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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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(MARK ONE)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
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Commission file number 0-538
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
NEW YORK 13-0435685
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.)
1177 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 782-2100.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
TITLE OF EACH CLASS ON WHICH REGISTERED
------------------- -------------------
<S> <C>
Class A Stock American Stock Exchange
</TABLE>
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Class A Stock
4% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock
6 1/2% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock
(Titles of Classes)
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
--- ---
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K X .
---
The number of shares outstanding of the issuer's Class A Stock, its
only authorized common stock, is 18,642,447 (as of March 22, 2000).
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates
of the registrant is $194,933,419 (as of March 22, 2000).
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ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
OF AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
As used in this report (the "Report"), the term "Ampal" only refers to
Ampal-American Israel Corporation, the parent company; 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 herein.
The Company primarily acquires interests in businesses located in the
State of Israel or that are Israel-related. The Company seeks to invest in
companies which have long-term growth potential. The Company is currently
invested in a broad cross-section of Israeli companies engaged in various fields
including high technology and communications, leisure-time, real estate, capital
markets, energy distribution and industry. The Company generally participates in
the management of its investee companies through representation on boards of
directors and otherwise. As part of its investment activity, Ampal 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. Sometimes, the Company
participates in the investee companies' daily activities by providing managerial
support.
In order to identify investment opportunities in the Israeli market,
the Company is active in those sectors where it believes that the Israeli market
has a competitive advantage in the global market. Currently, the Company has
identified the Israeli high-technology and telecommunications sector as having
attained world-class stature. In addition, the high-technology and
telecommunications sector is experiencing the greatest sector growth within the
Israeli economy. As a result, the Company has, for the past two years, directed
its strategic focus to investing in this sector. In 1999, the Company invested a
total of approximately $10.4 million in seven high-technology companies, most of
which were at the seed-capital or start-up stage. The Company expects to
continue its activities in this sector and anticipates that investments in
high-technology and telecommunications will predominate, in both number and
investment value, among the Company's holdings. The Company is also engaged in
other investments that may have substantial potential, such as facilities for
senior citizens.
Ampal's 42.5%-owned subsidiary, Ophir, has also focused its new
investments in the technology sector, consistent with Ampal's current strategy.
The Company decided to exit certain other investments which, in the
opinion of management, did not meet minimum growth criteria. During 1999, the
Company sold its holdings in Moriah Hotels Ltd., Paradise Industries Ltd. and
various real estate holdings. The Company expects to continue to make further
dispositions of assets which management believes do not meet the Company's
criteria for growth potential. The size of the Israeli market may, however,
restrain expeditious disposition.
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Listed below by industry segment are the Company's most significant
investees, the principal business of each and the percentage of equity owned,
directly or indirectly, by Ampal. The table below also indicates whether the
investee is listed on the American Stock Exchange ("AMEX"), Nasdaq Stock Market
("NASDAQ"), Tel Aviv Stock Exchange ("TASE") or the Canadian Venture Exchange
("CDNX"). For further information with respect to the more significant investee
companies, see below. For additional information concerning the investee
companies, previous 10-K forms of Ampal are herein incorporated by reference.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE
AS OF
INDUSTRY SEGMENT PRINCIPAL BUSINESS DECEMBER 31, 1999(1)
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<S> <C> <C>
HIGH-TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS
Babylon Ltd.-------------------------------------- Translation Software for the Internet 2.1
BreezeCom Ltd.(NASDAQ:"BRZE")--------------------- Wireless Local Area Network 4.3
Camelot Information Technologies Ltd.------------- Systems-Safeguarding Software 18.0(2)
Clalcom Ltd.-------------------------------------- Communications 0.7
Comfy Interactive Movies Ltd.(TASE)--------------- Computer Technology for Children 2.2
Compugen Ltd.------------------------------------- Bioinformatics 1.8
ContactNOW Inc.----------------------------------- Develops Internet-Based Community Enablers 4.6
ElephantX dot com LLC.---------------------------- Develops Software for E-Trading 0.5
Floware Wireless Systems Ltd.--------------------- Broadband Wireless Transmission 2.5
Fundtech Ltd. (NASDAQ: "FNDT")-------------------- Banking Software 0.9
MIRS Communication Company Ltd.------------------- Wireless Communications Service Provider 25.0
Modem Art Ltd.------------------------------------ Develops Programmable Modems 5.0
MuTek Solutions Ltd.------------------------------ Develops Defect-Detecting Software 7.2
Ophir Holdings Ltd. ("Ophir")--------------------- Holding Company 42.5
Attune Networks Ltd.-------------------------- Computer Network Software 7.4(2)
Carmel Bio-Sensors Ltd.----------------------- Glucose-measuring products 5.1(2)
Combox Ltd.----------------------------------- Data Transmission Systems 8.4(2)
Courses Investment in Technology Ltd.--------- Venture Capital Fund 4.6(2)
Dovrat Shrem-Skies Fund '92 Ltd.-------------- Venture Capital Fund 1.2(2)
Elpas Ltd.------------------------------------ Products Using Infra-Red Based
Data Communication Technologies 3.8(2)
Expand Networks Ltd.-------------------------- Internet Data Compression 6.1(2)
Mainsoft Corporation ------------------------- Develops Tools for UNIX 1.3(2)
Nogatech Inc.--------------------------------- Video Communication Compression Technology 3.5(2)
Pelican Security Ltd.------------------------- Internet Data Protection Software 5.7(2)
Real M Technologies Ltd.---------------------- IP Multi-Media Products 5.4(2)
Romidot Ltd.---------------------------------- Optical Checking Instruments 4.0(2)
Syperactive Video Systems Ltd.---------------- Video Coding Technology 14.5(2)
StoreAge Networking Technologies Ltd.--------- Develops Data Storage Software 5.4(2)
PowerDsine Ltd.----------------------------------- Telecommunications Components 13.4
Qronus Interactive Israel (1994) Ltd.------------- Software Quality Products 9.5
ShellCase Ltd. (CDNX: "SSD")---------------------- Packaging Process for Semiconductor Chips 10.3
Shiron Satellite Communications (1996) Ltd.------- Satellite Modems and Fast Internet Access 9.0
Smartlight Ltd.----------------------------------- X-Ray Film Digital Viewer 8.9
Trinet Venture Capital Ltd..---------------------- Venture Capital Fund 50.0
Netformx Ltd.--------------------------------- Develops Network Design Tools 20.7(2)(3)
Peptor Ltd.----------------------------------- Pharmaceutical Products 0.6(3)
Smart Link Ltd.------------------------------- Developer of Software Modems 17.9(3)
U.D.S.-Ultimate Distribution Systems Ltd.--------- Distribution Software 12.1
VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies Ltd.----------- Advanced Optical Products 8.8
XACCT Technologies (1997) Ltd.-------------------- TCP/IP Network Software 16.7
REAL ESTATE
Am-Hal Ltd.--------------------------------------- Chain of Senior Citizen Facilities 100.0
Ampal (Israel) Ltd.------------------------------- Holding Company and Real Estate 100.0
Ampal Realty Corporation-------------------------- Commercial Real Estate 100.0
Bay Heart Limited--------------------------------- Shopping Mall Owner/Lessor 37.0
Etz Vanir Ltd. and Yakhin Mataim Ltd.------------- Citrus Groves 50.0(4)
Frenkel Lefkovitz & Co.--------------------------- Real Estate 20.0
Nir Ltd.------------------------------------------ Commercial Real Estate 99.9
Ophir Holdings Ltd. ("Ophir")--------------------- Holding Company 42.5
Industrial Buildings Corporation
Ltd. (TASE)---------------------------------- Industrial Real Estate 5.2(2)
Lysh The Coastal High-way Ltd.---------------- Commercial Real Estate 10.6(2)
Meimadim Investments Ltd.--------------------- Commercial Real Estate 6.3(2)
New Horizons (1993) Ltd.---------------------- Commercial Real Estate 34.0(2)
Shmey-Bar Group------------------------------- Commercial Real Estate 9.4(2)
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
ENERGY DISTRIBUTION AND INDUSTRY
Carmel Container Systems Limited
(AMEX: "KML")------------------------------------ Packaging Materials and Carton Production 20.7
Granite Hacarmel Investments Ltd. (TASE)---------- Distribution of Refined Petroleum Products 20.3
M.D.F. Industries Ltd.---------------------------- Medium Density Fiber Products 50.0
LEISURE-TIME
Coral World International Limited----------------- Underwater Observatories and Marine Parks 50.0
Country Club Kfar Saba Limited-------------------- Country Club Facility 51.0
Hod Hasharon Sport Center (1992)
Limited Partnership------------------------------ Country Club Facility 50.0
CAPITAL MARKETS AND OTHER HOLDINGS
Ampal Development (Israel) Ltd.------------------- Holding Company 100.0
Ampal Industries (Israel) Ltd.-------------------- Holding Company 100.0
Bank Leumi le'Israel B.M.------------------------- Israeli Commercial Bank 0.9
Blue Square-Israel Ltd.--------------------------- Supermarket Chain 3.9
Epsilon Investment House Ltd. and
Renaissance Investment Company Ltd.-------------- Portfolio Management and Underwriting Services 20.0
Renaissance Israel-------------------------------- Investment Fund 15.0
</TABLE>
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(1) Based upon current ownership percentage. Does not give effect to any
potential dilution.
(2) As of December 31, 1999, Ophir Holdings Ltd. held the following
percentage interests:
Attune Networks Ltd.------------------------------------- 17.5
Camelot Information Technologies Ltd.-------------------- 12.6
Carmel Bio-Sensors Ltd.---------------------------------- 12.0
Combox Ltd.---------------------------------------------- 19.7
Courses Investment in Technology Ltd.-------------------- 5.0
Dovrat Shrem-Skies Fund '92 Ltd.------------------------- 2.9
Elpas Ltd.----------------------------------------------- 9.0
Expand Networks Ltd.------------------------------------- 14.3
Industrial Buildings Corporation Ltd.-------------------- 12.2
Lysh The Coastal High-way Ltd.--------------------------- 25.0
Mainsoft Corporation Ltd.-------------------------------- 3.0
Meimadim Investments Ltd.-------------------------------- 10.0
Netformx Ltd.-------------------------------------------- 5.7
New Horizons (1993) Ltd.--------------------------------- 80.0
Nogatech, Inc.------------------------------------------- 8.2
Pelican Security Ltd.------------------------------------ 13.5
Real M Technologies Ltd.--------------------------------- 12.6
Romidot Ltd.--------------------------------------------- 9.4
Shmey-Bar (I.A.) 1993 Ltd.,
Shmey-Bar (T.H.) 1993 Ltd. and
Shmey-Bar Real Estate 1993 Ltd.-------------------------- 22.2
Syperactive Video Systems Ltd.--------------------------- 34.0
StoreAge Networking Technologies Ltd.-------------------- 12.8
The Company's percentage of the above companies reflects 42.5% of
Ophir's ownership plus any direct holdings.
(3) As of December 31, 1999, Trinet Venture Capital Ltd. held the
following percentage interests:
Netformx Ltd.-------------------------------------------- 29.2
Peptor Ltd.---------------------------------------------- 1.2
Smart Link Ltd.------------------------------------------ 34.3
The Company's percentage of the above companies reflects 50% of
Trinet's ownership plus any direct holdings.
(4) Please refer to "Legal Proceedings."
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SIGNIFICANT RECENT DEVELOPMENTS SINCE THE END OF LAST FISCAL YEAR
On January 10, 2000, the Company invested $1 million to acquire a 2.9%
interest in BridgeWave Communications Inc. ("BridgeWave"). BridgeWave develops
products that enable the transmission of broadband wireless services from point
to multi-point (PMP) in the local loop. The company has wireless solutions that
seamlessly integrate with existing cable and DSL networks.
On January 20, 2000, the Company invested $.75 million to acquire a 20%
interest in Xpert Ltd., a software and systems integrator specializing in
systems security.
On February 4, 2000, the Company, through Ophir, entered into an
agreement with Terayon Communication Systems, Inc. ("Terayon"), a leading
supplier of broadband network systems, to sell its holdings in Combox Ltd.
("Combox"). Under the terms of this agreement, Ophir will exchange its 19.7%
interest in Combox for approximately 150,000 shares of Terayon, valued at
approximately $17.7 million as of the market close on February 3, 2000. Ophir
acquired Combox for approximately $2.3 million. The market price of Terayon's
shares as of the market close on March 27, 2000 was $216-5/8 per share.
On February 8, 2000, the Company purchased 396,000 shares of Arel
Communications and Software Ltd. ("Arel"), representing a 4.9% interest in
Arel, a leading provider of interactive distance learning systems, for $6
million.
On February 28, 2000, the Company made an additional $1.8 million
investment in PowerDsine, Ltd. ("PowerDsine"), a developer of telecommunications
components for advanced telecom and data communication equipment, as part of a
$22 million private placement. As a result of this transaction, the Company's
equity interest was diluted to 10.8%.
On March 13, 2000, the Company invested $.5 million to acquire 13% of
G.O.L Geometry-On-Line, Inc., which engages in development, production and
marketing of a 3D browser/publisher that enables fast progressive viewing,
compression and streaming of 3D models.
On March 22, 2000, the Company and Ophir invested $2.75 million and $1
million, respectively, in Netformx Ltd. ("Netformx"), and converted debentures
in the amount of $.6 million and $.2 million, respectively, as part of an
approximately $19.7 million private placement ($15 million in new investments
and $4.7 million by conversion of debentures). As a result of these
transactions, the Company's net equity interest in Netformx decreased to 20.2%.
On March 23, 2000 the Company's investee, BreezeCOM Ltd. ("BreezeCOM"),
a developer and manufacturer of wireless access products, completed an initial
public offering of 5 million shares in the United States and raised $100 million
(at $20 per share). The Company holds approximately 815,000 shares of BreezeCOM
which were acquired for $1.1 million.
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HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS
BABYLON LTD. ("BABYLON")
In May 1999, the Company invested $.5 million to acquire a 2.1% equity
interest in Babylon Ltd., an Israeli corporation which develops and distributes
the Babylon single click translation software for Internet and e-mail users.
Babylon's language applications already provide translation support for
85% of the emerging non-English speaking Internet market, including Spanish,
Japanese, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Hebrew and Chinese in both
simplified and traditional dialects. With a single click on any word, Babylon's
technology allows its users to find definitions, translations and links to more
information on a particular word. Its Single Click Translator allows users to
convert currencies, metrics and time zones, making e-business a more global
experience.
In 1998 Babylon won Best of Show at CEBIT and in just the past year,
the company won a prestigious award from the Japanese Ministry of International
Trade and Industry (MITI), entered into a partnership agreement with The New
York Times to provide the publication's international readers with online
translation support and introduced Babylon Single Click Translator and BabyloNet
in the United States. To date, Babylon has over 40 partnerships worldwide.
BREEZECOM LTD. ("BREEZE")
Breeze is an Israeli company which is a leading developer and
manufacturer of wireless access products used worldwide by service providers and
private enterprises. Incorporating internally developed core technologies
optimized for high-speed data, most products use spread spectrum radio
transmission, digital signal processing and wireless packet switching
technology. Breeze has three product lines: BreezeACCESS for service providers
in licensed and unlicensed frequency bands, BreezeNET for wireless campus
networks in unlicensed bands and BreezeLINK for point-to-point T1/E1
connectivity.
Breeze increased its sales during 1999 to more than $40 million. On
March 23, 2000, Breeze completed an initial public offering of 5 million shares
on the NASDAQ and raised $100 million (at $20 per share). The Company holds
approximately 815,000 shares of Breeze.
At December 31, 1999, the Company had invested $1 million in Breeze for
a 4.3% equity interest. In January 2000, the Company invested an additional $.1
million in Breeze. After the public offering, its equity interest in Breeze was
diluted to 3.3%.
CAMELOT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES LTD. ("CAMELOT")
In April 1999, the Company invested $1.25 million for a 14.1% equity
interest in Camelot based on the company's valuation of $5.4 million
(pre-money). Ophir invested a corresponding amount (see "Ophir"). Camelot is an
Israeli corporation engaged in developing intelligent adaptive systems for
detecting illegal and suspicious activities on organizations' computer systems.
In November 1999, SoftBank, a prominent Japanese venture capital fund,
invested $1.25 million for an 11.1% equity interest in Camelot based on a
company valuation of $10 million (pre-money). As a result of this transaction,
the Company's direct interest in Camelot was reduced to 12.6% (net equity
interest is 18%.)
CONTACTNOW INC. ("CONTACTNOW") FORMERLY COMMUNITY 4U INC.
During 1999, the Corporation invested $.5 million to acquire 4.6% of
ContactNOW, which developed an Internet-activated anonymous telephony service.
By using the ContactNOW service, an Internet user can initiate a regular phone
call to any other Internet user simply by clicking on his/her e-mail address,
ICQ number, YahooID or any
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other identification alias. The actual telephone numbers of both parties remain
confidential.
COMPUGEN LTD. ("COMPUGEN")
In 1998 the Company invested $1 million for a 1.8% equity interest in
Compugen, an Israeli bioinformatics corporation which engages in the development
of algorithms and models for the interpretation of biological processes. Ampal's
investment was part of an approximately $15 million round of financing of
Compugen by Clal Biotechnology Industries Ltd., Evergreen and Hapoalim
Investments Ltd.("INV."), based on a pre-investment company valuation of $44
million.
FLOWARE WIRELESS SYSTEMS LTD. ("FLOWARE")
Floware develops products that enable the transmission of broadband
wireless services from point to multi-point (PMP) presence in the local loop.
Floware offers highly competitive broadband wireless system solutions that allow
new telecom operators to easily connect business customers to their networks.
Floware specializes in broadband/wideband Point-to-MultiPoint (PMP) wireless
access solutions for the growing deregulated telecommunications marketplace
worldwide. Floware's wireless access technology helps new telecom operators
provide cost-effective data and voice communications for their business
customers.
In September 1999, the Company invested $2.5 million, at a pre-money
valuation of approximately $80 million, for an approximately 2.45% equity
interest in Floware. The Company's investment in Floware was representative of
the Company's commitment to expanding its investments in the telecommunications
and technology sectors in Israel.
During the first quarter of 2000, Siemens AG, a global powerhouse in
telecommunications, electrical engineering and electronics and a strategic
investor in Floware, significantly increased its equity interest in Floware from
10% to 28% based on a pre-money valuation of $230 million. As a result of this
transaction, the Company's interest in Floware was reduced to 1.66%.
FUNDTECH LTD. ("FUNDTECH")
Fundtech is an Israeli company which designs, builds and sells payment
systems to financial institutions and their customers, using advanced technology
and innovative human engineering. In March 1998, Fundtech completed a public
offering of its shares. Ampal sold 129,800 shares in 1999 and recorded net
realized and unrealized gains, after taxes, of $1.1 million and $1.3 million,
respectively. At December 31, 1999, Ampal owned 129,021 shares of Fundtech.
MIRS COMMUNICATION COMPANY LTD ("MIRS")
MIRS, which is the largest investment in Ampal's history, represents a
cornerstone in Ampal's strategic planning for the future. On January 22, 1998,
the Company completed its purchase of a one-third interest in the assets of a
new wireless communications service provider, MIRS Communication Company
Ltd.("MIRS") for $110 million. In March 1998, the Company transferred its
interest in MIRS to a limited partnership. A wholly-owned Israeli subsidiary of
Ampal is the general partner of the partnership and owns 75.1% of the
partnership. The limited partners of the partnership reimbursed the Company for
their pro-rata share of expenses incurred by the Company in connection with the
original purchase from Motorola Israel. MIRS, which is one-third owned by the
partnership and two-thirds owned by Motorola Israel, coordinates and operates in
Israel the digital and analog public-shared two-way radio and other services
previously furnished by Motorola Israel. The digital wireless communication
service is based on Motorola Israel's iDEN integrated wireless communication
technology, which is known as MIRS in Israel. The MIRS system employs a unique
radio technology, developed by Motorola Israel, and provides an integrated
service platform of digital wireless communications services. These services are
targeted primarily to commercial customers.
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MIRS recently received a license from the Israeli Ministry of
Communications permitting it to provide its communications services. The two
disadvantages of this license are that there are no CPP (calling party pays)
agreements and no connectivity agreement with Bezek (the local telephone
provider). MIRS is now negotiating changes in its license terms with the
Ministry of Communications. During 1999, MIRS exceeded most of its business
goals based on which Ampal's investment was made. MIRS has over 140,000
subscribers in the commercial, governmental, municipal, security and military
sectors. In 1999, MIRS distributed a $4.6 million dividend and in March, 2000,
MIRS' Board of Directors declared a $4.8 million dividend based on 1999 results.
MIRS strongly positioned itself in the commercial sector, announcing a very
aggressive pricing strategy for the cellular services market, resulting in
increased revenues in 1999 and an increase in its customer base.
The main goal of MIRS is to provide a new wireless advanced
communications service to the commercial, governmental and military sectors
according to quality standards set by Motorola, in order to give a full and
satisfying solution to all wireless communications needs.
The communications infrastructures operated by MIRS are as follows:
MIRS Network - the leading digital infrastructure of MIRS, which offers a wide
variety of communications services in national deployment, which include instant
radio communication, private and group communication, mobile telephone services,
short message services and data communication.
Rav-Gal - provides the subscribers with analog trunking, enabling regional group
communication.
Hyunit/Bakarit Networks - control systems allowing the subscriber to receive
beeper indications of the system's regular or irregular condition, as well as
indications of alarms and security in unmanned systems or installations.
At present, over 4 million subscribers are using the MIRS system worldwide- in
the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Japan, China, Korea, Mexico, Peru,
Singapore and Colombia. By the end of 1999, MIRS had more than 140,000
subscribers in Israel, as compared to 100,000 subscribers in 1998.
THE MAIN COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES OF THE MIRS SYSTEMS ARE:
- - Instant private communication
- - Instant group communication
- - High quality telephone calls with additional services, such as voice-mail,
call waiting, last number dialing, etc.
- - Two telephone numbers per subscriber - optional
- - Smart voice-mail, including automatic indication on incoming messages
- - Hebrew/English SMS, sent from the user's P.C.
- - 19.6 kbps net rate data transmission
- - Video on MIRS - enables transmission of digital/video pictures via MIRS
- - Business Networks - instant private calls between companies and organizations
that belong to the same business network
- - On-going information updates through the Internet regarding the current
billing status of the customer's subscriber units
- - 96 kbps rate advanced Packet-Data communications, using TCP/IP protocols
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- - MIRS subscriber unit with integrated browser
- - Easy access from the lap-top to the customer's office/home computer
applications
- - Fast access to information services and e-mail, directly from the MIRS
subscriber unit
- - Alphanumeric messages can be sent to the MIRS subscriber unit through a
manned paging center or through the Internet
MUTEK SOLUTIONS LTD. ("MUTEK")
MuTek, which was founded in 1996, develops software tools for the
programming, testing and support production environments, that enable trapping
and reproducing defects in software systems, using its unique executable hooking
technology.
The Company has invested $1.45 million in MuTek and its equity interest
was 7.2% at December 31, 1999. During December 1999, MuTek completed a private
placement raising $6 million. In February 2000, MuTek raised an additional $2.2
million, which reduced the Company's interest to 6.8%.
NETFORMX, LTD. ("NETFORMX")
The Company has a 20.7% equity interest in Netformx, directly and
indirectly through Trinet and Ophir. Netformx develops and markets the award
winning CANE(R) family of network design, analysis and simulation tools. CANE,
the emerging standard in Computer Aided Network Engineering, is the only
integrated, end-to-end, multi-layer, network design tool on the market.
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 a highly sophisticated package built from the ground up to
resolve network chaos and manage the accelerating pace of network change while
reducing network equipment, consulting and staff costs.
During 1999, Netformx signed a strategic agreement with Cisco, making
its products the tools which Cisco utilizes to design computer networks. This
agreement with Cisco also resulted in significant sales for the company.
Netformx is now positioning itself to become the preferred tool in the design
and maintenance of networks.
In 1999, the Company invested approximately $.6 million in Netformx's
convertible debentures. On March 22, 2000, the Company and Ophir invested $2.75
million and $1 million, respectively, in Netformx, and converted debentures in
the amount of $.6 million and $.2 million, respectively, as part of an
approximately $19.7 million private placement ($15 million in new investments
and $4.7 million by conversion of debentures). As a result of these
transactions, the Company's net equity interest in Netformx decreased to 20.2%.
(1) OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD. ("OPHIR")
Ophir has invested in two mutual funds and fourteen start-up companies
in the high-technology sector. During 1999, Ophir invested $7 million in
start-up companies.
Included among Ophir's investments are the following companies:
ATTUNE NETWORKS LTD. is developing a software system permitting quick
and continuous identification of difficulties and interruptions in various
communications networks. Ophir invested $1.5 million for a 17.5% equity
interest.
ELPAS LTD. has developed a system, based on infra-red communications
technology, is designed to make optimal use of technical and human resources in
emergency rooms. Ophir invested $1 million to acquire 9% of the company.
EXPAND NETWORKS LTD. ("Expand") developed technology designed to
accelerate
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communications over diverse network infrastructures and improve broadband
efficiency, therefore yielding significant savings in communications
infrastructure costs. Expand is negotiating a third round of financing raising
$15-25 million at a post-money valuation of $70-90 million. Ophir invested $1.1
million to acquire 14.3% of Expand.
NOGATECH INC. ("Nogatech") provides compression chips for video
connectivity between video devices and computers. The products enable real-time
transaction of video, audio and data signals into personal computers and
personal digital assistants. Nogatech's sales increased from $3.2 million in
1998 to $8.9 million in 1999. On March 14, 2000, Nogatech filed for an initial
public offering to sell up to $57.5 million in stock on the NASDAQ. Ophir
invested $2.25 million to acquire 8.2% of Nogatech.
PELICAN SECURITY LTD. is developing a protection program as a solution
to safeguarding data on both the Internet and intranet. Ophir invested $1
million for a 13.5% equity interest.
STOREAGE NETWORKING TECHNOLOGIES LTD. is developing software to store
data on communications networks. Ophir invested $1.1 million for a 12.8% equity
interest.
On March 29, 1999, Memco Software Ltd. ("Memco"), 9.3% - owned by
Ophir, merged with Platinum Technology International Inc. ("Platinum"). As a
result of this merger, Ophir exchanged its 1,626,397 shares of Memco for
1,360,000 shares of Platinum. Concurrently, Platinum signed a merger agreement
with Computer Associates International, Inc. ("CA") whereby CA agreed to acquire
Platinum for $29.25 per share. The transaction was completed in June 1999 and
Ophir received approximately $40 million. Ophir recorded a gain of $33.3 million
($21.3 million after taxes). Ampal recorded equity in the above gain of
approximately $9 million ($6 million after taxes).
RECENT TRANSACTIONS
On February 4, 2000, the Company, through Ophir, entered into an
agreement with Terayon Communication Systems, Inc. ("Terayon"), a leading
supplier of broadband network systems, to sell its holdings in Combox Ltd.
("Combox"). Under the terms of this agreement, Ophir will exchange its 19.7%
interest in Combox for approximately 150,000 shares of Terayon, valued at
approximately $17.7 million as of the market close on February 3, 2000. Ophir
acquired Combox for approximately $2.3 million. The market price of Terayon's
shares as of the market close on March 27, 2000 was $216-5/8 per share.
POWERDSINE LTD. ("POWERDSINE")
PowerDsine develops cutting-edge power component solutions for advanced
telecom and data communications equipment. The need for sophisticated solutions
to transfer power between nodes along a network has become acute with the
explosive growth of broadband communications along various infrastructure media
such as copper, cable and wireless. These advanced systems are unable to support
and supply the requisite power needs using conventional power solutions, due to
constraints on performance, cost and "real estate". At the same time, the demand
for these advanced power solutions has compelled telecom equipment providers to
replace their in-house efforts with third party solutions. Based on its advanced
DSP power-switching technology, PowerDsine supplies leading equipment providers
with a range of sophisticated solutions, including the recently unveiled
Power-over-LAN technology. The innovative Power-over-Lan solution enables the
delivery of operating power for Ethernet terminals over the standard LAN cabling
infrastructure, thereby facilitating the convergence of voice and data
communications.
PowerDsine's revolutionary Power-over-LAN technology will pave the path
for a unified network that supplies data, voice and power through a single
access point. PowerDsine will leverage this technological breakthrough to
position the company at the forefront of the telecom components markets.
PowerDsine has become a leading player in the telecom component market
with more than 200 design wins and sales to over 100 telecom equipment
providers, including Nortel, Fujitsu, Newbridge Networks, Lucent Technologies,
Alcatel, Ericsson and Siemens.
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PowerDsine's commitment to constant development in close partnership with its
clients has culminated in a sound competitive and technological advantage that
it shares with its customers.
During 1999, PowerDsine's sales increased to $4.4 million, up from $1.5
million in 1998.
The company's investment in PowerDsine at December 31, 1999 was $3
million, and its equity interest was 13.4%. As part of a $22 million private
placement during February 2000, the Company invested $1.8 million by
exercising its pre-emptive rights. As a result of the above, the Company
currently has a 10.8% equity interest in PowerDsine. The last round of financing
was at a company valuation (post-money) of $72 million.
SHELLCASE LTD. ("SHELLCASE")
ShellCase has developed a proprietary, patented chip size packaging
(CSP) technology for silicon devices using a wafer-level process. The packaging
technology is used in various applications such as mobile electronics, cell
phones and image sensors for digital photography. ShellCase is publicly traded
on the Canadian Venture Exchange. The company invested $2 million in ShellCase
and its equity interest at December 31, 1999 was 10.3%.
In January 2000, ShellCase completed a private placement in which
Israel Infinity Venture Capital Funds ("Infinity") acquired 52.8% and the
Company converted a $430,000 loan into 718,102 preferred shares. As a result of
this transaction, the Company received 1,729,409 ordinary shares of ShellCase
from Toyo Ink Manufacturing Co, Ltd. ("Toyo"), per previously granted
anti-dilution rights, as a consequence of Toyo's reducing its interest in
ShellCase to 9%. As a result of the above, the Company currently owns 17.6% of
ShellCase.
SHIRON SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS (1996) LTD. ("SHIRON")
Shiron developed a line of satellite modems which achieve high data
rates, designed to answer the requirements of satellite data and voice
applications such as rural telephony, video conferencing and other applications.
In addition, Shiron developed a two-way fast internet access via satellite
systems.
Shiron's system offers an up-link channel while most competing systems
provide only download capability. Shiron completed its initial phase of product
development in 1998 and sales reached $2.4 million in 1999, up from $.2 million
in 1998.
Shiron is in the process of completing a $6.5 million private placement
(pre-money valuation of approximately $20 million), which will include the
Company's investment of $.6 million by way of exercising its pre-emptive rights.
The company has invested $1,250,000 in Shiron, and its equity interest at
December 31, 1999 was 9%.
SMARTLIGHT LTD. ("SMARTLIGHT")
SmartLight is a manufacturer and marketer of computerized x-ray
viewers. SmartLight's viewers provide physicians and technicians with images
which are up to 50% richer in detail.
SmartLight's sales in 1999 rose to more than $5 million vs. $2.7
million in 1998. SmartLight is in advanced negotiations with strategic partners.
The Company invested $2.5 million to acquire an 8.9% interest in SmartLight.
SMART LINK, LTD. ("SMART LINK")
Smart Link is a developer and marketer of software modems. During 1999
Smart Link increased its sales to $11.6 million, up from $2 million in 1998. The
company expects 2000 to be a breakthrough year for sales and is working on the
next generation of products. Smart Link recently completed a $14 million private
placement, and the Company's net equity interest decreased to 15.1%.
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Trinet, a 50%-owned affiliate, has invested $1.5 million in Smart Link
and had an equity interest of 34.3% at December 31, 1999. When combined with the
Company's direct investment of $150,000 (0.8% equity interest), the Company's
net equity interest in Smart Link at December 31, 1999 was 17.9%.
TRINET VENTURE CAPITAL LTD. ("TRINET")
The Company and Poalim Investments Ltd. ("Poalim Investments")
established Trinet, a venture capital fund for investments in high-technology
ventures in Israel, including start-up entities. Trinet invested in several
high-technology companies, including Netformx and Smart Link (as
aforementioned), Sim Player.com Ltd. ("Sim Player") (sold in 1999), and Peptor
Ltd. On March 15, 2000, Trinet exercised its option to repurchase a portion of
the shares of Sim Player that it sold in 1999, as a result of the significant
appreciation in Sim Player's share price.
VISIONCARE OPHTHALMIC TECHNOLOGIES LTD. ("VISIONCARE")
VisionCare develops and markets unique, proprietary ophthalmic
implantable products that give patients better and more natural visual function
with improved quality of life. VisionCare's products meet the growing demand for
innovative devices to treat age-related eye disorders, affecting tens of
millions of people. VisionCare's first product is the patented Implantable
Miniaturized Telescope ("IMT"), a solution for macular degeneration, a disease
that affects 5 million Americans, destroying their central vision. IMT, which
restores central vision without the need for special glasses, is being
introduced to the market in the first quarter of 2000. The company is also
developing new implantable devices for the treatment of tunnel vision and other
ophthalmic diseases. Initial clinical trials have been successful and
VisionCare's production facility has received ISO-9001 certification. In 1999,
VisionCare conducted a private placement based on the company's valuation of
more than $20 million. The Company invested $730,000 in VisionCare and its
equity interest at December 31, 1999 was 8.8%.
XACCT TECHNOLOGIES (1997) LTD. ("XACCT")
XACCT is a leading provider of intelligent business infrastructure
software for telecommunications carriers, Internet service providers, enterprise
network operators and cable network operators, referred to collectively as
network service providers. XACCT's infrastructure platform allows network
service providers to leverage the rapid growth of Internet services and data
traffic to increase revenue opportunities. This foundation technology provides a
single point of interface between the operations and business support systems of
network service providers and the physical network. Network service providers
use XACCT's platform's comprehensive real-time collection, data aggregation and
automated user account provisioning capabilities to deploy new business models
and higher-margin, enhanced services. As of December 31, 1999, XACCT had
licensed its business software to over 20 network service providers. XACCT's
customers include Bell Nexxia, Global One, GTE Internetworking, Harvard
University, Mannesman Ipulsys, MCI Worldcom, Siemens, TV Cabo, Verio and UUNET.
In addition, XACCT has developed strategic alliances or collaborative
relationship with a group of over 70 system integrators, value-added resellers,
networking infrastructure vendors and software applications vendors.
XACCT is acknowledged as a world leader in this industry, was elected
as the "Product of the Year" in the billing category by the Internet Telephony
magazine and was elected among the top 25 start-ups for 1998.
At December 31, 1998, the Company's investment in XACCT was $2.5
million. On October 12, 1999, the Company, as part of a third round financing,
made an additional investment of approximately $5 million. At December 31, 1999,
the Company's equity interest in XACCT was 16.7%.
On March 27, 2000, Sun Microsystems, Inc. and several other investors
invested a total of $15.5 million in XACCT, which diluted the Company's equity
interest to approximately 15%. On March 28, 2000, XACCT filed its S-1 with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
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 is in most respects
regarded in Israel as the functional equivalent of ownership. It is the Israeli
government's policy to renew its long-term
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leases (which usually have a term of 49 years) upon their expiration.
AMPAL DEVELOPMENT (ISRAEL) LTD. ("AMPAL DEVELOPMENT"), NIR LTD. ("NIR")
AND AMPAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LTD. ("AMPAL FINANCIAL") (TOGETHER, THE
"HOLDING COMPANIES")
Ampal Development, Nir and Ampal Financial, each of which is
wholly-owned by the Company, are engaged in the business of financing
acquisitions by the Company, and until July 1999, holding and leasing commercial
real estate in Israel. Prior to 1989, these companies had acted primarily as
lenders, and their financing activities were the principal activities of the
Company. In 1990, the Holding Companies sold substantially all their loan
portfolios to Bank Hapoalim B.M. ("Hapoalim"), and they relinquished their
banking licenses.
It has been reported in the media that Israeli banks are the subject of
allegations that they engaged in improper business practices regarding lending.
The lending practices engaged in by the Holding Companies were substantially
similar to the lending practices of the other Israeli banks. Two claims, one in
the amount of 3.6 million New Israeli Shekels ("NIS" or "shekels")
(approximately $865,000) and another one in the amount of NIS 4.0 million
(together with Hapoalim) have already been filed with the District Court in Tel
Aviv. However, to the best of the Company's knowledge, the Company's
subsidiaries, which operated as banking institutions, acted within the law and
in accordance with the procedures and customs in effect at the time. On November
19, 1998, the District Court of Tel Aviv ruled that the statute of limitations
applies to the majority of the first plaintiff's claim, and thereby rejected
same. The plaintiff filed an appeal with the High Court of Appeals, and withdrew
the remainder of its claim until the Appellate Court ruling. The Company expects
to continue to vigorously defend the two claims. The Company believes that its
exposure to additional such claims is minimal due to the fact that its banking
activity is subject to the statute of limitations, and the fact that the courts
in Israel, as in the case of the claim against the Company as described above,
do not support claims concerning events that happened more than seven years ago.
In addition to the above transaction, Ampal Development sold a property
that was previously leased by Hapoalim to an unrelated party and recorded a gain
of $.3 million.
On July 6, 1999, the Company completed a transaction with Hapoalim and two
wholly-owned subsidiaries of Hapoalim, which provided for the following:
(a) The Company acquired from Hapoalim all of its holdings in
Ampal - 5,874,281 shares of Class A Stock, 3,350 shares of 4%
Preferred Stock and 122,536 shares of 6 1/2% Preferred Stock
for $31.5 million.
(b) The Company sold to Hapoalim's subsidiary seven real estate
properties totaling 53,000 sq. ft., which had previously been
leased to and occupied by Hapoalim, for $14.7 million.
(c) Ampal's subsidiary renewed the lease agreement with Hapoalim
with respect to a 4,400 sq. ft. branch in Bnei Brak, Israel
for ten years at an annual rental income of $346,000.
As a result of the above transaction, the Company recorded a gain of $9.2
million ($6 million net of taxes) on the sale of the aforementioned real estate
properties in the December 31, 1999 consolidated financial statements.
At December 31, 1999, Ampal Development owned a 2,000 square foot
property in Tel Aviv and received rental income of approximately $.7 million in
1999 which includes rental income of $.6 million for the properties which were
sold to Hapoalim. Nir owns four commercial properties located in Israel
aggregating approximately 18,000 square feet for which it received approximately
$.5 million in rent in 1999. Though Ampal Financial no longer owns any real
estate property, it received approximately $.3 million in rental income in 1999
for the properties that were sold during the year.
Ampal Development issued debentures which are publicly traded on the
TASE. An
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aggregate of approximately $15.8 million of these debentures were outstanding as
of December 31, 1999. Ampal Development has deposited with Hapoalim funds
sufficient to pay all principal and interest on these debentures.
AM-HAL LTD. ("AM-HAL")
Am-Hal is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. On December 31,
1999, the Company invested $6 million to purchase a 50% equity interest in
Am-Hal from the Israel Corporation and currently owns 100% of Am-Hal.
Am-Hal has developed and operates a luxury senior citizens center in
Rishon Lezion, a city located approximately 10 miles south of Tel Aviv. The
center, which was completed in March 1992, includes 162 apartments (of which 154
were occupied on December 31, 1999), an 80-bed geriatric ward, a swimming pool
and other recreational facilities. The geriatric ward is leased by Am-Hal to a
non-affiliated health care provider until 2002. Rental payments are based upon
the profits of the geriatric ward, with a minimum rent of $340,000 per year.
The aggregate cost of the center was approximately $21 million, and was
financed principally by loans made or guaranteed by the shareholders and
refundable tenant deposits. These loans have been repaid.
Due to the success of this project and the increased demand for such
services, Am-Hal has entered into a joint venture agreement with, among others,
the owner of a property consisting of 2.5 acres of land in Hod Hasharon, a city
located approximately 7 miles north of Tel Aviv. The joint venture is
constructing a senior citizens center on this site, a building of approximately
250,000 square feet (the building in Rishon Le-Zion is approximately 120,000
square feet). The center will include 244 apartments, a 34-bed geriatric ward
and a 26-bed nursing care center. The joint venture anticipates that the center
will open in June 2000. The total cost of the project will be approximately $42
million. By the end of 1999, 53 apartments had been sold.
AMPAL (ISRAEL) LTD. ("AMPAL (ISRAEL)")
Ampal (Israel), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ampal, owns an
approximately 57,000 square foot commercial property located in Tel Aviv which
houses its principal offices. A portion of this property was leased to Hapoalim
and another portion was leased to Moriah. In July 1999, the Company sold 7,000
square feet of the aforementioned property to Hapoalim and received 135,345
shares of the Company's stock at $5 per share, totaling approximately $.7
million. Total rental income was $.4 million. Ampal (Israel) also acts as a
holding company for other investments discussed elsewhere in this Report.
AMPAL REALTY CORPORATION ("AMPAL REALTY")
Ampal Realty owns two condominium units totaling approximately 163,000
square feet in a 290,000 square foot office building located at 800 Second
Avenue, New York, New York. The building is 43.8%-occupied by the Consulate of
the Government of Israel in New York and many other Israeli government offices.
At December 31, 1999, Ampal Realty had a $15 million note payable to
Hapoalim, with an interest rate of LIBOR plus .75%, which matures on May 31,
2000.
During 1999, Ampal Realty recorded rental income of approximately $4.7
million and invested $1 million for capital improvements.
Currently, 98% of the space owned by Ampal Realty in the building is
occupied.
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 modern three-story facility with
approximately 280,000 square feet of
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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. Approximately 37,500 square feet of the Mall are occupied by
Supersol Ltd., one of the two largest Israeli supermarket chains, and the parent
of a co-investor in Bay Heart. Shekem Department Stores, a major Israeli
department store, is the other anchor tenant under a net lease for approximately
29,000 square feet of retail and approximately 9,000 square feet of storage and
other space expiring in 2011. As of December 31, 1999, approximately 97% of the
Mall was occupied, primarily under two-year leases, with options to extend for
four additional years, except for anchor tenants. The total cost of the Mall was
approximately $53 million, which was financed principally with debt. The Company
owns 37% of Bay Heart.
Three construction projects are in various stages of completion as
follows:
1. A train station is planned for the west side of the mall.
Building permits are expected to be issued imminently.
2. A transportation complex in conjunction with a subsidiary of
Egged Bus Company, is planned for the south side of the mall.
The design and contract phases have been completed and
building permits are expected soon.
3. A new gas station is currently under construction.
All these projects are expected to increase mall attendance.
ETZ VANIR LTD. ("ETZ VANIR") AND YAKHIN MATAIM LTD. ("YAKHIN MATAIM")
Both Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim cultivate orange, grapefruit,
clementine, lemon and avocado groves in Israel, both for export and domestic
use, pursuant to various long-term land leases which, including renewal options,
do not expire until the mid-21st century. These properties are located near the
city of Netanya between an existing and a proposed highway. Approximately 1,200
acres are presently under cultivation by these two companies.
Ampal owns 50% of the equity of Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim. The
remaining 50% of the equity of these companies is owned by an unrelated company,
Yakhin Hakal Ltd. ("Yakhin Hakal") which manages their operations. Because of a
dispute between Ampal and Yakhin Hakal regarding the operating agreement for the
companies, Ampal had requested that an Israeli court declare the agreement null
and void, and, in its response, Yakhin Hakal had stated that the companies owed
it approximately $4 million for services it had rendered to the companies. The
court ruled that Ampal and Yakhin Hakal should jointly appoint an additional
director of these companies, who will cast the deciding vote in cases of
dispute. Yakhin Hakal filed an appeal and requested a stay concerning the
implementation of the court's ruling. The appeal was denied by the Israeli
Supreme Court. The parties subsequently agreed to the appointment of the
Honorable Dov Levine, a retired judge, as the additional director with the
deciding vote. In addition, both Ampal and Yakhin Hakal have appointed
independent accountants who will jointly prepare Etz Vanir's and Yakhin Mataim's
financial statements. Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim have not reported their
financial results to Ampal since 1990 and, therefore, their financial results
have not been included in the Company's financial statements.
In February 1995, Yakhin Hakal and its affiliates commenced a legal
proceeding seeking to cause Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim to redeem perpetual
debentures owned by Ampal and to require Ampal to surrender all of its preferred
shares of Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim for their par value, which is nominal.
On July 27, 1998, a Tel Aviv District Court judge ruled in favor of
Yakhin Hakal the manager and co-owner of Ampal's 50%-owned affiliates Etz Vanir
and Yakhin Mataim. The judge's decision allows Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim to
redeem debentures owned by Ampal for approximately $.8 million and to require
Ampal to surrender all of its preferred shares of Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim
for their par value. After the redemption and surrender, Ampal will no longer
have any interest in Etz Vanir or Yakhin Mataim.
At the request of Ampal's attorneys, the Tel Aviv District Court has
issued a stay
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of performance of the judgment until the High Court of Appeals issues a final
judgment. On October 15, 1998, Ampal filed an appeal with the High Court of
Appeals in Jerusalem. It is expected that a final judgment will be rendered
before the end of 2000. See "Legal Proceedings."
INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS CORPORATION LTD. ("INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS")
Industrial Buildings, 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.
Industrial Buildings owns approximately 13.6 million square feet of
space in industrial buildings throughout Israel. It owns both multi-purpose
buildings and built-to-suit buildings which are constructed in accordance with
the specific requirements of tenants. In certain cases, there is an option in
the tenant's favor to purchase the leased property, and, in the case of most
built-to-suit properties, a commitment on the part of the tenant to purchase the
property.
The buildings which are owned by Industrial Buildings are leased to
approximately 2,400 lessees under net leases having terms of up to ten years.
The occupancy rate in buildings owned or leased by Industrial Buildings was
approximately 85% at December 31, 1999.
Industrial Buildings is engaged in the construction of "Tel Aviv
Towers", a project in the Tel Aviv area comprising approximately 448 apartments,
a commercial center of approximately 43,000 square feet, an office building of
approximately 156,000 square feet and underground parking facilities of
approximately 883,000 square feet.
Approximately 5.7% of Industrial Buildings' space is located in the
administered territories. Industrial Buildings cannot predict whether the
ongoing peace process involving the State of Israel and the Palestine Liberation
Organization will have an effect on this space. Historically, however, the
Government of Israel has compensated property owners for forfeitures resulting
from government actions.
Industrial Buildings' policy is to distribute as a dividend not less
than 60% of each year's earnings during the period 1993 through 2000. In
December 1999, Industrial Buildings distributed a dividend of approximately $12
million.
Ophir's 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.
Ophir's interest in Industrial Buildings, as of December 31, 1999, was
12.2%.
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD. ("OPHIR")
Ophir is a holding company that owns interests in high-technology (as
described in the high-technology segment) and real estate companies. Ophir is
42.5%-owned by the Company. The Company and Poalim Investments, which also owns
42.5% of Ophir, are parties to a shareholders' agreement regarding joint voting,
directorships and rights of first refusal with respect to Ophir.
Ophir owns six real estate properties located in Israel aggregating
approximately 85,000 square feet. In December 1999, Ophir sold a building to the
lessor for a net gain of $1.5 million, after taxes.
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Ophir 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 this site on which they developed a 326,000 square foot
building (including parking) for both industrial and commercial use. The cost of
development of this project was $21 million. Ophir's share of the property and
joint venture is 70%. Through December 31, 1999, Ophir invested $14.6 million in
the development of the building. A majority of the building (80% of the main
area) is leased. In January 1999, the joint venture sold 9,000 square feet of
the building for $1.2 million and recorded a net gain of $.3 million, after
taxes.
Ophir 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's interest in Shmey-Bar was acquired with a nominal investment
accompanied by a $2.6 million shareholder's loan. In August 1999, Ophir acquired
an additional 5.5% interest in Shmey-Bar group, by exercising its right to buy
its proportional share per the Shmey-Bar group shareholder proposal, for a total
consideration of $2.6 million, which consists of an investment and a
shareholder's loan.
In June 1999, Ophir entered into an agreement with Lysh The Coastal
High-way Ltd. ("Lysh"). Lysh has a 50% holding in Beit Herut-Lysh Development
Company Ltd. ("BHL"), which is building a 180,000 square foot commercial project
for rental near Moshav Beit Herut on land owned by the Israeli Land Authority.
The estimated construction costs for the commercial project are approximately
$14 million and the value of the land is estimated at approximately $9 million.
Ophir's share in Lysh is approximately 25% (its share in the project being
approximately 12.5% and the amount of its investment therein is approximately
$3.5 million). As of December 31, 1999, Ophir had invested approximately $1.2
million in Lysh.
Ophir has also undertaken to provide guarantees in an amount equivalent
to 25% of the construction costs. As of December 31, 1999, BHL had taken bank
loans for approximately $10 million, drawn on a credit line extended by the bank
in connection with the project.
In September 1995, Ophir acquired a 10% interest in a joint venture
which has 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 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 $30 million.
In July 1999, Ophir sold 2,846,100 shares of Industrial Buildings for a
net gain of $2.8 million, after taxes. Ophir has appointed two directors to its
board of directors, one from Ampal and the other from Poalim Investments.
In 1999, Ophir paid $4.8 million in dividends which were declared in
1998.
Ophir intends to separate the operation of its start-up companies from
its real estate operations in order to focus on this activity.
ENERGY DISTRIBUTION AND INDUSTRY
CARMEL CONTAINER SYSTEMS LIMITED ("CARMEL")
Carmel is one of the leading Israeli designers and manufacturers of
paper-based packaging and related products. Carmel manufactures a varied line of
products, including corrugated shipping containers, moisture-resistant
packaging, consumer packaging, triple-wall packaging and wooden pallets and
boxes.
Carmel estimates that it manufactures approximately 17% of the folding
board, approximately 75% of the corrugated triple wall, and approximately 35% of
the corrugated board packaging in Israel. Carmel's products are marketed to a
wide variety of customers for diverse uses, but its principal market is
packaging for agricultural products and for
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the food and beverage industry. During the last few years, sales of packaging
products to exporters of agricultural products have declined slightly, but have
been partially offset by an increase in domestic sales.
From 1996 through 1999, Carmel invested approximately $39 million for
machinery and infrastructure. In December 1996, one of Carmel's plants was
relocated to a leased property in Caesarea, Israel and a second plant was moved
and combined with the first plant in the third quarter of 1997. As of December
31, 1999, Carmel employed 690 persons.
As of December 31, 1999, the Company owned 20.7% of the shares of
Carmel. Shares of Carmel are listed for trading on the AMEX under the symbol
"KML." The Company, American Israel Paper Mills Ltd., the largest paper producer
in Israel, and Robert Kraft, a United States investor, are parties to a
shareholders' agreement with respect to their shareholdings (which aggregate
approximately 78% of the shares) in Carmel. The agreement includes provisions
governing board representation, required votes for specified corporate actions,
matters on which the shareholders agree to cooperate and rights of first refusal
with respect to the sale or transfer of the shares owned by the parties. Carmel
has granted to International Forest Products Corporation, an affiliate of Mr.
Kraft, a right to supply up to 80% of Carmel's requirements for imported paper
and forest products in the ordinary course of Carmel's business, on a
competitive basis.
GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LTD. ("GRANITE")
Granite owns the Sonol group of companies, the second largest Israeli
distributor of refined petroleum products. Supergas, a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Granite, is the third largest marketer and distributor in Israel of liquefied
petroleum gas. Through its subsidiaries, Granite also manufactures and markets
lubricating oils and automotive batteries.
During 1999, Sonol had a net increase of 4 public gas stations to its
network. As of December 31, 1999, Sonol supplied petroleum products to 184
public gas stations in Israel, of which 71 are owned by or leased to Sonol.
Sonol sold approximately 2.1 million metric tons of refined petroleum products
and lubricating oils in 1999.
During 1998, the former controlling shareholder of Granite, the Mashav
group, sold its 56.9% interest in Granite, in an auction yielding a company
valuation of approximately $350 million, to a group consisting of the Borovitz
family, controlling shareholder of Arkia, one of Israel's aviation companies and
Glencore, a Swiss corporation which is one of the world's largest crude oil
dealers. Granite's Chairman is Dr. I. Borovitz, who is the President and CEO of
Arkia.
During December 1999, Granite declared dividends of approximately $15
million. The Company received dividends of approximately $3.1 million on January
4, 2000.
The Company's ownership of Granite, as of December 31, 1999 was 20.3%.
Two of the Company's representatives are members of the board of directors of
Granite and one representative is a member of the executive committee of the
board of Granite.
On December 27, 1999 Granite announced a reorganization as follows:
Granite's subsidiary Sonol, will be split into two companies, Sonol Israel which
will function as the company's gas distribution unit and Sonol Sachar, which
will focus on business and real estate development. Both Sonol Israel and Sonol
Sachar are 100%-owned subsidiaries of Granite. As part of the reorganization,
Sonol Israel will transfer to Sonol Sachar, assets and rights as well as a
portion of Sonol Israel's liabilities to reflect the book value of the
transferred assets. Additionally, Sonol Israel's share in Supergas (50%), as
well as its real estate holdings, will be transferred to the parent company at
book value.
The aforementioned transactions are subject to the approval of the
Israeli regulatory authorities.
Sonol, a subsidiary of the Company's investee, Granite, and "Delek" the
Israel Fuel Corporation Ltd. ("Delek") jointly own the rights to the "Dalkan
2000," a computerized system for marketing fuel products (primarily to
automobile fleets). On January 26, 1997,
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the Controller of Restrictive Trade Practices ruled that the joint marketing
arrangement of the "Dalkan 2000" system by Sonol and Delek is a restrictive
trade agreement. As a result of the position taken by the Controller, both Sonol
and Delek agreed to divide the "Dalkan 2000" system between themselves so that
each company will operate an independent system in a manner that will enable
customers, in accordance with their own preference, to enter into an agreement
with either of the companies. The separation agreement was implemented during
1998.
A private legislative proposal dealing with the shortening of the terms
of exclusive agreements entered into between the fuel marketing companies and
filling station owners and operators has passed its first reading in the
Knesset, the Israeli parliament. The Economics Committee of the current Knesset
has decided that the rule of "Continuity" will be in effect regarding this
proposal and to initially require the legislation of rules regarding future
commitments of the fuel companies with filling station owners and only,
thereafter, to deal with the issue of exclusive agreements entered into in the
past. Subsequently, the Law of the Fuel Economy (Promotion of Competition
Correction) 1998, was enacted in July, 1998. The Law deals with future
commitments by the fuel companies and empowers the Minister of National
Infrastructures to determine rules after consulting with the Controller of
Restrictive Trade Agreements and after having received approval by the Economics
Committee of the Knesset, regarding automatic filling systems (Dalkanim and
Pazomatim) and their operation. These rules will apply to all the fuel
companies.
A draft proposal of legislation by the Ministry of Energy and
Infrastructure regarding the term of exclusive contracts between the fuel
marketing companies and station owners has been forwarded to government
ministries, the President of the Supreme Court and law faculties for their
initial comments.
There have been no changes in the status of legislative matters dealing
with the shortening of the terms of exclusive agreements entered into between
the oil marketing companies and filling station owners and operators since the
Company's report in the annual December 31, 1998 financial statements, except
for the fact that the fourteenth Knesset was dispersed and the fifteenth Knesset
has been elected. The significance of this is that the rule of continuity, which
began in thirteenth Knesset and came into effect during the term of the
fourteenth Knesset, will not apply to the fifteenth Knesset and that to the best
of the Company's knowledge, the matter is no longer on the Knesset's agenda.
As part of the Ministry of National Infrastructure's policy to separate
the holding of Emergency Inventories of crude oil and product inventories from
the oil marketing companies' commercial inventories the Fuel Authority has
ordered that Emergency Inventories of fuel products are to be stored in separate
tanks at specifically designated locations. The ruling, which was to have taken
effect on November 30, 1999, has been postponed, and it is expected to go into
effect during the year 2000.
The oil marketing companies, Sonol, Paz and Delek, have filed a claim
in the district court against the Government of Israel, the Minister of Finance,
and the Department of Customs and Value Added Tax, claiming the illegality of an
excise tax order which among others, serves as the basis for excise tax charged
the said companies' fuel sales. The claim for declarative relief also includes a
request for a declaration entitling the oil marketing companies to seek a refund
of illegally collected excise taxes. Subsequently, a class action was filed
against the oil marketing companies in the amount of NIS. 1 billion
(approximately $250 million) demanding the refund to consumers of illegally
charged excise taxes based on the companies' claim mentioned above. Subsequent
to the balance sheet date, on January 31, 2000, the class action was amended to
include, inter alia, the State of Israel as a defendant.
In accordance with a government decision, the excise tax rate
applicable to gasoil used for transportation will be increased significantly.
This increase will cause a large price differential between the price of gasoil
used for transportation and that used for other purposes. As a result, it has
been proposed, within the framework of a proposed law for Arrangements in the
Government Economy (1999) to amend the excise tax law pertaining to fuel
products in such a manner that will require the marking of gasoil not used for
transportation to provide the Director of Customs with enforcement powers to
inspect the
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<PAGE> 20
purported uses of gasoil and to take punitive measures against the illegal use
of gasoil for purposes other than stipulated by law. Concurrently with the
government's above mentioned decision, Knesset member A. Poraz submitted a
private bill intended to ensure that all fuel product excise taxes will be
imposed at equal rates for all types of the same products, thus preventing the
proposed tax differentials on gasoil. The proposed law has passed preliminary
reading in the Knesset.
If the proposed law is enacted as stated in the Law for Arrangements,
and Knesset member Poraz's private bill is not enacted, it can be assumed that
the enforcement means and punitive measures proposed will not suffice to prevent
potential users from violating the law by using gasoil meant for industrial or
heating purposes, for transportation purposes, thus making the Company's
operations more difficult. Regardless, an increase in the rate of excise tax
will cause a significant increase in the level of customer credit
During February 2000 a claim in the amount of NIS. 400,000
(approximately $.1 million) was filed against Sonol, together with Paz Oil
Company Ltd. ("Paz") and "Delek" relating to the alleged collusion in the fixing
of the price of gasoil to consumers. This claim, if recognized as a class
action, is stated to amount to approximately NIS. 175 million (approximately $44
million) against all companies. Sonol denies the claim and, according to its
legal counsel, chances are good that the claim will not be recognized as a class
action.
Three claims were lodged against Granite's affiliated company and its
shareholders, which include Sonol. The total amount of the claims is
approximately NIS. 60.2 million ($15 million) relate to the sale of fuel
products pursuant to restrictive trade practices (as the plaintiff alleges)
among the fuel companies. In the opinion of the legal counsels of Sonol and the
affiliated company, the companies have a sound defense against the claims.
At this time, it is too early to estimate the effects of the said
developments on the overall Israeli fuel market in general, and on Granite in
particular.
M.D.F. INDUSTRIES LTD. ("M.D.F.")
M.D.F., the Company's 50%-owned affiliate, which engages in the
production of medium density fiberboards, has incurred significant losses since
its inception in June 1996. The losses are primarily attributable to a downturn
in the Israeli construction industry, M.D.F.'s primary market.
In 1999 M.D.F. attempted to improve its efficiency and reduce its
costs. At that same time an anti-dumping duty was imposed by the Minister of
Industry and Commerce on medium density fiber boards imported from the United
States and Europe. These factors allowed M.D.F. to increase its sales and
substantially improve its gross profits from 9% to 15%.
Despite the above improvements in M.D.F.'s results of operation, the
Company expects that M.D.F. will continue to accrue substantial losses due to
the recession in Israel and declining global prices for medium density
fiberboards.
M.D.F. is no longer accounted for as an affiliate of the Company under
the equity method of accounting. The Company, however, continues to be
contingently liable with respect to $5 million of guarantees given by the
Company with respect to M.D.F.'s bank obligations. The Company is attempting to
reduce its exposure under these guarantees.
Paradise Industries Ltd., ("PARADISE")
On November 2, 1999, the Company completed the sale of its 85%-owned
mattress manufacturing subsidiary, Paradise to Beit Hafuton, AA Ltd. ("Beit
Hafuton"). In connection with the sale, the Company agreed to the following: a)
to forgive a capital note in the amount of $.5 million from Goodnight Center
Ltd. ("Goodnight Center"), a subsidiary of Beit Hafuton, b) to forgive a loan to
Paradise in the amount of approximately $.5 million and c) to pay an additional
$1.8 million with respect to bank
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guarantees issued on behalf of Paradise and Goodnight Center. As a result of the
aforementioned sale, the Company recorded a loss on disposition of approximately
$3.6 million ($1.1 million net of taxes) in the consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 1999.
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 marine park located in Eilat is next to the coral reefs
and visitors at 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's food and beverage facilities and retail outlets are a significant
revenue source.
Coral World's parks hosted approximately 1.8 million visitors during
1999. Coral World employed approximately 260 persons as of December 31, 1999.
Coral World has invested in a new multimedia attraction for its
facility in Eilat. The attraction "Amazing World" will open to the public in the
third quarter of 2000. The attraction is a joint venture of Clal Tourism, Red
Sea Underwater Observatory and Yardeni Holdings. The total projected investment
cost is $4 million.
On February 24, 1999, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Coral World sold its
aquarium in Manly (Australia) to an unrelated party for AU$1.6 million. This
aquarium has had an operating loss since its purchase by Coral World in 1992.
This subsidiary, Coral World Manly Pty. Ltd., remains the owner of a small real
estate property in Sydney.
Coral World is in litigation with respect to insurance coverage for a
U.S. $1.2 million claim relating to hurricane damages in St. Thomas in 1995. The
outcome of this dispute has not been determined.
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 property
on which the Club is situated. The Club's facilities include swimming pools,
tennis courts and a clubhouse.
The Club, which has a capacity of 2,000 member families, had
approximately 1800 member families for the 1999/2000 and 1998/1999 seasons. The
construction cost of the Club was $5.2 million, which was financed principally
with debt. Kfar Saba's revenues are principally attributable to annual
memberships. The Company owns 51% of Kfar Saba.
HOD HASHARON SPORT CENTER (1992) LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ("HOD HASHARON")
On December 31, 1995, the Company purchased from Kfar Saba its 50%
interest in Hod Hasharon for $1.4 million.
Hod Hasharon operates a similar country club facility (the "H.H. Club")
in Hod Hasharon, a town adjacent to Kfar Saba. The H.H. Club, which has a
capacity of 1,600 member families, has operated at capacity for the past three
years. The H.H. Club, which opened in July 1994, was constructed at a cost of
$4.8 million, of which $2.1 million was borrowed from banks.
CAPITAL MARKETS AND OTHER HOLDINGS
AMPAL INDUSTRIES (ISRAEL) LTD. ("AMPAL INDUSTRIES")
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Ampal Industries, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ampal, holds interests
in various investee companies described in the high-technology section in this
report. Ampal Industries also has a portfolio of marketable securities which was
valued at approximately $55 million at December 31, 1999, which includes
investments in Blue Square and Leumi, as described below.
In addition, Ampal Industries owns 50% of a commercial building located
in Migdal Ha'emek. In 1999, it received approximately $.1 million in rental
income for this property.
BANK LEUMI LE'ISRAEL B.M. ("LEUMI")
In 1999, the Company sold 3,215,691 shares of Leumi for a net gain of
$.8 million, after taxes, and also recorded a net unrealized gain of $5.1
million, after taxes.
On December 30, 1999, the Company exercised Bank Leumi options and
purchased 2,760,856 shares for approximately $4.3 million. The Company owned
12,470,681 shares of Leumi at December 31, 1999 with a market valuation of $26.2
million.
BLUE SQUARE ISRAEL LTD. ("BLUE SQUARE")
In June 1999, the Company invested $24 million to purchase 1,500,000
shares of Blue Square, representing 3.9% of the company, at $16 per share. Blue
Square is the second largest supermarket chain in Israel, owning 165
supermarkets. The company owns 80% of Blue Square Properties, a publicly traded
company on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, with which the company expects to merge.
In March 2000, Blue Square Israel sold its 38% interest in the Home Centers
chain of specialty retail stores.
Over the last several years the company has demonstrated a sound
financial structure and annual growth in sales.
In 1999, the Company recorded a net unrealized loss of $3.2 million,
after taxes, on its investment in Blue Square, which had a market value $19.1
million at December 31, 1999.
EPSILON INVESTMENT HOUSE LTD. ("EPSILON") AND RENAISSANCE INVESTMENT
COMPANY LTD. ("RENAISSANCE")
The Company has invested $1.5 million for 20% of Epsilon and its
affiliate, Renaissance. Epsilon is an investment bank which provides portfolio
management services and Renaissance provides underwriting services in Israel
through its subsidiaries. On March 20, 2000, Epsilon filed its initial public
offering prospectus in Israel.
RENAISSANCE ISRAEL
In July 1994, the Company agreed to invest $3 million for 15% of
Renaissance Israel, a fund that invests in Israel-related companies generally on
the same terms and conditions as the Renaissance Fund LDC (the "Renaissance
Fund"). The Renaissance Fund was formed in 1994 to invest primarily in emerging
markets, basic industry and government privatizations in Israel and elsewhere in
the Middle East. The Company had invested an aggregate of $2.9 million in
Renaissance Israel, as of December 31, 1999.
The only active investment made by the Company through the Renaissance
fund which is still on the Company's books is a $406,000 investment in Clalcom.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 1999, Ampal had 6 employees. Ampal Industries
(Israel) Ltd. had 14 employees and Ampal Development (Israel) Ltd. had one
employee. Relations between Ampal and its employees are satisfactory.
CONDITIONS IN ISRAEL
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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 has existed, varying as to degree and intensity, between Israel and
the Arab countries and the Palestine Liberation Organization (the "PLO"). 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 and are taking place between Israel, its Arab
neighbors and the PLO 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.
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. Many 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 our business of a state of
emergency in which large numbers of individuals are called up for active duty.
ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
Many of the Company's investee companies borrow and lend shekel-based
loans which are typically linked to the Israeli Consumer Price Index ("CPI").
Therefore, changes in the CPI and the rate of exchange between the Israeli
shekel and the U.S. dollar can have a direct affect on the Company's financial
statement.
The Israeli inflation rate in 1999 was 1.3% versus 8.6% in 1998. The
main reasons for the low rate of inflation were the tight monetary policy and
the continued slowdown in economic activity. The Israeli GDP grew by 2.0% in
1999, and the shekel was appreciated by 0.2% relative to the United States
dollar, as compared to 18.2% depreciation during 1998.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain
information with respect to the rate of inflation in Israel, the NIS/$ exchange
rate, the rate of devaluation of the NIS against the dollar and the rate of
inflation adjusted for devaluation. For purposes of this table, Inflation is the
percentage change in the Israeli consumer price index between the last month of
the period indicated and December of the preceding year, Closing Exchange Rate
is the rate of exchange of one United States dollar for the NIS at December 31
of the year indicated as reported by the Bank of Israel, Devaluation is the
percentage increase in the value of the dollar in relation to Israeli currency
during the period indicated. Inflation adjusted for devaluation is obtained by
multiplying by 100 the results obtained from dividing the Israeli inflation rate
plus 100 by the annual devaluation rate plus 100, and then subtracting 100 and
U.S. Annual Inflation Rate is obtained by calculating the percentage change in
the United States Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, as published by
the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ISRAEL ANNUAL U.S.
ANNUAL CLOSING INFLATION ANNUAL
INFLATION EXCHANGE ANNUAL ADJUSTED FOR INFLATION
YEAR ENDED DEC. 31 RATE RATE DEVALUATION DEVALUATION RATE
- ------------------ ---- ---- ----------- ----------- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1993............................ 11.2 2.986 8.0 3.0 3.0
1994............................ 14.5 3.018 1.1 13.2 2.6
1995............................ 8.1 3.135 3.9 4.0 2.8
1996............................ 10.6 3.251 3.7 6.6 3.3
1997............................ 7.0 3.536 8.8 (1.7) 1.7
1998............................ 8.6 4.160 17.6 (7.7) 1.6
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999............................ 1.3 4.153 (0.2) 0.9 2.7
</TABLE>
-----------
(1) "Israel Annual Inflation Rate" is the percentage increase in the
Israeli CPI between December of the year indicated and December of the
preceding year.
(2) "Closing Exchange Rate" is the rate of exchange of one United States
dollar for the NIS at December 31 of the year indicated as reported by
the Bank of Israel.
(3) "Annual Devaluation" is the percentage increase in the value of the
United States dollar in relation to the NIS during the calendar year.
(4) "Annual Inflation Adjusted for Devaluation" is obtained by dividing the
December Israeli CPI by the Closing Exchange Rate, thus first obtaining
a United States dollar-adjusted Israeli CPI, and then calculating the
yearly percentage changes in this adjusted index.
(5) "U.S. Annual Inflation Rate" is obtained by calculating the percentage
change in the United States Consumer Price Index for All Urban
Consumers, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United
States Department of Labor.
ISRAELI INVESTMENT
Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, the Government
of Israel has promoted the development of industrial and agricultural projects
through a variety of methods including tax abatements and tax incentives.
Industrial research and development projects in Israel may qualify for
government aid if they deal with the development of commercial products to be
made in Israel for sale abroad. Direct incentives usually are provided in the
forms of grants, regulated in accordance with the Law for Encourageoent of
Industrial Research and Development 1984. Many of the Company's investee
companies have taken advantage of such incentives.
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.
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TAX INFORMATION
ISRAELI TAXATION OF AMPAL
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 1998, Israeli companies were taxed on their income at a rate of
36%.
A tax treaty between Israel and the United States became effective on
December 30, 1994. This treaty has not had a substantial impact on the taxation
of the Company in the United States or in Israel.
Ampal had income from interest, rent and dividends resulting from its
investments in Israel. Under Israeli law, Ampal has been required to file
reports with the Israeli tax authorities with respect to such income. In
addition, as noted below, Ampal is subject to a withholding tax on dividends
received from Israeli companies at a rate of either 25%, 15% or 12.5%, depending
on the percentage ownership of the investment and the type of income generated
by that company (as opposed to dividends payable to Israeli companies which are
exempt from tax, except for the dividends paid by an approved enterprise to
either residents or non-residents, the tax on which is withheld at a rate of
15%). Under an arrangement with the Israeli tax authorities, such income has
been taxed based on principles generally applied in Israel to income of
non-residents. Ampal has filed reports with the Israeli tax authorities through
1997 and has received "final assessments" with respect to such reports filed
through 1993 (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 1993, it has
not been required to make any additional tax payments in excess of the
withholding on its dividends. In addition, under Ampal's arrangement with the
Israeli tax authorities, the aggregate taxes paid by Ampal in Israel and the
United States on interest, rent and dividend income derived from Israeli sources
has not exceeded the taxation 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 in the future. This arrangement does not apply to taxation of Ampal's
Israeli subsidiaries.
Generally, under the provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance, income
paid to non-residents of Israel by residents of Israel is generally subject to
withholding tax at the rate of 25%. However, withholding rates on income paid to
United States residents by residents of Israel are subject to the United
States-Israel tax treaty. No withholding has been made on interest and rent
payable to Ampal under an exemption which Ampal has received from the income tax
authorities on an annual basis. There can be no assurance that this exemption
will continue in the future. The continued tax treatment of Ampal by the Israeli
tax authorities in the manner described above is based 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, a tax is payable on capital gains of residents and
non-residents of Israel. With regard to non-residents, this tax applies to gains
on sales 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). Since January 1, 1994, the portion of the gain
attributable to inflation prior to that date is taxable at a rate of 10%, while
the portion since that date is exempt from tax, while the remainder of the
profit, if any, was taxable to corporations at 36% in 1998. 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 residents if they choose
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 from the date the shares were purchased until the date the
shares were sold.
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
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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.
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. They can deduct VAT paid on goods
and services acquired by them for the purpose of their business. Until November
1999, all of the Company's subsidiaries with the exception of Ampal Industries
Israel, were considered Banking Institutes and as such were not subject to the
VAT law. As of November 1999 their status has changed leaving Nir as the only
subsidiary not subject to the VAT law.
UNITED STATES TAXATION OF AMPAL
Ampal and its United States subsidiaries (in the following tax
discussion, generally "Ampal") are subject to United States taxation on their
consolidated taxable income from foreign and domestic sources. The gross income
of Ampal for tax purposes includes or may include (i) income earned directly by
Ampal, (ii) Ampal's share of "subpart F income" earned by certain foreign
corporations controlled by Ampal and (iii) Ampal's share of income earned by
certain electing "passive foreign investment companies" of which Ampal is a
stockholder. Subpart F income includes dividends, interest and certain rents and
capital gains. Since 1993, the maximum rate applicable to domestic corporations
is 35%.
Ampal is 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 receives dividends from a
foreign corporation in which it owns 10% or more of the voting stock, in
determining total foreign income taxes paid by Ampal for purposes of the foreign
tax credit, Ampal is treated 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 may claim is
limited to the proportion of Ampal's United States income taxes that its foreign
source taxable income bears to its taxable income from all sources, foreign and
domestic. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), also
limits the ability of Ampal to offset its United States tax liability with
foreign tax credits by subjecting various types of income to separate
limitations. Source of income and deduction rules may further limit the use of
foreign taxes as an offset against United States tax liability. As a result of
the operation of these rules, Ampal may choose to take a deduction for foreign
taxes in lieu of the foreign tax credit.
Ampal may 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 (separately calculated under AMT rules and generally limited to 90% of
AMT liability as specially computed for this purpose).
ITEM 2. PROPERTY
Ampal subleases 4,960 rentable square feet of office space leased by
Hapoalim at 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York City under a sublease which
expires on August 30, 2009. The base rent, which commenced in September 1994, is
$169,000, subject to escalation. In 1999, Ampal's total payment to Hapoalim in
connection with this lease was $183,000.
Kfar Saba, which operates a country club in Kfar Saba, occupies a 7-1/4
acre lot
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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 October 15, 2037, and lease
payments in 1999 totalled $164,000.
The Company leases office space in various locations in Israel to
Hapoalim and received rental payments of $1,755,000 in 1999. In addition, the
Company leases space primarily for commercial and retail use to non-related
parties and received approximately $5,145,000 in rent for such space in 1999.
Other properties of the Company are discussed elsewhere in this Report.
See "Business."
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In February 1995, Yakhin Hakal and its affiliates commenced a legal
proceeding in Tel Aviv District Court seeking to cause Etz Vanir and Yakhin
Mataim to redeem the perpetual debentures owned by Ampal for approximately
$700,000 and to require Ampal to surrender all of its preferred shares of Etz
Vanir and Yakhin Mataim for their par value (which is a nominal amount), on the
alleged grounds that the perpetual debentures are debt and not equity
investments. It is Ampal's view that its investments in these companies, which
were made in the 1950's, are equity investments and are not subject to
redemption by these companies, other than upon liquidation. Ampal is contesting
this legal proceeding.
On July 27, 1998, a Tel Aviv District Court judge ruled in favor of
Yakhin Hakal, the manager and co-owner of Ampal's 50%-owned affiliates Etz Vanir
and Yakhin Mataim. The judge's decision allows Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim to
redeem debentures owned by Ampal for approximately $800,000 and to require Ampal
to surrender all of its preferred shares of Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim for
their par value. After the redemption and surrender, Ampal will no longer have
any interest in Etz Vanir or Yakhin Mataim.
At the request of Ampal's attorneys, the Tel Aviv District Court has
issued a stay of performance of the judgment until the High Court of Appeals
issues a final judgment. On October 15, 1998, Ampal filed an appeal with the
High Court of Appeal in Jerusalem. It is expected that a final judgment will be
rendered before the end of 2000. See "Etz Vanir."
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
26
<PAGE> 28
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
PRICE RANGE OF CLASS A STOCK
Ampal's Class A Stock is listed on the AMEX under the symbol "AIS". The
following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for the Class A Stock,
as reported on the consolidated transaction reporting system for each calendar
quarter during the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HIGH LOW
---- ---
<S> <C> <C>
1999:
Fourth Quarter.................................... $ 9 1/4 $ 6 1/16
Third Quarter..................................... 6 5/8 5 3/8
Second Quarter.................................... 5 5/8 4 1/16
First Quarter..................................... 4 7/16 3 7/8
1998:
Fourth Quarter.................................... $ 4 7/8 $ 3 3/8
Third Quarter..................................... 5 5/8 4
Second Quarter.................................... 5 3/4 5 1/8
First Quarter..................................... 5 11/16 4 13/16
</TABLE>
As of March 9, 2000, there were 1,019 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, which
means that any holder of at least 50% of the Class A Stock, can elect all of the
members of Ampal's Board of Directors.
DIVIDEND POLICY
In 1995, Ampal paid a dividend of $.21 per share on its Class A Stock
and Common Stock. Ampal has never paid a dividend on its Common 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 on the preferred stock 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 22, 1999, Ampal
announced that its Board of Directors, at its meeting held on December 15, 1999,
had declared cash dividends on its
27
<PAGE> 29
preferred stock ($0.325 per share on its 6 1/2% Preferred Stock and $0.20 per
share on its 4% Preferred Stock).
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
Pursuant to a Letter Agreement, dated as of March 1, 1997, among Ampal,
Ampal Realty Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ampal, and Emmes Asset
Management Corp. ("Emmes"), Ampal agreed to issue to Mr. Andrew Davidoff, 300
shares of Class A Stock each year for the duration of the effectiveness of the
Letter Agreement. Emmes and Mr. Davidoff provide general asset management and
property advisory services with respect to the building located at 800 Second
Avenue in New York City. Emmes is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Emmes & Company
LLC. Mr. Michael Sonnenfeldt, a former director of Ampal, was the founder and
managing director of Emmes & Company LLC. On July 8, 1998, Ampal issued 300
shares to Mr. Davidoff, as custodian. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions" for a complete description of the Company's agreement with Emmes.
The issuance to Mr. Davidoff of such shares was exempted from registration under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to Section 4(2) of such Act.
28
<PAGE> 30
Item 6
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues .................. $ 69,613 $ 23,160(1) $ 43,142(1) $ 33,468(1) $ 34,539(1)
Net income (loss) ......... 28,031(4) 2,175(4) 14,183(4) (10,252)(4) 2,166(4)
Earnings (loss) per Class A
share:
Basic EPS ................ $ 1.32(2)(4)$ .08(2)(4) $ .58(2)(4) $ (.45)(2)(4) $ .07(2)(4)
Diluted EPS .............. $ 1.15(4) $ .07(3)(4) $ .50(3)(4) $ (.45)(2)(4) $ .06(3)(4)
Total assets .............. 396,780 324,916(1) 256,069(1) 278,703(1) 308,416(1)
Notes and loans and
debentures payable ....... $ 174,519 129,025(1) 64,068(1) 99,755(1) 114,875(1)
Dividends declared per
Class A share ............ $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
</TABLE>
(1) Restated to reflect Paradise Industries Ltd. as a discontinued operation.
(2) Computation is based on net income (loss) after deduction of preferred stock
dividends of $284, $335, $351, $364 and $560, respectively.
(3) Computation is based on net income (loss) after deduction due to dilution in
equity in earnings of affiliate of $334, $258 and $402, respectively.
(4) Includes (loss) from discontinued operations, as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(Loss) from discontinued
operations .................. $ (2,156) $ (1,715)(1) $ (257)(1) $ (4,166)(1) $ (3,969)(1)
(Loss) per Class A share from
discontinued operations:
Basic EPS ................. $ (.10) $ (.07)(1) $ (.01)(1) $ (.18)(1) $ (.17)(1)
Diluted EPS ............... $ (.09) $ (.06)(1) $ (.01)(1) $ (.18)(1) $ (.14)(1)
</TABLE>
29
<PAGE> 31
Items 7 & 8.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
---------------------------------------------
GENERAL
- -------
The "Company" (refers to Ampal-American Israel Corporation ("Ampal"), and its
consolidated subsidiaries) acquires interests in businesses located in the State
of Israel or that are Israel-related. Ampal's primary investment focus is the
growing high-technology and communications sector. The Company is involved in a
broad cross-section of Israeli companies engaged in various fields including
high-technology and communications, real estate, capital markets, leisure-time,
energy distribution and industry. The Company sometimes participates in the
management of its investee companies through representation on boards of
directors and otherwise.
The Company's results of operations are directly affected by the results of
operations of its investees. The results of companies which are greater than
50%-owned are included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company.
The Company accounts for its holdings in investees over which the Company
exercises significant influence, generally 20%- to 50%-owned companies
("affiliates"), under the equity method. Under the equity method, the Company
recognizes its 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. If the Company's interest in a subsidiary were to be reduced to
20%-50%, the investment would be recorded under the equity method. The Company's
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 the
Company's carrying value per share for such affiliate results in the Company
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 the
Company's carrying value per share for such affiliate results in the Company
recognizing a loss for the period in which such issuance is made. The Company
accounts for its holdings in investees, 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".
A comparison of the Company's financial statements from year to year must be
considered in light of the Company's acquisitions and divestitures during each
period.
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 dollar, cumulative translation
adjustments are likely to result in a reduction in shareholders' equity. As of
December 31, 1999, the effect on shareholders' equity was a decrease of
approximately $17.7 million. Upon disposition of an investment, the related
cumulative translation adjustment balance will be recognized in determining
gains or losses.
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
- --------------------
The Company has completed the process of identifying, evaluating and
implementing changes to computer programs necessary to address the Year 2000
issue which is the result of computer programs having been written using two
digits instead of four to define a year. This issue affects computer systems
that have date sensitive programs that may recognize a date using "00" as 1900
rather than 2000. Systems that do not properly recognize such information could
generate erroneous data or cause a system to fail, resulting in business
interruption. The Company presently expects that with modifications to existing
systems and software and converting to new software, the Year 2000 issue will
not pose an operational problem and does not believe the cost of converting all
internal systems to be year 2000 compliant are material to its financial
condition or results of operations.
30
<PAGE> 32
Costs related to the Year 2000 issue are being expensed as incurred. The Company
completed all of its Year 2000 modifications by the end of 1999.
The Year 2000 issue may affect the systems of various entities with which the
Company interacts. At December 31, 1999 and to date, the Year 2000 issue did not
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial statements. However,
there can be no assurance that the systems of other companies on which the
Company's systems rely will be timely converted, or that a failure by another
company's systems to be year 2000 compliant will not have a material adverse
effect on the Company.
INTRODUCTION OF THE EURO
- ------------------------
On January 1, 1999, eleven of the fifteen member countries of the European Union
established fixed conversion rates between their existing sovereign currencies
and a new currency called the "Euro". These countries agreed to adopt the Euro
as their common legal currency on that date. The Euro trades on currency
exchanges and is available for non-cash transactions. Until January 1, 2002, the
existing sovereign currencies will remain legal tender in these countries. On
January 1, 2002, the Euro is scheduled to replace the sovereign legal currencies
of these countries.
The Company does not conduct operations in Europe. However, there are no
assurances that the implementation of the Euro will not have an adverse material
affect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
- -----------------------------------------
In June 1999, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No.
137, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Deferral of
the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133. The Statement defers for one year
the effective date of SFAS No. 133, Accounting Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities, which was issued in June 1998 and established accounting and
reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument, including
certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, be recorded in the
balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. SFAS
No. 133 also requires that changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized
currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. SFAS
No. 133 will now apply to all fiscal quarters of all fiscal years beginning
after June 2000. Management believes that the implementation of SFAS No. 133
during the third quarter of year 2000 will not have a material impact on the
Company's results of operations.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
- -----------------------
On November 2, 1999, the Company completed the sale of its 85%-owned mattress
manufacturing subsidiary, Paradise Industries Ltd., ("Paradise") to Beit
Hafuton, AA Ltd. ("Beit Hafuton"). Accordingly, the results of Paradise, whose
financial statements were previously consolidated with the Company's financial
statements, have been presented as discontinued operations for all periods
presented. In connection with the sale, the Company agreed to the following: a)
to forgive a capital note in the amount of $.5 million from Goodnight Center
Ltd. ("Goodnight Center"), a subsidiary of Beit Hafuton, b) to forgive a loan to
Paradise in the amount of approximately $.5 million and c) to pay an additional
$1.8 million with respect to bank guarantees issued on behalf of Paradise and
Goodnight Center. As a result of the aforementioned sale, the Company recorded a
loss on disposition of approximately $3.6 million ($1.1 million net of taxes) in
the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1999.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
- ---------------------
Year ended December 31, 1999 compared to Year ended December 31, 1998:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated income from continuing operations increased to $30.2 million in
1999, from $3.9 million in 1998. The increase in income is primarily
attributable to the realized and unrealized gains on investments, gain on sale
of real estate rental property, and the increase in equity in earnings of
affiliates.
In the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company recorded $18.4 million of gains
on sale of investments, which is primarily attributable to the sale of its
investment in Moriah
31
<PAGE> 33
Hotels Ltd. ("Moriah"). On April 14, 1999, the Company sold its 46% equity
interest in Moriah to Koor Tourism Enterprises Ltd. and Sheraton International
Ltd. for $29.6 million. Prior to the sale, on April 12, 1999, the Company
received a dividend from Moriah in the amount of $7.9 million. As a result of
the aforementioned transaction, the Company recorded a gain on sale in the
amount of approximately $13.5 million ($8.8 million net of taxes). In addition,
the Company recorded gains of $1.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively, on
sale of its investments in shares of Fundtech Ltd. ("Fundtech") and Bank Leumi
le'Israel B.M. ("Leumi"). In the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company
recorded $.8 million of gains on sale of investments, which were attributable to
its investments in Mercury Interactive Corporation ("Mercury"), Shikun U'Fituach
le-Israel Ltd. ("Shikun"), Fundtech and M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd.
("M-Systems").
The Company recorded $12.1 million of unrealized gains on investments which are
classified as trading securities in the year ended December 31, 1999, as
compared to $1.4 million of unrealized losses in the same period in 1998. The
unrealized gains recorded in 1999 are primarily attributable to the Company's
investments in the shares of Leumi (pre-tax gain of $7.9 million) and Fundtech
(pre-tax gain of $2 million). At December 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998, the
aggregate fair value of trading securities amounted to approximately $40.4
million and $26.3 million, respectively.
On July 6, 1999, the Company completed a transaction with Bank Hapoalim B.M.
("Hapoalim") and two wholly-owned subsidiaries of Hapoalim, which provided for
the following:
(a) The Company acquired from Hapoalim all of its holdings in Ampal -
5,874,281 shares of Class A Stock, 3,350 shares of 4% Preferred
Stock and 122,536 shares of 6 1/2% Preferred Stock for $31.5
million.
(b) The Company sold to Hapoalim's subsidiary seven real estate
properties totaling 53,000 sq. ft., which had previously been
leased to and occupied by Hapoalim, for $14.7 million.
(c) Ampal's subsidiary renewed the lease agreement with Hapoalim with
respect to a 4,400 sq. ft. branch in Bnei Brak, Israel for ten
years at an annual rental income of $346,000.
As a result of the above transaction, the Company recorded a gain of $9.2
million ($6 million net of taxes) on the sale of the aforementioned real estate
properties in the December 31, 1999 consolidated financial statements.
Equity in earnings of affiliates increased to $16 million for the year ended
December 31, 1999, from $7.3 million for the same period in 1998. The increase
is primarily attributable to the increased earnings of Ophir Holdings Ltd.
("Ophir"), the Company's 42.5%-owned affiliate, which is a holding company with
interests in high-technology and real estate companies. Ophir reported
significantly higher earnings in 1999 primarily due to the gain on the sale of
its holdings in Platinum Technology International Inc. in June 1999.
The increase in other income in 1999, as compared to 1998 is primarily
attributable to the dividends received from MIRS Communication Company Ltd.
("MIRS") ($1.2 million) and Leumi ($.7 million).
In the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company recorded $3 million of losses
from impairment of investments which are primarily attributable to its
investments in M.D.F. Industries Ltd. ($1.5 million), which continues to
experience operational problems, Unic View Ltd. ($1 million) and MuTek Solutions
Ltd. ("MuTek") ($.4 million). In the same period in 1998, the Company recorded a
$1.9 million loss on impairment of its investments in MuTek, Ortek Ltd.("
Ortek"), Medco Electronics Systems Ltd. ("Medco") and Geotek Communications Ltd.
("Geotek").
The Company recorded net interest expense in the amount of $8 million in 1999,
as compared to $6.7 million in the same period in 1998. The increase in the net
interest expense in 1999 resulted from utilizing the Company's funds for making
investments in various companies and increasing its borrowings for the
acquisition of its shares from Hapoalim.
32
<PAGE> 34
The Company recorded a translation loss of $1.2 million in 1999, as compared to
a translation gain of $.6 million in 1998. The translation loss in 1999 is
attributable to the foreign exchange forward contracts entered into by the
Company during the year.
The change in the effective income tax rate in 1999, as compared to 1998, is
mainly attributable to the higher deferred tax credits of certain Israeli
subsidiaries in 1998.
33
<PAGE> 35
Year Ended December 31, 1998 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated income from continuing operations decreased from $14.4 million in
1997, to $3.9 million in 1998. The decrease in net income is primarily
attributable to the decrease in equity in earnings of affiliates, lower realized
gains on investments, unrealized losses on investments in 1998 as compared to
unrealized gains in 1997, and net interest expense in 1998 as compared to net
interest income in 1997. These decreases were partially offset by income tax
benefits and lower other expenses in 1998.
Equity in earnings of affiliates decreased to $7.3 million in 1998, from $18.7
million in 1997. The decrease is primarily attributable to the decreased
earnings of Ophir, the Company's 42.5%-owned affiliate, which is a holding
company with interests in high technology and real estate companies. Ophir
reported lower earnings in 1998 as compared to 1997, primarily due to lower
realized and unrealized gains on investments as a result of the sale of shares
of Teledata Communications Ltd. ("Teledata") in 1997.
The decrease in the equity in earnings of affiliates was partially offset by the
increased earnings of Granite Hacarmel Investments Ltd. ("Granite"), Trinet
Venture Capital Ltd. ("Trinet"), Carmel Container Systems Limited ("Carmel"),
and Moriah. Granite, the Company's 19.1%-owned affiliate, which is one of
Israel's largest distributors of refined petroleum products, recorded higher
earnings in 1998 due to improved gross profit margins and a gain on sale of real
estate property. Trinet, the Company's 50%-owned affiliate, a high-technology
venture capital fund, recorded large unrealized losses in 1997. Carmel, the
Company's 20.7%-owned affiliate, which is a manufacturer of paper-based
packaging products, also recorded higher earnings in 1998 due to the improved
efficiency at Carmel's new manufacturing plant in Caesarea and increased sales
of containers to the local market, despite the economic slowdown in Israel.
Moriah, the Company's then 46%-owned affiliate, which owns and operates hotels
in Israel, reported higher earnings as a result of lower administrative expenses
and higher translation gains in 1998.
In 1998, the Company recorded $1.4 million of unrealized losses on investments
in trading securities, which were primarily attributable to the Company's
investment during the third quarter of 1998 in the shares of Leumi in the amount
of approximately $21 million. The Company recorded $.9 million of unrealized
gains on investments in trading securities in 1997 primarily attributable to its
investment in Mercury. At December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, the aggregate
fair value of trading securities amounted to approximately $26.3 million and
$7.5 million, respectively.
In 1998, the Company recorded $.8 million of gains on sale of investments, which
were primarily attributable to its investments in Mercury, Shikun, Fundtech and
M-Systems. In 1997, the Company recorded $4.5 million of gains on sale of
investments, $2.9 million of which was attributable to its direct investment in
Teledata.
The Company recorded net interest expense in the amount of $6.7 million in 1998,
as compared to net interest income of $.9 million in 1997. The net interest
expense was primarily attributable to bank borrowings in connection with the
Company's investment in MIRS.
In the fourth quarter of 1998, Granite issued additional shares upon conversion
of its debentures, and the Company's interest in Granite was diluted from 21.5%
to 19.1%. As a result of the dilution the Company recorded a gain on issuance of
shares in the amount of $1 million.
The Company recorded a $1.9 million loss from impairment of its investments in
MuTek, Ortek, Medco and Geotek in 1998. In 1997, the Company recorded a $2.2
million loss on impairment of its investments in U.D.S. - Ultimate Distribution
Systems Ltd. and Geotek.
Other expenses decreased in 1998 as compared to the same period in 1997,
primarily as a result of a decrease in administrative expenses.
Income tax benefit in 1998 resulted from the utilization of foreign tax credits
on dividends received from the affiliates.
34
<PAGE> 36
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
At December 31, 1999, cash and cash equivalents were $7.4 million as compared
with $12 million at December 31, 1998. The decrease in cash is primarily
attributable to the Company's acquisition of its shares from Hapoalim (see
"Discussion on Results of Operations - Year ended December 31, 1999 compared to
year ended December 31, 1998") and the new investments made during 1999. The
increase in notes and loans payable is primarily attributable to the
consolidation of Am-Hal Ltd.'s ("Am-Hal") balance sheet with the Company's
consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 1999 as a result of the acquisition
of an additional 50% interest in Am-Hal for $6 million on December 31, 1999. The
decrease in debentures and deposits, notes and loans receivable is primarily
attributable to scheduled repayments.
On June 23, 1999, the Company acquired a 3.9% interest in Blue Square-Israel
Ltd. ("Blue Square") for approximately $24 million. Blue Square owns 165
supermarkets in Israel. In addition, the Company invested $4.3 million to
acquire an additional 0.2% interest (total equity interest is 0.88%) in Leumi;
$2.5 million to acquire a 2.45% interest in Floware Wireless Systems Ltd., a
developer of products that enable the transmission of broadband wireless
services; $1.8 million to acquire an additional 1.2% interest (total equity
interest is 20.3%) in Granite Hacarmel Investments Ltd.; $1.25 million to
acquire a 14% interest (subsequently diluted to 12.6%) in Camelot Information
Technologies Ltd., a developer of intelligent adaptive systems for the detection
of illegal activities on computer systems; approximately $.6 million to maintain
its equity interest in Netformx Ltd. (total equity interest - 20.7%); $.5
million to acquire a 2.1% interest in Babylon Ltd., a developer and marketer of
single click translation software for Internet and e-mail users; a $.5 million
investment to acquire a 4.6% interest in ContactNOW Inc., a developer of
Internet-based community enablers; and a $.2 million investment to acquire a 5%
interest in Modem Art Ltd., a developer of programmable modems.
On October 12, 1999, the Company, as part of a third round financing, invested
approximately $5 million in XACCT Technologies (1997) Ltd. ("XACCT"), a
developer of billing, auditing and accounting software for TCP/IP networks, and
increased its equity interest in XACCT by 0.8% to 16.7%.
During 1999, the Company had issued guarantees on certain outstanding loans to
its investees and subsidiaries in the aggregate amount of $11.3 million, and the
commitments to its investees amounted to $8.3 million at December 31, 1999.
In 1999 and 1998, Ampal paid dividends in the amount of $.20 and $.325 per
share, respectively, on its 4% and 6-1/2% Cumulative Convertible Preferred
Stocks. Total dividends paid in each year amounted to approximately $.3 million.
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, 1999, and
are sensitive to the above market risks.
Interest Rate Risks
At December 31, 1999, the Company had financial assets totalling $27.6 million
and financial liabilities totalling $174.5 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, 1999, the Company had fixed rate financial assets of $21.5
million and variable rate financial assets of $6.1 million. Holding other
variables constant, a ten percent increase in interest rates would decrease the
unrealized fair value of the fixed financial assets by approximately $.1
million.
35
<PAGE> 37
At December 31, 1999, the Company had fixed rate debt of $55.3 million and
variable rate debt of $119.2 million. A ten percent decrease in interest rates
would increase the unrealized fair value of the fixed rate debt by approximately
$.6 million.
The net decrease in earnings for the next year resulting from a ten percent
interest rate increase would be approximately $.8 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 1999, the Company
entered into various foreign exchange forward purchase contracts to partially
hedge this exposure. At December 31, 1999, the open foreign exchange forward
purchase contracts totalled $26 million. Holding other variables constant, if
there were a ten percent adverse change in foreign currency exchange rates, the
Company's earnings would decrease by $1.5 million and its cumulative translation
loss (reflected in the Company's accumulated other comprehensive loss) would
increase by $.8 million.
Equity Price Risk
- -----------------
The Company's investments at December 31, 1999, included marketable securities
(trading and available-for-sale) which are recorded at fair value of $59.5
million, including net unrealized gains of $4 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 $6 million.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
- -----------------
On February 4, 2000, the Company, through Ophir, entered into an agreement with
Terayon Communication Systems, Inc. ("Terayon"), a leading supplier of broadband
network systems, to sell its holdings in Combox Ltd. ("Combox"). Under the terms
of this agreement, Ophir will exchange its 19.7% interest in Combox for
approximately 150,000 shares of Terayon, valued at approximately $17.7 million
as of the market close on February 3, 2000. Ophir acquired Combox for
approximately $2.3 million. The market price of Terayon's shares as of the
market close on March 27, 2000 was $216 5/8 per share.
On February 8, 2000, the Company acquired a 4.9% interest in Arel Communications
and Software Ltd., a leading provider of interactive distance learning systems,
for $6 million.
On February 28, 2000, the Company made an additional $1.8 million investment in
PowerDsine, Ltd. ("PowerDsine"), a developer of telecommunications components
for advanced telecom and data communication equipment, as part of a $22 million
private placement. As a result of this transaction, the Company's equity
interest was diluted to 10.8%.
On March 22, 2000, the Company and Ophir invested $2.75 million and $1 million,
respectively, in Netformx, and converted debentures in the amount of $.6 million
and $.2 million, respectively, as part of an approximately $19.7 million private
placement ($15 million in new investments and $4.7 million by conversion of
debentures). As a result of these transactions, the Company's net equity
interest in Netformx decreased to 20.2%.
In addition to the aforementioned investments, the Company made the following
investments during the first quarter of 2000: a $1 million investment to acquire
a 2.9% interest in BridgeWave Communications Inc., a developer of wireless
solutions for cable companies; a $.75 million investment to acquire a 20%
interest in Xpert Ltd., a software and systems integrator specializing in
systems security and a $.5 million investment to acquire a 13% interest in
G.O.L. Geometry-On-Line Inc., a developer and marketer of a 3D browser/publisher
that enables fast progressive viewing, compression and streaming of 3D models.
On March 23, 2000 the Company's investee, BreezeCOM Ltd. ("BreezeCOM"), a
developer and manufacturer of wireless access products completed an initial
public offering of 5 million shares in the United States and raised $100 million
(at $20 per share). The Company holds approximately 815,000 shares of BreezeCOM
which were acquired for $1.1 million.
36
<PAGE> 38
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
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, 1999
and 1998, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive
income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1999. 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 certain consolidated subsidiaries, which statements
reflect total assets and total revenues of 27% and 25%, respectively, in 1999,
19% and 6%, respectively, in 1998, and total revenues of 32% in 1997, of the
related consolidated totals. Also, we did not audit the financial statements of
certain affiliated companies, the investments in which are reflected in the
accompanying financial statements using the equity method of accounting. The
Company's equity in net earnings of these affiliated companies represents
$15,727,000, $7,995,000, and $18,433,000, of consolidated net income for the
years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The statements of
these subsidiaries and affiliated companies were audited by other auditors
whose reports have been furnished to us and our opinion, insofar as it relates
to the amounts included for those entities, is based solely on the reports of
other auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted 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 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
financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Ampal-American Israel Corporation and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1999, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States.
New York, New York
March 27, 2000
37
<PAGE> 39
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
REVENUES:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Equity in earnings of affiliates (Note 13)............. $16,003 $ 7,328 $18,703
Interest:
Related parties....................................... 655 4,339 6,988
Others................................................ 1,381 987 2,743
Rental income.......................................... 6,900 7,302 7,107
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on
investments (Notes 4 and 6)........................... 30,501 (568) 5,466
Gain on sale of real estate rental
property (Note 3) .................................... 9,523 -- --
Gain on issuance of shares by affiliate................ -- 1,032 --
Other ................................................. 4,650 2,740 2,135
------- ------- -------
Total revenues.................................... 69,613 23,160 43,142
------- ------- -------
EXPENSES:
Interest:
Related parties....................................... 2,225 5,022 2,386
Others................................................ 7,778 6,981 6,424
Rental property operating expenses..................... 3,528 3,550 3,273
Loss from impairment of investments (Notes 4 and
13) .................................................. 3,025 1,890 2,185
Minority interests..................................... (762) (1,045) (213)
Translation loss (gain)................................ 1,185 (623) 68
Other.................................................. 6,885 7,016 7,968
------- ------- -------
Total expenses.................................... 23,864 22,791 22,091
Restructuring charge (Note 17) ........................ -- -- 1,300
------- ------- -------
Income from continuing operations before
income taxes.......................................... 45,749 369 19,751
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (Note 12)......... 15,562 (3,521) 5,311
------- ------- -------
Income from continuing operations...................... 30,187 3,890 14,440
------- ------- -------
Discontinued operations (Note 2):
Loss from operations.................................. (1,083) (1,715) (257)
Loss on disposition of $3,593, net of
applicable tax benefit of $2,520..................... (1,073) -- --
------- ------- -------
Loss from discontinued operations...................... (2,156) (1,715) (257)
------- ------- -------
NET INCOME........................................ $28,031 $ 2,175 $14,183
======= ======= =======
Basic EPS (Note 11)
Earnings from continuing operations................... $1.42 $ .15 $ .59
Loss from discontinued operations..................... (.10) (.07) (.01)
------- ------- -------
Earnings per Class A share ........................... $1.32 $ .08 $ .58
======= ======= =======
Shares used in calculation (in thousands)............. 20,966 23,911 23,742
Diluted EPS (Note 11)
Earnings from continuing operations................... $1.24 $ .13 $ .51
Loss from discontinued operations..................... (.09) (.06) (.01)
------- ------- -------
Earnings per Class A share............................ $1.15 $ .07 $.50
======= ======= =======
Shares used in calculation (in thousands) ............ 24,331 27,624 27,615
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
38
<PAGE> 40
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, December 31,
ASSETS AS AT 1999 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents.................................... $ 7,409 $ 12,047
Deposits, notes and loans receivable (Note 5)................ 22,336 27,572
Investments (Notes 6 and 13)................................. 273,174 214,421
Investment held for sale (Note 4)............................ -- 25,104
Real estate property, less accumulated
depreciation of $7,463 and $6,492 (Notes 3 and 4(a))........ 72,809 29,735
Other assets................................................. 21,052 15,241
Net assets of discontinued operations (Note 2)............... - 796
-------- --------
TOTAL ASSETS................................................. $396,780 $324,916
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
39
<PAGE> 41
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND December 31, December 31,
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AS AT 1999 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES
Notes and loans payable: (Note 7)
Related parties .............................................................. $ 14,564 $ 56,534
Others ....................................................................... 131,296 39,674
Debentures (Note 8) ............................................................ 28,659 32,817
Accounts and income taxes payable, accrued
expenses and minority interests ............................................... 65,427 34,726
--------- ---------
Total liabilities ...................................................... 239,946 163,751
--------- ---------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Note 9)
4% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, $5 par value; authorized 189,287
shares; issued 165,823 and 172,238 shares; outstanding 162,473
and 172,238 shares ............................................................ 829 861
6-1/2% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, $5 par value; authorized 988,055
shares; issued 891,763 and 925,279 shares; outstanding 769,227
and 925,279 shares ............................................................ 4,459 4,626
Class A Stock, $1 par value; authorized 60,000,000 shares; issued 24,817,445 and
24,684,822 shares; outstanding 18,289,264 and 24,079,422 shares .............. 24,817 24,685
Additional paid-in capital ..................................................... 57,896 57,829
Retained earnings .............................................................. 118,362 90,615
Treasury Stock, at cost (Note 3) ............................................... (35,552) (3,829)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss ........................................... (13,977) (13,622)
--------- ---------
Total shareholders' equity ............................................. 156,834 161,165
--------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ..................................... $ 396,780 $ 324,916
========= =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
40
<PAGE> 42
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income ........................................... $ 28,031 $ 2,175 $ 14,183
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in earnings of affiliates .................... (16,003) (7,328) (18,703)
Loss from discontinued operations ................... 2,156 1,715 257
Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on
investments ....................................... (30,501) 568 (5,466)
Gain on sale of real estate rental property ......... (9,523) -- --
Gain on issuance of shares by affiliate ............. -- (1,032) --
Depreciation expense ................................ 1,003 1,129 1,072
Amortization expense ................................ 1,356 1,280 1,621
Loss from impairment of investments ................. 3,025 1,890 2,185
Restructuring charge ................................ -- -- 1,300
Minority interests .................................. (762) (1,045) (213)
Consolidation of subsidiary previously
accounted for by the equity method ................. 386 -- --
Translation loss (gain) ............................. 1,185 (623) 68
Decrease (increase) in other assets ................. 3,460 (1,063) 250
Increase (decrease) in accounts and income
taxes payable, accrued expenses and minority
interests ........................................... 3,925 (5,325) 2,513
Investments made in trading securities ............... (28,004) (30,838) (9,143)
Proceeds from sale of trading securities ............. 30,131 11,333 8,359
Dividends received from affiliates ................... 10,415 26,245 9,719
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities ......................................... 280 (919) 8,002
--------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Deposits, notes and loans receivable collected ....... 9,635 16,641 27,124
Deposits, notes and loans receivable granted ......... (4,869) (723) (1,024)
Investments made in:
Available-for-sale securities ....................... (24,147) -- --
Affiliates and others ............................... (12,935) (119,844) (11,159)
Proceeds from sale of investments:
Affiliates .......................................... 29,622 -- 5,331
Available-for-sale securities ....................... -- 353 1,537
Others .............................................. 1,537 1,294 19,881
Capital improvements ................................. (1,944) (2,952) (1,343)
Proceeds from sale of real estate property ........... 15,076 -- 15,059
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities ......................................... 11,975 (105,231) 55,406
--------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
41
<PAGE> 43
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 1998 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from financing activities:
Notes and loans payable received:
Related parties ..................................................... $ 8,139 $ 81,799 $ 2,000
Others .............................................................. 19,417 68,400 140
Notes and loans payable repaid:
Related parties ..................................................... (1,281) (43,493) (17,017)
Others .............................................................. (5,029) (32,626) (4,888)
Debentures repaid .................................................... (5,785) (8,283) (17,301)
Purchase of treasury stock ........................................... (31,724) -- --
Contribution to partnership by minority
interests .......................................................... -- 9,765 --
Issuance of shares to related parties and others ..................... -- 352 --
Dividends paid ....................................................... (284) (335) (351)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing
activities ......................................................... (16,547) 75,579 (37,417)
-------- -------- --------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
cash equivalents ..................................................... (346) (2,514) (1,492)
-------- -------- --------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash
equivalents .......................................................... (4,638) (33,085) 24,499
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year ........................ 12,047 45,132 20,633
-------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year .............................. $ 7,409 $ 12,047 $ 45,132
======== ======== ========
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the year:
Interest:
Related parties ..................................................... $ 613 $ 1,824 $ 1,099
Others .............................................................. 2,205 2,524 2,524
-------- -------- --------
Total interest paid ............................................... $ 2,818 $ 4,348 $ 3,623
======== ======== ========
Income taxes paid ..................................................... $ 11,593 $ 2,037 $ 714
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
42
<PAGE> 44
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 1998 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts
and per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
4% PREFERRED STOCK
Balance, beginning of year ................... $ 861 $ 898 $ 955
Conversion of 6,415, 7,434 and 11,264 shares
into Class A Stock .......................... (32) (37) (57)
--------- --------- ---------
Balance, end of year ......................... $ 829 $ 861 $ 898
========= ========= =========
6-1/2% PREFERRED STOCK
Balance, beginning of year ................... $ 4,626 $ 4,842 $ 5,012
Conversion of 33,516, 43,009 and 34,195 shares
into Class A Stock .......................... (167) (216) (170)
--------- --------- ---------
Balance, end of year ......................... $ 4,459 $ 4,626 $ 4,842
========= ========= =========
CLASS A STOCK
Balance, beginning of year ................... $ 24,685 $ 24,418 $ 24,257
Issuance of shares upon conversion of
Preferred Stock ............................. 132 167 158
Issuance of shares to related party (Note 10) -- 100 --
Issuance of additional shares ................ -- -- 3
--------- --------- ---------
Balance, end of year ......................... $ 24,817 $ 24,685 $ 24,418
========= ========= =========
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL
Balance, beginning of year ................... $ 57,829 $ 57,491 $ 57,410
Conversion of Preferred Stock ................ 67 86 69
Issuance of shares to related party (Note 10) -- 250 --
Issuance of additional shares ................ -- 2 12
--------- --------- ---------
Balance, end of year ......................... $ 57,896 $ 57,829 $ 57,491
========= ========= =========
RETAINED EARNINGS
Balance, beginning of year ................... $ 90,615 $ 88,775 $ 74,943
Net income ................................... 28,031 2,175 14,183
Dividends:
4% Preferred Stock - $.20 per share ........ (32) (34) (36)
6-1/2% Preferred Stock - $.325 per share ... (252) (301) (315)
--------- --------- ---------
Balance, end of year ......................... $ 118,362 $ 90,615 $ 88,775
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
43
<PAGE> 45
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
TREASURY STOCK (Note 3)
4% PREFERRED STOCK
Balance, beginning of year ..................... $ -- $ -- $ --
Purchase of 3,350 shares, at cost .............. (84) -- --
--------- --------- ---------
Balance, end of year ........................... (84) -- --
--------- --------- ---------
6-1/2% PREFERRED STOCK
Balance, beginning of year ..................... -- -- --
Purchase of 122,536 shares, at cost ............ (1,853) -- --
--------- --------- ---------
Balance, end of year ........................... (1,853) -- --
--------- --------- ---------
CLASS A STOCK
Balance, beginning of year - 605,400 shares,
at cost ....................................... (3,829) (3,829) (3,829)
Purchase of 5,922,781 shares, at cost .......... (29,786) -- --
--------- --------- ---------
Balance, end of year - 6,528,181 shares,
at cost ....................................... (33,615) (3,829) (3,829)
--------- --------- ---------
Balance, end of year .............................. $(35,552) $ (3,829) $ (3,829)
========= ========= =========
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Balance, beginning of year ..................... $(13,622) $(10,085) $ (6,628)
Cumulative translation adjustments:
Balance, beginning of year ..................... (18,580) (10,085) (6,530)
Foreign currency translation adjustment ........ 904 (8,495) (3,555)
--------- --------- ---------
Balance, end of year ........................... (17,676) (18,580) (10,085)
--------- --------- ---------
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities:
Balance, beginning of year ..................... 4,958 -- (98)
Unrealized gain, net ........................... 3,699 4,958 98
Sale of available-for-sale security ............ (3,247) -- --
Transfer to trading securities ................. (1,711) -- --
--------- --------- ---------
Balance, end of year ........................... 3,699 4,958 --
--------- --------- ---------
Balance, end of year .............................. $(13,977) $(13,622) $(10,085)
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
44
<PAGE> 46
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 1998 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income ........................................................ $ 28,031 $ 2,175 $ 14,183
-------- -------- --------
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments ......................... 904 (8,495) (3,555)
Unrealized gain on securities .................................... 3,699 4,958 98
-------- -------- --------
Other comprehensive income (loss) ................................ 4,603 (3,537) (3,457)
-------- -------- --------
Comprehensive income (loss) ...................................... $ 32,634 $ (1,362) $ 10,726
======== ======== ========
Related tax (expense) benefit of other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments ......................... $ 223 $ 1,248 $ 206
Unrealized (loss) on securities .................................. $ (1,915) $ (2,670) $ (53)
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
45
<PAGE> 47
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a) The Company
As used in these financial statements, the term the "Company" refers to
Ampal-American Israel Corporation ("Ampal") and its consolidated subsidiaries. A
substantial portion of the Company's operations involves transactions with Bank
Hapoalim B.M. ("Hapoalim"), the largest bank in Israel, and companies affiliated
or related thereto. Prior to July 6, 1999, Hapoalim and its wholly-owned
subsidiary, Atad Hevra Lehashkaot Limited owned 24.4% of Ampal's outstanding
Class A Stock. On July 6, 1999 the Company acquired all of Hapoalim's holdings
in Ampal (see Note 3). Commencing with the third quarter of 1999, transactions
with Hapoalim and its related parties, which were reflected as related parties
transactions in the Company's consolidated financial statements through June 30,
1999, are no longer reflected as transactions with a related party.
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 subsidiaries. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform
with the current year's presentation.
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. Goodwill, representing the excess of the purchase
price over the fair value of the net assets of the acquired entities, is being
amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of expected benefit of ten
years.
(c) Translation of Foreign Currencies
For those subsidiaries and affiliates whose functional currency is
considered to be the New Israeli Shekel, 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 is included in accumulated other
comprehensive loss.
Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries and companies accounted
for by the equity method whose functional currency is the U.S. dollar are
translated using year-end rates of exchange, except for property and equipment
and certain investment and equity accounts, which are translated at rates of
exchange prevailing on the dates of acquisition. Revenues and expenses are
translated at average rates of exchange during the year except for revenue and
expense items relating to assets translated at historical rates, which are
translated on the same basis as the related asset. Translation gains and losses
for these companies are reflected in the consolidated statement of income.
(d) Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
The Company enters into various foreign exchange forward purchase
contracts to hedge foreign currency fluctuations in transactions denominated in
foreign currencies, thereby limiting the Company's risk that would otherwise
result from changes in exchange rates. Gains and losses associated with currency
rate changes are recorded in translation gain (loss) in the consolidated
statement of income. At December 31, 1999, the open foreign exchange forward
contracts totalled $26 million and will mature through April 2000.
(e) Investments
46
<PAGE> 48
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
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, unrealized gains and losses are reported in
the statement of income. Unrealized gains and losses from those securities which
are classified as available-for-sale are reported as a separate component of
shareholders' equity.
(f) Property and Equipment
The Company's policy is to record long-lived assets at cost, amortizing
these costs over the expected useful life of the related assets. These assets
are reviewed on a quarterly and annual basis for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets may
not be recoverable. Furthermore, the assets are evaluated for continuing value
and proper useful lives by comparison to expected future cash flows.
(g) Income Taxes
The Company applies the deferred method of accounting for income taxes
whereby deferred taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of "temporary
differences" by applying enacted statutory tax rates to differences between
financial statements carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and
liabilities.
Deferred income taxes are not provided on undistributed earnings of
foreign subsidiaries adjusted for translation effect totalling approximately
$31.6 million, since such earnings are currently expected to be permanently
reinvested outside the United States. If the earnings were not considered
permanently invested, approximately $11.1 million of deferred income taxes would
have been provided. Deferred 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.
(h) Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents include time deposits and notes receivable with
maturities at acquisition of 90 days or less.
(i) Accumulated Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of cumulative translation
adjustments and unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities presented net
of income taxes.
Note 2 - Discontinued Operations
On November 2, 1999, the Company completed the sale of its 85%-owned mattress
manufacturing subsidiary, Paradise Industries Ltd., ("Paradise") to Beit
Hafuton, AA Ltd. ("Beit Hafuton"). Accordingly, the results of Paradise, whose
financial statements were previously consolidated with the Company's financial
statements, have been presented as discontinued operations for all periods
presented. In connection with the sale, the Company agreed to the following: a)
to forgive a capital note in the amount of $.5 million from Goodnight Center
Ltd. ("Goodnight Center"), a subsidiary of Beit Hafuton, b) to forgive a loan to
Paradise in the amount of approximately $.5 million and c) to pay an additional
$1.8 million with respect to bank guarantees issued on behalf of Paradise and
Goodnight Center. As a result of the aforementioned sale, the Company recorded a
loss on disposition of approximately $3.6 million ($1.1 million net of taxes) in
the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1999.
Note 3 - Transaction with Hapoalim
On July 6, 1999, the Company completed a transaction with Hapoalim and two
wholly-owned subsidiaries of Hapoalim, which provided for the following:
47
<PAGE> 49
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
(a) The Company acquired from Hapoalim all of its holdings in Ampal -
5,874,281 shares of Class A Stock, 3,350 shares of 4% Preferred
Stock and 122,536 shares of 6 1/2% Preferred Stock for $31.5
million.
(b) The Company sold to Hapoalim's subsidiary seven real estate
properties totaling 53,000 sq. ft., which had previously been
leased to and occupied by Hapoalim, for $14.7 million.
(c) Ampal's subsidiary renewed the lease agreement with Hapoalim with
respect to a 4,400 sq. ft. branch in Bnei Brak, Israel for ten
years at an annual rental income of $346,000.
As a result of the above transaction, the Company recorded a gain of $9.2
million ($6 million net of taxes) on the sale of the aforementioned real estate
properties in the December 1999 consolidated financial statements.
Note 4 - Acquisitions and Dispositions
(a) On December 31, 1999, the Company invested $6 million for a 50% equity
interest in Am-Hal Ltd. ("Am-Hal"). The purchase price of this
acquisition was allocated to the net assets based upon their estimated
fair values at the time of the acquisition. Goodwill resulting from this
transaction will be amortized over the useful life of the related assets.
As a result of this transaction, the Company holds a 100% equity interest
in Am-Hal, the owner and manager of a chain of luxury senior citizens
facilities in Israel. Accordingly, Am-Hal's balance sheet was
consolidated with the Company's consolidated balance sheet at December
31, 1999.
(b) On October 12, 1999, the Company, as part of a third round financing,
invested approximately $5 million in XACCT Technologies (1997) Ltd.
("XACCT"), a developer of billing, auditing and accounting software for
TCP/IP networks, and increased its equity interest in XACCT by 0.8% to
16.7%.
(c) On June 23, 1999, the Company acquired a 3.9% interest in Blue
Square-Israel Ltd. ("Blue Square") for approximately $24 million. Blue
Square owns 165 supermarkets in Israel.
(d) In addition to the above investments, the Company made the following
investments during the year ended December 31, 1999, aggregating $11.7
million, notably; (1) a $4.3 million investment to acquire an additional
0.2% interest (total equity interest is 0.88%) in Bank Leumi l'Israel
B.M. ("Leumi"); (2) a $2.5 million investment to acquire a 2.45% interest
in Floware Wireless Systems Ltd., a developer of products that enable the
transmission of broadband wireless services; (3) a $1.8 million
investment to acquire an additional 1.2% interest (total equity interest
is 20.3%) in Granite Hacarmel Investments Ltd.; (4) a $1.25 million
investment to acquire a 14% interest (subsequently diluted to 12.6%) in
Camelot Technologies Ltd., a developer of intelligent adaptive systems
for the detection of illegal activities on computer systems; (5) an
approximately $.6 million investment to maintain its equity interest in
Netformx Ltd. ("Netformx") (total equity interest - 20.7%); (6) a $.5
million investment to acquire a 2.1% interest in Babylon Ltd., a
developer and marketer of single click translation software for
non-English speaking Internet users; (7) a $.5 million investment to
acquire a 4.6% interest in ContactNOW Inc., a developer of Internet-based
community enablers and (8) a $.2 million investment to acquire a 5%
interest in Modem Art Ltd., a developer of programmable modems.
(e) On April 14, 1999, the Company sold its 46% equity interest in Moriah
Hotels Ltd. ("Moriah") to Koor Tourism Enterprises Ltd. and Sheraton
International Ltd. for $29.6 million. Prior to the sale, on April 12,
1999, the Company received a dividend from Moriah in the amount of $7.9
million. As a result of the aforementioned transaction, the Company
recorded a gain on sale in the amount of approximately $13.5 million
($8.8 million, net of income taxes) in the December 31, 1999 consolidated
financial statements.
(f) On January 22, 1998, the Company completed its purchase of a one-third
interest in the assets of a new wireless communications service provider,
MIRS Communication Company Ltd.("MIRS"), for $110 million. In March 1998,
the Company transferred its interest in MIRS to a limited partnership. A
wholly-owned Israeli subsidiary of Ampal is the general partner of the
partnership and owns 75.1% of the partnership. The limited partners
48
<PAGE> 50
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
of the partnership reimbursed the Company for their pro rata share of
expenses incurred by the Company in connection with the original purchase
from Motorola Israel. MIRS, which is one-third owned by the partnership
and two-thirds owned by Motorola Israel, coordinates and operates in
Israel the digital and analog public-shared two-way radio and other
services previously furnished by Motorola Israel. The digital wireless
communication service is based on Motorola Israel's iDENTM integrated
wireless communication technology, which is known as MIRS in Israel.
The partnership owns all of the authorized preferred shares of MIRS and
Motorola Israel owns all of the authorized ordinary shares. Each share
issued by MIRS is entitled to one vote. The Company accounts for its
investment in MIRS using the cost method of accounting. Under the cost
method, the Company recognizes income from dividends as they are
declared. On March 21, 1999, MIRS declared a dividend, the Company's
share of which amounts to $.9 million (net of minority interest), which
was paid in September 1999.
(g) In addition to the investment in MIRS, the Company made the following
investments in the high-technology field in the year ended December 31,
1998, aggregating $7.3 million, notably; (1) a $2.5 million investment to
acquire an 8.9% interest in SmartLight Ltd., a developer and marketer of
innovative digital film viewers for use in the diagnosis of medical
images; (2) a $2.1 million investment to acquire an additional 8.6% of
XACCT, a developer of billing, auditing and accounting software for
TCP/IP networks; (3) a $1 million investment to acquire an additional
3.8% of PowerDsine Ltd. ("PowerDsine"), a developer, manufacturer and
marketer of innovative modules and components for the telecommunications
industry; (4) a $1 million investment to acquire a 1.75% equity interest
in Compugen Ltd., a developer of algorithms and models for the
interpretation of biological processes; (5) a $.4 million investment to
acquire an additional 2% in its existing investee Netformx, a developer
of CANER(C)family of network design, analysis and simulation tools; and
(6) a $.3 million investment to maintain its equity interest in its
existing investee, Qronus Interactive Israel (1994) Ltd., a developer and
marketer of software testing tools.
(h) In 1997, the Company made several new investments in the high-technology
field aggregating $8.9 million, notably; (1) a $1 million investment to
acquire 7.3% of UNIC View Ltd., a manufacturer and marketer of a liquid
screen display projector for video, large-screen television and computer
projection systems and a developer of a new projector engine for home use
(investment was written off in 1999); (2) a $.75 million investment for
2.2% FundTech Ltd. (decreased to 0.9% in 1999), a developer of software
for worldwide banking institutions to facilitate fund transfers; (3) a $1
million investment for 3% of NKO, Inc., a developer of low-cost facsimile
transmission services (sold in 1999 for $1.1 million); (4) a $.4 million
investment for approximately 9.8% of XACCT, a developer of billing,
auditing and accounting software for TCP/IP networks; (5) a $2 million
investment for 12.5% of PowerDsine, a developer, manufacturer and
marketer of innovative modules and components for the telecommunications
industry; (6) a $.5 million investment for 24.99% of Ortek Ltd., a
developer and manufacturer of electro-optical devices and systems for the
military and civilian markets (sold in 1999 for a net of tax gain of $.3
million); (7) a $1.25 million investment to acquire approximately 12% of
Shiron Satellite Communications (1996) Ltd., a developer of satellite
modems which achieve high data rates, designed to answer the requirements
of satellite data and voice applications such as rural telephone, video
conferencing and other applications; and (8) a $2 million investment to
acquire 11% of ShellCase Ltd., an Israeli company which has developed a
packaging process for computer chips.
(i) On May 8, 1997, the Company sold all of its direct holdings in Orlite
Industries (1959) Ltd. ("Orlite") and a wholly-owned subsidiary which
held a separate interest in Orlite to Poamlim Investments Ltd. for an
aggregate sales price of $5.3 million. The Company recorded a gain on
sale of $.3 million with respect to this transaction.
(j) On March 27, 1997, the Company sold its 7.9% interest in Idan Software
Industries I.S.I. Ltd. ("Idan"), to Idan's principal shareholder for
approximately $.9 million
49
<PAGE> 51
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
and recorded a gain on sale of approximately $.1 million with respect to
this transaction.
(k) In 1997, the Company received gross proceeds in the amount of $3.6
million from the sale of 119,800 shares of Teledata Communications Ltd.
("Teledata") and realized a gain on sale of $2.9 million ($1.9
million after taxes).
(l) In 1997, the Company recorded a $1.2 million loss due to the impairment
in value of its investment in Geotek Communications Inc., which it
acquired in June 1996 for $1.5 million.
(m) In 1997, the Company recorded a $1 million loss from impairment of its
investment in U.D.S. - Ultimate Distribution Systems Ltd. ("U.D.S."), an
Israeli-based software company specializing in the management and
optimization of a variety of logistic tasks for the distribution
industry, which it acquired in September 1995, for $1.3 million.
Note 5 - Deposits, Notes and Loans Receivable
Deposits, notes and loans receivable earn interest at varying rates
depending upon their linkage provisions. The deposits are guaranteed by
Hapoalim. Deposits have maturities of up to 6 years and notes and loans
receivable have maturities of up to 9 years. At December 31, 1999 and 1998,
deposits, notes and loans receivable from related parties were $3.1 million and
$26.3 million, respectively, and such balances with others were $19.2 million
and $1.3 million, respectively (see Note 3).
Note 6 - Investments in Marketable Securities
The Company classifies investments in marketable securities as trading
securities or available-for-sale securities and periodically re-evaluates such
classifications.
(a) Trading Securities
The cost and market values of trading securities at December 31, 1999 and 1998
are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Unrealized
December 31, 1999 Cost Gains/(Losses) Market Value
- ----------------- -------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Bonds ....................................................... $ 70 $ (4) $ 66
Equity Securities ........................................... 31,253 9,039 40,292
------- ------- -------
Total Trading Securities .................................... $31,323 $ 9,035 $40,358
======= ======= =======
<CAPTION>
Unrealized
December 31, 1998 Cost Gains/(Losses) Market Value
- ----------------- ------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Bonds ....................................................... $ 333 $ (143) $ 190
Equity Securities ........................................... 29,543 (3,446) 26,097
------- ------- -------
Total Trading Securities .................................... $29,876 $(3,589) $26,287
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
In the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Company recorded $12.1
million, $(1.4) million, and $.9 million of unrealized gains (losses),
respectively, on trading securities in the statement of income.
During 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Company invested approximately $28 million,
$30.8 million, and $9.1 million, respectively, in marketable securities, which
are classified as trading securities.
(b) Available-For-Sale Securities
The cost and market values of available-for-sale securities at December 31, 1999
and 1998 are as follows:
50
<PAGE> 52
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
- --------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Unrealized
December 31, 1999 Cost Gains/(Losses) Market Value
- ----------------- -----------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Equity Securities ............................................... $ 24,147 $ (5,012) $19,135
========= ========== =======
<CAPTION>
Unrealized
December 31, 1998 Cost Gains/(Losses) Market Value
- ----------------- -------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Equity Securities ............................................... $ 633 $ 2,632 $ 3,265
========= ========== =======
</TABLE>
Note 7 - 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 shekels with interest rates varying depending upon their linkage
provision and mature through 2008.
At December 31, 1999 and 1998, notes and loans payable include
a $15 million note payable to Hapoalim, secured by the Company's ownership
interest in the building located at 800 Second Avenue, New York, New York. The
loan is due on May 31, 2000 and bears interest at the rate of LIBOR plus .75%,
or 6.85% and 5.97% at December 31, 1999 and December 31 1998, respectively.
On May 4, 1998, the Company received two long-term loans from
Hapoalim and Leumi in the amount of $36.4 million each, in connection with the
purchase of the preferred shares of MIRS (see Note 4(f)). Both loans are due on
March 31, 2008 and bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus .8%. The principal
payments are due as follows: 10% on March 31, 2004, 15% on March 31, 2005 and
25% on each of the following dates - March 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Interest
will be paid annually on March 31 of each year from March 31, 2001 until and
including March 31, 2008.
Notes and loans payable include $22.3 million of loans payable
($4.6 million to related parties) attributed to Am-Hal (see Note 4(a)), which
are dollar linked, mature in 2001 and have interest rates of zero to LIBOR plus
1%. Furthermore, as part of the acquisition of an additional 50% equity interest
in Am-Hal, the Company received a short-term loan in the amount of $6 million
from the seller.
The weighted average interest rates on the balances of short-term
borrowings at year-end are as follows: 5.24% on $46.7 million and 6.58% on $20.6
million in 1999 and 1998, respectively.
51
<PAGE> 53
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Note 8 - Debentures
Debentures outstanding at December 31 consist of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Ampal:
- -------
Fifteen Year 11% Discount Debenture,
maturing 2003 .................................. $18,044 $18,075
Ampal Development (Israel) Ltd.:
Various series with interest rates ranging from
6.2%-7.5%, linked to the Consumer Price Index in
Israel, maturing 2000-2005, secured by assets of
$16 million and $22 million, respectively ...... 15,794 21,208
------- -------
33,838 39,283
Less: Unamortized discounts ..................... 5,179 6,466
------- -------
Total ........................................... $28,659 $32,817
======= =======
</TABLE>
Certain debentures are presentable for early redemption. If
presented for early redemption, maturities (including required obligations) for
the five years ending December 31 would be:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
2000............................. $ 18,532*
2001............................. 1,881
2002............................. 1,881
2003............................. 1,880
2004............................. 1,880
</TABLE>
* If no debentures are presented for early redemption, scheduled maturities will
amount to $6,697.
Note 9 - 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, 1999, a total of 3,881,146 shares
of Class A Stock are reserved for issuance upon the conversion of the Preferred
Stock and the exercise of 762,000 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, 1999, there are no dividend arrearages.
Retained Earnings
At December 31, 1999, retained earnings include $41.4 million for
affiliates accounted for by the equity method, of which $5.8 million and an
additional $54.5 million from subsidiaries is not available for the payment of
dividends. In most cases this results from Israeli requirements that dividends
may only be paid on the basis of shekel-denominated and not dollar-denominated
retained earnings.
52
<PAGE> 54
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Note 10 - Stock Options
In September 1994, the Company's shareholders approved a Stock Option
Plan (the "1994 Plan") permitting the granting of options to purchase up to an
aggregate of 200,000 shares of Class A Stock to employees, officers and
directors of the Company and certain subsidiaries of the Company. The options
granted under the 1994 Plan may be either incentive stock options, at an
exercise price of not less than (i) the fair market value of the underlying
shares on the date of grant, or (ii) 110% of the fair market value on the date
of grant if the grantee owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting
power of Ampal's capital stock or value of all classes of stock of Ampal, or
non-incentive stock options, at an exercise price that is fixed by the Board of
Directors (the "Board") or the Stock Option Committee (the "Committee") at the
time the options are granted. The options are exercisable at the discretion of
the Board or the Committee, with a non-exercisable period of at least two years
from the date of grant for all options granted except those granted to
non-employee directors, which may be exercised immediately upon grant. The terms
of options granted under the 1994 Plan may not exceed five years. As of December
31, 1999, all options under the plan expired.
In March 1998, the Board approved a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "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 options granted may be either
incentive stock options, at an exercise price to be determined by 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 1998 Plan remains in effect for a
period of ten years.
Also in March 1998, the Company entered into a Stock Option and Stock
Purchase Agreement ("the Agreement") with Dr. Gleitman, the Company's then Chief
Executive Officer. Pursuant to the Agreement, the Chief Executive Officer was
granted options to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company's Class A
Stock. The Company also granted, based on certain terms and conditions, the
rights to purchase ("Share Purchase Rights"), at a discount, up to 200,000
shares of the Company's Class A Stock. On June 29, 1999, Dr. Gleitman announced
his resignation, effective July 1, 1999. The Agreement that the Company entered
into with Dr. Gleitman in 1998 was terminated on the date of his resignation.
Upon Dr. Gleitman's resignation, 437,500 stock options and 100,000 stock rights
have been forfeited.
The Company accounts for all plans under APB Opinion No. 25, under which
compensation cost has been recognized for the year-ended December 31, 1998 for
the 20% discount in connection with the Share Purchase Rights. Had compensation
cost for these options been determined in accordance with SFAS No. 123, the
Company's net income and EPS would have been reduced as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
<C> <S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income: As reported ......... $ 28,031 $ 2,175 $ 14,183
Pro forma ........... 27,305 1,201 -
Basic EPS: As reported ......... $ 1.32 $ .08 $ .58
Pro forma 1.29 .04 -
Diluted EPS: As reported ......... $ 1.15 $ .07 $ .50
Pro forma ........... 1.12 .03 -
</TABLE>
53
<PAGE> 55
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
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 used for the options granted as of December 31,
1999 and 1998, respectively: (1) expected life of options of 5 and 7.95 years;
(2) dividend yield of 0%; (3) expected volatility of 41% and 40%; and (4)
risk-free interest rate of 6.35% and 5.72%.
Because SFAS No. 123 method of accounting has not been applied to options
granted prior to January 1, 1995, the resulting pro forma compensation cost may
not be representative of that to be expected in future years.
Transactions under both Stock Option Plans and Agreements were as follows:
(In thousands, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,1999
-----------------------------------------------------
Weighted Weighted
Share Average Average
Purchase Exercise Exercise
Rights Price Options Price
-----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding at beginning of year ... 100 (1) 1,036 $ 8.82
Granted ............................ - - 199 $ 8.00
Exercised .......................... - - - -
Forfeited/Expired .................. (100) (1) (473) $ 8.91
------ ------
Outstanding at end of year ......... 0 762 $ 8.55
====== ======
Exercisable at end of year ......... - - 684 -
======
Weighted average fair value of
options granted ................... $ 3.67
========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,1998
---------------------------------------------------------
Weighted Weighted
Share Average Average
Purchase Exercise Exercise
Rights Price Options Price
---------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding at beginning of year - - 109 $ 10.91
Granted ......................... 200 (1) 1,000 $ 8.75
Exercised ....................... (100) $ 2.80 - -
Terminated ...................... - - (73) $ 10.91
------ ------
Outstanding at end of year ...... 100 (1) 1,036 $ 8.82
====== ======
Exercisable at end of year ...... - - 473 -
======
Weighted average fair value of
options granted ................ $ 2.23
=========
</TABLE>
(1) Pursuant to the Stock Option and Purchase Agreement, exercise price to be
determined based on 80% of the market price of the shares purchased on the date
of exercise.
The 762,000 options outstanding as of December 31, 1999 have exercise
prices between $6.75 and $10 with a weighted average exercise price of $8.55 and
a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2 years. Of these 762,000
options, 684,000 are exercisable; their weighted average exercise price is
$8.62.
Note 11 - Earnings Per Class A Share
In accordance with SFAS No. 128 "Earnings Per Share", net earnings per
Class A share ("basic EPS") were computed by dividing net earnings by the
weighted average number of Class A shares outstanding and excluded any potential
dilution. Net earnings per Class A share amounts, assuming dilution ("diluted
EPS") were computed by reflecting potential
54
<PAGE> 56
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
dilution from the conversion of the 4% and 6-1/2% Preferred Stocks into Class A
Stock. SFAS No. 128 requires the presentation of both basic EPS and diluted EPS
on the face of the income statement.
A reconciliation between the basic and diluted EPS computations for net
earnings is as follows:
(In thousands, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31, 1999
------------------------------------------------
Per Share
Income Shares Amounts
------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Basic EPS:
Income from continuing operations .......................... $ 29,903(1) $ 1.42
Loss from discontinued operations .......................... (2,156) (.10)
-------- --------
Net income attributable to Class A Stock ................... $ 27,747 20,966 $ 1.32
======== ========
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
Conversion of 4% and 6-1/2% Preferred
Stocks .................................................... 3,365
----------
Diluted EPS:
Income from continuing operations .......................... $ 30,187 $ 1.24
Loss from discontinued operations .......................... (2,156) (.09)
--------- --------
Net income attributable to Class A Stock ................... $ 28,031 24,331 $ 1.15
======== ========== ========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31, 1998
------------------------------------------------
Per Share
Income Shares Amounts
------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Basic EPS:
Income from continuing operations .......................... $ 3,555(1) $ .15
Loss from discontinued operations .......................... (1,715) (.07)
-------- --------
Net income attributable to Class A Stock ................... $ 1,840 23,911 $ .08
======== ========
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
Conversion of 4% and 6-1/2% Preferred
Stocks .................................................... 3,713
----------
Diluted EPS:
Income from continuing operations .......................... $ 3,556(2) $ .13
Loss from discontinued operations .......................... (1,715) (.06)
-------- --------
Net income attributable to Class A Stock ................... $ 1,841 27,624 $ .07
======== ========== ========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31, 1997
------------------------------------------------
Per Share
Income Shares Amounts
------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Basic EPS:
Income from continuing operations .......................... $ 14,089(1) $ .59
Loss from discontinued operations .......................... (257) (.01)
-------- --------
Net income attributable to Class A Stock ................... $ 13,832 23,742 $ .58
======== ========
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
Conversion of 4% and 6-1/2% Preferred
Stocks .................................................... 3,873
----------
Diluted EPS:
Income from continuing operations .......................... $ 14,182(2) $ .51
Loss from discontinued operations .......................... (257) (.01)
-------- --------
Net income attributable to Class A Stock ................... $ 13,925 27,615 $ .50
======== ========== ========
</TABLE>
55
<PAGE> 57
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
(1) After deduction of Preferred Stock dividends of $284, $335 and $351,
respectively.
(2) Includes decrease in net income in 1998 and 1997 of $334 and $258,
respectively, due to dilution in equity in earnings of affiliate.
Options to purchase 762,000 shares of common stock which were outstanding
as of December 31, 1999 were not included in the computation of diluted EPS
because of their anti-dilutive effect.
56
<PAGE> 58
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Note 12 - Income Taxes
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
The components of current and deferred
income tax expense (benefit) are: 1999 1998 1997
------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current:
State and local .............................................................. $ 5 $ 66 $ 66
Federal ...................................................................... 542 280 2,945
Foreign ...................................................................... 13,291 1,136 2,859
Deferred:
State and local .............................................................. (182) (132) (95)
Federal ...................................................................... (1,582) (3,137) 716
Foreign ...................................................................... 3,488 (1,734) (1,180)
-------- -------- --------
Total ..................................................................... $ 15,562 $ (3,521) $ 5,311
======== ======== ========
The components of deferred income tax expense (benefit) are:
Unrealized gains (losses) ..................................................... $ 4,375 $ (1,230) $ (516)
Goodwill ...................................................................... 1,186 - -
Foreign tax credit utilization ................................................ (1,740) - -
Equity in earnings of affiliates .............................................. (1,349) (3,477) 1,218
Loss from impairment of investments ........................................... (875) - -
Net operating loss carryforwards .............................................. 141 (985) (204)
Restructuring charge .......................................................... - 245 (455)
Other ......................................................................... (14) 444 (602)
-------- -------- --------
Total ...................................................................... $ 1,724 $ (5,003) $ (559)
======== ======== ========
The domestic and foreign components of (loss) income from continuing operations
before income taxes are:
Domestic ...................................................................... $ (2,540) $ (5,806) $ (363)
Foreign ....................................................................... 48,289 6,175 20,114
-------- -------- --------
Total ...................................................................... $ 45,749 $ 369 $ 19,751
======== ======== ========
A reconciliation of income taxes between the statutory and effective tax is as
follows:
Federal income tax at 35% .................................................... $ 16,012 $ 129 $ 6,913
Taxes on foreign income (below) U.S. rate,
net of tax credits .......................................................... (303) (3,456) (1,457)
Other ........................................................................ (147) (194) (145)
-------- -------- --------
Total effective tax: 34%, (954%) and 27% ..................................... $ 15,562 $ (3,521) $ 5,311
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
Other assets include approximately $6.3 million ($5.1 million in 1998) of
deferred tax assets which primarily represent the tax benefit of the temporary
differences between the carrying values of the assets in the financial
statements and their income tax bases. Accounts and income taxes payable and
accrued expenses include approximately $18 million ($20.9 million in 1998) of
deferred tax liability which primarily consists of tax liability provided on
undistributed earnings of affiliates of approximately $17 million ($20.2 million
in 1998).
57
<PAGE> 59
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Note 13 - Investments in Affiliates
The companies accounted for by the equity method and the Company's share of
equity in those investees are:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Am-Hal Ltd.(See Note 4(a)) ..................................................... - 50% 50%
Bay Heart Limited (a) .......................................................... 37 37 37
Carmel Containers Systems Limited .............................................. 20.7 20.7 20.7
Coral World International Limited (b) .......................................... 50 50 50
Epsilon Investment House Ltd. .................................................. 20 20 20
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited ("Granite") ............................... 20.3 19.1 21.5
Hod Hasharon Sport Center (1992) Limited
Partnership ................................................................... 50 50 50
Moriah Hotels Ltd. (see Note 4 (e)) ............................................ - 46 46
Ophir Holdings Ltd. ............................................................ 42.5 42.5 42.5
Ortek Limited (c) .............................................................. - - 24.99
Renaissance Investment Company Ltd. ............................................ 20 20 20
Trinet Investment in High-Tech Ltd. ............................................ 37.5 37.5 37.5
Trinet Venture Capital Ltd.(d) ................................................. 50 50 50
Combined summarized financial information for the above companies is as follows:
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues ....................................................................... $678,537 $672,803 $776,034
Gross profit ................................................................... 216,285 184,487 204,992
Net income ..................................................................... 51,443 31,720 53,083
Property and equipment ......................................................... $272,548 $347,605 $332,514
Other assets ................................................................... 597,505 508,459 500,670
-------- -------- --------
Total assets ................................................................. $870,053 $856,064 $833,184
======== ======== ========
Total liabilities, including bank borrowings ................................... $627,509 $601,909 $516,627
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
(a) At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Company had a note receivable from Bay
Heart Limited in the amount of $.4 million and recorded interest income in the
amount of $20 and $44, respectively, for the above years.
(b) At December 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company had a note receivable from CWI
in the amount of $.1 million and $.3 million and recorded interest income in the
amount of $31 and $49, respectively, for the above years. This note receivable
matured on March 3, 1999.
(c) At December 31, 1998, the Company recorded a loss from impairment of its
investment in Ortek Limited ("Ortek") in the amount of $.3 million ($.2 million
net of taxes). The Company no longer accounted for Ortek under the equity method
of accounting. In November 1999, the Company sold its equity interest in Ortek
and recorded a net of tax gain of approximately $.3 million.
(d) At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Company had a non-interest bearing
note receivable from Trinet Venture Capital Ltd. in the amount of $2.4 million
and $2.5 million, respectively.
The carrying value of the Company's investments in shares of its publicly
traded affiliates at December 31, 1999, amounted to $28.4 million and had a
market value of $47.1 million, based upon quoted market prices of shares traded
on the American Stock Exchange, NASDAQ National Market and the Tel Aviv Stock
Exchange. There is no assurance that any of these investments could be realized
at the quoted market price.
58
<PAGE> 60
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
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.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 1998 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
- ---------
Finance ......................... $ 45,501 $ 7,308 $ 15,896
Real estate rental .............. 6,902 7,375 8,080
Leisure-time .................... 1,674 1,652 1,667
Intercompany adjustments ........ (467) (503) (1,204)
--------- --------- ---------
Total ...................... $ 53,610 $ 15,832 $ 24,439
========= ========= =========
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates:
- ---------------------------------
Finance(b) ...................... $ 5,595 $ 186 $ 15,228
Real estate rental(b) ........... 5,277 510 (882)
Leisure-time(a) ................. 782 775 472
--------- --------- ---------
Total ...................... $ 11,654 $ 1,471 $ 14,818
========= ========= =========
Interest Income:
- ----------------
Finance ......................... $ 2,503 $ 5,768 $ 10,183
Real estate rental .............. - 61 908
Leisure-time .................... - - -
Intercompany adjustments ........ (467) (503) (1,360)
--------- --------- ---------
Total ...................... $ 2,036 $ 5,326 $ 9,731
========= ========= =========
Interest Expense:
- -----------------
Finance ......................... $ 8,947 $ 10,500 $ 7,314
Real estate rental .............. 1,374 1,483 2,375
Leisure-time .................... 149 523 481
Intercompany adjustments ........ (467) (503) (1,360)
--------- --------- ---------
Total ...................... $ 10,003 $ 12,003 $ 8,810
========= ========= =========
Pretax Operating Income (Loss):
- -------------------------------
Finance ......................... $ 26,873 $ (9,991) $ (1,198)
Real estate rental .............. 2,000 2,341 2,433
Leisure-time .................... 111 (354) (400)
--------- --------- ---------
Total ...................... $ 28,984 $ (8,004) $ 835
========= ========= =========
Income Tax Expense (Benefit):
- -----------------------------
Finance ......................... $ 15,583 $ (2,904) $ 5,542
Real estate rental .............. 88 (319) (229)
Leisure-time .................... (109) (298) (2)
--------- --------- ---------
Total ...................... $ 15,562 $ (3,521) $ 5,311
========= ========= =========
Total Assets:
- -------------
Finance ......................... $ 323,047 $ 288,016 $ 223,244
Real estate rental .............. 81,268 35,013 48,869
Leisure-time .................... 2,865 2,614 2,831
Intercompany adjustments ........ (10,400) (1,523) (21,630)
--------- --------- ---------
Total ...................... $ 396,780 $ 324,120 $ 253,314
========= ========= =========
Investments in Affiliates:
- --------------------------
Finance ......................... $ - $ - $ -
Real estate rental(b) ........... 32,179 15,697 13,724
Leisure-time(a) ................. 11,017 33,943 34,638
--------- --------- ---------
Total ...................... $ 43,196 $ 49,640 $ 48,362
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
59
<PAGE> 61
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Capital Expenditures:
- ---------------------
Finance ......................... $ 819 $ 19 $ 211
Real estate rental .............. 1,014 2,895 1,034
Leisure-time .................... 111 38 98
--------- --------- ---------
Total ...................... $ 1,944 $ 2,952 $ 1,343
========= ========= =========
Depreciation and Amortization:
- ------------------------------
Finance ......................... $ 1,434 $ 1,346 $ 1,675
Real estate rental .............. 818 848 756
Leisure-time .................... 107 215 262
--------- --------- ---------
Total ...................... $ 2,359 $ 2,409 $ 2,693
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
Corporate office expense is principally applicable to the financing
operation and has been charged to that segment above. Revenues and pretax
operating income above exclude equity in earnings of affiliates and minority
interests. Total assets exclude assets from discontinued operations.
(a) Operations in Australia, Bahamas (1997 only), Israel, U.S. Virgin
Islands (1997 only) and the United States (see Note 13).
(b) Operations in Israel.
The real estate rental segment consists of rental property owned in
Israel and the United States leased to related and unrelated parties. The
leisure-time segment consists primarily of Moriah Hotels Ltd. (hotel chain in
Israel-see Note 4 (e)), Coral World International Limited (marine parks located
around the world) 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 short-term investments, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate
of fair value.
(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) Commitments
Due to the relatively short term of commitments discussed in Note 16,
their contract value is considered to be their fair value.
(e) Deposits, Notes and Loans Payable and Debentures
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.
60
<PAGE> 62
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
----------------------- -----------------------
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Amount Value Amount Value
-------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents .... $ 7,409 $ 7,409 $ 12,047 $ 12,047
Deposits, notes and loans
receivable .................. 22,336 20,682 27,572 26,091
Investments .................. 59,493 59,493 29,553 29,553
-------- -------- -------- --------
$ 89,238 $ 87,584 $ 69,172 $ 67,691
======== ======== ======== ========
Financial liabilities:
Notes and loans payable ..... $145,860 $151,150 $ 96,208 $100,156
Debentures outstanding ...... 28,659 29,144 32,817 33,556
-------- -------- -------- --------
$174,519 $180,294 $129,025 $133,712
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
Note 16- Commitments and Contingencies
(a) The combined minimum annual lease payments on Ampal's corporate offices
and Country Club Kfar Saba, without giving effect to future escalations, are $.4
million in each of the years 2000-2004, and $7.0 million in the aggregate,
thereafter, totaling $9.0 million. The leases expire in 2009 and 2037,
respectively.
(b) For the years 2000 through 2004, the combined minimum lease receipts to
be received by the Company from rental properties are approximately $4.2 million
in each of the years from 2000 through 2003, and $4.3 million in 2004; and $21.1
million in the aggregate, thereafter, totaling $42.3 million (all from
non-related parties).
(c) The Company has issued guarantees on bank loans to its investees and
subsidiaries totaling $11.3 million (includes $5.0 million of guarantees with
respect to M.D.F.).
The Company's commitments to its investees amounted to $8.3 million.
(d) Sonol, a subsidiary of the Company's investee, Granite, and "Delek" the
Israel Fuel Corporation Ltd. ("Delek") jointly own the rights to the "Dalkan
2000," a computerized system for marketing fuel products (primarily to
automobile fleets). On January 26, 1997, the Controller of Restrictive Trade
Practices ruled that the joint marketing arrangement of the "Dalkan 2000" system
by Sonol and Delek is a restrictive trade agreement. As a result of the position
taken by the Controller, both Sonol and Delek agreed to divide the "Dalkan 2000"
system between themselves so that each company will operate an independent
system in a manner that will enable customers, in accordance with their own
preference, to enter into an agreement with either of the companies. The
separation agreement was implemented during 1998.
A private legislative proposal dealing with the shortening of the terms
of exclusive agreements entered into between the fuel marketing companies and
filling station owners and operators has passed its first reading in the
Knesset, the Israeli parliament. The Economics Committee of the current Knesset
has decided that the rule of "Continuity" will be in effect regarding this
proposal and to initially require the legislation of rules regarding future
commitments of the fuel companies with filling station owners and only,
thereafter, to deal with the issue of exclusive agreements entered into in the
past. Subsequently, the Law of the Fuel Economy (Promotion of Competition
Correction) 1998, was enacted in July, 1998. The Law deals with future
commitments by the fuel companies and empowers the Minister of National
Infrastructures to determine rules after consulting with the Controller of
Restrictive Trade Agreements and after having received approval by the Economics
Committee of the Knesset, regarding automatic filling systems (Dalkanim and
Pazomatim) and their operation. These rules will apply to all the fuel
companies.
A draft proposal of legislation by the Ministry of Energy and
Infrastructure regarding the term of exclusive contracts between the fuel
marketing companies and station owners has been forwarded to government
ministries, the President of the Supreme Court and law faculties for their
initial comments.
61
<PAGE> 63
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
There have been no changes in the status of legislative matters dealing
with the shortening of the terms of exclusive agreements entered into between
the oil marketing companies and filling station owners and operators since the
Company's report in the annual December 31, 1998 financial statements, except
for the fact that the fourteenth Knesset was dispersed and the fifteenth Knesset
has been elected. The significance of this is that the rule of continuity, which
began in thirteenth Knesset and came into effect during the term of the
fourteenth Knesset, will not apply to the fifteenth Knesset and that to the best
of the Company's knowledge, the matter is no longer on the Knesset's agenda.
As part of the Ministry of National Infrastructure's policy to separate
the holding of Emergency Inventories of crude oil and product inventories from
the oil marketing companies' commercial inventories the Fuel Authority has
ordered that Emergency Inventories of fuel products are to be stored in separate
tanks at specifically designated locations. The ruling, which was to have taken
effect on November 30, 1999, has been postponed, and it is expected to go into
effect during the year 2000.
The oil marketing companies, Sonol, Paz and Delek, have filed a claim in
the district court against the Government of Israel, the Minister of Finance,
and the Department of Customs and Value Added Tax, claiming the illegality of an
excise tax order which among others, serves as the basis for excise tax charged
the said companies' fuel sales. The claim for declarative relief also includes a
request for a declaration entitling the oil marketing companies to seek a refund
of illegally collected excise taxes. Subsequently, a class action was filed
against the oil marketing companies in the amount of NIS. 1 billion
(approximately $250 million) demanding the refund to consumers of illegally
charged excise taxes based on the companies' claim mentioned above. Subsequent
to the balance sheet date, on January 31, 2000, the class action was amended to
include, inter alia, the State of Israel as a defendant.
In accordance with a government decision, the excise tax rate applicable
to gasoil used for transportation will be increased significantly. This increase
will cause a large price differential between the price of gasoil used for
transportation and that used for other purposes. As a result, it has been
proposed, within the framework of a proposed law for Arrangements in the
Government Economy (1999) to amend the excise tax law pertaining to fuel
products in such a manner that will require the marking of gasoil not used for
transportation to provide the Director of Customs with enforcement powers to
inspect the purported uses of gasoil and to take punitive measures against the
illegal use of gasoil for purposes other than stipulated by law. Concurrently
with the government's above mentioned decision, Knesset member A. Poraz
submitted a private bill intended to ensure that all fuel product excise taxes
will be imposed at equal rates for all types of the same products, thus
preventing the proposed tax differentials on gasoil. The proposed law has passed
preliminary reading in the Knesset.
If the proposed law is enacted as stated in the Law for Arrangements, and
Knesset member Poraz's private bill is not enacted, it can be assumed that the
enforcement means and punitive measures proposed will not suffice to prevent
potential users from violating the law by using gasoil meant for industrial or
heating purposes, for transportation purposes, thus making the Company's
operations more difficult. Regardless, an increase in the rate of excise tax
will cause a significant increase in the level of customer credit.
During February 2000 a claim in the amount of NIS. 400,000 (approximately
$.1 million) was filed against Sonol, together with Paz Oil Company Ltd. ("Paz")
and "Delek" relating to the alleged collusion in the fixing of the price of
gasoil to consumers. This claim, if recognized as a class action, is stated to
amount to approximately NIS. 175 million (approximately $44 million) against all
companies. Sonol denies the claim and, according to its legal counsel, chances
are good that the claim will not be recognized as a class action.
Three claims were lodged against Granite's affiliated company and its
shareholders, which include Sonol. The total amount of the claims is
approximately NIS.60 million ($15 million) relate to the sale of fuel products
pursuant to restrictive trade practices (as the plaintiff alleges) among the
fuel companies. In the opinion of the legal counsels of Sonol and the
affiliated company, the companies have a sound defense against the claims.
At this time, it is too early to estimate the effects of the said
developments on the overall Israeli fuel market in general, and on Granite in
particular.
62
<PAGE> 64
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
(e) On July 27, 1998, a Tel Aviv District Court judge ruled in favor of
Yakhin Hakal Ltd., the manager and co-owner of Ampal's 50%-owned affiliates, Etz
Vanir Ltd. ("Etz Vanir") and Yakhin Mataim Ltd. ("Yakhin Mataim"). The judge's
decision allows Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim to redeem debentures owned by Ampal
for approximately $.8 million and to require Ampal to surrender all of its
shares of Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim for their par value, which is nominal.
After the redemption and surrender, Ampal will no longer have any interest in
Etz Vanir or Yakhin Mataim.
Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim cultivate in the aggregate approximately
1,200 acres of citrus groves.
Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim have not reported their financial results to
Ampal since 1990 and, therefore, their financial results have not been included
in Ampal's financial statements. The carrying value of Ampal's investment in Etz
Vanir and Yakhin Mataim, as of December 31, 1998, is approximately $.8 million.
At the request of Ampal's attorneys, the Tel Aviv District Court has
issued a stay of performance of the judgment until the High Court of Appeal
issues a final judgment. On October 15, 1998, Ampal filed an appeal with the
High Court of Appeal in Jerusalem. It is expected that a final judgment will be
rendered before the end of 2000.
(f) Legal claims arising in the normal course of business have been filed
against subsidiaries and affiliates of the Company. In the opinion of the
companies' managements, based on the opinions of legal counsel, the provisions
made are sufficient.
Note 17 - Restructuring Charge
During 1997, in connection with management's plan to reorganize
operations and reduce costs, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $1.3
million ($.7 million was recorded in the quarter ended December 31, 1997). This
restructuring resulted in the elimination of certain corporate positions and was
completed in 1998, and primarily related to severance and other employee-related
costs. At December 31, 1998, $.6 million of the restructuring charge remained
unutilized and was transferred to severance and other employee-related
liability.
Note 18 - Subsequent Events
On February 4, 2000, the Company, through Ophir, entered into an agreement with
Terayon Communication Systems, Inc. ("Terayon"), a leading supplier of broadband
network systems, to sell its holdings in Combox Ltd. ("Combox"). Under the terms
of this agreement, Ophir will exchange its 19.7% interest in Combox for
approximately 150,000 shares of Terayon, valued at approximately $17.7 million
as of the market close on February 3, 2000. Ophir acquired Combox for
approximately $2.3 million. The market price of Terayon's shares as of the
market close on March 27, 2000 was $216 5/8 per share.
On February 8, 2000, the Company acquired a 4.9% interest in Arel Communications
and Software Ltd., a leading provider of interactive distance learning systems,
for $6 million.
On February 28, 2000, the Company made an additional $1.8 million investment in
PowerDsine, a developer of telecommunications components for advanced telecom
and data communication equipment, as part of a $22 million private placement. As
a result of this transaction, the Company's equity interest was diluted to
10.8%.
On March 22, 2000, the Company and Ophir invested $2.75 million and $1 million,
respectively, in Netformx, and converted debentures in the amount of $.6 million
and $.2 million, respectively, as part of an approximately $19.7 million private
placement ($15 million in new investments and $4.7 million by conversion of
debentures). As a result of these transactions, the Company's net equity
interest in Netformx decreased to 20.2%.
In addition to the aforementioned investments, the Company made the following
investments during the first quarter of 2000: a $1 million investment to acquire
a 2.9% interest in BridgeWave Communications Inc., a developer of wireless
solutions for cable companies; a $.75 million investment to acquire a 20%
interest in Xpert Ltd., a software and systems integrator specializing in
systems security and a $.5 million investment to acquire a 13% interest in
G.O.L. Geometry-On-Line Inc., a developer and marketer of 3D browser/publisher
that enables fast progressive viewing, compression and streaming of 3D models.
63
<PAGE> 65
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
On March 23, 2000 the Company's investee, BreezeCOM Ltd. ("BreezeCOM"), a
developer and manufacturer of wireless access products, completed an initial
public offering of 5 million shares in the United States and raised $100 million
(at $20 per share). The Company holds approximately 815,000 shares of BreezeCOM
which were acquired for $1.1 million.
64
<PAGE> 66
SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
- ---------------------------------
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
First Second Third Fourth
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Total
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year Ended December 31, 1999(1)
Revenues ........................................ $ 13,854 $ 30,988 $ 13,518 $ 11,253 $ 69,613
Net interest expense ............................ (1,659) (1,754) (2,236) (2,318) (7,967)
Income from continuing operations ............... $ 5,977 $ 15,037 $ 5,312 $ 3,861 $ 30,187
(Loss) income from discontinued operations ...... (425) (286) (1,965) 520 (2,156)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income ...................................... $ 5,552 $ 14,751 $ 3,347 $ 4,381 $ 28,031
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Basic EPS:
Earnings per Class A share:
Earnings from continuing operations(3) ........ $ .25 $ .62 $ .29 $ .21 $ 1.42
(Loss) income from discontinued operations .... (.02) (.01) (.11) .03 (.10)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Earnings per Class A share .................... $ .23 $ .61 $ .18 $ .24 $ 1.32
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Diluted EPS:
Earnings per Class A share:
Earnings from continuing operations ........... $ .22 $ .54 $ .25 $ .18 $ 1.24
(Loss) income from discontinued operations ... (.02) (.01) (.09) .02 (.09)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Earnings per Class A share .................... $ .20 $ .53 $ .16 $ .20 $ 1.15
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Year Ended December 31, 1998(2)
Revenues ........................................ $ 7,916 $ 5,809 $ 3,163 $ 6,272 $ 23,160
Net interest expense ............................ (1,180) (1,358) (1,615) (2,524) (6,677)
Income (loss) from continuing operations ........ $ 2,122 $ (120) $ (1,505) $ 3,393 $ 3,890
(Loss) from discontinued operations ............. (116) (799) (397) (403) (1,715)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss) ............................... $ 2,006 $ (919) $ (1,902) $ 2,990 $ 2,175
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Basic EPS:
Earnings (loss) per Class A share:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations(3) . $ .08 $ - $ (.06) $ .13(3) $ .15
(Loss) from discontinued operations ........... - (.03) (.02) (.02) (.07)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Earnings (loss) per Class A share ............. $ .08 $ (.03) $ (.08) $ .11 $ .08
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Diluted EPS:
Earnings (loss) per Class A share:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations .... $ .07 $ - $ (.06) $ .12 $ .13
(Loss) from discontinued operations ........... - (.03) (.02) (.01) (.06)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Earnings (loss) per Class A share ............. $ .07 $ (.03) $ (.08) $ .11 $ .07
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
(1) The first and second quarters have been restated to reflect the results of
Paradise Industries Ltd. as a discontinued operation.
(2) Each quarter has been restated to reflect the results of Paradise
Industries Ltd. as a discontinued operation.
(3) After deduction of preferred stock dividends of $284 and $335,
respectively.
65
<PAGE> 67
ITEM 9. DISAGREEMENTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding Ampal's
directors and executive officers:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME POSITION
- ---- --------
<S> <C>
Daniel Steinmetz(1).............................................. Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director
Raz Steinmetz(1)................................................. President and Chief Executive Officer and Director
Shlomo Meichor................................................... Vice President-Finance and Treasurer
Alla Kanter...................................................... Vice President-Accounting and Controller
Eli S. Goldberg.................................................. Vice President-Legal and Secretary
Michael Arnon(2)(3)(4)........................................... Director
Benzion Benbassat................................................ Director
Yaacov Elinav(2)................................................. Director
Kenneth L. Henderson(3).......................................... Director
Hillel Peled(1)(2)(3)(4)......................................... Director
Avi A. Vigder.................................................... Director
Eliyahu Wagner(4)................................................ Director
</TABLE>
-----------
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. Mr. D.
Steinmetz is the Chairman of the Executive Committee.
(2) Member of the Audit Committee of the Board which reviews functions of
the outside auditors, auditors' fees and related matters. Mr. Arnon is
the Chairman of the Audit Committee.
(3) Member of the Related Party Transactions Committee of the Board which
reviews and passes upon the fairness of business transactions between
Ampal and related parties. Mr. Peled is the Chairman of the Related
Party Transactions Committee.
(4) Member of the Stock Option Committee of the Board which administers
Ampal's 1998 Stock Option Plan and other grants of options. For a
description of Ampal's 1998 Stock Option Plan, see "Executive
Compensation - Stock Option Plan." Mr. Wagner is the Chairman of the
Stock Option Committee.
66
<PAGE> 68
In 1999, the Board of Directors met five times and acted by written
consent one time; the Executive Committee met three times and acted by written
consent three times; the Audit Committee met one time and did not act by written
consent; the Related Party Transactions Committee met two times and did not act
by written consent; and the Stock Option Committee did not meet and did not act
by written consent. Ampal does not have a nominating committee or compensation
committee. All directors attended more than 75% of the aggregate of (1) the
total number of Board of Directors meetings held during the period in 1999 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 1999 (during
the period of such service).
The following sets forth the ages of all of the above-mentioned
directors and officers, all positions and offices with Ampal or its subsidiaries
held by each director and officer and principal occupations during the last five
years.
DANIEL STEINMETZ, 61, has managed family diamond trading businesses in
Israel for more than the past five years. Mr. Steinmetz is the father of Raz
Steinmetz.
RAZ STEINMETZ, 36, has managed various investments for his family,
including real estate, financial investments and others, since September 1994.
From September 1993 through September 1994, he worked as a trainee at Republic
National Bank of New York. From September 1991 through July 1993, he attended
the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton Business School, where he received a
Masters Degree in Business Administration. He served as a director of Ampal and
has been the Chairman of the Executive Committee since December 1996. On June
29, 1999, Mr. Steinmetz was elected Chief Executive Officer and President. Mr.
Steinmetz is the son of Daniel Steinmetz.
SHLOMO MEICHOR, 42, assumed the duties of Vice President-Finance and
Treasurer of Ampal on April 1, 1998. For more than five years prior to April 1,
1998, Mr. Meichor was the Finance and Operations Manager of Digital
Semi-Conductors Israel, a semi-conductor subsidiary of Digital Equipment
Corporation.
ALLA KANTER, 42, has been Vice President-Accounting of Ampal since
September 1995 and Controller of Ampal since August 1990.
ELI S. GOLDBERG, 45, has been Vice President-Legal and Secretary of
Ampal since November 1998. From September 1996 until November 1998, he was an
associate at Lowenstein, Sandler P.C. From November 1990 until July 1996, he was
employed as Special Assistant to the General Counsel of the Market Transition
Facility of New Jersey.
MICHAEL ARNON, 75, was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ampal from
November 1990 to July 1994. From July 1986 until November 1990, he was President
and Chief Executive Officer of Ampal. He became a director of Ampal in 1986.
BENZION BENBASSAT, 62, has been the President and Chief Executive
Officer of D.R.B. Investments Ltd., an investment company, controlled by Daniel
Steinmetz and Raz Steinmetz, directors of Ampal and the controlling persons of
Ampal's shareholder, for more than the past five years.
YAACOV ELINAV, 55, has been a Senior Deputy Managing Director of
Hapoalim since August 1992. From October 1991 to August 1992, he was a Deputy
Managing Director of Hapoalim. From October 1988 to October 1991, he was head of
the Corporate Division of Hapoalim. He became a director of Ampal in 1992.
KENNETH L. HENDERSON, 45, is an attorney and has been a partner at
Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn & Berman LLP ("Robinson") since 1987.
Robinson provided legal services to Ampal during 1999.
HILLEL PELED, 52, has been President of Inveco International, Inc., a
private investment company, since January 1990. From January 1982 to June 1986,
he served as Vice President-Finance and Treasurer of Ampal. He became a director
of Ampal in June 1996.
67
<PAGE> 69
ELIYAHU WAGNER, 59, has been a private real estate developer for more
than the past five years. He became a director of Ampal in 1999.
AVI A. VIGDER, 39, has been a Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of R. Steinmetz (U.S.) Ltd. since November 1998. From June 1997 until
October 1998, he was head of Investment Banking at Israel Discount Bank. From
January 1994 until December 1996, he was Managing Director of Foreign Trusts
Ltd. He became a director of Ampal in 1999.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
requires Ampal's officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a
registered class of Ampal's equity securities, to file reports of ownership and
changes in ownership with the SEC and the American Stock Exchange. These persons
are required by regulation of the SEC to furnish Ampal with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it,
or written representations from certain reporting persons that no Forms 5 were
required for those persons, Ampal believes that during 1999 Ampal's officers,
directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners complied with all applicable
Section 16(a) filing requirements.
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<PAGE> 70
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The table below presents information regarding remuneration paid or
accrued for services to Ampal and its subsidiaries by the executive officers
named below during the three fiscal years ended December 31, 1999, 1998, and
1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION
-------------------
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
AWARDS
NUMBER OF
OTHER SECURITIES ALL
NAME AND PRINCIPAL ANNUAL UNDERLYING OTHER
POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION OPTIONS (15) COMPENSATION
-------- ---- ------ ----- ------------ ------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Raz Steinmetz(1) 1999 176,123 10,097(2) 30,000 41,085(b)
(Chief Executive Officer 1998 144,002 7,417(2) 33,559(6)
and President) 1997 100,342 5,599(2) 21,219(7)
1999 $249,055 $ 7,780(2) 0 $ 61,726(a)
Yehoshua Gleitman(5) 1998 247,060 23,118(2) 65,552(3)
(Chief Executive Officer) 1997 179,756 23,843(2) 37,444(4)
Shlomo Meichor(8) 1999 180,317 7,701(2) 24,000 37,609(c)
(Vice President-Finance 1998 122,795 9,735(2) 31,869(9)
and Treasurer)
Alla Kanter(10) 1999 116,300 9,700 15,000 15,598(f)
(Vice President- 1998 107,310 9,000 14,362(11)
Accounting and 1997 82,525 9,229(12)
Controller)
Shlomo Shalev(13)
(Vice President-Business 1999 167,887 5,973(2) 20,000 34,212(e)
Development)
Nitzan Yanovski(14) 1999 153,295 6,886(2) 20,000 36,467(d)
(Vice President-Business
Development)
</TABLE>
-----------
(1) Mr. Steinmetz has been employed by Ampal since January 1, 1997 and was
appointed C.E.O. and President effective July 1, 1999. Pursuant to an
employment agreement dated January 1, 1997, Mr. Steinmetz is entitled
to receive a base salary of $175,000 (payable in Shekels) per annum
(plus benefits), the total for 1999 was $227,305. His agreement can be
terminated by either party upon thirty days notice.
(2) Consists of amounts reimbursed for the payment of taxes.
(3) Comprised of Ampal (Israel)'s contribution pursuant to: (i) Ampal
(Israel)'s Pension Plan of $39,070, (ii) Ampal (Israel)'s education
fund of $18,511 and (iii) use of a car of $7,971.
69
<PAGE> 71
(4) Comprised of Ampal (Israel)'s contribution pursuant to: (i) Ampal
(Israel)'s Pension Plan of $23,962 and (ii) Ampal (Israel)'s education
fund of $13,482.
(5) Dr. Gleitman was Chief Executive Officer of Ampal from May 28, 1997
until his resignation on July 1, 1999.
(6) Comprised of Ampal (Israel)'s contribution to: (i) Ampal (Israel)'s
Pension Plan of $22,778 and (ii) Ampal (Israel)'s education fund of
$10,781.
(7) Comprised of Ampal (Israel)'s contribution to: (i) Ampal (Israel)'s
Pension Plan of $13,579 and (ii) Ampal (Israel)'s education fund of
$7,640.
(8) Mr. Shlomo Meichor has been employed by Ampal since March 1, 1998 and
was appointed Vice President-Finance and Treasurer of Ampal, effective
April 1, 1998. Pursuant to an employment agreement, dated March 5,
1998, Mr. Meichor receives a base salary of $144,000 per annum,
adjusted annually in accordance with the United States consumer price
index (payable in Shekels) plus benefits and use of a car. His
agreement can be terminated upon two months' notice and after the two
months' notice period expires Mr. Meichor is entitled to receive his
salary for an additional four months.
(9) Comprised of Ampal (Israel)'s contribution pursuant to: (i) Ampal
(Israel)'s Pension Plan of $19,323, (ii) Ampal (Israel)'s education
fund of $9,155 and (iii) use of a car of $3,391.
(10) Ms. Kanter has been Vice President-Accounting of Ampal since September
1995 and Controller of Ampal since August 1990.
(11) Comprised of Ampal's contribution pursuant to: (i) Ampal's Pension Plan
of $10,873; and (ii) Ampal's Savings Plan of $3,489.
(12) Comprised of Ampal's contribution pursuant to: (i) Ampal's Pension Plan
of $6,753; and (ii) Ampal's Savings Plan of $2,476.
(13) Mr. Shlomo Shalev has been employed by Ampal since August 1997. From
July 1994 until July 1997, Mr. Shalev served as the Commercial Attachee
of the Government of Israel for the West Coast region of the United
States. Mr. Shalev was appointed Vice President-Business Development of
Ampal effective July 1, 1999.
(14) Mr. Nitzan Yanovski has been employed by Ampal since January 1991. Mr.
Yanovski was appointed Vice President-Business Development of Ampal
effective July 1, 1999.
(15) Represents the number of shares of Class A Stock underlying options
granted to the named executive officers.
(a) Comprised of Ampal (Israel)'s contribution pursuant to: (i) Ampal
(Israel)'s Pension Plan of $39,422; (ii) Ampal (Israel)'s education
fund of $14,504 and (iii) use of a car of $7,800.
(b) Comprised of Ampal (Israel)'s contribution pursuant to: (i) Ampal
(Israel)'s Pension Plan of $27,877; and (ii) Ampal (Israel)'s education
fund of $13,208.
(c) Comprised of Ampal (Israel)'s Pension Plan of $22,833; (ii) Ampal
(Israel)'s education fund of $10,818; and (iii) use of a car of $3,958.
(d) Comprised of Ampal (Israel)'s contribution to: (i) Ampal (Israel)'s
Pension Plan of $20,550; (ii) Ampal (Israel)'s education fund of
$9,966; and (iii) use of a car of $5,951.
(e) Comprised of Ampal (Israel)'s contribution pursuant to: (i) Ampal
(Israel)'s Pension Plan of $19,176; (ii) Ampal (Israel)'s education
fund of $9,085; and (iii) use of a car of $5,951.
(f) Comprised of Ampal's contribution pursuant to: (i) Ampal's Pension Plan
of $11,827;
70
<PAGE> 72
and (ii) Ampal's Savings Plan of $3,771.
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNDERLYING
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT FISCAL
YEAR-END(1)
NAME EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ---- --------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Yehoshua Gleitman................. 562,500 0
Raz Steinmetz..................... 15,000 15,000
Shlomo Meichor.................... 12,000 12,000
Alla Kanter....................... 7,500 7,500
Shlomo Shalev..................... 10,000 10,000
Nitzan Yanovski................... 10,000 10,000
</TABLE>
-----------
(1) This table represents the total number of shares of Class A Stock
subject to stock options held by each of the named executive officers
at December 31, 1999.
OPTION GRANTS IN 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 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION
-------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Potential Realizable Value
Number of % of Total at Assumed Annual Rates of
Securities Options Market Stock Price Appreciation
Underlying Granted to Exercise Price on For Option Term
Option Employees in Price Per Date of Expiration ------------------------------
Name Granted Fiscal Year Share Grant Date 0% 5% 10%
---- ------- ----------- ----- ----- ---- -- -- ---
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Raz Steinmetz 30,000 19.6% $8.00 $8.00 12-14-04 0 $66,308 $146,522
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shlomo Meichor 24,000 15.7% $8.00 $8.00 12-14-04 0 $53,046 $117,218
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alla Kanter 15,000 9.8% $8.00 $8.00 12-14-04 0 $30,154 $73,261
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shlomo Shalev 20,000 13.1% $8.00 $8.00 12-14-04 0 $44,205 $97,682
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nitzan Yanovski 20,000 13.1% $8.00 $8.00 12-14-04 0 $44,205 $97,682
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Value of Unexercised In-the-Money
Options at Fiscal Year-End
Exercisable Unexercisable
----------- -------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Yehoshua Gleitman $492,188 $0
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Raz Steinmetz $18,750 $18,750
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Shlomo Meichor $15,000 $15,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Alla Kanter $9,375 $9,375
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Shlomo Shalev $12,500 $12,500
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Nitzan Yanovski $12,500 $12,500
-------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
OTHER BENEFITS
Ampal maintains a money purchase pension plan ("Pension Plan") for its
eligible employees. Eligible employees are all full-time employees of Ampal
except non-resident aliens, night-shift employees and employees represented by a
collective bargaining unit. Ampal's contribution is equal to 7% of each
employee's compensation plus 5.7% of the compensation in excess of the Social
Security taxable wage base for that year.
Employees become vested in amounts contributed by Ampal depending on
the number of years of service, as provided in the following table:
71
<PAGE> 73
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VESTED
YEARS OF SERVICE PERCENTAGE
- ---------------- ----------
<S> <C>
less than 2 years.................................... 0%
2 but less than 3 years.............................. 20%
3 but less than 4 years.............................. 40%
4 but less than 5 years.............................. 60%
5 but less than 6 years.............................. 80%
6 or more years...................................... 100%
</TABLE>
Benefits under the Pension Plan are paid in a lump sum, in an annuity
form or in installments.
Ampal maintains a savings plan (the "Savings Plan") for its eligible
employees pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"). Eligible employees are all employees of Ampal except
non-resident aliens, night-shift employees and employees represented by a
collective bargaining unit. Participation by employees in the Savings Plan is
voluntary. Participating employees may direct that a specific percentage of
their annual compensation (up to 15%) be contributed to a self-directed 401(k)
savings account. The amount which any employee could contribute to his or her
401(k)"savings account in 1999 was limited under the Code to $10,500. Effective
January 1, 1996, the Savings Plan was amended so that Ampal matches 50% of each
employee's contribution up to a maximum of 3% of the employee's compensation.
Employees who were eligible to participate in the Savings Plan as of December
31, 1995 are 100% vested at all times in the account balances maintained in
their 401(k) savings account. Employees who became eligible to participate in
the Savings Plan on or after January 1, 1996 become vested in amounts
contributed by Ampal depending on the number of years of service, as provided in
the following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VESTED
YEARS OF SERVICE PERCENTAGE
- ---------------- ----------
<S> <C>
less than 2 years................................. 0%
2 but less than 3 years........................... 20%
3 but less than 4 years........................... 40%
4 but less than 5 years........................... 60%
5 but less than 6 years........................... 80%
6 or more years................................... 100%
</TABLE>
Benefits under the Savings Plan are required to be paid in a single,
lump-sum distribution. Payment is usually made after termination of employment.
In 1994, Ampal established a Supplementary Executive Retirement Plan
("SERP") for its eligible employees. Ampal's obligation under the SERP is to pay
to affected employees the amount that would have been paid to them by the
Pension Plan but for the operation of Section 401(a)(17) of the Code.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Directors of Ampal (other than Mr. R. Steinmetz) receive $500 per Board
meeting attended. The Chairman of the Board receives $2,000. Such persons 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.
STOCK OPTION PLAN
In March 1998, the Board approved a Long-term Incentive Plan (the "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
72
<PAGE> 74
Class A Stock. The options granted may be either incentive stock options, at an
exercise price to be determined by the Committee but not less than 100% of the
fair market value of the underlying shares 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 1998 Plan remains in effect for a
period of ten years.
Also in March 1998, the Company entered into a Stock Option and Stock
Purchase Agreement ("the Agreement") with Dr. Gleitman, the Company's then CEO.
Pursuant to the Agreement, the CEO was granted options to purchase up to
1,000,000 shares of the Company's Class A Stock. The Company also granted, based
on certain terms and conditions, the rights to purchase ("Share Purchase
Rights"), at a discount, up to 200,000 shares of the Company's Class A Stock. On
June 29, 1999, Dr. Gleitman announced his resignation, effective July 1, 1999.
The Agreement that the Company entered into with Dr. Gleitman in 1998 was
terminated on the date of his resignation. Upon Dr. Gleitman's resignation,
437,500 stock options and 100,000 stock rights have been forfeited.
On February 15, 2000, the Stock Option Plan Committee approved a new
incentive plan, the 2000 Incentive Plan (the "2000 Plan") under which, subject
to the approval of a majority of the Company's shareholders, the Company will
reserve up to 4 million shares of Class A Stock for grants to present and future
employees. The 2000 Plan will be presented to the Board of Directors at the
Meeting to be held March 27, 2000 and will be presented for a vote of the
Company's shareholders at the June 2000 annual meeting of shareholders.
73
<PAGE> 75
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
During 1999, members of the Executive Committee of the Board of
Directors which functions as the compensation committee of Ampal included: Mr.
Daniel Steinmetz (Chairman) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
Company; Mr. Hillel Peled, President of Inveco International Inc.; and Mr. Raz
Steinmetz, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company.
Executive Compensation
The information required by this section is incorporated by reference
from the information captioned "Executive Compensation" to be included in the
proxy statement to be filed in connection with the annual meeting of
stockholders, to be held on June 29, 2000 (the "Proxy Statement").
For a description of business transactions between Ampal and the
Steinmetz group, see "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions."
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS OF AMPAL
The following table sets forth information as of March 22, 2000 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 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 at March 22, 2000, there were outstanding
18,642,447(not including treasury shares) shares of Class A Stock of Ampal. In
addition, there were outstanding 656,776 non-voting shares of 6 1/2% Preferred
Stock (each convertible into 3 shares of Class A Stock) and 159,307 non-voting
shares of 4% Preferred Stock (each convertible into 5 shares of Class A Stock).
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT
NUMBER OF SHARES OF OUTSTANDING
NAME AND ADDRESS AND NATURE SHARES OF
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER TITLE OF CLASS OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP CLASS A STOCK
- ------------------- -------------- ----------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Daniel Steinmetz........................................ Class A Stock 11,115,112 shs. (1) 60%
Rebar Financial Corp.
c/o Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz
& Aleman (BVI) Ltd.
Wickhams Cay, Road Town,
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
</TABLE>
74
<PAGE> 76
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT
NUMBER OF SHARES OF OUTSTANDING
NAME AND ADDRESS AND NATURE SHARES OF
OF BENEFICIAL OWNER TITLE OF CLASS OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP CLASS A STOCK
- ------------------- -------------- ----------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Raz Steinmetz.......................................... Class A Stock 11,115,112 shs. (1) 60%
Rebar Financial Corp.
c/o Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz
& Aleman (BVI) Ltd.
Wickhams Cay, Road Town,
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Rebar Financial Corp................................... Class A Stock 11,115,112 shs. (1) 60%
c/o Icaza, Gonzalez-Ruiz
& Aleman (BVI) Ltd.
Wickhams Cay, Road Town,
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
</TABLE>
-----------
(1) Consists of 11,115,112 shares of Class A Stock held directly by Rebar,
as reported by Mr. Daniel Steinmetz, Mr. Raz Steinmetz and Rebar on
Amendment 11 to Form 13D, dated September 12, 1999, filed with the SEC.
Mr. Raz Steinmetz is the President of Rebar and Mr. Daniel Steinmetz is
the Vice President. They are the sole directors of Rebar and
beneficially own, directly and indirectly, 96% and 4% of the
outstanding equity of Rebar, respectively. Certain of the shares of
Class A Stock held by Rebar have been pledged to The First
International Bank of Israel Ltd.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information as of March 22, 2000 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 ownerships are direct
unless otherwise noted. The table does not include directors or named
executive officers who do not own any such shares:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES AND NATURE OF PERCENT OF OUTSTANDING
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP SHARES OF
NAME OF CLASS A STOCK CLASS A STOCK
- ---- ------------------------------ ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Yehoshua Gleitman.................................................... 100,000 *
Daniel Steinmetz..................................................... 11,115,112(3) 60%
Raz Steinmetz........................................................ 11,115,112(3) 60%
Benzion Benbassat.................................................... 1,000 *
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group...................... 11,216,112 60%
</TABLE>
-----------
* Represents less than 1% of the class of securities.
(3) Attributable to 11,115,112 shares of Class A Stock held directly by
Rebar. See "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners.".
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
75
<PAGE> 77
The Board of Directors of Ampal maintains a Related Party Transactions
Committee comprised of independent directors which reviews and passes upon the
fairness of any business dealings and arrangements (other than borrowings on
then prevailing market terms or deposits made in the ordinary course of
business) between Ampal and any affiliated party. With certain exceptions, Ampal
may not enter into transactions with any officer, director or principal
shareholder of Ampal, without first obtaining the approval of the Related Party
Transactions Committee or a majority of the disinterested members of the Board
of Directors or the shareholders.
The management of Ampal believes that all of the following transactions
were done on terms which were no less advantageous to Ampal than could have been
obtained from unaffiliated third parties.
For the period from January 1, 1999 to July 5, 1999, Hapoalim was the
beneficial owner of more than five percent of Ampal's voting securities. On July
6, 1999, the Company acquired all of Hapoalim's holdings in Ampal (see Note 3).
Commencing with the third quarter of 1999, transactions with Hapoalim and its
related party which were reflected as related parties transactions in the
Company's consolidated financial statements through June 30, 1999 are no longer
reflected as transactions with a related party. Ampal borrows and receives
deposits from Hapoalim and its subsidiaries. During the period ended June 30,
1999, the largest amount of such indebtedness outstanding at any one time was
$63,563,000 and interest expense thereon was $2,307,000. Additionally, Ampal
makes loans to and maintains deposits with Hapoalim and its subsidiaries. The
largest amount of such loans and deposits at any one time during the period
ended June 30, 1999 was $36,234,000 and interest income thereon was $578,000.
Such loans and borrowings were made on substantially the same terms, including
interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable
transactions with unaffiliated third parties and, in the opinion of the
management of Ampal, do not involve more than normal risk of collectibility or
present other unfavorable features.
In connection with the Company's investment in MIRS, the Company
borrowed $35 million from Hapoalim. The loan (the "Short-Term Loan") had a term
of 90 days and bore interest at a rate of LIBOR plus .5%. On May 4, 1998, the
Company received a long-term loan from Hapoalim in the amount of $36.4 million.
The loan is due on March 31, 2008 and bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus
.8%. The principal payments are due as follows: 10% on March 31, 2004, 15% on
March 31, 2005 and 25% on each of the following dates - March 31, 2006, 2007 and
2008. Interest will be paid annually on March 31 of each year from March 31,
2001 until and including March 31, 2008. The proceeds from the long-term loan
were used to repay the Short-Term Loan.
In March 1998, the Company transferred its interest in MIRS to a
limited partnership (the "Partnership"). A wholly-owned Israeli subsidiary of
Ampal (the "General Partner") is the general partner of the Partnership and owns
75.1% of the Partnership. The limited partners of the Partnership purchased
their interests in the Partnership from the Partnership and include (i) an
entity owned by Daniel Steinmetz and Raz Steinmetz (directors of Ampal and the
controlling persons of Ampal's principal shareholder), (ii) Hapoalim, (iii) an
entity owned by Dr. Yehoshua Gleitman, Ampal's then Chief Executive Officer and
(iv) an unrelated third party. The related parties purchased their limited
partnership interests on the same terms as an unrelated third party which were
determined through arm's length negotiations between the Company and the
unrelated third party. A portion of Dr. Gleitman's entity's purchase price was
obtained through two loans aggregating $250,000 from the Company. One loan, in
the amount of $150,000, has a term of 10 years, an interest rate of LIBOR plus
.8% and is without recourse to Dr. Gleitman. The second loan, in the amount of
$100,000, has a term of 10 years, an interest rate of LIBOR plus .5% and is with
recourse to Dr. Gleitman. Both loans are secured by Dr. Gleitman's interest in
the Partnership.
On November 18, 1998, Dr. Gleitman exercised his rights to purchase
100,000 Class A shares at 80% of its value based on the 30 day average sales
price on that date. In connection with that purchase, on December 28, 1998, Dr.
Gleitman received a loan from the Company in the amount of $210,000, at a
variable interest rate equal to LIBOR (5.25% as of December 31, 1998); interest
payable quarterly. The loan matures prior to the year 2001.
76
<PAGE> 78
Ampal subleases 4,960 rentable square feet of office space leased by
Hapoalim at 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York City under a sublease which
expires on August 30, 2009. The base rent which commenced in September 1994, is
$169,000, subject to escalation. In 1999, Ampal's total payments to Hapoalim in
connection with this lease totalled $183,000.
The Company leases office space in various locations in Israel to
Hapoalim and received rental payments of $1,755,000 in 1999.
As of December 31, 1999 the Company leases only one bank branch,
located in Bnei Brak, to Hapoalim for an annual rent of $346,000.
Once in 1999, and on three separate occasions during the first quarter
of 2000, an entity controlled by Raz Steinmetz, Chief Executive Officer,
President and a director of Ampal and a controlling person of the largest
shareholder of Ampal, and Ampal made concurrent investments in certain companies
on the same terms and conditions. In each of such cases, the
Steinmetz-controlled entity introduced Ampal to the investment opportunity. In
March 1999, Ampal and Cavallo Capital Corporation, an entity controlled by Raz
Steinmetz, each loaned $3 million to WorldGate Communications, Inc. and received
warrants in connection with the loan. In March 2000, Ampal and Cavallo Capital
Corporation, an entity controlled by Raz Steinmetz, invested $2 million and $4
million respectively, in Sonic Foundry, Inc. In March, 2000, Ampal and Cavallo
Capital Corporation, an entity controlled by Raz Steinmetz, invested $1 million
and $3 million, respectively, in APA Optics, Inc. In March, 2000, Ampal and
Cavallo Capital Corporation, an entity controlled by Raz Steinmetz, each
invested $1 million in Seranova, Inc., a subsidiary of Intelligroup, Inc.
77
<PAGE> 79
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
REFERENCE*
----------
<S> <C>
(1) Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Ampal-American Israel Corporation and Subsidiaries
Report of Independent Public Accountants...................................................... 37
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997........ 38
Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 1999 and 1998.................................. 39
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997.... 41
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997........................................................................ 43
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997....................................................................................... 45
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................................................... 46
Supplementary Data:
Selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998.............. 65
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
Schedules which have been omitted are not applicable or
the required information is shown in the financial
statements or notes thereto.
(i) Schedule of Representative Rates of Exchange between the U.S. dollar and New Israeli Shekel for three
years ended December 31, 1999
(ii) Consolidated financial statements filed pursuant to Rule 3-09 of
Regulation S-X
Ophir Holdings Ltd.
Report of Certified Public Accountants................................................................... 35
Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 1999 and 1998............................................. 87
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997................... 89
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997.................................................................................................. 90
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997............... 91
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................................................... 93
(iii) Reports of Other Certified Public Accountants filed pursuant to Rule
2-05 of Regulation S-X:
AM-HAL Ltd............................................................................................. 138
Ampal Industries (Israel) Ltd.......................................................................... 139
</TABLE>
78
<PAGE> 80
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Bay Heart Ltd. ..................................................... 140
Carmel Container Systems Ltd. ...................................... 141
Coral World International Limited................................... 142
Country Club Kfar Saba Limited...................................... 143
Epsilon Investment House Ltd........................................ 145
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited................................ 146
Hod Hasharon Sport Centre Ltd....................................... 148
Hod Hasharon Sport Center (1992) Limited Partnership................ 150
Mivnat Holdings Ltd................................................. 152
Moriah Hotels Ltd. ................................................. 153
Paradise Industries Ltd. (U.S. Dollars)............................. 154
Renaissance Investment Co. Ltd...................................... 155
Shmey-Bar Real Estate 1993 Ltd...................................... 156
Shmey-Bar (T.H.) 1993 Ltd........................................... 157
Trinet Investment in High-Tech Ltd.................................. 158
Trinet Venture Capital Ltd. ........................................ 160
</TABLE>
(3) List of Exhibits
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 Exhibit2 a 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
June, 1997. (Filed as Exhibit 3b to Form 10-Q, for the quarter
ended September 30, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference.
File No. 0-538).
Exhibit 4 - Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including
indentures
79
<PAGE> 81
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 February 7, 1992 among Inertia-Energies Future
Technologies Ltd., Yehuda (Yul (i)e) Offer, Offer Brothers
(Management) Ltd., Offer Shipping Ltd., Offer Ship Holdings
Ltd., L.I.N. (Holdings) Ltd., I.I.Z. European Enterprise B.V.,
AmnV, Amnion Leon, Ampal Industries Inc. and Yeshayahu Landau
(Translation). (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 33-51023 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10b. Ampal-American Israel Corporation's 1993 Stock Option Plan.
(Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to
Registration Statement No. 33-51023 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10c. Amendment, dated as of March 23, 1994, to Ampal-American
Israel Corporation's 1993 Stock Option Plan. (Filed as Exhibit
10h to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993
and incorporated herein by reference. File No. 0-538).
10d. 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).
10e. Committed Line of Credit Agreement, dated as of June 5, 1992,
and amendments, dated October 31, 1992 and October 31, 1993.
(Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to
Registration Statement No. 33-51023 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10f. Agreement, dated January 18, 1994, between Ampal Industries,
Inc. and Inerta-Energies and Future Technologies Ltd.
(Translation). (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 33-51023 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10g. 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).
10h. Share Purchase Contract, dated October 11, 1996, between Ampal
Industries, Inc. and Agrifarm International Ltd.
(Translation). (Filed as Exhibit 10 to Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 1996 and incorporated herein by
reference. File No. 2-5061).
10i. Exchange Agreement, dated as of December 11, 1996, between
Ampal-American Israel Corporation and Bank Hapoalim B.M.
(Filed as Exhibit 2 to Amendment No. 34 of Schedule 13D filed
by Bank Hapoalim B.M. on December 20, 1996 and incorporated
herein by reference).
10j. Declaration Establishing a Plan for Condominium Ownership of
Premises 800 Second Avenue, New York, New York, dated December
12, 1996. (Filed as Exhibit A to Exhibit 10m to Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 and incorporated
herein by reference File No. 0-538)
80
<PAGE> 82
10k. Employment Agreement, dated May 28, 1997, among Ampal-American
Israel Corporation, Ampal (Israel) Ltd. and Yehoshua Gleitman.
(Filed as Exhibit 10a. to Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarter
ended June 30, 1997. File No. 0-538).
10l. Stock Option and Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of March
27, 1998, between Ampal-American Israel Corporation and
Yehoshua Gleitman, as amended (Filed as Exhibit 10p to Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 and
incorporated herein by reference File No. 0-538).
10m. Agreement dated September 9, 1997, between Ampal Industries
(Israel) Limited and Raz Steinmetz. (Filed as Exhibit 10 to
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1997.
File No. 0-538).
10m. Agreement, dated as of March 1, 1997, among Emmes Asset
Management Corp., Ampal-American Israel Corporation and Ampal
Realty Corporation (Filed as Exhibit 10s to Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by
reference File No. 0-538).
10o. 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).
10p. 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).
10q. Amendment No. 1, dated June 16, 1998, to a letter agreement,
dated September 9, 1997, between Ampal Industries (Israel)
Limited and Raz Steinmetz (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998. File No. 0-
538).
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 Auditors:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
AM-HAL Ltd.............................................................23.1
Ampal-American Israel Corporation......................................23.2
Ampal Industries (Israel) Ltd..........................................23.3
Bay Heart, Ltd.........................................................23.4
Carmel Container Systems Ltd...........................................23.5
Coral World International Ltd..........................................23.6
Country Club Kfar Saba Limited.........................................23.7
Epsilon Investment House Ltd...........................................23.8
Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited...................................23.9
Hod Hasharon Sport Center Ltd..........................................23.10
Hod Hasharon Sport Center (1992) Ltd. Partnership......................23.11
Mivnat Holdings Ltd....................................................23.12
Sheraton Moriah (Israel) Ltd...........................................23.13
Ophir Holdings Ltd.....................................................23.14
Paradise Industries Ltd................................................23.15
Renaissance Investment Co. Ltd.........................................23.16
Shmey-Bar Real Estate 1993 Ltd.........................................23.17
Shmey-Bar (T.H.) 1993 Ltd..............................................23.18
Trinet Investment in High-Tech Ltd.....................................23.19
Trinet Venture Capital Ltd.............................................23.20
Exhibit 24 - Powers of Attorney................................................24
</TABLE>
(b) No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the last quarter of 1999.
A Current Report on Form 8-K was filed by the Registrant on April 27, 1999,
which described an Item 2
81
<PAGE> 83
event, the disposition by Ampal (Israel) Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Registrant of its 46% equity interest in Moriah Hotels Ltd. A Current Report on
Form 8-K was filed by the Registrant on July 19, 1999 which described an Item 2
event, a transaction, among Ampal and its subsidiaries and Bank Hapoalim B.M.
("BHP") and its two wholly-owned subsidiaries, wherein:
(a) The Company acquired from BHP all of its holdings in Ampal -
5,874,281 shares of Class A Stock, 3,350 shares of 4%
Preferred Stock and 122,536 shares of 6 1/2% Preferred Stock
for $31.3 million.
(b) The Company and its subsidiary sold to BHP's subsidiary seven
real estate properties totaling 53,000 sq. ft., previously
leased to and occupied by BHP, for $14.7 million.
(c) Ampal's subsidiary renewed the lease agreement with BHP with
respect to a 4,400 sq. ft. branch in Bnei Brak, Israel for ten
years at an annual rental income of $346,000.
82
<PAGE> 84
REPRESENTATIVE RATES OF EXCHANGE
BETWEEN THE U.S. DOLLAR AND THE NEW ISRAELI SHEKEL
FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
The following table shows the amount of New Israeli Shekels equivalent
to one U.S. Dollar on the dates indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
March 31..................... 4.034 3.597 3.361
June 30...................... 4.076 3.667 3.587
September 30................. 4.276 3.845 3.497
December 31.................. 4.153 4.160 3.536
</TABLE>
83
<PAGE> 85
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
84
<PAGE> 86
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
1999 ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - OF THE COMPANY AND
CONSOLIDATED - IN ADJUSTED NEW ISRAELI SHEKELS (NIS):
Balance sheets
Statements of income
Statements of changes in shareholders' equity
Statements of cash flows
Notes to financial statements
---------------
-------------------------
---------------
85
<PAGE> 87
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the shareholders of
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
We have audited the financial statements of Ophir Holdings Ltd. (the "Company")
and the consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries:
balance sheets as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 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, 1999. 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
constitute approximately 22% and 25% of total consolidated assets as of December
31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, and whose revenues constitute approximately 9%,
21% and 11% of total consolidated revenues and gains for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. We did not audit the financial
statements of certain associated companies, the Company's interest in which as
reflected in the balance sheets as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 is adjusted NIS
180,904,000 and adjusted NIS 431,841,000, respectively, and the Company's share
in excess of profits over losses of which is a net amount of adjusted NIS
4,169,000 in 1999, adjusted NIS 5,307,000 in 1998 and adjusted NIS 8,357,000 in
1997. The financial statements of those subsidiaries and associated companies
were audited by other independent auditors whose reports have been furnished to
us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to amounts included for those
companies, is based solely on the reports of the other independent auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditors (Mode of
Performance) Regulations, 1973. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audits 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 Company's Board of Directors and management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits and the reports of the other independent auditors provide a fair basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, based upon our audits and the reports of the other independent
auditors, the aforementioned financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position - of the Company and consolidated - as
of December 31, 1999 and 1998 and the results of operations, changes in
shareholders' equity and cash flows - of the Company and consolidated - for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999, in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in Israel. Also, in our opinion, the
abovementioned financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the
Israeli Securities (Preparation of Annual Financial Statements) Regulations,
1993.
86
<PAGE> 88
As explained in note 1b, the aforementioned financial statements are presented
in Israeli currency adjusted to reflect the changes in the general purchasing
power of Israeli currency, 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
18.
The special condensed consolidated financial statements which are presented in
note 18 have been translated into U.S. dollars for the convenience of one of the
Company's shareholders, in accordance with the principles set forth in Statement
of Financial Accounting Standard No. 52 of the Financial Accounting Standards
Board of the United States. In our opinion, the translation has been properly
made.
Tel-Aviv, Israel Kesselman & Kesselman
February 29, 2000 Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
87
<PAGE> 89
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
BALANCE SHEETS
IN ADJUSTED NEW ISRAELI SHEKELS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED THE COMPANY
--------------------- ----------------------
DECEMBER 31 DECEMBER 31
--------------------- ----------------------
NOTE 1999 1998 1999 1998
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
IN THOUSANDS IN THOUSANDS
--------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
A S S E T S 9c
CURRENT ASSETS: 13
Cash and cash equivalents 4,532 25,840 328 21,392
Short-term loans to shareholders 12b 79,591 79,591
Short-term investments 14a 3,866 1,878 3,866 1,878
Accounts receivable 14b 16,746 8,574 5,850 8,243
------- ------- ------- -------
T o t a l current assets 104,735 36,292 89,635 31,513
------- ------- ------- -------
LAND - BUSINESS INVENTORY 1e;9a(2) 12,313 12,313
------- -------
INVESTMENTS AND LONG-TERM 13
RECEIVABLES:
Subsidiaries 2 69,970 64,363
Associated companies 3 185,130 377,140 147,204 338,708
Other companies 4 244,374 57,166 244,374 57,166
Long-term bank deposit, net of
current maturities 14c 5,861 9,549 5,861 9,549
------- ------- ------- -------
435,365 443,855 467,409 469,786
------- ------- ------- -------
FIXED ASSETS, net of accumulated
depreciation 5 101,325 97,908 56,484 50,941
------- ------- ------- -------
653,738 590,368 613,528 552,240
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
) P. BITTERMAN-COHEN,
--------------------------------------
) DIRECTOR
) Y. KAPLAN,
--------------------------------------
) MANAGING DIRECTOR
Date of approval of the financial statements: February 29, 2000
88
<PAGE> 90
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED THE COMPANY
-------------------- --------------------
DECEMBER 31 DECEMBER 31
-------------------- --------------------
NOTE 1999 1998 1999 1998
------ ------- ------- ------- -------
IN THOUSANDS IN THOUSANDS
-------------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 9c
CURRENT LIABILITIES: 13
Bank credit 14d 14,800 24,771 12,060 22,816
Accounts payable and accruals 14e 31,331 15,874 30,474 18,657
Dividend payable 20,268 20,268
Deferred income taxes 11b 2,319 2,319
------- ------- ------- -------
T o t a l current liabilities 46,131 63,232 42,534 64,060
------- ------- ------- -------
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: 13
Bank loans (net of current
maturities) 6 93,889 101,644 70,416 76,232
Capital notes to associated
company (the Company - and
a subsidiary) 7 151,601 153,634 151,539 153,570
Liability for employee rights upon
retirement, net of amount
funded 8 45 10
Payables in respect of acquisition
of land - business inventory -
related parties 9a(2) 11,418 11,925
Deferred income taxes 11b 2,028 1,604 441 90
------- ------- ------- -------
T o t a l long-term liabilities 258,981 268,817 222,396 229,892
------- ------- ------- -------
COMMITMENTS AND
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 9
------- ------- ------- -------
T o t a l liabilities 305,112 332,049 264,930 293,952
MINORITY INTEREST 2 28 31
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 10 348,598 258,288 348,598 258,288
------- ------- ------- -------
653,738 590,368 613,528 552,240
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
89
<PAGE> 91
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
IN ADJUSTED NEW ISRAELI SHEKELS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED THE COMPANY
---------------------------- ---------------------------
NOTE 1999 1998 1997 1999 1998 1997
------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
IN THOUSANDS IN THOUSANDS
---------------------------- ---------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES AND GAINS:
From lease of buildings 12a 9,192 6,388 6,099 3,374 317
Share in profits of associated companies - net 3;15a(1) 2,421 6,493 9,475 2,421 5,122 7,637
Shares in profits of subsidiaries - net 2 6,171 4,223 6,035
Gain on dilution of holding in associated
companies resulting from sale and issuance
of shares to a third party - net 3 5,847 13,876 137,109 5,847 13,876 137,109
Gain from sale of land - business inventory 354
Gain from sale of investments in other companies 4 135,864 11,470 135,864 11,470
Gain from sale of partnership in the United States 5,059
Gain from sale and increase in value of marketable
securities - net 80 7,174 80 7,174
Gain from sale of buildings 11,500 15,086 10,294 1,896 15,086
Dividend received from another company 500 485 390 500 485 390
Management fees from associated companies (the
Company - and from a subsidiary) 12a 1,412 1,216 1,400 1,412 1,207 1,301
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
166,816 60,427 171,941 157,565 51,786 159,646
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
EXPENSES AND LOSSES:
Depreciation of buildings for rent 2,247 1,234 1,035 1,231 197
Operating cost of buildings for rent 677 546
Write-down of investments in other companies 4 348 4,054 6,309 348 4,054 6,309
Loss from decrease in value of marketable
securities - net 62 62
General and administrative expenses 12a;14h 5,985 5,348 4,935 2,397 1,478 2,047
Capital loss from sale of fixed assets 254 254
Financial expenses - net 12a;14i 1,841 1,879 6,145 952 1,039 3,706
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
11,098 12,831 18,424 5,474 7,084 12,062
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
INCOME BEFORE TAXES ON INCOME 155,718 47,596 153,517 152,091 44,702 147,584
TAXES ON INCOME 11 64,908 14,420 34,133 61,278 11,557 28,200
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
INCOME AFTER TAXES ON INCOME 90,810 33,176 119,384 90,813 33,145 119,384
MINORITY INTEREST IN LOSSES (PROFITS) OF A
SUBSIDIARY 3 (31)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR 90,813 33,145 119,384 90,813 33,145 119,384
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
90
<PAGE> 92
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
IN ADJUSTED NEW ISRAELI SHEKELS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DIFFERENCES FROM
TRANSLATION OF
FOREIGN CURRENCY
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
OF A SUBSIDIARY AND
SHARE CAPITAL RETAINED ASSOCIATED COMPANIES
CAPITAL SURPLUS EARNINGS (NOTE 1b(4)) TOTAL
--------- --------- ---------- -------------------- -------
IN THOUSANDS
------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 1997 2,672 57,168 165,697 (8,381) 217,156
CHANGES DURING 1997:
Net income 119,384 119,384
Company's share in erosion of capital notes
issued by associated companies (145) (145)
Differences from translation of foreign currency
financial statements of a subsidiary and
associated companies 8,134 8,134
Dividend (99,493) (99,493)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1997 2,672 57,168 185,443 (247) 245,036
CHANGES DURING 1998:
Net income 33,145 33,145
Company's share in erosion of capital notes
issued by associated companies (128) (128)
Differences from translation of foreign currency
financial statements of a subsidiary and
associated company 503 503
Proposed dividend (20,268) (20,268)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1998 2,672 57,168 198,192 256 258,288
CHANGES DURING 1999:
Net income 90,813 90,813
Differences from translation of foreign currency
financial statements of a subsidiary (408) (408)
Erosion in value of dividend proposed in 1998 (95) (95)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1999 2,672 57,168 288,910 (152) 348,598
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
91
<PAGE> 93
(Continued) - 1
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israel Corporation)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
IN ADJUSTED NEW ISRAELI SHEKELS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED
-------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
IN THOUSANDS
-------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income for the year 90,813 33,145 119,384
Adjustments required to reflect the cash flows from operating activities* (130,748) (32,187) (147,192)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (39,935) 958 (27,808)
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of shares in associated companies 21,546 17,724 176,036
Proceeds from sale of investment in other companies 165,973 23,560 624
Proceeds from sale of partnership in the United States 5,060
Proceeds from sale of land - business inventory 370
Short-term investments - net 13,386
Investment in associated companies (including capital notes) (17,096) (264,684) (6,317)
Investment in other companies (23,814) (26,554) (2,340)
Investment in fixed assets (mainly buildings) (10,337) (16,867) (28,626)
Long-term bank deposit (11,397)
Short-term bank deposit 5,926 (5,926)
Withdrawal of long-term bank deposit 1,780
Decrease (increase) in land - business inventory 134 (537)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets (mainly buildings) 3,896 23,866 75,843
Decrease (increase) in short-term loans granted to associated
companies (the Company - and subsidiaries) (6,795) (656) (2,861)
Collection of capital notes from an associated company 110,621 8,791
Reduction of share capital by another company 608 334
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 135,761 (121,166) 216,676
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Discharge of long-term bank loans (23,832) (19,383) (19,021)
Decrease in short-term loans from shareholders - net (41,096)
Discharge of capital notes from shareholders 9,422
Capital notes from associated companies (the Company - and a subsidiary) 153,634
Dividend paid (20,363) (27,519) (71,971)
Short-term loans to shareholders (78,981)
Short-term bank credit - net 6,106 (3,784) (25,420)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (117,070) 102,948 (148,086)
-------- -------- --------
TRANSLATION DIFFERENCES ON CASH BALANCES OF
CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY OPERATING INDEPENDENTLY (64)
-------- -------- --------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (21,308) (17,260) 40,782
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 25,840 43,100 2,318
-------- -------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR 4,532 25,840 43,100
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THE COMPANY
----------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- --------
IN THOUSANDS
----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income for the year
Adjustments required to reflect the cash flows from operating activities* 90,813 33,145 119,384
(131,394) (37,964) (145,087)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities -------- -------- --------
(40,581) (4,819) (25,703)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: -------- -------- --------
Proceeds from sale of shares in associated companies
Proceeds from sale of investment in other companies 21,546 17,724 176,036
Proceeds from sale of partnership in the United States 165,973 23,560 624
Proceeds from sale of land - business inventory
Short-term investments - net
Investment in associated companies (including capital notes) 13,386
Investment in other companies (17,096) (264,684) (6,317)
Investment in fixed assets (mainly buildings) (23,814) (26,554) (2,340)
Long-term bank deposit (10,300) (16,783) (26,499)
Short-term bank deposit (11,397)
Withdrawal of long-term bank deposit 5,926 (5,926)
Decrease (increase) in land - business inventory 1,780
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets (mainly buildings)
Decrease (increase) in short-term loans granted to associated 3,531 23,866 53,053
companies (the Company - and subsidiaries)
Collection of capital notes from an associated company (6,795) 32,216 18,409
Reduction of share capital by another company 82,976 3,539
608 334
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities -------- -------- --------
135,433 (121,419) 212,568
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: -------- -------- --------
Discharge of long-term bank loans
Decrease in short-term loans from shareholders - net (21,896) (17,429) (17,732)
Discharge of capital notes from shareholders (41,096)
Capital notes from associated companies (the Company - and a subsidiary) 9,422
Dividend paid 153,571
Short-term loans to shareholders (20,363) (27,519) (71,971)
Short-term bank credit - net (78,981)
5,324 (3,772) (25,017)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities -------- -------- --------
(115,916) 104,851 (146,394)
TRANSLATION DIFFERENCES ON CASH BALANCES OF -------- -------- --------
CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY OPERATING INDEPENDENTLY
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS -------- -------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR (21,064) (21,387) 40,471
21,392 42,779 2,308
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR -------- -------- --------
328 21,392 42,779
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
92
<PAGE> 94
(Concluded) - 2
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
IN ADJUSTED NEW ISRAELI SHEKELS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED THE COMPANY
------------------------------- --------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1999 1998 1997
-------- ------- -------- -------- ------- --------
IN THOUSANDS IN THOUSANDS
------------------------------- --------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
* ADJUSTMENTS REQUIRED TO REFLECT THE CASH FLOWS FROM
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Income and expenses not involving cash flows:
Share in profits of associated companies - net (2,421) (6,493) (9,475) (2,421) (5,122) (7,637)
L e s s - dividends received from associated company 6,131 8,171 2,200 6,131 5,949 1,651
Share in profits of subsidiaries - net (6,171) (4,223) (6,035)
Depreciation 2,348 1,437 1,139 1,271 363 87
Deferred income taxes - net (1,895) 4,745 2,024 (1,968) 4,496 (3,130)
Gain on dilution of holding in associated companies
resulting from sale and issuance of shares to a
third party - net (5,847) (13,876) (137,109) (5,847) (13,876) (137,109)
Minority interest in profits (losses) of a subsidiary (3) 31
Gain from sale of investment in other companies (135,864) (11,470) (38) (135,864) (11,470) (38)
Liability for employee rights upon retirement 35 10
Gain from sale of land - business inventory (354)
Gain from sale of partnership in the United States (5,059)
Capital loss from sale of fixed assets (mainly
buildings) - net (9,649) (14,832) (10,294) (45) (14,832)
Gain (loss) from sale and decrease (increase) in value
of marketable securities - net (80) 62 (7,174) (80) 62 (7,174)
Write-down of investments in other companies 348 4,054 6,309 348 4,054 6,309
Erosion of principal of long-term bank loans (563) (1,417) (460) (1,074)
Erosion of principal of long-term bank deposit 62 62
Accrued interest on capital notes of associated
company - net (139) (139)
Linkage difference of loans to shareholders (610) (610)
-------- ------- -------- -------- ------- --------
(147,507) (34,075) (153,974) (145,256) (34,997) (154,289)
-------- ------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Changes in operating asset and liability items:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable 2,153 2,696 6,738 2,393 (362) 592
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accruals 14,606 (808) 44 11,469 (2,605) 8,610
-------- ------- -------- -------- ------- --------
16,759 1,888 6,782 13,862 (2,967) 9,202
-------- ------- -------- -------- ------- --------
(130,748) (32,187) (147,192) (131,394) (37,964) (145,087)
======== ======= ======== ======== ======= ========
</TABLE>
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
93
<PAGE> 95
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The significant accounting policies, applied on a consistent basis,
are as follows:
ONE. GENERAL:
1) Ophir Holdings Ltd. (the "Company") is a holding company
which also owns commercial building under construction
designated for rent.
The subsidiary Merkazim Investments Ltd. is a holding and
investment company engaged in the renting of commercial
buildings.
The subsidiary New Horizons (1993) Ltd. holds a number of
properties (designated for sale), which were purchased from
an interested party, see also note 9a(2).
The subsidiary Ophir Financing Ltd. is inactive.
The Company and its subsidiaries receive management
services from shareholders in consideration of management
fees.
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 the
Company.
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 "material
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.
Another company - a company controlled to the
\ extent of 20% or less and to
which the conditions specified
in the preceding paragraph do
not apply.
The group - the Company and its subsidiaries
and associated companies.
Interested parties - as defined in the Israeli
Securities (Preparation of
Annual Financial Statements)
Regulations, 1993.
Related parties - as defined in Opinion 29 of the
Israeli Institute.
94
<PAGE> 96
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
b. ADJUSTED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
1) The financial statements have been prepared on the basis
of historical cost adjusted to reflect the changes in the
general purchasing power of Israeli currency, in
accordance with pronouncements of the Israeli Institute.
All figures in the financial statements are presented in
adjusted new Israeli shekels (NIS) which have a uniform
purchasing power (December 1999 adjusted NIS) - based
upon the changes in the Israeli consumer price index;
hereafter - the "Israeli CPI" (see also note 13b).
The adjustment of the financial statements is based on
the accounts of the Company and its Israeli subsidiaries,
maintained in nominal NIS. Condensed nominal Israeli
currency data of the Company, on the basis of which its
adjusted financial statements were prepared, are
presented in note 17.
The components of the income statements were, for the
most part, adjusted as follows: the components relating
to transactions carried out during the year 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
and write down of investment in companies) 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.
2) As mentioned in (1) above, these financial statements
have been drawn up in accordance with the principles of
adjustment prescribed by pronouncements of the Israeli
Institute, on the basis of the changes in the Israeli
CPI. As to subsidiary and associated companies whose
financial statements are drawn up in foreign currency,
see (4) below.
3) The adjusted amounts of non-monetary assets do not
necessarily represent realization value or current
economic value, but only the original historical values,
adjusted to reflect the changes in the general purchasing
power of Israeli currency. In these financial statements,
the term "cost" signifies cost in adjusted Israeli
currency.
4) A subsidiary and associated companies whose financial
statements are drawn up in foreign currency
For purposes of consolidation or inclusion on the equity
basis, the amounts (in foreign currency terms) included
in the statements of the above companies were treated as
follows:
Balance sheet items at the end of the year and the
results of operations for the year were translated at the
exchange rate of the U.S. dollar ("dollar") as compared
to Israeli currency at the end of the year. Balance sheet
items at the beginning of the year and changes in
shareholders' equity items during the year were
translated at the relevant exchange rate at the beginning
of the year or at the date of each change and then
adjusted on the basis of the changes in the Israeli CPI
through the end of the year.
95
<PAGE> 97
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
Differences resulting from the above treatment are
carried as a separate item under adjusted shareholders'
equity ("differences from translation of foreign currency
financial statements of a subsidiary and associated
companies").
c. PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION:
1) The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. The
companies included in consolidation are listed in note
2a.
2) Intercompany balances and transactions have been
eliminated.
d. MARKETABLE SECURITIES
These securities (except for investment in shares constituting
"permanent investment", see f(3), 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
bear costs of up to 90% of the net sale proceeds, see also
note 9a(2).
f. INVESTMENTS:
1) Subsidiaries
In the Company's accounts, the investments in these
companies are accounted for by the equity method.
2) Associated companies:
(a) The investments in these companies are accounted for
by the equity method.
(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 an amount not
attributed to specific assets (goodwill). The amount
attributed to goodwill is amortized in equal annual
installments over a period of 10 years, commencing
in the year of acquisition.
96
<PAGE> 98
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
3) 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 write-down for
decrease in value which is not of a temporary nature.
Investments in companies which were accounted for by the
equity method, was reclassified as an investments in
other companies, since the Company no longer had a
"significant influence" in them, are stated by the equity
method as of the date of the reclassification.
g. FIXED ASSETS:
1) These assets are stated at cost.
2) Cost of fixed assets includes the Company's share in
joint venture engaged mainly in construction of a
building and rental thereof.
3) Financial expenses in respect of loans and credit applied
to finance the construction 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 as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
%
-----
<S> <C>
Buildings 2;4
Machinery and equipment 7-15
Vehicles 15
Office furniture and equipment (including
computers and peripheral equipment) 6-33
</TABLE>
h. DEFERRED INCOME TAXES:
1) Deferred taxes are computed in respect of differences
between the amounts present 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 11b.
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 issuance of
these financial statements it is the Company's policy to
hold these investments, not to realize them.
97
<PAGE> 99
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):
3) The Company will incur an additional tax liability at the
rate of 15% in the event of distribution of dividend
from income derived from "approved enterprises" of
certain associated companies. This additional tax
liability was not taken into account, since it is the
Company's policy not to cause such additional tax
liability upon distribution of dividends. If the Company
resolves to distribute dividends to its shareholders, it
will distribute them from dividends it receives from the
abovementioned associated companies, the income of which
is derived from "approved enterprises", so that the
Company will not incur any additional tax liability in
respect of receipt of the dividend.
i. CAPITAL NOTES ISSUED BY ASSOCIATED COMPANIES
The erosion of such capital notes, which are not linked and
most of which do not bear interest, is carried to retained
earnings in the statements of changes in shareholders' equity.
j. REVENUE RECOGNITION
Income from leasing of buildings is recognized on the accrual
basis, in accordance with the terms of the agreements with
tenants.
k. CASH EQUIVALENTS
The group considers all highly liquid investments, which
include short-term bank deposits (up to 3 months from date of
deposit) that are not restricted as to withdrawal or use, to
be cash equivalents.
l. NET INCOME PER NIS 1 OF PAR VALUE OF ORDINARY SHARES
The financial statements do not include data regarding net
income per NIS 1 of par value of ordinary shares, since that
data would not provide significant additional information to
that otherwise provided by the financial statements.
m. 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.
n. 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 basis of the last index published prior
to the latest balance sheet date (the index for November).
98
<PAGE> 100
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 2 - SUBSIDIARIES:
a. SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Wholly-owned:
Ophir Financing Ltd.
Maoz Financial Investments Ltd. - inactive ("Maoz")
Merkazim Investments Ltd. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Maoz; "Merkazim")
Merkazim New York, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Merkazim; "Merkazim New York")
80% owned - New Horizons (1993) Ltd. ("New Horizons").
b. THE INVESTMENTS ARE COMPOSED AS FOLLOWS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THE COMPANY
-------------------
DECEMBER 31
-------------------
1999 1998
-------- -------
ADJUSTED NIS
IN THOUSANDS
-------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Cost of shares 216 216
Share in accumulated undistributed profits 54,841 48,670
Differences from translation of foreign currency
financial statements (152) (94)
Erosion of capital note issued to a subsidiary
by an associated company (521) (15)
Merkazim's share in capital surplus derived
to an associated company - Mivnat Holdings Ltd.
("Mivnat") from sale of its investment
in Industrial Buildings Ltd. ("Industrial buildings") to
its shareholders (see note 3c(1)) 15,586 15,586
------- -------
69,970 64,363
======= =======
</TABLE>
c. THE CHANGES IN INVESTMENTS IN 1999 ARE AS FOLLOWS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THE COMPANY
-------------------------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
-------------------------
<S> <C>
Balance at beginning of year 64,363
Changes during the year:
Share in profits of subsidiaries 6,171
Erosion of capital note issued to a
subsidiary by an associated company (506)
Differences from translation of foreign
currency financial statements of a subsidiary (58)
-------
Balance at end of year 69,970
=======
</TABLE>
99
<PAGE> 101
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 3 - INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES:
a. THE INVESTMENTS ARE COMPOSED AS FOLLOWS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED THE COMPANY
------------------------- -------------------------
DECEMBER 31 DECEMBER 31
------------------------- -------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
------- ------- ------- -------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
----------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Equity in net assets:
Cost of shares (1) 16,007 214,568 14,845 213,406
Share in accumulated undistributed profit
(including accumulated erosion of capital
notes) (2) 87,575 86,706 66,245 64,928
Differences from translation of foreign currency
financial statements of associated companies (152) 256 350
Share in capital surplus derived by Mivnat from
sale of its investment from Industrial Buildings
to its shareholders 62,345 62,345 46,759 46,759
------- ------- ------- -------
165,775 363,875 127,849 325,443
Long-term loans (3) 19,355 13,265 19,355 13,265
------- ------- ------- -------
185,130 377,140 147,204 338,708
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
(1) The cost of shares as of December 31, 1998 is net of intercompany profit
from the sale of Industrial Buildings shares to the Company and the
Company's share in the proceeds from the options of the liabilities which
were undertaken by the Company, see c(1) hereafter.
(2) Including gain on dilution of holding in an associated companies resulting
from sale and issuance of shares to a third party.
(3) The loans are linked to the Israeli CPI, bear interest at annual rates of
4%-5% and have no fixed maturity date.
100
<PAGE> 102
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 3 - INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES (continued):
b. THE CHANGES IN THE INVESTMENTS IN 1999 ARE AS FOLLOWS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THE
CONSOLIDATED COMPANY
-------------- ---------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
-------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Balance at beginning of year 377,140 338,708
Changes during the year:
Investments in shares 17,096 17,096
Proceeds from sale of investment in an associated company (21,546) (21,546)
Share in profits of associated companies - net 2,421 2,421
Dividend received (6,131) (6,131)
Share in erosion of capital notes issued to associated companies (2,033) (1,527)
Gain on dilution of holding in associated company resulting from sale of shares - net 5,847 5,847
Long-term loans 6,795 6,795
Reclassification of investments in Industrial Buildings, Memadim Investments Ltd.,
Pelikan Security Ltd. and Expand Networks Ltd. as investments in other
companies, see c(1),(5),(7) and (9) below (194,459) (194,459)
-------- --------
Balance at end of year 185,130 147,204
======== ========
</TABLE>
c. FOLLOWING ARE DETAILS RELATING TO THE ASSOCIATED COMPANIES:
1) Mivnat and Industrial Buildings:
(a) Mivnat was established in March 1993, by the Company,
the subsidiary Merkazim and others, some of whom are
interested parties, for the purpose of acquiring the
Israeli Government's shares in Industrial Buildings.
Mivnat purchased the said shares in March 1993 for
approximately adjusted NIS 975 million.
As of December 31, 1997, Mivnat held approximately
52.2% of the issued and paid shares of Industrial
Buildings (fully diluted - approximately 44% of the
issued and paid share capital of Industrial
Buildings), see also (c) below.
Industrial Buildings is engaged in initiation, and
construction, of buildings for industry, designated
for rental and sale, and in the management of land
development and infrastructure preparation for
residence and industry.
(b) As part of a public offering of securities by the
Jerusalem Economic Company Ltd. ("JEC"), Industrial
Buildings and Mivnat, which took place in May 1997,
Industrial Buildings and Mivnat offered warrants and
purchase options exercisable in purchase of
Industrial Buildings' ordinary shares at the exercise
price of NIS 7.5, linked to the Israeli CPI. The net
proceeds derived by Industrial Buildings from the
warrant offering was approximately adjusted NIS 1.06
million, while that derived by Mivnat was
approximately adjusted NIS 11.05 million.
As part of a public offering by JEC and Industrial
Buildings on September 18, 1997, Industrial Buildings
offered to the public debentures of NIS 200 million
par value, 10 million warrants exercisable in
purchase of Industrial Buildings ordinary shares and
1 million warrants exercisable in purchase of
debentures of NIS 100 million par value.
101
<PAGE> 103
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 3 - INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES (continued):
(c) On December 31, 1998, Mivnat sold its holding in
Industrial Buildings to its shareholders (including
the Company). As part of the transaction, the Company
acquired 13% of Industrial Buildings issued and paid
ordinary shares - 37,227,210 ordinary shares NIS 1
par value - and 2,978,177 purchase options (series 3)
of Industrial buildings for a total consideration of
adjusted NIS 264,070,000. 32,227,210 of the shares so
acquired were pledged to secure loans received from a
bank, the balance as of December 31, 1998 was:
consolidated - approximately adjusted NIS
109,468,000; the Company - adjusted NIS 82,101,000.
In order to secure the exercise of 5,000,000 purchase
options (series 1) which were offered to the public
(see (b) above), the Company deposited 5,000,000
shares of Industrial Buildings with another bank.
The shares which will remain with the other bank at
the end of the exercise period of the options, the
proceeds from the exercise of the options and the
dividends received in respect of the 5,000,000 shares
will be pledged to secure the loan received from the
bank as mentioned above.
Following this transaction, Mivnat has no rights
whatsoever to Industrial Buildings' shares.
In March 1999, the Company invested approximately
adjusted NIS 74,000 in Mivnat.
In July 1999, the Company sold 2,846,100 shares of
Industrial Buildings. As a result of the sale, the
Company's holding in Industrial Buildings decreased
from approximately 13.2% to approximately 12.2%. The
Company's pre-tax profit on this sale is
approximately adjusted NIS 5.8 million.
Assuming exercise of all the warrants and purchase
options issued by Industrial Buildings, the Company's
holdings in Industrial Buildings will decrease from
approximately 12.2% to approximately 11.0%.
Through the third quarter of 1999, the investment in
Industrial Buildings was accounted for by the equity
method. Following the decrease in shareholding in
that company in July 1999 and the Board's resolution
to further reduce the holding therein, and since the
Company no longer has significant influence in
Industrial Buildings, commencing October 1, 1999,
the investment in that company has been reclassified
as "investment in another company" at its carrying
value in the Company's accounts as of September 30,
1999 and is no longer presented by the equity
method.
(d) The percentages of holding in Mivnat at December
31, 1999 and 1998 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
%
---
<S> <C>
Consolidated - the Company and Merkazim 25.00
=======
The Company 18.75
=======
</TABLE>
102
<PAGE> 104
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 3 - INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES (continued):
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 on December 9, 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,
etc., all from Hamashbir Hamerkazi Israel Cooperative
Wholesale Society Ltd.
The Shmey-Bar companies commenced operations in 1994.
In July 1999, Hamashbir Investments (1993) Ltd. gave
notice of its intention to offer half of its holding in
the Shmey-Bar companies - 16.7% of the share capital
thereof - to the other shareholders in the Shmey-Bar
companies.
The Company, which held 1/6 of the ownership and control
of each of the Shmey-Bar companies until that date,
decided to take advantage of the above offer and invest
approximately adjusted NIS 10.7 million in shares, options
and owners' loans of the Shmey-Bar companies. Assuming
exercise of the options, this investment will give the
Company an additional 5.6% holding in the Shmey-Bar
companies.
As of December 31, 1999, the Company has invested
approximately adjusted NIS 5,972,000 in the Shmey-Bar
companies. As a result of this investment, the Company
recorded excess of cost amounting to approximately
adjusted NIS 5,228,000. This excess of cost was attributed
to land and buildings.
3) Derdan Financing Ltd. ("Derdan")
Derdan was established in June 1993 by the Company along
with a group of companies, for the purpose of financing
the purchase of rights in real estate which Hamashbir
Hamerkazi Israel Cooperative Wholesale Society Ltd. has
granted the associated company Shmey-Bar (I.A.) 1993
Ltd. (see (2) above).
Derdan commenced operations in 1994. The Company's share
in Derdan is 25%.
4) Clark/67 Associates L.P. - limited partnership
In August 1994, the subsidiary Merkazim New York and
others established a limited partnership in the United
States ("the partnership"). The U.S. subsidiary's share in
the partnership is 50%. The partnership acquired a
commercial building in New Jersey, U.S.A. for a total cost
of approximately $ 2.3 million. The partnership invested
approximately $ 1 million in renovating the building.
In November 1997, Merkazim New York granted an option to a
third party for acquisition of its share in the
partnership. In February 1998, the option was exercised
and as a result, Merkazim New York had a capital gain of
approximately adjusted NIS 5,059,000.
103
<PAGE> 105
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 3 - INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES (continued):
5) Memadim Investments Ltd. ("Memadim")
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.
Following the reclassification of the investment in
Industrial Buildings as "investment in another company",
the investment in Medamim was also reclassified as
"investment in another company".
6) 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 Poalim 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 is developing land owned by the Israel Lands
Administration (the "Administration"), in accordance with
resolution 717 of the Administration. The area under
development is 16,850 square meters. In the first stage, a
commercial building occupying 10,000 square meters of the
property will be constructed. The estimated constuction
costs for the commercial project are approximately $ 14
million and the value of the land is estimated at
approximately $ 9 million. The Company's share in L1 is
approximately 25% (its share in the project being
approximately 12.5% and the amount of its investment
therein is approximately $ 3.5 million). As of December
31, 1999, the Company had invested approximately adjusted
NIS 5 million in L1.
The Company has also undertaken to provide guarantees in
an amount equivalent to 25% of the construction costs. As
of December 31, 1999, BHL had taken bank loans for
approximately adjusted NIS 41.7 million, drawn on a credit
line extended by the bank in connection with the project.
7) Pelikan Security Ltd. (formerly - Soliton Ltd.; "Pelikan")
Pelikan, a private Israeli company, was established in
January 1997, with the aim of developing a protection
program as a solution to safeguarding data on the
internet and intranet.
In December 1997, the Company invested in the share
capital of Pelikan another adjusted NIS 2,916,000.
In May 1999, the Company invested adjusted NIS 1,059,000
in Pelikan.
As of December 31, 1999 the Company holds 13.5% in
Pelikan.
104
<PAGE> 106
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 3 - INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES (continued):
Since the Company no longer has significant influence in
Pelikan, commencing December 31, 1999, the investment in
that company has been reclassified as "investment in
another company," at its value in the Company's accounts as
of that date, and is no longer presented by the equity
method.
8) Syperactive Ltd. (formerly SVIS, Secure Video Systems Ltd.;
"Syperactive")
Syperactive, a private Israeli company, was established in
1995 and is engaged in developing technology for video
coding and reconstruction of data.
In 1997, the Company invested approximately adjusted NIS
1,012,000 in Syperactive, for 23% of the ownership and
control of that company.
In 1998, the Company invested approximately adjusted NIS
1,032,000 in Syperactive. In 1999, the Company invested a
further amount of approximately adjusted NIS 1,104,000. The
Company has not yet been allotted Syperactive shares for
the entire amount of its investment. As of December 31,
1999, the Company holds 34% of the share capital of
Syperactive. After the Company is allotted the remaining
shares in respect of its investment, its shareholding in
Syperactive will be 46.5%.
9) Expand Networks Ltd. (formerly - INFIT Ltd.; "Expand")
Expand is a private Israeli company specializing in
communications protocols and data compression on the
internet, as well as the development of edge to edge
communications solutions.
In December 1997, the Company invested adjusted NIS
2,389,000, in Expand; during 1999, the Company invested
another adjusted NIS 3,856,000 in Expand. Consequently, the
Company holds approximately 14.3% of the ownership and
control of Expand.
Since the Company no longer has significant influence in
Expand, commencing December 31, 1999, the investment in
that company has been reclassified as "investment in
another company," at its value in the Company's accounts as
of that date, and is no longer presented by the equity
method.
105
<PAGE> 107
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 4 - INVESTMENTS IN OTHER COMPANIES:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED AND
THE COMPANY
------------------------------------
DECEMBER 31
------------------------------------
1999 1998
---------------- ----------------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Dovrat, Shrem - Keren Shakim 92 Ltd. ("Keren Shakim") (a) 341 949
Mahalachim Investment in Technology Ltd. ("Mahalachim") (b) 1,380 1,380
Carmel Biosensor Ltd. ("Carmel") (c) 1,046 504
Industrial Buildings - quoted shares and quoted warrants
(December 31, 1998 - only warrants) (d) 191,485 467
Mainsoft Corporation ("Mainsoft ") (e) 1,162 1,123
Myriad Ultra Systems Ltd. ("Myriad") (f) 348
Memco Software Ltd. ("Memco") (g) 30,109
Netformx Ltd. (formerly Imagenet Ltd.; "Netformx") (h) 4,280 3,496
Elpaz Electro-optic Systems Ltd. ("Elpaz") (i) 4,918 3,954
NogaTech Inc. ("NogaTech") (j) 5,895 5,895
Combox Ltd. ("Combox") (k) 9,473 6,303
RealM Technologies Ltd. ("RealM") (l) 1,362 108
Romidot Ltd. ("Romidot") (m) 2,571 2,530
Attune Networks Ltd. ("Attune") (n) 6,173
Camelot Information Technologies Ltd. ("Camelot") (o) 5,178
StoreAge Networking Technologies Ltd. ("StoreAge") (p) 4,420
Indocs Online Ltd. ("Indocs") (q) 1,249
Pelikan (r) 437
Expand (s) 2,302
Memadim (t) 702
------- -------
244,374 57,166
======= =======
</TABLE>
(a) The Company holds 2.9% of the shares of Keren Shakim. The main
activity of Keren Shakim is investment in business and
securities. Its investments consist mainly of long and medium
term investments, primarily in Israel. The investment as of
December 31, 1999 and 1998 in presented net of write-down of
adjusted NIS 1,120,000. In 1999 a Court approved reduction of
share capital in Keren Shakim. The Company's part in the
refund of capital was adjusted NIS 608,000.
(b) Mahalachim is a venture capital fund. The Company holds
shares conferring upon it a 5% holding in this company. The
investment as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 is presented net
of write-down of adjusted NIS 2,146,000.
(c) The Company holds preferred shares convertible into ordinary
shares, conferring upon it a 12% holding in Carmel. Carmel is
engaged in development of products for measurement of the
concentration of glucose in the blood without using the
present mechanical methods. In 1999, the Company invested
adjusted NIS 542,000 in Carmel.
At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the investment is presented net
of write-down of adjusted NIS 4,000,000.
(d) In December 1998, the Company purchased a part of the
Industrial Buildings purchase options issued by Mivnat. The
market value of Industrial Buildings purchase options held by
the Company at December 31, 1999 and 1998 is adjusted NIS
852,000 and adjusted NIS 467,000, respectively.
106
<PAGE> 108
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 4 - INVESTMENTS IN OTHER COMPANIES (continued):
The shares of Industrial Buildings are traded on the Tel-Aviv
Stock Exchange. The market value of the holdings of the
Company in the shares of Industrial Buildings at December 31,
1999 and 1998 is approximately adjusted NIS 223.6 million and
adjusted NIS 193.2 million, respectively.
See also note 3c(1).
(e) The Company holds shares conferring upon it approximately 3%
in Mainsoft. Mainsoft is engaged in the development,
production and marketing of software and development tools for
developers of software.
In 1998, the Company granted Mainsoft a loan denominated in
dollars. The loan bears interest at the annual rate of 10%.
At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the investment is presented net
of provision of adjusted NIS 2,906,000 for impairment of
value.
(f) The Company holds 6.7% in Myriad which is engaged in the
development, production and marketing of instruments for the
measuring, by ultra-sound, of bone density and elasticity.
At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the investment is presented net
of provision of adjusted NIS 3,808,000 and adjusted NIS
3,460,000 respectively, for impairment of value.
In 1999, Myriad discontinued operations.
(g) As from April 1, 1998, the Company's investment in Memco was
no longer included by the equity method; it was reclassified
to other investments.
On March 29, 1999, under a merger agreement between Memco and
a U.S. company, Platinum Technology, Inc. ("Platinum") - a
shareholder in Memco, Memco became a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Platinum. In consideration, the former shareholders of
Memco were issued shares in Platinum at the ratio of 0.836
Platinum shares for each Memco share. The Company owned
1,626,388 ordinary shares of Memco and, accordingly, it
received 1,359,660 ordinary shares of Platinum.
On March 29, 1999, Platinum signed an agreement with Computer
Associates, Inc. ("CA"), a company resident in the United
States and a wholly-owned subsidiary thereof. Under that
agreement, CA agreed to acquire all the shares of Platinum for
$ 29.25 per share. The transaction was completed in June 1999
and the Company received approximately $ 39.8 million upon
sale of its shares in Platinum.
The Company's capital gain on sale of its shareholding in
Platinum was approximately adjusted NIS 136 million (the net
gain after tax was approximately adjusted NIS 81 million).
(h) In February 1998, the Company acquired debentures convertible
into shares of Netformx (an associated company of an
interested party), which develops, markets and supports
computer aided network engineering (CANE), a software product
for network design simulation and optimization.
In 1999, the Company invested adjusted NIS 784,000 in
Netformx.
The Company holds 4.4% of Netformx shares.
107
<PAGE> 109
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 4 - INVESTMENTS IN OTHER COMPANIES (continued):
At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the investment is presented net
of provision of adjusted NIS 1,013,000 for impairment of
value.
(i) In 1998, the Company purchased shares of EIpaz which is
engaged in development, manufacturing and marketing of
products and solutions based on unique wireless infra-red data
communication technologies.
In August 1999, the Company invested additional adjusted NIS
964,000 in EIpaz.
The Company holds 9% of Elpaz's shares.
(j) In July 1998, the Company purchased 7.1% (fully diluted) of
the shares of NogaTech, a U.S. corporation with a research and
development center in Israel, which is engaged, in
development, manufacturing and marketing of video
communication compression technology.
(k) In 1998, the Company purchased 18.75% of the shares of Combox
which is engaged in the development, manufacturing, marketing
and sale of high speed data transmission systems for CATV and
satellite network wireless and related technology. In
addition, the Company was granted 18 month option for the
purchase of additional 5.9% of Combox's shares.
The Company exercised the option in December 1999, for the
exercise price of adjusted NIS 3,170,000.
Combox raised $5.25 million in a private placement (including
exercise of options). Following the private placement and the
exercise of the options, the Company holds approximately 19.7%
of Combox's capital.
On February 4, 2000, the Company entered into an agreement
with Terayon Communication Systems (a U.S. corporation traded
on the NASDAQ market; "Terayon"). Under that agreement, the
Company is to sell Terayon its shareholding in Combox and
Terayon is to purchase the remaining share capital of Combox
from its other shareholders.
That agreement also stipulates that, in consideration for its
shares in Combox, the Company is to receive approximately
150,000 Terayon shares which are to be listed for trade on
NASDAQ. The Company's net capital gain on this transaction,
based on the quoted price of the shares at time of signing the
agreement ($120.8 per share) is NIS 44 million.
This transaction is subject to approval by various
authorities.
In February 2000, the Company sold short 65,000 Terayon shares
at the average price of $140 per share. The quoted price of
those shares as of the date of approval of these financial
statements was $257 per share.
(l) In October 1998, the Company invested in RealM, which is
engaged in development manufacturing and marketing of IP
multi-media communication products.
In 1999, the Company invested adjusted NIS 1,254,000 in RealM.
The Company's shareholding in RealM is 12.6%.
108
<PAGE> 110
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 4 - INVESTMENTS IN OTHER COMPANIES (continued):
(m) In December 1998, the Company purchased shares of Romidot (an
associated company of an interested party), which is engaged
in development, production and marketing of optical checking
instruments used in industrial factories for quality control
in the manufacture line.
In March 1999, the Company invested additional adjusted NIS
41,000 in Romidot. The Company's shareholding in Romidot is
approximately 9%.
(n) In 1999, the Company acquired shares conferring upon it a
shareholding of approximately 16.8% in Attune, which is
engaged in the development of a software system permitting
quick and continuous identification of difficulties and
interruptions in various communications networks.
(o) In July 1999, the Company invested in Camelot, a company
engaged in the development of software to safeguard computer
systems. The Company's shareholding in Camelot is
approximately 12.6%.
(p) In November and December 1999, the Company invested in
StoreAge, a company engaged in the development of software to
store data on communications networks. The Company's
shareholding in StoreAge is approximately 12.8%.
StoreAge is also an investee of an interested party.
(q) In December 1999, the Company invested adjusted NIS 1,249,000
in Indocs, a company engaged in the development of software
for E-commerce technological applications in the printing
field, via the internet.
The said investment constitutes part of a planned investment
of approximately $ 1.3 million. After the entire investment is
made, the Company will hold 13% of the share capital of
Indocs.
(r) Commencing December 31, 1999, the investment in Pelikan has
been reclassified as "investment in another company" and is no
longer presented by the equity method (see also note 3c(7).
(s) Commencing December 31, 1999, the investment in Expand has
been reclassified as "investment in another company" and is no
longer presented by the equity method (see also note 3c(9).
(t) Commencing October 1, 1999, the investment in Memadim has been
reclassified as "investment in another company" (see also note
3c (5)).
109
<PAGE> 111
\
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 5 - FIXED ASSETS:
a. COMPOSITION OF ASSETS, GROUPED BY MAJOR CLASSIFICATIONS, AND
CHANGES THEREIN DURING 1999, ARE AS FOLLOWS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COST
----------------------------------------------------------
IN RESPECT
OF
BALANCE AT ADDITIONS RETIREMENTS BALANCE
BEGINNING DURING DURING AT END
OF YEAR THE YEAR THE YEAR OF YEAR
---------- --------- ----------- -------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consolidated:
Buildings - leased out
(including land) 118,113 10,328 5,862 122,579
Machinery and equipment 977 977
Vehicles 289 289
Office furniture and equipment
(including computers and
peripheral equipment) 199 208
------- ------- ------- -------
119,578 10,337 5,862 124,053
======= ======= ======= =======
The Company:
Building - leased out (including land) 50,183 10,291 3,486 56,988
Machinery and equipment 977 977
Office furniture and equipment
(including computers and
peripheral equipment) 199 208
------- ------- ------- -------
51,359 10,300 3,486 58,173
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
-----------------------------------------------------------
IN RESPECT
OF
BALANCE AT ADDITIONS RETIREMENTS BALANCE
BEGINNING DURING DURING AT END
OF YEAR THE YEAR THE YEAR OF YEAR
---------- --------- ----------- -------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
-----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consolidated:
Buildings - leased out
(including land) 21,388 2,112 1,290 22,210
Machinery and equipment 148 161 309
Vehicles 61 35 96
Office furniture and equipment
(including computers and
peripheral equipment) 73 40 113
------- ------- ------ ------
21,670 2,348 1,290 22,728
======= ======= ====== ======
The Company:
Building - leased out (including land) 197 1,070 1,267
Machinery and equipment 148 161 309
Office furniture and equipment
(including computers and
peripheral equipment) 73 40 113
------- ------- ------
418 1,271 1,689
======= ======= ======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEPRECIATED
BALANCE AT
DECEMBER 31
-------------------------
1999 1998
-------- ---------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
-------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Consolidated:
Buildings - leased out
(including land) 100,369 96,725
Machinery and equipment 668 829
Vehicles 193 228
Office furniture and equipment
(including computers and
peripheral equipment) 95 126
------- -------
101,325 97,908
======= =======
The Company:
Building - leased out (including land) 55,721 49,986
Machinery and equipment 668 829
Office furniture and equipment
(including computers and
peripheral equipment) 95 126
------- -------
56,484 50,941
======= =======
</TABLE>
110
<PAGE> 112
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 5 - FIXED ASSETS (continued):
b. THE COMPANIES' RIGHTS IN REAL ESTATE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACCUMULATED
C O S T DEPRECIATION
-------------------------- -----------------------
DECEMBER 31 DECEMBER 31
-------------------------- -----------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
------- ------- ------- -------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
The Company:
Building - leased out - on land jointly
leased with another company for
44 years ending October 31, 2037 -
(the Company's share - 70%) (1) 56,988 50,183 1,267 197
------- ------- ------- -------
Merkazim:
Buildings on subsidiary's land (2)(3) 8,811 11,150 2,638 3,708
Buildings jointly owned with
an interested party - the subsidiary's
share - 50% 11,175 11,175 3,043 2,859
Buildings on land leased for
49 years ending March 24, 2022 -
80% of lease fees are capitalized 28,545 28,545 8,547 8,111
Buildings on land leased for
49 years ending March 31, 2025 -
80% of lease fees are capitalized 5,743 5,743 1,745 1,667
Buildings on land leased for
49 years ending March 31, 2021 11,317 11,317 4,970 4,846
------- ------- ------- -------
T o t a l - Merkazim 65,591 67,930 20,943 21,191
------- ------- ------- -------
T o t a l - consolidated 122,579 118,113 22,210 21,388
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
(1) In August 1994, the Company and a third party
established a joint venture for the construction of an
industrial and commercial building on jointly leased
land. The Company's share in the joint venture is 70%.
The building is 30,500 square meters, of which
approximately 17,700 square meters - the main area. The
leasing out of areas in the building started in
September 1998. In January 1999, 900 square meters of
the building were sold for approximately adjusted NIS
3,531,000 and the Company's share in the profit is
adjusted NIS 45,000.
(2) The buildings of Merkazim are leased out for long
periods (up to ten years); the lessees of some of
these buildings have been granted a purchase option
realizable during, or at termination of, the lease
period.
(3) In December 1999, Merkazim sold a building to the
lessor thereof for $2,619,000, and recorded a net
capital gain of approximately adjusted NIS 5,669,000.
The registration of the Company's land in its name in the Land
Registry has not yet been completed.
111
<PAGE> 113
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO 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 3.25%-4.4%.
b. The loans mature in the following years after the balance
sheet dates:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED THE COMPANY
----------------------- -----------------------
DECEMBER 31 DECEMBER 31
----------------------- -----------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
------- ------- ------- -------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
--------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
First year - current maturities 7,827 23,906 5,868 21,951
------- ------- ------- -------
Second year 7,824 7,819 5,868 5,865
Third year 7,824 7,819 5,868 5,865
Fourth year 7,824 7,819 5,868 5,865
Fifth year 7,824 7,819 5,868 5,865
Sixth year and thereafter (through 2012) 62,593 70,368 46,944 52,772
------- ------- ------- -------
93,889 101,644 70,416 76,232
------- ------- ------- -------
101,716 125,550 76,284 98,183
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
c. As to pledges to secure the loans and limitations relating to
them, see note 9c.
NOTE 7 - CAPITAL NOTES:
a. On December 31, 1998, as part of a transaction in which Mivnat
- an associated company - sold all its shares in Industrial
Buildings (see note 3c(1)(c)), the Company and a subsidiary
issued to Mivnat capital notes in the amount of adjusted NIS
153,634,000 (par value - NIS 151,601,000), of which adjusted
NIS 115,296,000 (par value - NIS 113,770,000) - the Company.
The capital notes are as follows:
1) Capital notes in the amount of adjusted NIS 153,381,000
(par value - NIS 151,351,000) - consolidated - and
adjusted NIS 115,105,000 (par value - 113,582,000) the
Company - are unlinked, bear no interest and redeemable,
upon request of Mivnat, on January 1, 2004.
2) Capital notes in the amount of adjusted NIS 253,000 (par
value - 250,000) consolidated - and adjusted NIS 191,000
(par value - 188,000) - the Company - are unlinked and
bear no interest. Mivnat is entitled to demand payment of
the notes each year, upon fulfillment of certain
conditions including discharge of the notes referred to
in (1) above and Mivnat's entering into liquidation
procedures.
b. On December 31, 1998, the Company issued a capital note in the
amount of adjusted NIS 38,274,000 (par value - 37,769,000) to
a subsidiary. The capital note is unlinked, bears no interest
and is redeemable, upon request, on January 1, 2004.
112
<PAGE> 114
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 8 - EMPLOYEE RIGHTS UPON RETIREMENT
Labor laws and agreements require the Company and its subsidiaries
to pay severance pay to employees dismissed or retiring from their
employ in certain other circumstances.
The companies' severance pay liability to their employees is
covered mainly by regular deposits with recognized severance pay
funds in the employees' names.
The amount of liability for severance pay presented in the balance
sheets reflects that part of the liability not covered by the funds
mentioned above.
NOTE 9 - COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENT LIABILITIES, PLEDGES AND LIMITATIONS IN
RESPECT OF LIABILITIES:
a. COMMITMENTS:
1) The Company is committed to invest approximately adjusted
NIS 5,860,000 in a joint venture (see also note 3c(5))
with interested parties and others (the Company's share is
10%). The joint venture will acquire land for construction
of buildings for lease. The Company's share in the cost of
the buildings is approximately $ 30 million.
2) In December 1996, the subsidiary New Horizons acquired
real estate (intended 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) The Company is committed to provide guarantees under an
agreement with L1 (see note 3c(6)).
4) As to the agreement for the sale of the investment in
Combox, see note 4k.
b. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES:
1) The Company and Merkazim have each provided guarantees to
secure the long-term bank loans of the other.
2) In March 1995, a lawsuit for a commission of approximately
adjusted NIS 704,000 in respect of acquisition of real
estate was brought against the Company. In management's
opinion, this suit is without merit, so that the Company
will not incur any expenses in respect thereof. Therefore,
the Company did not record any provision in respect of the
claim.
3) The Company has provided guarantees for 10% of the debts
of Memadim to banks. The guarantee is limited to
adjusted NIS 118 million ($ 30 million), see a(1) above
and note 3c(5). The balance of the loans so guaranteed
is approximately adjusted NIS 59.8 million as of
December 31, 1999.
4) As to a contingent liability towards purchasers of
purchase options for the shares of Industrial Buildings,
see note 3c(1) (c).
113
<PAGE> 115
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 9 - COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENT LIABILITIES, PLEDGES AND LIMITATIONS
IN RESPECT OF LIABILITIES (continued):
5) In February 1997, the Company entered into an agreement
for the sale of a part in a building, to an interested
party. After the agreement was signed, the Company
received notice from a third party, claiming that the
Company had undertaken to lease premises in the building
to that third party. The Company rejected this claim,
since, in the opinion of the Company's legal counsel, the
negotiations with the third party were not concluded and
no legal obligation was created.
6) As to contingent liabilities to tax authorities, see note
11e.
c. PLEDGES AND RESTRICTIONS IN RESPECT OF LIABILITIES:
1) To secure repayment of long-term bank loans in a total
amount at December 31, 1999 of adjusted NIS 101.7 million
- consolidated and adjusted NIS 76.3 million - the
Company, the Company and Merkazim have undertaken towards
the bank that the Company's shareholders' equity will not
fall below adjusted NIS 71 million, the total
consolidated liabilities will not be more than 3.25 times
the shareholders' equity and the average annual net
income, at any time, will not fall below adjusted NIS 6.9
million for the last three years.
The shares in Industrial Buildings have also been pledged
as security for these loans, see note 3c(1).
2) To secure repayment of long and short-term bank loans of
third parties, designated for financing a building for
rent under construction - in Netanya, the balance of
which is adjusted NIS 16 million as of December 31,
1999, the Company mortgaged its rights in the building.
NOTE 10 - SHARE CAPITAL
Composed at December 31, 1999 and 1998 as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES AMOUNT IN NIS
------------------------------ -----------------------------
ISSUED AND ISSUED AND
AUTHORIZED PAID AUTHORIZED PAID
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ordinary shares of NIS 0.001
par value 160,000 100,000 160 100
======= ======= ======= =======
Deferred shares of NIS 0.0001
par value* 3 3 0.0003 0.0003
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
* The deferred shares confer upon their holders the right to
receive their par value upon liquidation of the Company.
114
<PAGE> 116
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 11 - 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. The
Company 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:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED THE COMPANY
------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
BUILDINGS BUILDINGS
UNDER UNDER
CONSTRUCTION, CONSTRUCTION,
NET OF NET OF
DEPRECIABLE ADVANCES PROFITS DEPRECIABLE ADVANCES PROFITS
FIXED FROM OF INVESTEE FIXED FROM OF INVESTEE
ASSETS* PURCHASERS COMPANIES TOTAL ASSETS* PURCHASERS COMPANIES TOTAL
----------- ------------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- --------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at January 1, 1998 1,265 (5,242) 3,155 (822) (5,242) 3,155 (2,087)
Changes in 1998 -
amounts carried to income 339 5,242 (836) 4,745 90 5,242 (836) 4,496
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Balance at December 31, 1998 1,604 -,- 2,319 3,923 90 -,- 2,319 2,409
Changes in 1999 -
amounts carried to income 424 -,- (2,319) (1,895) 351 -,- (2,319) (1,968)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Balance at December 31, 1999 2,028 -,- -,- 2,028 441 -,- -,- 441
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
* Taking into account the provisions of Opinion 40 of the Israeli Institute,
see c. below.
115
<PAGE> 117
\
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 11 - TAXES ON INCOME (continued):
2) Deferred taxes are presented in the balance sheets as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED THE COMPANY
----------------------- -----------------------
DECEMBER 31 DECEMBER 31
----------------------- -----------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
------- ------- ------- -------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
--------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Among current liabilities 2,319 2,319
Among long-term liabilities 2,028 1,604 441 90
------- ------- ------- -------
Balance 2,028 3,923 441 2,409
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
3) The deferred taxes are computed at the rate of 36%.
c. UNDEPRECIATED BALANCE OF COST OF FIXED ASSETS - THE PORTION IN
RESPECT OF WHICH DEFERRED TAXES HAVE NOT BEEN PROVIDED
The balance of undepreciated cost of certain depreciable fixed
assets includes the amounts detailed below which will not be
allowed for tax purposes by way of depreciation or as cost
upon realization of the assets. These amounts are regarded as
permanent differences (in respect of which no deferred taxes
are to be provided) in accordance with Opinion 40 of the
Israeli Institute:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED
--------------------------
1999 1998
-------- ------
ADJUSTED NIS
IN THOUSANDS
--------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Balance at beginning of year 21,403 20,582
Increase (decrease) in the above balance due
to depreciation charge for the year (1,449) 821
------- ------
Balance at end of year 19,954 21,403
======= ======
</TABLE>
d. TAXES ON INCOME INCLUDED IN THE INCOME STATEMENTS:
1) As follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
------- -------- -------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Consolidated:
Current 66,803 9,675 32,109
Deferred, see also b. above (1,895) 4,745 2,024
------- -------- -------
64,908 14,420 34,133
======= ======== =======
The Company:
Current 63,246 7,061 31,330
Deferred, see also b. above (1,968) 4,496 (3,130)
------- -------- -------
61,278 11,557 28,200
======= ======== ========
</TABLE>
Current taxes are computed at the tax rates of 36%.
116
<PAGE> 118
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 11 - 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:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
------- ------- -------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Consolidated:
Income before taxes on income as reported in the income statements 155,718 47,596 153,517
L e s s - share in profits of associated companies - net 2,421 6,493 9,475
------- ------- -------
B a l a n c e - income 153,297 41,103 144,042
======= ======= =======
Theoretical tax expense 55,187 14,797 51,855
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from permanent
differences - the tax effect:
Disallowable deductions 198 2,437 2,325
Taxes on income subject to different rates:
Taxes on dividends received from associated company 303
Taxes on dividend received from another company (180)
Income taxed by a different tax method:
Gain from sale of buildings (801) 2,113
Gain on sale of shares in an associated company (19,820)
Gain from sale of investment in another company 8,000 (2,767)
Tax exempt income - decrease in shareholding in an associated
company following issuance of its shares to a third party (2,671)
Income taxed at a different tax rate - gain from sale of
investment in a partnership (346)
Sundry - net* 1,703 1,100 28
------- ------- -------
Taxes on income for the reported year 64,908 14,420 34,133
======= ======= =======
The company:
Income before taxes on income, as reported in the income statements 152,091 44,702 147,584
L e s s - profits of subsidiaries and share in profits of associated
companies - net 8,592 9,345 13,672
------- ------- -------
B a l a n c e - income 143,499 35,357 133,912
======= ======= =======
Theoretical tax expense 51,660 12,728 48,208
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from permanent
differences - the tax effect:
Disallowable deductions 150 1,472 2,270
Taxes on income subject to different rates:
Taxes on dividends received from associated company 229
Taxes on dividend received from anoother company (180)
Income taxed by a different method:
Gain from sale of buildings (801)
Gain from sale of shares in an associated company (19,820)
Gain from sale of investment in another company 8,000 (2,767)
Tax exempt income - decrease in shareholding in associated
company following issuance of its shares to a third party (2,671)
Sundry - net* 1,648 925 (16)
-------- ------- -------
Taxes on income for the reported year 61,278 11,557 28,200
======== ======= =======
</TABLE>
* Resulting mainly from the difference in computation of linkage to the Israeli
CPI for financial statement and tax purposes.
117
<PAGE> 119
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 11 - TAXES ON INCOME (continued):
e. TAX LIABILITY RELATING TO LONG-TERM LEASE OF BUILDINGS
In March 1993, Merkazim notified the tax authorities that it
had leased buildings for a ten year period and that options to
extend the leases for a further ten year period or to purchase
the property at the end of the original lease period were
granted to companies related to the original lessees at the
time of signing the leases.
In September and October 1999, Merkazim received land
appreciation tax assessments in the amount of approximately
adjusted NIS 5.5 million in respect of a part of the said
buildings.
Merkazim received a legal opinion to the effect that the above
leases are subject to income tax and not land appreciation
tax. Merkazim reported to the tax authorities on this basis.
Merkazim has appealed the said land appreciation tax
assessments (adjusted NIS 1.7 million of which relates to an
asset which does not, and did not, belong to Merkazim).
Based on the abovementioned legal opinion and on certificates
received from the income tax authorities, management of
Merkazim is of the opinion that no additional tax liability
will arise in respect of this matter and, accordingly, has not
made any provisions for the said assessments.
f. TAX ASSESSMENTS
The Company has received final tax assessments through tax
year 1995.
Maoz has received final tax assessments through tax year 1990.
Ophir Financing Ltd. has received final tax assessments
through tax year 1987. Merkazim has received final tax
assessments through tax year 1995. New Horizons has not been
assessed for tax purposes since incorporation.
NOTE 12 - TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES WITH INTERESTED PARTIES AND RELATED
PARTIES:
a. TRANSACTIONS WITH INTERESTED PARTIES AND RELATED PARTIES:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
------- ------ -------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income (expenses):
Consolidated:
Lease fees for buildings - from interested parties (1) 968 3,580 3,500
======= ====== =======
management fees from associated companies 1,412 1,216 1,400
======= ====== =======
General and administrative expenses -
management fees to shareholders
(2 companies) (2) (3) (1,092) (1,394) (1,185)
======= ====== =======
Financial expenses - to a bank -
interested party - net* (255) (1,214) (438)
======= ====== =======
Salary to related party employed by the Company (2,228) (988) (438)
======= ====== =======
</TABLE>
118
<PAGE> 120
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 12 - TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES WITH INTERESTED PARTIES AND RELATED
PARTIES (continued):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
------- ------ -------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
--------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
The Company:
Management fees from an associated company
and a subsidiary 1,412 1,207 1,301
======= ====== ======
Financial expenses - to a bank -
interested party - net* (28) (842) (448)
======= ====== ======
Participation in expenses of a subsidiary (903)
=======
</TABLE>
* In 1999 - for the three months ended March 31, 1999, when
the bank ceased being an interested party.
(1) In management's opinion, the lease fees are similar to
those generally prevailing for similar leases.
(2) See also note 1a(1).
(3) The management fees are paid at the end of each quarter
in a fixed amount linked to the Israeli CPI in
accordance with a shareholders' agreement.
As to other transactions with, and commitments to, interested
parties, see note 9.
119
<PAGE> 121
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 12 - TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES WITH INTERESTED PARTIES AND RELATED
PARTIES (continued):
b. BALANCES WITH INTERESTED PARTIES AND RELATED PARTIES:
1) Current and long-term receivables:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31
---------------------------
1999 1998
------ ------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
---------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Consolidated:
a) Cash and cash equivalents:
Balance at balance sheet date 15,620
=======
Highest balance during the year* 2,934 262,630
======= =======
b) Short-term loans to shareholders*** 79,591
=======
c) Long-term receivables - loans to associated
companies** 19,355 13,265
======= =======
The Company:
a) Cash and cash equivalents:
Balance at balance sheet date 15,462
=======
Highest balance during the year* 1,920 263,914
======= =======
b) Short-term loans to shareholders 79,591
=======
c) Long-term receivables - loans to associated
companies** 19,355 13,265
======= =======
d) Short-term loans from subsidiaries 5,923 5,039
======= =======
</TABLE>
As to current balances with associated companies, see
note 14b.
* The highest balance in 1999 relates to the three months
ended March 31, 1999, when the bank ceased being an
interested party.
** The loans are linked to the Israeli CPI and bear annual
interest at the rate of 4%-5%.
The balance outstanding as of December 31, 1999 was the
highest during the year.
*** The loans are linked to the Israeli CPI and bear no
interest.
2) Long-term liability in respect of acquisition of land -
business inventory - is linked to the Israeli CPI and
bears no interest.
c. As to investments in associated companies, some of which are
interested parties, see note 3.
120
<PAGE> 122
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 12 - TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCE WITH INTERESTED PARTIES AND RELATED
PARTIES (continued):
d. As to investments in quoted shares of an interested party, see
note 14a.
e. In the ordinary course of business, the Company carries out
transactions with entities that are, or could be, included in
the definition of interested parties because of their
connection with a bank that - until March 31, 1999 - was an
interested party in the Company. In view of the above, it is
impractical to record the transactions with such entities
separately and, therefore, no information thereon is given in
these financial statements. Management is of the opinion that,
in view of Company procedures and their implementation, such
transactions were carried out in the ordinary course of
business and at prices and credit terms that do not differ
from those generally prevailing on the market.
NOTE 13 - LINKAGE OF MONETARY BALANCES:
a. AS FOLLOWS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, 1999
--------------------------------------------------------------
IN, OR
LINKED TO LINKED
THE TO THE UNLINKED TOTAL
U.S. DOLLAR ISRAELI CPI
----------- ----------- -------- -------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
--------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consolidated:
Assets:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents 165 4,367 4,532
Short-term loans to shareholders 79,591 79,591
Short-term investments 171 171
Accounts receivable 10,707 5,001 1,038 16,746
Investments and long-term receivables:
Loans to associated companies 19,355 19,355
Long-term bank deposit
(including current maturities) 9,556 9,556
------- ------- ------- -------
10,872 113,503 5,576 129,951
======= ======= ======= =======
Liabilities:
Current liabilities:
Bank credit 6,973 6,973
Accounts payable and accruals 31,255 31,255
Long-term liabilities:
Payables in respect of acquisition
of land - business inventory 11,418 11,418
Bank loans (including
current maturities) 101,716 101,716
Capital notes to associated company 151,601 151,601
------- ------- -------
113,134 189,829 302,963
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
121
<PAGE> 123
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 13 - LINKAGE OF MONETARY BALANCES (continued):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, 1999
--------------------------------------------------------
IN, OR
LINKED TO LINKED
THE TO THE UNLINKED TOTAL
U.S. DOLLAR ISRAELI CPI
----------- ----------- -------- ------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
--------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
The Company:
Assets:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents 165 163 328
Short-term loans to shareholders 79,591 79,591
Short-term investments 171 171
Accounts receivable 5,001 849 5,850
Investments and long-term
receivables:
Loans to associated companies 19,355 19,355
Long-term bank deposit,
(including current maturities) 9,556 9,556
------- ------- ------- -------
165 113,503 1,183 114,851
======= ======= ======= =======
Liabilities:
Current liabilities:
Bank credit 6,192 6,192
Accounts payable and accruals 30,398 30,398
Long-term bank loans (including
current maturities) 76,284 76,284
Capital notes to associated
company and subsidiary 151,539 151,539
------- ------- -------
76,284 188,129 264,413
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
122
<PAGE> 124
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 13 - LINKAGE OF MONETARY BALANCES (continued):
b. DATA REGARDING THE EXCHANGE RATE AND THE ISRAELI CPI:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXCHANGE RATE
OF ONE U.S. ISRAELI
DOLLAR CPI*
------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
At end of year:
1999 NIS 4.153 168.5 points
1998 NIS 4.160 166.3 points
1997 NIS 3.536 153.1 points
1996 NIS 3.251 143.1 points
Increase (decrease) during the year:
1999 (0.2)% 1.3%
1998 17.6% 8.6%
1997 8.8% 7.0%
</TABLE>
* Based on the index for the month ending on each balance
sheet date, on the basis of 1993 average = 100.
NOTE 14 - SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION:
BALANCE SHEETS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED THE COMPANY
------------------------ ------------------------
DECEMBER 31 DECEMBER 31
------------------------ ------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
------- ------- ------- -------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
---------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
a. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:
Quoted shares of an
interested party 171 91 171 91
Current maturities of
long-term bank
deposit, see c. below 3,695 1,787 3,695 1,787
------- ------- ------- -------
3,866 1,878 3,866 1,878
======= ======= ======= =======
b. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE:
Associated companies
and others 1,034 641 1,034 641
Government of Israel 103 453 103 281
Purchasers of buildings 15,447 7,271 4,672 7,271
Other 162 209 41 50
------- ------- ------- -------
16,746 8,574 5,850 8,243
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
123
<PAGE> 125
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 14 - SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (continued):
c. LONG-TERM BANK DEPOSIT
The deposit is linked to the Israeli CPI, bears annual
interest at the rate of 4.5% and is repayable in
twelve equal quarterly payments beginning September
1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED THE COMPANY
-------------------------- --------------------------
DECEMBER 31 DECEMBER 31
-------------------------- --------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
------- ------- ------- -------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
--------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
d. BANK CREDIT:
Short-term credit and loans 6,973 865 6,192 865
Current maturities of long-term
loans, see note 6 7,827 23,906 5,868 21,951
------- ------- ------- -------
14,800 24,771 12,060 22,816
======= ======= ======= =======
e. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUALS:
Trade 320 552 320 552
Accrued expenses 2,033 1,808 1,418 1,273
Government of Israel 26,274 1,027 20,486 410
Subsidiaries - current accounts 5,922 5,039
Other 2,704 12,487 2,328 11,383
------- ------- ------- -------
31,331 15,874 30,474 18,657
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
f. CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISKS
The group's cash and cash equivalents, short-term
investments and long-term deposit at December 31, 1999
and 1998 were deposited with Israeli banks. The Company
is of the opinion that the credit risk in respect of
these balances is remote.
g. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The financial instruments of the group consist of
non-derivative assets and liabilities (items included in
working capital, long-term loans to associated and other
companies, long-term bank deposit, capital notes from
associated companies and subsidiaries, short-term and
long-term bank loans, capital notes to associated company
and long-term liabilities in respect of purchase of
land). The Company also has investments in associated and
other companies whose shares are publicly traded.
In view of their nature, 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, long-term bank deposit and short-term 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
investments in other companies - traded in the Tel-Aviv
Stock Exchange - see note 4. The determination of the
fair value of the capital notes from associated companies
and subsidiaries, capital notes to associated company and
long-term liabilities in respect of acquisition of land
(see note 9 (a)(2)), is impractical.
124
<PAGE> 126
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 14 - SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (continued):
STATEMENTS OF INCOME:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
------ ------ ------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
---------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
h. GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES:
Consolidated:
Management fees (mainly to shareholders) 1,093 1,088 1,185
Payroll and related expenses 3,387 2,243 2,387
Office rent and maintenance 321 339 290
Professional fees 567 789 773
Other 617 889 300
------ ------ ------
5,985 5,348 4,935
====== ====== ======
The Company:
Payroll and related expenses 1,162 1,122
Office rent and maintenance 301 323 290
Professional fees 511 629 539
Other 423 526 96
------ ------ ------
2,397 1,478 2,047
====== ====== ======
i. FINANCIAL EXPENSES - NET:
Consolidated:
Expenses:
In respect of long-term loans 4,832 4,458 8,720
In respect of short-term bank credit 357 373 1,914
In respect of short-term loans from shareholders 188
Other 40 560 156
L e s s - financial expenses capitalized to cost of
buildings under construction (1,006) (657)
------ ------ ------
5,229 4,385 10,321
------ ------ ------
Income:
In respect of long-term bank deposit 450 455 460
In respect of short-term bank deposits 1,760
In respect of short-term loans to associated companies 628 507 2,772
Other 550 1,544 944
------ ------ ------
3,388 2,506 4,176
------ ------ ------
1,841 1,879 6,145
====== ====== ======
The Company:
Expenses:
In respect of long-term bank loans 3,720 4,138 5,632
In respect of short-term bank credit 357 373 1,903
In respect of short-term loans from shareholders 188
Other 22 124 1,004
L e s s - financial expenses capitalized to cost
of buildings under construction (1,006) (657)
------ ------ ------
4,099 3,629 8,070
------ ------ ------
Income:
In respect of long-term bank deposit 450 455 460
In respect of short-term bank deposits 1,760
In respect of short-term loans to subsidiaries
and associated companies 800 1,409 3,904
Other 137 726
------ ------ ------
3,147 2,590 4,364
------ ------ ------
952 1,039 3,706
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
125
<PAGE> 127
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 15 - INFORMATION ON BUSINESS SEGMENTS AND ON INVESTMENTS IN
ASSOCIATED AND OTHER COMPANIES CLASSIFIED BY BUSINESS
SEGMENTS
The Company, through a joint venture, subsidiaries, associated
companies and other companies, is engaged in construction,
real estate, computers, communications and software.
a. FOLLOWING ARE DATA OF INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES
(AS TO THE ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSOCIATED COMPANIES - SEE
NOTE 3c):
1) Share in profits (losses) of associated companies -
net (consolidated):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
------- ------- -------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
---------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Construction and real
estate 6,410 6,649 7,408
Computers, communications
and software (3,989) (156) 2,067
------- ------- -------
2,421 6,493 9,475
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
2) Investments in associated companies (consolidated):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31
-------------------------
1999 1998
-------- -------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
-------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Construction and real
estate 184,765 376,065
Computers, communications
and software 365 1,075
-------- -------
185,130 377,140
======== =======
</TABLE>
b. INVESTMENTS IN OTHER COMPANIES - CLASSIFIED BY ACTIVITY
(SEE ALSO NOTE 4):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31
-----------------------------
1999 1998
-------- -------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS
-----------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Construction and real estate 192,187 467
Computers, communications and
software 46,849 50,988
Optical checking instruments 2,571 2,530
Medicine and biotechnology 1,046 852
Investment companies and
venture capital funds 1,721 2,329
-------- -------
244,374 57,166
======== =======
</TABLE>
126
<PAGE> 128
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 16 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:
a. The Company intends to separate the investments in high-tech
Companies from the real estate and construction activity.
b. Subsequent to December 31, 1999, the Company invested $ 1.2
million in Interlink Computer Communications. Ltd.
("Interlink"), a developer and provider of Web-based
applications integration software in the e-business
environment.
The Company holds 12% in Interlink. In addition, the Company
has a 15 month option to invest another $ 500,000 in
Interlink, based on company worth of $ 13 million.
c. See note 4k.
127
<PAGE> 129
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 17 - NOMINAL DATA OF THE COMPANY:
a. BALANCE SHEET DATA:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NOMINAL NIS
IN THOUSANDS
--------------------------
DECEMBER 31
--------------------------
1999 1998
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
A S S E T S
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents 328 21,109
Short-term loans to shareholders 79,591
Short-term investments 3,866 1,853
Accounts receivable 5,850 8,134
------- -------
89,635 31,096
------- -------
Investments and long-term receivables:
Subsidiaries 27,647 19,648
Associated companies 136,633 234,002
Other companies 162,581 49,986
Long-term bank deposit, net of current maturities 5,861 9,423
------- -------
332,722 313,059
------- -------
Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation 49,900 44,344
------- -------
472,257 388,499
======= =======
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term bank credit 12,060 22,514
Accounts payable and accruals 30,474 19,121
Dividend payable 20,000
Deferred income taxes 2,114
------- -------
42,534 63,749
------- -------
Long-term liabilities:
Bank loans (net of current maturities) 70,416 75,223
Capital notes to associated company and a
subsidiary 151,539 151,539
Deferred income taxes 492 89
------- -------
222,447 226,851
------- -------
T o t a l liabilities 264,981 290,600
Shareholders' equity, see c. below 207,276 97,899
------- -------
472,257 388,499
======= =======
</TABLE>
128
<PAGE> 130
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 17 - NOMINAL DATA OF THE COMPANY (continued):
b. OPERATING RESULTS DATA:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NOMINAL NIS IN THOUSANDS
-------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues and gains:
From lease of buildings 3,352 311
Share in profits of associated companies - net 10,427 846 9,812
Share in profits of subsidiaries - net 7,999 2,321 6,102
Gain on dilution of holding in associated companies
resulting from sale and issuance of shares to a
third party - net 11,595 12,715 128,326
Gain from sale of investments in other companies 136,412 12,251
Gain from sale and increase in value of
marketable securities - net 80 7,102
Gain from sale of buildings 2,298 18,025
Dividend received from another company 1,100 458 351
Management fees from associated company and
from a subsidiary 1,392 950 1,161
------- ------- -------
174,655 47,877 152,854
------- ------- -------
Expenses and losses:
Operating cost of buildings for rent (including depreciation) 1,574
Write-down of investment in other companies 142 4,000 5,600
General and administrative expenses (including
depreciation) 2,468 1,406 1,828
Loss from decrease in value of marketable securities - net 51
Financial expenses - net 692 4,695 6,362
------- ------- -------
4,876 10,152 13,790
------- ------- -------
Income before taxes on income 169,779 37,725 139,064
Taxes on income 60,402 11,006 25,921
------- ------- -------
Net income for the year - nominal 109,377 26,719 113,143
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
129
<PAGE> 131
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 17 - NOMINAL DATA OF THE COMPANY (continued):
c. CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NOMINAL NIS IN THOUSANDS
---------------------------------------------------------
SHARE CAPITAL RETAINED
CAPITAL SURPLUS EARNINGS TOTAL
------- ------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at January 1, 1997 * 31,084 36,953 68,037
Changes during 1997:
Net income 113,143 113,143
Dividend (90,000) (90,000)
------ ------- ------- -------
Balance at December 31, 1997 * 31,084 60,096 91,180
Changes during 1998:
Net income 26,719 26,719
Proposed dividend (20,000) (20,000)
------ ------- ------- -------
Balance at December 31, 1998 * 31,084 66,815 97,899
Changes during 1999 -
net income 109,377 109,377
------ ------- ------- -------
Balance at December 31, 1999 * 31,084 176,192 207,276
====== ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
* Represents an amount less than nominal NIS 1,000.
NOTE 18 - SPECIAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
a. GENERAL:
1) As stated in note 1b, the primary financial statements
of the Company are drawn up in Israeli currency adjusted
for the changes in the Israeli CPI.
For incorporation in the financial statements of the
Company's U.S. shareholder, Ampal-American Israel
Corporation ("Ampal"), the Company also prepared these
special condensed consolidated financial statements
("the special statements"), see below.
2) Through December 31, 1992, Ampal translated the nominal
Israeli currency data of the Company on the basis of
which the primary financial statements were prepared
into dollars for the purpose of inclusion in its
financial statements. The translation was made in
accordance with the principles of remeasurement set
forth in Statement of Financial Accounting Standard
("FAS") No. 52 of the Financial Accounting Standards
Board of the United States ("FASB") for entities
operating in a highly inflationary economy.
130
<PAGE> 132
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 18 - SPECIAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued):
The rate of inflation in Israel has decreased
considerably in recent years. In view of the above, in
1993, Ampal decided that translation into dollars should
be made in accordance with the principles applicable to
economies no longer considered highly inflationary.
3) These special statements have been prepared for the
purpose of translation into dollars and inclusion in the
Ampal consolidated financial statements in accordance
with instructions of Ampal, as follows:
(a) The special statements are drawn up in Israeli
currency (NIS) terms.
(b) For determining the applicable Israeli currency
balances as of January 1, 1993, non-monetary
assets and shareholders' equity items at December
31, 1992 were remeasured into dollars and
translated into Israeli currency at the dollar
exchange rate as of that date ($1 = NIS 2.764).
(c) Transactions that took place after January 1, 1993
are reflected in the special statements in their
original nominal NIS values.
(d) The financial data of associated companies, the
financial statements of which are drawn up in
dollars, were translated into Israeli currency at
the exchange rate at December 31 of each year.
(e) Adjustments required to make the data conform with
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
("GAAP") have been made.
4) For the convenience of Ampal, these special statements
have been translated into dollars in accordance with the
principles set forth in FAS 52.
131
<PAGE> 133
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 18 - SPECIAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued):
b. FOLLOWING ARE THE SPECIAL STATEMENTS:
1) Consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 1999 and
1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TRANSLATED INTO
U.S. DOLLARS,
NEW ISRAELI SHEKELS SEE a(4) ABOVE
----------------------- ------------------------
DECEMBER 31 DECEMBER 31
----------------------- ------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
------- ------- -------- -------
IN THOUSANDS IN THOUSANDS
----------------------- ------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
A S S E T S
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents 4,532 25,498 1,091 6,129
Short-term loans to shareholders 79,591 19,165
Short-term investments 3,866 1,853 931 445
Accounts receivable 16,746 8,454 4,021 2,032
------- ------- -------- -------
104,735 35,805 25,208 8,606
------- ------- -------- -------
Land - business inventory 12,191 12,150 2,935 2,921
------- ------- -------- -------
Investments and long-term receivables:
Associated companies 174,124 271,419 41,927 65,245
Other companies 274,231 126,385 66,032 30,381
Long-term bank deposit, net of
current maturities 5,861 9,423 1,411 2,265
------- ------- -------- -------
454,216 407,227 109,370 97,891
------- ------- -------- -------
Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation 62,647 56,368 15,083 13,550
------- ------- -------- -------
633,789 511,550 152,596 122,968
======= ======= ======== =======
</TABLE>
132
<PAGE> 134
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 18 - SPECIAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TRANSLATED INTO
U.S. DOLLARS,
NEW ISRAELI SHEKELS SEE a(4) ABOVE
------------------------ ------------------------
DECEMBER 31 DECEMBER 31
------------------------ ------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
------- ------- -------- -------
IN THOUSANDS IN THOUSANDS
------------------------ ------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Bank credit 14,800 24,443 3,564 5,876
Accounts payable and accruals 31,121 15,664 7,495 3,765
Dividend payable 20,000 4,808
Deferred income taxes
------- ------- -------- -------
45,921 60,107 11,059 14,449
------- ------- -------- -------
Long-term liabilities:
Bank loans (net of current maturities) 93,889 100,299 22,618 24,109
Capital notes to associated company 151,601 151,601 36,504 36,442
Liability for employee rights upon
retirement, net of amount funded 45 10 11 2
Payables in respect of acquisition of
land - business inventory - related parties 11,418 11,767 2,749 2,829
Deferred income taxes 19,437 36,562 4,680 8,789
------- ------- -------- -------
276,390 300,239 66,562 72,171
------- ------- -------- -------
T o t a l liabilities 322,311 360,346 77,621 86,620
Minority interest 17 21 4 5
Shareholders' equity 311,461 151,183 74,971 36,343
------- ------- -------- -------
633,789 511,550 152,596 122,968
======= ======= ======== =======
</TABLE>
133
<PAGE> 135
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 18 - SPECIAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued):
2) Consolidated income statements for the years ended 1999,
1998 and 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TRANSLATION INTO U.S. DOLLARS
NEW ISRAELI SHEKELS SEE a(4) ABOVE
----------------------------- -----------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1999 1998 1997
------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
ADJUSTED NIS IN THOUSANDS IN THOUSANDS
----------------------------- -----------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues and gains:
From lease of buildings 9,089 6,296 5,505 2,196 1,594 1,596
Share in profits of associated
companies - net 5,435 1,015 7,323 1,313 257 2,123
Gain on dilution of holding in
associated companies resulting
from sale and issuance of shares
to a third party - net 12,209 14,168 118,402 3,002 3,587 32,954
Gain from sale and increase in
value of marketable securities - net 80 31,729 19 9,196
Gain from sale of fixed assets
(mainly buildings) 12,696 14,713 23,196 3,067 3,725 6,725
Gain from sale of investments in
other companies 136,320 33,330
Dividend received from another
company 1,100 474 351 265 120 102
Management fees from
associated companies 1,392 1,086 1,250 336 275 363
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------
178,321 37,752 187,756 43,528 9,558 53,059
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------
Expenses and losses:
Depreciation of buildings for rent 1,457 458 352 116
Operating cost of buildings for rent 1,574 380
Write-down of investment in
other companies 142 4,000 5,547 34 961 1,608
Loss from decrease in value of
marketable securities - net 3,432 869
General and administrative expenses 4,925 5,170 4,699 1,190 1,309 1,362
Financial expenses - net 1,918 10,064 11,562 462 2,548 3,352
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------
10,016 23,124 21,808 2,418 5,803 6,322
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------
Income before taxes on income 168,305 14,628 165,948 41,110 3,755 46,737
Taxes on income 60,043 8,094 33,762 13,834 2,131 9,788
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------
Income after taxes on income 108,262 6,534 132,186 27,276 1,624 36,949
Minority interest in losses of a subsidiary 4 1
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------
Net income for the year 108,266 6,534 132,186 27,277 1,624 36,949
======= ====== ======= ====== ======= ======
</TABLE>
134
<PAGE> 136
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 18 - SPECIAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued):
3) Statements of changes in shareholders' equity for the
years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NEW ISRAELI SHEKELS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCUMULATED OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME -
UNREALIZED INCOME ON
SHARE SHARE MARKETABLE SECURITIES RETAINED
CAPITAL PREMIUM AVAILABLE FOR SALE - NET EARNINGS TOTAL
--------- --------- -------------------------- ---------- -------
IN THOUSANDS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at January 1, 1997 434 31,220 40,032 71,686
Changes during 1997:
Net income 132,186 132,186
Dividend (90,000) (90,000)
------ ------ ------- -------
Balance at December 31, 1997 434 31,220 82,218 113,872
Changes during 1998:
Net income 6,534 6,534
Other comprehensive income -
unrealized income on
marketable securities available
for sale - net 50,777 50,777
------- ------- -------
Total comprehensive income 50,777 6,534 57,311
------- -------
Dividend (20,000) (20,000)
------ ------ ------- ------- -------
Balance at December 31, 1998 434 31,220 50,777 68,752 151,183
Changes during 1999:
Net income 108,266 108,266
Other comprehensive income -
unrealized income on marketable
securities available for sale - net 52,012 52,012
------- ------- -------
Total comprehensive income 52,012 108,266 160,278
------ ------ ------- ------- -------
Balance at December 31, 1999 434 31,220 102,789 177,018 311,461
====== ====== ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
135
<PAGE> 137
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 18 - SPECIAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TRANSLATED INTO U.S. DOLLARS, SEE a(4) ABOVE
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCUMULATED OTHER
COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME (LOSS)
--------------------------
UNREALIZED
INCOME ON
MARKETABLE
SECURITIES
SHARE SHARE RETAINED AVAILABLE FOR TRANSLATION
CAPITAL PREMIUM EARNINGS SALE - NET DIFFERENCES TOTAL
------- ------- -------- ------------- ----------- -----
IN THOUSANDS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at January 1, 1997 157 10,477 12,009 (592) 22,051
------ ------- -------
Changes during 1997:
Net income 36,949 36,949
Other comprehensive loss - translation differences (1,251) (1,251)
------ ------- -------
T o t a l comprehensive income (loss) 36,949 (1,251) 35,698
------ ------- -------
Dividend (25,546) (25,546)
------ ------ ------ -------
Balance at December 31, 1997 157 10,477 23,412 (1,843) 32,203
------ ------- -------
Changes during 1998:
Net income 1,624 1,624
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Translation differences (4,430) (4,430)
Unrealized income from marketable securities
available for sale - net 11,754 11,754
------ ------ ------- -------
T o t a l comprehensive income (loss) 1,624 11,754 (4,430) 8,948
------ ------- -------
Dividend (4,808) (4,808)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Balance at December 31, 1998 157 10,477 20,228 11,754 (6,273) 36,343
Changes during 1999:
Net income 27,277 27,277
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Translation differences (1,620) (1,620)
Unrealized income from marketable securities
available for sale - net 12,971 12,971
------ ------ ------- -------
T o t a l comprehensive income (loss) 27,277 12,971 (1,620) 38,628
------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
Balance at December 31, 1999 157 10,477 47,505 24,725 (7,893) 74,971
====== ====== ====== ====== ======= =======
</TABLE>
136
<PAGE> 138
OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 18 - SPECIAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued):
4) Reconciliation of nominal/historical net income and
shareholders' equity under Israeli generally accepted
accounting principles (GAAP) to U.S. GAAP:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NEW ISRAELI SHEKELS
----------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
------- ------ -------
IN THOUSANDS
----------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(a) Net income for the year:
Net income - historical/nominal
amount (see note 17) 109,377 26,719 113,143
------- ------- -------
Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP:
Effect of application of principles
applicable to economies no longer
considered highly inflationary:
Depreciation (465) (461) (456)
Share in profits of associated companies (5,008) 279 5,573
Deferred income taxes 4,362 (2,138) (3,939)
Other:
Gain from increase in value of shares
which are presented as trading securities
while in the Israeli GAAP financial
statements the investment in those
shares are accounted for by the equity
method (11,109) 11,109
Gain from sale of building - net (6,756) 6,756
------- ------- -------
(1,111) (20,185) 19,043
------- ------- -------
Net income for the year, as per (2) above 108,266 6,534 132,186
======= ======= =======
(b) Shareholders' equity at December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997:
Shareholders' equity - historical/ nominal
amount (see note 17) 207,276 97,899 91,180
Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP:
Effect, at beginning of year, of application
of principles applicable to economies no
longer considered highly inflationary 53,284 22,692 3,649
Effect of reconciliation of net income for
the year to U.S. GAAP (see(a) above) (1,111) (20,185) 19,043
Unrealized income from marketable
securities available for sale - net 52,012 50,777
------- ------- -------
Shareholders' equity, as per (3) above 311,461 151,183 113,872
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
---------------
-------------------------
---------------
137
<PAGE> 139
[Letterhead of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu]
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. 1999 and 1998, and the related statements of operations, changes in
shareholders' equity and cash flows - of the Company and on a consolidated basis
- - for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999, and have
issued our unqualified report thereon dated February 22, 2000. 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 ("dollars") as of the abovementioned dates and for the
abovementioned years ended were prepared on the basis of financial data in
nominal NIS (the basis on which the abovementioned Company and consolidated
adjusted NIS financial statements were also prepared), translated into dollars
in accordance with the guidelines outlined in Note 2B.
In our opinion, the accompanying financial data in dollars was translated in
accordance with the guidelines 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.
/s/ Brightman, Almagor & Co.
BRIGHTMAN ALMAGOR & CO.
Certified Public Accountants
Tel Aviv, February 22, 2000.
138
<PAGE> 140
[Letterhead of Fahn, Kanne & Co.]
Number 480
Tel-Aviv, March 15, 2000
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF
AMPAL INDUSTRIES (ISRAEL) LTD.
We have audited the balance sheets of AMPAL INDUSTRIES (ISRAEL) LTD. as of,
December 31, 1999 and 1998 and the related statements of income, shareholders,
equity and cash flows for the three years in the period ended December 31,
1999, 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.
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, including those prescribed under the Auditors Regulations
(Auditor's Mode of Performance), 1973 and, accordingly, we have performed such
auditing procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. For
purposes of these financial statements, there is no material difference between
generally accepted Israeli auditing standards and auditing standards generally
accepted in the U.S. These standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance that 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 audit provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
The data included in the Company's financial statements relating to the equity
in investee companies and relating to the Company's share in the results of
their operations are based on financial statements which were audited by other
auditors.
In our opinion, based on our audit and the reports of other auditors, the
abovementioned financial statements present fairly the financial position of the
Company as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 and the results of its operations, the
changes in its shareholders' equity and its cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 1999, in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in Israel, consistently applied. Also, in our
opinion, the financial statements based on nominal data (Note 18) present
fairly, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, the
financial position of the Company as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, the results
of its operations, the changes in shareholders' equity and its cash flows, for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999, on the basis of
the historical cost convention.
Accounting principles generally accepted in Israel differ in certain respects
from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The data
regarding this difference is summarized in Note 19 to the financial statements.
/s/ Fahn, Kanne & Co.
Fahn, Kanne & Co.
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
Member firm of Grant Thorton International
139
<PAGE> 141
[Letterhead of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu]
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, 1999 and 1998, and the consolidated balance sheets
as of such dates, and the related statements of operations, changes in
shareholders' equity and cash flows - of the Company and on a consolidated basis
- - for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999. 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 generally accepted auditing standards,
including those prescribed under 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 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
In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position - of the Company and on a consolidated basis -
as of December 31. 1999 and 1998, and the results of operations, changes in
shareholders' equity and cash flows - of the Company and on a consolidated basis
- - for each of the three the years in the period ended December 31, 1999, in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Furthermore, in our opinion, the financial statements are prepared in accordance
with the Israeli Securities Regulations (Preparation of Annual Financial
Statements) - 1993.
As described in Note 2A the aforementioned financial statements have been
prepared in adjusted values on the basis of the changes in the general
purchasing power of the Israeli currency in accordance with pronouncements of
the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel. Condensed nominal
Israeli currency data, on the basis of which the adjusted financial statements
were prepared, is presented in Note 24.
The condensed consolidated financial information in U.S. dollars presented in
Note 26 to the financial statements, prepared at the request of an affiliate,
represents a translation of the Company's nominal Israeli currency financial
data in accordance with the basis stated in Note 24A. In our opinion, such
translation into U S. dollars was properly made in accordance with the basis
stated in Note 26A.
/s/ Brightman Almagor & Co.
BRIGHTMAN ALMAGOR & CO.
Certified Public Accountants
Haifa, February 14, 2000
140
<PAGE> 142
[Letterhead of Ernst & Young]
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Shareholders of
CARMEL CONTAINER SYSTEMS LTD AND SUBSIDIARIES
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Carmel
Container Systems Ltd. ("the Company") and its subsidiaries as of December 31,
1998 and 1999, 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, 1999. 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 subsidiaries, which statements reflect total assets
constituting 20% and 20% as of December 31, 1998 and 1999, respectively, and
total revenues constituting 34%, 32% and 31% of the related consolidated totals
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999. These
financial statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been
furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to data included for
these subsidiaries is based solely on the reports of the other auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards in the United States and Israel, including those prescribed by the
Israeli Auditors' Regulations (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 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 the Board of Directors and management, as well as evaluating
the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the
reports of the other auditors 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 Carmel Container
Systems Ltd. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1999, and the
consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1999, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles in Israel which differ in certain respects from
those followed in the United States (see Note 22 to the consolidated financial
statements).
Furthermore, in our opinion, the aforementioned financial statements
comply with the requirements of the Israeli Securities Regulations (Preparation
of Annual Financial Statements), 1993.
The aforementioned consolidated financial statements have been prepared on
the basis of the historical cost adjusted to reflect the changes in the general
purchasing power of the Israeli currency, as required by the Statements of the
Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
/s/ Kost Forer & Gabbay
Tel-Aviv, Israel KOST FORER & GABBAY
March 5, 2000 A Member of Ernst & Young International
141
<PAGE> 143
[Letterhead of Fahn, Kanne & Co.]
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS
OF CORAL WORLD INTERNATIONAL LTD.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of "Coral World
International Ltd." (the Company") and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999
and 1998 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, 1999. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the board of directors and the management of the Company. Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We did not audit the financial statements of certain consolidated subsidiaries
whose assets included in the consolidation represent 74% and 76% of the total
consolidated assets as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively and whose
revenues included in the consolidation represent 56%, 52% and 35% of the total
consolidated revenues for the three years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997, respectively. The statements of these subsidiaries were audited by other
auditors whose reports have been furnished to us and our opinion, insofar as it
relates to the amounts included for those subsidiaries, is based on the reports
of the other auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditors' Regulations (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 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 by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audit and the reports of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits and on the reports of the other auditors,
the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Coral World International Ltd. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the results of operations,
changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1999, in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles.
/s/ Fahn, Kanne & Co.
Fahn, Kanne & Co.
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
Tel-Aviv, Israel, March 2, 2000
142
Member firm of Grant Thornton International
<PAGE> 144
Porat & Co.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Certified Public Accountants (ISR).
Report of Independent Public Accountants
To The Shareholders
of
COUNTRY CLUB KFAR-SABA LIMITED
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Country Club Kfar-Saba Ltd.
("the Company") as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related statements of
operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows of the Company for
each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1999. 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 generally accepted auditing standards,
including those prescribed under the Auditors' Regulations (Auditor's Mode of
Performance) - 1973. For purposes of these financial statements there is no
material difference between generally accepted Israeli auditing standards and
auditing standards generally accepted in the U.S. 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 statement. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles 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.
In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 1999 and
1998, and the results of operations, change in shareholders' equity and cash
flows of the Company for each of the two years in the period ended December 31,
1999, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our
opinion, the financial statements based on nominal data (Note 20) present
fairly, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, the
financial position of the Company as at December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the
results of its operations, the changes in shareholders equity, and its cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999, on the
basis of the historical cost convention.
As described in Note 2A the aforementioned financial statements have been
prepared in adjusted values on the basis of the changes in the general
purchasing power of the Israeli currency in accordance with pronouncements of
the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel. Condensed nominal
Israeli currency data, on the basis of which the adjusted financial statements
were prepared, is presented in Note 20.
143
<PAGE> 145
Report of Independent Public Accountants
To The Shareholders
of
COUNTRY CLUB KFAR-SABA LIMITED
The condensed financial information in U.S. dollars presented in Note 20 to the
financial statement represents a translation of the Company's nominal Israeli
currency financial data in accordance with the basis stated in Note 2G. In our
opinion, such translation into U.S. dollars was properly made in accordance with
the stated basis.
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 (loss) and shareholders' equity to the extent summarized
in Note 21 to the financial statements.
Porat & Co.
/s/ Porat & Co.
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
Ramat Gan, February 27, 2000
144
<PAGE> 146
[Letterhead of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu]
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF
EPSILON INVESTMENT HOUSE LTD.
We have audited the Consolidated Balance Sheets of EPSILON INVESTMENT HOUSE
LTD., (an Israeli corporation) (hereinafter - "the Company") and its
subsidiaries as at December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related Consolidated
Statements of Income, comprehensive income and Changes in Shareholders' Equity
for each of the 3 years in the period ended December 31, 1999, translated into
U.S. Dollars. 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 generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance 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 Statements presentation. We believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
The Statement of Cash Flows for the period has not been included in the
Financial Statements.
In our opinion, the Financial Statements referred to above, present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of the Company and its
subsidiaries, as at December 31, 1999 and 1998, the results of their operations
and the changes in their shareholders' equity, for each of the 3 years in the
period ended December 31, 1999, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
Also, in our opinion, the translated amounts in the accompanying Consolidated
Financial Statements translated into U.S. Dollars have been computed on the
basis set forth in Note 2.2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
/s/ Brightman, Almagor & Co.
BRIGHTMAN, ALMAGOR & CO.
Certified Public Accountants
Tel-Aviv, February 29, 2000
145
<PAGE> 147
[Letterhead of KPMG]
Tirat HaCarmel, March 9, 2000
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors and 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, 1999
and 1998, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders'
equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1999. These 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 financial statements based on our audits.
We did not audit the financial statements of certain subsidiaries, including
those consolidated by the proportionate consolidation method, whose assets
constitute 5.2% and 3.8% of the total consolidated assets as of December 31,
1999 and 1998 respectively, and whose revenues constitute 5.3%, 5.1% and 3.6% of
the total consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and
1997, respectively. The financial statements of those subsidiaries were audited
by other auditors whose report thereon was furnished to us. Our opinion, insofar
as it related to amount emanating from the financial statements of such
subsidiaries, is based solely on the said report of the other auditors.
Furthermore, the data included in the financial statements relating to the net
asset value of the Company's investments in affiliates and to its equity in
their operating results is based on the financial statements of such affiliates,
some of which were audited by 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. Such standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance that 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 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.
146
<PAGE> 148
In our opinion, based on our audit and the reports of the above mentioned other
auditors, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 1999
and 1998, and the results of their operations, changes in the shareholders'
equity and their cash flows for each of the three years, the last of which ended
December 31, 1999 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Furthermore, these statements have, in our opinion, been prepared in accordance
with the Securities Regulation (Preparation of Annual Financial Statements)
1993.
As explained in Note 1, the above mentioned 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.
Consolidated financial statements, stated in U.S. dollars are included in Note
29 to the financial statements.
Without qualifying our opinion, we would like to bring attention to Note 25 and
28 in the financial statements regarding three claims against consolidated
companies which the court has been asked to recognize as class actions and to
Note 26 in the financial statements regarding proposals to shorten agreements
made by a consolidated company with filling station operators and owners, and
other proposals regarding the fuel market. At this time, it is not possible to
estimate the effect of the above on the fuel market in general and on the
Company in particular.
/s/ Somekh Chaikin
Certified Public Accountants (Israel)
147
<PAGE> 149
PORAT & CO.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Certified Public Accountants (ISR)
Report of Independent Public Accountants
To The Shareholders
of
Hod Hasharon Sport Center Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Hod Hasharon Sport Center Ltd.
as at December 31, 1999 and 1998, the related changes in statements of income
and changes in shareholders equity for each of the three years in the period
then ended, expressed in New Israel 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 audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards,
including those prescribed under the Auditors Regulations (Auditor's Mode of
Performance) - 1973. For purposes of these financial statements there is no
material difference between generally accepted Israeli auditing standards and
auditing standards generally accepted in the U.S. 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 presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 1999 and
1998, and the results of operations, change in shareholders' equity for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999, in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles.
As described in Note 2A the aforementioned financial statements have been
prepared in adjusted values on the basis of the changes in the general
purchasing power of the Israeli currency in accordance with pronouncements of
the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel. Condensed nominal
Israeli currency data, on the basis of which the adjusted financial statements
were prepared, is presented in Note 6.
148
<PAGE> 150
PORAT & CO.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Certified Public Accountants (ISR)
Report of Independent Public Accountants
To The Shareholders
of
Hod Hasharon Sport Center Ltd.
The condensed financial information in U.S. dollars presented in Note 6 to the
financial statement represents a translation of the Company's nominal Israeli
currency financial data in accordance with the basis stated in Note 2D. In our
opinion, such translation into U.S. dollars was properly made in accordance with
the stated basis.
Porat and Co.
/s/ Porat and Co
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
Ramat Gan, February 20, 2000
149
<PAGE> 151
PORAT & CO.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Certified Public Accountants (ISR)
Report of Independent Public Accountants
of
Hod Hasharon Sport Center (1992) Limited Partnership
We have audited the balance sheet of Hod Hasharon Sport Center (1992) Limited
Partnership as at December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related statements of
income, partners' capital and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1999, expressed in New Israel Shekels. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the partnership management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards, including those prescribed under the Auditors' Regulations (Auditor's
Mode of Performance) - 1973. For purposes of these financial statements there is
no material difference between generally accepted Israeli auditing standards and
auditing standards generally accepted in the U.S. 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 presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Partnership as of December 31, 1999 and
1998, and the results of operations, change in Partners Capital and cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999, in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles.
As described in Note 2A the aforementioned financial statements have been
prepared in adjusted values on the basis of the changes in the general
purchasing power of the Israeli currency in accordance with pronouncements of
the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel. Condensed nominal
Israeli currency data, on the basis of which the adjusted financial statements
were prepared, is presented in Note 20.
150
<PAGE> 152
PORAT & CO.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Certified Public Accountants (ISR)
Report of Independent Public Accountants
of
Hod Hasharon Sport Center (1992) Limited Partnership
The condensed financial information in U.S. dollars presented in Note 20 to the
financial statement represents a translation of the Partnership nominal Israeli
currency financial data in accordance with the basis stated in Note 2D. In our
opinion, such translation into U.S. dollars was properly made in accordance with
the stated basis.
Porat and Co.
/s/ Porat and Co.
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
Ramat Gan, February 20, 2000
151
<PAGE> 153
[Letterhead of ERNST & YOUNG]
KOST FORER & GABBAY
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF
MIVNAT HOLDING LTD.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Mivnat Holding Ltd.
("the Company") as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and its subsidiaries ("the
Consolidated") as of December 31, 1997 and the statements of income, changes in
shareholders' equity and cash flows - the Company and the Consolidated - for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998. 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 by the Israeli Auditors'
Regulations (Mode of Performance), 1973, which do not differ in any significant
respect from generally accepted auditing standards in the United States. These
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 the Company's 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.
The aforementioned financial statements have been prepared on the basis of
the historical cost adjusted to reflect the changes in the general purchasing
power of the Israeli currency, as required by the Statements of the Institute of
Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
A summary of the Company's financial statements in nominal (historical)
Israeli shekels was not presented in these financial statements.
In our opinion, except for the matter described in the preceding
paragraph, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 1998
and 1997 and of the Consolidated as of December 31, 1997 and the related results
of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows - the Company and
the Consolidated - for each of three years in the period ended December 31,
1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Israel.
Also, in our opinion, the consolidated financial statements based on nominal
data (Note 26) present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated
financial position as of December 31, 1997, and the related consolidated results
of operations and changes in shareholders' equity for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles in Israel, on the basis of the historical cost convention.
Accounting principles generally accepted in Israel differ in certain
respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
Financial statements based on the application of the latter and their
translation into U.S. dollars based on the principles set forth in SFAS 52, are
presented in Note 26 to the financial statements.
Pursuant to Section 211 of the Companies Ordinance (New Version) 1983, we
hereby state that we have received all the information and explanations which we
have requested and that our opinion on the above financial statements is given
based on the best of the information and explanations which we received and as
reflected in the books of the Company.
/s/ Kost Forer & Gabbay
Tel-Aviv, Israel KOST FORER & GABBAY
March 7, 1999 Certified Public Accountants (Israel)
152
<PAGE> 154
[LOGO]
AUDITORS' REPORT
To the shareholders of
MORIAH HOTELS LTD.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Moriah Hotels
Ltd. (an Israeli corporation) (hereinafter - the company) and its subsidiaries
as at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of
income (loss), changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1998, expressed in US dollars.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the board of directors and
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. 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
company's board of directors and management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statements 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 Moriah Hotels Ltd. and its
subsidiaries as at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their
operations, changes in their shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles in Israel, which differ in certain respects from
those followed in the United States (see note 1 to the consolidated financial
statements).
Also, in our opinion, the translated amounts in the accompanying consolidated
financial statements translated into US dollars have been computed on the basis
set forth in note 1a. to the consolidated financial statements.
/s/ Haggai Wallenstein, Dov & Co.
HAGGAI WALLENSTEIN, DOV & CO.
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
Ramat-Gan.
March 14, 1999
153
<PAGE> 155
[Letterhead of Shlomo Ziv & Co.]
AUDITORS' REPORT
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF
PARADISE INDUSTRIES LTD.
We have audited the balance sheets of Paradise Industries Ltd. ("the Company")
as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and the related statements of operation,
statements of changes in shareholders' equity and the statements of cash flows
for each of the three years, the latest ended December 31, 1997. 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, including those prescribed under the Israeli Auditors' Regulations,
(Auditors 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, 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 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.
The aforementioned financial statements have been prepared on the basis of
historical cost as 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. Condensed statements in historical
values which formed the basis of the adjusted statements appear in Note 26 to
the financial statements.
In our opinion, the above mentioned financial statements present fairly, in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 1997 and 1996
and the results of its operations, the changes in its shareholders' equity and
cash flows for each of the three years, the latest ended December 31, 1997.
Similarly, in our opinion, the abovementioned Financial Statements have been
prepared in accordance with the Israeli Securities Regulations (Preparation of
Annual Financial Statements) 1993.
Without qualifying our aforementioned opinion, we draw your attention to Note
24, regarding a fire which broke out in the Company's factory and the action of
the Company's management in connection with the reconstruction of the factory
and renewal of operations.
Shlomo Ziv & Co.
/s/ Shlomo Ziv & Co.
Tel-Aviv, February 24, 1998
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
154
<PAGE> 156
[Letterhead of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu]
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF
RENAISSANCE INVESTMENT CO. LTD
We have audited the Balance Sheet of RENAISSANCE INVESTMENT CO. LTD., (an
Israeli corporation) (hereinafter - "the Company") as at December 31, 1999 and
1998, and the related Statements of Income, comprehensive income and Changes in
Shareholders' Equity for each of the 3 years in the period ended December 31,
1999, translated into U.S. Dollars. 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 generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance 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 Statements presentation. We believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
The Statement of Cash Flows for the period has not been included in the
Financial Statements.
In our opinion, the nominal Financial referred to above, present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Company, as at December 31,
1999 and 1998, the results of their operations and the changes in their
shareholders' equity, for each of the 3 years in the period ended December 31,
1999, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Also, in our opinion, the translated amounts in the accompanying Financial
Statements translated into U.S. Dollars have been computed on the basis set
forth in Note 2.2 to the Financial Statements.
/s/ Brightman, Almagor & Co.,
BRIGHTMAN, ALMAGOR & CO.,
Certified Public Accountants
Tel-Aviv, February 29, 2000
155
<PAGE> 157
[Letterhead of Ernst & Young]
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 1999 and 1998,
which were audited by us, and on which we expressed our opinion on February 24,
2000, have been provided to you.
We have audited the accompanying translated U.S. dollar balance sheets of
the Company as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related translated U.S.
dollar statements of income for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1999. 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, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditors Regulations (Mode
of Performance) (Israel), 1973, which do not differ in any significant respect
from United States generally accepted auditing standards. 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 by 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, 1999 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, 1999 and 1998, and the
related translated U.S. dollar results of its operations for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1999, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles in Israel. As applicable to the Company's
financial statements, accounting principles generally excepted in the United
States 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.
/s/ Kost Forer & Gabbay
Tel-Aviv, Israel KOST FORER & GABBAY
February 24, 2000 A Member of Ernst & Young International
156
<PAGE> 158
[Letterhead of Ernst & Young]
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 1999 and 1998,
which were audited by us, and on which we expressed our opinion on February 24,
2000, have been provided to you.
We have audited the accompanying translated U.S. dollar balance sheets of
the Company as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related translated U.S.
dollar statements of income for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1999. 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, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditors Regulations (Mode
of Performance) (Israel), 1973, which do not differ in any significant respect
from United States generally accepted auditing standards. 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, statements of cash flows and
Consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiary, which 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, 1999 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, 1999 and 1998, and the
related translated U.S. dollar results of its operations for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1999, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles in Israel. As applicable to the Company's
financial statements, accounting principles generally excepted in the United
States 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.
/s/ Kost Forer & Gabbay
Tel-Aviv, Israel KOST FORER & GABBAY
February 24, 2000 A Member of Ernst & Young International
157
<PAGE> 159
[Letterhead of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Brightman Almagor & Co.]
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, 1999 and 1998, and the related
statements of operations and changes in shareholders' deficiency for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1999. 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.
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. Condensed nominal Israeli currency data,
on the basis of which the adjusted financial statements of the Company were
prepared, is presented in Note 8.
In our opinion, the aforementioned financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 1999
and 1998, and the results of its operations and changes in shareholders'
deficiency for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999, in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Israel.
158
<PAGE> 160
Pursuant to Section 211 of the Companies Ordinance (New Version) - 1983, we
hereby state that we received all the information and explanations which we
requested and that our opinion on the financial statements is given based on the
best of the information and explanations which we received and as reflected in
the books of the Company.
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 9 to the
financial statements.
/s/ Brightman Almagor & Co.
Brightman Almagor & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
Tel Aviv, March 14, 2000
159
<PAGE> 161
[Letterhead of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Brightman Almagor & Co.]
AUDITORS' REPORT
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF
TRINET VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Trinet Venture Capital Ltd.
("the Company") as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related statements of
operations, changes in shareholders' deficiency and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1999. 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 affiliates, the investments
in which are recorded using the equity method of accounting. Those financial
statements were audited by other auditors whose reports have been furnished to
us and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for the
affiliates, is based solely on the reports of the other auditors.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards, 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.
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.
Condensed nominal Israeli currency data, on the basis of which the adjusted
financial statements of the Company were prepared, is presented in Note 11.
160
<PAGE> 162
In our opinion, based on our audits and the reports of other auditors, the
aforementioned financial statements present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the
results of operations, changes in shareholders' deficiency and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999, in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles in Israel.
The financial information 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 12. Such
financial information includes investments valued at $8,131 thousand and $8,241
thousand as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively (99% of the total assets
as of December 31, 1999 and 1998). The values of such investments have been
estimated by the Board of Directors and management in the absence of readily
ascertainable market values. We have reviewed the procedures used by the Board
of Directors and management in arriving at their estimates of value of such
investments and have inspected underlying documentation, and, in the
circumstances, we believe the procedures are reasonable and the documentation
appropriate. However, because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those
estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been
used had a ready market for the investments existed, and the differences could
be material.
/s/ Brightman Almagor & Co.
Brightman Almagor & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
Tel Aviv, March 14, 2000
161
<PAGE> 163
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
30th day of March, 2000.
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION
By: /s/ Raz Steinmetz
--------------------------------------
Raz Steinmetz, Chief Executive Officer
and President
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 30, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURES TITLE DATE
- ---------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Michael Arnon Director
Benzion Benbassat Director
Yaacov Elinav Director
Kenneth L. Henderson Director
Hillel Peled Director
Daniel Steinmetz Chairman of the Board
of Directors and Director
Raz Steinmetz Director
Avi A. Vigder Director
Eliyahu Wagner Director
/s/ Raz Steinmetz
---------------------------------- March 30, 2000
Raz Steinmetz, Chief Executive
Officer and President (Principal
Executive Officer)
/s/ Shlomo Meichor
---------------------------------- March 30, 2000
Shlomo Meichor, Vice
President-Finance and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Alla Kanter
---------------------------------- March 30, 2000
Alla Kanter, Vice
President-Accounting and
Controller (Principal Accounting
Officer)
</TABLE>
162
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 11
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE SETTING FORTH COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE OF CLASS A STOCK
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
12/31/99 12/31/98 12/31/97
-----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
4% Preferred ............................. 167 176 186
6-1/2% Preferred ......................... 844 944 981
Class A .................................. 20,966 23,911 23,742
======== ======== ========
BASIC EPS
Income from continuing operations ........... $ 29,903(1) $ 3,555(1) $ 14,089(1)
Loss from discontinued operations ........... (2,156) (1,715) (257)
-------- -------- --------
Net income ................................. $ 27,747 $ 1,840 $ 13,832
======== ======== ========
Earnings (loss) per Class A share:
Earnings from continuing operations .......... $ 1.42 $ .15 $ .59
Loss from discontinued operations ............ (.10) (.07) (.01)
-------- -------- --------
Earnings (loss) per Class A share ............ $ 1.32 $ .08 $ .58
======== ======== ========
Shares used in calculation ................... 20,966 23,911 23,742
DILUTED EPS
Income from continuing operations ........... $ 30,187 $ 3,556(2) $ 14,182(2)
Loss from discontinued operations ........... (2,156) (1,715) (257)
-------- -------- --------
Net income ................................. $ 28,031 $ 1,841 $ 13,925
======== ======== ========
Earnings (loss) per Class A share:
Earnings from continuing operations ......... $ 1.24 $ .13 $ .51
Loss from discontinued operations ........... (.09) (.06) (.01)
-------- -------- --------
Earnings (loss) per Class A share ............ $ 1.15 $ .07 $. 50
======== ======== ========
Shares used in calculation ................... 24,331 27,624 27,615
</TABLE>
(1) After deduction of preferred stock dividends of $284, $335, and $351,
respectively.
(2) Includes decrease in net income of $334 and $258, respectively, due to
dilution in equity in earnings of affiliate.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 12
AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE SETTING FORTH THE COMPUTATION OF RATIOS
OF CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(Amounts in thousands, except ratios)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Earnings:
Income (loss) from continuing
operations (including dividends
from less-than-50%-owned
affiliates) before income taxes,
equity in earnings of affiliates
and others, and minority interests ... $39,399 $ 18,541 $ 10,554 $ (9,022) $ 9,097
Fixed charges ......................... 10,077 12,096 8,943 13,940 12,894
------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Earnings ............................ $49,476 $ 30,637 $ 19,497 $ 4,918 $ 21,991
======= ======== ======== ======== ========
Fixed Charges:
Interest ............................. $10,003 $ 12,003 $ 8,810 $ 13,735 $ 12,646
Amortization of debenture expenses ... 74 93 133 205 248
------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Fixed charges ........................ $10,077 $ 12,096 $ 8,943 $ 13,940 $ 12,894
======= ======== ======== ======== ========
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges .... 4.91:1 2.53:1 2.18:1 .35:1 1.71:1
======= ======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 21 SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
The following table sets forth information with respect to the subsidiaries of
Ampal, their respective states of organization and the percentage of voting
securities owned as of December 31, 1999:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE
VOTING SECURITIES
NAME OF RELATIONSHIP STATE OF OWNED BY
COMPANY TO AMPAL ORGANIZATION IMMEDIATE PARENT
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Am-Hal Ltd. Subsidiary Israel 100(1)
Ampal Communications, Inc. Subsidiary Delaware 100
Ampal Communications Subsidiary of Israel 100
Holding Company Ltd. Ampal Communications, Inc.
Ampal Communications Subsidiary of Ampal Israel 100(2)
Limited Partnership Communications Holding
Company Ltd.
Ampal Development Subsidiary of Israel 90(3)
(Israel) Ltd. Ampal (Israel) Ltd.
Ampal Enterprises Ltd. Subsidiary of Ampal Israel 99.9(4)
Development(Israel) Ltd.
Ampal Financial Subsidiary of Israel 51(5)
Services Ltd. Ampal (Israel) Ltd.
Ampal Holdings (1991) Subsidiary of Israel 99.9(6)
Ltd. Ampal Industries, Inc.
Ampal Industries, Inc. Subsidiary Delaware 100
Ampal Industries Subsidiary of Ampal Israel 100
(Israel) Ltd. Industries, Inc.
Ampal (Israel) Ltd. Subsidiary Israel 100
Ampal Leasing Subsidiary Delaware 100
Corporation
Ampal Properties Ltd. Subsidiary of Ampal Israel 99(7)
Industries (Israel) Ltd.
Ampal Protected Subsidiary of Ampal Israel 99.9(8)
Housing (1994) Ltd. Industries, Inc.
Ampal Realty Corporation Subsidiary of New York 100
Ampal (Israel) Ltd.
Ampal Sciences, Inc. Subsidiary of Delaware 100
Ampal Industries, Inc.
Ashmalit Ltd. Subsidiary of Ampal Israel 99.9(9)
Industries, Inc.
Country Club Subsidiary of Ampal Israel 51
Kfar Saba Ltd. Industries, Inc.
H.L. Properties Ltd. Subsidiary of Ashmalit Ltd. Israel 100
Nir Ltd. Subsidiary of Ampal Israel 99.96
Development (Israel) Ltd.
</TABLE>
- -------------------
(1) 50%-owned by both Ampal Protected Housing (1994) Ltd. and H.L.
Properties Ltd.
(2) Ampal Communications Holding Company Ltd. is the sole general partner
of the limited partnership.
(3) The remaining 10% of the voting securities is owned by Ampal.
(4) The remaining .1% is owned by Nir Ltd.
(5) The remaining 49% is owned by Ampal.
(6) The remaining .1% is owned by Ampal.
(7) The remaining 1% is owned by Ampal (Israel) Ltd.
(8) The remaining .1% is owned by Ampal (Israel) Ltd.
(9) The remaining .1% is owned by Ampal Industries (Israel) Ltd.
<PAGE> 1
[Letterhead of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu]
Date: 27 March, 2000
Our ref: 560401
Arthur Andersen & Co.
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As the independent public accountants of AM-HAL LTD, we hereby consent to the
incorporation of our report, included in Form 10K, into the Company's previously
filed Registration Statement (Files No. 33-51023, and No. 55137).
/s/ Brightman Almagor & Co.
Brightman Almagor & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
<PAGE> 1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants of Ampal-American Israel Corporation, we
hereby consent to the incorporation of our report included in this Form 10-K,
into the Company's previously filed Registration Statement File Nos. 33-51023
and 33-55137.
New York, New York ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
March 27, 2000
<PAGE> 1
[Letterhead of Fahn, Hanne & Co.]
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As the independent certified public accountants of Ampal Industries (Israel)
Ltd., we hereby consent to the incorporation of our report included in FORM 10-K
into the Company's previously filed Registration Statement File No. 33-51023 and
No. 55137.
/s/ Fahn Kanne & Co.
Fahn Kanne & Co.
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
Tel-Aviv, Israel
March 27,2000
<PAGE> 1
[Letterhead of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu]
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants of Bay Heart Ltd, we hereby consent to the
incorporation of our report dated February 14, 2000, included in Form 10-K of
Ampal-American Israel Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1999 (relating
to the financial statements of Bay Heart Ltd. not included herein), into
Ampal-American Israel Corporation's previously filed Registration Statements
file No. 33-51023 and No. 33-55137.
/s/ Brightman Almagor & Co.
Brightman Almagor & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
March 27, 2000
<PAGE> 1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accounts of Carmel Container Systems Ltd., we hereby
consent to incorporation of our report included in this Form 10K, into the
Company's previously filed Registration Statement File No. 33-5l023, and No.
55137.
March 27, 2000
Yours truly,
/s/ Kost, Forer And Gabbay
KOST, FORER AND GABBAY
Certified Public Accountants (Israel)
<PAGE> 1
[Letterhead of Fahn, Hanne & Co.]
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As the independent certified public accountants of Coral World International
Ltd., we hereby consent to the incorporation of our report included in FORM 10-K
into the Company's previously filed Registration Statement File No. 33-51023 and
No. 55137.
/s/ Fahn Kanne & Co.
Fahn Kanne & Co.
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
Tel-Aviv, Israel
March 27,2000
<PAGE> 1
[Letterhead of Porat & Co.]
March 27, 2000
Arthur Andersen & Co.
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, N.Y. 10105
Gentlemen,
Re: Consent of Independent Public Accountants
of Country Club Kfar-Saba Ltd.
As independent public accountants of Country Kfar-Saba Ltd. we hereby consent to
the incorporation of our report included in this Form 10-K, into the Company's
previously filed Registration Statement File No. 33-51023, and No. 55137.
Porat & Co.
/s/ Porat & Co.
Certified Public Accountants (ISR.)
<PAGE> 1
[Letterhead of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu]
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants of EPSILON INVESTMENT HOUSE LTD., we hereby
consent to the incorporation of our report included in Form 10K, into the
Company's previously Filed Registration Statement File No. 33-51023 and No.
55137.
/s/ Brightman, Almagor & Co.
BRIGHTMAN, ALMAGOR & CO.
Certified Public Accountants
Dated: March 27,2000
<PAGE> 1
[Letterhead of KPMG]
Tirat HaCarmel, March 27, 2000
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants of Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited, we
hereby consent to the incorporation of our report dated March 9, 2000, included
in Form 10-K of Ampal American Israel Corporation, previously filed in
Registration Statement File No. 33-51023, and No. 33-55137.
/s/ Somekh Chaikin
- -------------------------------------
Certified Public Accountants (Israel)
<PAGE> 1
[Letterhead of Porat & Co.]
March 27, 2000
Arthur Andersen & Co.
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, N.Y. 10105
Gentlemen,
Re: Consent of Independent Public Accountants
of Hod Hasharon Sport Center Ltd.
As Independent public accountants of Hod Hasharon Sport Center Ltd, we hereby
consent to the incorporation of our report included in this Form 10-K, into the
Company's previously filed Registration Statement File No, 33-51023, and No.
55137.
Porat & Co.
/s/ Porat & Co.
Certified Public Accountants (ISR.)
<PAGE> 1
[Letterhead of Porat & Co.]
March 27, 2000
Arthur Andersen & Co.
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, N.Y. 10105
Gentlemen,
Re: Consent of Independent Public Accountants of Hod Hasharon Sport
Center (1992) Limited partnership
As independent public accountants of Hod Hasharon Sport Center (1992) Limited
partnership, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our report included in
this Form 10-K, into the Company's previously filed Registration Statement File
No. 33-51023, and No. 55137.
Porat & Co.
/s/ Porat & Co.
Certified Public Accountants (ISR.)
<PAGE> 1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT
As independent public accountant of Mivnat Holding Ltd., we hereby consent to
the incorporation of our report of that company's 1998 financial statements
included in this Form 10K, into the company's previously field Registration
Statement File No. 33-51023, and No. 55137.
/s/ Kost, Forer and Gabbay
Tel - Aviv, Israel KOST, FORER and GABBAY
March 27, 2000 Certified Public Accountants (Israel)
<PAGE> 1
[Letterhead of Haggai Wallenstein, Dov & Co. C.P.A. (Isr.)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants of Sheraton Moriah (Israel) Ltd. (formerly
Moriah Hotels Ltd.), we hereby consent to the incorporation of our report on
that company's 1998 financial statements, included in this Form 10-K, into the
Company's previously filed Registration Statement File No. 33-51023, and No.
33-55137.
/s/ Haggai Wallenstein, Dov & Co.
HAGGAI WALLENSTEIN, DOV & CO.
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
Ramat-Gan, Israel
March 28, 2000
<PAGE> 1
[Letterhead of PriceWaterhouseCoopers]
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants of Ophir Holdings Ltd., we hereby consent to
the incorporation of our report dated February 29, 2000 on the financial
statements of Ophir Holdings Ltd. included in this form lOK, into Ampal-American
Israel Corporation's previously filed Registration Statement File No. 33-51023
and No. 55137.
Tel-Aviv, Israel /s/ Kesseman & Kesseman
March 27, 2000
<PAGE> 1
[Letterhead of IBDO]
March 27, 2000
Arthur Andersen & Co.
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, N.Y. 10105
U.S.A.
Gentlemen,
Re: Paradise Industries Ltd.
Consent of independent public accountants
As independent public accountants of Paradise Industries Ltd., we hereby consent
to the incorporation of our report included in this Form 10-K, into the
Company's previously filed Registration Statement File No. 33-51023, and No.
55137
Sincerely,
/s/ Shlomo Ziv & Co.
Shlomo Ziv & Co.
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
<PAGE> 1
[Letterhead of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu]
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants of RENAISSANCE INVESTMENT CO. LTD., we hereby
consent to the incorporation of our report included in Form 10K, into the
Company's previously Filed Registration Statement File No. 33-51023, and No.
55137.
/s/ Brightman, Almagor & Co.
BRIGHTMAN, ALMAGOR & CO.,
Certified Public Accountants
Dated: March 27,2000
<PAGE> 1
[Letterhead of Ernst & Young]
March 27, 2000
Arthur Andersen LLP
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, N.Y. 10105
U.S.A.
Dear Sirs,
Re: Consent Of Independent Public Accountant
As independent public accountant of Shmay Bar Real Estate (1993) Ltd., we hereby
consent to the incorporation of our report included in this Form 10K into the
company's previously filed Registration Statement File No. 33-51023, and No.
55137.
/s/ Kost Forer & Gabbay
KOST FORER & GABBAY
A Member of Ernst & Young International
<PAGE> 1
[Letterhead of Ernst & Young]
March 27, 2000
Arthur Andersen & Co.
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, N.Y. 10105
U.S.A.
Dear Sirs,
Re :Consent Of Independent Public Accountant
As independent public accountant of Shmay Bar (T.H.) 1993 Ltd., we hereby
consent to the incorporation of our report included in this Form 10K, into the
company's previously filed Registration Statement File No. 33-51023, and No.
55137.
/s/ Kost Forer & Gabbay
KOST FORER & GABBAY
A Member of Ernst & Young International
<PAGE> 1
[Letterhead of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu]
Our Reference: 560540.DOC
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants of Trinet Investments in High-Tech Ltd., we
hereby consent to the incorporation of our report dated March 14, 2000, included
in Form 1O-K of Ampal-American Israel Corporation for the year ended December
31, 1999 (relating to the financial statement of Trinet Venture Capital Ltd. not
included herein), into Ampal-Amercian Israel Corporation's previously filed
Registration Statements No. 33-51023 and No. 33-55137.
/s/ Brightman, Almagor & Co.
BRIGHTMAN ALMAGOR & CO.
Certified Public Accountants
A member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
March 27, 2000.
<PAGE> 1
[Letterhead of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu]
Our Ref: 560540.DOC
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants of Trinet Venture Capital Ltd., we hereby
consent to the incorporation of our report dated March 14, 2000, included in
Form 1O-K of Ampal-American Israel Corporation for the year ended December 31,
1999 (relating to the financial statement of Trinet Venture Capital Ltd. not
included herein), into Ampal-American Israel Corporation's previously filed
Registration Statements No. 33-51023 and No. 33-55137.
/s/ Brightman, Almagor & Co.
BRIGHTMAN ALMAGOR & CO.
Certified Public Accountants
A member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
March 27, 2000.
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, the undersigned, do hereby
constitute and appoint RAZ STEINMETZ, ALLA KANTER, and ELI S. GOLDBERG, or any
one and or more of them, my true and lawful attorney or attorneys for me, and
in my name, place and stead, as a director and/or officer of AMPAL-AMERICAN
ISRAEL CORPORATION to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of AMPAL-AMERICAN
ISRAEL CORPORATION to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended
December 31, 1999, and any and all amendments thereto, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about
the above premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all said attorneys-in-fact
or either of them may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
March 27, 2000 /s/ Michael Arnon
- ---------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Date Signature
<PAGE> 2
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, the undersigned, do hereby
constitute and appoint RAZ STEINMETZ, ALLA KANTER, and ELI S. GOLDBERG or any
one and or more of them, my true and lawful attorney or attorneys for me, and
in my name, place and stead, as a director and/or officer of AMPAL-AMERICAN
ISRAEL CORPORATION to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of AMPAL-AMERICAN
ISRAEL CORPORATION to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended
December 31, 1999, and any and all amendments thereto, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about
the above premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all said attorneys-in-fact
or either of them may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
March 27, 2000 /s/ Benzion Benbassat
- --------------- -------------------------
Date Signature
<PAGE> 3
EXHIBIT 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, the undersigned, do hereby
constitute and appoint RAZ STEINMETZ, ALLA KANTER, and ELI S. GOLDBERG, or any
one and or more of them, my true and lawful attorney or attorneys for me, and in
my name, place and stead, as a director and/or officer of AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL
CORPORATION to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL
CORPORATION to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended
December 31, 1999, and any and all amendments thereto, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
above premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could
do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all said attorneys-in-fact or
either of them may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
March 27, 2000 /s/ Yaacov Elinav
- --------------------- ------------------
Date Signature
<PAGE> 4
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, the undersigned, do hereby
constitute and appoint RAZ STEINMETZ, ALLA KANTER, and ELI S. GOLDBERG, or any
one and or more of them, my true and lawful attorney or attorneys for me, and in
my name, place and stead, as a director and/or officer of AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL
CORPORATION to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL
CORPORATION to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended
December 31, 1999, and any and all amendments thereto, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
above premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could
do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all said attorneys-in-fact or
either of them may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
March 27, 2000 /s/ Kenneth L. Henderson
- ----------------------------- --------------------------
Date Signature
<PAGE> 5
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, the undersigned, do hereby
constitute and appoint RAZ STEINMETZ, ALLA KANTER, and ELI S. GOLDBERG, or any
one and or more of them, my true and lawful attorney or attorneys for me, and
in my name, place and stead, as a director and/or officer of AMPAL-AMERICAN
ISRAEL CORPORATION to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of AMPAL-AMERICAN
ISRAEL CORPORATION to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended
December 31, 1999, and any and all amendments thereto, granting unto sold
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about
the above premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all said attorneys-in-fact
or either of them may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
March 27, 2000 /s/ Hillel Peled
- --------------------- ------------------------
Date Signature
<PAGE> 6
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, the undersigned, do hereby
constitute and appoint RAZ STEINMETZ, ALLA KANTER, and ELI S. GOLDBERG, or any
one and or more of them, my true and lawful attorney or attorneys for me, and
in my name, place and stead, as a director and/or officer of AMPAL-AMERICAN
ISRAEL CORPORATION to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of AMPAL-AMERICAN
ISRAEL CORPORATION to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended
December 31, 1999, and any and all amendments thereto, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about
the above premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all said attorneys-in-fact
or either of them may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
March 27, 2000 /s/ Raz Steinmetz
- --------------------- ----------------------
Date Signature
<PAGE> 7
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, the undersigned, do hereby
constitute and appoint RAZ STEINMETZ, ALLA KANTER, and ELI S. GOLDBERG, or any
one and or more of them, my true and lawful attorney or attorneys for me, and
in my name, place and stead, as a director and/or officer of AMPAL-AMERICAN
ISRAEL CORPORATION to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of AMPAL-AMERICAN
ISRAEL CORPORATION to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended
December 31, 1999, and any and all amendments thereto, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about
the above premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all said attorneys-in-fact
or either of them may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
March 27, 2000 /s/ Daniel Steinmetz
-------------------- ---------------------
Date Signature
<PAGE> 8
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, the undersigned, do hereby
constitute and appoint RAZ STEINMETZ, ALLA KANTER, and ELI S. GOLDBERG, or any
one and or more of them, my true and lawful attorney or attorneys for me, and
in my name, place and stead, as a director and/or officer of AMPAL-AMERICAN
ISRAEL CORPORATION to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of AMPAL-AMERICAN
ISRAEL CORPORATION to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended
December 31, 1999, and any and all amendments thereto, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about
the above premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all said attorneys-in-fact
or either of them may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
March 27, 2000 /s/ Avi A. Vigder
- ---------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Date Signature
<PAGE> 9
Exhibit 24
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, the undersigned, do hereby
constitute and appoint RAZ STEINMETZ, ALLA KANTER, and ELI S. GOLDBERG, or any
one and or more of them, my true and lawful attorney or attorneys for me, and
in my name, place and stead, as a director and/or officer of AMPAL-AMERICAN
ISRAEL CORPORATION to sign the Annual Report on Form 10-K of AMPAL-AMERICAN
ISRAEL CORPORATION to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended
December 31, 1999, and any and all amendments thereto, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about
the above premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all said attorneys-in-fact
or either of them may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
March 27, 2000 /s/ Eliyahu Wagner
- ---------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Date Signature
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM AUDITED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1999
<CASH> 7,409
<SECURITIES> 273,174
<RECEIVABLES> 22,336
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 21,052
<PP&E> 80,272
<DEPRECIATION> 7,463
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 396,780
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 65,427
<BONDS> 174,519
0
5,288
<COMMON> 24,817
<OTHER-SE> 126,729
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 396,780
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 69,613
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 0
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 13,861
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 10,003
<INCOME-PRETAX> 45,749
<INCOME-TAX> 15,562
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 30,187
<DISCONTINUED> 2,156
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 28,031
<EPS-BASIC> 1.32
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.15
</TABLE>
