ICL raises 2026 profit forecast after bromine and potash rally

ICL Group (NYSE:ICL) raised its full-year profit outlook on Wednesday after reporting a double-digit increase in first-quarter earnings, buoyed by higher prices for bromine and potash.

The Tel Aviv-based specialty minerals company now expects 2026 adjusted EBITDA to range between $1.5 billion and $1.7 billion, up from its previous forecast of $1.4 billion to $1.6 billion.

Consolidated sales for the quarter ended March 31 rose 14% to $2 billion, surpassing the $1.8 billion reported in the prior-year period.

The growth was distributed across all four of the company's business segments, with the Industrial Products unit benefiting from pricing power in bromine and the Phosphate Solutions segment seeing strength in commodity fertilizers.

Net income attributable to shareholders rose to $126 million, or $0.10 per share, up from $91 million a year ago.

The quarter also marked the first contribution from Bartek Ingredients, the specialty chemical maker ICL acquired in January to expand its footprint in the North American food additives market.

The integration helped drive growth in specialty crop nutrition and food solutions, even as the company navigated logistical headwinds in the Middle East that have recently tightened global fertilizer supplies.

While the company raised its financial targets, it maintained its 2026 potash sales volume guidance at 4.5 million to 4.7 million metric tons.

Net financial liabilities increased to $2.57 billion at quarter-end, reflecting debt incurred for the Bartek acquisition.