Europe. Furthermore, ICL Phosphate manufactures phosphate-based food additives for livestock in Turkey. ICL Phosphate markets its products worldwide, mainly in Europe, Brazil, India and China.

ICL Specialty Fertilizers – ICL Specialty Fertilizers produces specialty fertilizers (e.g., water soluble) in the Netherlands and Belgium, liquid fertilizers and soluble fertilizers in Israel and Spain and controlled-release fertilizers in the Netherlands and the United States. ICL Specialty Fertilizers markets its products worldwide, mainly in Europe, North America and Israel.

Specialty Solutions Segment – This segment includes three business lines: ICL Industrial Products, ICL Advanced Additives and ICL Food Specialties. The segment targets industrial markets and concentrates on achieving growth through a highly-tailored customer focus, product innovation and commercial excellence.

ICL Industrial Products – ICL Industrial Products produces bromine out of a solution that is created as a by-product of the potash production process in Sodom, Israel, as well as bromine-based compounds. ICL Industrial Products uses most of the bromine it produces for self-production of bromine compounds at production sites in Israel, the Netherlands and China. In addition, ICL Industrial Products is engaged in the production and marketing of phosphorous flame retardants and additional phosphorus-based products.

Note 3 - Operating Segments (cont'd)

A. General (cont'd)

1. Information on operating segments: (cont'd)

ICL Advanced Additives – ICL Advanced Additives primarily develops, produces, markets and sells a broad range of acids, specialty phosphates and specialty minerals for various applications in a large number of industries, including metal and water treatment, paints and coatings, forest fire retardants, cleaning materials, oral hygiene, carbonated drinks, asphalt modification, de-icing, nutrition, pharma, specialty steel, fuel additives and rubber. The diverse products and market base supports and is consistent with the Company's strategy of increasing production of downstream products with higher added value. ICL Advanced Additives purifies some of the agricultural phosphoric acid manufactured by ICL Phosphate and also manufactures thermal phosphoric acid. The purified phosphoric acid and the thermal phosphoric acid are used to manufacture downstream products with high added value – phosphate salts and acids – which are used in the various industries mentioned above. The product line of ICL Advanced Additives is further comprised of processed potassium, calcium and magnesium products used in the pharma, specialty steel, oil drilling, and oil additives industries, along with de-icing and other applications.

ICL Food Specialties – ICL Food Specialties is a leader in developing and producing functional food ingredients and phosphate additives, which provide texture and stability solutions for the processed meat, fish, dairy, beverage and baked-goods markets. In addition, the business line produces milk proteins and whey proteins for the food ingredient industry and provides blended, integrated solutions based on dairy proteins and phosphate additives. The business line operates primary production locations in Germany and Austria, which mainly process phosphates, milk and spices, and runs several local blending facilities in Germany, the UK, the United States, Brazil, China and Australia, enabling the production of "customer specific" solutions that meet the requirements of the local market.

2. Segment capital investments

The capital investments made by the segments, for each of the reporting periods, include mainly property, plant and equipment and intangible assets acquired in the ordinary course of business and as part of business combinations.

3. Inter–segment transfers and unallocated income (expenses)

Segment revenues, expenses and results include inter-segment transfers, which are priced based on transaction prices in the ordinary course of business. These transfers are eliminated as part of consolidation of the financial statements. The segment income is measured based on the operating income, without certain expenses that are not allocated to the operating segments including general and administrative expenses, as it is included in reports that are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker.

$$\mathbf{0}$$

Note 3 - Operating Segments (cont'd)

B. Operating segment data

Specialty
Solutions
Segment
Essential
Minerals
Segment
Other
activities
Eliminations Consolidated
\$ millions
For the three-month period ended March 31, 2017
Sales to external parties 599 686 10 - 1,295
Inter-segment sales 14 48 1 (63) -
Total sales 613 734 11 (63) 1,295
Operating income attributed to segments 115 66 - 181
General and administrative expenses (66)
Other unallocated expenses and intercompany eliminations
Operating income
1
116
Financing expenses, net (14)
Share in earnings of equity-accounted investee 1
Income before taxes on income 103
Capital expenditures 12 99 - 111
Capital expenditures not allocated 1
Total capital expenditures 112
Depreciation and amortization 28 65 1 94
Depreciation and amortization not allocated - *
Total depreciation and amortization 94

* Less than \$1 million.

Note 3 - Operating Segment (cont'd)

B. Operating segment data (cont'd)

Specialty
Solutions
Segment
Essential
Minerals
Segment
Other
activities
Eliminations Consolidated
\$ millions
For the three-month period ended March 31, 2016
Sales to external parties 570 670 25 - 1,265
Inter-segment sales 14 53 - (67) -
Total sales 584 723 25 (67) 1,265
Operating income attributed to segments 106 93 2 201
General and administrative expenses (80)
Other unallocated expenses and intercompany eliminations (14)
Operating income 107
Financing expenses, net (28)
Share in earnings of equity-accounted investee 2
Income before taxes on income 81
Capital expenditures 25 123 1 149
Capital expenditures not allocated 14
Total capital expenditures 163
Depreciation and amortization 26 73 - 99
Depreciation and amortization not allocated - *
Total depreciation and amortization 99
* Less than \$1 million.

Note 3 - Operating Segment (cont'd)

B. Operating segment data (cont'd)

Specialty
Solutions
Segment
Essential
Minerals
Segment
Other
activities
Eliminations Consolidated
\$ millions
For the year ended December 31, 2016
Sales to external parties
Inter-segment sales
Total sales
2,493
60
2,553
2,811
225
3,036
59
-
59
-
(285)
(285)
5,363
-
5,363
Operating income attributed to segments
General and administrative expenses
Other unallocated expenses and intercompany eliminations
Operating loss
534 398 5 937
(321)
(619)
(3)
Financing expenses, net
Share in earnings of equity-accounted investee
Loss before taxes on income
(132)
18
(117)
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditures not allocated
Total capital expenditures
95 497 1 593
59
652
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization not allocated
Total depreciation and amortization
106 292 3 401
5
406

Note 3 - Operating Segment (cont'd)

C. Sales by Business Lines

1-3/2017 1-3/2016 2016
\$ % of \$ % of \$ % of
millions sales millions sales millions sales
Specialty Solutions Segment
Industrial Products 266 21 224 18 953 18
Advanced Additives 213 16 208 16 966 18
Food Specialties 138 11 162 13 659 12
617 48 594 47 2,578 48
Essential Minerals Segment
Phosphate 292 22 299 23 1,163 22
Potash & Magnesium 283 22 273 22 1,338 25
Specialty Fertilizers 192 15 188 15 661 12
767 59 760 60 3,162 59
Other and setoffs (89) (7) (89) (7) (377) (7)
Total 1,295 100 1,265 100 5,363 100

D. Sales by Geographical Regions

1-3/2017 1-3/2016 2016
\$
millions
% of
sales
\$
millions
% of
sales
\$
millions
% of
sales
Europe 534 41 559 44 1,863 35
North America 294 23 267 21 1,141 21
Asia 282 22 239 19 1,275 24
South America 98 8 92 7 588 11
Rest of the world 87 6 108 9 496 9
Total 1,295 100 1,265 100 5,363 100

E. Sales by Main Countries

1-3/2017 1-3/2016 2016
\$ % of \$ % of \$ % of
millions sales millions sales millions sales
USA 276 21 253 20 1,070 20
China 145 11 108 9 669 13
Germany 98 8 112 9 392 7
United Kingdom 89 7 98 8 306 6
Spain 79 6 75 6 258 5
Brazil 77 6 77 6 521 10
France 71 5 71 6 226 4
Israel 52 4 53 4 237 4
Italy 40 3 40 3 122 2
India 37 3 26 2 199 4
All other 331 26 352 27 1,363 25
Total 1,295 100 1,265 100 5,363 100

Note 4 - Financial Instruments and Risk Management

A. Fair value of financial instruments

The carrying amounts of certain financial assets and financial liabilities, including cash and cash equivalents, investments, short-term deposits and loans, receivables and other debit balances, long-term investments and receivables, short-term credit, payables and other credit balances, long-term loans bearing variable interest and other liabilities, and derivative financial instruments, correspond to or approximate their fair value.

The following table details the book value and fair value of financial instrument groups presented in the financial statements not in accordance with their fair value:

March 31, 2017 March 31, 2016 December 31, 2016
Carrying
amount
Fair value Carrying
amount
Fair value Carrying
amount
Fair value
\$ millions \$ millions \$ millions \$ millions \$ millions \$ millions
Loans bearing fixed interest 285 298 385 408 293 306
Debentures bearing fixed
interest
Marketable 1,232 1,236 802 807 1,201 1,201
Non-marketable 278 279 278 291 281 283
1,795 1,813 1,465 1,506 1,775 1,790

B. Fair value hierarchy

The following table presents an analysis of the financial instruments measured at fair value, using a valuation method in accordance with the fair value levels in the hierarchy.

Levels definitions:

Level 1: Quoted (unadjusted) prices in an active market for identical instruments.

Level 2: Observed data in the market (directly or indirectly) not included in Level 1 above.

Level 3: Inputs that are not based on observable market data.

March 31, 2017
Level 2 Level 3 Total
\$ millions \$ millions \$ millions
Financial assets available for sale (1) - 240 240
Derivatives used for economic hedging, net 51 - 51
51 240 291
March 31, 2016
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
\$ millions \$ millions \$ millions \$ millions
Securities held for trading purposes 26 - - 26
Financial assets available for sale (1) - - 268 268
Derivatives used for economic hedging, net - (11) - (11)
26 (11) 268 283

Note 4 - Financial Instruments and Risk Management (cont'd)

B. Fair value hierarchy (cont'd)

December 31, 2016
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
\$ millions \$ millions \$ millions \$ millions
10
- - 253 253
- 7 - 7
10 7 253 270
10 - -

(1) Investment in 15% of the share capital of YTH, which is subject to a three-year lock-up period as required by Chinese law. Measurement of the fair value of the discount rate in respect of the lock-up period was calculated by use of the Finnerty 2012 Model and is based on an estimate of the period in which the restriction on marketability applies and a standard deviation of the yield on a YTH share in this period. The impact stemming from a possible and reasonable change in these data items, which are not observed, is not material.

Note 5 - Dividend

Dividend Distributions

Decision date for dividend distribution by the Board
of Directors
Actual date of dividend
distribution
Distributed
amount
(\$ millions)
Dividend per
share (\$)
November 22, 2016 January 4, 2017 60 0.04701
February 14, 2017 April 4, 2017 57 0.04400
May 9, 2017 (after the date of the report)* June 20, 2017 34 0.02600

(*) The dividend will be distributed on June 20, 2017, with a record date for eligibility for the dividend of June 6, 2017.

Note 6 – Provisions, Contingencies and Other Matters

    1. On March 31, 2017, following a claim filed by Great Lakes Chemicals, a subsidiary of Chemtura Corporation (hereinafter – "Great Lakes"), as part of a "confidential" legal proceeding against Dead Sea Bromine Company Ltd. (hereinafter – "DSB"), alleging breach of an agreement from 2003 covering supply and sale of bromine and downstream bromine products, the parties submitted a joint pre-trial statement to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. As part of the above-mentioned statement, Great Lakes is claiming alleged damages, in an amount of about \$28 million, and is requesting issuance of a declaratory order enforcing the agreement from 2003. On the other hand, as part of the above pre-trial statement, DSB rejects the damages claimed, including any related responsibility or obligation. In light of the early stage of the proceeding it is difficult to predict the ultimate outcome of the claim. Nonetheless, in the Company's estimation, the chances that Great Lakes' alleged claims will be rejected exceed the chances that they will be accepted.
    1. Further to Note 20 to the Annual Financial Statements, in April 2017, the National Council for Planning and Building approved amendments to the National Outline Plan (NOP) 14B, which includes Barir field and transferred the plan for government approval.

In addition, in March 2017, the Supreme Court sitting as the High Court of Justice rejected the petition of residents of Arad against the policy document of the National Council for Planning and Building regarding the mining plan in Barir field.

Notes to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements as at March 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

Note 6 – Provisions, Contingencies and Other Matters (cont'd)

    1. On March 23, 2017, Fitch Ratings lowered the Company's international corporate credit rating to BBB– with a stable rating outlook. Fitch's above-mentioned rating also applies to the Company's debentures. According to the Company's estimate, the impact of the said rating reduction on its financial expenses, if any, will be negligible.
    1. Following advanced negotiations held by the Company in March 2017 regarding sale of its holdings in IDE, constituting 50% of IDE's share capital, in the financial statements as at March 31, 2017, the Company reclassified the amount of about \$122 million as "assets held for sale".
    1. Further to Note 25 to the Annual Financial Statements, subsequent to the date of the report, the Company received a short-term loan of \$110 million from its controlling shareholder, Israel Corporation Ltd. The loan was granted for a period of up to six months and bears weighted interest at the annual rate of 1.62%.

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" 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:

Loss or impairment of business licenses or mining permits or concessions; volatility of supply and demand and the impact of competition; the difference between actual reserves and our reserve estimates; natural disasters; failure to raise the water level in evaporation Pond 5 in the Dead Sea; construction of a new pumping station; 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 the completion of major projects by third party contractors and/or governmental obligations; construction of a canal between the Red Sea and Dead Sea; labor disputes, slowdowns and strikes involving our employees; pension and health insurance liabilities; changes to governmental programs or tax benefits, creation of new fiscal or tax related legislation; higher tax 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 information technology systems or breaches of our data security; failure to recruit or maintain 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; decreases in demand for bromine based products and other industrial products; volatility or crises in the financial markets; cost of compliance with environmental legislative and licensing restrictions; hazards inherent to chemical manufacturing; litigation, arbitration and regulatory proceedings; insufficiency of insurance coverage; closing of transactions, mergers and acquisitions; war or acts of terror; and other risk factors discussed under "Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors" in the company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2017.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise them or any other information contained in this report, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. You are advised, however, to read any additional disclosures included in the Immediate Reports furnished by the Company to the SEC on Form 6-K.

Performance Overview

Overview

We are a leading global specialty minerals company that operates a unique, integrated business model. We extract raw materials and utilize sophisticated processing and product formulation technologies to add value to customers in three attractive end-markets: agriculture, food and engineered materials. Our operations are organized under two segments: the Essential Minerals Segment and the Specialty Solutions Segment. The Essential Minerals Segment includes three business lines: ICL Potash & Magnesium, ICL Phosphate and ICL Specialty Fertilizers. The Specialty Solutions Segment includes three business lines: ICL Industrial Products, ICL Advanced Additives and ICL Food Specialties.

Operational Segments

Our operations are organized under two segments: the Essential Minerals Segment and the Specialty Solutions Segment.

Essential Minerals Segment – This segment targets the Agro markets and focuses on efficiency, process innovation and operational excellence, in order to improve its competitive position. The segment includes three business lines: ICL Potash & Magnesium, ICL Phosphate and, since January 2017, also ICL Specialty Fertilizers. Management believes that operating ICL Specialty Fertilizers as part of the Essential Minerals segment is expected to create synergies given the homogenous business and customer bases of the segment's three business lines. Furthermore, the transfer expands the segment's portfolio to include a broader range of commodity, specialty and semi-specialty products. As a result, the comparative data has been restated in order to reflect the mentioned above change.

ICL Potash & Magnesium – ICL Potash & Magnesium extracts potash from the Dead Sea and mines and produces potash and salt from subterranean mines in Spain and the UK. ICL Potash & Magnesium processes the potash into its types and markets it globally and also carries on other intercompany operations not solely related to the potash activities. The Company also mines and produces polysulphate (also known as polyhalite) in a subterranean mine in the UK. The magnesium business markets and sells pure magnesium and magnesium alloys, and also produces dry carnallite and related by-products, including chlorine and sylvinite.

ICL Phosphate – ICL Phosphate mines and processes phosphate rock from open pit mines – three of which are located in the Negev Desert in Israel while the fourth is situated in the Yunnan province in China. In addition, ICL Phosphate produces sulfuric acid, agricultural phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizers in its facilities in Israel, China and Europe. Furthermore, ICL Phosphate manufactures phosphate-based food additives for livestock in Turkey. ICL Phosphate markets its products worldwide, mainly in Europe, Brazil, India and China.

ICL Specialty Fertilizers – ICL Specialty Fertilizers produces specialty fertilizers (e.g., water soluble) in the Netherlands and Belgium, liquid fertilizers and soluble fertilizers in Israel and Spain, and controlled-release fertilizers in the Netherlands and the United States. ICL Specialty Fertilizers markets its products worldwide, mainly in Europe, North America and Israel.

$$^{20}$$

Specialty Solutions Segment – This segment targets industrial markets and concentrates on achieving growth through a highly-tailored customer focus, product innovation and commercial excellence. The segment includes three business lines: ICL Industrial Products, ICL Advanced Additives and ICL Food Specialties.

ICL Industrial Products – ICL Industrial Products produces bromine out of a solution that is created as a by-product of the potash production process in Sodom, Israel, as well as bromine-based compounds. ICL Industrial Products uses most of the bromine it produces for self-production of bromine compounds at production sites in Israel, the Netherlands and China. In addition, ICL Industrial Products is engaged in the production and marketing of phosphorous flame retardants and additional phosphorus-based products.

ICL Advanced Additives – ICL Advanced Additives primarily develops, produces, markets and sells a broad range of acids, specialty phosphates and specialty minerals for various applications in a large number of industries, including metal and water treatment, paints and coatings, forest fire retardants, cleaning materials, oral hygiene, carbonated drinks, asphalt modification, de-icing, nutrition, pharma, specialty steel, fuel additives and rubber. The diverse products and market base supports and is consistent with the Company's strategy of increasing production of downstream products with higher added value. ICL Advanced Additives purifies some of the agricultural phosphoric acid manufactured by ICL Phosphate and also manufactures thermal phosphoric acid. The purified phosphoric acid and the thermal phosphoric acid are used to manufacture downstream products with high added value – phosphate salts and acids – which are used in the various industries mentioned above. The product line of ICL Advanced Additives is further comprised of processed potassium, calcium and magnesium products used in the pharma, specialty steel, oil drilling, and oil additives industries, along with de-icing and other applications.

ICL Food Specialties – ICL Food Specialties is a leader in developing and producing functional food ingredients and phosphate additives, which provide texture and stability solutions for the processed meat, fish, dairy, beverage and baked goods markets. In addition, the business line produces milk proteins and whey proteins for the food ingredient industry and provides blended, integrated solutions based on dairy proteins and phosphate additives. The business line operates primary production locations in Germany and Austria, which mainly process phosphates, milk and spices, and runs several local blending facilities in Germany, the UK, the United States, Brazil, China and Australia, enabling the production of "customer specific" solutions that meet the requirements of the local market.

Financial Figures and Non-GAAP Financial Measures

1-3/2017 1-3/2016 2016
\$
millions
% of
sales
\$
millions
% of
sales
\$
millions
% of
sales
Sales 1,295 - 1,265 - 5,363 -
Gross profit 358 28 366 29 1,660 31
Operating income (loss) 116 9 107 8 (3) -
Adjusted operating income 116 9 115 9 582 11
Net income (loss) - shareholders of the Company 68 5 66 5 (122) -
Adjusted net income - shareholders of the Company 68 5 85 7 451 8
Adjusted EBITDA (1) 218 17 223 18 1,051 20
Cash flows from operating activities 195 - 222 - 966 -

(1) See "Adjusted EBITDA for the periods of activity" below.

Adjustments to reported operating and net income

1-3/2017 1-3/2016 2016
\$ millions \$ millions \$ millions
Operating income (loss) 116 107 (3)
Capital loss (1) - 1 1
Write-down and impairment of assets (2) - - 489
Provision for early retirement and dismissal of employees (3) - 6 39
Provision in respect of prior periods resulting from an arbitration decision (4) - - 13
Retroactive electricity charges (5) - - (16)
Provision for legal claims (6) - 1 8
Provision for historical waste removal (7) - - 51
Total adjustments to operating income (loss) - 8 585
Adjusted operating income 116 115 582
Net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of the Company 68 66 (122)
Total adjustments to operating income (loss) - 8 585
Adjustments to finance expenses (8) - - 38
Total tax impact of the above operating income & finance expenses adjustments - (2) (81)
Tax assessment and deferred tax adjustments (9) - 13 36
Adjustments attributable to the non-controlling interests - - (5)
Total adjusted net income - shareholders of the Company 68 85 451
  • (1) Capital loss from sale of non-core businesses.
  • (2) Impairment in value and write down of assets with respect to the write down of assets (including expected closure cost) relating to the global ERP project (Harmonization Project), in the amount of \$282 million, write down of assets relating to discontinuance of the activities of Allana Afar in Ethiopia (including expected closure cost), in the amount of \$202 million, and impairment in the value of assets of a subsidiary in the United Kingdom, in the amount of \$5 million.
  • (3) Provision for early retirement and dismissal of employees in accordance with the Company's comprehensive global efficiency plan from 2012 in its production facilities throughout the group. In 2016, with respect to the Company's facilities in Israel at the Bromine companies (see also Q1 2016), the Company's facilities in the United Kingdom and the Company's facilities of the joint venture in China (reflected also in the non-controlling interests' adjustment below).
  • (4) Provision in connection with prior periods in respect of royalties arbitration in Israel.
  • (5) Reversal of provision in connection with prior periods in respect of costs of management services of the electricity system in DSW and ICL Rotem.
  • (6) Provision for legal claims, mainly regarding two claims settled in 2016 related to prior periods. In Q1 2016, stemming from the settlement agreement that ended the class action brought by the farmers in Israel regarding potash prices, and in Q3 2016, stemming mainly from the arbitration award ending the long commercial price dispute with Haifa Chemicals.
  • (7) Provision for removal of waste in respect of prior periods. In 2016, purification and removal of historical waste from the potash activities in Spain as a result of decisions made by the Spanish authorities in connection with the plan for treating the salt pile in the Sallent site leading to plan changes mainly related to the water pumping process involved in the salt treatment.
  • (8) Interest and linkage expenses in connection with the royalties arbitration and tax assessments in Israel relating to prior periods. \$26 million in connection with the royalties arbitration and \$12 million relating to a tax assessment in Israel.
  • (9) Tax assessments in Israel and Belgium (see also Q1 2016) relating to prior periods.

Calculation of adjusted EBITDA was made as follows:

1-3/2017 1-3/2016 2016
\$ millions \$ millions \$ millions
Net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of the Company 68 66 (122)
Depreciation and amortization 94 99 401
Financing expenses, net 14 28 132
Taxes on income 42 22 55
Adjustments * - 8 585
Total adjusted EBITDA 218 223 1,051

* See "Adjustments to reported operating and net income" above.

We disclose in this Quarterly Report non-IFRS financial measures titled adjusted operating income, adjusted net income attributable to the Company's shareholders and adjusted EBITDA. Our management uses adjusted operating income, adjusted net income attributable to the Company's shareholders 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 above. 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 above, excluding the total tax impact of such adjustments and adjustments attributable to the non-controlling interests. We calculate our adjusted EBITDA by adding back to the net income attributable to the Company's shareholders the depreciation and amortization, financing expenses, net, taxes on income and the items presented in the reconciliation table above which were adjusted for in calculating the adjusted operating income and adjusted net income attributable to the Company's shareholders.

You should not view adjusted operating income, adjusted net income attributable to the Company's shareholders 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 and adjusted EBITDA may differ from those used by other companies. However, we believe adjusted operating income, adjusted net income attributable to the Company's shareholders and adjusted EBITDA provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain expenses 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's performance. We believe that these non-IFRS measures provide useful information to investors because they improve the comparability of the financial results between periods and provide for greater transparency of key measures used to evaluate our performance.

We present a discussion in the period-to-period comparisons of the primary drivers of changes 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 in its businesses. We have based the following discussion on our financial statements. You should read the following discussion together with our financial statements.

Consolidated Results of Operations

Results of operations for the period January – March 2017

Sales

Sales analysis \$ millions
Total sales Q1 2016 1,265
Quantity 115
Price (55)
Exchange rate (30)
Total sales Q1 2017 1,295
  • Quantity the increase derives mainly from clear brines solutions in ICL Industrial Products, mainly to North America, from phosphoric acid in ICL Phosphate mainly related to the increase in YPH JV, and an increase in potash quantities sold, mainly to India and the USA.
  • Price the decrease derives mainly from a decline in the selling prices of phosphate fertilizers and phosphoric acid in ICL Phosphate, together with a decline in the selling prices of acids in ICL Advance Additives and a decline in potash selling prices.

  • Exchange rate – the decrease stems mainly from the devaluation of the euro and the Chinese yuan against the dollar.

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

1-3/2017
\$
millions
% of
sales
\$
millions
% of
sales
Europe 534 41 559 44
North America 294 23 267 21
Asia 282 22 239 19
South America 98 8 92 7
Rest of the world 87 6 108 9
Total 1,295 100 1,265 100

The breakdown of the sales in the first quarter of 2017 shows a decrease in sales to Europe, stemming mainly from a decline in the selling prices of potash and phosphate products together with a decline in the quantities of phosphate rock sold. This decrease was partly offset by an increase in sales of ICL Industrial Products. The increase in sales to North America stems mainly from an increase in the quantities of potash and clear brines solutions sold, partly offset by a decrease in sales due to divestiture of non-core businesses last year. The increase in sales to Asia stems mainly from an increase in quantities sold of potash, phosphoric acid, bromine-based flame retardants and specialty agriculture products. The increase in sales to South America stems mainly from an increase in the quantities of phosphate fertilizers sold, partly offset by a decrease in potash quantities sold.

Operating expenses analysis \$ millions
Total operating expenses Q1 2016 1,158
Quantity 75
Exchange rate (20)
Raw materials
Energy
(25)
-
Transportation 20
Other (29)
Total operating expenses Q1 2017 1,179
  • Quantity the increase in quantities-related costs derives mainly from the increased quantities sold, mainly in ICL Phosphate and ICL Industrial Products.
  • Exchange rate the decrease stems mainly from the devaluation of the euro and the pound against the dollar, partly offset by the upward revaluation of the Israeli shekel against the dollar.
  • Raw materials the decrease stems mainly from a decline in sulfur prices (used in ICL Phosphate and ICL Advanced Additives products) and a decline in commodity fertilizers prices (used in ICL Specialty Fertilizers).
  • Transportation the increase stems mainly from an increase in transportation prices and from the increase in quantities sold.
  • Other the decrease stems mainly from a capital gain due to the sale of an office building and insurance income in Israel, together with early retirement expenses recorded in the corresponding quarter last year. This decrease was partly offset by higher royalties expenses and write-down of inventories.

Financing expenses, net

The net financing expenses in the first quarter of 2017 amounted to \$14 million, compared with \$28 million in the corresponding quarter last year – a decrease of \$14 million. The decrease includes a decline of about \$16 million deriving mainly from an increase of the income in respect of the fair value of foreign currency hedging transactions, energy and marine shipping, net, partly offset by revaluation of the net liabilities, and a decrease in the interest expenses due to a decrease in the short term and long term debt. On the other hand, there was an increase in the financing expenses, in the amount of about \$2 million stemming mainly from exchange rate differences relating to provisions for employee benefits.

Tax expenses

The tax expenses in the first quarter of 2017 amounted to \$42 million, compared with tax expenses of \$22 million in the corresponding quarter last year. The reported tax expenses in the current quarter were impacted mainly from tax expenses due to differences in the measurement base for tax purposes and the measurement base thereof for financial reporting purposes as a result of the strengthening of the Israeli shekel against the dollar. The effective tax rate, without the impact of the above-mentioned differences, is about 29%, compared with an effective tax rate of about 24%, in the corresponding quarter last year. The increase in the effective tax rate stems mainly from application of the Israeli Natural Resources Tax to the bromine and potash activities in Israel.

2 7

Segment Information

Segment revenues, expenses and results include inter-segment transfers, which are priced based on transaction prices in the ordinary course of business. These transfers are eliminated as part of consolidation of the financial statements. The segment income is measured based on the operating income, without certain expenses that are not allocated to the activity segments, including, general and administrative expenses, as it is included in reports that are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker.

Specialty Solutions Segment

This segment includes three business lines: ICL Industrial Products, ICL Advanced Additives and ICL Food Specialties. The segment targets industrial markets and concentrates on achieving growth through a highly-tailored customer focus, product innovation and commercial excellence.

Significant highlights and business environment

A. Industrial Products

  • x Continued favorable bromine pricing in China partially offset by the devaluation of the Chinese yuan compared to the dollar.
  • x Higher sales and continued transition from HBCD to FR-122P in Europe.
  • x Stable and moderately growing demand for bromine-based flame retardants. Sales were higher, mainly as a result of low bromine availability in China. ICL Industrial Products is continuing to work on securing long term supply agreements for bromine-based flame retardants.
  • x Higher sales of MERQUEL® (Mercury emission control products) supported by regulation implemented in the USA in mid-2016.
  • x Stable demand for bromine in the Butyl rubber industry.
  • x Higher sales of phosphorous-based flame retardants as a result of supply interruptions several Chinese producers have faced. Nevertheless, Chinese production is stabilizing. The Company is working to secure annual contracts with customers in western markets.
  • x Demand for clear brine solutions continues to be soft as result of the low level of oil prices. Sales of clear brines solutions during the first quarter of 2017 were higher compared to the corresponding quarter last year as a result of non-recurring sales. Overall 2017 sales are expected to be at the same level as 2016.

B. Advanced Additives

Total Advanced Additives performance was favorable compared to the corresponding quarter last year and was impacted by several factors:

  • x Global sales of acids and salts declined slightly compared to the corresponding quarter last year, driven by the highly competitive market environment. By region, higher acid volumes in Europe and favorable sales development of defined phosphate salts in North America partially offset price pressure resulting from declining merchant grade acid (MGA) market prices versus the previous year. In Asia, the successful growth strategy of YPH JV coupled with a moderate market price increase in China led to favorable revenue development. In South America, the economic downturn in Brazil led to lower demand in the cleaning and beverage markets, though this was mostly offset by positive developments of exports into other South American countries.
  • x In the Specialty Minerals sub-business line, solid sales in technical applications combined with new sales to a major customer, offset weak magnesium chloride sales of de-icing products following the mild winter. As a result sales were flat compared to the prior year.
  • x P2S5 sales improved compared to the corresponding quarter last year. Sales in the first quarter of 2017 increased slightly driven by higher demand from key customers in North America and Europe. Sales were also favorably impacted by higher demand for insecticides due to the start of the summer season, in contrast to a destocking cycle and plant turnarounds of major customers in the corresponding quarter last year. As a result, volume was up considerably year-over-year.
  • x The Fire Safety sub-business line was positively influenced by wildfire activity in South America, resulting in increased sales of liquid concentrates to Chile and Argentina. As a result, fire safety sales were favorable compared to the corresponding quarter last year.

C. Food Specialties

  • x ICL Food Specialties' sales volume in the first quarter was lower compared to the corresponding quarter last year, driven mostly by lower sales of dairy proteins.
  • x Sales volume of dairy proteins declined as a result of new local regulations for organic infant food in China, aimed at reducing the wide product portfolio currently available in the market in order to gain tighter control, and the subsequent destocking activity of a customer delivering proteins to China. Nevertheless, the general assessment of the Chinese infant food market remains positive and ICL Food Specialties was able to partially offset the decline through growth in other customer relationships existing in the growing Chinese market. First signs of recovery are expected during the second half of the year.

  • x ICL Food Specialties' phosphates business remained stable in the quarter as competitive pressure in North America and Europe was offset by a recovery in sales in Eastern Europe. The business line announced price increases in North America starting in the second quarter of 2017, with the full impact of the pricing adjustments expected to be realized beginning in the third quarter.

  • x Sales volume of integrated solutions and new products continued to grow compared to the first quarter of 2016 as the business line continues to launch new products to the dairy, beverage, meat, poultry and seafood markets in all regions. Order intake rates are increasing as well, adding to the positive outlook for the rest of 2017.
  • x ICL Food Specialties' results were further impacted by the devaluation of several currencies against the dollar, mainly the euro, the pound and the Mexican peso.

Results of Operations – Specialty Solutions Segment

1-3/2017 1-3/2016 2016
\$
\$ \$
millions millions millions
Industrial Products 266 224 953
Sales to external customers 264 223 946
Sales to internal customers 2 1 7
Advanced Additives 213 208 966
Sales to external customers 199 188 897
Sales to internal customers 14 20 69
Food Specialties 138 162 659
Sales to external customers 136 159 650
Sales to internal customers 2 3 9
Setoffs (4) (10) (25)
Total segment sales 613 584 2,553
Operating income 115 106 534

Results of operations for the period January – March 2017

Sales analysis Industrial
Products
Advanced
Additives
Food
Specialties
Setoff Segment
Total
\$ millions
Total sales Q1 2016 224 208 162 (10) 584
Quantity 50 20 (20) 5 55
Price (5) (10) - - (15)
Exchange rate (3) (5) (4) 1 (11)
Total sales Q1 2017 266 213 138 (4) 613

- Quantity – the increase derives mainly from an increase in clear brines solutions quantities sold together with brominebased flame retardants in ICL Industrial Products and from an increase in quantities sold in the P2S5 and acids subbusiness lines of ICL Advanced Additives. This increase was partly offset by the decrease in dairy protein quantities sold in ICL Food Specialties (which was slightly offset by an increase in quantities of new products sold). see also 'Significant highlights and business environment' section.

  • Exchange rate –the decrease stems mainly from the devaluation of the euro against the dollar.
Operating income analysis \$ millions
Total operating income Q1 2016 106
Quantity 35
Price (15)
Exchange rate (5)
Raw materials 10
Energy -
Transportation (1)
Other (15)
Total operating income Q1 2017 115
  • Quantity – the increase stems mainly from the quantities of clear brines solutions and bromine-based flame retardants sold in ICL Industrial Products combined with P2S5 products in ICL Advanced Additives.

  • Price – the decrease stems mainly from lower selling prices of acids in ICL Advanced Additives and different products mix of clear brines solutions sold in ICL Industrial Products.

  • Exchange rate – the decrease stems mainly from devaluation of the euro against the dollar.

  • Raw materials – the increase stems mainly from a decrease in sulfur prices used for products of ICL Advanced Additives.

  • Other – the decrease derives, among others, from an increase in royalties paid as a result of the increase in sales.

- Price – the decrease stems mainly from different products mix of clear brines solutions sold in ICL Industrial products and a decrease in the selling prices of acids in ICL Advanced Additives.

Essential Minerals Segment

This segment includes three business lines: ICL Potash & Magnesium, ICL Phosphate and ICL Specialty Fertilizers. The segment targets the Agro markets and focuses on efficiency, process innovation and operational excellence.

Business environment overview

  • x After a lackluster market performance in 2016, the consensus suggests that economic activity will pick up pace in 2017 and 2018, especially in the emerging markets and developing economies. However, there is a wide range of possible outcomes with respect to the projections, given the uncertainty regarding the policy stance of the new USA administration and its global ramifications. The assumptions underpinning the forecast should be more specific by the time of publication of the April-May 2017 World Economic Outlook, as more clarity is gained regarding the USA policies and their implications on the global economy.
  • x Based on the WASDE report published by the USDA in April 2017, a small decrease is expected in the ratio of the inventories of grains to annual consumption, to 24.6% at the end of the agricultural 2016/2017 year, compared with 24.9% at the end of the 2015/2016 agricultural year, and an increase from a level of 23.6% in the 2014/2015 agricultural year.
  • x Favorable weather conditions in the growing regions along with increased planted areas, mainly in Brazil, kept crop prices unchanged. In the first quarter of 2017, potash prices in the spot markets increased globally from their low levels in the second half of 2016 and are continuing to be supported by strong demand and limited supply. In the beginning of the first quarter of 2017, the prices of phosphate fertilizers increased due to high demand in China, which absorbed most of the Chinese production. However, towards the end of the quarter, there was a decline in domestic Chinese demand that caused a re-routing of local production to global markets which, in turn, caused a decrease in the prices of phosphate fertilizers.

Significant highlights and business environment

A. Potash & Magnesium

  • x Despite the delay in signing a contract with China, ICL's potash shipments during the first quarter of 2017 increased by more than 5% compared to the corresponding quarter last year.
  • x Prices of potash increased moderately in spot markets such as Brazil, USA and Europe, during the first quarter of 2017 compared to the fourth quarter of 2016 and are presently showing stability. The forthcoming commissioning of the K+S's Legacy project in Canada is expected to add to the supply pressure on prices in the near-term.
  • x According to Customs data, China imported about 2.868 million tonnes of potash during the first quarter of 2017 about 48% more than in the corresponding quarter last year. The increase resulted from the massive imports overflow under last year's contract, most likely in a view of a possible price increase in the pending 2017 contract, and continuing cross-border rail imports from Russia. Supply contracts with Chinese customers for 2017 have yet to be concluded and we estimate they will be finalized during the second quarter of 2017.
  • x Potash imports into India during the first quarter of 2017 amounted to 820,000 tonnes, a 32% increase over the corresponding quarter last year. The sharp increase stems from the importers' projection of higher prices in the next contract and the 20% (about \$28 per tonne) reduction of NBS (Nutrient Based Subsidy) during the 2017/18 fiscal year (starting April 1, 2017). The reduction of NBS may impose an additional challenge to the sales of potash to local farmers. However, as potash is already underutilized, a further decrease may have an adverse effect on yields, thus no significant demand reduction is projected.
  • x During the first quarter of 2017, ICL continued its potash deliveries to India as part of the supply contracts of 760 thousand tonnes (including optional quantities of 60 thousand tonnes) at a price of \$227 per tonne CFR for the period running from July 2016 until June 2017.
  • x Brazil is showing continued strong demand for potash and other fertilizers, stimulated by low prices and good soybean demand. According to ANDA (Brazilian National Fertilizer Association), potash imports into Brazil during the first quarter of 2017 amounted to 1.668 million tonnes, a 21% increase over the corresponding quarter last year. The increase is attributable mainly to higher planted areas of soybeans and improvement in farmers' profitability.
  • x In April 2017, after receiving all the permits for execution of the Salt Harvesting with the Government of Israel, ICL's Board of Directors approved a budget of about \$280 million to further proceed with the execution of the Salt Harvesting in the Dead Sea. This budget which is part of the Salt Harvesting project, will be executed over the next 13 years, and constitutes ICL's share (80%) in the cost of performing this part. For more information, see "Item 4. Information on the Company—D. Property, Plant and Equipment—Mineral Extraction and Mining Operations—The Dead Sea" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016.
  • x Metal magnesium global demand for magnesium continues to be constrained by lower economic activity in China, Brazil and Europe. In the USA, the spot market has been impacted by imports of Russian, Kazakh and Turkish pure magnesium. Additionally,

consumption is being displaced as key sectors, such as primary aluminum and titanium production, are shifting to other markets, including Asia and Canada. The USA domestic producer, US Magnesium, is taking aggressive steps to offset the loss of the titanium producer, ATI (est. at 9,000 mt). US President, Mr. Donald Trump, announced a rollback of Current Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, previously aimed at requiring automakers to achieve a fleet average of roughly 54.5 mpg by 2025. This follows the NHTSA's most recent postponement that would have delayed implementation of penalties until the 2019 model year. The concern is that this will slow the return of magnesium to the discussion among the automotive OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). New mileage standards and/or implementation deadlines have not been announced. Chinese price indicators continued moving lower during January falling from the peak of \$2,550 (November 1st), however recovered to \$2,300 per ton by early March. The current level represents a 24% increase above January 2016 prices. Support is in part being provided by higher ferrosilicon prices although this was partially offset by a domestic supply imbalance. Pure magnesium prices in the US market remain under pressure as a consequence of the aforementioned change in supply dynamics.

B. Phosphate

  • x After a short period of moderate price recovery in the beginning of the quarter, the phosphate market is again experiencing downward pressure. On the demand side, increased shipments to Brazil are more than offset by lackluster buying from India. Supply from the new OCP phosphate hub being established and the end of the domestic season in China are diverting more products to international trade markets.
  • x Despite a 7% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, 2017 first quarter average DAP FOB Morocco prices were about 10% lower than the corresponding quarter last year.
  • x DAP inventories in India, the largest importer of phosphate materials, are still high and demand is low. The Indian government's decision in early April 2017 to reduce the NBS (Nutrient Based Subsidy) on phosphate, is expected to only have a marginal effect on DAP as it is offset by an increase of the NBS on nitrogen. DAP imports during the first quarter of 2017 amounted to just 200,000 tonnes, and although this is a 144% increase over the corresponding quarter last year, it is still considered very low. Prices offered by Chinese and Saudi producers, in the order of \$370 FOB, make it difficult for importers to buy at the prevailing MRP (minimal retail price).
  • x Phosphoric acid (100% P2O5) contracts in India for the second quarter of 2017 were set at \$590/t CFR including 30 days' credit, a \$40 per tonne increase from the first quarter contract price.
  • x The domestic demand season in China has ended and local producers are turning to the export markets. During the first quarter of 2017 China exported 1,280,000 tonnes of phosphate fertilizers (DAP, MAP and TSP), a 37.9% increase over the corresponding quarter last year.
  • x Over-supply in the domestic market in China along with lower international prices continue to negatively affect the results of the YPH joint venture in China, which recorded negative operating income of \$6 million (not including G&A expenses) in the first quarter of 2017 (most of which relates to the ICL Phosphate business line). ICL is continuing its efforts to increase efficiency and reduce costs in a challenging market environment. Continued implementation of efficiency measures and acceleration of the shift to specialty products are expected to support the JV's profitability in the short and medium terms.

  • x The USA and Brazilian markets are showing good demand.

  • x Brazilian imports of phosphate fertilizers (MAP, DAP, TSP & SSP) during the first quarter of 2017 amounted to 887,000 tonnes, a 50% increase over the corresponding quarter last year. The increase is attributable mainly to higher planted areas of soybeans and improvement in farmers' profitability. MAP CFR Brazil prices in the first quarter of 2017 were 9.4% higher than in the fourth quarter of 2016, but only 4% above the first quarter of 2016. TSP CFR Brazil prices in the first quarter of 2017 were 1.5% higher than in the fourth quarter of 2016, but 10.5% lower than the first quarter of 2016.
  • x In the USA, strong demand from the local market and problems with delivery of rock from Peru, have forced Mosaic to purchase rock from OCP and some imported DAP barges, in order to supply its domestic commitments. Despite a 4% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, 2017 first quarter average DAP US domestic prices were about 5% lower than the corresponding quarter last year.
  • x In April 2017, the Company signed a principles agreement with the Workers Council of Rotem Amfert Israel toward the renewal of the collective bargaining agreement. The Company is expected to sign the final collective bargaining agreement in the second quarter of 2017 which will include a special early retirement plan with an expected cost of approximately \$5M-\$10M.

C. Specialty Fertilizers

  • x ICL Specialty Fertilizers' sales and operating income increased in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the corresponding quarter in 2016 as a result of higher sales volumes throughout most regions and higher profitability, mainly in Europe and Israel. The increased profitability stems from lower-priced inventory, accumulated during prior periods, implementation of cost reduction initiatives and the slightly increasing market prices of end products.
  • x During the fourth quarter of 2016, global commodity fertilizers prices (mainly nitrogen) began to increase. This, combined with the recent recovery in the prices of several "cash" crops such as oil palms and sugar, is expected to support 2017 sales.
  • x Total sales in Europe were slightly lower as the favorable impact of an early spring on sales in the turf and ornamental horticulture markets was offset by negative exchange rate effects and a decrease in sales prices.
  • x In the Asia Pacific region, ICL Specialty Fertilizers' sales increased by over 50% compared to the corresponding quarter last year, primarily due to higher sales volumes of straight fertilizers. However, low market prices negatively impacted gross income. Increased interest and orders were recorded in the beginning of the second quarter.
  • x Emerging markets, such as Africa, Brazil, India and Turkey, are adopting more sophisticated fertilizer application methods and technologies. This trend is a result of on-going educational activities directed to local growers during the past years. Higher sales volumes to these markets were already recorded in the first quarter of 2017.
1-3/2017 1-3/2016 2016
\$
\$ \$
millions millions millions
Potash & Magnesium 283 273 1,338
Sales to external customers 253 241 1,213
Sales to internal customers 30 32 125
Phosphate 292 299 1,163
Sales to external customers 247 249 966
Sales to internal customers 45 50 197
Specialty Fertilizers 192 188 661
Sales to external customers 186 180 632
Sales to internal customers 6 8 29
Setoffs (33) (37) (126)
Total segment sales 734 723 3,036
Operating income 66 93 398

For additional details regarding potash – see 'Potash – Stand-Alone Activities'.

Results of operations for the period January – March 2017

Sales analysis Potash &
Magnesium Phosphate
Specialty
Fertilizers
Setoff Segment
Total
\$ millions
Total sales Q1 2016 273 299 188 (37) 723
Quantity 25 35 15 - 75
Price (5) (35) (5) - (45)
Exchange rate (10) (7) (6) 4 (19)
Total sales Q1 2017 283 292 192 (33) 734
  • Quantity – the increase stems mainly from an increase in phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizers quantities sold, together with an increase in potash sales (mainly in India and the USA) and from an increase in the quantities of specialty agriculture products sold.

  • Price – the decrease stems mainly from a decline in phosphate fertilizers and phosphoric acid selling prices, lower commodity fertilizers prices and a decline in potash selling prices.

  • Exchange rate – the decrease stems mainly from the devaluation of the euro and the Chinese yuan against the dollar.

Operating income analysis \$ millions
Total operating income Q1 2016 93
Quantity 10
Price (45)
Exchange rate (5)
Raw materials 20
Energy -
Transportation (20)
Other 13
Total operating income Q1 2017 66
  • Quantity – the increase derives mainly from the quantities of potash and specialty agriculture products sold.

  • Price the decrease stems mainly from a decline in phosphate fertilizers and phosphoric acid selling prices, lower commodity fertilizers prices and a decline in potash selling prices.

  • Exchange rate the decrease stems mainly from the upward revaluation of the Israeli shekel against the dollar.
  • Raw materials the increase stems mainly from a decline in sulfur prices (used in the green phosphoric acid production) and a decline in commodity fertilizers prices (used for products of ICL Specialty Fertilizers).
  • Transportation the decrease stems mainly from an increase in transportation prices and from the increase in quantities sold.
  • Other the increase derives mainly from insurance income in ICL Rotem and from a capital gain due to sale of an office building in Israel.
1-3/2017 1-3/2016 2016
5,744
1,032
4,099
2,725
649 506 2,645
1,400
160
1,096
570
1,341
362
751
573

* To external customers.

Production and Sales

The quantity of fertilizers sold in the first quarter of 2017 was 143 thousand tonnes higher than in the corresponding quarter last year. The increase stems mainly from an increase in sales to Brazil and to China (by the YPH joint venture). In the first quarter of 2017, manufacture of phosphate fertilizers was lower by 3 thousand tonnes. The quantity of phosphate rock sold in the first quarter decreased significantly due to increased internal use for fertilizer production in China, as well as low global demand and an unattractive prices environment.The production of phosphate rock was higher by 59 thousand tonnes mainly due to increased production in ICL Rotem in Israel.

Potash – Stand-Alone Activities

Key Figures – Additional Information

Millions of dollars 1-3/2017 1-3/2016 2016
Average potash selling price - FOB (in \$) 216 235 211
Sales to external customers 231 221 1,134
Sales to internal customers * 36 40 151
Operating income 41 51 291

* Sales to other business lines of ICL including the Magnesium business.

The potash stand-alone activities include, among others, Polysulphate ™ produced in a mine in the UK and salt produced in underground mines in UK and Spain.

Results of operations for the period January – March 2017

Sales analysis \$ millions
Total sales Q1 2016 261
Quantity 20
Price (5)
Exchange rate (9)
Total sales Q1 2017 267
Operating income analysis \$ millions
Total operating income Q1 2016 51
Quantity 5
Price (5)
Exchange rate -
Raw materials and energy -
Transportation (15)
Other 5
Total operating income Q1 2017 41
  • Quantity – the increase derives mainly from potash sales in India and the USA.

  • Price – the decrease stems from a decline in potash selling prices.

  • Transportation – the decrease stems mainly from an increase in transportation prices and an increase in quantities of potash sold.

Potash – Production and Sales

Thousands of Tonnes 1-3/2017 1-3/2016 2016
Production 1,057 1,348 5,279
Sales to external customers 942 893 4,818
Sales to internal customers 72 24 347
Total sales (including internal sales) 1,014 917 5,165
Closing inventory 709 983 666

Production and Sales

The quantity of potash sold to external customers in the first quarter of 2017, was 49 thousand tonnes higher than in the corresponding quarter last year, mainly due to an increase in sales to India and the USA. Production of potash in the first quarter of 2017 was 291 thousand tonnes lower than in the corresponding quarter last year, due to a decrease in the production of ICL UK as a result of operational breakdown in the mine tailings channel. The production was renewed at the beginning of the second quarter of 2017, and in the Company's estimation the under-production will be made up during the course of the year.

Source and uses of cash

Set forth below are the highlights of the changes in the cash flows in the first quarter of 2017, compared with the corresponding quarter last year:

Net cash provided by operating activities:

In the first quarter of 2017, the cash flows provided by operating activities decreased by \$27 million compared with the corresponding quarter last year. This decrease stems mainly from a decline in the trade receivables in the corresponding quarter last year due to a collection of extensive sales in the end of 2015. The said decrease was partly offset due to a decrease in the production of ICL UK as a result of operational breakdown in the mine tailings channel.

Net cash used in investing activities:

In the first quarter of 2017, the cash flows used in investing activities decreased compared with the corresponding quarter last year, by \$319 million. This decrease stems mainly due to payment for acquisition of 15% of the shares of YTH, in the amount of about \$250 million, in the corresponding quarter last year. In addition, there was a decline in the cash flows used for investments in property, plant and equipment, in the amount of \$81 million.

Net cash used in financing activities:

In the first quarter of 2017, there was an increase of \$258 million in the cash flows used in financing activities compared with the corresponding quarter last year. This increase stems mainly from repayment of long-term loans net of long-term loans received, in the amount of \$155 million, repayment of short-term credit from banks and others, net, in the amount of \$43 million and timing differences relating to a dividend payment in the amount of \$60 million.

Debt Movement

As at March 31, 2017, the net financial liabilities of ICL amounted to \$3,262 million, a decrease of \$6 million compared with the balance at the end of 2016. The decrease of the net financial liabilities stems mostly from the operating cash flow generated during the quarter which was offset by a dividend payment of \$60 million.

The total amount of the securitization framework and credit facility deriving therefrom amounts to \$405 million. As at March 31, 2017, ICL had used \$312 million of the securitization facility.

ICL also has long-term credit facilities of \$2,026 million and €100 million, of which \$1,284 million was unused as at March 31, 2017.

On March 23, 2017, Fitch Ratings lowered the Company's international corporate credit rating to BBB– with a stable rating outlook. Fitch's above-mentioned rating also applies to the Company's debentures. According to the Company's estimate, the impact of the said rating reduction on its financial expenses, if any, will be negligible.

As the date of the report, the Company is in compliance with the financial covenants stipulated in its financing agreements.

Critical Accounting Estimates

There were no material changes in our critical accounting estimates during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017.

Board of Directors and Senior Management Updates

Commencing from February 1, 2017, Mr. Eli Glazer, formerly the CEO of ICL Europe, is serving as the President of ICL Specialty Solutions, in place of Mr. Mark Volmer, who concluded his position on January 31, 2017.

On March 14, 2017, the Company's Board of Directors approved the appointment of Mr. Reem Aminoach as a member of the Company's Board of Directors. Mr. Aminoach's service will be valid up to the next General Meeting of the Company's shareholders.

On March 31, 2017, Mr. Nissim Adar, concluded his position as the President of ICL Essential Minerals. Commencing from April 1, 2017, Mr. Ofer Lifshitz, who up to recently headed ICL's efficiency and cash-flow improvement program, replaced Mr. Adar as the President of ICL Essential Minerals.

Risk Factors

In the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, there were no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Quantitative and Qualitative Exposures stemming from Market Risks

Reference is made to "Item 11 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Legal Proceedings

Derivative Actions

Pursuant to ICL's Board resolution dated December 15, 2016, the Company has appointed a special independent external committee (the "Special Committee") to examine all of the aspects arising from the application for certification of a derivative action regarding the annual bonuses paid to office holders for the years 2014-2015 (the "Certification Application"). The Special Committee was headed by Hon. Justice (ret.) Oded Mudrick, and the other members therein were: Prof. Sharon Hannes and Prof. Haim Assayag, CPA. For purposes of its operations, the Special Committee appointed a legal advisor to accompany its work – Dr. Asaf Eckstein.

On April 18, 2017, the Special Committee submitted its report to the Board of Directors, wherein it determined, among other things, that in its opinion the adjustments to the net profit as approved by the Company's Compensation Committee for the years 2014 and 2015 were duly made and in accordance with the Company's Compensation Policy. Therefore, the Company does not have a cause of action against the directors who approved the bonus adjustments for the years 2014 and 2015, or against the officers who received the bonuses due to the said adjustments. In light of the foregoing, it would be improper for the Company to demand any restitution or reparation due to the events specified in the Certification Application filed by the Applicant. Accordingly, the Committee recommended that the Company oppose the Application filed with the Court by the Applicant.

In its meeting on April 26, 2017, the Board resolved to fully adopt the Special Committee's report and the recommendation therein to deny the Applicant's demand in the Certification Application and to instruct the Company to file an objection to the Certification Application.

Investment treaty claim against Ethiopia

Further to Note 13 of the 2016 annual financial statements, a Company subsidiary, ICL Europe, plans to file an investment treaty claim against the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia ("Ethiopia") in relation to State violations of the Agreement on Encouragement and Reciprocal Protection of Investments between Ethiopia and the Netherlands (the Ethiopia-Netherlands BIT). The violations relate to, inter alia, the State's imposition of an illegal tax assessment against, and its failure to provide infrastructure support to, Allana Potash Afar Plc, an indirect subsidiary of ICL Europe . ICL Europe plans to file the claim under the Arbitration Rules of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), and requested that the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague administer the arbitration proceedings. As at the date of the report, the Company has booked a full tax provision in respect of the tax assessment.

For further information regarding legal proceedings and other contingencies, see Note 6 to the Company's condensed consolidated interim financial statements as at March 31, 2017.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Israel Chemicals Ltd.

By: /s/ Kobi Altman
Name:
Title:
Kobi Altman
Chief Financial Officer

Israel Chemicals Ltd.

By: /s/ Lisa Haimovitz

Name: Lisa Haimovitz Title: Senior Vice President, Global General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Date: May 10, 2017

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