ITEM 1. BUSINESS
As used in this report (the “Report”), the term “Ampal” or “registrant” refers to Ampal-American Israel Corporation. The term “Company” refers to Ampal and its consolidated subsidiaries. Ampal is a New York corporation founded in 1942.
For industry segment financial information and financial information about foreign and domestic operations, see Note 14 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Report. The companies described below under - “Telecommunication,” “High Technology” and “Capital Markets and Other Holdings” are included in the Finance segment. The companies described under “Real Estate” are included in the Real Estate segment. The companies described under “Leisure-Time” are included in the Leisure-Time segment.
The Company primarily acquires interests in businesses located in the State of Israel or that are Israel-related. Ampal’s investment focus is principally on companies or ventures where Ampal can exercise significant influence, on its own or with investment partners, and use its management experience to enhance those investments. An important objective of Ampal is to seek investments in companies that operate in Israel initially and then expand abroad. In determining whether to acquire an interest in a specific company, Ampal considers quality of management, potential return on investment, growth potential, projected cash flow, investment size and financing, and reputable investment partners.
The Company’s strategy is to invest opportunistically in undervalued assets with an emphasis on the following sectors: Telecommunications, Real Estate and Project Development, Energy, Leisure Time and High Technology. We believe that past experience, current opportunities and a deep understanding of the above-referenced sectors both domestically in Israel and internationally will allow the Company to bring high returns to its shareholders. The Company emphasizes investments which have long-term growth potential over investments which yield short-term returns.
The Company provides its investee companies with ongoing support through its involvement in the investees’ strategic decisions and introduction to the financial community, investment bankers and other potential investors both in and outside of Israel.
Listed below by industry segment are all of the substantial investee companies in which the Company had ownership interests during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, the principal business of each and the percentage of equity owned, directly or indirectly, by Ampal. The table below also indicates whether the investee’s securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), NASDAQ National Market (“Nasdaq”), the American Stock Exchange (“AMEX”) or the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (“TASE”). Further information with respect to the more significant investee companies is provided after the following table. For additional information concerning the investee companies, previously provided annual reports on Forms 10-K of Ampal are incorporated by reference herein.
(1) Based upon current ownership percentage. Does not give effect to any potential dilution.
The Company's percentage interest in the above-referenced companies set forth in the chart reflects the Company's 42.5% ownership of Ophirtech plus any direct holdings.
The Company's percentage interest in the above-referenced companies set forth in the chart reflects the Company's 42.5% ownership of Ophir Holdings plus any direct holdings.
Significant Developments Since the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2004
In 2005, the Company sold all of its remaining interest in Industrial Buildings Company for $15.5 million ($6.9 million directly and $8.6 million indirectly through Ophir Holdings Ltd.). The Company's share in the net gain is approximately $3.9 million.
In March 2005, the Company sold all of its holdings in Modem Art Ltd. for approximately $5 million. The Company expects to record a gain of approximately $4 million.
Telecommunications
MIRS COMMUNICATIONS LTD. ("MIRS")
MIRS is a wireless communications service provider and represents the largest investment in Ampal's history. Ampal beneficially owns a 25% interest in MIRS. Ampal purchased its interest in MIRS from Motorola Israel for $110 million. Ampal currently holds its interest in MIRS through a limited partnership, of which Ampal owns a 75.1% interest and acts as general partner. MIRS is currently owned one-third by the limited partnership and two-thirds by Motorola Israel. MIRS operates a fully integrated wireless voice and data communication services, digital and analog public-shared two-way radio systems. The wireless communication network is based on iDEN(TM) integrated wireless communication technology, a unique radio technology developed by Motorola, and provides an integrated service platform of cellular, two-way radio push to talk (PTT) and wireless data services. These services are targeted primarily to commercial customers.
The main goal of MIRS is to provide cellular service to the commercial, governmental, public and private sectors according to quality standards set by Motorola, in order to give a full and satisfying solution to all wireless communications needs. MIRS had over 300,000 subscribers mainly in the commercial, governmental, municipal, security and military sectors.
In 2004, the Israeli Ministry of Communications (MOC) issued two substantial decisions which might eventually impact MIRS. In July, 2004, the MOC granted a PTT license to local wireless service providers. Previously, MIRS was the only licensed provider of PTT services in Israel. In November the MOC decided to reduce connectivity charges charged by telecommunications providers in accordance with a pre-determined reduction plan to be completed in 2008.
As of December 31, 2004, the Company has taken a $30 million impairment charge on its investment in MIRS. This charge is discussed in greater detail in Item 7 below.
In May 2004, Ampal filed a claim in the Tel Aviv District Court against Motorola Communications Israel Ltd., Motorola Israel Ltd., MIRS Communications Ltd. and certain MIRS directors appointed by Motorola. For a discussion of these claims, please see "Legal Proceedings" set forth below.
TELECOM PARTNERS ("TP")
In February 2004, the company invested EUR 4.9 million (approximately US$5.8 million) in Telecom Partners, a newly formed entity that will serve as a platform for investments in the telecommunication industry predominantly outside of Israel. Ampal holds 33.3% of TP which currently holds investments in two European telecom service providers: PSINet Europe B.V. and Grapes Communications N.V./S.A. During the third quarter of 2004, PSInet Europe sold all its assets to certain other telecommunications providers. Following the sale, a portion of the proceeds was distributed to TP, of which Ampal received $7.1 million and recorded a gain of $2.5 million in connection with this transaction. The remaining carrying value of Ampal's investment in TP is $1.2 million.
Real Estate
In Israel, most land is owned by the Israeli government. In this Report, reference to ownership of land means either direct ownership of land or a long-term lease from the Israeli Government, which in most respects is regarded in Israel as the functional equivalent of ownership. It is the Israeli government's policy to renew its long-term leases (which usually have a term of 49 years) upon their expiration.
AM-HAL LTD. ("AM-HAL")
Am-Hal is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, which develops and operates luxury retirement centers for senior citizens.
In March 1992, the first center was opened in Rishon LeZion, a city located approximately 10 miles south of Tel-Aviv. This center, of about 120,000 square feet, includes 149 self-contained apartments, a 74-bed nursing care ward, a 21-bed assisted-living ward, a swimming pool, a health care center and other recreational facilities. The nursing care ward is leased to a non-affiliated health care provider until 2006.
In June 2000, the second center was opened in Hod Hasharon, a city located approximately 7 miles north of Tel Aviv. This center, which is approximately 250,000 square feet, includes 235 self-contained apartments, a 33-bed nursing care ward and a 22-bed assisted-living ward.
INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS LTD. ("INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS")
Industrial Buildings (TASE), Israel's largest owner/lessor of industrial property is engaged principally in the development and construction of buildings in Israel for industrial and commercial use and in project management. Industrial Buildings carries out infrastructure development projects for industrial and residential purposes, principally for a number of government agencies and authorities. Industrial Buildings hires and coordinates the work of contractors, planners and suppliers of various engineering services.
Ampal's ownership interest in Industrial Buildings is held through its interest in Ophir Holdings. As of December 31, 2004, Ophir Holdings' owned a 10.3% interest in Industrial Buildings.
Ophir Holdings' interest in Industrial Buildings is subject to foreclosure in the event of a default by any of the investors under the bank credit agreements entered into in connection with the original acquisition of Industrial Buildings from the Government of Israel in 1993. Any amounts distributed as a dividend by Industrial Buildings are required to be applied first to pay then-due borrowings. For a discussion of the sale of the shares of Industrial Buildings in 2005, please see "Significant Developments Since the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2004" above.
AMPAL HOLDINGS (1991) LTD. ("AMPAL HOLDINGS")
In 2004, as part of the Company's reorganization of certain of its wholly owned subsidiaries, Ampal Holdings purchased most of the high-tech investee companies from Ampal Industries (Israel) Ltd.
AMPAL (ISRAEL) LTD. ("AMPAL ISRAEL")
In 2004, as part of the Company's reorganization of certain of its wholly owned subsidiaries, Ampal Israel purchased various investee companies from Ampal Industries (Israel) Ltd.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD. ("OPHIR HOLDINGS")
Ophir Holdings is a holding company that owns interests in real estate companies and is owned 42.5% by the Company. The Company and Polar Investments Ltd., which owns 57.5% of Ophir Holdings, are parties to a shareholders' agreement regarding joint voting, directorships and rights of first refusal with respect to Ophir Holdings.
Ophir Holdings owns two acres of land in an industrial park in Netanya, Israel together with an unrelated party. These parties entered into a joint venture agreement regarding the site on which they developed a 326,000 square foot building (including parking) for both industrial and commercial use. Ophir Holdings has a 70% interest in the property and joint venture. Ophir Holdings' lease revenues from the building were $1.6 in 2004 and 2003.
Ophir Holdings owns a 22.2% interest in the Shmey-Bar group of companies ("Shmey-Bar"). Shmey-Bar acquired 2.3 million square feet of real estate properties from Hamashbir Hamerkazi, Ltd. ("Hamashbir Hamerkazi") for $27.7 million. In the same transaction, Shmey-Bar received an option to acquire, for $26.3 million, an additional 700,000 square feet of real estate properties from Hamashbir Hamerkazi. These properties are situated in various locations in Israel. Ophir Holdings' interest in Shmey-Bar was acquired with an investment of $1.4 million accompanied by a $6.2 million shareholder's loan.
Ophir Holdings' owns a 25% equity interest in Lysh The Coastal High-way Ltd. ("Lysh"). Lysh has a 50% holding in Beit Herut-Lysh Development Company Ltd. ("BHL"), which is constructing a 180,000 square foot commercial project for rental near Moshav Beit Herut on land owned by the Israeli Land Authority. The project, consisting of approximately 100,000 square feet, has been completed at a construction cost of $18 million, including the cost of the land. Ophir Holdings' owns a 25% direct interest in BHL (its share in the project being 12.5%).
Ophir Holdings has also undertaken to provide guarantees in an amount equivalent to 25% of the construction costs. As of December 31, 2004, BHL had taken out bank loans of approximately $14.1 million, by drawing on a credit line extended by a financial institution in connection with the project.
Ophir Holdings owns a 10% interest in a joint venture which had agreed to purchase 4.4 million square feet of land near Haifa for approximately $15 million, on which the parties intend to develop a commercial real estate project for rent. Ophir Holdings has obligated itself to invest up to $1.5 million in the first stage of this project and its share of development costs is estimated to be as much as $17 million.
BAY HEART LIMITED ("BAY HEART")
Bay Heart was established in 1987 to develop and lease a shopping mall (the "Mall") in the Haifa Bay area. Haifa is the third largest city in Israel. The Mall, which opened in May 1991, is a three-story facility with approximately 280,000 square feet of rentable space. The Mall is located at the intersection of two major roads and provides a large mix of retail and entertainment facilities including seven movie theaters. The total cost of the Mall was approximately $53 million, which was financed principally with debt instruments. A train station on the west side of the Mall was completed in September 2001. A transportation complex, in conjunction with a subsidiary of Egged Bus Corporation, was opened in January 2002. The Company owns 37% of Bay Heart. Bay Heart has refinanced the loan relating to the Mall, which loan has a fifteen years term. Bay Heart received an additional approval for NIS. 18.5 million for renovating the Mall which will start in the second quarter of 2005. The Company has agreed to guarantee a portion of the new loan in an amount equal to NIS 6.8 million.
Leisure-Time
CORAL WORLD INTERNATIONAL LIMITED ("CORAL WORLD")
Coral World, which is 50%-owned by the Company, owns and controls three marine parks in Eilat (Israel), Perth (Australia) and Maui (Hawaii).
Coral World's Eilat marine park is located next to the coral reefs and visitors to this park view marine life in its natural coral habitat through a unique underwater observatory. Coral World's marine parks in Perth and Maui allow visitors to walk through a transparent acrylic tube on the bottom of a man-made aquarium surrounded by marine life. In addition to admission charges, Coral World derives significant revenue from its food and beverage facilities and retail outlets.
Coral World's parks hosted approximately 1,004,000 visitors during 2004. Coral World has approximately 220 full-time equivalent positions as of December 31, 2004.
Coral World has entered into a joint development project for a new marine park in Palma de Majorca. Coral World has also entered into a joint venture called 'Vista Historica', which participated in a tender for the development of a multimedia attraction near the ancient city of Pompeii and which is in the process of developing a new 'Vista Historica' attraction in the city of Firenze.
COUNTRY CLUB KFAR SABA LIMITED ("KFAR SABA")
Kfar Saba operates a country club facility (the "Club") in Kfar Saba, a town north of Tel Aviv. Kfar Saba holds a long-term lease to the real estate property on which the Club is situated. The Club's facilities include swimming pools, tennis courts and a clubhouse. The Club currently is seeking to obtain building permits for an additional 30,000 square feet of commercial development on the Club grounds.
The Club, which has a capacity of 2,000 member families, had approximately 1,900 member families for the 2004 season. The Company owns 51% of Kfar Saba.
HOD HASHARON SPORT CENTER (1992) LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ("HOD HASHARON")
Hod Hasharon operates a country club facility (the "H.H. Club") in Hod Hasharon, a town north of Tel Aviv. The H.H. Club, which opened in July 1994 and has a capacity of 1,600 member families, has operated at capacity for the past three years. In 2004, the H.H. Club repaid owner's loans of $0.2 million to each of the partners. As of December 31, 2004, the Company holds a 50% direct interest in Hod Hasharon.
High Technology
IDENTIFY SOLUTIONS LTD. ("IDENTIFY")
Identify (formally Mutek Ltd.), develops and markets the AppSight solution suite based on Identify's Black Box technology that captures, communicates and identifies the root cause of failures in applications. AppSight is used throughout the application life cycle to increase application reliability and availability and reduce application deployment and support costs.
As of December 31, 2004, the Company had invested $3.7 million in Identify, and had written off $3.1 million of its investment. As of December 31, 2004, the Company holds a 3.2% equity interest in Identify.
MODEM ART LTD. ("MODEM-ART")
Modem-Art Ltd. is a privately held fabless semi-conductor company specializing in developing system-on-a-chip solutions for wideband and broadband communications systems focusing on baseband processes for 3G terminals/headsets.
As of December 31, 2004, the Company had invested $2.0 million in Modem-Art and had written off $1.0 million of its investment. As of December 31, 2004, the Company holds a 2.2% equity interest in Modem-Art. For a discussion on the sale of the investment in Modem Art please see "Significant Developments Since the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2004” above.
NETFORMX, LTD. ("NETFORMX")
Netformx develops and markets the award winning CANE(R) family of network design, analysis and simulation tools. Netformx's strategy is to help its customers design and maintain sophisticated computer networks. Using CANE, network and system integrators and network managers design, simulate and analyze efficient, reliable networks quickly and easily. CANE is designed to resolve network chaos and manage the accelerating pace of network change while reducing network equipment, consulting and staff costs.
As of December 31, 2004, the Company had a 22.3% equity interest in Netformx, directly and indirectly through Ophir Holdings. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had invested $5.4 million and had written off $5.2 million of its investment in Netformx.
OPHIRTECH LTD. ("OPHIRTECH")
Ophirtech, the Company's 42.5%-owned affiliate, has invested in various companies in the high -technology sector. Included among Ophirtech's investments are the following four companies:
CEREL CERAMIC TECHNOLOGIES LTD. ("CEREL")
Cerel is using its proprietary Electrophoretic Deposition ("EPD") process to develop production technology and design tools for Functional Electronic Packages.
EPD is a method for deposition of electrically charged solid particles held in a liquid suspension under the influence of an applied electric field. EPD can be used to deposit laminated and graded microstructures on shaped or patterned substrates.
As of December 31, 2004, Ophirtech had invested $0.9 million in Cerel for a 15.9% equity interest.
EXPAND NETWORKS LTD. ("EXPAND")
Expand offers a complete framework for improving the performance of distributed enterprise applications. Expand's application, “Traffic Management”, combines four application-delivery technologies to improve application response times at remote branches.
As of December 31, 2004, Ophirtech had written off $1.3 million of its $3.2 million investment in Expand. Ophirtech's equity interest in Expand is 9.3% as of December 31, 2004.
STOREAGE NETWORKING TECHNOLOGIES LTD. ("STOREAGE")
StoreAge is an innovative developer and provider of enterprise storage management solutions that centralize and simplify storage network administration. StoreAge network-based solutions provide a uniform, SAN-wide method for provisioning storage, ensuring business continuity, enabling cost-effective disaster recovery, and centrally managing cross-platform, multi-vendor storage environments.
StoreAge offers worldwide sales, service and support, with principal offices in Irvine, CA and Nesher, Israel, and is privately held company spun-off from IIS, Intelligent Information Systems. As of December 31, 2004, Ophirtech had invested $3.0 million in StoreAge for a 10.9% equity interest.
VIOLA NETWORKS LTD. ("VIOLA")
Viola, (formerly Omegon Networks Ltd.), develops performance assurance software solutions for real-time multi-media applications (voice, video, data) running over converged IP networks.
As of December 31, 2004, Ophirtech had invested $3.4 million in Viola and had written off $1.9 million of its investment. Ophirtech's equity interest in Viola is 5.8% as of December 31, 2004.
POWERDSINE LTD. ("POWERDSINE")
PowerDsine develops and sells Power over Ethernet (“PoE”) technology, which allows power to be transmitted over the same network cable as data.
The company first developed the PoE technology in 1998 and delivered its solutions through communications giants such as Avaya, 3Com, Nortel, Siemens and Ericsson, as well as marketing its own PowerDsine midspan solutions to PoE-enable legacy networks.
On June 10, 2004, PowerDsine completed its initial public offering on the NASDAQ (PDSN). The Company sold part of its investment in PowerDsine during 2004 and recorded a gain of approximately $3.5 million. As of Dec. 31, 2004, the Company holds 369,664 shares of PowerDsine (2.0%).
SHELLCASE LTD. ("SHELLCASE")
ShellCase has developed a proprietary, patented wafer level chip size packaging (CSP) technology for silicon devices using a wafer-level process. Hand-held electronics, wireless communication products, image sensors for digital cameras for cellular phones and medical disposables are just part of the growing list of applications that benefit from the unique properties of ShellCases's technology. ShellCase was publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") in 2003. In 2004, a majority of the shareholders of ShellCase approved the delisting of the company from the TSX.
As of December 31, 2004, the Company invested $6.4 million in ShellCase representing a 13.6% equity interest. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had written off $6.2 million of its investment in ShellCase.
SHIRON SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS (1996) LTD. ("SHIRON")
Shiron is engaged in the development, manufacturing and marketing of a satellite communication product known as InterSKY(TM). Shiron provides easily deployable two-way, "always-on" broadband satellite communications to corporate businesses, Internet service providers and small office/home office in places where broadband infrastructure is insufficient or does not currently exist.
As of December 31, 2004, the Company had invested $2.1 million in Shiron and had made a $0.2 million loan to Shiron, and had written off $1.8 million of its investment in Shiron. As of December 31, 2004, the Company's equity interest in Shiron is 7.1%.
SMART LINK LTD. ("SMART LINK")
Smart Link is a developer and supplier of software-based communications products that provide internet access and communication to the residential markets. Its proprietary technology enables customers to replace traditional hardware-based communications products with high-quality, user friendly software-based solutions that are less costly. Products include software and chips that are easily integrated into personal computers and information appliances. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had invested $2.9 million in Smart Link, constituting a 13.5% equity interest in Smart Link.
XPERT INTEGRATED SYSTEMS LTD. ("XPERT")
Xpert is an international developer and provider of business continuity, security and infrastructure solutions. Xpert has over 400 customers from leading financial, telecommunications, industry, technology and governmental organizations. Xpert, whose headquarters are in Israel, has additional offices in Madrid and Barcelona.
As of December 31, 2004, the Company had invested $2.75 million in Xpert and written off $1.8 million of its investment. As of December 31, 2004, the Company’s equity interest in Xpert was 12.7%.
Capital Markets And Other Holdings
AMPAL DEVELOPMENT (ISRAEL) LTD. ("AMPAL DEVELOPMENT")
Ampal Development, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, issued debentures which are publicly traded on the TASE. An aggregate of approximately $2.0 million of these debentures were outstanding as of December 31, 2004. On March 1, 2005, Ampal Development paid off all of its outstanding and remaining debentures which were publicly traded on the TASE. An aggregate of approximately $2.0 million of these debentures were outstanding as of December 31, 2004.
CARMEL CONTAINERS SYSTEMS LIMITED ("CARMEL")
Carmel (KML) is one of the leading Israeli companies in designing, manufacturing and marketing carton boards and packaging products. Carmel and its subsidiaries manufacture a varied line of products, including corrugated shipping containers, moisture-resistant packaging, consumer packaging, triple-wall packaging and wooden pallets and boxes. On November 30, 2004, Carmel filed an application with the Securities and Exchange Commission to withdraw its ordinary shares from listing on the AMEX and also filed to terminate registration of the shares under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Ampal has objected to the delisting and deregistration of Carmel's ordinary shares, neither of which has been effectuated as of the date hereof. If Carmel is successful in this process, there will no longer be a public market for the ordinary shares held by Ampal. The Company's equity interest in Carmel is 21.75%. As of December 31, 2004, the Company accounts for this investment pursuant to the equity method as $2.6 million (which includes impairment in an amount of $3 million).
EPSILON INVESTMENT HOUSE LTD. ("EPSILON") AND RENAISSANCE INVESTMENT COMPANY LTD. ("RENAISSANCE")
The Company had invested $1.5 million for 20% of Epsilon and its affiliate, Renaissance. Epsilon is a financial services firm which provides portfolio management services and Renaissance provides underwriting services in Israel through its subsidiaries.
EMPLOYEES
On March 31, 2004, the Company closed its New York office located at 555 Madison Ave, New York, New York. Other than the executives officers listed in Item 11 below, Ampal has no other employees. As of December 31, 2004, Ampal (Israel) Ltd. had 16 employees, Am-Hal Ltd. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Ampal) had 175 employees and Country Club Kfar Saba Ltd. (owned 51% by the Company) had 112 employees.
Relations between the Company and its employees are satisfactory.
CONDITIONS IN ISRAEL
Most of the companies in which Ampal directly or indirectly invests conduct their principal operations in Israel and are directly affected by the economic, political, military, social and demographic conditions there. A state of hostility, varying as to degree and intensity, exists between Israel and the Arab countries and the Palestinian Authority (the "PA"). Israel signed a peace agreement with Egypt in 1979 and with Jordan in 1994. Since 1993, several agreements have been signed between Israel and Palestinian representatives regarding conditions in the West Bank and Gaza. While negotiations have taken place between Israel, its Arab neighbors and the PA to end the state of hostility in the region, it is not possible to predict the outcome of these negotiations and their eventual effect on Ampal and its investee companies. Political developments in Israel notably the election of Palestinian President Abu Mazen (a/k/a Mahmoud Abbas) and the improved relations between Israel and Palestine have had positive effects on the economic environment in Israel. However, a return to the volatile security situation of the recent past may negatively impact the value of Ampal and its investee companies. See "Economic and Financial Developments" below for further discussion of the possible impact of this situation on the Company.
All male adult citizens and permanent residents of Israel under the age of 48 are obligated, unless exempt, to perform military reserve duty annually. Additionally, all these individuals are subject to being called to active duty at any time under emergency circumstances. Some of the officers and employees of Ampal's investee companies are currently obligated to perform annual reserve duty. While these companies have operated effectively under these requirements since they began operations, Ampal cannot assess the full impact of these requirements on their workforce or business if conditions should change. In addition, Ampal cannot predict the effect on its business in a state of emergency in which large numbers of individuals are called up for active duty.
Economic and Financial Developments
In 2004, unemployment in Israel averaged 10.4%. The rate of unemployment in 2003 averaged 10.7% as compared to 10.4% in 2002. Management believes that the decrease resulted mainly from the improvement in the industrial and high tech sectors and the Israeli government’s employment initiatives.
The change in consumer price index in 2004 was 1.2% compared to -1.9 % in 2003.
CERTAIN UNITED STATES AND ISRAELI REGULATORY MATTERS
SEC Exemptive Order
In 1947, the SEC granted Ampal an exemption from the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), pursuant to an Exemptive Order. The Exemptive Order was granted based upon the nature of Ampal's operations, the purposes for which it was organized, which have not changed, and the interest of purchasers of Ampal's securities in the economic development of Israel. There can be no assurance that the SEC will not reexamine the Exemptive Order and revoke, suspend or modify it. A revocation, suspension or material modification of the Exemptive Order could materially and adversely affect the Company unless Ampal were able to obtain other appropriate exemptive relief. In the event that Ampal becomes subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act, it could be required, among other matters, to make changes, which might be material, to its management, capital structure and methods of operation, including its dealings with principal shareholders and their related companies.
TAX INFORMATION
Ampal (to the extent that it has income derived in Israel) and Ampal's Israeli subsidiaries are subject to taxes imposed under the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance. For 2004, Israeli companies were taxed on their income at a rate of 35%. Until December 31, 2003, a corporate tax rate of 36% was applied. In July 2004, an Amendment to the Income Tax Ordinance was published, which determined, inter alia, that the rate of corporate tax will be gradually reduced from 36% to 30%, in the following manner: the rate for 2004 will be 35%, in 2005 - 34%, in 2006 - 32%, and in 2007 and thereafter - 30%.
On July 24, 2002, the Israeli Parliament enacted legislation ("tax reform legislation") approving a tax reform bill based on a ministerial committee report published in June 2002. This legislation, which introduces fundamental changes in certain areas, generally became effective on January 1, 2003, although alterations in certain taxation areas will be introduced over a number of years and certain provisions will come into effect on other specified dates.
The tax reform legislation focused, inter alia, on a transition from a primarily territorial based tax system to a personal based tax system of Israeli tax residents (which mainly applies on the Company's Israeli subsidiaries). Consequently, Israeli tax residents are taxed, as of January 1, 2003, on their worldwide income;
A tax treaty between Israel and the United States became effective on January 1, 1995 (“the Treaty”). The Treaty has not substantially affected the tax position of the Company in either the United States or in Israel.
Ampal generated income from interest and dividends resulting from its investments in Israel. Under Israeli law, Ampal has been required to file tax returns, with the Israeli tax authorities with respect to such income. Under Israeli domestic law Ampal, as a non-resident, is generally subject to withholding tax at a rate of 25% on dividends it receives from Israeli companies. This rate may be reduced to either 15% or 12.5%, (under Israeli law and/or the provisions of the Treaty), depending on the ownership percentage in the investee company, and on the type of income generated by such investee company, from which the dividend is distributed (by contrast, dividends received by one Israeli company from another Israeli company are generally exempt from Israeli corporate tax, unless (i) they arise from income generated from sources outside of Israel, in which case they are subject to tax at a rate of 25%; or (ii) they are paid out of the profits of an “approved enterprise” to either residents or non-residents, in which case tax is withheld at a rate of 15%).
Pursuant to an arrangement with the Israeli tax authorities, Ampal’s income from Israeli sources has been taxed based on principles generally applied in Israel to income of non-residents. Ampal has filed tax returns with the Israeli tax authorities through the tax year 2003, and has tax assessments from the Israeli Tax Authorities which are considered to be final through tax year 1999 (which final assessments are, under Israeli law, subject to reconsideration by the tax authorities only in certain limited circumstances, including fraud). Based on the tax returns filed by Ampal through 2003, it has not been required to make any additional tax payments in excess of the tax withheld on dividends it has received. In addition, pursuant to Ampal's arrangement with the Israeli tax authorities, the aggregate taxes paid by Ampal in Israel and in the United States on interest, rent and dividend income derived from Israeli sources has not exceeded the tax which would have been payable by Ampal in the United States had such interest, rent and dividend income been derived by Ampal from United States sources. There can be no assurance that this arrangement will continue to be effective in the future. This arrangement does not apply to taxation of Ampal's Israeli subsidiaries.
Generally, under the provisions of the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance, taxable income from Israeli sources paid to non-residents of Israel by residents of Israel is subject to withholding tax at the rate of 25%. However, such rate of withholding tax may be reduced under the Treaty, with respect to certain payments made by Israeli tax residents to US tax residents that qualify for benefits of the Treaty. For example, under the Treaty, the rate of withholding tax applicable to interest is generally reduced to 17.5%. The continued tax treatment of Ampal by the Israeli tax authorities in the manner described above is based, among other things, on Ampal continuing to be treated, for tax purposes, as a non-resident of Israel that is not doing business in Israel.
Under Israeli law, Israeli tax residents are taxed on capital gains generated from sources in Israel or outside of Israel, whereas non residents are taxable only with respect to gains generated from sources in Israel. Gains are generally regarded as being from Israeli sources if arising from the sale of assets either located in Israel or which represent a right to assets located in Israel (including gains arising from the sale of shares of stock in companies resident in Israel, and of rights in non-resident entities that mainly represent ownership and rights to assets located in Israel, with regard to such assets). Under the Treaty, US tax residents are subject to Israeli capital gains tax on the sale of shares in Israeli companies, if they have held 10% or more of the voting rights in such company at any time during the 12 months immediately preceding the sale.
Since January 1, 1994, the portion of the gain attributable to inflationary differences prior to that date is taxable at a rate of 10%, while the portion of the gain attributable to inflationary differences between such date and the date of disposition of the asset is exempt from tax. Non-residents of Israel are exempt from the 10% tax on the inflationary gain derived from the sale of shares in companies that are considered Israeli tax residents if they elect to compute the inflationary portion of the gain based on the change in the rate of exchange between Israeli currency and the foreign currency in which the shares were purchased, rather than the change in the Israeli consumer price index. The remainder of the gain ("Real Capital Gain"), if any, is taxable to corporations at the rate of 25%. However, Real Capital Gains arising from the sale of capital assets that had been acquired prior to January 1, 2003 shall be apportioned on a linear basis to the periods before and after the same date, namely - the portion of the gain attributed to the period before January 1, 2003 shall be subject to tax at a rate equal to the corporate tax rate in affect at the time of the sale (in 2004 - 35%), whereas the portion of the gain attributed to the period after January 1, 2003 shall be taxed at the preferential rate of 25%.
Foreign corporations are generally exempt from tax on gains from the sale of shares in publicly traded companies.
The Income Tax Law (Adjustment for Inflation), 1985, which applies to companies which have business income in Israel or which claim a deduction in Israel for financing costs, has been in force since the 1985 tax year. The law provides for the preservation of equity, whereby certain corporate assets are classified broadly into Fixed (inflation resistant) and Non-Fixed (non-inflation resistant) Assets. Where shareholders' equity, as defined therein, exceeds the depreciated cost of Fixed Assets, a tax deduction which takes into account the effect of the annual inflationary change on such excess is allowed, subject to certain limitations. Conversely, if the depreciated cost of Fixed Assets exceeds shareholders' equity, then such excess, multiplied by the annual inflation change, is added to taxable income.
Individuals and companies in Israel pay VAT at a rate of 17% of the price of assets sold and services rendered. However, according to a Temporary Order issued by the state of Israel the VAT rate was increased from 17% to 18% for the period commencing on June 15, 2002 and ending on December 31, 2003. This period was extended by an additional two months and was terminated on February 29, 2004, when the VAT rate was reduced back to 17%. In computing its VAT liability, Ampal's Israeli subsidiaries are entitled to claim as a deduction input VAT it has incurred with respect to goods and services acquired for the purpose of the business. Nir, a subsidiary of Ampal, is considered a Financial Institute under the VAT Law, and as such is subject to wage and profit tax rather than VAT.
United States Federal Taxation of Ampal
Ampal and its United States subsidiaries (in the following discussion, generally referred to collectively as "Ampal U.S.") are subject to United States taxation on their taxable income, as computed on a consolidated basis, from domestic as well as foreign sources. The gross income of Ampal U.S. for United States tax purposes includes or may include (i) income earned directly by Ampal U.S., (ii) Ampal U.S.'s pro rata share of certain types of income, primarily "subpart F income" earned by certain Controlled Foreign Corporations in which Ampal U.S. owns or is considered as owning 10 percent or more of the voting power; and (iii) Ampal U.S.'s pro rata share of ordinary income and capital gains earned by certain Passive Foreign Investment Companies in which Ampal U.S. owns stock, and with respect to which Ampal has elected that such company be treated as a Qualified Electing Fund. Subpart F income includes, among other things, dividends, interest and certain rents and capital gains. Since 1993, the maximum rate applicable to domestic corporations is 35%.
Certain of Ampal's non-U.S. subsidiaries have elected to be treated as partnerships for U.S. tax purposes. As a result, Ampal is generally subject to US tax on its distributive share of income earned by such subsidiaries (generally computed with reference to Ampal’s proportionate interest in such entity), as it is earned, i.e. - without regard to whether or not such income is distributed by the subsidiary. Certain of Ampal’s wholly-owned non-U.S. subsidiaries have elected to be treated as “disregarded entities” for U.S. federal tax consequences. As a result, Ampal is subject to US tax on all income earned by such subsidiaries, as it is earned.
Ampal U.S. is generally entitled to claim as a credit against its United States income tax liability all or a portion of income taxes, or of taxes imposed in lieu of income taxes, paid to foreign countries. If Ampal U.S. receives dividends from a non-US corporation in which it owns 10% or more of the voting stock, Ampal U.S. is treated (in determining the amount of foreign income taxes paid by Ampal U.S. for purposes of the foreign tax credit) as having paid the same proportion of the foreign corporation's post-1986 foreign income taxes as the amount of such dividends bears to the foreign corporation's post-1986 undistributed earnings.
In general, the total foreign tax credit that Ampal U.S. may claim is limited to the same proportion of Ampal U.S.'s United States income taxes that its foreign source taxable income bears to its taxable income from all sources, US and non-US. This limitation is applied separately with respect to various items of income (“baskets”), which may further limit Ampal’s ability to claim foreign taxes as a credit against its U.S. tax liability. The use of foreign taxes as an offset against United States tax liability is further limited by certain rules pertaining to the sourcing of income and the allocation of deductions. As a result of the combined operation of these rules, it is possible that Ampal U.S. would exercise its right to elect to deduct the foreign taxes, in lieu of claiming such taxes as a foreign tax credit.
Ampal U.S. may also be subject to the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) on corporations. Generally, the tax base for the AMT on corporations is the taxpayer’s taxable income increased or decreased by certain adjustments and tax preferences for the year. The resulting amount, called alternative minimum taxable income, is then reduced by an exemption amount and subject to tax at a 20% rate. As with the regular tax computation, AMT can be offset by foreign tax credits as well as net operating losers (“NOLs”), both of which are separately calculated under AMT rules and both of which are generally limited to 90% of AMT liability as specially computed for this purpose. The 90% limitation of the foreign tax credit allowed against AMT was repealed in the Jobs Creation Act of 2004, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2004.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Report (including but not limited to factors discussed in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," as well as those discussed elsewhere in this Report on Form 10-K) includes forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) and information relating to the Company that are based on the beliefs of management of the Company as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the management of the Company. When used in this Report, the words "anticipate," "believe," estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or the management of the Company, identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events or future financial performance of the Company, the outcome of which is subject to certain risks and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements, including among others, the economic and political conditions in Israel, the Middle East, including the situation in Iraq, and in the global business and economic conditions in the different sectors and markets where the Company's portfolio companies operate.
Should any of those risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results or outcome may vary from those described therein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned. Subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph and elsewhere described in this Report and other Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTY
Ampal's corporate headquarters in Israel, which is owned by the Company, is located at 111 Arlozorov Street in Tel Aviv.
Ampal currently leases an office at 555 Madison Avenue in New York City from Rodney Company N.V., Inc. The lease period is seven years commencing on October 15, 2002. The annual rent for this lease is $117,920. On March 31, 2004, the Company closed this office. The office space has been subleased.
Kfar Saba, which operates a country club in the town of Kfar Saba, occupies a 7-1/4 acre lot which will be leased for five consecutive ten-year periods, at the end of which the land returns to the lessor. The lease expires on July 14, 2038, and lease payments in 2004 totaled $179,609.
Other properties of the Company are discussed elsewhere in this Report. See "Item 1. Business."
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Galha
On January 1, 2002, Galha (1960) Ltd. ("Galha") filed a suit against the Company and other parties, including directors of Paradise Industries Ltd. ("Paradise") appointed by the Company, in the Tel Aviv District Court, in the amount of NIS 9,991,070 ($2.3 million). Galha claimed that the Company, which was a shareholder of Paradise, and another shareholder of Paradise, misused funds that were received by Paradise from an insurance company for the purpose of reconstructing an industrial building owned by Galha and used by Paradise which burnt down. Paradise is currently involved in liquidation proceedings. Ampal issued a guarantee in favor of Galha for the payment of an amount of up to NIS 4,000,000 ($928,500) if a final judgment against the Company will be given.
On May 26, 2003 the Company and the directors of Paradise appointed by the Company filed a third party claim against Arieh Israeli Insurance Company Ltd. in the Tel Aviv District Court claiming that, to the extent the court decides that the directors of Paradise appointed by the Company will have to pay any amounts to Galha, Arieh will pay such amounts on behalf of the directors in accordance with the Directors and Officers insurance policy that the Company had at that time with Arieh. Arieh filed a statement of defense and stated that the policy does not cover the claim. At this stage, the Company cannot estimate the impact this claim will have on it.
Ampal Communications L.P.
1.
On May 10, 2004, Ampal Communications L.P., a limited partnership controlled by Ampal and in which Ampal holds a 75% equity interest, filed a claim in the Tel-Aviv District Court against Motorola Communications Israel Ltd., Motorola Israel Ltd., Elisha Yanai, Peter Brum, Rami Guzman, Nathan Gidron, Shimon Tal and MIRS Communications Ltd. (collectively, the "Defendants"), for injunctive and declaratory relief as described below. The claim is in connection with the exploitation by the defendants of Ampal Communications' minority rights by virtue of its 33% holding in MIRS Communications Ltd.
Ampal Communications L.P. requested the Court to issue relief as follows:
A.
Declaring that the business of MIRS Communications Ltd. is conducted in such a way as to be prejudicial to the rights of Ampal Communications L.P. as a minority shareholder;
B.
Appointing an appraiser to conduct a valuation of MIRS Communications Ltd. and Ampal Communications L.P.'s holdings therein, which will encompass a review of the way MIRS Communications Ltd. conducts its business, including a review of the related party transactions between MIRS Communications Ltd. and Motorola Israel Ltd. and/or any other of the Defendants;
C.
Instructing each of the Defendants to acquire and purchase from Ampal Communications L.P. the shares it holds in MIRS Communications Ltd. at the highest of the following prices:
(1)
based on a company valuation of MIRS Communications Ltd. as presented to Ampal Communications L.P. by Motorola prior to the signing of the Share Purchase Agreement for MIRS Communications Ltd.; or
(2)
based on the amount paid by Ampal Communications L.P. for its share holding in MIRS Communications Ltd. plus linkage to the Israeli consumer index and interest; or
(3)
based on the company valuation that will be determined by the valuation specified in Section B above, excluding any material negative effect brought about by the Defendants' omissions and/or negligence in their management of MIRS Communications Ltd., all as may be assessed and computed by the appraiser specified in Section B above;
D.
Determining that each of the individual Defendants, as officers in MIRS Communications Ltd., has violated his respective fiduciary obligations towards Ampal Communications L.P. as a minority shareholder in MIRS Communications Ltd.; and
E.
Declaring that the Share Purchase Agreement pursuant to which Ampal Communications L.P. acquired its shareholding in MIRS Communications Ltd. and the Shareholders Agreement in respect thereof, are void.
2.
On May 24, 2004 and on May 31, 2004 the Defendants requested the district court to strike out the claim in limine, on the grounds that Ampal had allegedly not paid sufficient fees when filing the claim, and further requested an extension of the time for filing statements of defense until after the district court had reached a decision regarding the request to strike out the Claim. Ampal and the Defendants filed various responses and on June 30, 2004, the district court requested the Attorney General to furnish an opinion regarding the Defendants' request before issuing its own decision. On October 11, 2004 the Attorney General furnished its opinion that supported the Defendants' request that Ampal should pay the fees calculated on the basis of the value of the requested remedies in the Claim. On November 10, 2004 Ampal filed its response. The Court also decided that the statements of defense should be filed 10 days after it issues its decision regarding the striking out of the claim.
3.
As of December 31, 2004, the Company had not received its dividend from MIRS in the amount of $7.1 million, included among "other assets", due March 31, 2004. The dividend was not received due to the legal dispute discussed above. As a result of not receiving the dividend, the principal and the interest of the loan which were due March 31, 2004 were only partially paid.
Claims Against Subsidiaries and Affiliates:
Legal claims arising in the normal course of business have been filed against subsidiaries and affiliates of the company. Based upon the opinions of legal counsel, the Company's management believes that all provisions made are sufficient.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on October 20, 2004. The following proposals were approved by the margins indicated below:
To elect eight (8) directors to the Board of Directors of the Company to hold office for one year terms and until their respective successors shall be elected and qualified:
To ratify the nomination of Kesselman & Kesselman, a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, as the independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2004:
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
PRICE RANGE OF CLASS A STOCK
Ampal's Class A Stock is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol "AMPL". The following table sets forth the high and low bid prices for the Class A Stock, by quarterly period for the fiscal years 2004 and 2003, as reported by Nasdaq and representing inter-dealer quotations which do not include retail markups, markdowns or commissions for each period, and each calendar quarter during the periods indicated. Such prices do not necessarily represent actual transactions.
High
Low
2004:
Fourth Quarter
4.20
3.27
Third Quarter
3.70
2.65
Second Quarter
3.87
2.81
First Quarter
4.20
2.88
2003:
Fourth Quarter
4.05
2.80
Third Quarter
3.20
2.50
Second Quarter
3.30
1.88
First Quarter
2.59
1.89
As of February 25, 2005, there were approximately 763 record holders of Class A Stock.
VOTING RIGHTS
Unless dividends on any outstanding preferred stock are in arrears for three successive years, as discussed below, the holders of Class A Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters voted upon. Notwithstanding the above, if dividends on any outstanding series of preferred stock are in arrears for three successive years, the holders of all outstanding series of preferred stock as to which dividends are in arrears shall have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors until all cumulative dividend arrearages are paid. The shares of Class A Stock do not have cumulative voting rights in relation to the election of the Company's directors, which means that any holder of at least 50% of the Class A Stock can elect all of the members of Board of Directors of Ampal (the "Board").
DIVIDEND POLICY
Ampal has not paid a dividend on its Class A Stock other than in 1995. Past decisions not to pay cash dividends on Class A Stock reflected the policy of Ampal to apply retained earnings, including funds realized from the disposition of holdings, to finance its business activities and to redeem debentures. The payment of cash dividends in the future will depend upon the Company's operating results, cash flow, working capital requirements and other factors deemed pertinent by the Board.
Dividends on all classes of Ampal's shares of preferred stock are payable as a percentage of par value. The holders of Ampal's presently authorized and issued 4% Preferred Stock and 6 1/2% Preferred Stock (each having a $5.00 par value) are entitled to receive cumulative dividends at the rates of 4% and 6 1/2% per annum, respectively, payable out of surplus or net earnings of Ampal before any dividends are paid on the Class A Stock. If Ampal fails to pay such dividend to the preferred stockholders in any calendar year, such deficiency must be paid in full, without interest, before any dividends may be paid on the Class A Stock. If, after the payment of all cumulative dividends on the preferred stock and a non-cumulative 4% dividend on the Class A Stock, there remains any surplus, any dividends declared are to be participated in by the holders of 4% Preferred Stock and Class A Stock, pro rata. On December 16, 2004, Ampal announced that its Board had declared cash dividends on its classes of preferred stock ($0.325 per share on its 6 1/2% classes of preferred stock and $0.20 per share on its 4% Preferred Stock). The dividends were paid on December 31, 2004.
For equity compensation plan information required Item 2.01(d) of Regulation S-K, please see Item 12 below.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(1)
Computation is based on net income (loss) after deduction of preferred stock dividends of $200, $213, $218, $227 and $234, respectively.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
We seek to maximize shareholder value through acquiring and investing in companies that we consider have the potential for growth. Our principal focus is on businesses located in the State of Israel or that are Israel-related. In utilizing our core competencies and financial resources, our investment portfolio primarily focuses on a broad cross-section of Israeli companies engaged in various market segments including Industry, Real Estate, Telecommunications, Energy and High-Technology.
Our investment focus is primarily on companies or ventures where we can exercise significant influence, on our own or with investment partners, and use our management experience to enhance those investments. To further our strategic objectives and support our key business initiatives, we seek investments in companies that operate in Israel initially and then expand abroad. We are also monitoring investment opportunities, both in Israel and abroad, that we believe will strengthen and diversify our portfolio and maximize the value of our capital stock. In determining whether to acquire an interest in a specific company, we consider the quality of management, return on investment, growth potential, projected cash flow, investment size and financing, and reputable investment partners. We also provide our investee companies with ongoing support through our involvement in the investee companies' strategic decisions and introductions to the financial community, investment bankers and other potential investors both in and outside of Israel.
Our results of operations are directly affected by the results of operations of our investee companies. A comparison of the financial statements from year to year must be considered in light of our acquisitions and dispositions during each period.
The results of investee companies which are greater than 50%-owned are by us included in the consolidated financial statements. We account for our holdings in investee companies over which we exercise significant influence, generally 20% to 50% owned companies ("affiliates"), under the equity method. Under the equity method, we recognize our proportionate share of such companies' income or loss based on its percentage of direct and indirect equity interests in earnings or losses of those companies. The results of operations are affected by capital transactions of the affiliates. Thus, the issuance of shares by an affiliate at a price per share above our carrying value per share for such affiliate results in our recognizing income for the period in which such issuance is made, while the issuance of shares by such affiliate at a price per share that is below our carrying value per share for such affiliate results in our recognizing a loss for the period in which such issuance is made. We account for our holdings in investee companies, other than those described above, on the cost method or in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities". In addition, we review investments accounted for under the cost method and those accounted for under the equity method periodically in order to determine whether to maintain the current carrying value or to write off some or all of the investment. For more information as to how we make these determinations, see "Critical Accounting Policies."
For those subsidiaries and affiliates whose functional currency is considered to be the New Israeli Shekel ("NIS"), assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange at the end of the reporting period and revenues and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange during the reporting period. Translation differences of those foreign companies' financial statements are included in the cumulative translation adjustment account (reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss) of shareholders' equity. Should the NIS be devalued against the U.S. dollar, cumulative translation adjustments are likely to result in a reduction in shareholders' equity. As of December 31, 2004, the accumulated effect on shareholders' equity was a decrease of approximately $20.1 million. Upon disposition of an investment, the related cumulative translation adjustment balance will be recognized in determining gains or losses.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of Ampal's consolidated financial statements is in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States which requires management to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related footnotes. Actual results may differ from these estimates. To facilitate the understanding of Ampal's business activities, described below are certain Ampal accounting policies that are relatively more important to the portrayal of its financial condition and results of operations and that require management's subjective judgments. Ampal bases its judgments on its experience and various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Please refer to Note 1 to Ampal's consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 for a summary of all of Ampal's significant accounting policies.
Portfolio Investments
The Company accounts for a number of its investments, including many of its investments in the high-technology and communications industries, on the basis of the cost method. Application of this method requires the Company to periodically review these investments in order to determine whether to maintain the current carrying value or to write off some or all of the investment. While the Company uses some objective measurements in its review, such as the portfolio company's liquidity, burn rate, termination of a substantial number of employees, achievement of milestones set forth in its business plan or projections and seeks to obtain relevant information from the company under review, the review process involves a number of judgments on the part of the Company's management. These judgments include assessments of the likelihood of the company under review to obtain additional financing, to achieve future milestones, make sales and to compete effectively in its markets. In making these judgments the Company must also attempt to anticipate trends in the particular company's industry as well as in the general economy. There can be no guarantee that the Company will be accurate in its assessments and judgments. To the extent that the Company is not correct in its conclusion it may decide to write down all or part of the particular investment.
Investment in MIRS
MIRS is our largest investment and is being accounted for at cost (our equity interest is 25%). The cost method is applied due to preference features we have been granted in our investment in preferred shares in MIRS. Revenues from guaranteed payments from Motorola are recognized as income. We perform annual tests for impairment regarding our investment in MIRS. Our assessment, of our investment in MIRS as of December 31, 2004, resulted in an impairment charge of $30 million (see also, Item 1 “Business”, “Results of operations” and “Debt” below and Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements).
Marketable Securities
We determine the appropriate classification of marketable securities at the time of purchase. We hold marketable securities classified as trading securities that are carried at fair value, and marketable securities classified as available-for-sale that are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in the component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders' equity. We classify investment in marketable securities as investment in trading securities, if those securities are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (held for only a short period of time). All the other securities are classified as available for sale securities.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 59, Accounting for Noncurrent Marketable Equity Securities, provides guidance on determining when an investment is other-than-temporarily impaired. Investments are reviewed quarterly for indicators of other-than-temporary impairment. This determination requires significant judgment. In making this judgment, we evaluate, among other factors, the duration and extent to which the fair value of an investment is less than its cost; the financial health of the investee; and our intent and ability to hold the investment. Investments with an indicator are further evaluated to determine the likelihood of a significant adverse effect on the fair value and amount of the impairment as necessary. If market, industry and/or investee conditions deteriorate, we may incur future impairments.
Long- lived assets
On January 1, 2002, Ampal adopted SFAS 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long- Lived Assets." SFAS 144 requires that long- lived assets, to be held and used by an entity, be reviewed for impairment and, if necessary, written down to the estimated fair values, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable through undiscounted future cash flows.
Accounting for Income Taxes
As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves us estimating our current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in our consolidated balance sheet. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income, and, to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or increase this allowance in a period, we must include an expense within the tax provision in the statement of operations. A valuation allowance is currently set against certain tax assets because management believes it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will not be realized through the generation of future taxable income. We also do not provide for taxes on undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries totaling $29.5 million in 2004, as it is our intention to reinvest undistributed earnings indefinitely outside the United States. If the earnings were not considered permanently reinvested, approximately $10.3 million of deferred income taxes would have been provided as at December 31, 2004.
Significant management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities and our future taxable income for purposes of assessing our ability to realize any future benefit from our deferred tax assets. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates or we adjust these estimates in future periods, our operating results and financial position could be materially affected.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In December 2004, the FASB issued the revised SFAS No. 123, Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”), which addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions in which the Company obtains employee services in exchange for (a) equity instruments of the Company or (b) liabilities that are based on the fair value of the Company’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. This statement eliminates the ability to account for employee share-based payment transactions using APB Opinion No. 25 and requires instead that such transactions be accounted for using the grant-date fair value based method. This statement will be effective as of the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005 (July 1, 2005 for the Company). Early adoption of SFAS 123R is encouraged by the FASB. SFAS 123R applies to all awards granted or modified after the Statement’s effective date. In addition, compensation cost for the unvested portion of previously granted awards that remain outstanding on the Statement’s effective date shall be recognized on or after the effective date, as the related services are rendered, based on the awards’ grant-date fair value as previously calculated for the pro-forma disclosure under SFAS 123R.
We estimate that the cumulative effect of adopting SFAS 123R as of its adoption date by the Company (July 1, 2005), based on the awards outstanding as of December 31, 2004, will be approximately $50,000. This estimate does not include the impact of additional awards, which may be granted, or forfeitures, which may occur subsequent to December 31, 2004 and prior to our adoption of SFAS 123R. We expect that upon the adoption of SFAS 123R we will apply the modified prospective application transition method, as permitted by the statement. Under such transition method, upon the adoption of SFAS 123R, Ampal’s financial statements for periods prior to the effective date of the statement will not be restated. The impact of this statement on Ampal’s financial statements or its results of operations in 2006 and beyond will depend upon various factors, among them Ampal’s future compensation strategy. We expect that the effect of applying this statement on Ampal’s results of operations in 2005 as it relates to existing option plans would not be materially different from the SFAS 123 pro forma effect previously reported. This statement will be effective as of the first interim period that begins after June 15, 2005 (July 1, 2005 for the Company).
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Non-Monetary Assets - An Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29” (“SFAS 153”). SFAS 153 amends APB Opinion No. 29, “Accounting for Non-Monetary Transactions”. The amendments made by SFAS 153 eliminate the APB Opinion No. 29 exception for non-monetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replace it with a general exception for exchanges of non-monetary assets that do not have commercial substance. The provisions in SFAS 153 are effective for non-monetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005 (July 1, 2005 for the Company). Early application of the SFAS 153 is permitted. The provisions of this statement shall be applied prospectively. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 153 to have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements or its results of operations.
In March 2004, the FASB issued EITF Issue No. 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments,” which provides new guidance for assessing impairment losses on debt and equity investments. Additionally, EITF Issue No. 03-1 includes new disclosure requirements for investments that are deemed to be temporarily impaired. In September 2004, the FASB delayed the accounting provisions of EITF Issue No. 03-1; however, the disclosure requirements remain effective and have been adopted by the Company in these financial statements (see Note 2). We will evaluate the effect, if any, of EITF Issue No. 03-1 when final guidance is released.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 compared to fiscal year ended December 31, 2003:
The Company recorded a consolidated net loss of $18.4 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to $8.8 million gain for the same period in 2003. The decrease in net income is primarily attributable to the increase in losses from impairment of investments and decreases in realized and unrealized gain on investments in marketable securities. The decrease was partially offset by higher income from equity in and translation gains, 2004, as compared to 2003.
In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, the Company recorded $38.8 million in losses from the impairment of its investments and loans which was comprised primarily of the following losses: MIRS ($30.0 million), ShellCase ($3.8 million) and Star Management ($1.6 million). In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, the Company recorded $13.1 million in losses from the impairment of its investments and loans which was comprised primarily of the following losses: XACCT ($9.0 million), Carmel ($2.0 million) and Identify ($1.3 million).
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, Ampal recorded $7.9 million of realized and unrealized gains on investments, as compared to $29.8 million of realized and unrealized gains in the same period in 2003. The gains recorded in 2004 are mainly attributable to the sale of assets by PSINet Europe, one of the holdings of Ampal's investee company, Telecom Partners ("TP")($2.5 million), (see "Investments") and approximately 49% of the Company's holdings in PowerDsine Ltd. ("PowerDsine") ($3.5 million). The remaining shares of PowerDsine were treated as "available-for-sale" and $2.9 million were recorded as unrealized gains on marketable securities under, "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss." The realized and unrealized gains on investments in 2003 were primarily attributable to the gains on the sale of the Company's investment in Granite Hacarmel Investments Ltd. ("Granite") ($20.7 million), Blue Square Israel Ltd. ("Blue Square") ($2.6 million), Alvarion ($1.4 million), and mutual funds and other securities ($5.1 million).
During 2003, the Company reduced its holding interest in Granite from 20.4% to 10.5% as a result of a sale of 9.9%. Consequently, the Company’s investment in Granite, which was previously accounted for by the equity method, was accounted for as an investment in a trading marketable security. The remaining 10.5% interest in Granite was sold in February, 2004.
Equity in earnings of affiliates increased to $4.0 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 as compared to $2.5 million for the fiscal year ended in 2003. In 2003, a loss of $1.7 million was recorded during the first quarter with respect to the Company's holdings in Granite.
The increase in real estate income and expenses in 2004 as compared to 2003 is primarily attributable to the increase in the tenant occupancy rate in Am-Hal Ltd.
Other income realized by the Company is principally composed of guaranteed payments from Motorola equal to $7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003.
The Company recorded lower interest expense in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to the same period in 2003, primarily as a result of repayment of loans.
In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 Ampal recorded $10.2 million of tax benefit which related mainly to the loss from the impairment in our investment in Mirs.
The management of the Company currently believes that inflation has not had a material impact in the Company's operations.
SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
(1)
After deduction of dividends on the 4% and 6 1/2% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock in 2004 and 2003 of $200 and $213, respectively.
(2)
After allocation of net income to the participation of the 4% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 compared to fiscal year ended December 31, 2002
The Company recorded a consolidated net income of $8.8 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, as compared to $44.0 million loss for the same period in 2002. The increase in net income is primarily attributable to the higher realized and unrealized gain on investments in marketable securities, less losses from impairments of investments and higher income from equity in 2003, as compared to 2002. These were partially offset by higher translation losses.
Equity in earnings of affiliates increased to $2.5 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 as compared to a loss of $3.3 million for the fiscal year ended in 2002. The increase in 2003 is primarily attributable to a $3.7 million gain recorded by Ophir Holdings as a result of the sale of its real estate assets. The gain was offset by a $1.7 million loss in Granite, which was recorded in the first quarter of 2003. In 2002, the loss was primarily attributable to decreased earnings of Ophirtech, which recorded higher losses from impairment of investments in 2002.
The increase in real estate income and expenses in 2003 as compared to 2002 is primarily attributable to the increase in tenant occupancy rate in Am-Hal Ltd.
In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, Ampal recorded $29.8 million of realized and unrealized gain on investments, which attributable to the Company's investment in shares of Granite ($20.7 million), Blue Square Israel Ltd. ("Blue Square") ($2.6 million), Alvarion ($1.4 million), and mutual funds and other securities ($5.1 million).
During 2003, the Company reduced its holding interest in Granite from 20.4% to 10.5% as a result of a sale of 9.9%. Consequently, the Company's investment in Granite, which was previously accounted for by the equity method, was accounted for as an investment in a trading marketable security. The remaining 10.5% interest in Granite was sold in February, 2004. In the same period in 2002, the Company recorded $20.4 million of realized and unrealized losses on investments which consisted of $3.3 million of realized and unrealized losses on investments classified as trading securities and $17.1 million of unrealized losses other than temporary decline in value of investments in the available-for-sale securities. The realized and unrealized losses on trading securities recorded in 2002 were primarily attributable to the Company's investment in shares of Bank Leumi Le'Israel B.M. ("Leumi") ($2.0 million) mutual funds and other securities ($1.3 million). The unrealized losses other than temporary decline in value of the Company's investments in the available-for-sales securities in 2002 were primarily attributable to the investment in shares of Blue Square ($12.8 million), a publicly traded company on the Tel Aviv and New York Stock Exchanges. The Company also wrote down its investments in shares of Sonic Foundry Inc. ("Sonic") ($1.8 million), Alvarion ($2.0 million) and Compugen Ltd. ("Compugen") ($0.5 million).
Other income realized by the Company is principally composed of guaranteed payments from Motorola equal to $ 7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002.
The Company recorded lower interest expense in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, as compared to the same period in 2002, primarily as a result of lower interest rates.
In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, the Company recorded $13.1 million in losses from the impairment of its investments and loans mainly in XACCT ($9.0 million). During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, the Company recorded a $15.1 million loss from the impairment of its investments and loans in certain companies. A substantial portion of these losses resulted from the worldwide decline in technology markets, which affected both sales and the ability of companies to raise additional capital. Companies at the start-up stage, as are a number of the Company's portfolio companies, were particularly affected by the weakness in the private capital markets as these companies depend on additional rounds of investments for operating funds. See "Critical Accounting Policies" for a discussion of the factors affecting the Company's decision to write-off its investments accounted for under the cost method.
The lower effective income tax rate in 2003 as compared to 2002, is primarily attributable to the availability of certain tax benefits, which were not available in previous years. The higher effective tax rate in 2002 is attributable to the unrealized losses on investments which has an income statement effect but no tax effect.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash Flows
On December 31, 2004, cash and cash equivalents were $17.6 million, as compared with $4.6 million at December 31, 2003. The increase in cash and cash equivalents is primarily attributable to the net proceeds from trading securities.
The Company's sources of cash include cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities which amount to $68.1 million in 2004 as compared to $69.3 million in 2003. The Company also has sources of cash from operations, cash from investing activities and amounts available under credit facilities, as described below. The Company believes that these sources are sufficient to fund the current requirements of operations, capital expenditures, investing activities, dividends on preferred stock and other financial commitments of the Company for the next 12 months. However, to the extent that contingencies and payment obligations described below and in other parts of this Report require the Company to make unanticipated payments, the Company would need to further utilize these sources of cash. In the event of a decline in the market price of its marketable securities, the Company may need to draw upon its other sources of cash, which may include additional borrowing, refinancing of its existing indebtedness or liquidating other assets, the value of which may also decline. In addition, the shares of MIRS owned by the Company, the shares of Ophir Holdings Ltd. and government debenture notes equal to $9 million have already been pledged as security for various loans provided to the Company for the purchase of these shares and would therefore be unavailable if the Company wished to pledge them in order to provide an additional source of cash.
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled approximately $13.1 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to approximately $12.4 million used in the same period in 2003. The increase is primarily attributable to the $23.0 million net proceeds from trading securities ($59.8 million proceeds offset by $36.8 million invested) as compared to $15.0 million net investment in 2003, which was partially offset by (i) not receiving its dividend from MIRS in the amount of $7.1 million which was not received due to the legal dispute with the major partner, Motorola Communication Israel Ltd. (see “Legal Proceedings”) and (ii) the $3.3 million dividends received from affiliates as compared to $5.6 million in 2003.
Cash flows from investing activities
Net cash provided by investing activities totaled approximately $17.7 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, as compared to approximately $16.5 million provided by for the same period in 2003. The cash provided by investing activities is primarily attributable to an increase of deposits collected and proceeds from the disposition of XACCT, certain holdings of PowerDsine and certain assets of TP, which was partially offset by our initial investments in TP and other investee companies.
Cash flows from financing activities
The increase in the cash used in financing activities in 2004 is derived from the use of more of the Company's cash ($18.9 million in 2004 as compared to $1.3 million in 2003) in lieu of borrowing additional funds ($6.5 million in 2004 as compared to $19.9 million in 2003) to pay down it's existing notes payable and debentures ($25.4 million and $21.2 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively).
Investments
On December 31, 2004, the aggregate fair value of trading and available-for-sale securities was approximately $50.4 million, as compared to $64.7 million at December 31, 2003. The decrease in 2004 is attributable to the sale of our interest in Granite and to the increase in market value of marketable securities.
In 2004, the Company made the following investments:
1.
The company invested EUR 4.9 million (approximately US$5.8 million) in TP, a newly formed entity that will serve as a platform for investments in the telecommunication industry predominantly outside of Israel. Ampal holds 33.3% of TP which currently holds investments in two European telecom service providers: PSINet Europe B.V. and Grapes Communications N.V./S.A.
2.
A loan of $0.2 million to ShellCase. The principal business of which is the packaging process of semiconductor chips.
3.
An additional investment of $0.3 million in Fimi Opportunity Fund, L.P. ("Fimi").
In 2004, the Company made the following dispositions:
1.
On February 19, 2004, Ampal sold its holdings in Xacct Technology Ltd. for $3.8 million.
2.
During May 2004, the Company sold 49% of its holdings in PowerDsine Ltd. for approximately $7.4 million.
3.
During the third quarter of 2004, PSInet Europe, one of the holdings of Ampal's investee company, TP, sold all of its assets to certain telecommunications providers. Following the sale, a portion of the proceeds was distributed to TP, of which Ampal received $7.1 million and recorded a gain of $2.5 million in connection with this transaction. The remaining carrying value of TP is $1.2 million.
Debt
In connection with its investment in MIRS, the Company has two long-term loans from Bank Hapoalim Ltd. ("Hapoalim") and Bank Leumi Le-Israel Ltd. ("Leumi") in the outstanding amount of $37.5 million and $33.5 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2004. Both loans are due on March 31, 2008 and bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 0.8%. Other than as described in this paragraph, the loans are non-recourse to the Company and are secured by the Company's shares in MIRS. A total payment of 10% of the principal of the loans was due on March 31, 2004. The remaining principal payments are due as follows: 15% on March 31, 2005 and 25% on each of the following dates - March 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Interest is paid annually on March 31 of each year from March 31, 2001 until and including March 31, 2008. As a result of not receiving the dividend from MIRS in the amount of $7.1 million (see "Cash Flow from Operating Activity") the principal and the interest of the loan due March 31, 2004 were only partially paid. As of the date hereof, the banks have not declared a default with respect to such unpaid amount. These loans are subject to the compliance by MIRS with covenants regarding its operations and financial results.
As of December 31, 2004, the Company had $2.0 million in outstanding debentures with interest rates of 7.5%. These debentures, which mature in 2005, are secured by $2.1 million in cash held in a secured account.
The Company financed a portion of the development of Am-Hal, a wholly-owned subsidiary which develops and operates luxury retirement centers for senior citizens, through bank loans from Hapoalim and others. At December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the amounts outstanding under these loans were $7.7 million and $9.2 million, respectively. The loans are dollar linked, mature in up to one year, and have interest rates of LIBOR plus 1.0%. The Company generally repays these loans with the proceeds received from deposits and other payments from the apartments in Am-Hal facilities. The loans are secured by a lien on Am-Hal's properties. The Company also issued guarantees in the amount of $ 3.9 million in favor of tenants of Am-Hal in order to secure their deposits.
The Company also finances its general operations and other financial commitments through bank loans from Bank Hapoalim. The long-term loans in the amount of $32.8 million mature through 2005-2011.
The weighted average interest rates and the balances of these short-term borrowings at December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 were 3.5% on $13 million and 3.6% on $27.5 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2004, the Company had issued guarantees on certain outstanding loans to its investees and subsidiaries in the aggregate principal amount of $11.9 million. This includes:
1.
$0.5 million guarantee to Bank Leumi with respect to the MIRS loan as described above.
2.
$6.6 million guarantee on indebtedness incurred by Bay Heart ($3.3 million of which is recorded as a liability in the Company's financial statements at December 31, 2004) in connection with the development of its property. Bay Heart recorded losses in 2004 as a result of decreased rental revenues. There can be no guarantee that Bay Heart will become profitable or that it will generate sufficient cash to repay its outstanding indebtedness without relying on the Company's guarantee.
3.
$3.9 million guarantee to Am- Hal tenants as described above.
4.
$0.9 million guarantee to Galha 1960 Ltd. as described in Item 3 of this Report.
In each of 2004 and 2003, Ampal paid dividends in the amount of $0.20 and $0.325 per share on its 4% and 6 ½% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stocks, respectively. Total dividends paid in each year amounted to approximately $0.2 million.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Other than the foreign currency contracts specified below, the Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Foreign Currency Contracts
The Company's derivative financial instruments consist of foreign currency forward exchange contracts. These contracts are utilized by the Company, from time to time, to manage risk exposure to movements in foreign exchange rates. None of these contracts have been designated as hedging instruments. These contracts are recognized as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at their fair value, which is the estimated amount at which they could be settled based on market prices or dealer quotes, where available, or based on pricing models. Changes in fair value are recognized currently in earnings.
As of December 31, 2004, the Company had $10 million open forward exchange contract to purchase U.S. Dollars.
ITEM 7A
ITEM 7A - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
MARKET RISKS AND SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
The Company is exposed to various market risks, including changes in interest rates, foreign currency rates and equity price changes. The following analysis presents the hypothetical loss in earnings, cash flows and fair values of the financial instruments which were held by the Company at December 31, 2004, and are sensitive to the above market risks.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, there have been no material changes in the market risk exposures facing the Company as compared to those the Company faced in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.
Interest Rate Risks
At December 31, 2004, the Company had financial assets totaling $20.9 million and financial liabilities totaling $120.8 million. For fixed rate financial instruments, interest rate changes affect the fair market value but do not impact earnings or cash flows. Conversely, for variable rate financial instruments, interest rate changes generally do not affect the fair market value but do impact future earnings and cash flows, assuming other factors are held constant.
At December 31, 2004, the Company had fixed rate financial assets of $20.9 million and had no variable rate financial assets. A ten percent decrease in interest rates would increase the unrealized fair value of the fixed rate debt by approximately $0.1 million.
At December 31, 2004, the Company had fixed rate debt of $9.2 million and variable rate debt of $111.6 million. A ten percent decrease in interest rates would decrease the unrealized fair value of the financial assets in the form of the fixed rate debt by approximately $0.1 million.
The net decrease in earnings for the next year resulting from a ten percent interest rate increase would be approximately $0.3 million, holding other variables constant.
Exchange Rate Sensitivity Analysis
The Company's exchange rate exposure on its financial instruments results from its investments and ongoing operations in Israel. During 2004, the Company entered into various foreign exchange forward purchase contracts to partially hedge this exposure. At December 31, 2004, the Company had open foreign exchange forward purchase contracts in the amount of $10 million. Holding other variables constant, if there were a ten percent devaluation of the foreign currency, the Company's cumulative translation loss reflected in the Company's accumulated other comprehensive loss would increase by $2 million, and regarding the statements of income loss a ten percent devaluation of the foreign currency would be reflected in a net decrease in earnings and would be $3.6 million.
Equity Price Risk
The Company's investments at December 31, 2004, included marketable securities which are recorded at fair value of $50.4 million, including a net unrealized gain of $4.9 million. Those securities have exposure to price risk. The estimated potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical ten percent decrease in prices quoted on stock exchanges is approximately $5 million.
ITEM 8
ITEM 8 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Ampal-American Israel Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ampal-American Israel Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income (loss), cash flows, changes in shareholders' equity, and comprehensive income (loss) for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's Board of Directors and management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We did not audit the financial statements of certain subsidiaries, whose assets included in consolidation constitute approximately 20.1% of total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2003, and whose revenues included in consolidation constitute approximately 14.5% and 45.1% of total consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Also we did not audit the financial statements of certain affiliated companies, the company’s interest in which as reflected in the balance sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 is $13,345 thousands and $12,008 thousands, respectively, and the Company’s share in excess of profits over losses (share in excess of losses over profits) in a net amount of $1,931 thousands, $676 thousands and ($825) thousands for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The financial statements of those subsidiaries and affiliated companies were audited by other independent registered public accounting firms whose reports thereon have been furnished to us and our opinion expressed herein, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for those companies, is based solely on the reports of the other independent auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Boards (United States) and with the auditing standards generally accepted in Israel, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditor (Mode of performance) Regulations, 1973. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the reports of other independent auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits and the reports of other independent auditors, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Tel Aviv, Israel
March 10, 2005
/s/ KESSELMAN & KESSELMAN CPAs ( ISR) A member of
PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 -- Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a)
General
(1)
Ampal is a New York corporation founded in 1942. The Company primarily acquires interests in businesses located in the State of Israel or that are Israel-related.
(2)
As used in these financial statements, the term the "Company" refers to Ampal-American Israel Corporation ("Ampal") and its consolidated subsidiaries. As to Segment information see note 15.
(3)
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(b)
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ampal and its controlled and majority owned subsidiaries. Inter-company transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.
(c)
Translation of Financial Statement in Foreign Currencies
For those subsidiaries and affiliates whose functional currency is other than the US Dollar, assets and liabilities are translated using year-end rates of exchange. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange during the year. Translation differences of those foreign companies' financial statements are reflected in the cumulative translation adjustment accounts which are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
(d)
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
The Company's derivative financial instruments consist of foreign currency forward exchange contracts. These contracts are utilized by the Company, from time to time, to manage risk exposure to movements in foreign exchange rates. None of these contracts qualify for hedge accounting. These contracts are recognized as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at their fair value, which is the estimated amount at which they could be settled based on market prices or dealer quotes, where available, or based on pricing models. Changes in fair value are recognized currently in earnings.
At December 31, 2004, the open foreign exchange forward contracts totaled $ 10.0 million.
(e)
Investments
(i)
Investments in Affiliates
Investments in which the Company exercises significant influence, generally 20%-to 50%-owned companies ("affiliates"), are accounted for by the equity method, whereby the Company recognizes its proportionate share of such companies' net income or loss. The Company reduces the carrying value of its investment in an affiliate if an impairment in value of that investment is deemed to be other than temporary.
(ii)
Investments in Marketable Securities
Marketable equity securities, other than equity securities accounted for by the equity method, are reported at fair value. For those securities, which are classified as trading securities, realized and unrealized gains and losses are reported in the statements of income (loss). Unrealized gains and losses from those securities, that are classified as available-for-sale, are reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity and are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Declines in value determined to be other than temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in the statements of income (loss).
(iii)
Cost Basis Investments
Equity investments of less than 20% in non-publicly traded companies are carried at cost. Changes in the value of these investments are not recognized unless an impairment in value is deemed to be other than temporary. The investment in MIRS communications Ltd. (“MIRS”) in preferred shares with preference features in the amount of $ 110 million, which exceeds 20% of ownership, is presented at cost. In December 2004, the Company recorded loss from impairment of its investment in MIRS of $ 30.0 million (see also note 2). At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the carrying value of all the cost basis investments was $ 89.4 million and $136.4 million, respectively.
(f)
Risk Factors and Concentrations
Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, bank deposits, marketable securities and notes and loans receivable. The Company invests cash equivalents and short-term investments through high-quality financial institutions. The Company's Management believes that the credit risk in respect of these balances is not material.
The company performs on going credit evaluation of its receivables allowance for doubtful accounts.
(g)
Real - Estate Property
The assets are recorded at cost, depreciating these costs over the expected useful life of the related assets.
Real-estate property of a subsidiary, which existed at the time of the subsidiary’s acquisition by the company, are included at their fair value as that date.
The Company applies the provisions of SFAS No. 144 "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived assets" ("SFAS 144"). SFAS 144 requires that long-lived assets, to be held and used by an entity, be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. Under SFAS 144, if the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) of the long-lived assets is less than the carrying amount of such assets, an impairment loss would be recognized, and the assets are written down to their estimated fair values.
(h)
Income Taxes
The Company applies the liability method of accounting for income taxes, whereby deferred taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of "temporary differences" by applying enacted statutory tax rates, as of balance sheet date, to differences between financial statements carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are created to the extent management believes that it is more likely than not that it will be utilized, otherwise a valuation is provided for those assets that do not qualify under this term.
Deferred income taxes are not provided on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries adjusted for translation effect totaling approximately $29.5 million (2003 - $43.6 million), since such earnings are currently expected to be permanently reinvested outside the United States. If the earnings were not considered permanently invested, approximately $10.3 million (2003 - $15.3 million) of deferred income taxes would have been provided.
Income taxes are provided on equity in earnings of affiliates, gains on issuance of shares by affiliates and unrealized gains on investments. Ampal's foreign subsidiaries file separate tax returns and provide for taxes accordingly.
(i)
Revenue Recognition
Rental income is recorded over the rental period. Revenues from services provided to tenants and country-club subscribers are recognized ratably over the contractual period or as services are performed. Guaranteed payments from Motorola are recorded in the statement of income (loss) over the guaranteed period (see also note 14). Revenue from amortization of tenant deposits is calculated at a fixed periodic rate based on the specific terms in the occupancy agreement signed with the tenants.
(j)
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that have original maturities of three months or less and that are readily convertible to cash.
(k)
Earning (loss) per share (EPS)
Basic and diluted net earning (loss) per share are presented in accordance with SFAS No. 128 "Earnings per share" ("SFAS No. 128"), and as from 2004, but with retroactive effect, with EITF 03-06 "participating securities and the two-class method under FAS 128", for all periods presented. In 2004, and 2002 all outstanding stock options and preferred shares have been excluded from the calculation of the diluted loss per share because all such securities are anti-dilutive for these periods presented; Also participating 4% Convertible Preferred Stock, were not taken into account in the computation of the basic EPS for those years since its shareholders do not have contractual obligation to share in the losses of the Company. In 2003 the basic EPS was computed using the two-class method. The implementation of EITF 03-06 to prior periods resulted in immaterial change (less than $0.01) in the basic EPS for 2003. The total number of common shares related to outstanding options and preferred shares excluded from the calculations of diluted net loss per share was 2,064,500 and 2,852,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2002, respectively. As to data used in the per share computation see Note 10.
(l)
Comprehensive Income
SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income", ("SFAS No. 130") established standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income (loss), its components and accumulated balances in a full set of general purpose financial statements. The Company's components of comprehensive income (loss) are net income (losses) and net unrealized gains or losses on investments held as available for sale and foreign currency translation adjustments, which are presented net of income taxes.
(m)
Employee Stock Based Compensation
The Company accounts for all employee stock options plans under APB Opinion No. 25, under which no compensation costs were incurred in the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.
SFAS No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS No. 123”) established a fair value-based method of accounting for employee stock options or similar equity instruments and encourages adoption of such method for stock compensation plans. However, it also allows companies to continue to account for those plans using the accounting treatment prescribed by APB No. 25. The Company has elected to continue accounting for employee stock option plans and restricted shares according to APB No. 25 and accordingly discloses pro forma data assuming the Company had accounted for employee stock option grants using the fair value based method as defined in SFAS No. 123.
If compensation cost for the options under the plans in effect been determined in accordance with SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income (loss) and EPS would have been reduced as follows:
(1)After deduction of accrued Preferred Stock Dividend of $200 and $213 and $218,
respectively.
Under SFAS No. 123, the fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively: (1) expected life of options of 5 years; (2) dividend yield of 0%; (3) volatility ranging from 57% to 60%; and (4) risk-free interest rate ranging from 3.3% to 3.46%.
(n)
Treasury stock
These shares are presented as a reduction of shareholders’ equity at their cost to the Company.
(o)
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
For 123R (revised 2004) Share Base Payment
In December 2004, the FASB issued the revised SFAS No. 123, Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”), which addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions in which the Company obtains employee services in exchange for (a) equity instruments of the Company or (b) liabilities that are based on the fair value of the Company’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. This statement eliminates the ability to account for employee share-based payment transactions using APB Opinion No. 25 and requires instead that such transactions be accounted for using the grant-date fair value based method. This statement will be effective as of the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period that begins after June 15, 2005 (July 1, 2005 for the Company). Early adoption of SFAS 123R is encouraged by the FASB. SFAS 123R applies to all awards granted or modified after the Statement’s effective date. In addition, compensation cost for the unvested portion of previously granted awards that remain outstanding on the Statement’s effective date shall be recognized on or after the effective date, as the related services are rendered, based on the awards’ grant-date fair value as previously calculated for the pro-forma disclosure under SFAS 123R.
We estimate that the cumulative effect of adopting SFAS 123R as of its adoption date by the Company (July 1, 2005), based on the awards outstanding as of December 31, 2004, will be approximately $50,000. This estimate does not include the impact of additional awards, which may be granted, or forfeitures, which may occur subsequent to December 31, 2004 and prior to our adoption of SFAS 123R. We expect that upon the adoption of SFAS 123R we will apply the modified prospective application transition method, as permitted by the statement. Under such transition method, upon the adoption of SFAS 123R, Ampal’s financial statements for periods prior to the effective date of the statement will not be restated. The impact of this statement on Ampal’s financial statements or its results of operations in 2006 and beyond will depend upon various factors, among them Ampal’s future compensation strategy. We expect that the effect of applying this statement on Ampal’s results of operations in 2005 as it relates to existing option plans would not be materially different from the SFAS 123 pro forma effect previously reported. This statement will be effective beginning of the first interim period that begins after June 15, 2005 (July 1, 2005 for the Company).
FAS 153 Exchange of Nonmonetary Assets - Am Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Non-Monetary Assets - An Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29” (“SFAS 153”). SFAS 153 amends APB Opinion No. 29, “Accounting for Non-Monetary Transactions”. The amendments made by SFAS 153 eliminate the APB Opinion No. 29 exception for non-monetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replace it with a general exception for exchanges of non-monetary assets that do not have commercial substance. The provisions in SFAS 153 are effective for non-monetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005 (July 1, 2005 for the Company). Early application of the SFAS 153 is permitted. The provisions of this statement shall be applied prospectively. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS 153 to have a material effect on the Company’ s financial statements or its results of operations.
EITF Issue 03-1 "The Meaning of Other Than Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investment"
In March 2004, the FASB issued EITF Issue No. 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments,” which provides new guidance for assessing impairment losses on debt and equity investments. Additionally, EITF Issue No. 03-1 includes new disclosure requirements for investments that are deemed to be temporarily impaired. In September 2004, the FASB delayed the accounting provisions of EITF Issue No. 03-1; however, the disclosure requirements remain effective and have been adopted by the Company in these financial statements (see Note 2). We will evaluate the effect, if any, of EITF Issue No. 03-1 when final guidance is released.
(p)
Reclassifications
Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Note 2 - Acquisitions, Dispositions and Impairments
(a)
In 2004, the Company made investments aggregating $6.3 million, as follows:
1.
The company invested EUR 4.9 million (approximately US$5.8 million) in "Telecom Partners Limited Partnership", a newly formed entity that will serve as a platform for investments in the telecommunication industry predominantly outside of Israel. Ampal holds 33.3% of TP which currently holds investments in two European telecom service providers: PSINet Europe B.V. ("PSInet") and Grapes Communications N.V./S.A.
2.
A loan of $0.2 million to ShellCase, the principal business of which is the packaging process of semiconductor chips.
3.
An additional investment of $0.3 million in Fimi Opportunity Fund, L.P. (Fimi).
(b)
In 2004, the Company made the following dispositions:
1.
On February 19, 2004, Ampal sold its holdings in XACCT Technology Ltd. for $3.8 million.
2.
During May 2004, the Company sold 49% of its holdings in PowerDSine Ltd. for approximately $7.4 million.
3.
During the third quarter of 2004, PSInet, one of the holdings of Ampal’s investee company, TP, sold all its assets to large telecommunications providers. Following the sale, a portion of the proceeds was distributed to TP, of which Ampal received $7.1 million and recorded a gain of $2.5 million in connection with this transaction. The remaining carrying value is $1.2 million.
(c)
In 2004, the Company recorded loss from impairment of investments of $38.8 million as follows:
* Management determined that a reduction in the carrying value of MIRS by $30 million is appropriate at this time due to the current relationship with Motorola. See Note 16.
(d)
In 2003, the Company made investments aggregating $ 1.8 million, as follows:
1.
An additional investment of $0.9 million in ShellCase Ltd. The company holds an approximate 13.84% equity interest in ShellCase Ltd.
2.
An additional investment of $0.3 million in Star Management of Investment No. II (2000) L.P., a venture capital fund which focuses on investment in communication, Internet, software and medical devices.
3.
An investment of $0.2 million in Fimi Opportunity Fund, L.P.
4.
A loan of $0.1 million to Shiron Satellite Communications (1996) Ltd., a developer and manufacturer of two-way satellite communications products.
5.
A loan to Netformx Ltd. of $0.2 million, a developer of network design tools.
6.
A loan to Bay Heart Ltd. of $0.1 million, a shopping mall.
(e)
During 2003, the Company, which previously held a 20.4% interest in Granite, sold 9.9% of its holding for $19.5 million. Consequently, the Company's investment in Granite, which was previously accounted for by the equity method, was accounted for as an investment in trading marketable securities. (The remaining holding in Granite was sold in 2004).
(f )
In 2003, the Company recorded loss from impairment of investments of $13.1 million as follows:
1. XACCT Technologies Ltd. ("XACCT") ($9.0 million investment).
2. Carmel Container Ltd. ($2.0 million).
3. Identify Solution Ltd. ($1.3 million investment).
4. Cute Ltd. ($0.2 million loan).
5. Real estate in Migdal Haemek ($0.6 million).
(g)
In 2002, the Company made investments aggregating $3 million, as follows:
1.
An additional investment of $1.3 million in ShellCase Ltd.
2.
An additional investment of $0.7 million in PowerDsine Ltd. (total equity interest of 8.1%), a leading developer of power supply devices for the telecommunications industry. (See also B(2) above).
3.
A loan to CUTe Ltd of $0.2 million (total equity interest of 20%), a developer of bandwidth efficient techniques for the delivery of digital media over wireless networks.
4.
A loan to Camelot Information Technologies Ltd. of $0.5 million, a developer of security solution for organizations.
5.
An additional investment of $0.3 million in other investees.
(h)
On December 2002, the Company recorded a $0.7 million pretax gain on the sale of real estate rental property.
(i)
In 2002, the Company recorded loss from impairment of investments of $ 15.1 million as follows:
Note 3 -- Deposits, Notes and Loans Receivable
Deposits, notes and loans receivable earn interest at varying rates depending upon their linkage provisions. Deposits mature in 2005. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, deposits, notes and loans receivable from related parties were $0.7 million for both years, and such balances with others were $2.8 million and $11.6 million, respectively. The allowance for doubtful notes receivable for 2004 and 2003 was none and $3.9 million, respectively.
Note 4 -- Investments in Marketable Securities
The Company classifies investments in marketable securities as trading securities or available-for-sale securities. Trading Securities
(b)
Available-For-Sale Securities
The cost and market values of available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:
Note 5 - Other Assets
Note 6 -- Notes and Loans Payable
Notes and loans payable consist primarily of bank borrowings either in U.S. dollars, linked to the Consumer Price Index in Israel or in unlinked Israel Shekels with interest rates varying depending upon their linkage provision and mature through 2008.
The Company has two long-term loans from Bank Hapoalim Ltd. ("Hapoalim") and Bank Leumi Le'Israel Ltd. ("Leumi") in the amount of $37.5 million and $33.5 million as of December 31, 2004, respectively, (in connection with its investment in shares of MIRS). Both loans are due on March 31, 2008 and bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 0.8%. Other than as described below, the loans are non-recourse to the Company and are secured by the Company's shares in MIRS. Total payment of 10% of the principal of the loans was due on March 31, 2004. The remaining principal payments are due as follows: 15% on March 31, 2005 and 25% on each of the following dates: March 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Interest is to be paid annually on March 31 of each year from March 31, 2001 until and including March 31, 2008. As a result of not receiving the dividend from MIRS in the amount of $7.1 million, the principal and the interest of the loan due March 31, 2004 were only partially paid. As of the date hereof, the banks have not declared a default with respect to such unpaid amount. These loans are subject to the compliance by MIRS with covenants regarding its operations and financial results.
The Company also finances its general operations and other financial commitments through bank loans with Hapoalim. The long-term loans in the amount of $32.8 million mature through 2005-2011.
Other long term borrowings in the amount of $2.1 million mature through 2005-2009. The borrowings are linked to the Israeli C.P.I and bear an annual interest of 5.7%.
The weighted average interest rates on the balances of short-term borrowings at year-end are as follows: 3.5% on $13.0 million and 3.6% on $27.5 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Note 7 -- Accounts payable accrued expenses and others
(b)
Accrued severance liabilities
Israeli labor laws and agreements require payment of severance pay upon dismissal of an employee or upon termination of employment in certain other circumstances. Ampal severance pay liability in Israel, which reflects the undiscounted amount of the liability as if it was payable at each balance sheet date, is calculated based upon length of service and the latest monthly salary (one month’s salary for each year worked).
The Company’s liability for severance pay pursuant to Israeli law is partly covered by insurance policies. The accrued severance pay liability of $ 0.7 million, net of deposits made to insurance policies of $ 0.3 million, is included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities. During 2004 and 2003, the Company contributes for each year approximately $135,000 to cover insurance policies. The Company expects to contribute a similar amount to the insurance policies in the fiscal year ending December 31, 2005.
Severance pay net increase (decrease) was approximately $21,000, $134,000 and $(84,000) in 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively.
The Company expects that the payments relating to future benefits to its employees upon their retirement at normal retirement age in the next 10 years will be immaterial. These payments are determined based on recent salary rates and do not include amounts that might be paid to employees that will cease working with the Company, before their normal retirement age or amount paid to employees that their normal retirement age extends beyond the year 2014.
Note 8 -- Shareholders' Equity
Capital Stock
The 4% and 6-1/2% preferred shares are convertible into 5 and 3 shares of Class A Stock, respectively. At December 31, 2004, a total of 2,335,500 shares of Class A Stock are reserved for issuance upon the conversion of the Preferred Stock and the exercise of 2,064,500 options.
The 4% and 6-1/2% Preferred Stock are preferred as to dividends on a cumulative basis. Additional dividends out of available retained earnings, if declared, are payable on an annual non-cumulative basis as a percentage of par value as follows:
(i)
up to 4% on Class A Stock, then
(ii)
on 4% Preferred Stock and Class A Stock ratably.
Preferred shares are non-voting, unless dividends are in arrears for three successive years. At December 31, 2004, there are no dividends in arrears.
Note 9 -- Stock Options
In March 1998, the Board approved a Long-Term Incentive Plan ("1998 Plan") permitting the granting of options to all employees, officers, directors and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries to purchase up to an aggregate of 400,000 shares of Class A Stock. The 1998 plan was approved by the majority of the Company's shareholders at the June 19, 1998, annual meeting of shareholders. The plan remains in effect for a period of ten years. As of December 31, 2004, 70,000 options of the 1998 Plan are fully vested and outstanding.
On February 15, 2000, the Stock Option Committee approved a new Incentive Plan ("2000 Plan"), under which the Company has reserved 4 million shares of Class A Stock, permitting the granting of options to all employees, officers and directors. The 2000 Plan was approved by the Board of Directors of Ampal (the "Board") at the meeting held on March 27, 2000 and was approved by a majority of the Company's shareholders at the June 29, 2000 annual meeting of shareholders. The plan remains in effect for a period of ten years. As of December 31, 2004, 1,994,500 options under the 2000 Plan are outstanding.
The options granted under the 1998 Plan and the 2000 Plan (collectively, the "Plans") may be either incentive stock options, at an exercise price to be determined by the Stock Option Compensation Committee (the "Committee") but not less than 100% of the fair market value of the underlying options on the date of grant, or non-incentive stock options, at an exercise price to be determined by the Committee. The Committee may also grant, at its discretion, "restricted stock," "dividend equivalent awards," which entitle the recipient to receive dividends in the form of Class A Stock, cash or a combination of both and "stock appreciation rights," which permit the recipient to receive an amount in the form of Class A Stock, cash or a combination of both, equal to the number of shares of Class A Stock with respect to which the rights are exercised multiplied by the excess of the fair market value of the Class A Stock on the exercise date over the exercise price. The options granted under the plants were granted either at market value or above.
Under each of the Plans, all granted but unvested options become immediately exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control of the Company. On April 25, 2002, the controlling shareholder of the Company, Rebar Financial Corp. sold all of its stock in the Company to Y.M. Noy Investments Ltd., accordingly, the 329,000 outstanding options granted under the Plans were immediately exercisable.
As of December 31, 2004, 2,335,500 options under both plans are available for future grant.
Transactions under both Plans were as follows:
The options granted under the plans vest in equal installment every three months, except that a portion of the options may vest on an accelerate basis upon the achievement of certain performance criteria.
Note 10 - Earnings (Loss) Per Class A Share
A reconciliation between the basic and diluted EPS computations for net earnings is as follows:
(1)
After deduction of Preferred Stock dividends of $200, $213 and $218 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Note 11 -- Income Taxes
As of December 31, 2004, valuation allowance is provided against tax benefits on foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $11.3 million and of loss from impairment of investment of $0.9 million.
As of December 31, 2003, valuation allowance is provided against tax benefits on foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $6.0 million, realized and unrealized loss of investment in securities of $4.8 million and of loss from impairment of investment of $7.1 million.
As of December 31, 2004, the Company has foreign tax credits of $5.5 million that will expire in the years 2009 through 2014.
As of December 31, 2004, the Company has U.S. Federal capital loss carryforwards of $6.1 million that will expire in 2008 and 2009 and net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $31.7 million that will expire in the years 2020 through 2024. The utilization of net operating loss carryforwards may be subject to substantial annual limitations if there has been a significant "change in ownership". Such a "change in ownership", as described in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, may substantially limit the Company's utilization of the net operating loss carryforwards.
Note 12 -- Investments in Affiliates
The companies accounted for by the equity method and the Company's share of equity in those investees are:
Combined summarized financial information for the above companies is as follows:
The carrying value of the Company's investment in shares of Carmel Containers at December 31, 2004, amounted to $2.6 million. On November 30, 2004, Carmel filed an application with the Securities and Exchange Commission to withdraw its ordinary shares from listing on the AMEX and also filed to terminate registration of the shares under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Ampal has objected to the delisting and deregistration of Carmel's ordinary shares, neither of which has been effectuated as of the date hereof. If Carmel is successful in this process, there will no longer be a public market for the ordinary shares held by Ampal.
Note 13 - Other Income.
Other revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 include accrual of guaranteed payments from Motorola relating to the investment in MIRS of $ 7.1 million.
Note 14 -- Segment Information
SFAS 131 "Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" establishes annual and interim reporting standards for an enterprise's operating segments and related disclosures about its products, services, geographic areas and major customers. Segment information presented below results primarily from operations in Israel.
Corporate office expense is principally applicable to the financing operation and has been charged to that segment above. Revenues and pretax operating (loss) income above exclude equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates. Investment in affiliates and equity in earnings of affiliates only includes the investment and equity in earnings of those affiliates whose operations are represented by the Company's segments.
The real estate rental segment consists of rental property owned in Israel and the United States leased to unrelated parties, and operations of Am-Hal Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary which owns and operates a chain of senior citizens facilities located in Israel.
*The leisure-time segment consists of Coral World International Limited (marine parks located around the world - mainly in Israel) and Country Club Kfar Saba, the Company's 51%-owned subsidiary located in Israel.
Note 15 -- Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:
(a)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For cash and cash equivalents, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value (see Note 1(j)).
(b)
Deposits, Notes and Loans Receivable
The fair value of these deposits, notes and loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.
(c)
Investments
For financial instruments with maturities between 91 days and 1 year, and all marketable securities, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
(d)
Financial Instruments
The fair value of the financial instruments included in other assets, accounts payable, and accrued expenses presented at a fair value.
(e)
Commitments
Due to the relatively short term of commitments discussed in Note 16, the contract value is considered to be at fair value.
(f)
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
The fair value of notes and loans payable, deposits payable and debentures outstanding is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates offered by lenders for similar borrowings with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.
Note 16-- Commitments and Contingencies
(a) The combined minimum annual lease payments on Ampal's and its subsidiaries in 2004 were $ 0.3 million. In the years 2005-2009, the combined annual lease payments on those premises, will be in an aggregate amount of $ 1.5 million, and thereafter, an amount totaling $5.6 million. The lease of the corporate offices expires in 2009 and the Kfar Saba lease expires in 2037.
(b) AM-Hal provided a lien to Bank Hapoalim on AM- Hal properties in Rishon - Le Zion and Hod Hasharon to guarantee a loan of $7.7 million.
(c) The Company has issued guarantees on bank loans to its investees and subsidiaries totaling $11.9 million as follows:
(1)
The Company provided a $3.9 million guarantee to AM - Hal tenants.
(2)
The Company provided a $6.6 million guarantee on indebtedness incurred by Bay Heart.
Galha
On January 1, 2002, Galha (1960) Ltd. ("Galha") filed a suit against the Company and other parties, including directors of Paradise Industries Ltd. ("Paradise") appointed by the Company, in the Tel Aviv District Court, in the amount of NIS 9,991,070 ($2.3 million). Galha claimed that the Company, which was a shareholder of Paradise, and another shareholder of Paradise, misused funds that were received by Paradise from an insurance company for the purpose of reconstructing an industrial building owned by Galha and used by Paradise which burnt down. Paradise is currently involved in liquidation proceedings. Ampal issued a guarantee in favor of Galha for the payment of an amount of up to NIS 4,000,000 ($928,500) if a final judgment against the Company will be given.
On May 26, 2003 the Company and the directors of Paradise appointed by the Company filed a third party claim against Arieh Israeli Insurance Company Ltd., in the Tel Aviv District Court, claiming that, to the extent the court decides that the directors of Paradise appointed by the Company will have to pay any amounts to Galha, Arieh will pay such amounts on behalf of the directors in accordance with the Directors and Officers insurance policy that the Company had at that time with Arieh. Arieh filed a statement of defense and stated that the policy does not cover the claim. At this stage, the Company cannot estimate the impact this claim will have on it.
Ampal Communications L.P.
On May 10, 2004, Ampal Communications L.P., a limited partnership controlled by Ampal and in which Ampal holds a 75% equity interest, filed a claim in the Tel-Aviv District Court against Motorola Communications Israel Ltd., Motorola Israel Ltd., Elisha Yanai, Peter Brum, Rami Guzman, Nathan Gidron, Shimon Tal and MIRS Communications Ltd. (collectively, the "Defendants"), for injunctive and declaratory relief as described below. The claim is in connection with the exploitation by the defendants of Ampal Communications' minority rights by virtue of its 33% holding in MIRS Communications Ltd.
Ampal Communications L.P. requested the Court to issue relief as follows:
A.
Declaring that the business of MIRS Communications Ltd. is conducted in such a way as to be prejudicial to the rights of Ampal Communications L.P. as a minority share holder;
B.
Appointing an appraiser to conduct a valuation of MIRS Communications Ltd. and Ampal Communications L.P.'s holdings therein, which will encompass a review of the way MIRS Communications Ltd. conducts its business, including a review of the related party transactions between MIRS Communications Ltd. and Motorola Israel Ltd. and/or any other of the Defendants;
C.
Instructing each of the Defendants to acquire and purchase from Ampal Communications L.P. the shares it holds in MIRS Communications Ltd. at the highest of the following prices:
(1)
based on a company valuation of MIRS Communications Ltd. as presented to Ampal Communications L.P. by Motorola prior to the signing of the Share Purchase Agreement for MIRS Communications Ltd.; or
(2)
based on the amount paid by Ampal Communications L.P. for its share holding in MIRS Communications Ltd. plus linkage to the Israeli consumer index and interest; or
(3)
based on the company valuation that will be determined by the valuation specified in Section B above, excluding any material negative effect brought about by the Defendants' omissions and/or negligence in their management of MIRS Communications Ltd., all as may be assessed and computed by the appraiser specified in Section B above;
D.
Determining that each of the individual Defendants, as officers in MIRS Communications Ltd., has violated his respective fiduciary obligations towards Ampal Communications L.P. as a minority shareholder in MIRS Communications Ltd.; and
E.
Declaring that the Share Purchase Agreement pursuant to which Ampal Communications L.P. acquired its shareholding in MIRS Communications Ltd. and the Shareholders Agreement in respect thereof, are void.
On May 24, 2004 and on May 31, 2004 the Defendants requested the district court to strike out the claim in limine, on the grounds that Ampal had allegedly not paid sufficient fees when filing the claim, and further requested an extension of the time for filing statements of defense until after the district court had reached a decision regarding the request to strike out the Claim. Ampal and the Defendants filed various responses and on June 30, 2004, the district court requested the Attorney General to furnish an opinion regarding the Defendants' request before issuing its own decision. On October 11, 2004 the Attorney General furnished its opinion that supported the Defendants' request that Ampal should pay the fees calculated on the basis of the value of the requested remedies in the Claim. On November 10, 2004 Ampal filed its response. The Court also decided that the statements of defense should be filed 10 days after it issues its decision regarding the striking out of the claim.
As of December 31, 2004, the Company had not received its dividend from MIRS in the amount of $7.1 million, included among "other assets", due March 31, 2004. The dividend was not received due to the legal dispute discussed above. As a result of not receiving the dividend, the principal and the interest of the loan which were due March 31, 2004 were only partially paid.
(f)
Legal claims arising in the normal course of business have been filed against subsidiaries and affiliates of the company. Based upon the opinions of legal counsel, the Company’s management believes that all provisions made are sufficient.
Note 17 - Subsequent Events
In 2005, the Company sold all of its remaining interest in Industrial Buildings Company for $15.5 million ($6.9 million directly and $8.6 million indirectly through Ophir Holdings Ltd.). The Company’s share in the net gain is approximately $3.9 million.
In March 2005, the Company sold all of its holdings in Modem Art Ltd. for approximately $5 million. The Company recorded a gain of approximately $4 million.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company's management with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that it will detect or uncover failures within the Company to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in the Company's periodic reports.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have not been any changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the Company's fourth fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Please see Item 11 below for a description of an Indemnification and Compensation agreement between the Company and each of Messrs. Karni, Haber and Morag.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding Ampal's directors and executive officers as of February 25, 2005:
Name Position
Yosef A. Maiman Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director
Jack Bigio (1) President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Leo Malamud (1) Director
Dr. Joseph Yerushalmi (1) Director
Yehuda Karni (1) (2) (3) Director
Eitan Haber (2) (3) Director
Menahem Morag (2) (3) Director
Irit Eluz CFO, Senior Vice President - Finance and Treasurer
Shlomo Shalev Senior Vice President - Investments
Yoram Firon Vice President-Investments and Corporate Affairs
and Secretary
Amit Mansur Vice President-Investments
Giora Bar-Nir Vice President - Accounting and Controller
___________
The numbers listed below, which follow the names of some of the foregoing directors, designate committee membership:
(1)
Member of the Executive Committee of the Board which meets as necessary between regularly scheduled Board meetings and, consistent with certain statutory limitations, exercises all the authority of the Board.
(2)
Member of the Audit Committee of the Board which reviews functions of the outside auditors, auditors' fees and related matters. Mr. Karni is the Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Board.
(3)
Member of the Stock Option and Compensation Committee of the Board.
In 2004, the Board met three times and acted six times by written consent; the Executive Committee met one time and did not act by written consent; the Audit Committee met seven times and did not act by written consent. The Stock Option and Compensation Committee met one time and did not act by written consent. All directors attended more than 75% of the aggregate of (1) the total number of Board meetings held during the period in 2004 for which such individual was a director and (2) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which such individual served in 2004 (during the period of such service). Each director of the Board is elected for a one year term and serves until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified.
The following sets forth the ages of all of the above-mentioned directors and executive officers, all positions and offices with Ampal or its subsidiaries held by each director and officer and principal occupations during the last five years.
YOSEF A. MAIMAN, 59, has been the Chairman of the Board of Ampal since April 25, 2002. Mr. Maiman has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Merhav M.N.F. Ltd. ("Merhav"), one of the largest international project development companies based in Israel, since its founding in 1975. Mr. Maiman is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Channel Ten, a commercial television station in Israel, a director of Eltek, Ltd. ("Eltek"), a developer and manufacturer of printed circuit boards, a member of the Board of Directors of the Middle East Task Force of the New York Council on Foreign Relations and Honorary Consul to Israel from Peru. Mr. Maiman is also member of the Board of Trustees of the Tel Aviv University, Chairman of the Israeli Board of the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies at Tel Aviv University, a member of the Board of Governors of Ben Gurion University, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Policy Institute for Counter Terrorism.
JACK BIGIO, 39 has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Ampal since April 25, 2002, and a director of Ampal since March 6, 2002. From 1998 until April 2002, Mr. Bigio held various officer positions at Merhav, most recently as the Senior Vice President - Operations and Finance. Mr. Bigio is also a director of Eltek.
LEO MALAMUD, 53, has been a director of Ampal since March 6, 2002. Since 1996, Mr. Malamud was the Senior Vice President of Merhav. Mr. Malamud is also a director of Eltek.
Dr. JOSEPH YERUSHALMI, 67, has been Senior Vice President - Head of Energy and Infrastructure Projects of Merhav since 1995. He has been a director of Ampal since August 16, 2002.
YEHUDA KARNI, 76, was a senior partner in the law firm of Firon Karni Sarov & Firon, from 1961 until his retirement in 2000. He has been a director of Ampal since August 16, 2002.
EITAN HABER, 65, was the Head of Bureau for the former Prime Minister of Israel, Yitzhak Rabin, from July 1993 until November 1995. Since 1996, Mr. Haber has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Geopol Ltd., which represents the Korean conglomerate Samsung in Israel and the Middle East; Kavim Ltd., a production and project development company; and Adar Real Estate Ltd., a real estate company. Mr. Haber is also a member of various non-profit organizations. He has been a director of Ampal since August 16, 2002.
MENAHEM MORAG, 54, has been a director of Ampal since January 27, 2004. From 1996 to 1999 Mr. Morag was the Head of Finance and Budget at the Israeli Prime Minister's office in Tel Aviv. From 1999 to 2001, Mr. Morag was the Controller and Ombudsman at the Israeli Prime Minister's office in Tel Aviv. From 2001 to 2003, Mr. Morag was the Head of Human Resources Department at the Israeli Prime Minister's office in Tel Aviv. Since, 2003, Mr. Morag has been the Head of the Council of the Pensioners Association of the Israeli Prime Minister's office in Tel Aviv.
IRIT ELUZ, 38, has been the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President - Finance and Treasurer since October 2004. From May 2002 through October 2004 Ms. Eluz was Chief Financial Officer and Vice President - Finance and Treasurer. From January 2000 through April 2002, Ms. Eluz was the Associate Chief Financial Officer of Merhav. From June 1995 through December 1999, Ms. Eluz was the Chief Financial Officer of Kamor Group.
SHLOMO SHALEV, 43, has been Senior Vice President - Investments since May 2002. From August 1997 through April 2002, Mr. Shalev was Vice President in Ampal Industries (Israel) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. From August 1994 through July 1997, Mr. Shalev was the Israeli Consul for Economic Affairs in the northwest region of the Unites States.
YORAM FIRON, 36, has been Secretary and Vice President - Investments and Corporate Affairs since May 2002. During the preceding five years, Mr. Firon was a Vice President of Merhav and a partner in the law firm of Firon Karni Sarov & Firon.
AMIT MANSUR, 35, has been Vice President - Investments since March 2003. From September 2000 through December 2002, Mr. Mansur served at Alrov Group as Strategy & Business Development Manager. From February 1997 through September 2000, Mr. Mansur was a projects manager at the Financial Advisory Services of KPMG Somekh Chaikin.
GIORA BAR-NIR, 48, has been Vice-President - Accounting and Controller Since October 2004. From March 2002 through October 2004 Mr. Bar Nir has been the Controller. During the preceding five years, Mr. Bar-Nir was the Controller of the Israeli subsidiaries of Ampal.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Company has an Audit Committee of the Board consisting of Messrs. Karni, Haber and Morag, each of whom is an independent director as defined under the rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and the rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Board has determined that Mr. Morag is an "audit committee financial expert" for purposes of the rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. On October 31, 2004, Michael Arnon, a member of the Audit Committe, passed away.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires Ampal's executive officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of Ampal's equity securities, to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial statements of beneficial ownership (Form 3), and statements of changes in beneficial ownership (Forms 4 and 5), of Class A Stock of Ampal. To the Company's knowledge, based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, all filing requirements applicable to its executive officers, directors and greater than 10-percent stockholders were complied with.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Company has adopted a code of ethics (as defined in the rules promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that applies to the Company's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, or person performing similar functions. A copy of the Company’s code of ethics is available on the Company’s website at www.ampal.com (the “Company’s Website”).
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Company has adopted a code of conduct that applies to all of the Company’s employees, directors and officers. A copy of the code of conduct is available on the Company’s Website.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The table below presents information regarding remuneration paid for services to Ampal and its subsidiaries by the executive officers named below during the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.
(1)
Mr. Maiman has been employed by Ampal since April 25, 2002 as Chairman of the Board.
(2)
Mr. Bigio has been employed by Ampal since April 25, 2002 as President and CEO.
(3)
Ms. Eluz has been employed by Ampal since Aprl 25, 2002.
(4)
Ms. Sharir served as Senior Vice President Investments from April 25, 2002 until November 30, 2004.
(5)
Mrs. Sharir retired on November 30, 2004, the amount includes final account settlement.
(6)
Mr. Shalev was appointed Senior Vice President of Investment since May 21, 2002.
(7)
On November 30, 2004, Ms. Sharir agreed to immediately terminate all of her options to purchase shares of Class A Stock of the Company pursuant to an option cancellation agreement entered into by the Company and Ms. Sharir.
(8)
Mr. Firon has been employed by Ampal since April 25, 2002.
(9)
Consists of amounts reimbursed for the payment of taxes.
(10)
Represents the number of shares of Class A Stock underlying options granted to the named executive officers.
(11)
Comprised of Ampal (Israel’s) contribution pursuant to : (1) Ampal (Israel’s) Pension Plan and (ii) Ampal (Israel’s) education fund and (iii) use of car and (iv) use of mobile (v) final account settlement.
(12)
Eligible to receive an additional payment of up to six months salary (i) in the event of a changeof control of the Company and (ii) such executive officer's employment is terminated within six months from the date of the change of control of the Company.
Fiscal Year-End Option Values
Option Grants In Last Fiscal Year
The following table sets forth certain information regarding stock options granted to purchase our Class A Stock to our named executive officers during fiscal year 2004:
Other Benefits
Ampal previously maintained a money purchase pension plan (“Pension Plan”) for all full-time employees of Ampal except non-resident aliens outside the United States. Pursuant to the cessation of the Company's U.S. operations, the Ampal-American Israel Corporation Money Purchase Pension Plan and the Ampal-American Israel Corporation Savings Plan were terminated effective December 31, 2004.
Compensation of Directors
Directors of Ampal (other than Mr. Maiman and Mr. Bigio) received $1,500 per Board meeting attended. The Chairman of the Board receives $2,000. Directors of Ampal also receive the same amount for attendance at meetings of committees of the Board, provided that such committee meetings are on separate days and on a day other than the day of a regularly scheduled Board meeting.
On October 28, 2004, the Board formed a Special Committee of the Board composed of Mr. Yehuda Karni, Mr. Eitan Haber and Mr. Menahem Morag, each of whom is an independent director.
The Board appointed the Special Committee of independent directors to consider alternatives available to the Company to maximize shareholder value. The Special Committee was formed in response to a suggestion from Mr. Yosef A. Maiman, Chairman of the Board and controlling stockholder, that he is reviewing his alternatives with regard to his investment in the Company.
In connection with the formation of this Special Committee, the Company entered into an Indemnification and Compensation Agreement with each of Messrs. Karni, Haber and Morag. In consideration for serving as a member of the Special Committee, each director shall receive from the Company a fee of $35,000 payable in seven equal monthly installments beginning on October 28, 2004. Each director shall also be entitled to receive from the Company a fee of $1,500 per each meeting of the Special Committee he attends. In addition, the Company has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless each Director with respect to his service on, and any matter or transaction considered by, the Secial Committee to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by law. A copy of the form of this Indemnification and Compensation Agreement is attached as Exhibit 10j to this annual report on Form 10-K.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding stock options granted to purchase our Class A Stock to our directors during the three fiscal years ended December 2004, 2003 and 2002.
(1) Since April 25, 2002.
(2) Since August 16, 2002.
(3) Since March 6, 2002.
(4) Since March 24, 2004.
(5) Mr. Arnon passed away on October 31, 2004.
Stock Option Plan
In March 1998, the Board approved a Long-Term Incentive Plan (''1998 Plan'') permitting the granting of options to all employees, officers, directors and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries to purchase up to an aggregate of 400,000 shares of Class A Stock. The 1998 Plan was approved by a majority of the Company's shareholders at the June 19, 1998 annual meeting of shareholders. The 1998 Plan remains in effect for a period of ten years. As of December 31, 2004, 70,000 options of the 1998 Plan are outstanding.
On February 15, 2000, the Stock Option Committee approved a new Incentive Plan ("2000 Plan"), under which the Company has reserved 4 million shares of Class A Stock, permitting the granting of options to all employees, officers and directors. The 2000 Plan was approved by the Board of Directors at a meeting held on March 27, 2000 and was approved by a majority of the Company's shareholders at the June 29, 2000 annual meeting of shareholders. The 2000 Plan remains in effect for a period of ten years. As of December 31, 2004, 2,064,500 options of the 2000 Plan are outstanding.
The options granted under the 1998 Plan and the 2000 Plan (collectively, the "Plans") may be either incentive stock options, at an exercise price to be determined by the Stock Option and Compensation Committee ("the Committee") but not less than 100% of the fair market value of the underlying options on the date of grant, or non-incentive stock options, at an exercise price to be determined by the Committee. The Committee may also grant, at its discretion, "restricted stock," "dividend equivalent awards," which entitle the recipient to receive dividends in the form of Class A Stock, cash or a combination of both and "stock appreciation rights," which permit the recipient to receive an amount in the form of Class A Stock, cash or a combination of both, equal to the number of shares of Class A Stock with respect to which the rights are exercised multiplied by the excess of the fair market value of the Class A Stock on the exercise date over the exercise price. The options granted under the Plans were granted either at market value or above.
Under each of the Plans, all granted but unvested options become immediately exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control of the Company. On February 26, 2002, the controlling shareholder of the Company, Rebar Financial Corp., sold all of its stock in the Company to Y.M. Noy Investments Ltd. Accordingly, all options granted but unvested under the Plans were immediately exercisable.
The Company accounts for all plans under APB Opinion No. 25, under which no compensation costs were incurred in the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004. If compensation cost for the options under the above Plans had been determined in accordance with SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income (loss) and EPS would have been $(51,755) million, $ 8,138 million and $(19,154) million, respectively.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The current members of the Stock Option and Compensation Committee are Mr. Yehuda Karni, Mr. Eitan Haber and Mr. Menachem Morag, none of whom is an officer or employee or former officer or employee of the Company. During 2004, no executive officer of the Company served on the Stock Option and Compensation Committee, or the Board of Directors of another entity whose executive officer(s) served on the Company’s Stock Option and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Prior to October 31, 2004, Mr. Michael Arnon served as a member of the Stock Option and Compensation Committee. Mr. Arnon previously served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company from November 1990 until July 1994 and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from July 1986 until November 1990).
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
(1) All information provided as of December 31, 2004.
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS OF AMPAL
The following table sets forth information as of February 25, 2005, as to the holders known to Ampal who beneficially own more than 5% of the Class A Stock, the only outstanding series of voting securities of Ampal. For purposes of computation of the percentage ownership of Class A Stock held by such stockholders set forth in the table, conversion of any 4% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the "4% Preferred Stock") and 6 1/2% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (the "6 1/2% Preferred Stock") owned by such beneficial owner has been assumed, without increasing the number of shares of Class A Stock outstanding by amounts arising from possible conversions of convertible securities held by shareholders other than such beneficial owner. As of February 25, 2005, there were 19,942,996 (not including treasury shares) shares of Class A Stock of Ampal outstanding. In addition, as of February 25, 2005, there were 520,883 non-voting shares of 6 1/2% Preferred Stock outstanding (each convertible into 3 shares of Class A Stock outstanding and 120,079 non-voting shares of 4% Preferred Stock outstanding (each convertible into 5 shares of Class A Stock).
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
(1)
Consists of 11,750,132 shares of Class A Stock held directly by Y.M. Noy Investments Ltd. Yosef A. Maiman owns 100% of the economic shares and one-third of the voting shares of Y.M. Noy Investments Ltd.. In addition, Mr. Maiman holds an option to acquire the remaining two-thirds of the voting shares of Y.M. Noy Investments Ltd. (which are currently owned by Ohad Maiman and Noa Maiman, the son and daughter, respectively, of Mr. Maiman).
(2)
Includes 156,250 shares of Class A Stock underlying options which are currently exercisable by Mr. Maiman.
Security Ownership of Management
The following table sets forth information as of February 25, 2005 as to each class of equity securities of Ampal or any of its subsidiaries beneficially owned by each director and named executive officer of Ampal listed in the Summary Compensation Table and by all directors and named executive officers of Ampal as a group. All ownership is direct unless otherwise noted. The table does not include directors or named executive officers who do not own any such shares:
*
Represents less than 1% of the class of securities.
(1)
Attributable to 11,750,132 shares of Class A Stock held directly by Y.M. Noy Investments Ltd. See "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners." In addition, this represents 156,250 shares underlying options for Yosef Maiman which are presently exercisable.
(2)
Represents shares underlying options which are presently exercisable or exercisable in 60 days.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The Audit Committee of Ampal has the duty and responsibility of approving all transactions between Ampal, on the one hand, and any officer, director, or affiliate thereof, on the other hand, or in which any officer, director or affiliate has a material interest. Under the rules promulgated by Nasdaq, the Audit Committee must review and approve all transactions between Ampal on the one hand and any officer, director or principal shareholder of Ampal on the other hand. The Audit Committee considers and evaluates potential related party transactions from time to time, including co-investment opportunities and other types of transactions. The Audit Committee has the authority to engage independent legal, financial and other advisors.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
AUDIT FEES. The fees of Kesselman & Kesselman ("Kesselman") fees for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company's annual financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 and reviewing the financial statements included in the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q were $267,000 and $223,000, respectively.
TAX FEES. Kesselman's tax fees for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, were $100,000 and $103,600 respectively.
ALL OTHER FEES - Kesselman's fees for other services for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, were $42,800 and $49,200 respectively.
All of the services provided by our principal accounting firm described above under the captions "Audit Fees", "Tax Fees" and "All Other Fees" were approved by our Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has determined that the rendering of professional services described above by Kesselman is compatible with maintaining the auditor’s independence.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies
The Company's Audit Committee Charter provides that the Audit Committee shall approve in advance all audit services and all non-audit services provided by the independent auditors based on policies and procedures developed by the Audit Committee from time to time. The Audit Committee will not approve any non-audit services prohibited by applicable SEC regulations or any services in connection with a transaction initially recommended by the independent auditor, the purpose of which may be tax avoidance and the tax treatment of which may not be supported by the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations.
Our Audit Committee requires that our independent auditor, in conjunction with our Chief Financial Officer, be responsible for seeking pre-approval for providing services to us and that any request for pre-approval must inform the Audit Committee about each service to be provided and must provide detail as to the particular service to be provided.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Representative Rates of Exchange
Between the U.S. Dollar and the New Israeli Shekel
For the Three Years Ended December 31, 2004
The following table shows the amount of New Israeli Shekels equivalent to one U.S. Dollar on the dates indicated:
March 31
4.528
4.687
4.668
June 30
4.497
4.312
4.769
September 30
4.482
4.441
4.871
December 31
4.308
4.379
4.737
(ii) Consolidated financial statements filed pursuant to Rule 3-09 of Regulation S-X
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and Subsidiaries
Report of Certified Public Accountants
Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2003 and 2002
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ophir Holdings Ltd.
Report of Certified Public Accountants
Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2004 and 2003
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and
Notes to Financial Statements
(iii) Reports of Other Certified Public Accountants filed pursuant to Rule 2-05 of Regulation S-X:
AM-HAL Ltd
Bay Heart Ltd.
Carmel Container Systems Ltd.
Coral World International Limited
Country Club Kfar Saba Limited
Epsilon Investment House Ltd.
Hod Hasharon Sport Center Ltd
Hod Hasharon Sport Center (1992) Limited Partnership
Renaissance Investment Co. Ltd.
Shmey-Bar Real Estate 1993 Ltd.
Shmey-Bar (T.H.) 1993 Ltd.
Shmey-Bar (I.A.) 1993 Ltd.
Trinet Investment in High-Tech Ltd.
Exhibit 2 - Plan of Acquisition, Reorganization, Arrangement, Liquidation or Succession
2a. Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated January 5, 1998, between Ampal Communications, Inc. and Motorola Communications Israel Ltd. (Includes as Exhibit A the form of Partnership Agreement between Ampal Communications, Inc. and Motorola Communications Israel Ltd. and as Exhibit B the form of Shareholders’ Agreement between Ampal Communications, Inc. and Motorola Communications Israel Ltd.) (Filed as Exhibit 2 to a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 5, 1998, and incorporated herein by reference, File No. 0-538.)
2b. Amendment, dated January 22, 1998, to (i) Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated January 5, 1998, between Ampal Communications, Inc. and Motorola Communications Israel Ltd., (ii) Partnership Agreement between Ampal Communications, Inc. and Motorola Communications Israel Ltd. and (iii) form of Shareholders’ Agreement between Ampal Communications, Inc. and Motorola Communications Israel Ltd. (Filed as Exhibit 2a to a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 5, 1998, and incorporated herein by reference, File No. 0-538.)
Exhibit 3 - Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws
3a. Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Ampal-American Israel Corporation, dated May 28, 1997. (Filed as Exhibit 3a. to Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended June 30, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference, File No. 0-5380).
3b. By-Laws of Ampal-American Israel Corporation as amended, dated February 14, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3b. of Ampal’s Form 10-K filed on March 27, 2002).
Exhibit 4 - Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders, Including Indentures
4a. Form of Indenture dated as of November 1, 1984. (Filed as Exhibit 4a. to Registration Statement No. 2-88582 and incorporated herein by reference).
4b. Form of Indenture dated as of May 1, 1986. (Filed as Exhibit 4a. to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 33-5578 and incorporated herein by reference).
Exhibit 10 - Material Contracts
10a. Agreement, dated March 22, 1993, between the Investment Company of Bank Leumi, Ltd., and Ophir Holdings Ltd., Mercazim Investments Ltd., Diur B.P. Ltd. and Mivnat Holdings Ltd. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 33-51023 and incorporated herein by reference).
10b. Agreement, dated March 30, 1994, between Poalim Investments Ltd., Ampal (Israel) Ltd. and Ampal Industries (Israel) Ltd. (Translation). (Filed as Exhibit 10l, to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994 and incorporated herein by reference, File No. 0-538).
10c. Loan Agreement, dated April 27, 1998, between Bank Hapoalim Ltd. and Ampal Communications Limited Partnership (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, File No. 0-538).
10d. Form of Loan Agreement between Ampal Communications Limited Partnership and Bank Leumi Le-Israel B.M. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, File No. 0-538).
10e. Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated November 8, 2000, between Ampal Realty Corporation and Second 800 LLC. (filed as Exhibit 10I to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, File No. 000-00538).
10f. The Company’s 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit A to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders).*
10g. The Company’s 2000 Incentive Plan (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders).*
10h. Amendment to the Company’s 1998 Long Term Incentive Plan adopted by the Board of Directors on February 14, 2002.* (Filed as Exhibit 10h to the report on Form 10K. Filed on March 27, 2003)
10i. Amendment to the Company’s 2000 Incentive Plan adopted by the Board of Directors on February 14, 2002.* (Filed as Exhibit 10i to the report on Form 10K. Filed on March 27, 2003).
10j. Compensation and Indemnification Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2004, between Ampal-American Israel Corporation and each of Mr. Yehuda Karni, Mr. Eitan Haber and Mr. Menachem Morag.
10k. Stock Option Cancellation Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2004, between Ampal-American Israel Corporation and Dafna Sharir.
Exhibit 11 - Statement re Computation of Earnings Per Share
Exhibit 12 - Statement re Computation of Ratios
Exhibit 21 - Subsidiaries of the Registrant
Exhibit 23 - Consents of Experts and Counsel:
23.1 AM-HAL Ltd. E-23.1
23.2 Ampal-American Israel Corporation E-23.2
23.3 Bay Heart, Ltd. E-23.3
23.4 Carmel Container Systems Ltd. E-23.4
23.5 Coral World International Ltd. E-23.5
23.6 Country Club Kfar Saba Limited E-23.6
23.7 Epsilon Investment House Ltd. E-23.7
23.8 Granite Hacarmel Investment Limited E-23.8
23.9 Hod Hasharon Sport Center Ltd. E-23.9
23.10 Hod Hasharon Sport Center (1992) Ltd. Partnership E-23.10
23.11 Ophir Holdings Ltd. E-23.11
23.12 Renaissance Investment Co. Ltd. E-23.12
23.13 Shmey-Bar Real Estate 1993 Ltd. E-23.13
23.14 Shmey-Bar (T.H.) 1993 Ltd. E-23.14
23.15 Shmey-Bar (I.A.) 1993 Ltd. E-23.15
23.16 Trinet Investment in High-Tech Ltd. E-23.16
Exhibit 31.1 - Certification of Jack Bigio pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 31.2 - Certification of Irit Eluz pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 32 - Certification of Jack Bigio and Irit Eluz pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
* Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited
and its Subsidiaries
Financial Statements
as at December 31, 2003
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Financial Statements - December 31,
CONTENTS
Page
Auditors’ report to the shareholders
Consolidated balance sheets
4 -5
Consolidated statements of income
Consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity
Consolidated statements of cash flows
8 - 10
Notes to the financial statements
11 - 78
List of the main investee companies -
79 - 80
Somekh Chaikin
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
THE SHAREHOLDERS OF
GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s Board of Directors and of its Management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the financial statement of the following affiliates:
-
Nitzba Holdings 1995 Ltd. (“Nitzba”), a 10 percent owned investee company, in respect to which the Company’s investment was NIS 75,400 thousands as of December 31, 2003 and the Company’s equity in its losses was NIS 9,900 thousands for the year then ended. Those financial statements were prepared on the basis of generally accepted accounting principles in Israel (” Israeli GAAP”).
-
L.D.I. Leasing Dynamics International Ltd. (“LDI”), a 25 percent owned investee company, in respect to which the Company’s investment was NIS 9,200 thousands and NIS 9,900 thousands as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively and the Company’s equity in its losses was NIS 700 thousand and 1,000 thousands for the years ended December 31 2003 and 2002, respectively. Those financial statements were prepared on the basis of Israeli GAAP.
-
Oganim Beyarok Ltd (“Oganim”)., a 50 percent owned investee company, in respect to which the Company’s excess of accumulated losses over the cost of investments was NIS 300 thousands and NIS 140 thousands as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively and the Company’s equity in its losses was NIS 1,000 thousand and NIS 2,300 thousands for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Those financial statements were prepared on the basis of Israeli GAAP with reconciliation from Israeli GAAP to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (” U.S. GAAP”).
The financial statements of the affiliates referred above were audited by other auditors whose reports thereon were furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Nitzba and LDI, before conversion to U.S. GAAP and to Oganim for both Israeli GAAP and conversion to U.S GAAP, is based solely on the said reports of the other auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, including standards prescribed by the Auditors Regulation (Manner of Auditor’s Performance) 1973 and in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards as established by the Auditing Standards Board (United States) and in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits (which include procedures relating to the adjustments to convert information with respect to Nitzba and LDI as reported under Israeli GAAP to amounts reported under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States) provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits and the reports of the other auditors, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years, in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel.
Accounting principles generally accepted in Israel vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature of such differences is presented in Note 32 to the consolidated financial statements.
As explained in Note 2, the above mentioned consolidated financial statements are stated in values adjusted for the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency, in accordance with opinions of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
As discussed in Note 28.B.2 to the financial statements there are few claims against consolidated companies which the court has been asked to recognize as class actions and other claims against consolidated companies claiming that their agreements with their customers are restrictive trade arrangements.
Somekh Chaikin
Certified Public Accountants (Israel)
Haifa Israel, March 25,
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Consolidated balance sheets as at December 31
Adjusted to NIS of December 2003
* Reclassified
The notes to the financial statements are an integral part thereof.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Consolidated balance sheets as at December 31
Adjusted to NIS of December 2003
Prof. I. Borovich - Chairman of the Board _____________________
A. Sagis - President and Chief Executive Officer ___________________________
J. Frohlich - Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer __________________________
Date of approval of statements: March 25, 2004
The notes to the financial statements are an integral part thereof.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31
Adjusted to NIS of December 2003
The notes to the financial statements are an integral part thereof.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity
Adjusted to NIS of December 2003
*Reclassified
The notes to the financial statements are an integral part thereof.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31
Adjusted to NIS of December 2003
* Reclassified
The notes to the financial statements are an integral part thereof.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31
Adjusted to NIS of December 2003
The notes to the financial statements are an integral part thereof.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31
Adjusted to NIS of December 2003
(D) Non-cash items:
The notes to the financial statements are an integral part thereof.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 1 -
General
A.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Ltd. (hereinafter: “the Company”) (Public Company 520037177) and its subsidiaries are engaged mainly in the following branches:
1.
Purchasing locally and importing fuel products and liquefied petroleum gas (lpg), their marketing and distribution, among public filling stations and to others.
2.
The production and marketing of paints, coatings, chemicals and other related products.
3.
Engineering planning, construction and operation of plants and systems for water enhancement and desalination.
4.
Investment in real estate for rent.
5.
Participation in oil and gas exploration.
B.
In these financial statements -
1.
Subsidiaries -Companies, including partnerships, whose statements are directly or indirectly consolidated with those of the Company.
2.
Proportionally consolidated subsidiaries - Companies, including partnerships or joint ventures, whose statements are directly or indirectly partially consolidated with those of the Company
3.
Affiliated companies - Companies, including partnerships, excluding subsidiaries and/or proportionally consolidated subsidiaries, where the Company’s investment in them is included, directly or indirectly in its financial statements by the equity method.
4.
Investee companies - Subsidiaries or proportionally consolidated subsidiaries or affiliated companies.
5.
Group - The Company and its investee companies.
6.
Related Parties - Within the meaning of Pronouncement 29 of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
7.
Interested Parties - Within the meaning of sub-paragraph 1 of the definition of “Interested party” in the Corporation as per paragraph 1 of the Securities Law.
8.
Controlling Parties - Within the meaning of the Securities Regulations (Presentation of Transactions between a Corporation and Controlling Party in its Financial Statements) - 1996.
9.
Index - The consumer price index as published by the Central Bureau of Statistics.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 2 -
Reporting rules and accounting principles
A.
Principles of adjustment and consolidation of financial statements
1.
Financial statements in adjusted values
a.
The Company and the companies in the Group prepare their financial statements on the basis of the historical cost convention adjusted for changes in the general purchasing power of the shekel
b.
The adjusted values of the non-monetary assets do not necessarily represent the value of those assets in the market or to the business, but only their cost adjusted for changes in the purchasing power of the shekel.
c.
The term “cost” in these financial statements means adjusted cost unless stated otherwise.
d.
All the comparative data for previous periods (including the amounts of monetary items) are presented after being adjusted to the index of the end of the current reporting period.
2.
Balance Sheet
a.
Non-monetary items have been adjusted for changes in the consumer price index since their acquisition or creation until the balance sheet month.
The items treated as non-monetary items are mainly fixed assets and accumulated depreciation thereon, investments carried at cost, inventories which are not inventories of fuel (see Note 2(c).(2), other assets and amortization thereon, share capital and capital reserves.
b.
The balance sheet value of the investments in investee companies was determined on the basis of the adjusted statements of those companies.
c.
Deferred taxes, net, are calculated on the basis of the adjusted data
d.
Monetary items are presented in the adjusted balance sheet at their nominal value.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 2 -
Reporting rules and accounting principles (contd.)
A.
Principles of adjustment and consolidation of financial statements (contd.)
3.
Statement of income
Items of the profit and loss have been adjusted to changes in the consumer price index as follows:
a.
Amounts relating to non-monetary items in the balance sheet (such as depreciation and amortization, changes in inventories, prepaid expenses and deferred income, etc) or to provisions included in the balance sheet (such as severance and vacation pay) have been adjusted on the basis of the specific indices in accordance with the adjustment of the corresponding balance sheet item.
b.
Other elements of the statement of income (such as sales, purchases and other current costs) excluding the financing item, net, have been adjusted on the basis of the indices for the months of the relevant transactions.
c.
The financing item expresses financing income and expenses in real terms, the erosion of monetary items during the year, profits and losses from realizing and revaluing marketable securities, and profits and losses from derivative financial instruments.
d.
The share in the results of operations of unconsolidated investee companies and the minority interest in the results of the operations of subsidiaries, were determined on the basis of the adjusted statements of the investee companies.
e.
Current taxes are comprised of payments on account during the year, plus amounts payable as of the balance sheet date (or less amounts claimed as a refund as of the balance sheet date). The payments on account have been adjusted on the basis of the index at the time of each payment, while the amounts to be paid (or claimed as a refund) are included without adjustment. Therefore, current taxes also include an expense resulting from the erosion in the value of the advances on account of the tax from the date of payment to the balance sheet date.
Deferred taxes - See Note 2.I. below.
4.
Statement of changes in shareholders’ equity
A dividend declared and actually paid during the year of account has been adjusted on the basis of the index at the time of actual payment. A dividend which was declared/proposed during the year of account and not yet paid as of the balance sheet date has been included without adjustment.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 2 -
Reporting rules and accounting principles (contd.)
A.
Principles of adjustment and consolidation of financial statements(contd.)
5.
Consolidation of financial statements
a.
The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the statements of the Company and those of companies under its control. The list of the main companies whose statements are included in the consolidated statements and the ownership share and control therein, appear in an appendix to the financial statements.
Regarding companies initially consolidated, as well as companies consolidated in the past and not included in the consolidation in the year of account - see Note 3.
b.
Significant intercompany balances and transactions among consolidated companies and profits from sales between the companies which have not yet been realized outside the Group have been cancelled.
c.
The Company’s shares which were acquired by a subsidiary are presented using the “treasury stock method”.
d.
1.
The excess cost of the Company’s investments in subsidiaries - not related to specific assets and identified liabilities (“goodwill”) is included in “other assets” and depreciated by the straight line method over a period of 10 years. The excess value of assets purchased over and above the cost of the investments in the investee companies - is first deducted from intangible assets. The excess negative cost remaining after apportioning it to intangible assets was deducted from non-monetary assets proportionally to the fair value of these assets according to the Company’s share. The balance was set-off from the “Other assets” and amortized by the straight line method over a period of 10 years.
2.
Excess cost related to assets and liabilities is recorded in the relevant items in the balance sheet.
B.
Investments in Companies
1.
Investments in investee companies
a.
Investments in investee companies are presented by the equity method less a provision for a decline in the value when required (see also Note 2(q)).
The investee companies including investments in a number of investee companies which are inactive and/or insignificant and which as a result were not consolidated and are presented at cost which does not exceed their fair value.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 2 -
Reporting rules and accounting principles (contd.)
B.
Investments in Companies (contd.)
1.
Investments in investee companies (contd.)
The Company periodically reviews its investments to determine whether any of them have suffered a decline in value which is other than temporary. This review is made when there are indications, including such factors as a decline in share prices on the stock exchange, ongoing losses in investee companies, the business sector in which it operates, the value of goodwill included in the investment and other factors which indicate that the value of such investments may have been adversely affected.
The writedown of such investments to their adjusted values which, according to the Company’s management, is based on a review of the relevant factors, their importance, and their not being of a temporary nature, is reflected in the statement of income in Other expenses.
b.
Amortization of goodwill - See also Note 2(a)(5) above.
c.
The Company’s investments in capital notes of investee companies are presented in the Company’s financial statements in accordance with the Securities Regulations (Presentation of Transactions between a Corporation and a Controlling Shareholder therein in the Financial Statements) - 1996.
d.
A list of the main investee companies is included in an appendix to the financial statements.
2.
Investments in other companies
Investments in other companies are included at cost unless there was a decline in their value which is not of a temporary nature (See also Note 2(b)(1)(a) above).
C.
Valuation of Inventories
1.
Fuel inventories
The main part of the fuel inventories consists of Security inventories.
The Security inventories are held in separate sealed containers and presented as Non-current inventories. The security inventories are stated at cost according to the exchange rate of the dollar (the current rate) or the exchange rate determined by the Fuel Authority if it is lower than the current rate. Regardless, the recovery of the value of the inventories is guaranteed by the State by determining its recovery value based on the exchange rate at the time of the sale.
The commercial inventories are presented at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the “first in - first out” method.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 2 -
Reporting rules and accounting principles (contd.)
C.
Valuation of Inventories (contd.)
2.
Other inventories
a.
Inventories of luboils, spare parts and others are presented at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the moving average method.
b.
Inventories of paints are presented at the lower of cost or market. Costs are determined mainly as follows:
Raw and packaging materials - by the moving average method.
Finished goods - by a standard price based on calculated production costs which include raw materials, packaging materials, salaries and related expenses and other expenses.
Work in progress - on the basis of the raw materials plus calculated production costs.
Purchased goods - by the moving average method.
D.
Fixed assets
Fixed assets are presented at cost less accumulated depreciation (cost - plus excess costs relating to specific assets). Improvements and refinements are charged to the cost of the assets while maintenance expenses and repairs are charged as incurred to the statement of income. Depreciation is calculated by the straight line method at annual rates based on their estimated useful lives. Capitalization of credit costs - see Note 2(n) below.
Annual rates of depreciation are:
Excess costs relating to specific assets are depreciated according to the estimated balance of the period of use of the assets to which they relate.
Amortization of leasehold rights are over the period of the lease.
Depreciation of buildings on leased land is over the period of the lease.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 2 -
Reporting rules and accounting principles (contd.)
E.
Other assets
Other assets are presented at cost and amortized at annual rates from the start of their utilization as follows:
Deferred rental - over the period of the lease at equal annual rates.
Goodwill - see Note 2(a)(5).
Distribution rights - over 20 years or according to the period of the agreement.
Delivery rights - over 10 years or according to the period of agreement.
Others- over the period of the expected benefit.
F.
Foreign currency and linkage
Assets (excluding securities) and liabilities in foreign currency or linked to it, are included at rates of exchange in effect on the balance sheet date.
Assets (excluding securities) and liabilities linked to the consumer price index are included according to the linkage terms applying to each balance.
Data on the consumer price index and rates of exchange:
G.
Marketable securities
Marketable securities held as short term investments are presented on the basis of their realizable value on the stock exchange as of the balance sheet date.
Marketable securities which are permanent investments are presented at cost less a provision for a decline in their value which is other than a temporary nature (see also Note 2(b)(2) above).
Changes in the value of securities are fully reflected in the statement of income.
H.
Provision for doubtful debts
The financial statements include a provision for doubtful debts which adequately reflect, according to management’s evaluation, the loss inherent in debts whose collection is in doubt. The provision for doubtful debts includes specific provisions. Management, in determining the adequacy of provisions, considered, inter alia, information available regarding the financial condition of customers, the extent of their operations and an evaluation of the collateral received from them.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 2 -
Reporting rules and accounting principles (contd.)
I.
Deferred taxes
The companies in the Group apportion taxes as a result of temporary differences. Temporary differences are differences between the value for tax purposes of assets and liabilities and their book value. The said apportionment is made on account of differences relating to assets whose usage or expense are recognized for tax purposes.
The balance of deferred taxes (asset or liability) is calculated by the liability method at tax rates which are expected to be in effect when the deferred taxes will be utilized, using tax rates and tax laws which were legislated or whose legislation was completed as of the balance sheet date.
The main factors in respect of which deferred taxes have not been calculated are:
1.
Amounts of adjustment for the changes in the purchasing power of the shekel relating mainly to buildings and private vehicles according to rules set forth by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
2.
Investments in investee companies, as it is the Company’s intention to hold these investments rather than sell them.
3.
Tax benefits receivable for timing differences where the possibility of realizing the benefit is uncertain.
J.
Recognition of revenues
1.
Sales of products - revenues from the sales of products are recorded at the time of delivery to customers with the transfer of the main risks and benefits related to the ownership of the product sold.
2.
Rental income - rental income is recorded over the period of the agreement proportionally to the relevant period.
3.
Income from work in progress- in accordance with Accounting Standard No. 4, income from work in progress is recorded using the percentage of completion method.
The periodic reporting of income and costs deriving from building projects encompasses the full turnover, including those for which at the time of the report, it is not possible to estimate their expected profit, but for which it is possible to determine the anticipated repayment of the costs already incurred. In such instances, the full amount of such costs incurred are posted to the statements of income against revenues up to the amount of the said cost (hereinafter: “Zero profit margin”).
In those cases where a loss is expected from a project a full provision for the expected loss as of the project’s completion is recorded.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 2 -
Reporting rules and accounting principles (contd.)
K.
Provision for linkage differences on customers’ deposits
Supergas, a subsidiary, is obligated by law to pay customers who terminate their gas purchasing agreement an amount equal to the latest approved deposit authorized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, plus linkage differences from the date of the last approval until the actual payment date. The liability, included on the basis of the present value is determined according to the actual liability as mentioned above. The provision for this liability is made on a present value basis.
L.
Earnings per share
Earnings per share is calculated in accordance with Pronouncement 55 of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
In calculating the primary earnings per share, the convertible securities issued by the Company were taken into account if there is a likelihood of their conversion or realization in accordance with the tests set forth in the Pronouncement.
In calculating diluted earnings per share, convertible securities issued by the Company and its investee companies which were not included in calculating the primary earnings per share were taken into account, provided that their conversion or realization does not result in an increase in earnings per share (anti-dilutive effect).
M.
Use of estimates
In preparing the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, management applies estimates and evaluations which affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure regarding contingent assets and liabilities and also the amounts of income and expenses recorded in the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
N.
Capitalization of credit costs
The Company capitalizes credit costs in accordance with Accounting Standard No. 3 which relates to “capitalization of credit costs”. According to this Standard, specific credit costs and non-specific credit costs should be capitalized to eligible assets. The credit costs which are non-specific are capitalized to that investment or that part of it which was not financed by specific credit, while applying a rate which is a weighted average of the cost for those sources of financing whose costs were not capitalized on a specific basis.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 2 -
Reporting rules and accounting principles (contd.)
O.
Presentation of transactions between the Company and a controlling party
Transactions between the Company and a controlling party in the Company are presented according to the Securities Regulations (Presentation of Transactions between a Company and a Controlling Party in the Financial Statements) - 1996.
P.
Derivative financial instruments
Forward currency transactions - derivative financial instruments not for hedging purposes are presented in the balance sheet at their fair value. Changes in fair value are posted to the financing item in the statement of income. Results of derivative financial instruments which are intended for hedging are posted to the statement of income concurrently with posting the results of the hedged item.
Q.
Decline in value of assets
The Company adopted Accounting Standard No. 15 - Decline in the Value of Assets (hereinafter: “the Standard”). The Standard sets forth procedures which the Company must implement in order to ensure that the assets in its consolidated balance sheet (to which the Standard applies), will not be presented at an amount exceeding their recoverable value, which is the higher of the net selling price and the usage value (the present value of the expected cash flows expected to result from the use of an asset and its realization).
The Standard applies to all assets in the consolidated balance sheet excluding tax assets and monetary assets (apart from monetary assets which are investments in investee companies that are not subsidiaries). In addition the Standard stipulates the rules of presentation and disclosure regarding assets whose value declined. Where the value of an asset in the consolidated balance sheet exceeds its recoverable amount, the Company recognizes a loss from the decline in the value in the amount of the difference between the book value of the asset and its recoverable amount. The loss recognized will be cancelled only if there are changes in the estimates used in determining the recoverable amount of the asset from the last date in which the loss from the decline in value was recognized.
In September 2003, the Israeli Accounting Standards Board published Clarification No. 1 regarding the accounting treatment for a decline in the value of an investment in an investee company which is not a subsidiary (hereinafter: “the Clarification”). The Clarification stipulates that during periods subsequent to the period in which the provision for the decline in the value of an investee company which is not a subsidiary was first recorded, the investment in the investee company must be presented at the lower of the recoverable amount and the amount of the investment using the equity method, where the recoverable amount is calculated for every reporting period in which there are indications that there is a change in the recoverable amount.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 2 -
Reporting rules and accounting principles (contd.)
R.
Environmental costs
Current operating and maintenance costs of facilities used to prevent pollution of the environment and expected provisions for costs relating to restoring the environment, resulting from current operations or past operations, are charged to the statement of income. The costs of establishing facilities to prevent environmental pollution, which increase the life or efficiency of a facility or reduce or prevent environmental pollution, are charged to the cost of the fixed assets and depreciated according to the depreciation policy of the Company.
S.
Disclosure of the effects of new accounting standards during the period prior to their implementation
a.
In October 2001, the Israel Accounting Standards Board published the following two Standards:
(1)
Accounting Standard No. 12 regarding “The discontinuance of adjustment of financial statements”. According to this standard the adjustment of financial statements for the effect of changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency will be discontinued as of January 1, 2003.
In December 2002 the Israeli Accounting Standards Board published Accounting Standard No. 17 which stipulated that the implementation of Accounting Standard No. 12 will be postponed to January 1, 2004. Therefore, the adjustment of financial statements will be discontinued as of January 1, 2004.
The Company will continue to prepare adjusted statements according to Pronouncement 36 of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel until December 31, 2003. The adjusted amounts included in the financial statements as of December 31, 2003 will serve as a starting point for nominal financial reporting beginning January 1, 2004. Implementation of Accounting Standard No. 12 is liable to have significant effects on the business results reported by the Company. The extent of the effects depends on the rates of inflation, the composition of assets and the sources of the Company’s financing.
(2)
Accounting Standard No. 13 regarding “The effects of changes in the rates of exchange of foreign currency”. The standard deals with the translation of transactions in foreign currency and the translation of financial statements of foreign operations for their inclusion in the reporting corporation’s financial statements. The Standard replaces the provisions of clarifications 8 and 9 to Pronouncement 36 of the Institute, which will be cancelled when Accounting Standard No. 12 described above, goes into effect. Management estimates that the implementation of the Standard will not have a significant effect on the Company’s financial condition and on the results of its operations.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 2 - Reporting rules and accounting principles (contd.)
T.
Disclosure of effects of new accounting standards during the period prior to their implementation (contd.)
3.
In March 2004, the Israel Accounting Standard Board published Accounting Standard No. 20 which relates to the period of amortizing goodwill (hereinafter: “the Standard”). The Standard stipulates that goodwill will be amortized over its expected useful life in a methodical manner. The period of amortization should reflect the best estimate of the period in which future economic benefits should result to the entity. The period of amortization is not to exceed 20 years from the date of its first recognition.
The Standard will apply to financial statements for periods beginning on January 1, 2004 or thereafter.
The change in the period of amortization of goodwill balances as of January 1, 2004 will be treated as a change in a prospective estimate (“from here on”). Balances of goodwill as mentioned, will be amortized in a methodical manner over the balance of the period remaining to complete the said amortization period.
In the Company’s management’s opinion implementation of the new Standard will not have a significant effect on the Company’s financial condition and on its results of operations.
Note 3 - Consolidated financial statements
Initially consolidated companies
During the current year the financial statements of Kleeson Holdings (1999) Ltd. were consolidated for the first time.
Following are amounts included in the consolidated financial statements (prior to the increase in the rate of holding the company was presented by the equity method).
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 4 -
Accounting with the Fuel Authority and government control in the energy sector - Sonol
1.
Amounts due to or from the Fuel Authority, the government agency responsible for supervision of the fuel market in Israel, to the extent still provisional, are included in the accounts each year according to estimates prepared by Sonol Israel Ltd.’s management (hereinafter: “Sonol”), a subsidiary, based on past experience. Differences arising as a result of changes in the estimates are reflected in the results of the period of account in which they are determined.
2.
All the costs and expenses related to the holding of Security inventories, are fully recoverable from the government. Costs of holding Commercial inventories are on Sonol’s account with all the attendant risks.
3.
The sales prices of 95 and 96 octane gasoline at the public filling stations are subject to government control.
Note 5 - Cash and cash equivalents
Consist of:
Cash equivalents - bank deposits, whose maturities at the time of the deposit, did not exceed 3 months.
* Reclassified
** Mainly in US dollars.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 6 - Trade and other receivables
Consist of:
Note 7 - Inventories
Consist of:
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 8 - Investee companies and other investments
(1)
The loans are index linked and bear interest at the rate of 0%-10% with no due date but not prior to January 1, 2005.
(2)
Permanent capital notes issued by a limited partnership are unlinked and non-interest bearing.
(3)
In January 2004, after signing MOU at December 2003, a subsidiary sold all its holdings in an affiliated company.
(4)
In 2003 a provision for a decline in the value of the investments of NIS 5,266 thousand was included. See also Note 25.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 8 - Investee companies and other investments (contd.)
Changes in investment in affiliated companies:
NIS thousands
Balance as at January 1,
128,233
Changes during the year:
Investment in shares
Investment in capital notes
Repayment of loans, net
(1,131
)
Initial consolidation of former affiliated company (See Note 3)
1,647
Share in losses, net
(17,189
)
Reclassification of writedown of investment in affiliated company
to equity losses
1,919
Dividend during the year of report
(303
)
Reclassification to current assets
(12,516
)
Changes in reserve for the losses
1,385
Balance as at December 31,
103,513
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 9 - Loans and long-term receivables
A.
In consolidated balance sheet comprised as follows:
(1)
December 31, 2003 - less provision of NIS 1,624 thousand for the difference between the interest stated in the loan and market interest on the date of granting the credit to the customer.
(2)
Balance of long-term receivables in the Company from the sale of shares of an investee company. According to the sales agreement, the balance of the debt that was linked to the consumer price index, was paid on April 22, 2003. The discount rate of the balance of the debt in 2002 was 6%.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 9 - Loans and long-term receivables (contd.)
B.
Breakdown of loans according to size of borrowers’ balances :
A large part of the loans are covered by rental agreements and long-term supplier agreements in favor of companies in the Group and the companies have the right to offset amounts payable.
C.
Linkage terms and interest rates on the loans:
D.
Regarding credit risks see Note 28.e.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 10 - Fixed assets
a.
Consist of:
* Including lesehold improvements
** Including on behalf of an initially consolidated company (See Note 3).
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 10 - Fixed assets (contd.)_
b.
Land and buildings include buildings on land leased by capital leasing at a cost of NIS 327,617 thousand for various original periods of 49-98 years ending in the years 2004-2072. Land and buildings costing NIS 282,624 thousand have not yet been registered in the name of the Company or in subsidiaries in the Land Registry Office. The main reason for the lack of registration is that the land settlement and subdivision procedures have not yet been completed.
Land and buildings include buildings on leased land and leasehold improvements to rented property having a cost of NIS 20,359 thousand and a depreciated cost of NIS 10,365 thousand. The terms of the leases were for original periods of 4 to 25 years.
c.
Financing expenses of NIS 5,458 thousand for loans and credit used to finance the construction of fixed assets were charged to the cost of these assets.
d.
Regarding collaterals see Note 28.
Note 11 - Other assets
Consist of:
(1)
See also Notes 25 and 31.a.
(2)
After writeoff in the amount of NIS 2,715 thousand
*
Reclassified
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 12 - Credits from banks and other credit provided
Details of linkage and interest rates:
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Financial Statements - December 31,
Note 13 -Trade payables
The liabilities include NIS 2,932 thousand balances of related and interested parties (2002 - NIS 36,437 thousand).
Linkage terms - See Note 18.
Note 14 - Other payables
Consist of:
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 15 - Long-term liabilities
a.
Long-term loans
Consist of:
Accrued interest is included in current liabilities in “other payables”.
* Reclassified
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 15 - Long-term liabilities (contd.)
b.
In order to obtain the long-term bank credit taken by the Company and Sonol, the Company undertook the following covenants to the main banks providing the credit:
1.
Total shareholders’ equity plus customers’ deposits will not be less than NIS 450 million. The amount is linked to the index of December 1998.
2.
The ratio of shareholders’ equity plus customers’ deposits divided by total assets less Security inventories will not be less than 20%. Subsequent to the balance sheet date it was agreed with the banks to whom the covenants were issued that the ratio will be 17% for a period until March 31, 2005.
3.
Maintaining the ratio of total liabilities to the banks and financial institutions (less liabilities for Security inventories) to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) that will not exceed 10 at any time.
On the date of editing the financial statements the Company has complied with the covenants. In addition the Company and certain subsidiaries agreed not to create a specific collateral on its assets (excluding a certain specific existing collateral, and excluding a collateral to finance the acquisition and development of those assets).
Note 16 - Customers’ deposits
a.
The deposits are calculated on the basis of present value at an annual rate of interest of 4%.
b.
Customers’ deposits include NIS 32,747 thousand (2002 - NIS 36,894 thousand) of linkage differences accrued on these deposits.
Note 17 - Liabilities for severance pay, net
Consist of:
*
Does not include NIS 7,445 thousand (2002 - 8,897 thousand) the current portion of severance pay, net, included in other payables.
**
The deposited funded amount can be withdrawn subject to the provisions of the law. Accumulated profits on these funded amounts are included in the statement of income.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 17 - Liabilities for severance pay, net (contd.)
(a)
The Company’s liabilities and those of its investee companies for payments of pension and severance pay are fully covered by provisions for severance pay, deposits in approved pension and severance pay funds and managers’ insurance programs. The deposits in the approved pension and severance pay funds and the deposits in managers’ insurance programs are not included in the financial statements as they are not controlled by the companies.
(b)
The liabilities for early pension are calculated at the present value of future liabilities for employees who retire.
The liabilities are until such time when the employee reaches the age of 65 (women up to the age of 60) and are calculated at a fixed percentage of the maximum pension due to the employee from the pension fund. The discount rate used in calculating the liability is based on the stock exchange discount rate for annual interest charged on index linked amounts, in effect on the date of the employees’ retirement from the Company.
Subsequent to the balance sheet date a law was enacted in the Knesset, according to which retirement ages as of April 1, 2004 will be delayed gradually until the age of 67 for men and 62 for women. Against this the Minister of Finance submitted a letter to the chairman of the Finance Committee of the Knesset, according to which an annual fund for severance pay will be provided for those harmed by the implementation of the law, including employers. The Company’s management is examining all the financial and legal aspects as a result of the implementation of the law, and its effects on the Company’s liabilities.
(c)
According to labor agreements between investee companies and their employees, an employee who retires, is entitled to receive a partial redemption of the unused sick pay subject to a maximum number of sick days. The reserve was prepared in part according to actuarial calculations and in part on the basis of past experience based, inter alia, on a net discount rate (after taking into account the rate of real wage costs) of 3%.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 18 - Linkage of monetary balances
*
Reclassified
**
Mainly US dollars
***
Part of which bear interest
Against the excess of liabilities linked to foreign currency totaling NIS 150,500 thousand (2002 - NIS 152,100 thousand) Sonol holds inventories of fuel totaling NIS 156,600 thousand (2002 - NIS 181,900 thousand), which are mainly Security inventories valued according to changes in the rate of exchange of the dollar as explained in Note 2.c.1.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 19 - Share capital
a.
Nominal
*
139,335,657 ordinary shares
As of December 31, 2003 and 2002 a subsidiary holds 1,565,540 ordinary shares of the Company.
All the shares are listed for trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.
b.
(Loss) Earnings per share
1.
Adjusted net (loss) income used in calculating earnings per share is as follows:
2.
The par value of the shares used for calculating net income per NIS 1 par value of shares:
Note 20 - Net sales
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 21 - Cost of sales
Consolidated:
a.
Consist of:
*
Financing income (expenses) deriving from the erosion of dollar linked credit used as a source of financing for the acquisition of inventories of fuel included in the Cost of sales (See also Note 2.c.1)
b.
Categories according to types of income:
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 22 - Selling and marketing expenses
Consist of:
Note 23 - General and administrative expenses
Consist of:
Note 24 - Financing (expenses) income, net
(Expenses) income are derived from:
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 25 - Other (expenses) income, net
Consist of:
(a)
See also Note 2(q)
(b)
See also Note 31(a)
(c)
Including expenses and provisions for settling claims and demands.
Note 26 - Taxes on income
A.
The Company and most of its subsidiaries are assessed under the Income Tax Law (Adjustments for Inflation) - 1985, hereinafter the “Adjustments Law”, in effect from the 1985 tax year - which introduced the measurement of results for tax purposes in real terms. The various adjustments required by the above law should result in taxation based on real income. Nevertheless, the adjustment of nominal income according to the tax Laws is not always identical to the inflationary adjustment pursuant to the Pronouncements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants. As a result, differences arise between the adjusted income according to the financial statements and the adjusted income for income tax purposes.
In the financial statements for 2003 the Company implemented the law as written and took into account the negative rate of change of the index in calculating the tax provision.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 26 - Taxes on income (contd.)
B.
Amendments to the Income Tax Ordinance and the Land Betterment Tax Law
1.
In March 2002 the Knesset passed Amendment No. 50 to the Land Taxation Law (Land betterment, selling and purchasing) (hereinafter: “the Amendment”) which came into effect on November 7, 2001 (hereinafter: “the effective date”).
The Amendment stipulates, inter alia, that upon the sale of a right in real estate or a transaction in a land association, the Company will be liable for tax at a rate of 36% on the real betterment created up to the effective date and 25% on the betterment created after the effective date where the allocation is linear according to the ratio of the periods. In addition , the amendment stipulates land betterment tax discounts on transactions carried out during 2002 and 2003 and an exemption from sales tax on land purchased after the starting date. Furthermore , the new provisions were enacted for the purpose of calculating the tax from the sale of shares in a land association and other provisions were added for the purpose of facilitating certain transactions in real estate such as the temporary provisions regarding replacements, sale of options, combination transactions, vacating and building.
2.
On July 24, 2002 the Knesset passed the “Law for the Amendment of the Income Tax Ordinance” (Amendment No. 132) - 2002 and in December 2002 an amendment to the said Law was passed (hereinafter: “the Tax Reform”) which became effective as of January 1, 2003. Within the framework of the Tax Reform the basis for taxation in Israel was changed, to a personal basis from a territorial / geographic basis. As of January 1, 2003, an Israel resident will be subject to his tax on his total global income.
3.
The main provisions of the tax reform likely to affect Israeli resident companies are:
a.
The source rules - source rules have been set forth to determine the location where income is derived.
b.
A controlled foreign corporation (CFC) - rules have been issued according to which, in certain cases, Israeli shareholders will be taxed on theoretical dividends for passive undistributed income from a foreign resident company under their control
c.
The offsetting of losses from abroad - restrictions have been issued regarding offsetting losses from abroad.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 26 - Taxes on income (contd.)
B.
The amendments to the Income Tax Ordinance and the Land Betterment Tax Law (contd.)
d.
Tax credit - within this framework, special provisions have been made to provide a credit to an Israeli company who paid foreign tax on income from abroad and is subject to company tax.
e.
Capital gains - The rate of tax on capital gains from non-negotiable assets was reduced from 36% to 25% (linear according to the ratio of periods), excluding capital gains on marketable securities in a company as reflected in the Adjustments Law.
f.
Regarding individuals and companies to which the Adjustments Law does not apply, tax was imposed on capital gains and interest from securities traded on the stock exchange in Israel and abroad at lower tax rates of 10%, 15% or 25% regarding an individual and companies not subject to the Adjustments Law and whose income is not considered to be business income. In addition, the definition of foreign securities was changed in such a way that a security issued by an Israeli company is not considered to be a foreign security.
g.
Cancellation of the“seven years”restriction regarding the utilization of capital losses carried forward (applicable to losses incurred in 1996 and thereafter).
h.
Transfer prices - general provisions were issued requiring reporting on international transactions between related parties according to market conditions. These provisions will come into effect when regulations are issued (no regulations have yet been issued).
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 26 - Taxes on income (contd.)
C.
Deferred taxes
For the following items:
The deferred taxes are presented in the balance sheets as follows:
* Reclassified
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 26 - Taxes on income (contd.)
D.
The provision in the statement of income consists of: - expense (income):
E.
Final assessments
The Company, Sonol and Supergas received final assessments through the 1999 tax year. The assessments for these companies were completed in 2002 within the framework of a compromise with the Tax Authorities. The net effect, part of which results from timing differences, was included in financial results for 2002. Sprint Motors Ltd. received final tax assessments through 1998. All other companies in the Group, have final tax assessments within the framework of Section 145(a)(2) - Income Tax Ordinance (Statute of Limitations) through years 1997 and 1998.
F.
Losses, deductions and additional tax for the purpose of tax to be carried forward to future years.
Losses for tax purposes of the Company and its subsidiaries to be carried forward to future years, as of the balance sheet date reached an adjusted amount of NIS 99,000 thousand.
The balances of losses and deductions carried forward to following years are index linked - in accordance with the Adjustments Law mentioned in (a) above.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 26 - Taxes on income (contd.)
G.
Reconciliation between the theoretical tax on pre-tax adjusted income and the provision for tax included in the statements
(1)
Including NIS 9,770 thousand for losses and deductions on which no deferred taxes were apportioned
* Reclassified
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 27 - Segment reporting
Segment reporting by products and services:
The accounting principles applied in the segment reporting are in accordance with those adopted for the purpose of preparing and presenting the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 27 - Segment reporting (contd.)
* Reclassified
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 27 - Segment reporting (contd.)
* Reclassified
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities
A
Floating and fixed charges
In consolidated balance sheet:
Dec. 31, 2003
NIS thousands
Secured by
Bank overdrafts
1,345
Floating charge on current assets of main investee companies and on non-current inventories of a subsidiary.
Short-term loans from banks
1,102,213
Charge on the shares of some of the investee companies and on current assets, non-current inventories and on other assets and on the land owned by some of the investee companies.
Long-term loans from banks
933,663
Charge on the shares of some of the investee companies. Floating charge on current assets and on non-current inventories of some of the main investee companies, a charge on rights in land owned by an investee company and a fixed charge on some of the fixed assets of some of the investee companies (see Note 15b, and paragraph C2(a)).
Investment grants
Current and floating charge on a portion of of the fixed assets of subsidiaries.
Rights of affiliated company
-
A first mortgage on all the rights of an investee company in an affiliated company in order to secure 50% of the credit totaling NIS 75 million provided to the affiliated company.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (contd.)
B.
Contingent liabilities and claims
1.
Indemnification and insurance of officers
A special general meeting of the Company approved:
a.
Providing indemnity in advance for all eligible directors and senior officers in the Company and its subsidiaries, in the past, present and future, as of January 1, 1995. The undertaking to indemnify is limited to types of events and amounts as detailed in the resolution passed.
b.
Providing an exemption in advance to all eligible directors and senior officers in the Company and subsidiaries from total liability due to damage as a result of the violation of the obligation to act judiciously in regard to the Company.
c.
Liability insurance of directors and senior officers in the Company and subsidiaries, in the past, present and future as of January 1, 1995. Accordingly the Company insured the liability of directors and senior officers for a total amount of 10 million US dollars.
2.
Pending litigation
a.
Sonol is involved in four claims filed against it by IDF invalids, operators of filling stations, who received the operating rights within the framework of an arrangement between the invalids and the rehabilitation department of the Ministry of Defense, the Israel Lands Administration and the fuel companies:
1.
One claim (from 1996) is for a declarative ruling on the invalidity of agreements between the operator and Sonol on the contention that they are restraint of trade agreements prohibited under the Law for Restrictive Trade Practices. The operator’s claim was rejected by the court. The operator filed an appeal to the Supreme Court in which he contests the factual findings and the legal conclusions. The appeal was referred to mediation which was unsuccessful. Therefore, the appeal will be heard. The Supreme Court combined the hearings of this claim together with a number of similar claims filed against another fuel company and even requested the Attorney General to join the proceedings and express his stand on the questions in principle arising therefrom. (To provide a complete picture: In cases of similar claims against another fuel company, divergent rulings were handed down. In one, the operator’s contentions were accepted, and in another they were rejected. Appeals were filed with the Supreme Court against these rulings). In the opinion of the company’s management, based on the opinion of its legal counsel, it is not possible to determine at this stage what the Attorney General’s position and the outcome of the appeal will be. The ruling regarding this claim will affect the legal proceedings in other claims in which IDF invalids are involved.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (contd.)
B.
Contingent liabilities and claims (contd.)
2.
Pending litigation (contd.)
2.
Another IDF invalid operating a filling station in 1999 submitted a suit to receive declarative relief on the contention that the series of agreements between him and Sonol were restraint of trade agreements and therefore null and void. In addition the plaintiff request to declare that the agreement to appoint an operator includes discriminatory conditions in a standard contract and that Sonol be required to pay an amount of approximately NIS 2 million and this due to the excessive prices he claims Sonol charged him over years. The case is at the stage of presenting proof. In the company’s management’s opinion, based on the opinion of its legal advisors, the ruling in this case as far as it relates to the claims of a restraint of trade arrangement, will be the same as the above claim. If the claim that the agreements are invalid due to their being restraint of trade arrangements is not accepted, then the chance of Sonol’s defense as far as it relates to the financial claim against Sonol, are reasonable or even good. Sonol sued the operator for the non-payment of a debt and for breach of agreement between them and informed him of the cancellation of the agreement and of his appointment as the operator of the station.
3.
An additional IDF invalid, operator of a filling station, whose eviction from the station he operates is being demanded by Sonol, due to his not paying for products purchased, filed a counterclaim in 2003 claiming an amount of approximately NIS 2.5 million both from Sonol and another fuel company, contending restraint of trade and discriminatory conditions in a standard contract. In the company’s management’s opinion, based on the opinion of its legal advisors, Sonol’s defense prospects in all aspects relating to the claim of a binding restraint of trade agreement are good in view of the verdict in the claim described in paragraph 1 above.
4.
Other operators, heirs of an IDF invalid, filed a claim in September 2003 against Sonol in which they claimed both declarative relief claiming that the series of agreements between the parties is a restraint of trade agreement and that the terms of the engagement have discriminatory or restrictive terms in a standard agreement, and also a financial claim for NIS 15 million. Due to the early stages of the claim it is not yet possible to assess its prospects.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (contd.)
B.
Contingent liabilities and claims (contd.)
2.
Pending litigation (contd.)
b.
Sonol is involved in a number of claims filed against it (not by IDF invalids) on the contention of a restraint of trade agreement:
1.
In the years 1993-1995 three claims were filed against a formerly affiliated company and against its shareholders, which included Sonol. The total claims amount to approximately NIS 65 million for the sale of fuel pursuant to restrictive practices (as the plaintiffs allege) among the fuel companies. In the opinion of the company’s management, based on the opinion of its legal advisors, Sonol and the formerly affiliated company, have sound defenses against the claims and they will not bear any additional costs over and above those already provided due to any remaining doubt .
2.
In 1999, an agency of Sonol, which also operates stations on its behalf, filed a claim against Sonol asking for declarative and monetary relief. The agency claims that the agreement in effect with Sonol, in regard to one of the stations is a restraint of trade arrangement, and is also a uniform contract with discriminatory provisions and as thus void. In addition the agency is asking that the station be “freed” under the terms of the arrangement with the Controller of Restrictive Trade Practices, and is, therefore, requesting declaratory relief from the court regarding the cancellation of rights granted Sonol to the land on which the station is located, including leasehold and other proprietary rights. The agency is also asking that Sonol be required to pay approximately NIS. 17 million on account of the inflated prices which Sonol is alleged to have charged over the years. It should be noted that Sonol filed a monetary counterclaim against the same agency in the amount of approximately NIS. 20 million on account of amounts due from the agency from the purchase of fuel products.
At this time, the company’s management, based on the opinions of its legal counsel is unable to assess the defense prospects in regard to the alleged restrictive agreement. Should the district court rule in favor of this claim, there is also a risk that the court will accept the monetary claim against Sonol (which, even in such case, the amount of claim is by all accounts exaggerated). If the agency’s claim of a restrictive agreement is not accepted by the court, the prospects of the monetary claim against Sonol, are weak.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (contd.)
B.
Contingent liabilities and claims (contd.)
2.
Pending litigation (contd.)
3.
In 2000, the operators of one of Sonol’s filling stations, against whom Sonol filed a claim in the district court in Tel-Aviv, instituted legal proceedings against Sonol. The operators requested a declarative judgement stating that inasmuch as a filling station operated by them was to be “freed” under the terms of the arrangement reached between the fuel companies and the Controller of Restrictive Trade Practices, the contractual relationships between them and Sonol should be related to as having been terminated. It was also claimed that all agreements between the plaintiffs and Sonol be considered restrictive agreements and, thereby, cancelled. In addition, the above operators are claiming an amount of approximately NIS 16 million from Sonol, alleging having paid exorbitant prices on account of the fuel products they purchased, and maintaining that inasmuch as the contractual arrangements between them and Sonol have been terminated as claimed in the other proceeding, Sonol had no right to charge such prices. In the opinion of Sonol’s legal counsel defense prospects are good. At this stage, the company’s management, based on the opinion of its legal counsel, are unable to determine the defense prospects regarding the claim of a restrictive agreement. If this claim by the station operators is accepted there is a risk that the financial claim against Sonol will also be accepted (even though, in such a case, the amount of the claim is exaggerated). Should the above claim regarding a restrictive agreement not be accepted, the prospects of the financial claim against Sonol will be weak.
4.
In the year 2000, former operators of a filling station filed a monetary claim against Sonol in the amount of approximately NIS 4 million on account of alleged exorbitant prices paid for fuel products purchased from Sonol, maintaining that the contractual arrangements between them and Sonol have been cancelled and/or terminated, being restrictive arrangements. At this time, the company’s management, based on the opinions of its legal counsel, are of the opinion that Sonol’s defense claims, although difficult to assess, are not insignificant. The matter was referred to mediation which was unsuccessful and, therefore, the case will be heard before the court.
5.
In December, 2001 filling station operators filed a claim in court against Sonol asking for declarative relief, by granting them rights in the station, preventing Sonol from terminating the agreement appointing them as the station operators and integrally connecting theirs and Sonol’s rights to the station. Furthermore, they asked the court to be recognized as protected tenants regarding the station. In addition, they asked the court to declare the agreements between them and Sonol to be a restrictive trade arrangement and to order Sonol to sell them fuel products at “free market” conditions and prices. The station operators are also asking for an amount of approximately NIS. 5 million, claiming that as a result of a restrictive trade arrangement, Sonol charged them prices in excess of those they would have paid in the free market, and alternatively, claiming that Sonol acted in a prejudiced way against them by charging them higher prices than those which it sells to other operators and agents. Sonol submitted its defense and, also filed a counterclaim for the eviction of the station operators. In the opinion of the company’s legal counsel, Sonol has a sound defense albeit, at this time, they are unable to predict the defense prospects
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (contd.)
B.
Contingent liabilities and claims (contd.)
2.
Pending litigation (contd.)
regarding the claim of a restrictive trade arrangement. If the claim to nulify the agreements on the grounds that they are a restrictive trade arrangement is not accepted, then, on the basis of the facts and information submitted to legal counsel stating, inter-alia, that the station and agency in question purchased fuel products at similar prices as those paid by other filling stations of the same type within the Sonol network of stations and other agencies, then in the opinion of the company’s management, based on the opinion of its legal counsel, Sonol’s defense prospects as they relate to the financial claim are reasonable.
6.
Following the filing of a claim against Dan-Cooperative for Public Transportation Ltd (“Dan”) in the amount of NIS. 1.6 million for the return of equipment loaned to Dan by Sonol for the construction of an internal filling station, in accordance with an agreement signed between Dan, Sonol, Paz Oil Company Ltd., “Delek” the Israel Fuel Corporation Ltd. and Sonol, Dan, in June 2002, submitted a counterclaim in the magistrate’s court in Tel-Aviv in the amount of NIS. 10 million. In its counterclaim, Dan contends that the agreement signed with the three fuel companies is illegal and, being a restrictive arrangement entered into as a result of the companies taking advantage of their monopolistic power, is therefore, null and void. Dan maintains that during the period between 1980-1989 when it purchased fuel products from the fuel companies, it paid exorbitant prices in amounts totalling NIS. 15 million. However, due to the cost of the court fee, its counterclaim was submitted in an amount of NIS. 10 million, all against sonol, although Sonol’s share of this claim amounts to approximately NIS. 2 million. In the opinion of the company’s management, based on the opinion of its legal counsel, Sonol’s defense prospects are more favorable than those of the plantiffs.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (contd.)
B.
Contingent liabilities and claims (contd.)
2.
Pending litigation (contd.)
7.
In February 2003, the operators of another filling station submitted a claim for declarative relief according to which the agreement between it and Sonol was a restrictive trade arrangement, and that the station should have been released within the framework of the arrangement between the fuel companies and the Controller of the Restrictive Trade Practices. In addition it was claimed that the agreement is a uniform contract and includes discriminatory conditions. The plaintiffs requested approval to divide the relief in such a way that after the requested declarative orders are issued, they will be able to claim compensation from Sonol for loss of profits, violations and other injustices. Sonol filed a defense claim and a counterclaim in which it asks for the eviction of the operators from the station and a monetary claim of NIS 1 million. The parties are engaged in arbitration proceedings. In the opinion of the Company’s management, based on the opinion of its legal counsel, at this stage it is not possible to assess the prospects of the claim, although Sonol’s counterclaim is well founded.
8.
During 2003 the operator of a filling station filed a claim for declarative relief, claiming that its agreement with Sonol is a restrictive trade arrangement’ and also filed a financial claim for NIS 2.4 million. In view of the early stages of this claim it is not yet possible to estimate its chances.
c.
In February 2000 a motion was filed against Sonol, together with Paz Oil Company Ltd. and “Delek” the Israel Fuel Corporation Ltd. to allow a class action relating to the alleged collusion in the price fixing of gasoil to consumers. This claim, after being updated and, if allowed as a class action, will amount to approximately NIS. 244 million, of which Sonol’s share is approximately NIS. 57 million. Sonol rejects the claim outright and, in the opinion of the company’s management, based on the opinion of its legal counsel, chances are reasonable to good that it will not be allowed as a class action.
d.
Additional claims filed against Sonol are:
1.
Pi Gliloth Petroleum Terminals and Pipeline Ltd. filed a monetary claim against the Petroleum Products Pipeline Ltd. and the fuel companies Sonol, Paz and Delek and Dor for a total amount of NIS 8 million. The plaintiff contends that, by law, it was entitled to a payment from the defendants for storing fuel products in its storage and transfer tanks it owns in its Ashdod installation. The total amount claimed from Sonol is approximately NIS 1 million. The claim has been forwarded to arbitration. In the opinion of the Company’s management, based on the opinion of its legal counsel, prospects are favorable that the claim will be rejected.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (contd.)
B.
Contingent liabilities and claims (contd.)
2.
Pending litigation (contd.)
2.
Petroleum Infrastructures Ltd. filed a monetary claim in a summary procedure for a total amount of NIS 2.7 million against Paz, Delek and Sonol on account of the netting of the said amount by the defendants under the pretext that the gasoil stored by the plaintiff on their behalf was,at some stage, deleted from its records. The amount claimed from Sonol is NIS 0.7 million. In the opinion of the Company’s management, based on the opinion of its legal counsel, Sonol’s defense prospects are good.
3.
Claims were filed by groups of greenhouse owners against Sonol, Oil Refineries Ltd., Paz, Delek and Alon, claiming that damage was caused to them in an amount of NIS 11.4 million (Sonol’s share is NIS 7.3 million) due to the use of defective light fuel manufactured by the Oil Refineries Ltd. and sold to them by the fuel companies. In the opinion of the Company’s management, Sonol has a sound defense against this claim and is covered under the terms of a product liability policy.
4.
In August, 2001 Petroleum and Energy Infrastructures Ltd. and Oil Products Pipeline Ltd. (“plaintiffs”) filed a claim in the amount of NIS. 7 million against Sonol and two other fuel companies. According to the plaintiffs, who are engaged in the pumpover of fuel products through a network of pipelines, they also serve as a “clearing house” for the defendants whereby the defendants sell and buy the excess/shortage of amounts of fuel that have accumulated. The plaintiffs claim that Sonol and others unlawfully netted amounts from payments due to them, thus causing them financial losses. The amount claimed from Sonol is approximately NIS. 1.3 million on the grounds of unlawful enrichment. The parties were referred to arbitration. In the opinion of its legal counsel, inasmuch as the claim is at an early stage, it is difficult to assess its prospects. Nevertheless Sonol has good defense claims.
5.
In 2000, an operator of a filling station submitted a claim against Sonol in an amount of NIS 3 million for commission differences due him on account of prior years. The claim was filed following the filing of an eviction claim by Sonol against the station operator. In the opinion of the company’s management, based on the opinion of its legal counsel, the prospects of the claim against it succeeding are weak.
6.
In April 2001 Sonol filed a series of claims against four of its station operators for their eviction from all four stations and also for the recovery of a debt in the amount of NIS. 9.5 million. The defendants claimed that Sonol entered into a new agreement with them which granted them the right to continue operating the stations for an additional period, and simultaneously, the station operators filed a counter claim for damages in the amount of NIS. 10 million.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (contd.)
B.
Contingent liabilities and claims (contd.)
2.
Pending litigation (contd.)
In November 2002, the Tel-Aviv magistrate’s court ruled in favor of Sonol for the defendants’ eviction, and the stations were returned to Sonol. The mutual monetary claims have not yet been heard by the court. In the opinion of the Sonol’s management, based on its legal counsel, the prospects in regard to the claim against Sonol are weak, while, on the other hand, Sonol’s prospects are high regarding its claim against the station operators.
7.
A ruling issued in October 2002 by the Jerusalem district court rejected, within the framework of a third party notice, all the claims to repay an investment in public filling stations submitted by the owners of various public filling stations against Sonol. The claim against Sonol amounted to NIS 43 million. An appeal has been filed with the Supreme Court against the verdict. In the opinion of the company’s legal counsel, the prospects of the appeal are not high.
e.
Supergas is involved in class and other actions as follows:
1.
In April 1999 a claim in the amount of NIS 8 million was filed against Supergas and four other gas companies, in the Tel Aviv district court by several consumers pursuant to Regulation 29 of the Civil Procedures Law, and after its amendment, additional grounds were added pursuant to the Law for the Protection of the Consumer and the claim stood at an amount of only NIS 4.9 thousand for so-called violation of the gas companies’ obligation to conduct periodic inspections of the gas equipment in the possession of consumers and for selling a product while misleading consumers, causing damage, loss of convenience and harm to safety, while endangering the lives of consumers. The plaintiffs request that the court order the defendant gas companies to carry out the periodic inspections, to pay them compensation for the above amount - approximately NIS 0.8 thousand per plaintiff - and/or to give a declarative order stipulating that the plaintiffs are entitled to a refund of the amounts that they paid to the defendants from the date agreements were entered into and additional similar orders. In addition, the plaintiffs requested the court to consider the claim as a class action. The court approved, only partially, the filing of a class action for declarative relief only, under the Consumer Protection Law, regarding the responsibility of the gas companies to refund to their customers amounts paid by them for periodic examinations which were not made, retroactive to the date of the engagement with each consumer. The court rejected the claim for monetary relief and other relief against the gas companies. In April 2003 the district court ruled that it is not possible to approve the class action pursuant to Regulation 29 of the Civil Proceedings Regulations, and this as the result of a verdict by the Supreme Court regarding Regulation 29. Recently, the parties issued notices on their behalf regarding the ramifications of the district court’s ruling on the procedures for the application for a right of appeal. In addition, the plaintiffs filed a request for a separate right to appeal on their behalf regarding the above decision not to approve the claim as a class action based on Regulation 29.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (contd.)
B.
Contingent liabilities and claims (contd.)
2.
Pending litigation (contd.)
In the opinion of its legal counsel, Supergas has good grounds for appeal both on the factual and legal points of view. In the opinion of the company’s management, the provision included in Supergas’ books for any possible exposure, if at all, due to the unclear situation, is sufficient.
2.
In June, 2001, a claim was filed in the Tel Aviv district court against Supergas, together with a request that the claim be recognized as a class action, in the amount of NIS. 131 million. Concurrently, Supergas was informed of two additional claims filed against two other gas companies and to which Supergas was included on a formal basis only. The plaintiffs claim they are Supergas’ customers of central gas and contend, inter-alia, that Supergas and other gas companies unlawfully charge their customers a periodic fixed charge which was not agreed upon in contracts signed between them and Supergas. Therefore, they contend that Supergas should refund the amounts paid and, in addition, should make an “appropriate” compensatory payment in a manner as to be determined by the court.
In a preliminary hearing, the court decided that the three claims and the request to approve them as class actions, submitted against Supergas and two other gas companies will be heard jointly. In the opinion of the company’s management, based on the opinion of its legal counsel, and on information available at this time, Supergas’ prospects of success seem greater than those of the plaintiffs.
3.
In December 2003, a claim in the amount of at least NIS 1 billion was filed against Supergas and also against Pazgas Amisragas and Dorgas, together with a request that the claim be recognized as a class action, claiming that between the years 1994 and 2003 restrictive trade arrangements were in force in the private and the commercial gas markets. The company submitted its response to the request rejecting it outright. The claim is not accompanied by any firm evidence supporting its contentions, and has serious flaws and, therefore, the company’s management believes, based on the opinion of its legal counsel, that its prospects are poor.
4.
In September 2003, the Controller of Restrictive Trade Practices informed Supergas of its intention to issue an indictment against the company for violations of the Law for Restrictive Trade Practices. A draft letter of indictment was attached regarding the four gas companies and those who were their managers at that period, claiming that they participated in restrictive trade arrangements. Supergas was asked to voice its contentions in a hearing procedure. Supergas responded and its representatives met with representatives of the Restrictive Trade Practices Authority to present its contentions. All Supergas’ managers at that time deny outright any participation in restrictive trade arrangements. To date, no indictment has been filed.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (contd.)
B.
Contingent liabilities and claims (contd.)
2.
Pending litigation (contd.)
5.
Investigations are being carried out against Supergas by the Israel Police and the Ministry of Energy regarding the death of a customer resulting from the emission of poisonous gas from gas heaters. No recommendation has yet been received from the Israel police or the district attorney’s office.
f.
In November, 2002, a claim for declarative relief was filed against a limited partnership, in which the Company holds a 35% interest, claiming that a project constructed and managed by the limited partnership was illegally taken from a resource project written by the plaintiffs while they were students working on their master’s degree in business administration. According to the plaintiffs, the research project included a business plan and feasibility studies to be used in constructing a similar project and that use of their research project in building the project constitutes unjust enrichment, the theft of proprietary secrets, breach of trust and a breach of contractual liability. In February 2003, the limited partnership submitted its defense denying outright, all the contentions of the plaintiffs and noting the main differences existing between the outline proposed in the plaintiffs work and the outline in the venture as actually planned and constructed, which reinforce the conclusion that no use was made of the plaintiffs’ work. In July 2003, the plaintiffs submitted their response to the defense in which they disagree with part of the defense’s contentions. In the opinion of the limited partnerships’ management, based on the opinion of its legal counsel, the partnership has a sound defense against the claim.
g.
Additional claims (most of them legal) in the normal course of business have been filed against subsidiaries and affiliated companies.
In the opinion of the Company’s management , the provisions made to cover the results of the claims detailed above are sufficient.
h.
For additional claims against Sonol and Supergas, see below Note 31 - Subsequent events.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (contd.)
C.
The subsidiaries have commitments and liabilities on the balance sheet date as follows:
1.
Commitments for investments:
NIS thousands
Acquisition of fixed assets
116,770
Supply of fuel, oil and equipment (delivery January - December 2004)
572,701
Executing projects
64,380
Rental and leasing of stations, installations and buildings from agents
according to signed agreements*
1,296,618
Leasing and rental of a computer and peripheral equipment for a period
of up to a year
4,183
Automobile operating lease agreements**
9,768
Amounts payable for management services (See Note 30b).
4,204
Amounts payable for consulting services (See Note 30b).
* Following are dates of payment of the rental and leasing liabilities:
104,670
95,813
90,908
84,997
81,085
2009 and thereafter
839,145
1,296,618
** Following are the dates of payment of liabilities for operating lease
agreements for vehicles:
5,522
3,277
9,768
2.
Commitments for investments:
a.
In 1998 a subsidiary entered into a joint venture for the construction of a building project on jointly owned land. Construction, which began in September 2000 will include, inter alia, a 27 story office building covering an area of approximately 27,000 sq. meters and underground parking facilities.
Simultaneously, an agreement was signed between the partners in the joint venture and a bank for financial escort over the construction period. In return, the subsidiary pledged its rights in the land and future receipts from the project to the lending bank.
As of date of the financial statements the subsidiary had not yet utilized the project financing put at its disposal.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (contd.)
C.
The subsidiaries have commitments and liabilities on the balance sheet date as follows: (contd.)
2.
Commitments for investments: (contd.)
b.
On September 30, 2001, an agreement was signed between the Company and Naspen Ltd., a member of the Baran Group Ltd., whereby the parties to the agreement will invest, in equal shares, in a new company, Oganim Beyarok Ltd. (50% each), which will engage in Israel and globally in leasing land and masts for the construction of antennas for communications equipment (TM - Tower Management). Granite will invest up to approximately 5 million US dollars in accordance with the agreement. As of the balance sheet , the Company invested an amount of NIS 2.9 million.
c.
A subsidiary constructed a water treatment plant which it has undertaken to operate for a period of 10 years .
d.
Subsidiaries have agreements to pay royalties for know-how purchased as a percentage of the sales of certain products. In the past three years a yearly amount of approximately NIS 1 million was paid.
e.
Via Maris Desalination Ltd.
(1)
A consortium of companies in which the Company is a member , was awarded a tender for the desalination of seawater. For this purpose the consortium formed a company, Via Maris Desalination Ltd. (hereinafter: Via Maris). The Company’s share in Via Maris is 26.5%.
In October 2002 Via Maris signed an agreement with the State of Israel (hereinafter: Concession Agreement) which was approved by the Finance Committee of the Knesset, to plan, finance, construct, operate and maintain a seawater desalination plant having an annual capacity of 30 million cubic. meters under the BOO (build, own and operate) method (hereinafter- the Project).
The concession agreement is for a period of 24 years and 11 months and includes the period of construction (hereinafter- Concession Period). During the concession period Via Maris is obligated to construct a desalination plant with an annual production capacity of 30 million cubic. meters. In return, Via Maris will be entitled to receive a fixed payment for providing available desalination capacity and a variable payment for the quantities of water actually desalinated. The quantity of water to be desalinated will be determined yearly on the basis of an annual program prepared by Via Maris and approved by the Desalination Administration according to a formula detailed in the concession agreement. The water that Via Maris will supply to the State must meet the quality requirements stipulated in the concession agreement
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (contd.)
C.
The subsidiaries have commitments and liabilities on the balance sheet date as follows: (contd.)
2.
Commitments for investments: (contd.)
The shareholders of Via Maris provided a performance guarantee to the State of Israel in the amount of NIS 35 million, of which the Company’s share is approximately NIS 9.3 million. At the time the financing agreements with the banks will be approved by the Desalination Administration, the shareholders will increase their guarantee to NIS 92.5 million of which the Company’s share will be approximately NIS 24.5 million. Total guarantees that the Company provided Via Maris as of the balance sheet amounts to NIS 9.8 million.
In accordance with the provisions of the concession agreement, Via Maris is required, inter alia, to complete most of the planning and licensing stages of the project and to obtain most of the licenses required for the construction of the project within 8 months of the signing of the concession agreement.
The general planning of the desalination plant has reached 90% of completion and the detailed planning reached approximately 30%. The weighted average of progress in the planning stood at approximately 55% as of the date of the financial statements.
Via Maris submitted all the applications for licensing to the relevant authorities (the Shorkut Local Committee, the Central District Committee and the Committee for the Coastal Waters). In addition, the approvals in principle were received from the planning division and the National Parks Authority for the route of the land and sea lines. Notwithstanding this, the licensing procedures have not yet been completed mainly due to the continuing sanctions by the civil servants. In addition, since the date of signing the concession agreement, there were significant changes in the financial markets, as a result of which the economic feasibility of the project deteriorated. For example, there was a significant devaluation in the rate of exchange of the shekel - euro and an increase in the rate of the interest margin that the banks demand.
As a result, Via Maris requested that the State make certain adjustments to the concession agreement, including: extending the period of linkage of the fixed component of the price of water to the basket of currencies until such time as the plant becomes operable, delaying the date for updating the fixed component of the price of water in accordance with changes in the rates of interest as of the date when the plant becomes operable, compensation to Via Maris in the event of a delay supplying natural gas or in the event that its price will higher than expected, delaying the timetables of the project by 8-12 months and changing the nature of the engagement with a certain supplier to the project.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (contd.)
C.
The subsidiaries have commitments and liabilities on the balance sheet date as follows: (contd.)
2.
Commitments for investments: (contd.)
From the State’s responses to Via Maris’ request ,it appears that the requests were only partially accepted. The State agreed, in principle, to extend the period of linkage of the fixed component of the price of water to the basket of currencies, subject to receiving a certain discount in the price of water, but did not respond to Via Maris’ request regarding the natural gas. Regarding the timetables, the State demanded that Via Maris fulfill the obligations undertaken in the agreement by the date stipulated (as defined in the concession agreement), such as signing the financing agreement by April 1, 2004, but did not approve the concurrent deferral of the duration of the concession agreement.
Following the receipt of the State’s response to Via Maris’ requests, Via Maris prepared an updated version of the project’s economic model, a copy of which it submitted to a bank which expressed interest in financing the project. The bank has not yet completed examining the updated economic model, but has clarified that it will require Via Maris’ shareholders to guarantee the risk inherent in a delay in the supply of natural gas to the desalination plant.
Via Maris is engaging its full resources in order to meet the required timetables. At this stage, Via Maris cannot determine whether it will meet the project’s updated timetables, also due to factors beyond its control. A delay in meeting the timetables may be considered to be a violation of the terms of the concession agreement and to enable the State, under certain circumstances, to exercise the performance guarantee. Nevertheless, in the opinion of Via Maris’ management, inasmuch as most of the delays result from unforseen factors, not under Via Maris’ control, the likelihood that the State will not approve an additional deferral in the timetables is small.
Construction of the project will be carried out by a partnership which will comprised of Via Maris’ shareholders (subject to a subsidiary replacing the Company) (hereinafter: the construction partnership) The construction partnership will enter into a Turn-Key agreement with Via Maris which will ensure the construction of the desalination plant at a price and timetable to be determined in advance. The partners in the construction partnership will be jointly and severally responsible for meeting its obligations Furthermore, the obligations of the construction partnership will be secured by a bank guarantee in an amount to be agreed upon between the parties.
Operation and maintenance work on the project will be carried out by a partnership to be comprised of Via Maris’ shareholders (subject to the subsidiary replacing the Company) or by a private company which will be owned by the same parties. According to the agreement between the partners in Via Maris, the subsidiary has a first right of refusal regarding operating the desalination plant during the full term of the agreement.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (contd.)
C.
The subsidiaries have commitments and liabilities on the balance sheet date as follows: (contd.)
2.
Commitments for investments: (contd.)
Via Maris intends to supply the energy required to operate the desalination plant, both through a private power station, powered by natural gas, which will be constructed on the plant’s grounds and through purchases from the Israel Electric Corporation.
The timetable for operating the facility is not contingent on the completion of the power station, and its initial operation is planned on the basis of electricity to be supplied by a high tension line which will pass close to the plant.
The total costs related to constructing the desalination plant are estimated at approximately 80-85 million dollars (including the power station).
(2)
In accordance with an agreement signed between the Company and a subsidiary, the subsidiary will serve as the operative wing of the Company regarding the water treatment and the construction of desalination plants. Subject to the approval of the Tenders Committee and provided that the State will give its approval in the future, Via Maris’ shares held by the Company, will be transferred to a subsidiary at an adjusted cost as reflected in the Company’s books. It was agreed between the companies that the aforesaid does not derogate from the Company’s legal and financial responsibility in all matters relating to its being awarded the tender and the construction of the project. In addition the subsidiary has undertaken to assume by itself and on its own account, all the expenses and investments, of any type, that were paid or will be paid by the Company in connection with submitting the tender offer or for being awarded it within the framework of Via Maris and in every matter concerning or resulting from the tender or the project. Accordingly, the costs of the investments will be included in the books of the subsidiary. The Company intends to assign the guarantees that it provided Via Maris to the subsidiary, subject to receiving the required approvals.
(3)
As of the date of the financial statements the subsidiary’s share in Via Maris’ shareholders’ loans is NIS 3,541 thousand. The loans are linked to the consumer price index.
As of the balance sheet date, an investment in the amount of NIS 4,132 thousand, including shareholders’ loans and the capitalization of various expenses, was recorded in the subsidiary’s books.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (contd.)
C.
The subsidiaries have commitments and liabilities on the balance sheet date as follows: (contd.)
2.
Commitments for investments: (contd.)
f.
In October 2002 a partnership agreement was signed in equal shares between a subsidiary and Hefer Ecologies Aguda Shitufit Agricultural Cooperative Ltd. (hereinafter: “Hefer”). According to the agreement, the partnership will engage in the construction of a plant for the treatment of agricultural residues (hereinafter: “Residues Plant”) and its operation in the Emek Hefer area.
In November 2003 the partnership agreement was amended to include the following provisions:
Hefer will pledge all the Residues Plant’s equipment to the bank that will provide construction financing to the partnership for the plant and equipment. The partnership will be granted the right of use of the Residues Plant’s facilities for a period of 20 years commencing from the time of collection of customer receivables from the Residues Plant’s customers. Under certain conditions, the period can be extended to 24 years.
All the income earned by the Residues Plant will belong to the partnership.
Each of the parties will provide shareholders’ loans to the partnership in the amount of NIS 2.5 million. The partnership will receive financing from the bank in the amount of NIS 7.5 million and will provide Hefer with a long-term loan to finance the construction of the Residues Plant in the amount of NIS 12.5 million.
As of the balance sheet date the shareholders loan from Hefer had not yet been received.
Hefer announced that its application for a grant from the State to construct the Residues Plant for 50% of the actual costs up to an amount of NIS 10 million was approved by the Investments Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture. Should the amount of the grant received be less than stated above, Hefer will be responsible for the balance.
If the total estimated cost of the Residues Plant exceeds NIS 22.5 million the partnership will raise the balance of the investment required from a banking source with guarantees by the two partners in equal shares.
As of the date of the financial statements the construction of the Residues Plant has not yet been completed.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (contd.)
D.
Subsidiaries have contingent liabilities on the balance sheet date as follows:
*
On April 1, 2004 a guarantee, which on the balance sheet date stood at NIS 5 million will increase to NIS 13.2 million. The guarantee was given in favor of the State of Israel regarding compliance with the provisions of Section 3a of the edict-Supervision of Goods and Services Prices (Prices at Filling Stations) - 2002.
E.
Credit risks
1.
The maximium credit risk that the Company faces regarding its financial assets does not exceed the amount of their book value less existing collateral.
2.
The concentration of credit risks results from a subsidiary having a number of customers and long-term receivables (long-term loans granted), which are of a similar nature (independent fuel agents). The highest balance is that of an agent whose current debt (included in trade receivables) and long-term debt (included in long-term loans granted) amounts to approximately NIS 25.3 million.
A portion of amounts due from customers is collateralized as is customary in the industry. In addition, the subsidiary has long-term service agreements which give it the right to offset amounts against the receivable payments.
The statements include a specific provision for debts whose collection in management’s opinion is in doubt.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (contd.)
F.
Forward currency transactions
G.
Fair value of financial instruments
The book amount of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, trade receivables, other receivables, credit from banks and others, liabilities for trade payables and other payables are equal or close to their fair value.
Fair value as at December 31, 2003 of long-term loans given, is higher by NIS 1.5 million than their book value.
Note 29 - Events relating to the fuel sector
According to the Law for Arrangements in the State of Economy - 2001 and its regulations, changes have been enacted regarding the holding of Emergency inventories of fuel products. According to the new regulations the Security inventories are to be held in separate tanks at specified locations and earmarked for use in times of emergency. In view of this, these inventories are presented as Non-current inventories. The State will continue to finance the holding of the inventories and guarantee the value of the fuel defined as Security inventories. A regulation regarding holding of Civilian inventories, stipulated in the same law, was cancelled in 2002.
Sonol is exposed to changes in the value of its operating inventories used to meet its current needs, as a result of fluctuations in fuel market prices. Fluctuations in the fuel prices could significantly affect Sonol’s periodic business results. Sonol is exploring ways to minimize such effects. It is not possible to estimate the effects of these changes on Sonol’s business results.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 30 - Transactions and balances with interested and related parties
a.
Income and expenses from interested and related parties
1.
Consist of:
2.
In purchases from an interested party the price of the transaction is determined by referring to the Oil Refineries Ltd. gate price at that time and to the prices which were offered by other competing suppliers. The price of the transaction at all times was lower than any other alternative that Sonol had at that time. The credit terms are not less than those which were given by the Oil Refineries Ltd. or by any other supplier.
3.
Other transactions with interested and related parties are also conducted in the normal course of business and at regular credit terms and do not exceed 10% of the Company’s transactions. The Company was granted an exemption pursuant to Section 64(3)d of the Securities Regulations [(Preparation of Annual Financial Statements (Amendment)] - 1995 from the requirement to disclose transactions with interested parties and investee companies in the normal course of the Company’s business.
4.
Sonol purchases most of its fuel products from Oil Refineries Ltd. which is obligated to supply its products to the fuel companies at refinery gate prices which are controlled by the government.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 30 - Transactions and balances with interested and related parties (contd.)
b.
Benefits to interested parties
4.
Regarding indemnity and insurance of directors and officers - see Note 28(b)(1)
5.
According to the employment agreement signed with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer(CEO), the period of his employment will be until June 2006 (which be extended automatically unless terminated by one of the parties). Should the Company terminate the agreement and/or should control in the Company be transferred within the meaning of the employment agreement, the CEO will be entitled to receive the balance of the salaries that he would have received up to June 2006, but not less than for a period of 12 months.
*
Including payments to a former interested party whose term ended during 2003.
**
The Company has an agreement with an interested party to pay $40,000 per month for management services for a period of 36 months beginning January 1, 2003. The expenses for the management services were approved at the General Meeting of the Company. In addition, the Company entered into an agreement with an interested party to pay $7,000 per month for consulting services. Each of the parties may terminate the agreement with prior notice of two months to the other party.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 30 - Transactions and balances with interested and related parties (contd.)
c.
Balances with interested and related parties
Note 31 - Subsequent events
a.
In February 2004, Isramco Inc, the operator of the “Med-Ashdod” holding, announced that the supply of gas from the well ‘Nir-1”, in which the Company is a partner, holding 35% of its rights, is not economically feasibile. The partners must inform the operator by not later than March 29, 2004 of their intentions. The balance of the Company’s investment in the holding’s concession rights is insignificant.
b.
In February 2004 the Company submitted a proposal to Nitzba Hitnahalut for the purchase of Nitzba Hitnahalut’s shares. Concurrently, the Company announced negotiations taking place for the sale of its holdings.
c.
In February 2004, Tambour submitted a request to the Tel Aviv- Jaffa District Court for the approval of a distribution pursuant to paragraph 303 of the Companies Law - 1999 and for reduction in its capital deriving from the proposed distribution. Tambour’s creditors may file an objection in court against the proposed distribution within 30 days of the date of its filing the request or within a later period as determined by the court. Tambour intends to pay a cash dividend to the Company of an amount not exceeding NIS 400,000 thousand, of which an amount not exceeding NIS 379,358 thousand is a distribution not out of its profits.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 31 - Subsequent events (contd.)
d.
Following a claim filed by the fuel companies Paz, Delek and Sonol and Dor Energy against the Oil Refineries Ltd., Oil Infrastructures and Energy Ltd. and the State of Israel in November 2002 totaling approximately NIS 25 million (Sonol’s share amounts to approximately NIS 4.6 million) on account of damages incurred as a result of negligent maintenance of inventories of crude oil, the State of Israel in March 2004 submitted a claim against Sonol, Paz, Delek and Dor Energy and against the Oil Refineries and the Oil Infrastructures and Energy Ltd., contending that over the years they collected storage fees and insurance for the Emergency fuel inventories of the State of Israel. According to the State it became clear retroactively that a considerable part of the inventories was not usable, having turned into sludge, due to the negligence of the Refineries, the Oil Infrastructure and Energy Ltd. and the other fuel companies noted above. Sonol’s share is approximately NIS 21 million. The fuel companies reject the States contentions outright.
e.
In March 2004 a financial claim was filed against Supergas by a supplier, in the amount of NIS 5 million. The supplier contends that it carried out various projects for Supergas in the field of computerization, consulting and information systems, but Supergas did not pay all the amounts due for these projects. Supergas’ management rejects the contentions in the claim outright.
NOTE 32 - Financial statements translated into U.S. dollars
The financial records of the Company and its consolidated companies are maintained on a current basis in historical nominal New Israel Shekels and U.S. dollars.
The translated consolidated financial statements, stated in U.S. dollars, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for use in connection with the preparation of the financial statements of a U.S. shareholder.
The functional currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The consolidated financial statements in U.S. dollars are prepared in accordance with translation principles identical to those prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 52 (“F.A.S.B. 52”), based on the historical nominal amounts.
The financial statements of subsidiaries, whose functional currency is NIS., were translated into U.S. dollars according to the exchange rate in effect on the balance sheet date. Differences arising from the Company’s investment in its subsidiaries based on the U.S. dollars, and the Company’s share in the equity of these subsidiaries, translated to U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate, are included in “Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments” in shareholders’ equity. Exchange rate differences arising from loans taken in NIS. for the financing of investments in subsidiaries, have also been included in that component of shareholders’ equity.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
NOTE 32 - Financial statements translated into U.S. dollars
*Reclassified
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
NOTE 32 - Financial statements translated into U.S. dollars (continued)
*Reclassified
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
NOTE 32 - Financial statements translated into U.S. dollars (continued)
*Reclassified
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
NOTE 32 - Financial statements translated into U.S. dollars (continued)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
Translated to U.S. Dollars
* Deriving from unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of tax effect.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
Note 32 - Financial statements translated into U.S. dollars (continued)
The material differences between Israeli GAAP and U.S. GAAP as applicable to the financial statements are:
a)
Deferred taxes in respect of differences in measuring non-monetary items:
Deferred taxes in respect of differences in the measuring of non-monetary items (mainly fixed assets and inventories) for accounting purposes (U.S. dollar) and for tax purposes (Adjusted NIS).
In accordance with Israeli GAAP:
Companies record deferred taxes in respect of all such differences.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP:
According to paragraph 9(f) of FAS No. 109, deferred taxes should not be provided in respect of such differences.
b)
Marketable securities
In accordance with Israeli GAAP:
Israeli GAAP divides marketable securities into two categories:
Marketable securities that constitute a “current investment” are stated at market value.
Marketable securities, that constitute a “permanent investment” are stated at cost (and in respect to debentures - include accumulated interest), except where their market value is lower, and the decline in value is not considered to be temporary. Changes in value are charged to the statement of income. See also note 2F above.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP:
FAS No. 115 divides marketable securities into three categories:
(1)
Marketable securities that are acquired and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near future, are classified as “trading securities” and are reported at their fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are included in the statement of income.
(2)
Debt securities that the company intends hold to maturity are classified as “held-to-maturity” securities are reported at their amortized cost.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
NOTE 32 - Financial statements translated Into U.S. dollars (continued)
(3)
Marketable securities, not classified as either “held-to-maturity” securities or “trading securities”, are classified as “available-for-sale” securities and are reported at their fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are included in a separate item within the shareholders equity, and reported as other comprehensive income.
c)
Amortization of goodwill
In accordance with Israeli GAAP:
Under Israeli GAAP goodwill is amortized over the estimated benefit period, but usually no longer than 10 years.
In accordance with U.S. GAAP:
Under US GAAP, commencing January 1, 2002, goodwill is no longer amortized but is reviewed annually (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise) for impairment.
Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of assets of businesses acquired. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, as of January 1, 2002. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142. SFAS No. 142 also requires that intangible assets with estimable useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.
In connection with SFAS No. 142’s transitional goodwill impairment evaluation, the Statement required the Company to perform an assessment of whether there was an indication that goodwill is impaired as of the date of adoption. The implied fair value of this reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount and the Company was not required to recognize an impairment loss.
Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 142, goodwill was amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected periods to be benefited, generally 10 years, and assessed for recoverability by determining whether the amortization of the goodwill balance over its remaining life could be recovered through undiscounted future operating cash flows of the acquired operation.
d)
Impairment of Assets
In accordance with Israeli GAAP:
The Company applied Standard No. 15 under which the Company needs to test the recoverable amount of the assets, which is the higher of the net sales price and usage value. A loss from impairment will be reversed only if changes have occurred in the estimates used in determining the recoverable value of the asset, from the date of which the last impairment was recognized.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
NOTE 32 - Financial statements translated Into U.S. dollars (continued)
In accordance with US GAAP:
The Company applied FAS 144 with respect to long-lived assets and APB 18 with respect to equity method investees.
Under FAS 144 an impairment of long-lived asset is recorded only if the undiscounted cash flows of the related asset does not cover its book value.
Under APB 18 a loss is recorded only when the impairment investees is other than temporary.
Both under FAS 144 and under APB 18 reversals of impairments are not allowed, unless the assets are held for sales.
e)
Other disclosures
Government imposts - consist of excise taxes imposed on fuel products mainly gasoline and gasoil.
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
LIST OF MAIN INVESTEE COMPANIES
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and its Subsidiaries
Notes to the Financial Statements as at December 31, 2003
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
2004 ANNUAL REPORT
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
2004 ANNUAL REPORT
Page
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Balance sheets 3-4
Statements of income (loss)
Statements of changes in shareholders' equity
Statements of cash flows 7-8
Notes to financial statements 9-35
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the shareholders of
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Ophir Holdings Ltd. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”): balance sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the related statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s Board of Directors and management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Boards (United States) and with the auditing standards generally accepted in Israel, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditor (Mode of performance) Regulations, 1973. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the consolidated results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows of the Company for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel.
As explained in note 1b, the financial statements, as of dates and for reporting periods subsequent to December 31, 2003, are presented in New Israeli Shekels, in conformity with accounting standards issued by the Israel Accounting Standards Board. The financial statements as of dates and for reporting periods ended prior to, or on the above date, are presented in values that have been adjusted for the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency, through that date, in accordance with pronouncements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
Accounting principles generally accepted in Israel vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in note 14 to the consolidated financial statements.
Tel-Aviv, Israel
March 6, 2005
Kesselman & Kesselman
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
--------------
DIRECTORS ) Avi Israel
)
) Shlomo Shalev
Date of approval of the financial statements: March 6, 2005.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSSES)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
(Continued) - 1
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Concluded) - 2
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The significant accounting policies, applied on a consistent basis,except for the changes required by the transition to nominal financial reporting in 2004- see b(1),are as follows:
a. General:
1) Ophir Holdings Ltd. (“Ophir”) is a holding company which also owns commercial buildings designated for rent.
The subsidiary Merkazim Investments Ltd. is engaged in the renting of commercial buildings. In 2003, this company sold all its holdings in the commercial buildings that were designated for rent (see note 5b.).
The subsidiary, New Horizons (1993) Ltd., holds a number of properties (designated for sale), which were purchased from a related party, see also note 8a(2).
As to the activities of the associated companies, see note 3c.
2) Definitions:
Subsidiary - a company controlled or owned to the extent of over 50%, the financial statements of which have been consolidated with the financial statements of Ophir.
Associated company - a company controlled to the extent of 20% or over (which is not a subsidiary), or a company less than 20% controlled which complies with the condition relating to "significant influence", as prescribed by Opinion 68 of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel (the "Israeli Institute"), the investment in which is presented by the equity method.
Other company - a company to which the conditions specified in the preceding
paragraphs do not apply.
The Group - Ophir, its subsidiaries and its associated companies.
Related parties - as defined in Opinion 29 of the Israeli Institute.
3) Principles of accounting
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel (Israeli GAAP). Israeli GAAP vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Information relating to the nature and effect of such differences is presented in note
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
b. Financial statements presentation basis :
The Company draws up and presents its financial statements in Israeli currency (“shekels” or “NIS”). Commencing 2004, the adjustment of financial statements for the effects of inflation in Israel was discontinued, and transitory provisions for financial reporting on a nominal basis began being applied, as explained below; notwithstanding the above, the comparative figures included in these financial statements are based on the adjusted-for-inflation amounts previously reported:
1) Transition to nominal financial reporting in 2004 With effect from January 1, 2004, the Company has adopted the provisions of Israel Accounting Standard No. 12 - “Discontinuance of Adjusting Financial Statements for Inflation” - of the Israel Accounting Standards Board (the “IASB”) and, pursuant thereto, the company has discontinued, from the aforesaid date, the adjustment of its financial statements for the effects of inflation in Israel.
The amounts adjusted for the effects of inflation in Israel (see 2 below), presented in the financial statements as of December 31, 2003 (“the transition date”), were used as the opening balances for the nominal financial reporting in the following periods. Additions made after the transition date have been included in the financial statements at their nominal values.
Accordingly, the amounts reported in 2004 are composed as follows: amounts originating from the period that preceded the transition date are composed of their adjusted to December 2003 shekel amount, with the addition of amounts in nominal values that were added after the transition date, and net of amounts that were deducted after the transition date (the retirement of such sums is effected at their adjusted values as of transition date, their nominal values, or a combination of the two, according to the circumstances). All the amounts originating from the period after the transition date are included in the financial statements at their nominal values.
2) Comparative figures - amounts adjusted to end of 2003 shekels Through December 31, 2003, the Company prepared its financial statements on the basis of historical cost adjusted for the changes in the general purchasing power of Israeli currency, based upon changes in the consumer price index (“the CPI”), in accordance with pronouncements of the Israeli Institute. The comparative figures included in these financial statements are based on the amounts included for the prior reporting periods, as adjusted for the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency, based on the consumer price index for December 2003 (the CPI in effect at the transition date).
The components of the income statements were, for the most part, adjusted as follows: the components relating to transactions carried out during the reported period -revenues, expenses, etc. - were adjusted on the basis of the index for the month in which the transaction was carried out, while those relating to non-monetary balance sheet items (mainly - depreciation) were adjusted on the same basis as the related balance sheet item. The financing component represents financial income and expenses in real terms and the erosion of balances of monetary items during the year.?
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
3) The amounts of non-monetary assets do not necessarily represent realization value or current economic value, but only the reported amounts of such assets, as described in (1) above. In these financial statements, the term “cost” signifies cost in reported amounts.
c. Principles of consolidation:
1) The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ophir and its subsidiaries. The companies included in consolidation are listed in note 2.
2) Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
d. Marketable securities
These securities (except for investment in shares constituting “permanent investment”, see f(3) below), are stated at market value.
The changes in value of the above securities are carried to income.
e. Land - business inventory
The land is presented at cost, which - in managements’ estimation - is lower than market value.
According to the agreements for the purchase of land, the Company might pay additional costs of up to 90% of the net sale proceeds, see also note 8a(2).
f. Investments:
1) Associated companies:
(a) The investments in these companies are accounted for by the equity method. The balance of the investment as of December 31, 2004 is presented net of a provision for the impairment in value of an associated company, see j. below and note 3.
(b) The excess of cost of the investment in associated companies over the Company’s share in their equity in net assets at date of acquisition (“excess of cost of investment”) represents the amount attributed to land and buildings. The amount attributed to buildings is amortized in equal annual installments of 4% per year.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
2) Other companies
The investments in the shares of these companies, including investments in quoted shares, which the Company intends to hold for a long period (“permanent investment”), are stated at cost, net of impairment for decrease in value, which is not of a temporary nature.
g. Fixed assets :
1) These assets are stated at cost.
2) Cost of fixed assets includes the Company’s share in a joint venture engaged solely in construction of a building and rental thereof.
3) Financial expenses in respect of loans and credit applied to finance the construction or acquisition of buildings - incurred until construction was completed - were charged to cost of the buildings.
4) The assets are depreciated by the straight-line method, on basis of their estimated useful life. Annual rates of depreciation are 2% or 4%.
h. Deferred income taxes:
1) Deferred taxes are computed in respect of differences between the amounts presented in these statements and those taken into account for tax purposes. As to the factors in respect of which deferred taxes have been included - see note 10b.
Deferred tax balances are computed at the tax rate expected to be in effect at time of release to income from the deferred tax accounts. The amount of deferred taxes presented in the income statement reflects changes in the above balances during the year.
2) Taxes which would apply in the event of disposal of investments in subsidiaries and associated companies have not been taken into account in computing the deferred taxes, since as of the date of approval of these financial statements it is the Company’s policy to hold these investments, not to realize them.
i. Revenue recognition
Income from leasing of buildings is recognized on the accrual basis, in accordance with the terms of the agreements with tenants.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
j. Impairment of assets:
In February 2003, Accounting Standard No. 15 of the IASB - “Impairment of Assets” - which is based on International Accounting Standard No. 36, became effective. This standard requires a periodic review, at each balance sheet date, to evaluate the need for a provision for the impairment of the Company’s non-monetary assets - fixed assets and investments in associated companies.
Accordingly, the Company assesses - at each balance sheet date - whether any events have occurred or changes in circumstances have taken place, which might indicate that there has been an impairment of one or more of the above assets. When such indicators of impairment are present, the Company evaluates whether the carrying value of the investment in the asset is recoverable from the cash flows anticipated from that asset, and, if necessary, records an impairment provision up to the amount needed to adjust the carrying amount to the recoverable amount.
The recoverable value of an asset is determined according to the higher of the net selling price of the asset or its value in use to the Company. The value in use is determined according to the present value of anticipated cash flows from the continued use of the asset, including those expected at the time of its future retirement and disposal.
The impairment loss is carried directly to income. Where indicators are present that beneficial events have occurred or beneficial changes in circumstances have taken place, the impairment provision in respect of the asset (other than goodwill) may be cancelled or reduced in the future, so long as the recoverable value of the asset has increased, as a result of changes in the estimates previously employed in determining such value.
In 2004 the company recorded an impairment charge on its investment in Lysh of NIS 950 thousand.
k. Cash equivalents
The Group considers all highly liquid investments, which include short-term bank deposits (up to three months from date of deposit) that are not restricted as to withdrawal or use, to be cash equivalents.
l. Format of income statements
In view of the nature of the Company’s activities - holding of companies which operate in different fields - the Company is of the opinion that concentrated presentation of all revenue and gain items as a group, and of all expense and loss items in a separate group is more suitable to reflect its activities.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
m. Linkage basis
Balances the linkage arrangements in respect of which stipulate linkage to the last index published prior to date of payment are stated on the basis of the last index published prior to the latest balance sheet date (the index for November).
n. Use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting years. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
o. Dividend declared subsequent to balance sheet date
Liabilities relating to dividends declared subsequent to balance sheet date are included in the accounts for the period in which the declaration was made. The amount declared is appropriated, however, from retained earnings, and reported as a separate item in the shareholders’ equity - “Dividend declared subsequent to balance sheet date”.
p. Recently issued accounting pronouncements in Israel:
In July 2004, the IASB issued Israel Accounting Standard No. 19 - “Taxes on Income”, which is based on International Accounting Standard No. 12, that prescribes the accounting treatment (recognition criteria, measurement, presentation and disclosure) required for taxes on income. This accounting standard is to be applied to financial statements covering periods commencing on, or after, January 1, 2005.
For the most part, the provisions of this standard are the same as the accounting principles that are customarily applied at present (see h. above). The adoption of the standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements in the forthcoming periods.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 2 - Following is a list of the subsidiaries consolidated in Ophir’s financial statements:
Wholly-owned:
Ophir Financing Ltd. - inactive;
Maoz Financial Investments Ltd. ("Maoz") - inactive;
Merkazim Investments Ltd. ("Merkazim") a wholly-owned subsidiary of Maoz.
80%-owned - New Horizons (1993) Ltd. ("New Horizons").
NOTE 3 - INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES:
a. The investments are composed as follows:
(1) Including accumulated erosion of capital notes and gains on dilution of holding in associated companies resulting from issuance of shares to a third party.
(2) The loans are linked to the Israeli CPI, bear interest at annual rates of 4%-5% and have no fixed maturity date.
b. The changes in the investments in 2004 are as follows:
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 3 - INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES (continued):
c. Following are details relating to the associated companies:
1) Mivnat Holdings Ltd. (“Mivnat”)
Mivnat was established in March 1993 by Ophir, the subsidiary Merkazim and others, some of whom were interested parties, in order to acquire the Israeli Government’s shares in Industrial Buildings Ltd. (“Industrial Buildings”). During March 1993, Mivnat acquired these shares in consideration of NIS 1,053 million. Ophir holds 18.75% interest in Mivnat directly, and 25% interest jointly with Merkazim.
As described in note 4(a), on December 31, 1998, Mivnat sold its holdings in Industrial Buildings to its shareholders (including Ophir). Upon the consummation of the transaction, Mivnat ceased to have any rights in the shares of Industrial Buildings.
2) Shmey-Bar Real Estate 1993 Ltd., Shmey-Bar (T.H.) 1993 Ltd. and Shmey-Bar (I.A.) 1993 Ltd. (“Shmey-Bar companies”).
The Company, along with a group of companies, established the Shmey-Bar companies in 1993. These companies were established for the purpose of dealing in development of fruit-bearing properties. They purchased rights to real estate and options to purchase real estate in Tel-Aviv, Haifa, Beer-Sheva, Kiryat Shemona, Eilat, Jerusalem, Holon, Tel-Hanan and Ramla, all from Hamashbir Hamerkazi Israel Cooperative Wholesale Society Ltd. The Company’s holdings in Shmey-Bar companies total 22.3%.
On December 31, 2002, the Company wrote down its investment in the Shmey-Bar companies by NIS 5,004,000.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 3 - INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES (continued):
3) Lysh The Coastal High-way Ltd. (“L1”)
In June 1999, the Company entered into an investment agreement with Lysh Commercial and Road Services Ltd. (“L2”), a company controlled by Polar Investments Ltd. - an interested party in the Company, and with L1, a wholly-owned subsidiary of L2.
L1 has a 50% holding in Beit Herut-Lysh Development Company Ltd. (“BHL”), which has invested in a project for the leasing of commercial premises near Moshav Beit Herut (the “project”).
BHL developed 16,850 square meters of land owned by the Israel Lands Administration (the “Administration”), in accordance with resolution 717 of the Administration. A commercial project occupying approximately 10,000 square meters was constructed on that land initially, and there is an option to construct an additional 4,000 square meters at a later stage. The Company’s share in L1 is approximately 25% (its share in the project being approximately 12.5%). The project commenced in March 2000. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company invested in L1 approximately NIS 5.5 million.
The Company has also undertaken to provide guarantees in an amount equivalent to 25% of the construction costs. As of December 31, 2004, the Company’s share in the loans made to BHL amounts to approximately NIS 16 million.
The auditors of L1, while not qualifying their opinion on L1‘s financial statements for 2004, drew attention to the financial position of BHL, whose financial statements presented a loss of approximately NIS 3.7 million (net of financial expenses in the amount of NIS 5.4 million) and negative working capital amounting to approximately NIS 2.0 million at December 31, 2004.
In 2004, BHL received shareholders’ loans in the amount of approximately NIS 1.8 million from L1. In addition, during the reported period, BHL reached an arrangement with a bank, which has not yet been put in writing, which postpones the repayment of the principal of the loans until January 2005 and schedules the repayment of the balance of the loan over a period of 17 years.
BHL’s management believes that the execution of the aforementioned arrangements will guarantee the continuance of BHL’s regular operations.
In 2004, the Company wrote down its investment in BHL Company by NIS 950,000.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 4 - INVESTMENTS IN OTHER COMPANIES:
a. Industrial Buildings is engaged in initiation and execution of construction projects - buildings for industry, designated for rental and sale - and in the management of land development and infrastructure preparation for residence and industry.
1. On December 31, 1998, Mivnat sold to its shareholders (including the Company) its entire holding in the issued and paid share capital of Industrial Buildings (see note 3c(1)). Within the framework of this transaction, the Company acquired from Mivnat 13% of the issued and paid share capital of Industrial Buildings - 37,227,210 ordinary shares of NIS 1 par value and 2,978,177 warrants (Series 3) in consideration of NIS 279,830,000. The shares acquired as above have been pledged in favor of a bank to secure loans received from it.
In 2001, the Company sold 576,633 shares of Industrial Buildings in consideration of NIS 3.7 million. The pre-tax gain that the Company derived from this sale is approximately NIS 411,000.
In 2002, the Company sold 1,027,653 shares of Industrial Buildings in consideration of approximately NIS 6.6 million, at a pre-tax gain of approximately NIS 625,000.
On December 31, 2002, based, inter alia, on a valuation that it had received, the Company wrote down its investment in Industrial Buildings by NIS 20,605,000.
In 2004, the Company sold 4,400,036 shares of Industrial Buildings in consideration of approximately NIS 21.2 million, at a pre-tax gain of approximately NIS 0.3 million.
In 2004, the Company received a dividend in the amount of NIS 10.3 from Industrial Buildings.
2. The shares of Industrial Buildings are traded on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange. The market value of the holdings of the Company in the total shares of Industrial Buildings, presented both in other “investments” and in “marketable securities”, at December 31, 2004 and 2003 is approximately NIS 155.7 million and NIS 153.6 million, respectively.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 4 - INVESTMENTS IN OTHER COMPANIES (continued):
On December 31, 2004, the Company’s board of directors decided to realize an additional package of shares, comprising approximately 17.7 million shares. In light of the above, the shares that were to be realized were classified as marketable securities, and were revalued in accordance with the share’s price at balance sheet date (NIS 4.883 per share). The gain from the shares’ revaluation, as recorded by the Company, amounted to approximately NIS 2 million. Pursuant to the aforementioned decision, in January 2005, 15 million shares were sold in an off-the-floor transaction for NIS 75 million, at a pre-tax gain of NIS 3.6 million.
The proceeds from the sale of said shares will be used in 2005 for the repayment of the bank loan, in respect of which the shares had been pledged, in the amount of approximately NIS 67.1 million.
On February 9, 2005, the Company’s board of directors decided to distribute the remaining shares of Industrial Buildings, in the amount of NIS 80,930,000, to shareholders, as a quasi-dividend. Additionally, the board decided to distribute the balance of cash, in the amount of NIS 9,900,000, to shareholders.
b. Memadim was established in 1995 by the Company, along with a group of companies, one of which is Industrial Buildings, for the purpose of real estate development. The Company directly holds 10% of the ownership and control of Memadim, and Industrial Buildings holds 40% of the ownership and control of Memadim.
c. Mahalachim is a venture capital fund; the Company holds approximately 3.5% of shares therein. In 2004, the Company received a dividend in the amount of NIS 3,255,000 from Mahalachim. The share of the dividend that was carried to income amounted to NIS 1,320,000. The balance of the amount was used to reduce the amount of the investment.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 5 - FIXED ASSETS:
a. Changes in assets (buildings for rent, including land) during 2004 are as follows:
b. The companies’ rights in real estate are as follows:
(1) The Company has rights in an industrial commercial building on leased land for a period of 44 years, which will expire on October 31, 2037, jointly with other companies. The building is located on an area of 30,500 square meters, of which 17,700 square meters consist of commercial areas. The building is leased as part of a joint venture, Ophir’s share in which is 70%.
On April 14, 2003, the partners entered into a lease agreement with the Administration. The lease expires on October 31, 2037. The annual lease fees payable by the partnership amount to NIS 30,000.
In order to secure the completion of the registration of an unaffiliated party, who had purchased an area of approximately 900 square meters of the area of the building in 1999, with the Land Registry, the Company has provided a guarantee of NIS 3.8 million in favor of the buyer.
(2) The buildings owned by Merkazim have been sold in 2002 and 2003, as follows:
- In December 2002, Merkazim has entered into agreements for the sale of four buildings for a consideration of NIS 27,282,000. The sale of the buildings was completed in 2003.
- In June 2003, Merkazim entered into another agreement for the sale of a real estate asset in return for NIS 2,639,000.
- In July 2003, Merkazim entered into an additional agreement for the sale of a real estate asset in return for NIS 13,860,000.
During the year ended December 31, 2003, a loss of NIS 30,000 was included in the accounts in respect of the sale of the aforementioned real estate assets.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 6 - LONG-TERM BANK LOANS:
a. The loans are linked to the Israeli CPI and bear interest at the annual rate of 4%.
b. The loans are scheduled to mature in the following years after the balance sheet dates:
c. As to pledges to secure the loans and limitations relating to them, see note 8c.
d. As to events that occurred after balance sheet date, see note 4a(2).
NOTE 7 - CAPITAL NOTES:
a. On December 31, 1998, Ophir and a subsidiary, Merkazim, issued capital notes to Mivnat with a par value of NIS 113,770,000 and NIS 37,831,000, respectively. The capital notes are unlinked and interest-free.
Capital notes with an aggregate par value of NIS 151,351,000 are repayable at par, upon demand of Mivnat, on January 1, 2005 and only on that date. After balance sheet date, the shareholders of Mivnat decided to extend the repayment date until January 1, 2006. The balance of the capital notes, NIS 250,000 par value, is repayable annually under the terms stipulated in the agreement.
b. On December 31, 1998 and on June 30, 2004, Ophir issued capital notes to its subsidiary with a par value of NIS 37,769,000 and NIS 25,409,000, respectively. The capital notes are unlinked and interest-free, and are repayable at par, upon demand, on January 1, 2005 and only on that date. After balance sheet date, the shareholders of Merkazim decided to extend the repayment date until January 1, 2006.
c. In 2002, the subsidiary New Horizons issued capital notes with a par value of NIS 119,000 and NIS 1,069,000 to Ophir and the minority shareholder in the subsidiary, respectively. Ophir and the minority shareholder in the subsidiary are entitled to receive from New Horizons the principal of the note, without interest or linkage, this after a period of not less than one year.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENT LIABILITIES, PLEDGES AND LIMITATIONS INRESPECT OF LIABILITIES:
a. Commitments:
1) The Company has undertaken to invest in Memadim (see note 4b) approximately 10% of the cost of land and construction of a rental project which is constructed by Memadim on the Carmel shore. The investment was made partly through investment in Memadim (mainly shareholders’ loans), and partly by way of a guarantee provided. The Company’s share in future construction costs is estimated at approximately U.S.$ 17 million. As of December 31, 2004, the balance of the loans to Memadim amounts to approximately NIS 89 million.
2) In December 1996, the subsidiary New Horizons acquired real estate (designated for sale) from a then interested party, which holds 20% of New Horizons’ shares. The selling company will be entitled to 90% of the profits from the subsequent sale of the real estate, with the balance accruing to New Horizons. The registration of the real estate in New Horizons’ name in the Land Registry has not yet been completed.
3) As to the Company’s commitment to grant guarantees to BHL, see note 3c(3).
4) Ophir and a subsidiary receive various services from the shareholders in Ophir, including management services, head office services, bookkeeping and legal services. As to the expenses recorded in respect of such services, see note 11.
b. Contingent liabilities:
1) The tax authorities have issued betterment tax assessments for the subsidiary Merkazim, claiming that the actual betterment derived was higher than that reported by the subsidiary and demanding the payment of additional tax in the amount of approximately NIS 2.5 million. In the opinion of the Company’s management, appropriate provisions were included in the financial statements.
2) As to a guarantee in favor of buyers of premises in a building, see note 5b(1).
c. Pledges and restrictions in respect of liabilities
To secure repayment of long-term bank loans in the total amount of NIS 67 million -consolidated and the Company - at December 31, 2004, Ophir and Merkazim have undertaken towards the bank that the Company’s shareholders’ equity will not fall below NIS 76 million, the total consolidated liabilities will not be more than 3.25 times the shareholders’ equity, and the average annual net income for the recent three years will not, at any time, fall below NIS 7.6 million. As of balance sheet date, the Company has not met its obligation to maintain the aforementioned level of annual net income. On December 22, 2004, the Company received the bank’s approval that the original repayment schedule is not to be changed, despite the Company’s failure to meet its obligation, as above. This approval is limited to the period ending on January 1, 2006.
Subsequent to the date of the financial statements, the Company sold the Industrial buildings shares in an amount equal to the outstanding balance of the loan. The sale proceeds were deposited in a bank deposit and are intended for the use of repayment of the outstanding balance of the bank loan. Following the repayment of the loan the above restrictions will be canceled.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENT LIABILITIES, PLEDGES AND LIMITATIONS IN RESPECT OF LIABILITIES (continued):
The shares of Industrial Buildings have been pledged as security for these loans, see note 4(a).
NOTE 9 - SHARE CAPITAL
a. Composed at December 31, 2004 and 2003 as follows:
* The deferred shares confer upon their holders the right to receive their par value upon liquidation of the Company.
b. In December 2004, the Company announced and distributed a dividend to its shareholders in the amount of NIS 30 million.
c. As to an event that occurred after balance sheet date, see note 4a.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 10 - TAXES ON INCOME:
a. Measurement of results for tax purposes under the Income Tax (Inflationary Adjustments ( Law, 1985
Under this law, results for tax purposes are measured in real terms, in accordance with the changes in the Israeli CPI. Ophir and its Israeli subsidiaries are taxed under this law.
b. Deferred income taxes:
1) The composition of the deferred taxes, and the changes therein during the reported years, are as follows:
2) The deferred taxes as of December 31, 2004 are computed at the tax rate of 30%.
c. Tax rates
The Company’s income in Israel is subject to the regular corporate tax rate; until December 31, 2003, a corporate tax rate of 36% was applied. In July 2004, an Amendment to the Income Tax Ordinance was published, which determined, inter alia, that the rate of corporate tax will be gradually reduced from 36% to 30%, in the following manner: the rate for 2004 will be 35%, in 2005 - 34%, in 2006 - 32%, and in 2007 and thereafter - 30%.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 10 - TAXES ON INCOME (continued):
d. Taxes on income included in the income statements:
1) As follows:
Current taxes are computed at the tax rate of 35% for 2004 (36% - 2003 and 2002).
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.NOTES
TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 10 - TAXES ON INCOME (continued):
2) Following is a reconciliation of the theoretical tax expense, assuming all income is taxed at the regular tax rates applicable to companies in Israel (see (1) above), and the actual tax expense:
e. Tax assessments
Ophir has received final assessments through tax year 2000.
Subsidiaries:
Merkazim - assessments that are considered as final through tax year 2000 (see also note 8(b)(1).
New Horizons - assessments that are considered as final through tax year 2000. Ophir Financing Ltd. - final assessments have been received through tax year 2000.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 10 - TAXES ON INCOME (continued):
NOTE 11 - TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES WITH INTERESTED PARTIES AND RELATED PARTIES:
a. Transactions with interested parties and related parties:
As to other transactions with, and commitments to, interested parties, see note 8.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 11 - TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES WITH INTERESTED PARTIES AND RELATED PARTIES (continued):
b. Balances with interested parties and related parties:
1) Receivables (payables):
(1) The loan is linked to the Israeli CPI and bears no interest.
The corporate interested party is to repay this debt out of its future positive cash flow.
(2) The loans are linked to the Israeli CPI and bear annual interest at the rate of 4%-5%.
As to current balances with associated and other companies, see note 13b.
2) Long-term liability in respect of acquisition of land - business inventory - is linked to the Israeli CPI and bears no interest.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 12 - LINKAGE OF MONETARY BALANCES:
a. As follows:
b. Data regarding the exchange rate and the Israeli CPI:
* Based on the index for the month ending on each balance sheet date, on the basis of 1993 average = 100.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 13 - SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION:
Balance sheets:
d. Concentrations of credit risks
The Group’s cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments at December 31, 2004 and 2003 are deposited with Israeli banks. The Company is of the opinion that the credit risk in respect of these balances is remote.
e. Fair value of financial instruments
The fair value of financial instruments included in the working capital of the Group is usually identical or close to their carrying value. The fair value of long-term loans to associated and other companies and long-term bank loans also approximates their carrying value, since they bear interest at rates close to prevailing market rates. As to the fair value of the investment in Industrial Buildings - traded on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange - see note 4(a). The determination of the fair value of the capital notes to an associated company and a subsidiary and long-term liabilities in respect of acquisition of land - business inventory is not practical.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 13 - SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (continued):
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 14 - EFFECT OF MATERIAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE U.S.A.:
a. General:
1) The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with Israeli GAAP. As applicable to these financial statements, Israeli GAAP and U.S. of America GAAP vary in certain significant respects, as described below:
2) Effect of inflation
In accordance with Israeli GAAP, through December 31, 2003, the Company comprehensively included the effect of the changes in the general purchasing power of Israeli currency in these financial statements, as described in note 1b. In view of the past inflation in Israel, this is considered a more meaningful presentation than financial reporting based on historical cost.
Under US GAAP Israel is not considered to be a highly inflationary country, thus the measurement currency should be in nominal NIS.
The adjustments to reflect the changes in the general purchasing power of Israeli currency have been reversed in the reconciliation of Israeli GAAP to U.S. GAAP.
3) Investment in marketable securities
In accordance with Israeli GAAP, since the Company’s intent is to hold some of this investment for a long period, it is partly stated at cost, net of impairment for decrease in value, which is not of a temporary nature (see also note 4).
Under U.S. GAAP, this investment is classified as an investment in available for sale and is reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, recorded as a separate component of comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity until realized.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 14 - EFFECT OF MATERIAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE U.S.A. (continued):
b. The effect of the material GAAP differences, as described in a. above, on the consolidated financial statements is as follows:
1) Operating results:
2) Shareholders' equity:
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.NOTES
TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 14 - EFFECT OF MATERIAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE U.S.A. (continued):
3) The effect of the foregoing GAAP difference on reporting comprehensive income, is as follows:
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS
OF AM-HAL LTD.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Am-Hal Ltd. (“the Company”) and the consolidated balance sheets of the Company and a consolidated partnership as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ deficiency and cash flows - of the Company and on a consolidated basis - for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s Board of Directors and management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the principles used and significant estimates made by Company’s management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position - of the Company and on a consolidated basis - as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of operations, changes in shareholders’ deficiency and cash flows - of the Company and on a consolidated basis - for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel which, with respect to these financial statements, differ in certain respects from the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. See Note 25 to the financial statements that describe the material differences.
As explained in Note 2B, these financial statements are presented in values adjusted for the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency, in accordance with pronouncements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
Brightman Almagor & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
Tel Aviv, February 15, 2004
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ SPECIAL REPORT
We have audited the balance sheets of Am-Hal Ltd. (“the Company”) and the consolidated balance sheets of the Company and a consolidated partnership as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ deficiency and cash flows - of the Company and on a consolidated basis - for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, and have issued our unqualified report thereon dated February 15, 2004. The aforementioned financial statements (not presented separately herein) were prepared in new Israeli shekels (NIS) on the historical cost basis, adjusted for changes in the general purchasing power of the NIS in accordance with standards established by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
As described in Note 2B, the accompanying Company and consolidated financial data in U.S. dollars as of the abovementioned dates and for the abovementioned years then ended were prepared on the basis of financial data in nominal NIS (the basis on which the Company and consolidated adjusted NIS financial statements were also prepared), translated into US dollars in accordance with the principles described in Note 2B.
This report is intended solely for the information and use of the Boards of Directors and management of the Company and Ampal-American Israel Corp., and should not be used for any other purpose.
Brightman Almagor & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
Tel Aviv, February 15, 2004
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF
BAY HEART LTD. AND SUBSIDIARY
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Bay Heart Ltd. (“the Company”) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated balance sheets as of those dates, and the related statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ deficiency and cash flows - of the Company and on a consolidated basis - for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s Board of Directors and management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position - of the Company and on a consolidated basis - as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of operations, changes in shareholders’ deficiency and cash flows - of the Company and on a consolidated basis - for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel.
Accounting principles generally accepted in Israel differ in certain respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. With respect to these financial statements, the difference in the application of the latter is described in Note 19.
As described in Note 2A, the financial statements as of the dates and reporting periods subsequent to December 31, 2003 are presented in reported amounts, in accordance with the accounting standards of the Israeli Accounting Standards Board. The financial statements as of the dates and reporting periods ended as of the above dates are presented in values adjusted until then based on the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency in accordance with pronouncements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
The condensed consolidated financial information in U.S. dollars presented in Note 18 to the financial statements, prepared at the request of an investor, represents a translation of the Company’s financial statements in nominal values, as stated in Note 18A. In our opinion, such translation into U.S. dollars was appropriately performed on the basis stated in Note 18A.
As described in Note 1C to the financial statements regarding the Company’s business condition, the Company has ongoing losses, a working-capital deficit, shareholders’ deficiency
and negative cash flows from operating activities. As stated in that note, the continuance of the Company’s operations and its ability to satisfy its short-term liabilities is contingent upon the attainment of financing from the shareholders and/or bank financing arrangements. The Company’s management is currently negotiating with a bank for rescheduling its short-term credit as a long-term loan.
Brightman Almagor & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
Member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Haifa, Israel, February 8, 2005.
To the Shareholders of
CARMEL CONTAINER SYSTEMS LTD.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Carmel Container Systems Ltd. ("the Company") and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We did not audit the financial statements of a subsidiary whose assets constitute approximately 10% and 9% of total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2003 and 2004 respectively, and whose revenues constitute approximately 9%, 10% and 8% of total consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 respectively. The financial statements of this subsidiary were audited by other auditors whose reports have been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to amounts included for this subsidiary is based on the reports of the other auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and standards generally accepted in the Israel, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditors' Regulations (Auditor's Mode of Performance), 1973. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the reports of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits and the reports of other auditors, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2004, and the consolidated results of their operations, changes in shareholder’s equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel, which differ in certain respects from those generally accepted in the United States (see Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements).
As described in Note 2b, the financial statements as of the dates and for the reported periods subsequent to December 31, 2003, are presented in reported amounts, in conformity with Accounting Standards of the Israel Accounting Standards Board. The financial statements as of the dates and for the reported periods until the aforementioned date are presented in values that were adjusted until that date according to the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency, in accordance with pronouncements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
Haifa, Israel,
KOST FORER GABBAY & KASIERER
February 24, 2005
A Member of Ernst & Young Global
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS
OF CORAL WORLD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of “Coral World International Ltd.” (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Board of Directors and management of the Company. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the Board of Directors and management of the Company, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Coral World International Ltd. as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of its operations, changes in its shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
Fahn Kanne & Co.
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
Tel-Aviv, Israel, February 28, 2005
Report of Independent Public Accountants
To The Shareholders of Country Club Kfar Saba Ltd.
We have audited the balance sheet of Country Club Kfar Saba Ltd. as of December 31, 2002 and the related statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Israel and in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
The above statements have been prepared on the basis of historical cost as adjusted for the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israel currency in accordance with pronouncements issued by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
In our opinion, the above-mentioned financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and the results of its operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel, which differ in certain respects from, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (see Notes 2F and 16).
Luboshitz Kasierer
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
March 5, 2003
Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer
3 Aminadav St.
Tel-Aviv 67067, Israel
Phone: 972-3-6232525
Fax: 972-3-5622555
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders of
EPSILON INVESTMENT HOUSE LTD.
We have audited the balance sheets of Epsilon Investment House Ltd. ("the Company") as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated balance sheets as of such date and the related statements of income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows - Company and consolidated - for the years then ended expressed in New Israeli Shekels (not presented herein). These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s board of directors and management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. The financial statements of an investee company have been audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us; insofar as our opinion on the consolidated financial statements relates to the amounts included for the investee, it is based solely on their report. In the consolidated financial statements, the Company's investment in the investee is stated at NIS 331 thousand and NIS 26 thousand, respectively, at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the Company's equity in the net income of the investee is stated at NIS 305 thousand and NIS 25 thousand for the years then ended.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Israel, including those prescribed by the Auditors’ Regulations (Auditor's Mode of Performance)-1973. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the board of directors and management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the report of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of other auditors, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position - of the Company and consolidated - as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows - of the Company and consolidated - for the years then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Israel, which differ in certain respects from those generally accepted in the United States (see Note 20 to the financial statements).
As described in Note 2a, the financial statements as of the dates and for the reported periods subsequent to December 31, 2003, are presented in reported amounts, in conformity with Accounting Standards of the Israeli Accounting Standards Board. The financial statements as of the dates and for the reported periods until the aforementioned date are presented in values that were adjusted until that date according to the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency, in accordance with pronouncements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
Tel-Aviv, Israel
KOST FORER GABBAY & KASIERER
February 24 , 2005
A Member of Ernst & Young Global
To the Shareholders of Hod Hasharon Sport Center Limited :
We have audited the balance sheets of Hod Hasharon Sport Center Limited as at December 31, 2004 and 2003, the related statements of income and shareholders' equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, expressed in New Israeli Shekels. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Israel, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditors (Mode of Performance) Regulations, 1973. These standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentations. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Condensed statements in historical values appear in Note 6 to the financial statements. These amounts have been translated into U.S. dollars using the method described in Note 2b.
In our opinion, based on our audit and the reports of other auditors, the above-mentioned financial statements present fairly the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2004 and 2003, the results of its operations, the changes in shareholders' equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel, consistently applied. Also, in our opinion, the financial statements based on nominal data (Note 6) present fairly, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of its operations, the changes in shareholder’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, on the basis of the historical cost convention.
As explained in note 2b, the financial statements, as of dates and for reporting periods subsequent to December 31, 2003, are presented in New Israeli Shekels, in conformity with accounting standards issued by the Israel Accounting Standards Board. The financial statements as of dates and for reporting periods ended prior to, or on the above date, are presented in values that have been adjusted for the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency, through that date, in accordance with pronouncements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
Accounting principles generally accepted in Israel differ in certain respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The application of the latter would have affected the determination of nominal/historical net income and shareholders' equity to the extent summarized in Note 6 to the financial statements.
Somekh Chaikin
Certified Public Accountants (Isr)
February 24, 2005
Report of Independent Public Accountants
To The Shareholders of Hod Hasharon Sport Center Ltd.
We have audited the balance sheet of Hod Hasharon Sport Center Ltd. as of December 31, 2002 and the related statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Israel and in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
The above statements have been prepared on the basis of historical cost as adjusted for the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israel currency in accordance with pronouncements issued by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
In our opinion, the above-mentioned financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and the results of its operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel, which differ in certain respects from, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (see Notes 2D and 7).
Luboshitz Kasierer
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
February 27, 2003
To the Shareholders of Hod Hasharon Sport Center (1992) Limited Partnership :
We have audited the balance sheets of Hod Hasharon Sport Center (1992) Limited Partnership as at December 31, 2004 and 2003, the related statements of income and shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, expressed in New Israeli Shekels. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Israel, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditors (Mode of Performance) Regulations, 1973. These standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentations. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Condensed statements in historical values appear in Note 16 to the financial statements. These amounts have been translated into U.S. dollars using the method described in Note 2h.
In our opinion, based on our audit and the reports of other auditors, the above-mentioned financial statements present fairly the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2004 and 2003, the results of its operations, the changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel, consistently applied. Also, in our opinion, the financial statements based on nominal data (Note 16) present fairly, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of its operations, the changes in shareholder’ equity, and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, on the basis of the historical cost convention.
As explained in note 2b, the financial statements, as of dates and for reporting periods subsequent to December 31, 2003, are presented in New Israeli Shekels, in conformity with accounting standards issued by the Israel Accounting Standards Board. The financial statements as of dates and for reporting periods ended prior to, or on the above date, are presented in values that have been adjusted for the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency, through that date, in accordance with pronouncements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
Accounting principles generally accepted in Israel differ in certain respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The application of the latter would have affected the determination of nominal/historical net income and shareholders' equity to the extent summarized in Note 16 to the financial statements.
Somekh Chaikin
Certified Public Accountants (Isr)
February 24, 2005
Report of Independent Public Accountants
To The Partners of Hod Hasharon Sport Center (1992) Limited Partnership.
We have audited the balance sheet of Hod Hasharon Sport Center (1992) Limited Partnership as of December 31, 2002 and the related statements of income, changes in patners’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership’s management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Israel and in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
The above statements have been prepared on the basis of historical cost as adjusted for the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israel currency in accordance with pronouncements issued by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
In our opinion, the above-mentioned financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Partnership as of December 31, 2002 and the results of its operations, changes in patners’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel, which differ in certain respects from, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (see Notes 2E and 16).
Luboshitz Kasierer
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
February 27, 2003
Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer
3 Aminadav St.
Tel-Aviv 67067, Israel
Phone: 972-3-6232525
Fax: 972-3-5622555
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders of
RENAISSANCE INVESTMENT COMPANY LTD.
We have audited the balance sheets of Renaissance Investment Company Ltd. ("the Company") as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004, and the related statements of income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2004, expressed in New Israeli Shekels (not presented herein). These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s board of directors and management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. The financial statements of an investee company have been audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us; insofar as our opinion on the financial statements relates to the amounts included for the investee, it is based solely on their report. In the financial statements, the Company's investment in the investee is stated at NIS 3,571 thousand and NIS 1,070 thousand, respectively, at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the Company's equity in the net income of the investee is stated at NIS 501 thousand and NIS 70 thousand for the years then ended.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Israel, including those prescribed by the Auditors’ Regulations (Auditor's Mode of Performance)-1973. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the board of directors and management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the report of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of other auditors, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated financial position as of December 31, 2004 and the results of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Israel, which differ in certain respects from those generally accepted in the United States (see Note 15 to the financial statements).
As described in Note 2a, the financial statements as of the dates and for the reported periods subsequent to December 31, 2003, are presented in reported amounts, in conformity with Accounting Standards of the Israeli Accounting Standards Board. The financial statements as of the dates and for the reported periods until the aforementioned date are presented in values that were adjusted until that date according to the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency, in accordance with pronouncements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
Tel-Aviv, Israel
KOST FORER GABBAY & KASIERER
February 24 , 2005
A Member of Ernst & Young Global
Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer
3 Aminadav St.
Tel-Aviv 67067, Israel
Phone: 972-3-6232525
Fax: 972-3-5622555
Messrs. Ampal Ltd.
Re:
Financial statements of Shmay-Bar Real Estate (1993) Ltd.
("the Company") translated into U.S. dollars
As you know, the Company publishes in Israel financial statements in NIS adjusted to the changes in the Consumer Price Index, in accordance with Statements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel. These primary annual financial statements of the Company for the years 2002 and 2001, which were audited by us, and on which we expressed our opinion on February 16, 2003, have been provided to you.
We have audited the accompanying translated U.S. dollar balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related translated U.S. dollar statements of income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Israel and the United States, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditors Regulations (Mode of Performance) (Israel), 1973. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, either originating within the financial statements themselves, or due to any misleading statement included therein. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
The aforementioned translated U.S. dollar financial statements have been prepared on the basis of nominal NIS historical cost. Disclosure of the effect of the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency in the financial statements as stated in the Opinions of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel, has not been included in the above mentioned statements.
Full financial statement disclosures and statements of cash flows that are as required according to generally accepted accounting principles have not been presented and as such, the translated U.S. dollar financial statements mentioned above are to be read in conjunction with the primary annual audited financial statements of the Company, as of December 31, 2002 and their accompanying Notes.
In our opinion, except for the effects of the matters discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the translated U.S. dollar financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the translated U.S. dollar financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related translated U.S. dollar results of its operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Israel. As applicable to the Company's financial statements, accounting principles generally excepted in the United Sates and in Israel are substantially identical in all material respects.
Also, in our opinion, the translation of the aforementioned nominal figures into U.S. dollars was made in accordance with the principles set forth in SFAS 52, see Note 2.
The aforementioned financial statements are designated solely for you as shareholders of the Company, are not to be published or delivered to others.
Tel-Aviv, Israel
KOST FORER & GABBAY
February 16, 2003
A Member of Ernst & Young International
Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer
3 Aminadav St.
Tel-Aviv 67067, Israel
Phone: 972-3-6232525
Fax: 972-3-5622555
Messrs. Ampal Ltd.
Re:
Financial statements of Shmay-Bar (T.H) 1993 Ltd.
("the Company") translated into U.S. dollars
As you know, the Company publishes in Israel financial statements in NIS adjusted to the changes in the Consumer Price Index, in accordance with Statements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel. These primary annual financial statements of the Company for the years 2002 and 2001, which were audited by us, and on which we expressed our opinion on February 16, 2003, have been provided to you.
We have audited the accompanying translated U.S. dollar balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related translated U.S. dollar statements of income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Israel and the United States, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditors Regulations (Mode of Performance) (Israel), 1973. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, either originating within the financial statements themselves, or due to any misleading statement included therein. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
The aforementioned translated U.S. dollar financial statements have been prepared on the basis of nominal NIS historical cost. Disclosure of the effect of the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency in the financial statements as stated in the Opinions of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel, has not been included in the above mentioned statements.
Full financial statement disclosures and statements of cash flows that are as required according to generally accepted accounting principles have not been presented and as such, the translated U.S. dollar financial statements mentioned above are to be read in conjunction with the primary annual audited financial statements of the Company, as of December 31, 2002 and their accompanying Notes.
In our opinion, except for the effects of the matters discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the translated U.S. dollar financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the translated U.S. dollar financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related translated U.S. dollar results of its operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Israel. As applicable to the Company's financial statements, accounting principles generally excepted in the United Sates and in Israel are substantially identical in all material respects.
Also, in our opinion, the translation of the aforementioned nominal figures into U.S. dollars was made in accordance with the principles set forth in SFAS 52, see Note 2.
The aforementioned financial statements are designated solely for you as shareholders of the Company, are not to be published or delivered to others.
Tel-Aviv, Israel
February 16, 2003
Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer
3 Aminadav St.
Tel-Aviv 67067, Israel
Phone: 972-3-6232525
Fax: 972-3-5622555
Messrs. Ampal Ltd.
Re:
Financial statements of Shmay-Bar (I.A) 1993 Ltd.
("the Company") translated into U.S. dollars
As you know, the Company publishes in Israel financial statements in NIS adjusted to the changes in the Consumer Price Index, in accordance with Statements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel. These primary annual financial statements of the Company for the years 2002 and 2001, which were audited by us, and on which we expressed our opinion on February 16, 2003, have been provided to you.
We have audited the accompanying translated U.S. dollar balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related translated U.S. dollar statements of income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Israel and the United States, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditors Regulations (Mode of Performance) (Israel), 1973. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, either originating within the financial statements themselves, or due to any misleading statement included therein. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
The aforementioned translated U.S. dollar financial statements have been prepared on the basis of nominal NIS historical cost. Disclosure of the effect of the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency in the financial statements as stated in the Opinions of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel, has not been included in the above mentioned statements.
Full financial statement disclosures and statements of cash flows that are as required according to generally accepted accounting principles have not been presented and as such, the translated U.S. dollar financial statements mentioned above are to be read in conjunction with the primary annual audited financial statements of the Company, as of December 31, 2002 and their accompanying Notes.
In our opinion, except for the effects of the matters discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the translated U.S. dollar financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the translated U.S. dollar financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related translated U.S. dollar results of its operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Israel. As applicable to the Company's financial statements, accounting principles generally excepted in the United Sates and in Israel are substantially identical in all material respects.
Also, in our opinion, the translation of the aforementioned nominal figures into U.S. dollars was made in accordance with the principles set forth in SFAS 52, see Note 2.
The aforementioned financial statements are designated solely for you as shareholders of the Company, are not to be published or delivered to others.
Tel-Aviv, Israel
KOST FORER & GABBAY
February 16, 2003
A Member of Ernst & Young International
AUDITORS’ REPORT
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF
TRINET INVESTMENTS IN HIGH-TECH LTD.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Trinet Investments in High-Tech Ltd. (“the Company”) as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related statements of operations and changes in shareholders’ deficiency for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s Board of Directors and management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Israel, including those prescribed under the Auditors’ Regulations (Auditor’s Mode of Performance) - 1973, which, for purposes of these financial statements, are substantially identical to generally accepted auditing standards in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the Board of Directors and management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
During 2002 the company ceased its operations.
In our opinion, the aforementioned financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the results of its operations and changes in shareholders’ deficiency for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Israel.
As described in Note 2, the aforementioned financial statements have been prepared on the basis of historical cost, adjusted to reflect changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency in accordance with pronouncements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
The financial information presented in U.S. dollars and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States is based on nominal historical amounts in Israeli currency and is presented in Note 8 to the financial statements.
Brightman Almagor & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
Tel Aviv, March 13, 2003
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 15 th day of March, 2005.
AMPAL-AMERICAN
ISRAEL CORPORATION
BY: /S/ JACK BIGIO
--------------
Jack Bigio, Chief Executive Officer and
President (Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 24, 2004.
Signatures Title Date
/S/ YOSEF A. MAIMAN
--------------
Yosef A. Maiman Chairman of the Board of
Directors
March 15, 2005
/S/ JACK BIGIO
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Jack Bigio President & CEO - Director March 15, 2005
/S/ LEO MALAMUD
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Leo Malamud Director March 15, 2005
/S/ DR. JOSEPH YERUSHALMI
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Dr. Joseph Yerushalmi Director March 15, 2005
/S/ YEHUDA KARNI
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Yehuda Karni Director March 15, 2005
/S/ EITAN HABER
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Eitan Haber Director March 15, 2005
/S/ MENAHEM MORAG
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Menahem Morag Director March 15, 2005
/S/ IRIT ELUZ
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Irit Eluz CFO, Senior Vice President
- Finance and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
March 15, 2005
/S/ GIORA BAR - NIR
--------------
Giora Bar-Nir VP Accounting & Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
March 15, 2005