Gross profit for 2019 was $116 million compared to $164 million in the prior year. The decrease in gross profit was due to restructuring costs of $15 million primarily related to the reduction of the Company’s manufacturing footprint, as well as lower shipments, higher energy costs, higher outside service provider costs, and the alignment of reporting for SG&A expenses between the Company’s North American and European operations. These reductions were partially offset by improved mix and year-over-year procurement savings, primarily related to material.
SG&A expenses for 2019 were $64 million, or 5% of net sales, compared to $78 million, or 5% of net sales, in the prior year. The decrease in SG&A primarily reflects a reduction in acquisition and integration expenses, the previously mentioned alignment of reporting for SG&A, and initiatives to reduce SG&A costs.
Operating loss for 2019 was $50 million compared to income from operations of $86 million in the prior year, reflecting the previously described impairment of European goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, restructuring costs related to the reduction of the Company’s manufacturing footprint, and lower overall production levels.
The income tax provision for 2019 was $3 million. This compares to an income tax provision for the year ended 2018 of $6 million. The tax provision declined from 2018 to 2019 due to the effects of U.S. taxation on foreign earnings under the provisions of tax reform and the generation of additional Polish tax credits. Cash taxes for 2019 were $9 million.
For 2019, the Company reported a net loss of $97 million, or loss per diluted share of $5.10, including the impact of $4.65 per share from acquisition, restructuring, impairment and net other items. This compares to net income of $26 million, or earnings per diluted share of $0.29, in 2018. See Impact of Acquisition, Restructuring, and Other Items in this press release.
Adjusted EBITDA, anon-GAAP financial measure, was $169 million, or 22% of Value-Added Sales, in 2019, which compares to $186 million, or 23% of Value-Added Sales, in 2018. The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily driven by lower volumes, higher energy costs, and higher outside service provider costs, partially offset by improved product mix comprised of larger diameter wheels and more premium content and year-over-year cost savings. See“Non-GAAP Financial Information” below and the reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA in this press release.
The Company reported net cash provided by operating activities of $163 million for the full year 2019 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $156 million in 2018. The increase in net cash from operating activities was driven by improved working capital management, including the impact of lower volume and lower aluminum prices.
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