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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K
FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


(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, 2002

OR

o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _____________ to _____________

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
Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

555 Madison Avenue, New York, New York

 

10022

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 593-9842.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  None

 

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Class A Stock, par value $1.00 per share

4% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $5.00 per share

6 1/2% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $5.00 per share

(Titles of Classes)



          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  o

          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   o.

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).    Yes  o    No   x

          The aggregate market value of the shares of Class A Stock by non – affiliates of the registrant on June 28,2002, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $29,634,053,  based upon the closing price on such stock on that date.

          As of March 9, 2003, the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Class A Stock, its only authorized common stock, is 19,684,948 based upon the closing price of such stock on that date.





ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002
OF AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

           As used in this report (the “Report”), the term “Ampal” 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 in this Report. The companies described below under – “Telecommunication,” “Energy,” “High – Technology” and “Capital Markets and Other Holdings” are included in the Finance segment.  The companies described under “Real Estate” are included in the Real Estate Rental segment.  The companies described under “Leisure-Time” are included in the Leisure-Time segment.

           The Company primarily acquires interests in businesses located in the State of Israel or that are Israel-related.  An important objective of Ampal is to make investments in companies that operate in Israel initially and then expand abroad. As a general investing guideline, Ampal seeks to acquire and maintain a sufficient interest in a company to permit it, on its own or with investment partners, to have a significant influence in the management and operation of that company. In determining whether to acquire an interest in a specific company, Ampal considers quality of management, return on investment, growth potential, projected cash flow, investment size and financing, and reputable investment partners.

           The Company’s strategy is to invest opportunistically in undervalued assets with an emphasis on the following sectors: Energy, Industry, Real Estate and Project Development, Telecommunications and High Technology. We believe that past experience, current opportunities and a deep understanding of the above-referenced sectors both domestically and internationally will allow the Company to bring high returns to its shareholders. The Company emphasizes investments which have long-term growth potential over investments which yield short-term returns.

           The Company provides its investee companies with ongoing support through its involvement in the investees’ strategic decisions and introduction to the financial community, investment bankers and other potential investors both in and outside of Israel.  Sometimes, the Company participates in the investee companies’ daily activities by providing managerial support.

           Unless specifically stated otherwise in this Report, the Company did not receive dividends or other payments from its investee companies.

           Listed below by industry segment are substantially all of the investee companies in which the Company had ownership interests during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, the principal business of each and the percentage of equity owned, directly or indirectly, by Ampal. The table below also indicates whether the investee’s securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), Nasdaq National Market (“Nasdaq”), American Stock Exchange (“AMEX”), Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (“TASE”) or the Canadian Venture Exchange (“CDNX”). Further information with respect to the more significant investee companies is provided after the following table. For additional information concerning the investee companies, annual reports on Forms 10-K previously filed by Ampal are herein incorporated by reference.

1




Industry Segment

 

Principal Business

 

Percentage as of
December 31, 2002(1)


 


 


Telecommunication

 

 

 

 

 

    MIRS Communications Ltd.

 

Wireless Communications Service Provider

 

25.0

 

Energy

 

 

 

 

 

    Granite Hacarmel Investments Ltd. (TASE)

 

Distribution of Refined Petroleum Products

 

20.4

 

High-Technology

 

 

 

 

 

    Babylon Ltd.

 

Translation Software for the Internet

 

1.6

 

    BridgeWave Communications, Inc.

 

Broadband Wireless Technology

 

6.0

 

    Camelot Information Technologies Ltd.

 

Systems-Safeguarding Software

 

N/A

 

    Clalcom Ltd.

 

Communications

 

0.7

 

    Courses Investment in Technology Ltd.

 

Venture Capital Fund

 

3.2

(3)

    CUTe Ltd.

 

Designs Intellectual Property Rights

 

20.0

 

    ElephantX dot com LLC.

 

Software for E-Trading

 

0.5

 

    Enbaya Ltd.

 

3D Browser/Publisher

 

N/A

 

    Identify Solutions Ltd.

 

Defect-Detecting Software

 

6.5

 

    Modem Art Ltd.

 

Fabless Semiconductor Company

 

5.2

 

    mPrest Technologies Ltd.

 

Web-Based Applications for Cellular Phones

 

9.5

 

    Netformx Ltd.

 

Network Design Tools

 

19.6

(2)

    Oblicore Ltd.

 

Service Performance Tracking Software

 

13.9

 

    Ophir Holdings Ltd. (“Ophir”)

 

Holding Company

 

42.5

 

    Ophirtech Ltd. (“Ophirtech”)

 

Holding Company

 

42.5

 

        Carmel Bio-Sensors Ltd.

 

Glucose-measuring products

 

N/A

 

        Celvibe Ltd.

 

Digital Video Technologies

 

5.4

(2)

        Cerel Ceramic Technologies Ltd.

 

Electrophoretic Deposition

 

6.1

(2)

        Cipheractive Ltd.

 

Video Coding Technology

 

2.8

(2)

        Elpas Ltd.

 

Products Using Infra-Red Based
Data Communication Technologies

 

5.0

(2)

        Expand Networks Ltd.

 

Internet Data Compression

 

4.7

(2)

        Indocs Online Ltd.

 

E-Commerce Software

 

5.0

(2)

        Interlink Computer Communications Ltd.

 

Web-Based Application Integration Software

 

N/A

 

        iRadius.com, Inc.

 

Family-Friendly E-Commerce Platforms

 

N/A

 

        Mainsoft Corporation

 

UNIX Tools

 

0.8

(2)

        Pelican Security Ltd.

 

Internet Data Protection Software

 

6.7

(2)

        Praxell, Inc.

 

Prepaid Charge Card Software

 

3.5

(2)

        Romidot Ltd.

 

Optical Checking Instruments

 

N/A

 

        StoreAge Networking Technologies Ltd.

 

Data Storage Software

 

4.6

(2)

        Techimage Ltd.

 

Computer Animation Software

 

N/A

 

        Viola Networks

 

Computer Network Software

 

6.8

(2)

    Peptor Ltd.

 

Pharmaceutical Products

 

0.5

 

    PowerDsine Ltd.

 

Telecommunications Components

 

8.1

 

    Qronus Interactive Israel (1994) Ltd.

 

Software Quality Products

 

9.5

 

    ShellCase Ltd. (CDNX:SSD)

 

Packaging Process for Semiconductor Chips

 

14.0

 

    Shiron Satellite Communications (1996) Ltd.

 

Satellite Modems and Fast Internet Access

 

9.8

 

    Smart Link Ltd.

 

Software-Based Communications Products

 

13.6

 

    Star Management of Investments No. II (2000) L.P.

 

Venture Capital Fund

 

10.0

 

2




Industry Segment

 

Principal Business

 

Percentage as of
December 31, 2002(1)


 


 


High-Technology and Communications - Continued

 

 

 

 

 

    Trinet Venture Capital Ltd.

 

Venture Capital Fund

 

50.0

 

    VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies Ltd.

 

Advanced Optical Products

 

2.5

 

    XACCT Technologies Ltd.

 

TCP/IP Network Software

 

16.9

 

    Xpert Integrated Systems Ltd.

 

Software and Systems Integrator
  Specializing in Systems Security

 

12.7

 

Real Estate

 

 

 

 

 

    Am-Hal Ltd.

 

Chain of Senior Citizen Facilities

 

100.0

 

    Ampal Development (Israel) Ltd.

 

Holding Company               

 

100.0

 

    Ampal (Israel) Ltd.

 

Holding Company and Real Estate

 

100.0

 

    Bay Heart Limited

 

Shopping Mall Owner/Lessor

 

37.0

 

    Etz Vanir Ltd. and Yakhin Mataim Ltd.

 

Citrus Groves

 

 

(4)

    Nir Ltd.

 

Commercial Real Estate

 

99.9

 

    Ophir Holdings Ltd. (“Ophir Holdings”)

 

Holding Company               

 

42.5

 

      Industrial Buildings Corporation Ltd. (TASE)

 

Industrial Real Estate

 

5.0

(3)

      Lysh The Coastal High-way Ltd.

 

Commercial Real Estate

 

10.6

(3)

      Meimadim Investments Ltd.

 

Commercial Real Estate

 

4.2

(3)

      New Horizons (1993) Ltd.

 

Commercial Real Estate

 

34.0

(3)

      Shmey-Bar Group

 

Commercial Real Estate

 

9.4

(3)

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 Industries (Israel) Ltd.

 

Holding Company               

 

100.0

 

    Alvarion (Nasdaq:ALVR)

 

Wireless Local Area Network

 

1.5

 

    Arel Communications and Software Ltd.
       (Nasdaq:ARLC)

 

Interactive Distance Learning Systems

 

3.0

 

    Blue Square-Israel Ltd. (NYSE:BSI and
    TASE)

 

Supermarket Chain

 

3.9

 

    Carmel Container Systems Limited
    (AMEX:KML)

 

Packaging Materials and Carton Production

 

21.8

 

     Compugen Ltd. (Nasdaq:CGEN)

 

Bioinformatics

 

1.4

 

    Epsilon Investment House Ltd. and

 

 

 

 

 

    Renaissance Investment Company Ltd.

 

Portfolio Management and
  Underwriting Services

 

20.0

 

(1)    Based upon current ownership percentage.  Does not give effect to any potential dilution.

(2)    As of December 31, 2002, Ophirtech Ltd. held the following percentage interests:

 

Carmel Bio-Sensors Ltd.

N/A

 

Celvibe Ltd.

12.8

 

Cerel Ltd

14.2

 

Cipheractive Ltd.

6.6

 

Elpas Ltd.

11.8

 

Expand Networks Ltd.

11.2

 

Indocs Online Ltd.

11.9

 

Interlink Computer Communications Ltd.

N/A

 

iRadius.com, Inc.

N/A

 

Mainsoft Corporation Ltd.

1.9

 

Netformx Ltd.

5.5

 

Pelican Security Ltd.

15.7

 

Praxell, Inc.

8.2

 

Romidot Ltd.

N/A

 

StoreAge Networking Technologies Ltd.

10.9

 

Techimage Ltd.

N/A

 

Viola Networks

16.0

          The Company’s percentage interest in the above companies reflects 42.5% of Ophirtech Ltd.’s ownership plus any direct holdings.

3




(3)    As of December 31, 2002, Ophir Holdings Ltd. held the following percentage interests:

 

Courses Investment in Technology Ltd.

3.5

 

Industrial Buildings Corporation Ltd.

11.7

 

Lysh The Coastal High-way Ltd.

25.0

 

Meimadim Investments Ltd.

10.0

 

New Horizons (1993) Ltd.

80.0

 

Shmey-Bar (I.A.) 1993, Ltd., Shmey-Bar (T.H.)
1993 Ltd. and Shmey-Bar Real Estate (1993) Ltd.

22.2

 

 

 

          The Company’s percentage of the above companies reflects 42.5% of Ophir Holdings’ ownership plus any direct holdings.

(4)     Please refer to “Legal Proceedings.”

Significant Developments Since The End of Last Fiscal Year

           In January 2003, the Company entered into an agreement for the sale of its holdings in Carmel Containers Systems Ltd., a packaging manufacturer based in Israel (“Carmel”), for approximately $3.5 million.  The sale of Ampal’s shares of Carmel is contingent upon Carmel’s acquisition of another packaging company, Best Carton Ltd., as well as obtaining other legal authorizations and regulatory approvals.

           In February 2003, the Company made a $0.2 million loan to Netformx Ltd., a developer and marketer of network design, analysis and simulation tools.

           In February 2003, the Company invested $0.3 million in Star Management of Investments No.II (2000) L.P.  Following this investment, the Company’s investment commitment is $2.825 million.

           In March 2003, the Company invested $0.7 million in Shellcase, Ltd., the principal business of which is the packaging process of semiconductor chips.  Following this investment, the Company’s equity interest in Shellcase increased to 14.1%.

4




Telecommunications

          MIRS COMMUNICATIONS LTD. (“MIRS”)

           MIRS is the largest investment in Ampal’s history. On January 22, 1998, the Company completed its purchase from Motorola Israel of a one-third interest in the assets of a new wireless communications service provider, MIRS Communications 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. MIRS, which is one-third owned by the partnership and two-thirds owned by Motorola Israel, operates a  fully integrated wireless voice and data communication services digital and analog public-shared two-way radio systems. The wireless communication network is based on  iDEN(TM) integrated wireless communication technology, a unique radio technology, developed by Motorola, and provides an integrated service platform of cellular, two-way radio and wireless data services. These services are targeted primarily to commercial customers.

           The main goal of MIRS is to provide cellular service to the commercial, governmental, public and private sectors according to quality standards set by Motorola, in order to give a full and satisfying solution to all wireless communications needs.  MIRS has over 240,000 subscribers mainly in the commercial, governmental, municipal, security and military sectors. MIRS has strongly positioned itself in the commercial sector, announcing an aggressive pricing strategy, resulting in an increase in its customer base. The Israeli cellular commercial sector consists of 960,000 subscribers out of which 215,000, or more than 22% of the sector, are MIRS subscribers. 

           On February 5, 2001, MIRS was granted a full general operator license by the Israeli Ministry of Communications for portable radio and telephone services through its cellular system.  This license is similar to the three existing cellular licenses previously granted to other Israeli operators.  The major advantages of this license are that MIRS can now charge for airtime usage for incoming calls and an interconnect agreement with Bezek, Israel’s local telephone provider.  As part of the license, MIRS will be required to pay royalties to the Government of Israel and be subject to certain quality of service measurements to comply with industry standards.  In connection with the issuance of the license, MIRS is obligated to make a preliminary payment to the Ministry of Communications in the amount of NIS 17,600,000 ($3.8 million) plus accrued interest.  In addition, during the ten year period beginning July 1, 2001, MIRS will make quarterly payments to the Ministry of Communications in an amount equal to 1.3% of its income which is subject to royalties.  Subsequent to the receipt of its license, MIRS launched a new brand, “AMIGO”, which mainly targets the consumer market.

5




Energy

GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LTD. (“GRANITE”)

           Granite Hacarmel Investments Ltd. (“Granite”) is one of Israel’s largest holding companies. Granite was established in 1981 and went public on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in 1992.

           Granite owns and controls the following major companies: Sonol Israel Ltd. (“Sonol”), Tambour Ltd. (“Tambour”) and Supergas Israel Gas Distribution Company Ltd. (“Supergas”) which are all well recognized as national brand names with national marketing and distribution networks in Israel. In addition, Granite owns Granite Hacarmel Holdings which is engaged in real estate, Allied Oils & Chemicals which produces lubricants and greases and Granite Hacarmel Development Holding, which deals with other activities within Granite.  Through its subsidiaries, Granite markets and distributes refined petroleum products, liquefied petroleum gas, chemicals, paints, lubricants, greases and related products, as well as water purification and desalination, oil and gas exploration, real estate investments, and tourism projects.

           Granite’s strategy is to enhance the values of its assets and achieve a higher rate of return on shareholder’s equity by:  supporting the growth of its existing energy business units; participation in new projects in the energy industry, such as independent power station, water purification and desalination plants and other infrastructure; synergizing activities with international partners in energy, commerce and industry; investments in specified new business areas such as income producing real estate, industry and commerce; developing new chemical products for sewage and other pollution treatment; and positioning itself as the Israeli leader in the paints and adhesive market.

           Ampal’s 20.4% stake in Granite had a market value of approximately $36.5 million as of December 31, 2002 compared with a carrying value of $24.6 million.  Ampal’s stake in Granite as of December 31, 2001 had a market value of approximately $40.1 million compared with a carrying value of $25 million.  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 directors of Granite.

           Sonol Israel Ltd.

           Sonol is a marketer and distributor of refined petroleum products, lubricants and related products.  Sonol is one of the three largest Israeli distributors of refined petroleum products with a chain of 205 branded public service stations as of December 31, 2002, (of which Sonol controlled companies operate 106), agencies (virtually all owned or controlled subsidiaries) and facilities located throughout the country serving all sectors of the economy.  Sales to the largest customers are on a direct basis, while other customers are serviced through the network of agencies and dealers.  A Sonol subsidiary operates a fleet of tankers having a capacity of over 1 million liters.

           Sonol markets a full line of branded lubricants, greases and related products which are blended and packaged in the Company’s Haifa plant based on formulations provided by major international lubricant manufacturers.  Distribution is by company-owned vehicles.

           Sonol owns substantial real estate assets, some of which have significant development potential beyond present usage.  A 23,000 square meter, 30-story office tower is presently under construction in Tel Aviv.

6




           Tambour Ltd.

           During 2001, Granite acquired 100% of Tambour for approximately $125,000,000. Tambour is the largest supplier of a complete range of water, solvent and powder based paints products in Israel and serves a broad spectrum of customers including wholesalers, retailers, building contractors, factories, workshops and government agencies.

           Through Tambour Ecology Ltd. and other invested companies, Granite is engaged in the treatment of water and sewerage, water desalination, production and distribution of industrial lubricants, treatment of metals and the production of glues, polymer emulsions, additives for building, printing inks and cleaning and disinfecting materials for the institutional and industrial market.

           Supergas Israel Gas Distribution Company Ltd.

           Supergas is a leading supplier of liquified petroleum gas in Israel.  The company sells and distributes gas to the private, commercial, agricultural, industrial and institutional sectors, providing full solutions for the planning and supply of gas related equipment to all sectors.  The company and its agents serve over 400,000 clients nationwide.

           Granite Hacarmel Holdings

           Granite Hacarmel Holdings was established in 1993 to implement Granite’s strategy of investing resources in real estate and development.  The company aims to generate a steady stream of cash flow by renting prime industrial, commercial and office properties to premium tenants and to achieve higher returns on investment and equity.  The company has significant holdings in a number of projects that have been completed or are still in progress.

           Allied Oils & Chemicals

           Allied Oils & Chemicals owns a blending facility in Haifa operated by Sonol.  The facility produces a wide variety of automotive, marine and industrial lubricants and greases.  Production of approximately 150 different products is based on formulations that have been approved by Sonol for marketing in Israel and overseas.  The company has “know how” agreements with international companies such as Mobil, BP, Lubrizol, Ethyl, Infinium and others.

High Technology

           BABYLON LTD. (“BABYLON”)

           Babylon-Pro, Babylon’s single click translation, information & conversion tool enables users to instantly obtain translations in most spoken languages, information from thousands of glossaries and conversions of currencies, measurements & time zones. There are currently 19 million registered users of Babylon-Pro.

           As of December 31, 2002, the Company had invested a total of $0.5 million in Babylon and had written off $0.33 million of this investment.  As of December 31, 2002, the Company held a 1.6% equity interest in Babylon.

7




           BRIDGEWAVE COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (“BRIDGEWAVE”)

           BridgeWave develops and markets wireless access systems that extend the reach of broadband networks, allowing service providers to reach untapped subscribers with high-margin, high-bandwidth services.

           As of December 31, 2002, the Company had invested an aggregate of $2.8 million in BridgeWave, constituting a 6% equity interest.  In 2002, the Company wrote off its investment in BridgeWave.

           CUTe LTD. (“CUTe”)

           CUTe is a pioneer in the development and deployment of integrated wire-line/wireless/satellite video security systems.  CUTe’s solutions are ideal for mobile emergency response in government and public safety applications, transportation control, remote monitoring of critical infrastructure, as well as security systems in airports, seaports, borders and national security facilities.

           In June 2000, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement pursuant to which the Company undertook to invest $1.75 million in CUTe, in four equal consecutive quarterly interest bearing  installments. All four installments have been paid.  The Company holds 20% of the issued share capital of CUTe.  As of December 31, 2002, CUTe’s value in the Company’s books was $0 due to its equity losses.

           ENBAYA INC. (“ENBAYA”)

           During 2002, Enbaya ceased operations and the Company wrote off its entire $2.0 million investment.

           IDENTIFY SOLUTIONS LTD. (“IDENTIFY”)

           Identify (formally Mutek Ltd.), develops and markets the AppSight solution suite based on Identify’s Black Box technology that captures, communicates and identifies the root cause of failures in applications. AppSight is used throughout the application life cycle to increase application reliability and availability and reduce application deployment and support costs. 

           As of December 31, 2002, the Company had invested $3.7 million in Identify, and had written off $1.1 million of its investment.  As of December 31, 2002, the Company holds a 6.5% equity interest in Identify.

           MODEM ART LTD. (“MODEM-ART”)

           Modem-Art specializes in developing system-on-a-chip solutions for wideband and broadband communication systems focusing on baseband processors for 3G terminals/handsets.  As of December 31, 2002, the Company had invested $2.0 million in Modem-Art for an equity interest of 5.2%.  During 2002, the Company wrote off $1.0 million of its investment in Modem-Art.

8




           NETFORMX, LTD. (“NETFORMX”)

           Netformx develops and markets the award winning CANE(R) family of network design, analysis and simulation tools.

           Netformx’s strategy is to help its customers design and maintain sophisticated computer networks. Using CANE, network and system integrators and network managers design, simulate and analyze efficient, reliable networks quickly and easily. CANE is designed to resolve network chaos and manage the accelerating pace of network change while reducing network equipment, consulting and staff costs.

           During 2001, Netformx developed a new line of web-based products, which it has sold to Cisco Systems, Nortel Networks and SBC Communications. In addition, due to slower than expected growth in its markets, Netformx reduced its work force and expenses during 2001 to adjust to current market conditions.

           As of December 31,2002, the Company had a 19.6% equity interest in Netformx, directly and indirectly through Ophir. As of December 31, 2002, the Company had written off all of its investment in Netformx.

           OBLICORE INC. (“OBLICORE”)

           Oblicore provides software that aligns information technology systems with business obligations and service level agreements, thereby assuring revenue as well as reducing costs. By correlating the contractual commitments and service level agreements with real-time enterprise data, Oblicore Guarantee(TM)  provides the operational visibility and the peace of mind that comes with consistently meeting obligations in an efficient and documented manner.

           Oblicore’s products are used by large enterprises and service providers to manage existing obligations as well as create new, profitable ones. Oblicore is headquartered in Germantown, Md. with additional offices in Europe and the Middle East.  As of December 31, 2002, the Company had written off all of its investment of $2.2 million.

           OPHIRTECH LTD. (“OPHIRTECH”)

           Ophirtech, the Company’s 42.5%-owned affiliate, has invested in 20 companies in the high -technology sector. During 2002, Ophirtech invested $0.9 million in start-up companies. In addition, in 2002, Ophirtech made provisions for impairment of the value of its start-up investments in the amount of $7.8 million.  At December 31, 2002, the book value of Ophirtech’s start - up investments was $7.3 million.

           Included among Ophirtech’s investments are the following companies:

9




           CelvibeE Ltd. (“Celvibe”)

           Celvibe, which developed video technologies for the internet and mobile users, ceased operations in 2003 and is undergoing a liquidation process.

           Cerel Ceramic Technologies Ltd. (“Cerel”)

           Cerel is using its proprietary Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD) process to develop production technology and design tools for Functional Electronic Packages (FEP).

           As of December 31, 2002, Ophirtech had invested $0.7 million in Cerel for a 14.2% equity interest.

           Elpas Ltd. (“Elpas”)

           Elpas develops local positioning-system solutions for hospitals and buildings. Through its patented wireless infra-red technology, Elpas is positioned to deliver solutions that change the way personnel, patients, visitors and equipment are managed indoors.  As of December 31, 2002, Ophirtech had written off its investment of $1.7 million.  Ophirtech’s equity interest in Elpas is 11.8%.  Elpas is in the process of merging with another company in the technology field.

           Expand Networks Ltd. (“Expand”)

           Expand developed caching technology designed to accelerate communications over diverse network infrastructures and improve broadband efficiency, thereby yielding savings in communications infrastructure costs. Expand extends the performance benefits of caching beyond Web traffic to all enterprise data. The result is a 100% - 400% network performance increase that supports the deployment of bandwidth-intensive applications.

           As of December 31, 2002, Ophirtech had written off $1.3 million of its $2.9 million investment in Expand.  Ophirtech’s equity interest in Expand is 11.2% as of December 31, 2002.

           Pelican Security Ltd. (“Pelican”)

           Pelican is a client-side Internet security vendor that provides solutions that proactively protect e-businesses from Internet threats. Pelican’s flagship product line, Pelican SafeTnet(TM), protects organizations from threats such as destructive Internet viruses and hackers who attempt to exploit the security weaknesses of the Windows client to gain unauthorized access to vital corporate resources.  As of December 31, 2002, Ophirtech had invested $1.6 million for a 15.7% equity interest in Pelican, of which $1.4 million had been written off.  In March 2003, Pelican ceased operations and sold its intellectual property rights to Microsoft Corporation for a total amount of $800,000.

10




           Praxell, Inc. (“Praxell”)

           Praxell has developed a payment system (Praxicard), which provides safe, secured and anonymous online purchases. Praxicard also enables new segments like teenagers and travelers that lack credit cards, which have been largely excluded from online purchasing, to buy online. The system, completely based on Oracle systems, provides Internet users with comfortable, flexible and secured payment solutions.

           As of December 31, 2002, Ophitech had written off its investment of $0.7 million in Praxell.

           StoreAge Networking Technologies Ltd. (“StoreAge”)

           StoreAge provides cost effective storage solutions to the enterprise market with a focus on StoreAge Area Network (SAN) architecture. StoreAge makes a device that allows users to prioritize information contained on corporate storage networks and manage the data  more efficiently, using virtualization technology to accomplish the gain in efficiency.

           As of December 31, 2002, Ophirtech had invested $3.0 million in StoreAge for a 10.9% equity interest.

           Viola Networks Ltd. (“Viola”)

           Viola, (formerly Omegon Networks Ltd.), is developing a software system permitting quick and continuous identification of difficulties and interruptions in various communications networks.

           As of December 31, 2002, Ophirtech had invested $3.0 million and had written off $1.9 million of such investment.  Ophirtech’s equity interest in Viola is 16.0% as of December 31,2002.

           PEPTOR LTD. (“PEPTOR”)

           Peptor is a biopharmaceutical company that applies proprietary rational drug design and combinatorial peptidomimetic technology to heat shock protein 60 (“hsp60”) to develop immunotherapeutic vaccines that can modulate the immune system and thereby treat autoimmune diseases and certain cancers.

           As of December 31, 2002, the Company’s equity interest in Peptor was 0.5%, and the net investment was $0.2 million.

           POWERDSINE LTD. (“POWERDSINE”)

           PowerDsine is the market leader of Power over LAN™, a technology that integrates data, voice and power on standard Ethernet infrastructure.  As one of the founding members of the IEEE 802.3af Task Force, PowerDsine is at the forefront of setting the global standard for remotely powering Ethernet devices over LAN infrastructure.  Since Power over LAN’s introduction to the market in 1998, PowerDsine has established business relationships with over nine major communications companies worldwide.

           PowerDsine sells its products to over 100 customers in North America, Europe, Israel and the Asia Pacific region.  PowerDsine has established business relationships with over nine major communications giants, including: Nortel Networks, Siemens, Lucent Technologies, Ericsson, Fujitsu, NEC, Proxim, 3Com, Alcatel and Avaya.

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           As of December 31, 2002, the Company’s total investment in PowerDsine was $6 million and its equity interest was 8.1%.

           SHELLCASE LTD. (“SHELLCASE”)

           ShellCase has developed a proprietary, patented wafer level chip size packaging  (CSP) technology for silicon devices using a wafer-level process.  Hand-held electronics, wireless communication products, ID technologies, digital imaging and light detection applications in consumer goods, smart cards and medical disposables are just part of the growing list of applications that benefit from the unique properties of ShellCase’s technology. ShellCase is publicly traded on the Canadian Venture Exchange (CDNX).

           In January 2002, the Sanyo Corporation invested $1 million in ShellCase.  As of December 31, 2002, the Company’s investment of $5.5 million in ShellCase represented a 14.0% equity interest.  As of December 31,2002,  the Company had written off $2.3 million of its investment in Shellcase.

           SHIRON SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS (1996) LTD. (“SHIRON”)

           Shiron is engaged in the development, manufacturing and marketing of a satellite communication product known as InterSKY(TM). Shiron provides easily deployable two-way, “always-on” broadband satellite communications to corporate businesses, Internet Service Providers (ISP) and Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) in places where broadband infrastructure is insufficient or does not currently exist. Unlike traditional satellite solutions, which provide only a one-way connection, InterSKY(TM) provides a broadband connection for both inbound and outbound signals. Shiron’s systems are intended to meet the communication needs of developing countries, as well as the demands of technologically developed countries, for advanced high-speed two-way transmission.

           As of December 31, 2002, the Company had invested $1.8 million in Shiron and had made a $0.3 million loan to Shiron.  The Company’s equity interest in Shiron is  9.8%.  As of December 31, 2002, the Company had written off $1.8 million of its investment in Shiron.

           SMART LINK LTD. (“SMART LINK”)

           Smart Link is a developer and supplier of software-based communications products that provide Internet access to the residential markets. Its proprietary technology enables customers to replace traditional hardware-based communications products with high-quality, user-friendly software-based solutions that are smaller and less costly. Products include software and chips that are easily integrated into personal computers and information appliances. As of December 31, 2002, the Company had invested $2.9 million in Smart Link Constituting a 13.6% equity interest in such company.

           STAR MANAGEMENT OF INVESTMENTS NO. II (2000) L.P. (“STAR”)

           As of December 31, 2002, the Company had invested $1.875 million in Star, a venture capital fund that focuses on investments in communications, Internet infrastructure, enterprise software, industrial technologies and medical devices, for a 10% interest in Star.  The Company has committed to invest an additional $3.125 million in Star. During 2002, the Company had written off $0.6 million of its investment in Star.

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           VISIONCARE OPHTHALMIC TECHNOLOGIES LTD. (“VISIONCARE”)

           VisionCare develops and markets 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 which destroys central vision. As of December 31, 2002, the Company had invested $0.7 million and had written off $0.3 million, and its equity interest in VisionCare is 2.5%.

           XACCT TECHNOLOGIES LTD. (“XACCT”)

           XACCT provides a network data management platform for global communications service providers such as network backbone providers, mobile operators, cable operators, and managed services providers. XACCT’s carrier-class Network-to-Business (N2B™) platform helps make service providers profitable by harnessing network information to create new value-based services and lower operational costs.  XACCT offers the industry’s first and only platform that enables real-time data capture and enhancement; seamless integration with any business or operations application; and instantaneous, flow-through service provisioning.

           As of December 31, 2002, XACCT had licensed its business software to approximately 80 network service providers.  XACCT’s customers include Bell Canada (NYSE:BCE), Boeing (NYSE: BA), British Telecom (NYSE:BT), Broadwing (NYSE:BRW), Cable & Wireless (NYSE:CWP), COLT (NASDAQ:COLT), Global One, Genuity (NASDAQ:GENU), Motorola (NYSE: MOT), Omnitel Vodafone, Siemens (NYSE:SIE), Teleglobe,  (NYSE:BCE), TELUS (NYSE: TU), TV Cabo, and Verio (NYSE:NTT).  In addition, XACCT has developed strategic alliances or collaborative relationships with a group of over 100 system integrators, value-added resellers, networking infrastructure vendors and software applications vendors.

           As of December 31, 2002, the Company’s total investment in XACCT was $12.8 million and its equity interest was 16.9%.

           XPERT INTEGRATED SYSTEMS LTD. (“XPERT”)

           Xpert is a leader in systems and architectural design and implementation for IP-based service providers.  As of December 31, 2002, the Company had invested $2.75 million in Xpert, and its equity interest is 12.7%.

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 is regarded in Israel as the functional equivalent of ownership. It is the Israeli government’s policy to renew its long-term leases (which usually have a term of 49 years) upon their expiration.

13




           AM-HAL LTD. (“AM-HAL”)

           Am-Hal is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Am-Hal develops and operates luxury retirement centers for senior citizens.

           In March 1992, the first center was opened in Rishon LeZion, a city located approximately 10 miles south of Tel-Aviv. This center, of about 120,000 square feet, includes 149 self-contained apartments (of which 126 were occupied on December 31, 2002), an 80-bed nursing care ward, a 24-bed assisted-living ward (which had 100% occupancy on December 31, 2002), a swimming pool, a health care center and other recreational facilities. The nursing care ward is leased to a non-affiliated health care provider until 2006. Rental payments are based upon the profits of the nursing care ward, with a minimum rent of $350,000 per year.

           The aggregate cost of the center in Rishon LeZion was approximately $21 million and was financed principally by loans made or guaranteed by the shareholders and refundable tenants’ deposits. All of the 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, for its second retirement center.  This center, which is approximately 250,000 square feet, was opened in June 2000, and includes 235 self-contained apartments, a 33-bed nursing care ward and a 22-bed assisted-living ward.  As of December 31, 2002, 200 of the apartments had been sold, the nursing care ward had a 76% occupancy, and the assisted-living ward had a 50% occupancy.  The total cost of the project was approximately $42 million financed principally by bank loans and refundable deposits from tenants.  See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources” for additional information regarding these loans.

           INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS CORPORATION LTD. (“INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS”)

           Industrial Buildings (TASE), Israel’s largest owner/lessor of industrial property is engaged principally in the development and construction of buildings in Israel for industrial and commercial use and in project management. Industrial Buildings carries out infrastructure development projects for industrial and residential purposes, principally for a number of government agencies and authorities. Industrial Buildings hires and coordinates the work of contractors, planners and suppliers of various engineering services.

           Ampal’s ownership interest in Industrial Buildings in held through its interest in Ophir. Ophir’s interest in Industrial Buildings, as of December 31, 2002, was 11.7%.  From January through February 2002, Ophir sold an aggregate of 1,027,653 shares of Industrial Buildings for an aggregate amount of NIS 6.4 million ($1.5 million), which represented a pre-tax gain of $200,000.

           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.

14




           AMPAL (ISRAEL) LTD. (“AMPAL (ISRAEL)”)

           Ampal (Israel), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ampal, owns an approximately 40,000 square foot commercial property located in Tel Aviv which houses its principal offices.  Total rental income in 2002 was $0.3 million.  Ampal (Israel) also acts as a holding company for other investments discussed elsewhere in this report.

           AMPAL DEVELOPMENT (ISRAEL) LTD. (“AMPAL DEVELOPMENT”), NIR LTD. (“NIR”).

           NIR, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ampal, owns commercial properties located in Israel aggregating approximately 6,000 square feet for which it received approximately $0.3 million in rental income in 2002.

           Ampal Development, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, issued debentures which are publicly traded on the TASE. An aggregate of approximately $5.4 million of these debentures were outstanding as of December 31, 2002. Ampal Development has deposited funds with Bank Hapoalim sufficient to pay all principal and interest on these debentures.

           OPHIR HOLDINGS LTD. (“OPHIR”)

           Ophir is a holding company that owns interests in real estate companies and is owned 42.5% by the Company.  The Company and Polar Investments, which owns 57.5% of Ophir, are parties to a shareholders’ agreement regarding joint voting, directorships and rights of first refusal with respect to Ophir.

           Ophir owns real estate properties located in Israel, aggregating approximately 85,000 square feet.

           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. Ophir’s share of the property and joint venture is 70%. Almost all of the building (95.5% of main area) is leased.  Ophir’s revenues from the lease of the building were $2.9 and $3.2 million in 2002 and 2001, respectively.

           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.

           Ophir owns a 50% interest equity in Lysh The Coastal High-way Ltd. (“Lysh”). Lysh has a 50% holding in Beit Herut-Lysh Development Company Ltd. (“BHL”), which is constructing a 180,000 square foot commercial project for rental near Moshav Beit Herut on land owned by the Israeli Land Authority.  Through December 2002, Phase A of this project, consisting of approximately 100,000 square feet, had been constructed at a construction cost of $18 million, including the cost of the land.  Ophir’s share in Lysh is approximately 25% (its share in the project being approximately 12.5%).  As of December 31, 2002, the investment in Lysh of $0.9 million was written off.

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           Ophir has also undertaken to provide guarantees in an amount equivalent to 25% of the construction costs.  As of December 31, 2002, BHL had taken out bank loans of approximately $15.6 million, by drawing on a credit line extended by a financial institution in connection with the project.

           In September 1995, Ophir acquired a 10% interest in a joint venture which had agreed to purchase 4.4 million square feet of land near Haifa for approximately $15 million, on which the parties intend to develop a commercial real estate project for rent.  Ophir has obligated itself to invest up to $1.5 million in the first stage of this project and its share of development costs is estimated to be as much as $17 million.

           During December 2002, Ophir signed an agreement to sell four properties for a total purchase price of $5.9 million (net income $4.2 million).  The gain will be recognized during the first quarter of 2003.

           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 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.  As of December 31, 2002, approximately 78% of the Mall was occupied.  The total cost of the Mall was approximately $53 million, which was financed principally with debt instruments.  See “Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources” for additional information regarding the debt financing of Bay Heart.  A train station on the west side of the Mall was completed on September 2001.  A transportation complex, in conjunction with a subsidiary of Egged Bus Company, was opened in January 2002.  The Company owns 37% of Bay Heart. Due to the slowdown in the Israeli economy, the company is considering a financial structuring and a renovation of the Mall.

           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 historically believed that it owned 50% of the equity of Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim and that the remaining 50% was owned by an unrelated company, Yakhin Hakal Ltd. (“Yakhin Hakal”), which manages their operations.  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 ruled in favor of Yakhin Hakal, the manager and co-owner of the Company’s 50%-owned affiliates Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim.  The judge’s decision allows Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim to redeem debentures owned by the Company for approximately $0.8 million and to require the Company to surrender all of its preferred shares of Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim for their par value. The Company presents its investment in Etz Vanir at the par value of its debentures See “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” for a description of this litigation and various appeals filed by the Company in this regard.

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Leisure-Time

           CORAL WORLD INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (“CORAL WORLD”)

           Coral World, which is 50%-owned by the Company, owns and controls three marine parks in Eilat (Israel), Perth (Australia) and Maui (Hawaii).

           Coral World’s Eilat marine park is located next to the coral reefs and visitors to this park view marine life in its natural coral habitat through a unique underwater observatory. Coral World’s marine parks in Perth and Maui allow visitors to walk through a transparent acrylic tube on the bottom of a man-made aquarium surrounded by marine life. In addition to admission charges, Coral World’s food and beverage facilities and retail outlets are a significant revenue source.

           Coral World’s parks hosted approximately 925,000 visitors during 2002. Coral World has approximately 260 full-time equivalent positions as of December 31, 2002.

           Coral World has entered into a joint development project for a new marine park in Palma de Majorca. Coral World has also entered into a joint venture called ‘Vista Historica’, which participated in a tender for the development of a multimedia attraction near the ancient city of Pompeii and which is in the process of developing a new ‘Vista Historica’ attraction in the city of Prague.

           COUNTRY CLUB KFAR SABA LIMITED (“KFAR SABA”)

           Kfar Saba operates a country club facility (the “Club”) in Kfar Saba, a town north of Tel Aviv. Kfar Saba holds a long-term lease to the real estate property on which the Club is situated. The Club’s facilities include swimming pools, tennis courts and a clubhouse. The Club currently is seeking to obtain building permits for an additional 30,000 square feet of commercial development on the Club grounds.

           The Club, which has a capacity of 2,000 member families, had approximately 1,800 member families for the 2002 season.  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 opened in July 1994 and has a capacity of 1,600 member families, has operated at capacity for the past three years. In 2002 the H.H Club operated above capacity with 1,880 members families.  In 2002, the H.H. Club repaid owner’s loans of $0.1 million to each of the partners.  The H.H. Club is expected to continue repaying owner’s loans in 2003 in the amount of $0.3 million to each of the partners.

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Capital Markets And Other Holdings

           AMPAL INDUSTRIES (ISRAEL) LTD. (“AMPAL INDUSTRIES”)

           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 $18.4 million at December 31, 2002, which includes investments valued at approximately $11.2 million in Blue Square.  In addition, Ampal Industries owns 50% of a commercial building located in Migdal Ha'emek. In 2002, it received approximately $0.1 million in rental income for this property.

           ALVARION LTD. (“ALVARION”)

           Alvarion (Nasdaq: ALVR) (formerly BreezeCOM Ltd.) is a leading provider of point-to-multipoint, wireless broadband networking infrastructure solutions, used by telecommunication carriers, service providers and private network operators worldwide

           As of December 31, 2002, the Company had invested $4.9 million in Alvarion.  The Company holds 816,475 shares of Alvarion, which represent an 1.5% interest in Alvarion as of December 31, 2002.

           The Company recorded charges of $2.5 million in its statement of income as unrealized loss on investments.

           AREL COMMUNICATIONS AND SOFTWARE LTD. (“AREL”)

           The Company purchased 396,000 shares of Arel (NASDAQ: ARLC) in February 2000 for approximately $6 million. Arel’s core business targets the emerging Interactive Distance Learning market, where it believes that it is positioned as an innovative technology leader. Arel’s subsidiary, ArelNet Ltd. (“ArelNet”), is a  provider of high quality Internet Protocol (IP) telephony solutions, developing technology solutions for real-time voice and fax over IP networks and enhanced services. Arel completed the spin-off of its holdings in ArelNet in June 2000, and the Company received 119,674 shares of ArelNet.

           As of  December 31, 2002, the Company owned 398,100 and 119,674 shares of Arel and ArelNet, respectively, which had a combined market valuation of $0.1 million. The Company’s equity interest in Arel and ArelNet at December 31, 2002 was 3.0%.

           BLUE SQUARE ISRAEL LTD. (“BLUE SQUARE”)

           Blue Square is a publicly traded company on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange.  In June 1999, the Company invested $24 million to purchase 1,500,000 shares of Blue Square, representing 3.9% of Blue Square, at $16 per share. 

           As of December 31, 2002, the investment in Blue Square had a market value of $11.2 million. Primarily due to the length of the time and extent to which the market value has been less than cost such decline has been accounted for as other than temporary loss. The Company recorded charges of $12.8 million in its statement of income as unrealized loss on investments.

           The largest stockholder in the Blue Square initiated a process under which it plans to sell all of its holdings (78.1%) in the Blue Square ordinary shares.

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           The sale is carried out through a tender which is anticipated to be completed by the end of May 2003.The Company believes that the purchase price from this tender process will be higher than the market price.

           CARMEL CONTAINER SYSTEMS LIMITED (“CARMEL”)

           Carmel (KML) is one of the leading Israeli designers, manufacturers and marketers 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.

           The Company entered into an agreement in January 2003 pursuant to which Ampal and its subsidiary, Ampal Enterprises Ltd. (“Ampal Enterprises”), will sell their shareholdings in Carmel. Ampal will sell in this transaction 18,000 ordinary shares of Carmel and Ampal Enterprises will sell another 504,000 ordinary shares of Carmel, at a price per share of $6.75 for an aggregate purchase price of $3,523,500.

          The consummation of the aforementioned transaction is contingent upon certain conditions, including the consummation of a merger transaction between Carmel and Best Carton Ltd. (“Best”) pursuant to which all shares of Best will be purchased by Carmel in consideration of shares of Carmel which will be issued to Best’s shareholders, and the authorizations required by law for the aforementioned transaction.

           COMPUGEN LTD. (“COMPUGEN”)

           Compugen (NASDAQ: CGEN) is a pioneer in the merging of computational technologies with biology, chemistry and medicine to enhance drug discovery and development. This merging of computational technologies provides high value products and services to leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and for in-house discovery. As of December 31, 2002, the Company held 357,000 shares of Compugen, representing a 1.4% equity interest.

           The Company recorded charges of $0.5 million in its statement of income as unrealized loss on investments.

           EPSILON INVESTMENT HOUSE LTD. (“EPSILON”) AND RENAISSANCE INVESTMENT  COMPANY LTD. (“RENAISSANCE”)

           The Company had invested $1.5 million for 20% of Epsilon and its affiliate, Renaissance as of December 31, 2002. Epsilon is an investment bank which provides portfolio management services and Renaissance provides underwriting services in Israel through its subsidiaries.

EMPLOYEES

           As of December 31, 2002, Ampal had two employees, Ampal Industries (Israel) Ltd. had 16 employees, Am-Hal Ltd. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Ampal) had 165 employees and Country Club Kfar Saba Ltd. (owned 51% by the Company) had 108 employees. Relations between the Company and its employees are satisfactory.

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CONDITIONS IN ISRAEL

           Most of the companies in which Ampal directly or indirectly invests conduct their principal operations in Israel and are directly affected by the economic, political, military, social and demographic conditions there. A state of hostility, varying as to degree and intensity, exists between Israel and the Arab countries and the 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 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.  Since September 2000, there have been increased hostilities between the Israeli government and Palestinian groups.  In addition, any military action taken against Iraq by the United States or other countries could further intensify hostilities between Israel and its Arab neighbors.  It is possible that the situation may deteriorate further and may impact the value of Ampal and its investee companies.  See “-Economic and Financial Developments” below and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for further discussion of the possible impact of this situation on the Company.

           All male adult citizens and permanent residents of Israel under the age of 48 are obligated, unless exempt, to perform military reserve duty annually.  Additionally, all these individuals are subject to being called to active duty at any time under emergency circumstances.  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 its business in a state of emergency in which large numbers of individuals are called up for active duty.

Economic and Financial Developments

           Israel’s economy has been in a recession since 2001.  This recession resulted from, among other things, internal market weakness, the worldwide crisis in the High-Technology industry, and on Nasdaq in particular, as well as continuing hostilities between Israel and the Palestinians.  The terrorist attacks on the United States of September 11, 2001, and the military action taken against Iraq by the United States and other countries have further intensified the global economic crisis, and such situations have also negatively impacted Israel’s economy.

           According to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics’ end-of-year publication, Israel’s gross domestic product fell by 1% in 2002 following a decrease of 9% in 2001.  This decrease is in contrast to the rapid growth in the Israeli economy evidenced from the second quarter of 1999 to the third quarter of 2000.

           The global economic slowdown and the growing crisis in the High – Tech industry have significantly influenced Israeli exports.  In 2002, exports of goods and services fell by 5.4% in real terms following a larger decrease of 11.7% in 2001. In 2002, imports of goods and services dropped by 3% in real terms after falling by 4.5% in 2001.

           Exports of goods and services and investments in fixed assets fell by high rates: 5.4% and 8.9%, respectively.  For the first time in many years, a decrease of 0.6% was recorded in private consumptions due to the continued recession, the rise in unemployment and wage erosion.

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          In 2002, unemployment in Israel increased to 10.4%.  The rate of unemployment in 2001 averaged 9.3%, as compared to 8.8% in 2000. This increase resulted mainly from the Hi-Tech crisis which brought about a wave of layoffs in this industry.

          The inflation in 2002 was 6.5%, a considerable upward deviation from the targeted level of inflation. In 2001, the consumer price index rose by 1.4%, compared to the targeted inflation level of 2.5-3.5%, as determined by the government.  In 2001 and 2000, actual inflation has been substantially lower than the target set by the government:  in 2001, actual inflation was 0.9%, compared to a target of 3.5%; and in 2000, actual inflation was 0%, compared to a target of 3-4%.

          Development in the money and capital markets during 2002 were affected by the 2% cut in the interest rate from 5.8% to 3.8% at the end of 2001. This measure led to a continuing depreciation of the shekel, which was accompanied by deterioration in the security situation and by a large budget deficit.  Fears of financial instability grew in the course of the year:  inflation and inflationary expectations rose, and bond yields reflected a crisis situation.  The monetary policy reaction to these developments was delayed.  Eventually, a combination of a large rise in the Bank of Israel's interest rate to 9.1% and the adoption of a program for reducing the budget deficit succeeded in stabilizing the economic system.

          The shekel - dollar exchange rate, which averaged NIS 4.28 in December 2001, peaked to NIS 5 in June 2002. During the year as a whole, the shekel depreciated by 9.7 % against the dollar and by 14.2% against the currency basket (December average). On January 22, 2003  the exchange rate hit the level of NIS 4.90 to the dollar.

          The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain information with respect to the rate of inflation in Israel, the NIS/$exchange rate and the rate of devaluation of the NIS against the dollar:

 

Year Ended Dec. 31

 

 

Israel
Annual
Inflation
Rate(1)

 

 

Closing
Exchange
Rate(2)

 

 

Annual
Devaluation(3)

 

 

U.S.
Annual
Inflation
Rate(4)

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

1994

 

 

14.5

 

 

3.018

 

 

1.1

 

 

2.6

 

 

1995

 

 

8.1

 

 

3.135

 

 

3.9

 

 

2.8

 

 

1996

 

 

10.6

 

 

3.251

 

 

3.7

 

 

3.3

 

 

1997

 

 

7.0

 

 

3.536

 

 

8.8

 

 

1.7

 

 

1998

 

 

8.6

 

 

4.160

 

 

17.6

 

 

1.6

 

 

1999

 

 

1.3

 

 

4.153

 

 

(0.2

)

 

2.7

 

 

2000

 

 

0.0

 

 

4.041

 

 

(2.7

)

 

3.4

 

 

2001

 

 

1.4

 

 

4.416

 

 

9.3

 

 

1.6

 

 

2002

 

 

6.5

 

 

4.737

 

 

7.3

 

 

2.0

 



(1)

“Israel Annual Inflation Rate” is the percentage increase in the Israeli Consumer Price Index 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)

“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.

21




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 Encouragement of Industrial Research and Development 1984. Some 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. 

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  2002, Israeli companies were taxed on their income at a rate of 36%.

          On July 24, 2002, the Israeli Parliament enacted legislation (“tax reform legislation”) approving a tax reform bill based on a ministerial committee report published in June 2002.  This legislation, which introduces fundamental changes in certain areas, generally became effective on January 1, 2003, although alterations in certain taxation areas will be introduced over a number of years and certain provisions will come into effect on other specified dates.

22




          The tax reform legislation focuses, inter alia, on the following issues:

          1.   A transition from a primarily territorial based tax system to a personal based tax system of Israeli tax residents (which mainly applies on the Company's Israeli subsidiaries) had been introduced.  Consequently, Israeli tax residents would be taxed on their worldwide income; and

          2.   The introduction of a reduced (25%) tax rate on capital gains. Capital gains arising from the sale of capital assets that had been purchased prior to January 1, 2003 shall be apportioned on a linear basis to the periods before and after same date, namely - the portion of the gain attributed to the period before January 1, 2003 shall be subject to 36% (for corporations), whereas the portion of the gain attributed to the period after January 1, 2003 shall be taxed at the preferential rate of 25%.

          A tax treaty between Israel and the United States became effective on January 1, 1995. This treaty has not substantially changed the tax position 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 or subject to a tax rate of 25%, when stem from income generated out of Israel, or 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 2001 and has received “final assessments” with respect to such reports filed through 1996 (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 1996, 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 in 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 Israeli Income Tax Ordinance, taxable 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, and rights in non-resident entities that mainly represent ownership and rights to assets located in Israel, with regard to such assets). 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% from 1996.  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.

23




          The Income Tax Law (Adjustment for Inflation), 1985, which applies to companies which have business income in Israel or which claim a deduction in Israel for financing costs, has been in force since the 1985 tax year. The law provides for the preservation of equity, whereby certain corporate assets are classified broadly into Fixed (inflation resistant) and Non-Fixed (non-inflation resistant) Assets.  Where shareholders' equity, as defined therein, exceeds the depreciated cost of Fixed Assets, a tax deduction which takes into account the effect of the annual inflationary change on such excess is allowed, subject to certain limitations. 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 (according to a Temporary Order issued by the state of Israel on June 5, 2002 the VAT rate was increased to 18% for the period commencing on June 15, 2002 and ending on December 31, 2003).  The Company can deduct VAT paid on goods and services acquired for the purpose of the business.  Nir, a subsidiary of Ampal is considered a Financial Institute under the VAT Law, and as such is subject to wage and profit tax.

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.

24




          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).

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

          This Report (including but not limited to factors discussed in the “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” as well as those discussed elsewhere in this Report on Form 10-K) includes forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) and information relating to the Company that are based on the beliefs of management of the Company as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the management of the Company. When used in this Report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or the management of the Company, identify forward-looking statements.  Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events or future financial performance of the Company, the outcome of which is subject to certain risks and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements, including among others, the economic and political conditions in Israel, the Middle East, including the situation in Iraq, and in the global business and economic conditions in the different sectors and markets where the Company's portfolio companies operate.

          Should any of those risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results or outcome may vary from those described therein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned.  Subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph and elsewhere described in this Report and other Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ITEM 2. PROPERTY

          Ampal's corporate headquarters in Israel, which is owned by the Company, is located at 111 Arlozorov Street in Tel Aviv.

          Ampal currently leases an office at 555 Madison Avenue in New York City from Rodney Company N.V., Inc. The lease period is seven years commencing on October 15, 2002. The annual rent for this lease is $114,968.

          On October 15, 2002 the  sublease contract under which Ampal subleased an office at 660 Madison Avenue in New York City from Cavallo Capital Inc. was terminated. In 2002, Ampal's total payments to Cavallo in connection with this sublease was $42,400.

          Kfar Saba, which operates a country club in the town of Kfar Saba, occupies a 7-1/4 acre lot which will be leased for five consecutive ten-year periods, at the end of which the land returns to the lessor.  The lease expires on July 14, 2038, and lease payments in 2002 totaled $147,401.

          Other properties of the Company are discussed elsewhere in this Report. See “Business.”

25




ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Yakhin Hakal

          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 the Company for approximately $700,000 and to require the Company 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 the Company'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.

          On July 27, 1998, a Tel Aviv District Court ruled in favor of Yakhin Hakal, the manager and co-owner of the Company's 50%-owned affiliates Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim.  The judge's decision allows Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim to redeem debentures owned by the Company for approximately $800,000 and to require the Company to surrender all of its preferred shares of Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim for their par value.  After the redemption and surrender, the Company will no longer have any interest in Etz Vanir or Yakhin Mataim.

          On October 15, 1998, the Company filed an appeal with the Israeli Supreme Court in Jerusalem. On September 30, 2001, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal filed by the Company, on the grounds that the Company failed to timely produce a guarantee to cover Yakhin Hakal's expenses in the appeal. On November 1, 2001, the Company filed a petition to the Israeli Supreme Court, contending that the dismissal of an appeal due to a delay in producing guarantees as part of the appeal is unreasonable and that the law allowing this should be changed. The petition was withdrawn by the Company on October 6, 2002.

          On December 30, 2001, the Company filed a motion to allow it to file a new appeal in this case. The Supreme Court dismissed the motion on September 10, 2002.

          On October 12, 2001, the Company filed a request with the Tel-Aviv District Court for a preliminary injunction and other remedies in relation to the validity and enforceability of Etz Vanir's and Yakhin Mataim's decisions to redeem the debentures owned by the Company and to require the Company to surrender all of its preferred shares in Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim.  On January 28, 2002, the Tel Aviv  District Court dismissed the request.  On March 12, 2002, the Company filed an appeal with regard to this decision with the Israeli Supreme Court and the appeal is scheduled to be heard on April 9, 2003.

          As of the date hereof, the Company cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings.

Granite

          In February 2000, a petition was filed against Sonol, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Granite, Paz Oil Company Ltd. and Delek, the Israeli Fuel Company Ltd., in the Jerusalem District Court to allow a class action suit regarding fixing the retail price of diesel fuel. The lawsuit, if certified as a class action, will be in the amount of NIS 249.6 million ($53 million).  Sonol's share is NIS 58.6 million ($12 million).  Sonol denies the claim and, based on legal advice, Sonol’s management has concluded that there is a reasonable chance that the suit will not be certified as a class action.

26




          In May 2001, a claim was filed in the Jerusalem District Court against Sonol, its subsidiary company, Sprint Motors Ltd., and four unrelated fuel companies by customers who purchased fuel products in filling stations, contending that the defendants charged an illegal “service charge” over a period of many years.  The plaintiffs have requested the court to recognize their claim as a class action.  The amount of the claim is NIS 5.30, however, should the court certify the class action, it will total approximately NIS 404 million ($85 million).  From the claim, it is not clear as to what is Sonol's and its subsidiary's share of this amount.  Granite's management and its legal counsel have advised the Company that it is unlikely that the claim will be certified as a class action.

          In June 2001, a claim was filed by customers against Supergas (Granite's wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary), alleging that the defendant made illegal periodic charges to its customers.  The plaintiff applied to the Tel Aviv District Court to recognize the claim as a class action in a total amount of NIS 133 million ($28 million).  Supergas's management, based on legal advice, is of the opinion that it is more likely than not that Supergas will prevail in this case.

          Three claims were lodged against Granite's formerly affiliated company and its past shareholders, which included Sonol, in the Haifa District Court. The total amount of the claims is approximately NIS 65 million ($14 million). The plaintiff's allegations concern the sale of fuel products pursuant to restrictive trade practices among the fuel companies and their affiliates.  In the opinion of Sonol's legal counsel and the formerly affiliated company, the companies have a sound defense against the claims.

          In 1999, Sonol filed a claim against one of its agencies for approximately NIS 40 million (approximately $8 million) in the Tel Aviv District Court, on account of an unpaid debt and damages caused to Sonol, alleging that the agency violated the terms of the agency agreement by dealing with one of Sonol's competitors.  The agency, in turn, filed a counterclaim in the amount of approximately NIS 62 million (approximately $13 million), stating various causes, including a claim that the contractual agreement between it and Sonol is a restrictive agreement.  In the opinion of Sonol's management, based primarily on the opinion of Sonol's legal counsel, the prospects of Sonol's claim against the agency relating to amounts owed to Sonol are good and, regarding the amount claimed for damages on account of the violation of the agency agreement, such amount is subject to deliberation by the court.  Regarding the prospects of the agency's counterclaim, Sonol's legal counsel are unable, at this time, to estimate its prospects, insofar as it relates to the claim of a restrictive agreement.  Should the claim of a restrictive agreement be rejected by the court, the prospects of the counterclaim will not be favorable.  Currently, the dispute has been referred to mediation which was unsuccessful.

          A class action was filled in April 1999 and certified by the Tel-Aviv District Court against Supergas and four other gas companies for a declaratory judgment regarding the responsibility of the gas companies to refund to their customers payments which were paid for periodic examinations which were not performed.  Supergas filed for permission to appeal this decision to the Israeli Supreme Court. In the opinion of the company's management, Supergas has recorded an adequate provision in its books for any potential exposure.

          In arbitration between the Israeli Fuel Authority and the organization of the owners of fuel stations, the arbitrator ordered the Fuel Authority to reimburse the fuel- stations owner's for depreciation on their investments in stations.  The Arbitrator's Order was approved by the District Court.  The Fuel Authority demanded that the fuel companies pay such payments.  As a result of the arbitration, twenty five third-party claims were filed against Sonol (a subsidiary of Granite), in the total amount of NIS 43 million ($9 million).  All of the claims were dismissed in October 2002.  An appeal was filed to the Supreme Court.  Sonol's legal counsel believes that it is not likely that the appeal will be granted.

27




          Additional information regarding the above described legal proceedings and other legal proceedings involving Granite may be found in Note 25 to the Granite financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2002, a copy of which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with this Report.

Kaniel

          On December 2, 1997, Kaniel, the Israeli Company for Tin Containers Ltd. (“Kaniel”) filed a suit against the Company in the Tel Aviv District Court, in the amount of NIS 3,623,058 ($0.8 million). The suit relates to eight loans given to Kaniel by the Company in 1984. Kaniel claimed that the Company's actions in connection with the loans were forbidden under the Israeli Interest Law. On November 24, 2002, the Tel Aviv District Court dismissed the claim.

MIRS

          A petition to certify a class action against MIRS in the amount of NIS 170 million ($36 million) was filed in the Tel Aviv District Court in September 2001.  The claim is in connection with the change in MIRS' tariffs resulting from the implementation of MIRS' own dialing prefix, which replaced its previous dialing prefix, the Tel-Aviv area code.  As a result, persons in the Tel Aviv area code claimed that they are subject to higher tariffs than those they had been subject to under MIRS's previous dialing prefix. MIRS' management estimates the maximum exposure to be substantially less than the amount claimed.

          A petition to certify a class action against MIRS and the other three cellular operators in Israel in the total amount of NIS 600 million ($127 million) was filed in the Tel Aviv District Court in May 2002. The claim involves the inter-connect fees that were collected from the customers of the other operators with regard to phone calls that were made to voice recorder applications through the cellular operators' dialing numbers. At this stage, the Company cannot estimate the impact this claim will have on it.

Am-Hal

          The Israeli Income Tax Authority conducted a review of Am-Hal Ltd., the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, in 2000 and 2001.  Following the review, the Income Tax Authority assessed Am-Hal for additional taxes for the years 1995-1999.  Am-Hal disputed the assessment and filed an appeal based on its disagreement with the Income Tax Authority concerning the proper methodology for calculating nursing home revenues.  In January 2003, AM-Hal and the Tax Authority reached an agreement that was entered into court pursuant to which income in the aggregate amount of approximately $1.4 million will be added for the years 1995 – 1999. The financial statements fully reflect the impact of this increased income reported for tax purposes.

Ampal (Israel)

          In May 2002, the Israeli Income Tax Authority issued an assessment to Ampal (Israel) Ltd., the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, for payment of approximately NIS 34 million ($7,177,538) for the tax years 1997-2000. Ampal (Israel) filed an appeal regarding this assessment and that it is reasonably possible that the appeal will be granted.  In addition, the Company has previously established a reserve in the amount of NIS 10 million ($2,111,040) in connection with potential tax liabilities for these tax years.

28




Galha

          On January 1, 2002, Galha (1960) Ltd. (“Galha”) filed a suit against the Company and other parties, including directors of Paradise Industries Ltd. (“Paradise”) appointed by the Company, in the Tel Aviv District Court, in the amount of NIS 8,974,401 ($1.9 million).  Galha claimed that the Company, which was a shareholder of Paradise, and another shareholder of Paradise, misused funds that were received by Paradise from an insurance company for the purpose of reconstructing an industrial building owned by Galha and used by Paradise which burnt down.  Paradise is currently involved in liquidation proceedings.  Ampal issued a guarantee in favor of Galha for the payment of  an amount of up to NIS 4,000,000 ($844,416) if a final judgment against the Company will be given.  At this stage, the Company cannot estimate the impact this claim will have on it.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

          None.

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 Nasdaq under the symbol “AMPL”.  The following table sets forth the high and low bid prices for the Class A Stock, by quarterly period for the fiscal years 2002 and 2001, as reported by Nasdaq and representing inter-dealer quotations which do not include retail markups, markdowns or commissions for each period, and each calendar quarter during the periods indicated.  Such prices do not necessarily represent actual transactions.

 

 

 

High

 

 

Low

 

 

 



 



 

2002:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

 

$ 2.94

 

 

$ 1.77

 

Third Quarter

 

 

3.63

 

 

2.69

 

Second Quarter

 

 

4.40

 

 

3.49

 

First Quarter

 

 

5.70

 

 

4.18

 

2001:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

 

6.42

 

 

3.51

 

Third Quarter

 

 

6.19

 

 

3.82

 

Second Quarter

 

 

6.90

 

 

4.12

 

First Quarter

 

 

8.62

 

 

4.75

 

          As of March 9, 2003, there were approximately 829 record holders of Class A Stock.

29




VOTING RIGHTS

          Unless dividends on any outstanding preferred stock are in arrears for three successive years, as discussed below, the holders of Class A Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters voted upon. Notwithstanding the above, if dividends on any outstanding series of preferred stock are in arrears for three successive years, the holders of all outstanding series of preferred stock as to which dividends are in arrears shall have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors until all cumulative dividend arrearages are paid. The shares of Class A Stock do not have cumulative voting rights in relation to the election of the Company's directors, which means that any holder of at least 50% of the Class A Stock can elect all of the members of Ampal's Board of Directors.

DIVIDEND POLICY

          Ampal has not paid a dividend on its Class A Stock other than in 1995. Past decisions not to pay cash dividends on Class A Stock reflected the policy of Ampal to apply retained earnings, including funds realized from the disposition of holdings, to finance its business activities and to redeem debentures. The payment of cash dividends in the future will depend upon the Company's operating results, cash flow, working capital requirements and other factors deemed pertinent by the Board.

          Dividends on all classes of Ampal's shares of preferred stock are payable as a percentage of par value.  The holders of Ampal's presently authorized and issued 4% Preferred Stock and 6 1/2% Preferred Stock (each having a $5.00 par value) are entitled to receive cumulative dividends at the rates of 4% and 6 1/2% per annum, respectively, payable out of surplus or net earnings of Ampal before any dividends are paid on the Class A Stock.  If Ampal fails to pay such dividend to the preferred stockholders in any calendar year, such deficiency must be paid in full, without interest, before any dividends may be paid on the Class A Stock.  If, after the payment of all cumulative dividends on the preferred stock and a non-cumulative 4% dividend on the Class A Stock, there remains any surplus, any dividends declared are to be participated in by the holders of 4% Preferred Stock and Class A Stock, pro rata.  On December 17, 2002, Ampal announced that its Board of Directors had declared cash dividends on its classes of preferred stock ($0.325 per share on its 6 1/2% classes of preferred stock and $0.20 per share on its 4% Preferred Stock).

RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

          Pursuant to a Letter Agreement, dated as of January, 31, 2001, between Ampal (Israel) Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ampal, and Zionism 2000, a charitable organization, Ampal (Israel) Ltd. gifted 6,000 shares of Class A Stock to Zionism 2000 on February 9, 2001.

          Pursuant to a Letter Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2001, between Ampal (Israel) Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ampal, and Coaching Ltd., Ampal (Israel) Ltd. transferred 1,500 shares of Class A Stock to Coaching Ltd. on March 1, 2001, as compensation for services rendered.

          The transfer to each of Zionism 2000 and Coaching Ltd. of the aforementioned shares was exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by reason of Regulation S under such Act because the transactions were consummated outside the United States.

30



ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,

 

 

2002

 

 

2001

 

 

2000

 

 

1999

 

 

1998

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 


 

Revenues

 

 

$ 16,732

 

 

$ 29,062

 

 

$ 39,697

 

 

$ 69,613

 

 

$ 23,160

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

(44,047

)

 

(6,974

)

 

813

 

 

28,031

(1)

 

2,175

(1)

Earnings (loss) per Class A share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Basic EPS

 

 

$ (2.27

)(2)

 

$ (0.38

)(2)

 

$ 0.03

(2)

 

1.32

(1)(2)

 

$ 0.08

(1)(2)

   Diluted EPS

 

 

$ (2.27

)

 

$ (0.38

)

 

$ 0.03

 

 

1.15

(1)

 

$ 0.07

(1)(3)

Total assets

 

 

323,699

 

 

383,833

 

 

$ 446,628

 

 

396,780

 

 

324,916

 

Notes and loans and debentures
Payable

 

 

136,803

 

 

145,901

 

 

201,576

 

 

174,519

 

 

129,025

 

(1)     Includes (loss) from discontinued operations, as follows:

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

2002

 

 

2001

 

 

2000

 

 

1999

 

 

1998

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 


 

(Loss) from continued operations

 

 

$ (44,047

)

 

$ (6,974

)

 

$ 813

 

 

$ 30,187

 

 

$ 3,890

 

(Loss) from discontinued operations

 

 

$ —

 

 

$ —

 

 

$ —

 

 

$ (2,156

)

 

$ (1,715

)

(Loss) per Class A  share from discontinued
   operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Basic EPS

 

 

$ —

 

 

$ —

 

 

$ —

 

 

$ (0.10

)

 

$ (0.07

)

   Diluted EPS

 

 

$ —

 

 

$ —

 

 

$ —

 

 

$ (0.09

)

 

$ (0.06

)

(2)      Computation is based on net income (loss) after deduction of preferred stock dividends of $218, $227, $234,
           $284 and $335, respectively.

(3)      Computation is based on net income after deduction due to dilution in equity in earnings of affiliate of $334 .

31




ITEM 7.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

GENERAL

          The Company acquires interests in businesses located in the State of Israel or that are Israel-related.  The Company focuses on a broad cross-section of Israeli companies engaged in various fields including Energy, Industry, Real Estate and Project Development, Telecommunications and High-Technology.  The Company sometimes participates in the management of its investee companies through representation on boards of directors or otherwise.

          The Company’s results of operations are directly affected by the results of operations of its investee companies.  The results of investee 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. 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 investee companies, other than those described above, on the cost method or in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”.  In addition, the Company reviews investments accounted for under the cost method periodically in order to determine whether to maintain the current carrying value or to write off some or all of the investment.  For more information as to how the Company makes these determinations, see “Critical Accounting Policies.”

          A comparison of the Company’s financial statements from year to year must be considered in light of the Company’s acquisitions and disposition 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 U.S. dollar, cumulative translation adjustments are likely to result in a reduction in shareholders’ equity.  As of December 31, 2002, the effect on shareholders’ equity was a decrease of approximately $20.8 million.  Upon disposition of an investment, the related cumulative translation adjustment balance will be recognized in determining gains or losses.

32




CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

          The preparation of Ampal’s consolidated financial statements is in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States which requires management to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related footnotes. Actual results may differ from these estimates.  To facilitate the understanding of Ampal’s business activities, described below are certain Ampal accounting policies that are relatively more important to the portrayal of its financial condition and results of operations and that require management’s subjective judgments.  Ampal bases its judgments on its experience and various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Please refer to Note 1 to Ampal’s consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2002 for a summary of all of Ampal’s significant accounting policies.

          Portfolio Investments

          The Company accounts for a number of its investments, including many of its investments in the high-technology and communications industries, on the basis of the cost method.  Application of this method requires the Company to periodically review these investments in order to determine whether to maintain the current carrying value or to write off some or all of the investment.  While the Company uses some objective measurements in its review, such as the portfolio company’s liquidity, burn rate, termination of a substantial number of employees, achievement of milestones set forth in its business plan or projections and seeks to obtain relevant information from the company under review, the review process involves a number of judgments on the part of the Company’s management.  These judgments include assessments of the likelihood of the company under review to obtain additional financing, to achieve future milestones, make sales and to compete effectively in its markets.  In making these judgments the Company must also attempt to anticipate trends in the particular company’s industry as well as in the general economy.  There can be no guarantee that the Company will be accurate in its assessments and judgments.  To the extent that the Company is not correct in its conclusion it may decide to write down all or part of the particular investment.

          Investment in MIRS

          MIRS is our largest investment and is being accounted for at cost (our equity interest is 25%). The Cost method is applied due to preference features we have been granted in our investment in preferred shares in Mirs. Revenues from guaranteed payments from Motorola are recognized as income.  We perform annual tests for impairment regarding our investment.  Our assessment, based on a valuation of our investment in MIRS as of December 31, 2002, resulted in no impairment charge.  The valuation was calculated according to the discounted cash flow method, taking into account the preferences to which we are entitled from Motorola under the MIRS purchase agreement.

          Marketable Securities

          We determine the appropriate classification of marketable securities at the time of purchase. To date, we hold marketable securities classified as trading securities that are carried at fair value, and marketable securities classified as available-for-sale that are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in the component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity. If according to management’s assessment it is determined that a decline in the fair value of any of the investments is other than temporary, an impairment loss is recorded and included in the consolidated statements of income as financial expenses.

33




          Long- lived assets

          On January 1, 2002, Ampal adopted FAS 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long- Lived Assets.” FAS 144 requires that long- lived assets, to be held and used by an entity, be reviewed for impairment and, if necessary, written down to the estimated fair values, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable through undiscounted future cash flows.

          Accounting for Income Taxes

          As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate.  This process involves us estimating our current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes.  These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in our consolidated balance sheet. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income, and, to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance.  To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or increase this allowance in a period, we must include an expense within the tax provision in the statement of operations.  A valuation allowance is currently set against certain tax assets because management believes it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will not be realized through the generation of future taxable income.  We also do not provide for taxes on undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries totaling $30.1 million in 2002, as it is our intention to reinvest undistributed earnings indefinitely outside the United States.  If the earnings were not considered permanently reinvested, approximately $10.1 million of deferred income taxes would have been provided in 2002.

          Significant management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities and our future taxable income for purposes of assessing our ability to realize any future benefit from our deferred tax assets. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates or we adjust these estimates in future periods, our operating results and financial position could be materially affected.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

           FAS 143 prescribes the accounting for retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets, including the timing of liability recognition and initial measurement of the liability. FAS 143 requires that an asset retirement cost should be capitalized as part of the cost of the related long-lived asset and subsequently allocated to expense using a systematic and rational method. FAS 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002 (January 1, 2003 for the Company). The Company does not believe that the adoption of SFAS 143 will have any material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

          In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, “Revision of FASB Statements No. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Connections” (“SFAS 145”). Among other amendments and rescissions, SFAS 145 eliminates the requirement that gains and losses from the extinguishment of debt be aggregated and, if material, classified as an extraordinary item, net of the related income tax effect, unless such gains and losses meet the criteria in paragraph 20 of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30, “Reporting the Results of Operation—Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions”. SFAS 145 is partially effective for transactions occurring after May 15, 2002 and partially effective for fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002. The Company does not believe that the adoption of SFAS 145 will have any material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

34




          In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities”. SFAS 146 addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring).”  SFAS 146 requires that a liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred rather than when the Company commits to such an activity and also establishes fair value as the objective for initial measurement of the liability.  The Company will adopt SFAS 146 for exit disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002.  Upon the adoption of SFAS 146, previously issued financial statements shall not be restated.  The Company does not believe that the adoption of SFAS 146 will have any material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

          In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (“FIN 45”). FIN 45 requires the guarantor to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee.  It also elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued and to be made in regard of product warranties.  The Company does not expect the adoption of FIN 45 to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

          In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure.  This Statement amends SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to provide alternative methods of transition to SFAS No. 123’s fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation.  This Statement also amends the disclosure provision of SFAS No. 123 and APB No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, to require disclosure in the summary of significant accounting policies of the effects of an entity’s accounting policy with respect to stock-based employee compensation on reported net income and earnings per share in annual and interim financial statements.  The Company has elected to continue accounting for employee stock option plans according to APB No. 25, and has adopted the disclosure requirements under SFAS No. 148 commencing on December 31, 2002.

In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46).  Under this FIN entities are separated into two populations: (1) those for which voting interests are used to determine consolidation (this is the most common situation) and (2) those for which variable interests are used to determine consolidation.  The FIN explains how to identify Variable Interest Entities (VIE) and how to determine when a business enterprise should include the assets, liabilities, non-controlling interests, and results of activities of a VIE in its consolidated financial statements.  The FIN is effective as follows:  for variable interests in variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003 the FIN shall apply immediately, for variable interests in variable interest entities created before that date, the FIN shall apply—for public entities—as of the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after June 15, 2003.  FIN 46 is effective immediately for certain disclosure requirements and variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003 and in fiscal 2003 for all other variable interest entities. As the Company does not have variable interest entities, the adoption of FIN 46 will not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

35




          RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

          Year ended December 31, 2002 compared to Year ended December 31, 2001:

          The Company recorded a consolidated net loss of $44.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, as compared to $7.0 million for the same period in 2001.  The increase in net loss is primarily attributable to the higher unrealized losses on investments in marketable securities, higher loss from impairment of investments and loans and significantly lower gains from the sale of real estate rental property in 2002, as compared to 2001, the absence of the gains from the sale of investments in 2002, and higher provision for income taxes.  These decreases were partially offset by lower interest expense.

          Equity in earnings of affiliates decreased to a loss of $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, as compared to a loss of $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001.  The decrease is primarily attributable to the decreased earnings of Ophirtech Ltd., the Company’s 42.5% - - owned affiliate, which recorded higher losses from impairment of investments in 2002, and from the 37% owned Bay Heart Limited (“Bay Heart”), which recorded higher losses in 2002 as a result of decreased rental revenues and increased security expenses consistent with the political/security situation in Israel.  Bay Heart’s decreased rental revenue was due to lower than average rental rates on its properties caused in part by the recession in Israel which affected the real estate sector and by the surplus of mall properties in the Haifa area and from the 20.4% owned Granite Hacarmel Ltd (“Granite”), which recorded losses in 2002 as a result from impairment of investments.

          On March 28, 2001, the Company concluded the sale of its interest in a building located at 800 Second Avenue (“800 Second Avenue”) in New York City for $33.0 million and recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $8.0 million ($4.3 million net of taxes) No comparable real estate sales occurred during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002.

          On May 2, 2001, the Company sold its real estate rental property located in Bnei Brak, Israel (“Bnei Brak”) and recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $2.1 million ($1.6 million net of taxes).

          During December 2002, Ophir Holding Ltd. signed agreements to sell four of its properties for the aggregate amount of $5.9 million (net income $4.2 million).  Gain will be recognized during the first quarter of 2003.

          On December 22, 2002, the Company recorded a $0.7 million pretax gain on the sale of real estate rental property.

          In the year ended December 31, 2002, Ampal recorded $20.4 million of realized and unrealized losses on investments, which consisted of $3.3 million of realized and unrealized losses on investments classified as trading securities and $17.1 million of unrealized losses other than temporary decline in value of investments in the available-for-sale securities. In the same period in 2001, the Company recorded $1.7 million of realized and unrealized losses on investments which consisted of $3.3 million of unrealized losses on investments and $1.6 million of realized gains from sale of investments. The realized and unrealized losses on trading securities recorded in 2002 were primarily attributable to the Company’s investment in shares of Bank Leumi Le’Israel B.M. (“Leumi”) ($2.0 million) mutual funds and other securities ($1.3 million). The unrealized losses other than temporary decline in value of the Company’s investments in the available-for-sales securities in 2002 were primarily attributable to the investment in shares of Blue Square Israel Ltd (“Blue Square”) ($12.8 million), a publicly traded company on the Tel Aviv and New York Stock Exchanges. In June 1999, the Company invested $ 24 million to purchase 1,500,000 shares of Blue Square, representing 3.9% of Blue Square, at $ 16 per share. As of December 31, 2002 the investment in Blue Square had a market value of $ 11.2 million. Primarily due to the length of the time and extent to which the market value has been less than cost, such decline has been accounted for as other than temporary. The Company also wrote down its investments in shares of Sonic Foundry Inc. (“Sonic”) ($1.8 million), Alvarion ($2.0 million) and Compugen Ltd. (“Compugen”) ($0.5 million).  At December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001, the aggregate fair value of trading securities amounted to approximately $5.2 million and $9.9 million, respectively.

36




          Other income realized by the Company is principally composed of guaranteed payments from Motorola equal to $ 7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001.

          The Company recorded lower interest expense in the year ended December 31, 2002, as compared to the same period in 2001, primarily as a result of lower interest rates.

          The decrease in real estate income and expenses in 2002 as compared to 2001 is primarily attributable to the sale of 800 Second Avenue in New York City.

          In the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company recorded $15.1 million in losses from the impairment of its investments and loans in the following companies: Bay Heart Limited (“Bay Heart”) ($2.9 million), Bridgewave Communications, Inc.(“Bridgewave”) ($2.8 million), Shellcase Ltd. ($2.3 million), Oblicore Ltd. ($2.2 million), Modem Art Ltd. ($1.0 million), Carmel Container Systems Limited (“Carmel”) ($0.9 million), Star Management of Investments No.II (2000) L.P. ($0.6 million), Camelot Information Technologies Ltd. (“Camelot”) ($0.5 million), Netformx Ltd. ($0.5 million), Enbaya Inc. ($0.5 million), Shiron Satellite Communications (1996) Ltd. (“Shiron”) ($0.4 million), VisionCare Opthalmic Technologies Ltd. (“VisionCare”) ($0.3 million),  Tulip Ltd. ($0.1 million), and Babylon Ltd. ($0.1 million).  During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, the Company recorded a $13.1 million loss from the impairment of its investments.  A substantial portion of these losses resulted from the worldwide slump in technology markets which affected both sales and the ability of companies to raise additional capital.  Companies at the start-up stage, as are a number of the Company’s portfolio companies, were particularly affected by the weakness in the private capital markets as these companies depend on additional rounds of investment for operating funds. See “-Critical Accounting Policies” for a discussion of the factors affecting the Company’s decision to write-off its investments accounted for under the cost method. 

          The increase in the effective income tax rate in 2002, as compared to 2001, is primarily attributable to the unrealized losses on investments for which no tax benefits are currently available.

          Our management currently believes that inflation has not had a material impact on our operations.

37




SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

 

 

 

First
Quarter

 

 

Second
Quarter

 

 

Third
Quarter

 

 

Fourth
Quarter

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 


 

Year Ended December 31, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues(1)

 

 

$ 5,532

 

 

$ 5,235

 

 

$ 4,905

 

 

$ 1,060

 

 

$ 16,732

 

Net interest expense

 

 

(2,188

)

 

(1,376

)

 

(1,735

)

 

(2,392

)

 

(7,691

)

Net (loss)

 

 

(6,175

)

 

(9,158

)

 

(11,439

)

 

(17,275

)

 

(44,047

)

Basic EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) per Class A share(2)

 

 

(0.32

)

 

(0.47

)

 

(0.58

)

 

(0.9

)

 

(2.27

)

Diluted EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) per Class A share

 

 

(0.32

)

 

(0.47

)

 

(0.58

)

 

(0.9

)

 

(2.27

)

Year Ended December 31, 2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues(1)

 

 

$ 12,711

 

 

$ 7,426

 

 

$ 3,760

 

 

$ 5,165

 

 

$ 29,062

 

Net interest expense

 

 

(3,983

)

 

(2,763

)

 

(1,930

)

 

(2,025

)

 

(10,701

)

Net income (loss)

 

 

$ 360

 

 

$ (3,811

)

 

$ (3,067

)

 

$ (456

)

 

$ (6,974

)

Basic EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Earnings (loss) per Class A share(2)

 

 

$ 0.01

 

 

$ (0.20

)

 

$ (0.16

)

 

$ (0.03

)

 

$ (0.38

)

Diluted EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Earnings (loss) per Class A share

 

 

$ 0.01

 

 

$ (0.20

)

 

$ (0.16

)

 

$ (0.03

)

 

$ (0.38

)

(1) Reclassified to conform with year-end presentation.
(2) After deduction of preferred stock dividends of $218 and $227, respectively.

Year ended December 31, 2001 compared to Year ended December 31, 2000:

          The Company recorded a consolidated net loss of $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, as compared to net income of $0.8 million for the same period in 2000. The decrease in income is primarily attributable to the decrease in equity in earnings of affiliates, lower gains on sale of investments, higher loss from impairment of investments and a decrease in real estate income.  These decreases in income were partially offset by the gain on sale of real estate rental property, higher other income, a lower effective income tax rate, lower unrealized losses on investments, lower interest expense and a translation gain in 2001, as compared to a translation loss in 2000.

          Equity in earnings of affiliates decreased to a loss of $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, from income of $11.9 million for the same period in 2000.  The decrease is primarily attributable to the decreased earnings of the Company’s 50%-owned affiliate, Trinet Venture Capital Ltd. (“Trinet”) and Ophir Holdings Ltd. (“Ophir Holdings”), the Company’s 42.5%-owned affiliate.  Trinet recorded unrealized gains on its investments in Smart Link Ltd. in 2000, as compared to unrealized losses in 2001.  Ophir Holdings , recorded an unrealized gain on a trading security in 2000.  There was no similar gain in 2001.  In addition, two of the Company’s other affiliates, 42.5%-owned Ophirtech Ltd. (“Ophirtech”) and 37%-owned Bay Heart, recorded higher losses in 2001.  Ophirtech, which invests in companies in the high technology sector, recorded losses from impairment of investments in 2001.  Bay Heart, which operates a shopping mall in the Haifa Bay area, recorded losses as a result of decreased rental revenues, increased financing expenses and a higher provision for income taxes.

          In the year ended December 31, 2001, the Company recorded $1.6 million of gains on the sale of investments, which were primarily attributable to its investment in Floware Wireless Systems Ltd. (“Floware”).   In the year ended December 31, 2000, the Company recorded $13.7 million of gains on the sale of investments, which were primarily attributable to its investment in BreezeCOM Ltd. (“BreezeCOM”). In August 2001, BreezeCOM acquired Floware and changed the name of the combined entity to Alvarion Ltd.

38




          The Company recorded $3.3 million of unrealized losses on investments which are classified as trading securities in the year ended December 31, 2001, as compared to $5.9 million of unrealized losses in the same period in 2000.  The unrealized losses recorded in 2001 are primarily attributable to the Company’s investment in shares of Leumi and Arel Communications and Software Ltd. (“Arel”), while the unrealized losses in 2000 are primarily attributable to the Company’s investment in shares of Arel. At December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000, the aggregate fair value of trading securities held by the Company amounted to approximately $9.9 million and $23.8 million, respectively.

          On March 28, 2001, the Company concluded the sale of its interest in 800 Second Avenue in New York City for $33 million and recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $8 million ($4.3 million net of taxes).

          On May 2, 2001, the Company sold its real estate rental property located in Bnei Brak, Israel and recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $2.1 million ($1.6 million net of taxes).

          The decrease in real estate income of approximately $1.2 million in 2001, as compared to 2000, is attributable to the sale of 800 Second Avenue and Bnei Brak.

          The increase in other income of $2.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2001 as compared to the same period in 2000, is primarily attributable to the higher guaranteed income received from Motorola (Israel) Ltd. ($7.1 million in 2001, as compared to $3.8 million in 2000) with respect to the level of dividends from MIRS Communications Ltd. (“MIRS”).  This increase was partially offset by the $1.6 million dividend received from MIRS in 2000, which was not distributed by MIRS in 2001.  To the extent MIRS continues to seek to penetrate the Israeli cellular market, its results of operations will be affected by the intense competition in the market. 

          The decrease in interest expense of approximately $1.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2001, as compared to the same period in 2000 is attributable to the repayments of notes and loans payable.

          In the year ended December 31, 2001, the Company recorded a $13 million loss from impairment of its investments in the following companies, all of which are in the high-technology sector: Camelot Information Technologies Ltd. ($5 million), Netformx Ltd. ($2.6 million), Enbaya Inc. ($1.4 million), Shiron Satellite Communications (1996) Ltd. ($1.4 million), RealM Technologies Ltd.,($1.3 million) mPrest Technologies Ltd. ($0.8 million) Babylon Ltd. ($.3 million), and Elephanx DotCom L.L.C. ($0.2 million).  In the year ended December 31, 2000, the Company recorded an $11.1 million loss from impairment of investments attributable to the $3.5 million bank guarantees paid on behalf of M.D.F. Industries Ltd. and to the impairment in values of the Company’s investments in Smartlight Ltd. ($3 million), Netformx Ltd. ($2.5 million), Qronus Interactive Israel (1994) Ltd. ($1.1 million), Zactus, Inc. ($0.5 million) and ContactNOW, Inc. ($.5 million). 

          The Company recorded a translation gain of $2.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2001, as compared to a translation loss of $1.3 million in the same period in 2000.  The translation gain in 2001 is attributable to the devaluation of the new Israeli shekel against the U.S. dollar in the year ended December 31, 2001, while the translation loss in 2000 was primarily attributable to foreign exchange forward contracts executed by the Company, which were outstanding during 2000.

39




          The decrease in the effective income tax rate in 2001, as compared to 2000, is attributable to state and local income taxes with respect to the gain on sale of 800 Second Avenue, losses of certain Israeli subsidiaries for which no tax benefits are currently available and certain expenses which are not deductible for income tax purposes.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

          Cash Flows

          On December 31, 2002, cash and cash equivalents were $1.6 million, as compared with $8.0 million at December 31, 2001. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents is primarily attributable to the repayments of notes and loans payable.

          The Company’s sources of cash include cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, cash from operations, cash from investing activities and amounts available under credit facilities, as described below. The Company believes that these sources are sufficient to fund the current requirements of operations, capital expenditures, investing activities, dividends on preferred stock and other financial commitments of the Company for the next 12 months.  However, to the extent that contingencies and payment obligations described below and in other parts of this Report require the Company to make unanticipated payments, the Company would need to further utilize these sources of cash.  To the extent that the Company intends to rely on the sale of marketable securities in order to satisfy its cash needs, it is subject to the risk of a shortfall in the amount of proceeds from any such sale as compared with the anticipated sale proceeds due to a decline in the market price of those securities.  In the event of a decline in the market price of its marketable securities, the Company may need to draw upon its other sources of cash, which may include additional borrowing, refinancing of its existing indebtedness or liquidating other assets, the value of which may also decline.  In addition, the shares of MIRS owned by the Company have already been pledged as security for specific loans provided to the Company for the purchase of these shares and would therefore be unavailable if the Company wished to pledge them in order to provide an additional source of cash.

          Cash flows from operating activities

          Net cash provided by operating activities totaled approximately $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, as compared to approximately $33.9 million for the same period in 2001.  The decrease is primarily attributable to the $27.1 million dividends from affiliates received in 2001, as compared to $0.7 million in 2002.

          Cash flows from investing activities

          Net cash used in investing activities totaled approximately $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, as compared to compered to cash provied approximately $20.4 million for the same period in 2001.  This decrease is primarily attributable to the $34.9 million proceeds received from the sale of 800 Second Avenue and the Bnei Brak real estate properties in 2001.  These proceeds were partially offset by higher investments made in 2001 in the amount of $9.1 million and higher loans granted in 2001 of $6.5 million.

40




          Cash flows from financing activities

          Net cash used in financing activities was approximately $7.3 million at December 31, 2002, as compared to approximately $51.8 million at December 31, 2001.  The decrease in the cash used in 2002 is attributable to the pay down of notes and loans repayments ($12.4 million and $62.8 million in 2002 and 2001, respectively).  Notes and loans repayments in 2001 include the $15.0 million loan repayment with respect to the 800 Second Avenue property.

                    Investments

          On December 31, 2002, the aggregate fair value of trading and available-for-sale securities was approximately $18.6 million, as compared to $40.6 million at December 31, 2001.  The decrease in 2002 is attributable to decreases in the market prices of such securities.

          On January 2, 2002, the Company made a $0.5 million loan to Camelot.  In February 2002, the Company, together with other Camelot debtholders, initiated liquidation proceedings with respect to Camelot’s assets. The Company has written off its investment in Camelot.

          In 2002, the Company made the following investments:

                    (1)   A $1.3 million in ShellCase Ltd., a developer and manufacturer of chip size packaging. The Company currently holds an approximately 14.0% equity interest in ShellCase Ltd.

                    (2)   A $0.7 million in PowerDsine Ltd., a leading designer and developer of software controlled power solutions.  The Company currently holds an approximately 8.1% equity interest in PowerDsine Ltd.

                    (3)   A $0.2 million in XACCT  Technologies Ltd., a developer and marketer of TCP/IP network software.  The Company currently holds an approximately 16.9% in XACCT Technologies Ltd.

                    Debt

          At December 31, 2002, the Company had in place unused lines of credit in the aggregate amount $5.1 million.

          In connection with its investment in MIRS, the Company has two long-term loans from Bank Hapoalim Ltd. (“Hapoalim”) and Bank Leumi Le-Israel Ltd. (“Leumi”) in the outstanding amount of $37.2 million and $34.9 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2002. Both loans are due on March 31, 2008 and bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 0.8%.  Other than as described in this paragraph, the loans are non-recourse to the Company and are secured by the Company’s shares in MIRS.  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, 2002 until and including March 31, 2008.  These loans are subject to the compliance by MIRS with covenants regarding its operations and financial results.  In March 2002, some of the covenants in the loan from Leumi were amended to reflect changes in MIRS’ business.  In connection with these amendments, the Company agreed that Leumi will have recourse to the Company for an amount of up to $3.5 million if Motorola (Israel) Ltd. does not make a guaranteed payment to the Company on March 31, 2003, as is required by the terms of the agreement under which the Company purchased its interest in MIRS from Motorola (Israel) Ltd.  In addition, Leumi will have recourse to the Company for an additional $0.5 million beginning in 2006 with respect to the Company’s repayment obligations under the loan.

41




          As of December 31, 2002, the Company had $5.4 million in outstanding debentures with interest rates of 7.5%.  These debentures, which mature in 2005, are secured by $5.6 million in cash held in a secured account.  In addition, as of December 31, 2002, the Company had $17.1 million outstanding in 11% discount debentures, which mature in 2003.  On October 2002, there was an early redemption of $0.5 million.  The Company is borrowing additional cash from banks to repay the outstanding debentures on April 1, 2003.

          The Company financed a portion of the development of Am-Hal, a wholly-owned subsidiary which develops and operates luxury retirement centers for senior citizens, through bank loans from Hapoalim.  At December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001, the amounts outstanding under these loans were $12.7 million and $14.3 million, respectively. The loans are dollar linked, mature through 2007-2010  and have interest rates of LIBOR plus 2.25%.  The Company generally repays these loans with the proceeds received from deposits and other payments from the apartments in Am-Hal facilities. The loans are secured by a lien on Am-Hal’s properties. The Company also issued guarantees in the amount of $ 4.8 million in favor of clients of Am-Hal in order to secure their deposits.

          The Company also finances its general operations and other financial commitments through short-term borrowings, mainly from Hapoalim.  The term of these borrowings is up to one year.  The weighted average interest rates and the balances of these short-term borrowings at December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001 were 4.03% on $39.8 million and 3.23% on $31.1 million, respectively.

          As of December 31, 2002, the Company had issued guarantees on certain outstanding loans to its investees and subsidiaries in the aggregate principal amount of $15.3 million. This includes:

 

$4.0 million guarantee to Leumi with respect to the MIRS loan as described above ($3.5 million guarantee will expire on March 31, 2003).

 

 

 

 

$5.7 million guarantee on indebtedness incurred by Bay Heart ($3.5 million of which was recorded as a loss in the Company’s financial statements at December 31, 2002) in connection with the development of its property. Bay Heart recorded increased losses in 2002 as a result of decreased rental revenues. There can be no guarantee that Bay Heart will become profitable or that it will generate sufficient cash to repay its outstanding indebtedness without relying on the Company’s guarantee.

 

 

 

 

$4.8 million guarantee to Am- Hal tenants as described above.

 

 

 

 

$0.8 million guarantee to Galha 1960 Ltd as described in Item 3 of this Report.

          In each of 2002 and 2001, Ampal paid dividends in the amount of $0.20 and $0.325 per share on its 4% and 6 ½% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stocks, respectively.  Total dividends paid in each year amounted to approximately $0.2 million.

42




                    Subsequent event

          On January 1, 2003, the Company entered into an agreement pursuant to which the Company will sell its shareholdings of Carmel Container Systems Limited (“Carmel”). Pursuant to this agreement, the Company will sell 522,000 ordinary shares of Carmel at a price per share of $6.75 for an aggregate purchase price of $3,523,500.

          The consummation of the aforementioned transaction is contingent upon certain conditions, including the consummation of a merger transaction between Carmel and Best Carton Ltd. (“Best”) pursuant to which all shares of Best will be purchased by Carmel in consideration of shares of Carmel which be issued to Best’s shareholders, and the authorizations required by law for the aforementioned transaction.

                    Other Developments

          On April 25, 2002, Rebar Financial Corporation (“Rebar”), which, as of such date, owned 11,115,112 shares of Ampal’s Class A Stock (representing approximately 51% of the outstanding Class A Stock on a fully-diluted basis), completed the sale of such shares of Class A Stock to Y.M. Noy Investments Ltd., a company incorporated under the laws of Israel (“Y.M. Noy”) pursuant to the terms of that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2002.  Rebar is controlled by Daniel Steinmetz, who, as of such date, was the Ampal’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Raz Steinmetz, who, as of such date, was a director of Ampal and the Ampal’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Yosef A. Maiman owns 100% of the economic shares and one-third of the voting shares of the Y.M. Noy, and holds an option to acquire the remaining two-thirds of the voting shares of the Y.M. Noy (which are currently owned by Ohad Maiman and Noa Maiman, the son and daughter, respectively, of Mr. Maiman). Mr. Maiman, Ohad Maiman and Noa Maiman are the sole directors of Y.M. Noy.

          Also on April 25, 2002, certain of the Ampal’s employees and officers sold an additional 329,000 shares of Class A Stock to the Y.M. Noy.

          As a result of the purchase of an aggregate of 11,444,112 shares of the Class A Stock by Y.M. Noy, the Company has concluded that a change in control has occurred for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

          The aggregate purchase price paid by Y.M. Noy for the 11,444,112 shares of the Class A Stock was approximately $85,374,564, or $7.46013 per share.

          As of March 9,2003, Y.M. Noy has subsequently purchased 269,120 shares of Class A Stockin market transactions and Y.M. Noy owns 11,713,232 shares of Class A Stock or 59.5% of the outstanding shares of Class A Stock as of such date.

                    Foreign Currency Contracts

          The Company’s derivative financial instruments consist of foreign currency forward exchange contracts. These contracts are utilized by the Company, from time to time, to manage risk exposure to movements in foreign exchange rates. None of these contracts have been designated as hedging instruments. These contracts are recognized as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at their fair value, which is the estimated amount at which they could be settled based on market prices or dealer quotes, where available, or based on pricing models. Changes in fair value are recognized currently in earnings.

43




ITEM 7A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES
ABOUT MARKET RISK

MARKET RISKS AND SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

          The Company is exposed to various market risks, including changes in interest rates, foreign currency rates and equity price changes.  The following analysis presents the hypothetical loss in earnings, cash flows and fair values of the financial instruments which were held by the Company at December 31, 2002, and are sensitive to the above market risks.

          During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, there have been no material changes in the market risk exposures facing the Company as compared to those the Company faced in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001.

Interest Rate Risks

          At December 31, 2002, the Company had financial assets totaling $11.6 million and financial liabilities totaling $136.8 million.  For fixed rate financial instruments, interest rate changes affect the fair market value but do not impact earnings or cash flows.  Conversely, for variable rate financial instruments, interest rate changes generally do not affect the fair market value but do impact future earnings and cash flows, assuming other factors are held constant.

          At December 31, 2002, the Company had fixed rate financial assets of $7.7 million and variable rate financial assets of $4.0 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 $0.1 million.

          At December 31, 2002, the Company had fixed rate debt of $32.2 million and variable rate debt of $104.6 million.  A ten percent decrease in interest rates would increase the unrealized fair value of the fixed rate debt by approximately $0.3 million. 

          The net decrease in earnings for the next year resulting from a ten percent interest rate increase would be approximately $0.4 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 2002, the Company entered into various foreign exchange forward purchase contracts to partially hedge this exposure. At December 31, 2002, the Company had open foreign exchange forward purchase contracts in the amount of $22.5 million. Holding other variables constant, if there were a ten percent devaluation of the foreign currency, the Company’s cumulative translation loss reflected in the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive loss would increase by $1.5 million, and regarding the statements of income loss a ten percent devaluation of the foreign currency would be reflected in a net decrease in earnings and would be $0.3 million.

44




Equity Price Risk

          The Company’s investments at December 31, 2002, included marketable securities (trading and available-for-sale) which are recorded at fair value of $18.6 million, including a net unrealized loss of $29.1 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 $1.9 million.

45




ITEM 8- FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Ampal-American Israel Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Ampal-American Israel Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of loss, cash flows, changes in shareholders’ equity, and comprehensive loss for the year then ended.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s Board of Directors and management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the financial statements of certain subsidiaries, whose assets included in consolidation constitute approximately 22.6% of total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2002, and whose revenues included in consolidation constitute approximately 45.1% for the year then ended. We did not audit the financial statements of certain affiliated companies, the company’s interest in which as reflected in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2002 is $40,647,929, and the company’s share in excess of losses over profits of which is a net amount of $901,958 for the year then ended. The financial statements of those subsidiaries and affiliated companies were audited by other independent auditors whose reports thereon have been furnished to us and our opinion expressed herein, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for those companies, is based solely on the reports of  the other independent auditors. The financial statements of Ampal-American Israel Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31,2001, and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31,2001, were audited by other independent accountants who have ceased operations. Those independent accountants expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements in their report dated March 27, 2002. 

We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and in Israel, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditor (Mode of performance) Regulations, 1973. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audit and the reports of other independent auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, based on our audit and the reports of other independent 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, 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ KESSELMAN & KESSELMAN CPAs ( ISR)

A member of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited

Tel Aviv, Israel
March 24, 2003

46




                    THE FOLLOWING REPORT IS A COPY OF A REPORT PREVIOUSLY ISSUED BY ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP AND HAS NOT BEEN REISSUED BY
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP.

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, 2001 and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of (loss) income, cash flows, changes in shareholders’ equity, and comprehensive (loss) income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001.  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 16% and 18%, respectively, in 2001, 15% and 15%, respectively, in 2000, total revenues of 25% in 1999, 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 (losses) earnings of these affiliated companies represents ($ 2,083,000), $10,730,000 and $15,727,000, of consolidated net (loss) income for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, 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, 2001 and 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

New York, New York

Arthur  Andersen LLP

March 27, 2002

 

47




                    THE FOLLOWING REPORT IS A COPY OF A REPORT PREVIOUSLY ISSUED BY LUBOSHITZ KASIERER, THE ISRAELI AFFILIATED FIRM OF
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP THAT HAS NOT BEEN REISSUED.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Ampal-American Israel Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Ampal-American Israel Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2001, and the related consolidated statements of (loss) income, cash flows, changes in shareholders’ equity, and comprehensive (loss) income for the year ended December 31, 2001.  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 16% and 18%, respectively, in 2001, 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 losses of these affiliated companies represents $ 2,083,000, of consolidated net loss for the year ended December 31, 2001.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, 2001, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Tel Aviv

Luboshitz Kasierer

March 27, 2002

Arthur  Andersen

48




AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

2002

 

 

2001

 

 

2000

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 


 

REVENUES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates (Note 12)

 

 

$ (3,334

)

 

$ (2,174

)

 

$ 11,876

 

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Related parties

 

 

 

 

22

 

 

11

 

   Others

 

 

962

 

 

1,220

 

 

1,195

 

Real estate income

 

 

7,740

 

 

8,781

 

 

9,981

 

Realized and unrealized gains on
   investments (Notes 2 and 4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,795

 

Gain on sale of real estate rental
   property (Note 2)

 

 

663

 

 

10,038

 

 

 

Other (note 13)

 

 

10,701

 

 

11,175

 

 

8,839

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

               Total revenues

 

 

16,732

 

 

29,062

 

 

39,697

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Related parties

 

 

51

 

 

203

 

 

300

 

   Others

 

 

8,602

 

 

11,740

 

 

13,017

 

Real estate expenses

 

 

7,844

 

 

9,144

 

 

9,191

 

Realized and unrealized losses on
   investments (Notes 2 and 4)

 

 

20,394

 

 

1,722

 

 

 

Loss from impairment of investments (Note 2)

 

 

15,078

 

 

12,988

 

 

11,095

 

Minority interests

 

 

866

 

 

(226

)

 

(1,127

)

Translation (gain) loss

 

 

(1,577

)

 

(2,127

)

 

1,257

 

Other (mainly general and administrative)

 

 

7,742

 

 

7,129

 

 

7,344

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

               Total expenses

 

 

59,000

 

 

40,573

 

 

41,077

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

(Loss) income before income taxes (tax benefits)

 

 

(42,268

)

 

(11,511

)

 

(1,380

)

Provision for income taxes (tax benefits) (Note 11)

 

 

1,779

 

 

(4,537

)

 

(2,193

)

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

               NET (LOSS) INCOME

 

 

$ (44,047

)

 

$ (6,974

)

 

$ 813

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Basic and diluted EPS: (Note 10)
   (Loss) Earnings per Class A share

 

 

$ (2.27

)

 

$ (0.38

)

 

$ 0.03

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Shares used in calculation (in thousands)
    (diluted for year 2000 -  19,057)

 

 

19,538

 

 

19,184

 

 

18,916

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

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

49




AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

Assets As At

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

December 31,
2002

 

 

December 31,
2001

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 


 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

$ 1,557

 

 

$ 7,973

 

Deposits, notes and loans receivable (Note 3)

 

 

10,962

 

 

17,172

 

Investments (Notes 2, 4 and 12)

 

 

215,094

 

 

260,175

 

Real estate property, less accumulated depreciation of $9,166
and $7,500

 

 

65,598

 

 

66,643

 

Other assets

 

 

30,488

 

 

31,870

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

          TOTAL ASSETS

 

 

$ 323,699

 

 

$ 383,833

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

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

50



AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’
Equity As At

 

 

 


 

 

 

December 31,
2002

 

December 31,
2001

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 


 

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Notes and loans payable (Note 5)

 

$ 114,257

 

$ 122,805

 

Debentures (Note 6)

 

22,546

 

23,096

 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and others (Note 7)

 

86,718

 

86,712

 

 

 


 


 

 Total liabilities

 

223,521

 

232,613

 

 

 


 


 

Commitments and Contingencies (note 16)

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Note 8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

4% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, $5 par value; authorized 189,287
shares; issued 139,391 and 146,226 shares; outstanding 136,041 and 142,876
Shares

 

697

 

731

 

6-1/2% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, $5 par value; authorized
988,055 shares; issued 706,450 and 726,680 shares; outstanding 583,914
and 604,144 shares

 

3,532

 

3,633

 

Class A Stock $1 par value; authorized 60,000,000 shares; issued
25,502,805 and 25,407,940 shares; outstanding 19,671,141 and 19,247,276
shares

 

25,503

 

25,408

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

58,125

 

58,253

 

Retained earnings

 

67,475

 

111,740

 

Treasury stock, at cost

 

(31,096

)

(33,238

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(24,058

)

(15,307

)

 

 


 


 

 Total shareholders’ equity

 

100,178

 

151,220

 

 

 


 


 

 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$ 323,699

 

$ 383,833

 

 

 


 


 

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

51




AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 


 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income

 

$ (44,047

)

$ (6,974

)

$ 813

 

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net
   cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in losses (earnings) of affiliates

 

3,334

 

2,174

 

(11,876

)

Realized and unrealized losses (gains) on
   investments

 

20,394

 

1,722

 

(7,795

)

Gain on sale of real estate rental property

 

(663

)

(10,038

)

 

Depreciation expense

 

2,014

 

2,293

 

2,208

 

Amortization expense

 

22

 

252

 

823

 

Impairment of investments

 

15,078

 

12,988

 

7,595

 

Minority interests

 

866

 

(226

)

(1,127

)

Translation (gain) loss

 

(1,577

)

(2,127

)

1,257

 

(Increase) decrease in other assets

 

1,174

 

(7,796

)

(4,331

)

Increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses
   and other

 

5,043

 

5,601

 

9,619

 

Investments made in trading securities

 

(5,476

)

(409

)

(23,341

)

Proceeds from sale of trading securities

 

6,475

 

9,289

 

42,759

 

Dividends received from affiliates

 

688

 

27,128

 

6,784

 

 

 


 


 


 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

3,325

 

33,877

 

23,388

 

 

 


 


 


 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Deposits, notes and loans receivable collected

 

3,380

 

2,744

 

8,896

 

 Deposits, notes and loans receivable granted

 

(1,472

)

(7,977

)

(2,089

)

 Investments made in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Available-for-sale securities

 

 

(1,257

)

(2,127

)

 Affiliates and others

 

(2,221

)

(10,089

)

(42,136

)

 Proceeds from sale of investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Available-for-sale securities

 

 

3,054

 

 

 Others

 

 

1,047

 

2,149

 

 Return of capital by partnership

 

209

 

120

 

722

 

 Capital improvements

 

(1,406

)

(2,180

)

(16,762

)

 Proceeds from sale of real estate property, net

 

818

 

34,906

 

 

 

 


 


 


 

 Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 

(692

)

20,368

 

(51,347

)

 

 


 


 


 

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

52




AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 


 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Notes and loans payable received:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Related parties

 

$ —

 

$ —

 

$ 25

 

  Others

 

5,605

 

11,779

 

58,879

 

 Notes and loans payable repaid:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Related parties

 

 

(5,190

)

(3,143

)

  Others

 

(12,378

)

(57,571

)

(23,983

)

 Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

1,973

 

 

759

 

 Debentures repaid

 

(2,232

)

(1,894

)

(6,402

)

Contribution to partnership by minority interests

 

 

1,295

 

 

 Issuance of shares to related parties and others

 

 

 

10

 

 Dividends paid on preferred stock

 

(218

)

(227

)

(234

)

 

 


 


 


 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing
  activities

 

(7,250

)

(51,808

)

25,911

 

 

 


 


 


 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
   cash equivalents

 

(1,799

)

(306

)

481

 

 

 


 


 


 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(6,416

)

2,131

 

(1,567

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

7,973

 

5,842

 

7,409

 

 

 


 


 


 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 

$ 1,557

 

$ 7,973

 

$ 5,842

 

 

 


 


 


 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the year:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Related parties

 

$ —

 

$ 173

 

$ 25

 

  Others

 

6,596

 

7,763

 

6,502

 

 

 


 


 


 

   Total interest paid

 

$ 6,596

 

$ 7,936

 

$ 6,527

 

 

 


 


 


 

 Income taxes paid

 

$ 402

 

$ 5,514

 

$ 382

 

 

 


 


 


 

Supplemental Disclosure of None cash Investing and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of treasury stock for charity

 

 

$ 55

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Investments in investees

 

1,545

 

 

 

 

 


 


 


 

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

53




AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except share
amounts per share data)

 

 

 


 

4% PREFERRED STOCK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of year

 

$ 731

 

$ 782

 

$ 829

 

Conversion of 6,835, 10,175 and 9,422 shares
into Class A Stock

 

(34

)

(51

)

(47

)

 

 


 


 


 

Balance, end of year

 

$ 697

 

$ 731

 

$ 782

 

 

 


 


 


 

6-1/2% PREFERRED STOCK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of year

 

$ 3,633

 

$ 3,729

 

$ 4,459

 

Conversion of 20,230, 19,134 and 145,949 shares
into Class A Stock

 

(101

)

(96

)

(730

)

 

 


 


 


 

Balance, end of year

 

$ 3,532

 

$ 3,633

 

$ 3,729

 

 

 


 


 


 

CLASS A STOCK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of year

 

$ 25,408

 

$ 25,303

 

$ 24,817

 

Issuance of shares upon conversion of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Stock

 

95

 

105

 

485

 

Issuance of additional shares

 

 

 

1

 

 

 


 


 


 

Balance, end of year

 

$ 25,503

 

$ 25,408

 

$ 25,303

 

 

 


 


 


 

ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of year

 

$ 58,253

 

$ 58,194

 

$ 57,896

 

Conversion of Preferred Stock

 

40

 

42

 

292

 

Issuance of additional shares

 

 

17

 

9

 

Exercise of stock options, including tax benefit

 

(168

)

 

(3

)

 

 


 


 


 

Balance, end of year

 

$ 58,125

 

$ 58,253

 

$ 58,194

 

 

 


 


 


 

RETAINED EARNINGS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of year

 

$ 111,740

 

$ 118,941

 

$ 118,362

 

Net (loss) income

 

(44,047

)

(6,974

)

813

 

Dividends:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 4% Preferred Stock - $0.20 per share

 

(27

)

(29

)

(30

)

 6-1/2% Preferred Stock - $0.325 per share

 

(191

)

(198

)

(204

)

 

 


 


 


 

Balance, end of year

 

$ 67,475

 

$ 111,740

 

$ 118,941

 

 

 


 


 


 

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

54




AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except share
amounts per share data)

 

 

 


 

TREASURY STOCK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 4% PREFERRED STOCK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Balance, beginning and end of year

 

$ (84

)

$ (84

)

$ (84

)

 

 


 


 


 

 6-1/2% PREFERRED STOCK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Balance, beginning and end of year

 

$ (1,853

)

$ (1,853

)

$ (1,853

)

 

 


 


 


 

 CLASS A STOCK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of year – 6,160,664,
6,168,164 and 6,528,181 shares, at cost

 

$ (31,301

)

$ (31,338

)

$ (33,615

)

 Issuance of 329,000, 7,500 and 360,017 shares

 

2,142

 

37

 

2,277

 

Balance, end of year – 5,831,664, 6,160,664,
and 6,168,164 shares, at cost

 

(29,159

)

(31,301

)

(31,338

)

 

 


 


 


 

Balance, end of year

 

$ (31,096

)

$ (33,238

)

$ (33,275

)

 

 


 


 


 

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE
LOSS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Cumulative translation adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Balance, beginning of year

 

$ (20,163

)

$ (17,217

)

$ (17,676

)

 Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(587

)

(2,946

)

459

 

 

 


 


 


 

 Balance, end of year

 

(20,750

)

(20,163

)

(17,217

)

 

 


 


 


 

 Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Balance, beginning of year

 

4,856

 

7,945

 

3,699

 

 Unrealized (loss) gain, net

 

(7,463

)

(603

)

4,246

 

 Sale of available-for-sale securities

 

(701

)

(2,486

)

 

 

 


 


 


 

 Balance, end of year

 

(3,308

)

4,856

 

7,945

 

 

 


 


 


 

Balance, end of year

 

$ (24,058

)

$ (15,307

)

$ (9,272

)

 

 


 


 


 

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

55




AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 


 

Net (loss) income

 

$ (44,047

)

$ (6,974

)

$ 813

 

 

 


 


 


 

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

(587

)

(2,946

)

459

 

 Unrealized (loss) gain on securities

 

(7,463

)

(603

)

4,246

 

 

 


 


 


 

 Other comprehensive (loss) income

 

(8,050

)

(3,549

)

4,705

 

 

 


 


 


 

 Comprehensive (loss) income

 

$ (52,097

)

$ (10,523

)

$ 5,518

 

 

 


 


 


 

Related tax (expense) benefit of other comprehensive
(loss) income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

$ (446

)

$ 725

 

$ (50

)

 Unrealized gain on securities

 

$ 3,834

 

$ (1,716

)

$ (2,428

)

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

56




AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 –– Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a)          General

 

(1)

Ampal is a New York corporation founded in 1942. The Company primarily acquires interests in businesses located in the State of Israel or that are Israel-related.

 

 

 

 

(2)

As used in these financial statements, the term the “Company” refers to Ampal-American Israel Corporation (“Ampal”) and its consolidated subsidiaries. As to segment information see note 14.

 

 

 

 

(3)

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting  principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(b)          Consolidation

                The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ampal and its subsidiaries.  Inter-company balances are eliminated in consolidation.

(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 statements of income.

(d)          Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts

                Effective January 1, 2001, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”.

                The Company’s derivative financial instruments consist of foreign currency forward exchange contracts. These contracts are utilized by the Company, from time to time, to manage risk exposure to movements in foreign exchange rates. None of these contracts have been designated as hedging instruments. These contracts are recognized as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at their fair value, which is the estimated amount at which they could be settled based on market prices or dealer quotes, where available, or based on pricing models. Changes in fair value are recognized currently in earnings.

57




                The adoption of SFAS 133 had no material impact on the company’s financial position and result of operations.

                At December 31, 2002, the open foreign exchange forward contracts totaled $22.7 million.

(e)          Investments

                (i)           Investments in Affiliates

                Investments in which the Company exercises significant influence, generally 20%-to 50%-owned companies (“affiliates”), are accounted for by the equity method, whereby the Company recognizes its proportionate share of such companies’ net income or loss.  The Company reduces the carrying value of its investment in an affiliate if an impairment in value of that investment is deemed to be other than temporary.

                On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”  SFAS No. 142 supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion (“APB”) No. 17, “Intangible Assets”. Among the most significant changes made by SFAS No. 142 are: (i) goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives will no longer be amortized; and (ii) goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have an indefinite life will be tested for impairment at least annually.

                The adoption of SFAS 142 had no material impact on the company’s financial position and result of operations.

                (ii)          Investments in Marketable Securities

                Marketable equity securities, other than equity securities accounted for by the equity method, are reported at fair value.  For those securities, which are classified as trading securities, unrealized gains and losses and realized gains and losses are reported in the statements of income (loss).  Unrealized gains and losses from those securities, that are classified as available-for-sale, are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity and are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Declines in value determined to be other than temporary on available-for-sale securities are included in the statement of income (loss).

                (iii)         Cost Basis Investments

                Equity investments of less than 20% in non-publicly traded companies are carried at cost.  Changes in the value of these investments are not recognized unless an impairment in value is deemed to be other than temporary. The investment in MIRS communications Ltd. (“MIRS”) in preferred shares with preference features in the amount of $110 million which exceeds 20% of ownership, is presented at cost. At December 31, 2002, and December 31, 2001, the carrying value of the cost basis investments was $145 million and $153 million, respectively.

(f)          Risk Factors and Concentrations

                Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and notes and loans receivable. The Company invests cash equivalents and short-term investments through high-quality financial institutions.

                The company performs on going credit evaluation of its receivables allowance for doubtful accounts.

(g)          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.

58




                The Company adopted in  2002 SFAS No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived assets” (“SFAS 144”). SFAS 144 requires that long-lived assets, to be held and used by an entity, be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. Under SFAS 144, if the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) of the long-lived assets is less than the carrying amount of such assets, an impairment loss would be recognized, and the assets are written down to their estimated fair values.

(h)          Income Taxes

                The Company applies the 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 totaling approximately $30.1 million, since such earnings are currently expected to be permanently reinvested outside the United States.  If the earnings were not considered permanently invested, approximately $10.1 million of deferred income taxes would have been provided.

                Income taxes are provided on equity in earnings of affiliates, gains on issuance of shares by affiliates and unrealized gains on investments.  Ampal’s foreign subsidiaries file separate tax returns and provide for taxes accordingly.

(i)          Revenue Recognition

                Rental income is recorded over the rental period.  Revenues from services provided to tenants and country-club subscribers are recognized ratably over the contractual period or as services are performed.  Guaranteed payments from Motorola are recorded in the statement of income (loss) over the guaranteed period.  Revenue from amortization of tenant deposits is calculated at a fixed periodic rate based on the specific terms in the occupancy agreement signed with the tenants.

(j)          Cash Equivalents

                Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that have original maturities of three months or less and that are readily convertible to cash.

(k)          Earning (loss) per share (EPS)

                Basic and diluted net earning (loss) per share are presented in accordance with SFAS No. 128 “Earnings per share” (“SFAS No. 128”), for all periods presented. As to data used in the per share computation see note 10.

(l)          Comprehensive Income

                SFAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income”, (“SFAS No. 130”) established standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income (loss), its components and accumulated balances in a full set of general purpose financial statements. The Company’s components of comprehensive income (loss) are net losses and net unrealized gains or losses on investments held as available for sale and foreign currency translation adjustments, which are presented net of income taxes.

59




(m)          Employee Stock Based Compensation

                The Company accounts for all plans under APB Opinion No. 25, under which no compensation costs were incurred in the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000. If compensation cost for the options under the plans in effect been determined in accordance with SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net income (loss) and EPS would have been reduced as follows:

 

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 


 

Net income (loss):

 

As reported

 

$ (44,047

)

(6,974

)

$ 813

 

Less – stock based
compensation expense
determined under fair value
method

 

 

 

(7,490

)

(4,673

)

(11,453

)

 

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

Pro forma

 

(51,537

)

(11,647

)

(10,640

)

 

 

 

 


 


 


 

Basic and diluted EPS:

 

As reported

 

$ (2.27

)

(0.38

)

$ 0.03

 

 

 

Pro forma

 

(2.65

)

(0.63

)

(0.57

)

                Under SFAS No. 123, the fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively: (1) expected life of options of 5, 5 and 5.92 years;  (2) dividend yield of 0%; (3) volatility of 57%, 71% and 59%; and (4) risk-free interest rate of 3.41%, 1.75% and 6.68%. 

(n)          Treasury stock

                These shares are presented as a reduction of shareholders’ equity at their cost to the Company.

(o)          Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

                FAS 143 prescribes the accounting for retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets, including the timing of liability recognition and initial measurement of the liability. FAS 143 requires that an asset retirement cost should be capitalized as part of the cost of the related long-lived asset and subsequently allocated to expense using a systematic and rational method. FAS 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002 (January 1, 2003 for the Company). The Company does not believe that the adoption of SFAS 143 will have any material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

                In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, “Revision of FASB Statements No. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Connections” (“SFAS 145”). Among other amendments and rescissions, SFAS 145 eliminates the requirement that gains and losses from the extinguishment of debt be aggregated and, if material, classified as an extraordinary item, net of the related income tax effect, unless such gains and losses meet the criteria in paragraph 20 of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30, “Reporting the Results of Operation—Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions”. SFAS 145 is partially effective for transactions occurring after May 15, 2002 and partially effective for fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002. The Company does not believe that the adoption of SFAS 145 will have any material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

60




                In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities”. SFAS 146 addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring).”  SFAS 146 requires that a liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred rather than when the Company commits to such an activity and also establishes fair value as the objective for initial measurement of the liability. The Company will adopt SFAS 146 for exit disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. Upon the adoption of SFAS 146, previously issued financial statements shall not be restated. The Company does not believe that the adoption of SFAS 146 will have any material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

                In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (“FIN 45”). FIN 45 requires the guarantor to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. It also elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued and to be made in regard of product warranties. The Company does not expect the adoption of FIN 45 to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

                In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure. This Statement amends SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to provide alternative methods of transition to SFAS No. 123’s fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. This Statement also amends the disclosure provision of SFAS No. 123 and APB No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, to require disclosure in the summary of significant accounting policies of the effects of an entity’s accounting policy with respect to stock-based employee compensation on reported net income and earnings per share in annual and interim financial statements. The Company has elected to continue accounting for employee stock option plans according to APB No. 25, and has adopted the disclosure requirements under SFAS No. 148 commencing on December 31, 2002.

                In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46). Under this FIN entities are separated into two populations: (1) those for which voting interests are used to determine consolidation (this is the most common situation) and (2) those for which variable interests are used to determine consolidation. The FIN explains how to identify Variable Interest Entities (VIE) and how to determine when a business enterprise should include the assets, liabilities, non-controlling interests, and results of activities of a VIE in its consolidated financial statements. The FIN is effective as follows: for variable interests in variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003 the FIN shall apply immediately, for variable interests in variable interest entities created before that date, the FIN shall apply—for public entities—as of the beginning of the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after June 15, 2003. FIN 46 is effective immediately for certain disclosure requirements and variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003 and in fiscal 2003 for all other variable interest entities. As the Company does not have variable interest entities, the adoption of FIN 46 will not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

(p)          Reclassifications

                Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

61



Note 2 — Acquisitions and Dispositions

(a)

In 2002, the Company made investments aggregating $3 million, as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

An additional investment of $1.3 million in Shellcase, a developer of chip – size packing technology for semiconductors using wafer – level process. The company holds an approximate 14% equity interest in Shellcase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

An additional investment of $0.7 million in PowerDsine Ltd. (total equity interest of 8.1%), a leading developer of power supply devices for the telecommunications industry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

A loan to CUTe Ltd of $0.2 million (total equity interest of 20%),a developer of bandwidth efficient techniques for the delivery of digital media over wireless networks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

A loan to Camelot Information Technologies Ltd. of $0.5 million, a developer of security solution for organizations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

An additional investment of $0.3 million in other investees.

 

 

 

 

(b)

On December 2002, the Company recorded a $0.7 million pretax gain on the sale of real estate rental property.

 

 

 

 

(c)

In 2002, the Company recorded loss from impairment of investments of $15.1 million as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

Bridgewave Communication Inc. ($2.8 million investment).

 

 

2.

Shiron Satellite Communication (1996) Ltd. ($0.4 million investment).

 

 

3.

Enbaya Ltd. ($0.5 million investment).

 

 

4.

Modem Art Ltd. ($1.0 million investment).

 

 

5.

Oblicore Ltd. ($2.2 million investment).

 

 

6.

Star Management of Investment ($0.6 million investment).

 

 

7.

VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies Ltd. ($0.3 million investment).

 

 

8.

Shellcase Ltd. ($2.3 million investment).

 

 

9.

Carmel Container Systems Limited ($0.9 million investment).

 

 

10.

Bay Heart Limited ($2 million investment and $0.9 million loan).

 

 

11.

Netformx Ltd. ($0.5 million loan).

 

 

12.

Camelot Information Technologies Ltd. ($0.5 million loan).

 

 

13.

$0.2 million in other investment.

 

 

 

 

(d)

In 2001, the Company made investments aggregating $14 million, as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

An additional investment of $5 million in XACCT, a provider of business infrastructure software for the next-generation public network. The Company holds an approximate 16.9% equity interest in XACCT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

An additional investment of $1.5 million (including $0.4 million conversion of loans) in Enbaya Ltd., a developer of a 3-D browser that enables fast viewing, compression and steaming of 3-D models, and increased its equity interest in the company from 12.9% to 19.1%.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

An additional investment of $1.7 million (includes the conversion of a $0.5 million loan) in Shellcase Ltd. (“shellcase”)(CDNX: SSD), a developer of chip-size packaging technology for semiconductors using a wafer-level process. The Company holds an approximate 13.2% equity interest in Shellcase.

62




 

 

4.

An additional investments of an aggregrate of $0.9 million in CUTe Ltd. (“CUTe”), a developer of bandwidth efficient techniques for the delivery of digital media over wireless networks. The Company holds an approximate 20% equity interest in CUTe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

An additional investment of $0.6 million in the share of Breezecom Ltd. (NASDAQ: “BRZE”), a developer of wireless local area network products, and $0.6 million in the share of Floware Wireless Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:“FLRE”), a developer of broadband wireless transmission solution. These two companies merged during 2001 to create a company called Alvarion (NASDAQ: ALVR).

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.

An additional investment of $0.6 million in Star Management of Investment No. II (2000) L.P., a venture capital fund which focuses in investment in communications, Internet, software and medical devices. (total equity interest of 10%).

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.

An additional investment of $0.5 million in PowerDsine Ltd. (total equity interest of 8.4%), a leading developer of power supply devices for the telecommunications industry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.

A loan to Netformx Ltd. of $1.5 million, (net equity interest of 20%) a developer of network design tools.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.

A loan to Camelot Information Technologies Ltd., of $0.5 million (total equity interest of 20%), a developer of security solution for organizations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.

A loan to Shiron Satellite Communications (1996) Ltd. of $0.3 million, (equity interest 10%), a developer and marketer of two-way satellite communication products.

 

 

 

 

(e)

 

1.

On March 2001, the Company sold its interest in an office building located at 800 Second Avenue, New York, New York, to Second 800 LLC, for $33 million and recorded a pre tax gain of approximately $8 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

On May 2001, the Company sold its interest in an office building in Bnei Brak for $3.1 million and recorded a pre tax gain of $2.1 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

On December 2001 the Company sold its interest in the Amethyst fund in Korea for $0.9 million and recorded a pre tax loss of  $0.2 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During 2001, the Company received $0.4 million as management fees from Amethyset and reimbursed Cavallo Capital (a related party) for $0.1 million of expenses. 

 

 

 

 

(f)

In 2001, the Company recorded loss from impairment of investments of $13 million as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

Netformx Ltd. ($1.6 million investment and $1 million  loan).

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

RealM Technologies Ltd. ($1.3 million).

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

mPrest Technologies Ltd. ($0.8 million).

63




 

 

4.

Shiron Satellite Communications (1996) Ltd. ($1.4 million).

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

Enbaya Ltd. ($1.4 million).

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.

Camelot Information Technologies Ltd. ($4.5 million investment and $0.5 million of loan).

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.

Babylon Ltd. ($0.3 million).

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.

ElephantX Dot Com LLC ($0.2 million).

 

 

 

 

(g)

In 2000, the Company made the following investments, aggregating $37 million:

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

a $6.2 million investment to acquire a 4.9% interest in Arel Communications and Software Ltd., a leading provider of interactive distance learning systems;

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

an additional $3.3 million investment in Camelot Information Technologies Ltd. (“Camelot”) (total equity interest is 20.7%, including net indirect equity through Ophirtech Ltd. (“Ophirtech”)), a developer of innovative software solutions to secure organizational communication networks;

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

a $2.8 million investment to acquire a 4% interest in BridgeWave Communications Inc., a developer of wireless solutions for cable companies;

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

an additional $2.75 million investment in Netformx Ltd. (“Netformx”) (net equity interest is 20.2%, including net indirect equity through Trinet Venture Capital Ltd. (“Trinet”) and Ophirtech), a developer of network design tools;

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

a $2.75 million investment to acquire a 16.6% interest in Xpert Integrated Systems Ltd., a software and systems integrator specializing in systems security;

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.

an additional $2.2 million investment in Identify Solutions Ltd. (“Identify”) (total equity interest is 6.1%), a developer and marketer of software solutions that improve the availability of business critical software applications;

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.

a $2.2 million investment to acquire a 17% interest in Oblicore Ltd., a provider of a unique solution that enables businesses to track service performance relative to service targets and allocate service resources to maximize their success; 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.

a $2 million investment to acquire a 0.4% interest in Sonic Foundry Inc., a developer of digital media and Internet software tools, services and systems;

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.

an additional $1.8 million investment in PowerDsine Ltd. (“PowerDsine”) (total equity interest-10.8%), a leading developer of power supply devices for the telecommunications industry;

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.

a $1.65 million investment to acquire a 7.6% interest in Modem Art Ltd., a developer of system-on-a-chip solutions for wideband and broadband communication systems;

64




 

 

11.

a $1.25 million investment to acquire a 13% interest in RealM Technologies Ltd. (total equity interest-19.2%, including net indirect equity through Ophirtech), a developer of a network of servers, which will allow the introduction of the next generation of applicable services, while maximizing performance and optimizing bandwidth usage;

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.

a $1.25 million investment in Star Management of Investments No. II (2000) L.P., a venture capital fund which focuses on investments in communications, Internet, software and medical devices;

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.

an additional $1.1 million investment in Compugen Ltd. (total equity interest-1.5%), a pioneer in the field of computational genomics and proteomics;

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.

a $1.1 million investment to acquire a 20% interest in Ampal Cavallo Intervest Fund, a new Korean venture capital fund.

 

 

 

 

 

 

15.

a $1 million investment to acquire a 0.5% interest in SeraNova, Inc., a provider of E-business services;

 

 

 

 

 

 

16.

a $0.9 million investment to acquire a 20% interest in CUTe Ltd., a designer of intellectual property rights and software modules on key components of the physical layer of wireless telecommunications systems;

 

 

 

 

 

 

17.

a $0.75 million investment to acquire a 9.5% equity interest in mPrest Technologies Ltd. (formerly WapDWap Ltd), a developer of web-based applications for cellular phones;

 

 

 

 

 

 

18.

an additional $0.6 million investment to maintain its interest in Shiron Satellite Communications (1996) Ltd. (total equity interest-9%), a developer and marketer of two-way multimedia satellite communication products;

 

 

 

 

 

 

19.

a $0.5 million investment to acquire a 12.9% interest in Enbaya Ltd., a developer and marketer of a 3D browser that enables fast viewing, compression and streaming of 3D models;

 

 

 

 

 

 

20.

a $0.5 million investment to acquire a 5.6% interest in Zactus, Inc., a developer of a web site  for musicians;

 

 

 

 

 

 

21.

an additional $0.4 million investment in Shellcase Ltd., (total equity  interest - -  17.6%), a developer of the smallest packages for semiconductor chips.

 

 

 

 

(h)

In 2000, the Company recorded an $11.1 million loss from impairment of investments attributable to the $3.5 million bank guarantees paid on behalf of M.D.F. Industries Ltd. (“M.D.F.”) and to the impairment in values of the Company’s investments in SmartLight Ltd. ($3 million), Netformx Ltd. ($2.5 million), Qronus Interactive Israel (1994) Ltd. ($1.1 million), Zactus Inc. ($0.5 million) and ContactNOW Inc. ($0.5 million).

Note 3 — Deposits, Notes and Loans Receivable

             Deposits, notes and loans receivable earn interest at varying rates depending upon their linkage provisions.  Deposits have maturities of up to 3 years (see note 6) and notes and loans receivable have maturities of up to 6 years.  At December 31, 2002 and 2001, deposits, notes and loans receivable from related parties were $0.7 million and $1.4 million, respectively, and such balances with others were $10.3 million and $15.8 million, respectively.  The allowance for doubtful notes receivable for 2002 and 2001was $ 3.9 million and $ 2.0 million respectively.

65




Note 4 — Investments in Marketable Securities

          The Company classifies investments in marketable securities as trading securities or available-for-sale securities:

(a)     Trading Securities

          The cost and market values of trading securities at December 31, 2002 and 2001 are as follows:

 

 

Cost

 

Unrealized
(Losses)

 

Market Value

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 


 

December 31, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds

 

$ 1,278

 

$ (1

)

$ 1,277

 

Equity Securities

 

14,161

 

(10,205

)

3,956

 

 

 


 


 


 

Total Trading Securities

 

$ 15,439

 

$ (10,206

)

$ 5,233

 

 

 


 


 


 

December 31, 2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds

 

$ 10

 

$ —

 

$ 10

 

Equity Securities

 

17,311

 

(7,398

)

9,913

 

 

 


 


 


 

Total Trading Securities

 

$ 17,321

 

$ (7,398

)

$ 9,923

 

 

 


 


 


 

          In the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, the Company recorded $3.3 million, $1.7 million, and $7.8 million of realized and unrealized losses gains respectively, on trading securities in the statements of income (loss).

          During 2002, 2001 and 2000, the Company invested approximately $5.5 million, $0.4 million, and $23.3 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, 2002 and 2001 are as follows:

 

 

Cost

 

Other than
temporarily
decline

 

Unrealized
Gains (Losses)

 

Market
Value

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity Securities

 

$ 32,243

 

$ (17,687

)

$ (1,176

)

$ 13,380

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

December 31, 2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity Securities

 

$ 31,743

 

$ —

 

$ (1,025

)

$ 30,718

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

66




Note 5 — 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. 

          The Company has two long-term loans from Bank Hapoalim Ltd. (“Hapoalim”) and Bank Leumi Le’Israel Ltd. (“Leumi”)in the amount of $37.2 million and $34.9 million as of December 31, 2002, (in connection with its investment in shares of MIRS.  Both loans are due on March 31, 2008 and bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 0.8%. Other than as described below, the loans are non-recourse to the Company and are secured by the Company’s shares in MIRS. 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.

          These loans are subject to the compliance by MIRS with covenants regarding its operations and financial results. In March 2002, some of the covenants in the Leumi loan were amended to reflect changes in MIRS’ business.  In connection with these amendments, the Company agreed that Leumi will have recourse to the Company for an amount of up to $3.5 million if Motorola Israel does not make the guaranteed payment to the Company on March 31, 2003 as is required by the terms of the agreement under which the Company purchased its interest in MIRS from Motorola Israel.  In addition, Leumi will have recourse to the Company for another $0.5 million beginning in 2006 in relation to the Company’s repayment obligations under the loan. The Company anticipates that similar amendments will be required in the Hapoalim loan.  In the event that any such amendments are made to the Hapoalim loan, the terms of the security provided by the Company under that loan may also be changed.  Any such changes may result in the Company also directly guaranteeing part of this loan.

          At December 31, 2002 and 2001, notes and loans payable include $12.7 million and $14.1 million of loans, respectively, attributed to Am-Hal . The loans are dollar linked, mature through 2003 and have interest rates of zero to LIBOR plus 1%. The loans are secured by a lien on Am-Hal’s properties.

          The weighted average interest rates on the balances of short-term borrowings at year-end are as follows:  4.03% on $39.8 million and 3.23% on $31.1 million in 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Note 6 — Debentures

          Debentures outstanding at December 31 consist of:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

Ampal:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fifteen Year 11% Discount Debenture, maturing  2003

 

$ 17,428

 

$ 18,016

 

 

Ampal Development (Israel) Ltd.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series with interest rate of  6.2% , linked
to the Consumer Price Index in Israel
     maturing 2003-2005, secured by pledge on assets
     of $5.6 million and $7.5 million, respectively

 

5,443

 

7,268

 

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

22,871

 

25,284

 

 

Less: Unamortized discounts

 

325

 

2,188

 

 

 

 


 


 

 

Total

 

$ 22,546

 

$ 23,096

 

 

 

 


 


 

67




Ampal Development, a wholly – owned subsidiary of the Company, issued debentures which are publicly traded on the TASE. An aggregate of approximately $5.4 million of these debentures were outstanding as of December 31, 2002. Ampal Development has deposited funds with Bank Hapoalim sufficient to pay all principal and interest on these debentures.

          Maturities (including required obligations) for the three years ending December 31 would be:

          2003

 

$ 19,214

 

          2004

 

1,786

 

          2005

 

1,871

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

$ 22,871

 

 

 

 


 

Note 7 — Accounts payable accrued expenses and others

          The balance of “Accounts payable, accrued and others” as of December 31, 2002 is composed of the following: $48.7 million in respect of deposits from tenants of retirement centers for senior citizens (2001 - $47.0 million), $16.1 million with respect to deferred tax liability (2001 - - $19.5 million), $ 6.7 million in respect of minority interest (2001 - $5.7 million), $2.5 million with respect to accrued interest (2001 - $3.6 million) and $3.7 in respect of excess of share in losses of associated company over the investment therein (2001 - $2.4 million) and $9.0 payable amounts to others (2001 - $ 8.5 million).

Note 8 — Shareholders’ Equity

Capital Stock

          The 4% and 6-1/2% preferred shares are convertible into 5 and 3 shares of Class A Stock, respectively.  At December 31, 2002, a total of 5,283,947 shares of Class A Stock are reserved for issuance upon the conversion of the Preferred Stock and the exercise of 2,852,000 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, 2002, there are no dividend in arrears.

Retained Earnings

          At December 31, 2002, retained earnings include $15.1 million for affiliates accounted for by the equity method, of which $10.0 million and an additional $47.3 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.

68




Note 9 — Stock Options

          In March 1998, the Board approved a Long-Term Incentive Plan (“1998 Plan”) permitting the granting of options to all employees, officers, directors and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries to purchase up to an aggregate of 400,000 shares of Class A Stock. The 1998 plan was approved by the majority of the Company’s shareholders at the June 19, 1998, annual meeting of shareholders. The plan remains in effect for a period of ten years.
As of December 31, 2002, 204,500 options of the 1998 Plan are outstanding.

          On February 15, 2000, the Stock Option Committee approved a new Incentive Plan (“2000 Plan”), under which the Company has reserved 4 million shares of class A Stock, permitting the granting of options to all employees, officers and directors. The 2000 Plan was approved by the Board of Directors at the meeting held on March 27, 2000 and was approved by a majority of the Company’s shareholders at the June 29, 2000 annual meeting of shareholders. The plan remains in effect for a period of ten years. As of December 31, 2002 2,647,500 options of the 2000 Plan are outstanding.

          The options granted under the 1998 Plan and the 2000 Plan (collectively, the “Plans”) may be either incentive stock options, at an exercise price to be determined by the Stock Option Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) but not less than 100% of the fair market value of the underlying options on the date of grant, or non-incentive stock options, at an exercise price to be determined by the Committee. The Committee may also grant, at its discretion, “restricted stock,” “dividend equivalent awards,” which entitle the recipient to receive dividends in the form of Class A Stock, cash or a combination of both and “stock appreciation rights,” which permit the recipient to receive an amount in the form of Class A Stock, cash or a combination of both, equal to the number of shares of Class A Stock with respect to which the rights are exercised multiplied by the excess of the fair market value of the Class A Stock on the exercise date over the exercise price. The options granted under the plants were granted either at market value or above.

          Under each of the Plans, all granted but unvested options become immediately exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control of the Company. On April 25, 2002, the controlling shareholder of the Company, Rebar Financial Corp. sold all of its stock in the Company to Y.M. Noy Investments Ltd.. Accordingly, all options granted but unvested under the Plans were immediately exercisable.

          As of December 31, 2002, 1,548,000 options under both plans are available for future grant.

          Transactions under both Stock Option Plans were as follows:

 

 

Year Ended December 31,
2002

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Weighted
Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

Exercise
Price

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands, except per
share data)

 

 

 


 

Outstanding at beginning of year

 

2,815

 

$ 23.03

 

Granted

 

1,298

 

$ 3.12

 

Exercised

 

(329

)

$ 6.00

 

Forfeited/Expired

 

(932

)

$ 26.33

 

 

 


 

 

 

Outstanding at end of year

 

2,852

 

$ 14.77

 

 

 


 

 

 

Exercisable at end of year

 

1,630

 

$ 23.51

 

 

 


 


 

Weighted average fair value of options granted

 

 

 

$ 1.62

 

 

 

 

 


 

69




 

 

Year Ended December 31,
2001

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Weighted
Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

Exercise
Price

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands, except per
share data)

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at beginning of year

 

3,161

 

$ 24.43

 

Granted

 

205

 

$ 5.94

 

Exercised

 

 

$ —

 

Forfeited/Expired

 

(551

)

$ 24.72

 

 

 


 

 

 

Outstanding at end of year

 

2,815

 

$ 23.03

 

 

 


 

 

 

Exercisable at end of year

 

912

 

$ 16.78

 

 

 


 


 

Weighted average fair value of options granted

 

 

 

$ 3.51

 

 

 

 

 


 


 

 

Year Ended December 31,
2000

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Weighted
Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options

 

Exercise
Price

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands, except per
share data)

 

 

 


 

Outstanding at beginning of year

 

762

 

$ 8.55

 

Granted

 

2,972

 

$ 25.48

 

Exercised

 

(511

)

$ 8.59

 

Forfeited/Expired

 

(62

)

$ 10.00

 

 

 


 

 

 

Outstanding at end of year

 

3,161

 

$ 24.43

 

 

 


 

 

 

Exercisable at end of year

 

884

 

$ 20.09

 

 

 


 


 

Weighted average fair value of options granted

 

 

 

$ 6.94

 

 

 

 

 


 

70




Note 9 — Stock Options – Continued

          The 2,852,000 options outstanding as of December 31, 2002 have exercise prices between $3.12 and $32 with a weighted average exercise price of $14.77 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 8.4 years. Of these 2,852,000 options, 1,630,000 are exercisable as of December 31, 2002; their weighted average exercise price is $23.51.

          The 2,815,000 options outstanding as of December 31, 2001 had exercise prices between $5.94 and $32 with a weighted average exercise price of $23.03 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.8 years.  Of these 2,815,000 options, 912,000 are exercisable as of December 31, 2001; their weighted average exercise price is $16.78.

Note 10 – Earnings (Loss) 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 dilution from the conversion of the 4% and 6½% Preferred Stocks into Class A Stock and the exercise of stock options.  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:

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2002

 

 

 


 

 

 

Income
(Loss)

 

Shares

 

Per Share
Amounts

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 


 

Basic and diluted EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) attributable to Class A Stock

 

$ (44,265

)(1)

19,538

 

$ (2.27

)

 

 


 


 


 




 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2001

 

 

 


 

 

 

Income
(Loss)

 

Shares

 

Per Share
Amounts

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 


 

Basic and diluted EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Net (loss) attributable to Class A Stock

 

$ (7,201

)(1)

19,184

 

$ (0.38

)

 

 


 


 


 

71





 

Year Ended December 31, 2000

 

 

 


 

 

 

Income
(Loss)

 

Shares

 

Per Share
Amounts

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 


 

Basic EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Net income attributable to Class A Stock

 

$ 579

(1)

18,916

 

$ 0.03

 

 

 


 


 


 

Effect of Dilutive Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Exercise of stock options

 

 

 

141

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Diluted EPS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Net income attributable to Class A Stock

 

$ 579

 

19,057

 

$ 0.03

 

 

 


 


 


 


(1)

After deduction of Preferred Stock dividends of $218, $227 and $234 in 2002, 2001 and 2000 respectively.

(2)

In 2002 and 2001, the conversion of the 4% and 6½% Preferred Stocks was excluded from the diluted EPS calculation due to the antidilutive effect.

          Options to purchase 2,852,000, 2,815,000 and 3,161,000 shares of common stock were outstanding as of December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively, of which 2,852,000, 2,815,000 and 2,957,000 options were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because of their anti-dilutive effect.

72




Note 11 — Income Taxes

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

The components of current and deferred income tax
    expense (benefit) are:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    State and local

 

$ —

 

$ 1,038

 

$ —

 

    Federal

 

 

500

 

(2,737

)

    Foreign

 

274

 

409

 

229

 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    State and local

 

(22

)

343

 

14

 

    Federal

 

(4,687

)

(3,368

)

3,295

 

    Foreign

 

6,214

 

(3,459

)

(2,994

)

 

 


 


 


 

    Total

 

$ 1,779

 

$ (4,537

)

$ (2,193

)

 

 


 


 


 

The components of deferred income tax expense
    (benefit) are:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized (losses)

 

$ (467

)

$ (1,619

)

$ (4,750

)

Cost basis adjustment

 

1,547

 

1,593

 

1,593

 

Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates

 

(3,337

)

(7,260

)

894

 

Loss from impairment of investments

 

(11,616

)

(1,454

)

 

Net operating loss carryforwards

 

(4,456

)

(71

)

813

 

Deferred income

 

2,221

 

1,598

 

1,840

 

Valuation Allowance (*)

 

17,614

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

(1

)

729

 

(75

)

 

 


 


 


 

          Total

 

$ 1,505

 

$ (6,484

)

$ 315

 

 

 


 


 


 

The domestic and foreign components of (loss)
    income before income
    taxes are:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic

 

$ (7,150

)

$ 5,106

 

$ (2,496

)

Foreign

 

(35,118

)

(16,617

)

1,116

 

 

 


 


 


 

          Total

 

$ (42,268

)

$ (11,511

)

$ (1,380

)

 

 


 


 


 

A reconciliation of income taxes between the
    statutory and effective tax is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal income tax (benefit) at 34%, 35% and 35%

 

$ (14,371

)

$ (4,029

)

$ (483

)

Taxes on foreign income (below) U.S. rate,
    net of tax credits

 

(1,181

)

(1,386

)

(1,614

)

State and local taxes
    net of federal effect

 

 

898

 

 

Unbenefitted losses and impairment of investments *

 

17,614

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

(283

)

(20

)

(96

)

 

 


 


 


 

          Total effective tax: (4%), 39%,and 159%

 

$ 1,779

 

$ (4,537

)

$ (2,193

)

 

 


 


 


 


*

Valuation allowance is composed of tax benefits on foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $6.6 million, realized and unrealized loss of investment in securities of $6.3 million and of loss from impairment of investment of $4.7 million.

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2002, the Company has U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $32 million that will expire in the years 2020 through 2022. The utilization of net operating loss carryforwards may be subject to substantial annual limitations if there has been a significant “change in ownership”. Such a “change in ownership”, as described in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, may substantially limit the Company’s utilization of the net operating loss carryforwards.

          Other assets include approximately $5.6 million ($11million in 2001) of deferred tax assets which primarily represent the tax benefit of the temporary differences between the carrying values of the investments in the financial statements and their income tax bases and a $10.9  million asset ($6.5 million in 2001) representing a tax benefit with respect to the net operating loss carryforwards.  Accounts and income taxes payable and accrued expenses include approximately $16.1million ($19.5 million in 2001) of deferred tax liability which primarily consists of tax liability provided on undistributed earnings of affiliates of approximately $6.3 million ($13.7 million in 2001).

73




Note 12 — Investments in Affiliates

          The companies accounted for by the equity method and the Company’s share of equity in those investees are:

 

 

As of December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 


 


 


 

Bay Heart Limited (a)

 

37

 

37

 

37

 

Carmel Containers Systems Limited

 

21.8

 

21.8

 

21.8

 

Coral World International Limited

 

50

 

50

 

50

 

CUTe Ltd

 

20

 

20

 

—  

 

Epsilon Investment House Ltd.

 

20

 

20

 

20

 

Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited (“Granite”)

 

20.4

 

20.2

 

20.2

 

Hod Hasharon Sport Center (1992) Limited
     Partnership

 

50

 

50

 

50

 

Ophir Holdings Ltd.

 

42.5

 

42.5

 

42.5

 

Ophirtech Ltd.

 

42.5

 

42.5

 

42.5

 

Renaissance Investment Company Ltd.

 

20

 

20

 

20

 

Trinet Investment in High-Tech Ltd.

 

37.5

 

37.5

 

37.5

 

Trinet Venture Capital Ltd.(b) (c)

 

50

 

50

 

50

 

74




          Combined summarized financial information for the above companies is as follows:

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

2002

 

 

2001

 

 

2000

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Revenues

 

 

$ 718,831

 

 

$ 724,220

 

 

$ 843,152

 

Gross profit

 

 

174,404

 

 

158,057

 

 

183,680

 

Net income (loss)

 

 

(6,338

)

 

12,452

 

 

36,799

 

 

Property and equipment

 

 

$ 344,573

 

 

$ 353,122

 

 

$ 266,123

 

Other assets

 

 

563,359

 

 

598,370

 

 

668,750

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

   Total assets

 

 

$ 907,932

 

 

$ 951,492

 

 

$ 934,873

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Total liabilities, including bank borrowings

 

 

$ 718,295

 

 

$ 730,513

 

 

$ 635,873

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 


(a)

At December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, the Company had a note receivable from Bay Heart Limited in the amount of $0.4 million.

 

 

(b)

At December 31, 2001 and 2000, the Company had a non-interest bearing note receivable from Trinet Venture Capital Ltd. in the amount of $2.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

 

 

(c)

On December 31, 2001, the Company acquired 50% of the holdings of Trinet Venture Capital Ltd (“Trinet”) in Smart Link Ltd., Peptor Ltd and Netformx Ltd  for consideration of Capital notes, in the total amount of $ 2.3 million.

The carrying value of the Company’s investments in shares of its publicly traded affiliates at December 31, 2002, amounted to $28.1 million and had a market value of $38.4 million, based upon quoted market prices of shares traded on the American Stock Exchange and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.  There is no assurance that any of these investments could be realized at the quoted market price.

Note 13 – Other Income.

          Other revenues for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 include accrual of guaranteed payments from Motorola relating to the investment in MIRS of $ 7.1 million, $7.1 million   and $ 3.8 million respectively. In the year ended December 31, 2000, it includes also dividends received from MIRS amounting to $ 1.6 million.

75




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.

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

2002

 

 

2001

 

 

2000

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance

 

 

$ 10,543

 

 

$ 11,283

 

 

$ 16,512

 

Real estate income

 

 

7,871

 

 

18,872

 

 

9,981

 

Leisure-time

 

 

1,724

 

 

1,885

 

 

1,816

 

Intercompany adjustments

 

 

(72

)

 

(804

)

 

(488

)

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

          Total

 

 

$ 20,066

 

 

$ 31,236

 

 

$ 27,821

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance(b)

 

 

$ 54

 

 

$ 1,354

 

 

$ 2,745

 

Real estate rental(b)

 

 

(533

)

 

(481

)

 

2,915

 

Leisure-time(a)

 

 

570

 

 

1,486

 

 

1,418

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

          Total

 

 

$ 91

 

 

$ 2,359

 

 

$ 7,078

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Interest Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance

 

 

$ 994

 

 

$ 1,293

 

 

$ 1,694

 

Real estate rental

 

 

 

 

95

 

 

 

Intercompany adjustments

 

 

(32

)

 

(146

)

 

(488

)

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

          Total

 

 

$ 962

 

 

$ 1,242

 

 

$ 1,206

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Interest Expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance

 

 

$ 7,658

 

 

$ 10,385

 

 

$ 10,998

 

Real estate rental

 

 

761

 

 

1,591

 

 

2,732

 

Leisure-time

 

 

264

 

 

112

 

 

75

 

Intercompany adjustments

 

 

(30

)

 

(145

)

 

(488

)

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

          Total

 

 

$ 8,653

 

 

$ 11,943

 

 

$ 13,317

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Pretax Operating (Loss) Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance

 

 

$ (37,448

)

 

$ (17,709

)

 

$ (12,647

)

Real estate rental

 

 

(549

)

 

7,942

 

 

(1,933

)

Leisure-time

 

 

(71

)

 

204

 

 

197

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

          Total

 

 

$ (38,068

)

 

$ (9,563

)

 

$ (14,383

)

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance

 

 

$ 1,591

 

 

$ (7,889

)

 

$ (2,246

)

Real estate rental

 

 

153

 

 

3,261

 

 

42

 

Leisure-time

 

 

35

 

 

91

 

 

11

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

          Total

 

 

$ 1,779

 

 

$ (4,537

)

 

$ (2,193

)

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Total Assets for year end:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance

 

 

$ 243,031

 

 

$ 300,234

 

 

$ 324,593

 

Real estate rental

 

 

69,196

 

 

73,596

 

 

125,017

 

Leisure-time

 

 

14,986

 

 

14,511

 

 

13,708

 

Intercompany adjustments

 

 

(3,514

)

 

(4,508

)

 

(16,690

)

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

          Total

 

 

$ 323,699

 

 

$ 383,833

 

 

$ 446,628

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

76




Note 14 — Segment Information — Continued

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

2002

 

 

2001

 

 

2000

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Investments in Affiliates for year end:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance(b)

 

 

$ 2,431

 

 

$ 1,884

 

 

$ 11,757

 

Real estate rental(b)

 

 

1,337

 

 

14,295

 

 

24,453

 

Leisure-time(a)

 

 

12,573

 

 

12,314

 

 

11,187

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

          Total

 

 

$ 16,341

 

 

$ 28,493

 

 

$ 47,397

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Capital Expenditures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance

 

 

$ 52

 

 

$ 214

 

 

$ 733

 

Real estate rental

 

 

899

 

 

1,769

 

 

15,893

 

Leisure-time

 

 

455

 

 

197

 

 

136

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

          Total

 

 

$ 1,406

 

 

$ 2,180

 

 

$ 16,762

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Depreciation and Amortization:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance

 

 

$ 1,951

 

 

$ 1,805

 

 

$ 1,663

 

Real estate rental

 

 

(10

)

 

640

 

 

1,253

 

Leisure-time

 

 

95

 

 

100

 

 

115

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

          Total

 

 

$ 2,036

 

 

$ 2,545

 

 

$ 3,031

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

          Corporate office expense is principally applicable to the financing operation and has been charged to that segment above.  Revenues and pretax operating (loss) income above exclude equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates and minority interests.  Investment in affiliates and equity in earnings of affiliates only includes the investment and equity in earnings of those affiliates whose operations are represented by the Company’s segments.

          (a)     Operations in Australia, Israel and the United States.

          (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 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 cash and cash equivalents, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value (see Note 1(j)).

77




(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.

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

2002

 

 

2001

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

Carrying
Amount

 

 

Fair
Value

 

 

Carrying
Amount

 

 

Fair
Value

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Financial assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

$ 1,557

 

 

$ 1,557

 

 

$ 7,973

 

 

$ 7,973

 

Deposits, notes and loans receivable

 

 

10,962

 

 

11,284

 

 

17,172

 

 

16,957

 

Investments

 

 

18,612

 

 

18,612

 

 

40,641

 

 

40,641

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

$ 31,131

 

 

$ 31,453

 

 

$ 65,786

 

 

$ 65,571

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Financial liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes and loans payable

 

 

$ 114,257

 

 

$ 118,863

 

 

$ 122,805

 

 

$ 132,167

 

Debentures outstanding

 

 

22,546

 

 

23,169

 

 

21,560

 

 

20,742

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

$ 136,803

 

 

$ 142,032

 

 

$ 144,365

 

 

$ 152,909

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Note 16— Commitments and Contingencies

          (a)     The combined minimum annual lease payments on Ampal’s corporate offices and Country Club Kfar Saba, in 2002 were $ 0.2 million.  In the years 2003-2007, the combined annual lease payments on those premises, without giving effect to future escalations, will be in an aggregate amount of $ 1.3 million, and thereafter, an amount totaling $ 5 million. The lease of the corporate offices expires in 2009 and the Kfar Saba lease expires in 2037.

          (b)     AM-Hal provided a lien to Bank Hapoalim on AM- Hal properties in Rishon – Le Zion and Hod Hashron to guarantee a loan of $12.7 million.

78




          (c)     The Company has issued guarantees on bank loans to its investees and subsidiaries totaling $15.3 million as follows:

 

(1)

The Company provided a $4.8 million guarantee to AM – Hal  tenants .

 

 

 

 

(2)

The Company provided a $5.7 million guarantee on indebtness incurred by Bay Heart.

 

 

 

 

(3)

The Company provided a $4 million guarantee to Leumi with respect to the MIRS loan ($3.5 million if Motorola (Israel) Ltd. does not make a guaranteed payment to the Company in March 2003 and $0.5 million beginning in 2006 with respect to the Company’s repayment obligation under the loan).

 

 

 

 

(4)

The Company provided a $0.8 million guarantee to Galha (1960) Ltd, for the payment of the Company’s subsidiary of a final judgment, if entered against the Company’s subsidiary.

          (d)     At December 31, 2002, the Company had in place unused lines of credit in the aggregate amount of $ 5.1 million.

          (e)     The Company made a commitment to invest $3.2 million in Star II (2000 L.P.).

          (f)     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 the Company for approximately $700,000 and to require the Company 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 the Company’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.

          On July 27, 1998, a Tel Aviv District Court ruled in favor of Yakhin Hakal, the manager and co-owner of the Company’s 50%-owned affiliates Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim.  The judge’s decision allows Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim to redeem debentures owned by the Company for approximately $800,000 and to require the Company to surrender all of its preferred shares of Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim for their par value.  After the redemption and surrender, the Company will no longer have any interest in Etz Vanir or Yakhin Mataim. 

          On October 15, 1998, the Company filed an appeal with the Israeli Supreme Court in Jerusalem. On September 30, 2001, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal filed by the Company, on the grounds that the Company failed to timely produce a guarantee to cover Yakhin Hakal’s expenses in the appeal. On November 1, 2001, the Company filed a petition to the Israeli Supreme Court, contending that the dismissal of an appeal due to a delay in producing guarantees as part of the appeal is unreasonable and that the law allowing this should be changed. The petition was withdrawn by the Company on October 6, 2002.

          On December 30, 2001, the Company filed a motion to allow it to file a new appeal in this case. The Supreme Court dismissed the motion on September 10, 2002.

          On October 12, 2001, the Company filed a request with the Tel-Aviv District Court for a preliminary injunction and other remedies in relation to the validity and enforceability of Etz Vanir’s and Yakhin Mataim’s decisions to redeem the debentures owned by the Company and to require the Company to surrender all of its preferred shares in Etz Vanir and Yakhin Mataim. On January 28, 2002, the Tel Aviv  District Court dismissed the request. On March 12, 2002, the Company filed an appeal with regard to this decision with the Israeli Supreme Court and the appeal is scheduled to be heard on April 9 ,2003.
As of the date hereof, the Company cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings.

79




          (g)     In February 2000, a petition was filed against Sonol, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Granite, Paz Oil Company Ltd. and Delek, the Israeli Fuel Company Ltd., in the Jerusalem District Court to allow a class action suit regarding fixing the retail price of diesel fuel. The lawsuit, if certified as a class action, will be in the amount of NIS 249.6 million ($53 million).  Sonol’s share is NIS 58.6 million ($12 million).  Sonol denies the claim and, based on legal advice, Sonol’s management has concluded that there is a reasonable chance that the suit will not be certified as a class action.

          (h)     In May 2001, a claim was filed in the Jerusalem District Court against Sonol, its subsidiary company, Sprint Motors Ltd., and four unrelated fuel companies by customers who purchased fuel products in filling stations, contending that the defendants charged an illegal “service charge” over a period of many years.  The plaintiffs have requested the court to recognize their claim as a class action.  The amount of the claim is NIS 5.30 however, should the court certify the class action, it will total approximately NIS 404 million ($85 million).  From the claim, it is not clear as to what is Sonol’s and its subsidiary’s share of this amount.  Granite’s management and its legal counsel have advised the Company  that it is unlikely that the claim will be certified as a class action.

          (i)     In June 2001, a claim was filed by customers against Supergas (Granite’s wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary), alleging that the defendant made illegal periodic charges to its customers.  The plaintiff applied to the Tel Aviv District Court to recognize the claim as a class action in a total amount of NIS 133 million ($28 million).  Supergas’s management, based on legal advice, is of the opinion that it is more likely than not that Supergas will prevail in this case.

          (j)     Three claims were lodged against Granite’s formerly affiliated company and its past shareholders, which included Sonol, in the Haifa District Court.  The total amount of the claims is approximately NIS 65 million ($14 million). The plaintiff’s allegations concern the sale of fuel products pursuant to restrictive trade practices among the fuel companies and their affiliates. In the opinion of Sonol’s legal counsel and the formerly affiliated company, the companies have a sound defense against the claims.

          (k)     In 1999, Sonol filed a claim against one of its agencies for approximately NIS 40 million (approximately $8 million) in the Tel Aviv District Court, on account of an unpaid debt and damages caused to Sonol, alleging that the agency violated the terms of the agency agreement by dealing with one of Sonol’s competitors. The agency, in turn, filed a counterclaim in the amount of approximately NIS 62 million (approximately $13 million), stating various causes, including a claim that the contractual agreement between it and Sonol is a restrictive agreement.  In the opinion of Sonol’s management, based primarily on the opinion of Sonol’s legal counsel, the prospects of Sonol’s claim against the agency relating to amounts owed to Sonol are good and, regarding the amount claimed for damages on account of the violation of the agency agreement, such amount is subject to deliberation by the court.  Regarding the prospects of the agency’s counterclaim, Sonol’s legal counsel are unable, at this time, to estimate its prospects, insofar as it relates to the claim of a restrictive agreement.  Should the claim of a restrictive agreement be rejected by the court, the prospects of the counterclaim will not be favorable.  Currently, the dispute has been referred to mediation which was unsuccessful.

          (l)      A class action was filed in april 1999 and was certified by the Tel-Aviv District Court against Supergas and four other gas companies for a declaratory judgment regarding the responsibility of the gas companies to refund to their customers payments which were paid for periodic examinations which were not performed.  Supergas filed for permission to appeal this decision to the Israeli Supreme Court.  In the opinion of the company’s management, Supergas has recorded an adequate provision in its books for any potential exposure.

80



          (m)     In arbitration between the Israeli Fuel Authority and the organization of the owners of fuel stations, the arbitrator ordered the Fuel Authority to reimburse the fuel- stations owner's for depreciation on their investments in stations.  The Arbitrator's Order was approved by the District Court.  The Fuel Authority demanded that the fuel companies pay such payments. As a result of the arbitration, twenty five third-party claims were filed against Sonol (a subsidiary of Granite), in the total amount of NIS 43 million ($9 million).  All of the claims were dismissed in October 2002.  An appeal was filed to the Supreme Court.  Sonol's legal counsel believes that it is not likely that the appeal will be granted.

          (n)     On December 2, 1997, Kaniel, the Israeli Company for Tin Containers Ltd. (“Kaniel”) filed a suit against the Company in the Tel Aviv District Court, in the amount of NIS 3,623,058 ($0.8 million). The suit relates to eight loans given to Kaniel by the Company in 1984. Kaniel claimed that the Company's actions in connection with the loans were forbidden under the Israeli Interest Law. On November 24, 2002, the Tel Aviv District Court dismissed the claim.

          (o)     A petition to certify a class action against MIRS in the amount of NIS 170 million ($36 million) was filed in the Tel Aviv District Court in September 2001.  The claim is in connection with the change in MIRS tariffs resulting from the implementation of MIRS own dialing prefix, which replaced its previous dialing prefix, the Tel-Aviv area code.  As a result, persons in the Tel Aviv area code claimed that they are subject to higher tariffs than those they had been subject to under MIRS's previous dialing prefix.  MIRS' management estimates the maximum exposure to be substantially less than the amount claimed.

          (p)     A petition to certify a class action against MIRS and the other three cellular operators in Israel in the total amount of NIS 600 million ($127 million) was filed in the Tel Aviv District Court in May 2002.  The claim involves the inter-connect fees that were collected from the customers of the other operators with regard to phone calls that were made to voice recorder applications through the cellular operators' dialing numbers.  At this stage, the Company cannot estimate the impact this claim will have on it.

          (q)     The Israeli Income Tax Authority conducted a review of Am-Hal Ltd., the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, in 2000 and 2001.  Following the review, the Income Tax Authority assessed Am-Hal for additional taxes for the years 1995-1999.  Am-Hal disputed the assessment and filed an appeal, based on its disagreement with the Income Tax Authority concerning the proper methodology for calculating nursing home revenues.  In January 2003, AM-Hal and the Tax Authority reached an agreement that was approved as a Court ruling pursuant to which income in the aggregate amount of approximately $1.4 million will be added for the years 1995 – 1999. The financial statements fully reflect the impact of this increased income reported for tax purposes.

          (r)     In May 2002, the Israeli Income Tax Authority issued an assessment to Ampal (Israel) Ltd., the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, for payment of approximately NIS 34 million ( $7,177,538) for the tax years 1997-2000. Ampal (Israel) filed an appeal regarding this assessment and that it is reasonably possible that the appeal will be granted.  In addition, the Company has previously established a reserve in the amount of NIS 10 million ($2,111,040) in connection with potential tax liabilities for these tax years.

81




          (s)     On January 1, 2002, Galha (1960) Ltd. (“Galha”) filed a suit against the Company and other parties, including directors of Paradise Industries Ltd. (“Paradise”) appointed by the Company, in the Tel Aviv District Court, in the amount of NIS 8.9 million ($1.9 million). Galha claimed that the Company, which was a shareholder of Paradise, and another shareholder of Paradise, misused funds that were received by Paradise from an insurance company for the purpose of reconstructing an industrial building owned by Galha and used by Paradise which burnt down.  Paradise is currently involved in liquidation proceedings. Ampal issued a guarantee in favor of Galha for the payment of an amount of up to NIS 4.0 million ($8.4 million) if a final judgment against the Company will be given. At this stage, the Company cannot estimate the impact this claim will have on it.

          (t)     Legal claims arising in the normal course of business have been filed against subsidiaries and affiliates of the Company. Based upon the opinions of legal counsel, the Company's management believes that all provisions made are sufficient.

Note 17 – Subsequent Events

          In January 2003, the Company entered into an agreement for the sale of its holdings in Carmel Containers Systems Ltd., a packaging manufacturer based in Israel (“Carmel”), for approximately $3.5 million.  The sale of Ampal's shares of Carmel is contingent upon Carmel's acquisition of another packaging company, Best Carton Ltd., as well as obtaining other legal authorizations and regulatory approvals.

82




 

ITEM 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS 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 as of March 9, 2003:

Name

 

Position


 


Yosef A. Maiman

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director

Jack Bigio (1)

 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Leo Malamud(1)

 

Director

Michael Arnon(2) (3)

 

Director

Dr. Joseph Yerushalmi(1)

 

Director

Yehuda Karni(1) (2) (3)

 

Director

Eitan Haber(2) (3)

 

Director

Shlomo Shalev

 

Senior Vice President-Investments

Dafna Sharir

 

Senior Vice President-Investments

Irit Eluz

 

CFO, Vice President - Finance and Treasurer

Yoram Firon

 

Vice President-Investments and Corporate Affairs and Secretary

Amit Mantzur

 

Vice President-Investments

Giora Bar-Nir

 

Controller

Alla Kanter

 

Vice President-Accounting



          The numbers listed below, which follow the names of some of the foregoing directors, designate committee membership:

 

(1)

Member of the Executive Committee of the Board which meets as necessary between regularly scheduled Board meetings and, consistent with certain statutory limitations, exercises all the authority of the Board. 

 

 

 

 

(2)

Member of the Audit Committee of the Board which reviews functions of the outside auditors, auditors' fees and related matters.  Mr. Arnon is the Chairman of the Audit Committee.

 

 

 

 

(3)

Member of the Stock Option and Compensation Committee

 

 

 

 

(4)

Mr. Mantzur was appointed Vice President – Investments of Ampal on March 24, 2003.

          In 2002, the Board of Directors met eight times and acted once by written consent; the Executive Committee did not meet and did not act by written consent; and the Audit Committee met six times and did not act by written consent. The Stock Option and Compensation Committee met two times and did not act by written consent and the Stock Option Committee, the predecessor committee to the Stock Option and Compensation Committee, met once during the fiscal year and did not act by written consent. All directors attended more than 75% of the aggregate of (1) the total number of Board of Directors' meetings held during the period in 2002 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 2002 (during the period of such service).

83




          The following sets forth the ages of all of the above-mentioned directors and executive officers, all positions and offices with Ampal or its subsidiaries held by each director and officer and principal occupations during the last five years.

          YOSEF A. MAIMAN, 57, has been the Chairman of the Board of Ampal since April 25, 2002.  Mr. Maiman has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Merhav Mnf. Ltd. (“Merhav”), one of the largest international project development companies based in Israel, since its founding in 1975.  Mr. Maiman is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Channel Ten, a commercial television station in Israel, a director of Eltek, Ltd. (“Eltek”), a developer and manufacturer of printed circuit boards, a member of the Board of Directors of the Middle East Task Force of the New York Council on Foreign Relations and Honorary Consul to Israel from Peru. Mr. Maiman is also member of the Board of Trustees of the Tel Aviv University, Chairman of the Israeli Board of the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies at Tel Aviv University, a member of the Board of Governors of Ben Gurion University, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Policy Institute for Counter Terrorism.

          JACK BIGIO, 37, has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Ampal since April 25, 2002, and a director of Ampal since March 2002.  From 1998 until April 2002, Mr. Bigio held various officer positions at Merhav, most recently as the Senior Vice President - Operations and Finance.  Mr. Bigio is also a director of Eltek.  He has been a director of Ampal since March 6, 2002.

          LEO MALAMUD, 51,  has been a director of Ampal since March 2002.  Since 1996, Mr. Malamud was the Senior Vice President of Merhav.  Mr. Malamud is also a director of Eltek.  He has been a director of Ampal since March 6, 2002.

          MICHAEL ARNON, 77, was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ampal from November 1990 until July 1994, when he retired.  Mr. Arnon has been a director of Ampal since 1986.  From July 1986 until November 1990, Mr. Arnon was President and Chief Executive Officer of Ampal. 

          Dr. JOSEPH YERUSHALMI, 65, has been Senior Vice President - Head of Energy and Infrastructure Projects of Merhav since 1995.  He has been a director of Ampal since August 16, 2002.

          YEHUDA KARNI, 74, was a senior partner in the law firm of Firon Karni Sarov & Firon, from 1961 until his retirement in 2000.  He has been a director of Ampal since August 16, 2002.

          EITAN HABER, 63, was the Head of Bureau for the former Prime Minister of Israel, Yitzhak Rabin, from July 1993 until November 1995.  Since 1996, Mr. Haber has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Geopol Ltd., which represents the Korean conglomerate Samsung in Israel and the Middle East; Kavim Ltd., a production and project development company; and Adar Real Estate Ltd., a real estate company.  Mr. Haber is also a member of various non-profit organizations.  He has been a director of Ampal since August 16, 2002.

          SHLOMO SHALEV, 41, has been Senior Vice President - Investments since May 2002.  From August 1997 through April 2002, Mr. Shalev was Vice President in Ampal Industries (Israel) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.  From August 1994 through July 1997, Mr. Shalev was the Israeli Consul for Economic Affairs in the northwest region of the Unites States.

          DAFNA SHARIR, 34, has been Senior Vice President - Investments since May 2002.  From March 1999 through April 2002, Ms. Sharir was a Director of Mergers and Acquisitions of Amdocs Limited.  From July 1998 through February 1999, Ms. Sharir was an international tax consultant at Kost Forer & Gabay, a member of Ernst & Young International.

84




          IRIT ELUZ, 36, has been the Chief Financial Officer, Vice President - Finance and Treasurer since May 2002.  From January 2000 through April 2002, Ms. Eluz was the Associate Chief Financial Officer of Merhav.  From June 1995 through December 1999, Ms. Eluz was the Chief Financial Officer of Kamor Group.

          YORAM  FIRON, 34, has been Secretary and Vice President - Investments and Corporate Affairs since May 2002.  During the preceding five years, Mr. Firon was a Vice President of Merhav and a partner in the law firm of Firon Karni Sarov & Firon.

          AMIT MANTSUR, 33, has been Vice President – Investments since March 2003. From September 2000 through December 2002, Mr. Mantsur served at Alrov Group as Strategy & Business Development Manager.  From February 1997 through September 2000, Mr. Mantsur was a projects manager at the Financial Advisory Services of KPMG Somekh Chaikin.

          GIORA BAR-NIR, 46, has been the Controller since March 2002.  During the preceding five years, Mr. Bar-Nir was the Controller of the Israeli subsidiaries of Ampal.

          ALLA KANTER, 45, has been Vice President-Accounting since September 1995.  Ms. Kanter was the Controller from August 1990 until March 2002.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

          Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires Ampal's executive officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of Ampal's equity securities, to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial statements of beneficial ownership (Form 3), and statements of changes in beneficial ownership (Forms 4 and 5), of Class A Stock of Ampal.

          Nitsan Yanovski, the Vice President - Business Development of Ampal from May 21, 2002 until his retirement at December 31, 2002, did not file a Form 3 reporting his initial beneficial ownership of equity securities of Ampal nor did he file a Form 4 reporting the grant of stock options by Ampal to him on August 16, 2002.  Each of Giora Bar-Nir, Shlomo Shalev, Dafna Sharir and Yoram Firon did not timely file a Form 3 reporting their respective initial beneficial ownership of equity securities of Ampal.

85




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, 2002, 2001 and 2000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Name and Principal Position

 

Year

 

Salaries

 

Bonus

 

Other Annual Compensation(10)

 

Long-Term
Compensation
Awards
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options (11)

 

All
Other
Compensation
(16)

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

$

 

Yosef A. Maiman(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chairman of the Board

 

 

2002

 

 

324,376

 

 

 

 

15,765

 

 

250,000

 

 

410

 

Jack Bigio (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President and CEO

 

 

2002

 

 

280,130

(8)

 

 

 

43,498

 

 

150,000

 

 

40,740

 

Nitsan Yanovski (3)

 

 

2002

 

 

194,975

 

 

77,712

 

 

27,526

 

 

78,500

 

 

98,711

 

(Former Vice President –

 

 

2001

 

 

142,691

 

 

75,634

 

 

17,984

 

 

20,000

(15)

 

34,329

 

     Business

 

 

2000

 

 

132,187

 

 

60,000

 

 

13,048

 

 

495,000

(15)

 

93,237

 

     Development)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shlomo Shalev (4)

 

 

2002

 

 

149,225

 

 

63,240

 

 

27,815

 

 

90,000

 

 

37,279

 

Senior Vice President

 

 

2001

 

 

143,093

 

 

61,406

 

 

17,408

 

 

20,000

 

 

36,137

 

     Investments

 

 

2000

 

 

146,873

 

 

65,000

 

 

14,178

 

 

545,000

 

 

39,300

 

Alla Kanter (5)

 

 

2002

 

 

133,598

 

 

11,105

 

 

 

 

 

78,500

 

 

18,757

 

(Vice President-

 

 

2001

 

 

133,538

 

 

11,105

 

 

 

 

 

15,000

(14)

 

18,138

 

     Accounting and

 

 

2000

 

 

126,036

 

 

10,476

 

 

 

 

 

15,000

(14)

 

17,007

 

     Controller)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raz Steinmetz (6)

 

 

2002

 

 

82,993

 

 

 

 

9,792

 

 

 

 

 

189,707

(9)

(Former CEO and

 

 

2001

 

 

318,344

 

 

98,459

 

 

24,859

 

 

30,000

(12)

 

74,997

 

     President)

 

 

2000

 

 

175,369

 

 

49,822

 

 

20,555

 

 

655,000

(12)

 

51,644

 

Shlomo Meichor(7)

 

 

2002

 

 

170,525

 

 

48,427

 

 

28,784

 

 

 

 

49,514

 

     (FormerVice President-

 

 

2001

 

 

169,567

 

 

53,578

 

 

15,205

 

 

24,000

(13)

 

51,110

 

Finance and Treasurer)

 

 

2000

 

 

156,150

 

 

44,056

 

 

14,849

 

 

374,000

(13)

 

46,281

 




(1)

 

Mr. Maiman has been employed by Ampal since April 25, 2002 as Chairman of the Board.  Mr. Maiman is entitled to receive a base salary of $420,000 (payable in NIS) per annum (plus benefits).

 

 

 

(2)

 

Mr. Bigio has been employed by Ampal since April 25, 2002 as President and CEO.  Mr. Bigio is entitled to receive a base salary of $250,000 (payable in NIS) per annum (plus benefits).

 

 

 

(3)

 

Mr. Yanovski was appointed Vice President Business Development since May 21, 2002.  Mr. Yanovski retired from Ampal on December 31, 2002 (the amounts include salary for an additional three months).

86




 

 

 

(4)

 

Mr. Shalev was appointed Senior Vice President of Investments since May 21, 2002.  Mr. Shalev is entitled to receive a base salary of $150,000 (payable in NIS) per annum (plus benefits).

 

 

 

(5)

 

Ms. Kanter has been Vice President – Accounting of Ampal since September 1995 and Controller of Ampal since August 1990.

 

 

 

(6)

 

Mr. Steinmetz was employed by Ampal since January 1, 1997 untill April 25 ,2002 and was appointed CEO and President effective July 1, 1999.  Mr. Steinmetz was entitled to receive a base salary of $250,000 (payable in NIS) per annum (plus benefits).  Mr. Steinmetz resigned from all positions he held in Ampal on April 25, 2002.

 

 

 

(7)

 

Mr. Meichor had been employed by Ampal since March 1, 1998, and served as Vice President-Finance and Treasurer of Ampal from April 1, 1998 until May 21, 2002.  Mr. Meichor receives a base salary of $164,000 per annum, adjusted annually in accordance with the United States Consumer Price Index (payable in NIS) plus benefits and use of a car. Based on his agreement with Ampal, Mr. Meichor received an additional 8 months of salary (2 months notice and 6 months as the result of a change in control of Ampal).  Mr. Meichor ceased to receive additional salary from Ampal on January 19, 2003.

 

 

 

(8)

 

Including $86,481 payment advance that have been returned on February 1, 2003.

 

 

 

(9)

 

Consists of payment for accrued vacation.

 

 

 

(10)

 

Consists of amounts reimbursed for the payment of taxes.

 

 

 

(11)

 

Represents the number of shares of Class A Stock underlying options granted to the named executive officers.

 

 

 

(12)

 

Expired on April 25, 2002.

 

 

 

(13)

 

Expired on January 26, 2003.

 

 

 

(14)

 

Expired on February 20, 2003.

 

 

 

(15)

 

Expired on January 7, 2003.

 

 

 

(16)

 

Comprised of Ampal (Israel)'s contribution pursuant to: (i) Ampal (Israel)'s pension plan, (ii) Ampal's (Israel)'s education fund, (iii) use of car and (iv) use of automobile.

Fiscal Year-End Option Values

 

 

Shares
Acquired on
Exercise

 

Value
Realized

 

Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options at Fiscal Year-End(1)

 

 

 


 


 


 

Name

 

 

 

Exercisable

 

Unexercisable

 


 

 

 


 


 

Yosef A. Maiman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,625

 

 

 

234,375

 

 

Jack Bigio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,375

 

 

 

140,625

 

 

Nitsan Yanovski

 

 

40,000

 

 

 

$240,000

 

 

 

499,906

 

 

 

73,594

 

 

Shlomo Shalev

 

 

40,000

 

 

 

$240,000

 

 

 

550,625

 

 

 

84,375

 

 

Alla Kanter

 

 

30,000

 

 

 

$180,000

 

 

 

19,906

 

 

 

73,594

 

 

Raz Steinmetz

 

 

60,000

 

 

 

$360,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shlomo Meichor

 

 

48,000

 

 

 

$288,000

 

 

 

372,000

 

 

 

 

 




(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 as of December 31, 2002.  None of the outstanding options are in-the-money.

87




Option Grants In Last Fiscal Year

          The following table sets forth certain information regarding stock options granted to purchase our Class A Stock to our named executive officers during fiscal year 2002:

Annual Compensation

Name

 

Option
Plan

 

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Option
Granted

 

% of Total
Options
Granted to
Employees in
Fiscal Year

 

Exercise
Price Per
Share

 

Market
Price on
Date of
Grant

 

Expiration
Date

 

Potential Realizable Value at
Assumed Annual Rates of Stock Price Appreciation For Option Term

 


 


 


 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5%

 

10%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 

Yosef A. Maiman

 

 

2000

 

 

 

250,000

 

 

 

19

%

 

$

3.12

 

 

$

3.12

 

 

 

08-15-12

 

 

$

490,538

 

 

$

1,234,119

 

 

Jack Bigio

 

 

2000

 

 

 

150,000

 

 

 

12

%

 

$

3.12

 

 

$

3.12

 

 

 

08-15-12

 

 

$

294,323

 

 

$

745,871

 

 

Nitsan Yanovski

 

 

2000

 

 

 

78,500

 

 

 

6

%

 

$

3.12

 

 

$

3.12

 

 

 

08-15-12

 

 

$

154,029

 

 

$

390,339

 

 

Shlomo Shalev

 

 

2000

 

 

 

90,000

 

 

 

7

%

 

$

3.12

 

 

$

3.12

 

 

 

08-15-12

 

 

$

176,594

 

 

$

447,523

 

 

Alla Kanter

 

 

2000

 

 

 

78,500

 

 

 

6

%

 

$

3.12

 

 

$

3.12

 

 

 

08-15-12

 

 

$

154,029

 

 

$

390,339

 

 

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:

Years of Service

 

Vested
Percentage

 


 


 

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

%

 

          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 2002 was limited under the Code to $11,000. 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:

88




Years of Service

 

Vested Percentage

 


 


 

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

%

 

          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. Maiman and Mr. Bigio) received $500 per Board meeting attended until December 16, 2002.  Thereafter, directors of Ampal shall receive $750 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.

          The following table sets forth certain information regarding stock options granted to purchase our Class A Stock to our directors during the three fiscal years ended December 2002, 2001 and 2000.

 

Year

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 


 


 


 


 

 

Yosef A.Maiman (3)

 

 

250,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jack Bigio (5)

 

 

150,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leo Malmud (5)

 

 

150,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Joseph Yerushalmi (4)

 

 

100,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eitan Haber (4)

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Arnon

 

 

15,000

 

 

5,000

 

 

5,000

 

 

Yehuda Karni (4)

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel Steinmetz (1)

 

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

10,000

 

 

Raz Steinmetz (1)

 

 

 

 

30,000

 

 

655,000

 

 

Yaacov Elinav (1)

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

5,000

 

 

Kenneth L. Henderson (1)

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

5,000

 

 

Hillel Peled (2)

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

5,000

 

 

Avi A. Vigder (1)

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

5,000

 

 

Eliyahu Wagner (2)

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

5,000

 

 

Benzion Benbassat (1)

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

5,000

 


(1)

Resigned April 25, 2002.

(2)

Did not stand for re-election at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on August 16, 2002.

(3)

Since April 25, 2002.

(4)

Since August 16, 2002.

(5)

Since March 6, 2002.

89




Stock Option Plan

          In March 1998, the Board approved a Long-Term Incentive Plan (''1998 Plan'') permitting the granting of options to all employees, officers, directors and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries to purchase up to an aggregate of 400,000 shares of Class A Stock.  The 1998 Plan was approved by a majority of the Company's shareholders at the June 19, 1998 annual meeting of shareholders. The plan remains in effect for a period of ten years.  As of December 31, 2002, 204,500 options of the 1998 Plan are outstanding.

          On February 15, 2000, the Stock Option Committee approved a new Incentive Plan (“2000 Plan”), under which the Company has reserved 4 million shares of class A Stock, permitting the granting of options to all employees, officers and directors.  The 2000 Plan was approved by the Board of Directors at a meeting held on March 27, 2000 and was approved by a majority of the Company's shareholders at the June 29, 2000 annual meeting of shareholders. The plan remains in effect for a period of ten years. As of December 31, 2002,  2,647,500 options of the 2000 Plan are outstanding.

          The options granted under the 1998 Plan and the 2000 Plan (collectively, the “Plans”) may be either incentive stock options, at an exercise price to be determined by the Stock Option and Compensation Committee (“the Committee”) but not less than 100% of the fair market value of the underlying options on the date of grant, or non-incentive stock options, at an exercise price to be determined by the Committee. The Committee may also grant, at its discretion, “restricted stock,” “dividend equivalent awards,” which entitle the recipient to receive dividends in the form of Class A Stock, cash or a combination of both and “stock appreciation rights,” which permit the recipient to receive an amount in the form of Class A Stock, cash or a combination of both, equal to the number of shares of Class A Stock with respect to which the rights are exercised multiplied by the excess of the fair market value of the Class A Stock on the exercise date over the exercise price.  The options granted under the Plans were granted either at market value or above.

          Under each of the Plans, all granted but unvested options become immediately exercisable upon the occurrence of a change in control of the Company. On February 26, 2002, the controlling shareholder of the Company, Rebar Financial Corp., sold all of its stock in the Company to Y.M. Noy Investments Ltd.  Accordingly, all options granted but unvested under the Plans were immediately exercisable.

          The Company accounts for all plans under APB Opinion No. 25, under which no compensation costs were incurred in the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002.  If compensation cost for the options under the above Plans had been determined in accordance with SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income (loss) and EPS would have been reduced “Beneficial Owners and Management” for additional information regarding the effect of the proposed stock sale on some outstanding options.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

          Until April 25, 2002, members of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, which functioned as the compensation committee of Ampal, included:  Mr. Daniel Steinmetz Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ampal; Mr. Hillel Peled; President of Inveco International Inc., and Mr. Raz Steinmetz; Chief Executive Officer and President of Ampal.  Additionally, until August 16, 2002, Ampal’s Stock Option Committee of the Board of Directors, which administered Ampal’s stock option plans, was composed of the following board members who also served as members of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors until August 16, 2002:  Mr. Michael Arnon, Mr. Hillel Peled and Mr. Eliyahu Wagner.  Since August 16, 2002, the newly formed Stock Option and Compensation Committee functions as both the compensation and stock option committee of Ampal.  The members of this Committee include Mr. Michael Arnon, Mr. Yehuda Karni and Mr. Eitan Haber.  Since August 16, 2002, the members of the Stock Option and Compensation Committee also serve as members of the Audit Committee of Ampal.

90




ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information(1)

 

 

 


 

Plan category

 

Number of securities
to be issued
upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

 

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

 

Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))

 


 


 


 


 

 

 

(a)

 

(b)

 

(c)

 

Equity compensation
     plans approved by
     security holders

 

 

2,852,000

 

 

14.77

 

 

1,548,000

 

Equity compensation
     plans not approved
     by security holders

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

          Total

 

 

2,852,000

 

 

14.77

 

 

1,548,000

 

(1) All information provided as of December 31, 2002.

PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS OF AMPAL

          The following table sets forth information as of March 9, 2003, 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 of March 9, 2003, there were 19,684,948 (not including treasury shares) shares of Class A Stock of Ampal outstanding.  In addition, as of March 9, 2003, there were 583,530 non-voting shares of 6 1/2% Preferred Stock outstanding (each convertible into 3 shares of Class A Stock) outstanding and 133,510 non-voting shares of 4% Preferred Stock outstanding (each convertible into 5 shares of Class A Stock). 

91




Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

Name and Address
of Beneficial Owner

 

Title of Class

 

Number of Shares
and Nature
of Beneficial Ownership

 

Percent
of Outstanding
Shares of
Class A Stock

 


 


 


 


 

Y.M Noy Investments Ltd., of 33
Havazelet Hasharon st.,
Herzliya, Israel

 

 

Class A Stock

 

 

 

11,713,232

shs. (1)

 

 

59.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yosef A. Maiman
Y.M Noy Investments Ltd., of 33
Havazelet Hasharon st.,
Herzliya, Israel

 

 

Class A Stock

 

 

 

11,744,482

shs. (1)(2)

 

 

59.66

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ohad. Maiman
Y.M Noy Investments Ltd., of 33
Havazelet Hasharon st.,
Herzliya, Israel

 

 

Class A Stock

 

 

 

11,713,232

shs. (1)

 

 

59.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noa. Maiman
Y.M Noy Investments Ltd., of 33
Havazelet Hasharon st.,
Herzliya, Israel

 

 

Class A Stock

 

 

 

11,713,232

shs. (1)

 

 

59.5

%

 




 

(1)

Consists of 11,713,232 shares of Class A Stock held directly by Y.M Noy Investments Ltd. Yosef A. Maiman  owns 100% of the economic shares and one-third of the voting shares of Noy.  In addition, Mr. Maiman holds an option to acquire the remaining two-thirds of the voting shares of Noy (which are currently owned by Ohad Maiman and Noa Maiman, the son and daughter, respectively, of Mr. Maiman).

 

 

 

 

(2)

Includes 31,250 shares of Class A Stock underlying options which are currently exercisable by Mr. Maiman.

92




Security Ownership of Management

 

The following table sets forth information as of March 9, 2003 as to each class of equity securities of Ampal or any of its subsidiaries beneficially owned by each director and named executive officer of Ampal listed in the Summary Compensation Table and by all directors and named executive officers of Ampal as a group. All ownership is direct unless otherwise noted. The table does not include directors or named executive officers who do not own any such shares:


Name

 

Number of Shares and
Nature of Beneficial
Ownership
of Class A Stock

 

Percent of Outstanding
Shares of
Class A Stock

 


 


 


 

Yosef Maiman

 

 

11,744,482

(1)

 

 

59.66

%

 

Jack Bigio

 

 

18,750

(2)

 

 

*

 

 

Shlomo Shalev

 

 

11,250

(2)

 

 

*

 

 

Alla Kanter

 

 

9,812

(2)

 

 

*

 

 

Leo Malamud

 

 

18,750

(2)

 

 

*

 

 

Dr. Josef Yerushalmi

 

 

12,500

(2)

 

 

*

 

 

Eitan Haber

 

 

1,876

(2)

 

 

*

 

 

Yehuda Karni

 

 

1,876

(2)

 

 

*

 

 

Michael Arnon

 

 

16,876

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

Raz Steinmetz

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

Shlomo Meichor

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

Nitsan Yanovsky

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group

 

 

11,836,172

 

 

 

60.13

%

 




 

*

Represents less than 1% of the class of securities. 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Attributable to 11,713,232 shares of Class A Stock held directly by Y.M Noy Investments Ltd..  See “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners.”  In addition, this represents 31,250 shares underlying options for Yosef Maiman which are presently exercisable.

 

 

 

 

(2)

Represents shares underlying options which are presently exercisable or exercisable in 60 days..

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

          The Audit Committee of Ampal has the duty and responsibility of approving all transactions between Ampal, on the one hand, and any officer, director, or affiliate thereof, on the other hand, or in which any officer, director or affiliate has a material interest. The Audit Committee reviews and passes upon the fairness of any business dealings and arrangements between Ampal and any such 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 Audit 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 concluded on terms which were no less advantageous to Ampal than could have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties.

          Until October 15, 2002 Ampal subleased an office at 660 Madison Avenue in New York City from Cavallo. The annual rent for this sublease was $50,000.  Avi Vigder, a former member of the Board of Directors of Ampal, is a controlling person of Cavallo.

93




ITEM 14.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

          Within the 90-day period prior to the date of this Report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Ampal's disclosure controls and procedures.  Based upon that evaluation, Ampal's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that these controls and procedures are effective.

          There have been no significant changes in Ampal's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date that the Company carried out its evaluation.

94



PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON
FORM 8-K

 

 

   (a)  The following documents are filed as a part of this report:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page Reference

 

 

 

 


 

(1) 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ampal-American Israel Corporation and Subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Auditors

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31,
    2002, 2001 and 2000

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2002 and 2001

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December
    31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the
    years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years
    ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

Supplementary Data:

 

 

 

 

Selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31,
    2002 and 2001

 

 

(2)    Financial Statement Schedules

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     (i)  Schedule of Representative Rates of Exchange between the

 

 

 

 

            U.S. dollar and New Israeli Shekel for three years ended

 

 

 

 

            December 31, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Representative Rates of Exchange

 

 

 

 

Between the U.S. Dollar and the New Israeli Shekel

 

 

 

 

For the Three Years Ended December 31, 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

          The following table shows the amount of New Israeli Shekels
equivalent to one U.S. Dollar on the dates indicated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

March 31

4.668

 

4.192

 

4.026

 

 

June 30

4.769

 

4.165

 

4.084

 

 

September 30

4.871

 

4.355

 

4.024

 

 

December 31

4.737

 

4.416

 

4.041

 

 

         

 

 

 

(ii)  Consolidated financial statements filed pursuant to Rule 3-09 of Regulation
         S-X

 

 

 

 

 

 

95




 

 

Granite Hacarmel Investments Limited and Subsidiaries

Page

 

 

 

Report of Certified Public Accountants

Reference

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2002 and 2001


 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December
    31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years
    ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
    December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OphirTech Ltd.

 

 

 

 

Report of Certified Public Accountants

*

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2002 and 2001

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31,
    2002, 2001 and 2000

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the
    years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December
    31, 2002, 2001 and 2000

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trinet Venture Capital Ltd.

 

 

 

 

Report of Certified Public Accountants

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as at December 31, 2001 and 2000

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December
    31, 2001, 2000 and 1999

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years
    ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iii)  Reports of Other Certified Public Accountants filed pursuant
        to Rule 2-05 of Regulation S-X:

 

 

 

 

 

AM-HAL Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

Bay Heart Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

Carmel Container Systems Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

Coral World International Limited

 

 

 

 

 

Country Club Kfar Saba Limited

 

 

 

 

 

Epsilon Investment House Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

Hod Hasharon Sport Center Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

Hod Hasharon Sport Center (1992) Limited Partnership

 

 

 

 

 

Ophir Holdings Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

Renaissance Investment Co. Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

Shmey-Bar Real Estate 1993 Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

Shmey-Bar (I.A.) 1993 Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

Shmey-Bar (T.H.) 1993 Ltd.

 

 

 

 

 

Trinet Investment in High-Tech Ltd.

 

96




 

(3)

Exhibits Required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K

 

 

Exhibit 2 - Plan of Acquisition, Reorganization, Arrangement, Liquidation or Succession

 

 

 

 

 

 

2a.

Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated January 5, 1998, between Ampal Communications, Inc. and Motorola Communications Israel Ltd.  (Includes as Exhibit A the form of Partnership Agreement between Ampal Communications, Inc. and Motorola Communications Israel Ltd. and as Exhibit B the form of Shareholders' Agreement between Ampal Communications, Inc. and Motorola Communications Israel Ltd.)  (Filed as Exhibit 2 to a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 5, 1998, and incorporated herein by reference, File No. 0-538.)

 

 

 

2b.

Amendment, dated January 22, 1998, to (i) Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated January 5, 1998, between Ampal Communications, Inc. and Motorola Communications Israel Ltd., (ii) Partnership Agreement between Ampal Communications, Inc. and Motorola Communications Israel Ltd. and (iii) form of Shareholders' Agreement between Ampal Communications, Inc. and Motorola Communications Israel Ltd.  (Filed as Exhibit 2a to a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 5, 1998, and incorporated herein by reference, File No. 0-538.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 3 - Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3a.

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Ampal-American Israel Corporation, dated May 28, 1997. (Filed as Exhibit 3a. to Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended June 30, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference,  File No. 0-5380).

 

 

 

3b.

By-Laws of Ampal-American Israel Corporation as amended, dated February 14, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3b. of Ampal's Form 10-K filed on March 27, 2002).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 4 - Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders, Including Indentures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4a.

Form of Indenture dated as of November 1, 1984.  (Filed as Exhibit 4a. to Registration Statement No. 2-88582 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

4b.

Form of Indenture dated as of May 1, 1986.  (Filed as Exhibit 4a. to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 33-5578 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10- Material Contracts

 

 

 

 

 

 

10a.

Agreement, dated March 22, 1993, between the Investment Company of Bank Leumi, Ltd., and Ophir Holdings Ltd., Mercazim Investments Ltd., Diur B.P. Ltd. and Mivnat Holdings Ltd. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 33-51023 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

10b.

Agreement, dated March 30, 1994, between Poalim Investments Ltd., Ampal (Israel) Ltd. and Ampal Industries (Israel) Ltd. (Translation). (Filed as Exhibit 10l, to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994 and incorporated herein by reference, File No. 0-538).

 

97



 

 

10c.

Loan Agreement, dated April 27, 1998, between Bank Hapoalim Ltd. and Ampal Communications Limited Partnership (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, File No. 0-538).

 

 

 

10d.

Form of Loan Agreement between Ampal Communications Limited Partnership and Bank Leumi Le-Israel B.M. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, File No. 0-538).

 

 

 

10e.

Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated November 8, 2000, between Ampal Realty Corporation and Second 800 LLC. (filed as Exhibit 10I to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, File No. 000-00538).

 

 

 

10f.

The Company's 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit A to the Company's Proxy Statement for the 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders).*

 

 

 

10g.

The Company's 2000 Incentive Plan (filed as an exhibit to the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders).*

 

 

 

10h.

Amendment to the Company's 1998 Long Term Incentive Plan adopted by the Board of Directors on February 14, 2002.*

 

 

 

10i

Amendment to the Company's 2000 Incentive Plan adopted by the Board of Directors on February 14, 2002*.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 11 – Computation of Earning per Share.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 12 – Statement re Computation of Ratios.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 21 – List of Subsidiaries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 23 - Consents of Auditors:

 

 

 

 

 

23.1    AM-HAL Ltd.

E-23.1

 

 

23.2    Ampal-American Israel Corporation

E-23.2

 

 

23.3    Bay Heart, Ltd

E-23.3

 

 

23.4    Carmel Container Systems Ltd

E-23.4

 

 

23.5    Coral World International Ltd

E-23.5

 

 

23.6    Country Club Kfar Saba Limited

E-23.6

 

 

23.7    Epsilon Investment House Ltd.

E-23.7

 

 

23.8    Granite Hacarmel Investments Ltd.

E-23.8

 

 

23.9    Hod Hasharon Sport Center Ltd.

E-23.9

 

 

23.10   Hod Hasharon Sport Center (1992) Ltd. Partnership

E-23.10

 

 

23.11   Ophir Holdings Ltd.

E-23.11

 

 

23.12   Ophirtech Ltd.

E-23.12

 

 

23.13   Renaissance Investment Co. Ltd.

E-23.13

 

 

23.14   Shmey-Bar Real Estate 1993 Ltd.

E-23.14

 

 

23.15   Shmey-Bar (T.H.) 1993 Ltd.

E-23.15

 

 

23.16   Shmey-Bar (I.A.) 1993 Ltd.

E-23.16

 

 

23.17   Trinet Investment in High-Tech Ltd.

E-23.17

 

 

23.18   Trinet Venture Capital Ltd.

E-23.18

98



 

Exhibit 99  Additional Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1  Certification of Jack Bigio pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.2  Certification of Irit Eluz pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reports on Form 8-K

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended at December 31, 2002.

 

99



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OFGRANITE
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, 2002 and 2001, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s Board of Directors and of its Management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the financial statements of certain subsidiaries, whose assets constitute 2% and 1.7% of the total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 respectively, and whose revenues constitute 3.6%, 3.2% and 3.4% of the total consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The financial statements of those subsidiaries were audited by other auditors whose reports thereon were furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to amounts included for such subsidiaries, is based solely on the said reports 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 and auditing standards generally accepted in 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 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 upon our audits and the reports of the other auditors, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the results of their operations, changes in the shareholders’ equity and their cash flows for each of the years, in the three year period ended December 31, 2002 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Israel. Furthermore, these statements have, in our opinion, been prepared in accordance with the Securities Regulation (Preparation of Annual Financial Statements) 1993.

Accounting principles generally accepted in Israel vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America would have affected results of operations and shareholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2002, to the extent summarized in Note 32 to the consolidated financial statements, as included in U.S. Dollars.

As explained in Note 2, the above mentioned consolidated financial statements are stated in values adjusted for the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency, in accordance with opinions of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.

Without qualifying our opinion, we would like to bring attention to Note 28 in the financial statements regarding four claims against consolidated companies which the court has been asked to recognize as class actions and other claims against a consolidated company claiming that its agreements with its customers are restrictive trade arrangements.

Somekh Chaikin
Certified Public Accountants (Israel)



Haifa Israel,

March 12, 2003



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets


Adjusted to the Index of December 2002

Note
December 31,
2002
2001
NIS. (thousands)
Current Assets      
 
Cash and cash equivalents 33,647  36,308 
Marketable securities    17,598  28,542 
Trade receivables, net 1,061,268  934,975 
Other receivables and current assets 118,900  89,453 
Receivables on account of projects
in progress 17,397  19,812 
Inventories 217,693  271,635 


      1,466,503  1,380,725 


Non-current inventories 120,055  134,403 


Investments, long-term loans and
 Receivables
Affiliated companies and others 166,003  180,458 
Long-term loans and receivables 130,373  130,511 


      296,376  310,969 


Fixed assets 10       
 
Cost    2,919,502  2,837,823 
Less: Accumulated depreciation    1,675,483  1,586,944 


     1,244,019  1,250,879 


Intangible assets and deferred
 charges, net 11  150,172  132,322 


      3,277,125  3,209,298 





The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

1



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets


Adjusted to the Index of December 2002

Note
December 31,
2002
2001
NIS. (thousands)
Current liabilities      
 
Credit from banks and others 12  1,147,471  1,323,002 
Current portion of convertible debentures 15.B.  14,710 
Trade payables 13  202,262  171,010 
Other payables 14  183,503  195,355 


     1,533,236  1,704,077 


Long-term liabilities
Long-term loans 15.A.  941,529  708,144 
Customers' deposits 16  62,226  65,545 
Liabilities for employee rights
 upon retirement, net 17  29,417  32,414 
Capital notes issued by a consolidated
 company    215  898 
Deferred taxes 26  64,846  65,472 


     1,098,233  872,473 


 
Minority interest    7,924  13,699 


Collateral, commitments and
  contingent liabilities 28       
Shareholders' equity 19  637,732  619,049 


     3,277,125  3,209,298 






Prof. I. Borovich – Chairman of the Board



A. Silberberg – Director



M. Erez – President and Chief Executive Officer


Date: March 12, 2003

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

2



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income


Adjusted to the Index of December 2002

Note
Year ended December 31,
2002
2001
2000
NIS. (thousands)
Sales       4,356,532   4,107,732 * 4,367,945 *
Less: Government imposts     1,406,675   1,364,786   1,394,597  



Net sales  20  2,949,857   2,742,946   2,973,348  
Cost of sales  21  2,175,780   2,086,925 * 2,397,848 *



Gross profit     774,077   656,021   575,500  



Selling and marketing expenses  22  490,046   407,937   358,602 *
General and administrative expenses  23  109,884   89,946   82,348  



                                                               599,930   497,883   440,950  



Income from operations     174,147   158,138   134,550  



Financing expenses, net  24  (86,776 ) (77,079 ) (77,020 )*
Other (expenses) income, net  25  (24,289 ) 10,014   56,730  



                                                               (111,065 ) (67,065 ) (20,290 )



Income before income taxes     63,082   91,073   114,260  
Income tax expense  26  30,853   38,813   46,404  



Income after taxes on income     32,229   52,260   67,856  
(Losses) Income of affiliates, net     (5,284 ) 5   11,191  
Minority interest in consolidated 
  subsidiaries, net     (2,312 ) (1,795 ) (2,624 )



Net income     24,633   50,470   76,423  



          NIS.      



Earnings per ordinary share  19             
Primary     0.18   0.36   0.55  



Fully diluted         0.36   0.54  




*Reclassified

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

3



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity


Adjusted to the Index of December 2002

Capital
Premium
Company's
shares held by
a consolidated
company

Retained
Earnings

Dividend
declared
subsequent to
balance sheet
date

Total
NIS. (thousands)
Balance as at January 1, 2000 274,054  276,314  (639) 69,332  619,061 
 
Changes in 2000:
 
Net income for the year 76,423  76,423 
Conversion of debentures
 into shares 429  3,336  3,765 
Acquisition of the
 Company's shares
 by a consolidated company (3,034) (3,034)






Balance as at December 31,
  2000 274,483  279,650  (3,673) 145,755  696,215 
 
Changes in 2001:
Net income for the year 50,470  50,470 
Divided paid (127,351) (127,351)
Acquisition of the
 Company's shares
 by a consolidated company (285) (285)






Balance as at December 31,
   2001 274,483  279,650  (3,958) 68,874  619,049 
 
Changes in 2002:
Net income for the year 24,633  24,633 
Acquisition of the
Company's shares
 by a consolidated company (5,950) (5,950)
Dividend declared
 subsequent to balance
 sheet date (79,101) 79,101 






Balance as at December 31,
   2002 274,483  279,650  (9,908) 14,406  79,101  637,732 








The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

4



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows


Adjusted to the Index of December 2002

Year ended December 31,
2002
2001
2000
NIS. (thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities      
 
Net income 24,633  50,470  76,423 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to operating
 cash flows (A): 120,644  125,727  (21,496)



Net cash provided by operating activities 145,277  176,197  54,927 



Cash flows from investing activities
 
Acquisition of fixed assets (115,065) (101,519) (111,068)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets and other assets 12,996  4,836  15,844 
Proceeds from the sale of investments in affiliated
companies 20  62,428 
Dividend received from affiliated companies
 from prior years' income 445 
Investment in long-term loans (52,035) (9,948) (12,132)
Collection of long-term loans 30,144  22,624  17,372 
Investment in intangible and deferred charges (34,008) (37,703) (23,216)
Acquisition of shares of an affiliated company (4,148) (11,211) (2,123)
Proceeds from marketable securities, net 2,644  930  2,560 
Investment in companies carried on the cost basis (73) (1,711)
Acquisition of shares in a consolidated company (17,759) (72,926) (1,136)
Realization of investment in capital notes 8,631 
Investment in a capital note in an affiliated company (6,232)
Acquisition of initially consolidated
 companies (B) (2,482) (434,946) (15)
Proceeds from the sale of a previously consolidated
company (C) (5,587) (5) 6,266 



Net cash used in investing activities (191,585) (639,868) (37,855)





The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

5



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)


Adjusted to the Index of December 2002

Year ended December 31,
2002
2001
2000
NIS. (thousands)
Cash flows from financing activities      
 
Dividend paid (127,351)
Dividend paid to minority shareholders in
 consolidated subsidiaries (910) (1,644) (1,631)
Short-term credit from banks and others, net (226,083) 63,167  (86,088)
Long-term loans received 378,429  559,549  53,950 
Long-term loans repaid (87,279) (3,113) (1,181)
Customers' deposits received 1,480  2,567  2,522 
Customers' deposits repaid (890) (1,047) (2,386)
Redemption of debentures (14,523) (14,955) (13,894)
Acquisition of Company's shares by a
  consolidated company (5,950) (285) (3,034)
Proceeds from the (redemption) issuance
  of capital notes (627) 665 



Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities 43,647  477,553  (51,742)



(Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents (2,661) 13,882  (34,670)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 36,308  22,426  57,096 



Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 33,647  36,308  22,426 






The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

6



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)


Adjusted to the Index of December 2002

Year ended December 31,
2002
2001
2000
NIS. (thousands)
(A) Adjustments to reconcile net income to      
       operating cash flows:
 
Income and expenses not requiring cash flows:
 
Depreciation and amortization, net 121,061  102,745  93,049 
Deferred taxes, net (8,996) 11,128  (1,357)
(Decrease) Increase in liabilities for employee
  rights upon retirement, net (8,691) 14,424  5,570 
Minority interest in income of consolidated
  Companies 2,312  1,795  2,624 
Company's share in undistributed losses (profits)
  of affiliates, net 6,724  2,170  (2,367)
Capital losses (gains) 9,585  435  (2,196)
Erosion of investments in capital notes, net (525)
Erosion of long-term loans, debentures and
  capital notes issued (9,156) 2,025  (1,009)
Erosion of loans granted (5,449) (3,694) (979)
Decrease (Increase) in value of marketable
  securities, net 8,300  (8,223) (5,234)
Erosion of customers' deposits (3,909) 837  (5,863)
Decrease in affiliated company and
 other investments 20,400  5,963  752 
Write-off of loan to an affiliated company 1,603 
Profit from the realization of investments in
 companies carried on equity basis (53,521)
Gain from decrease in percent
 ownership of an affiliated company (641)
Loss (profit) from sale of investment consolidated
company 21  (154) 1,749 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) Decrease in trade receivables, net (89,955) 112,202  (66,873)
(Increase) Decrease in other receivables
  and current assets (23,914) (37,620) (732)
Decrease (Increase) in inventories
  and in non-current inventories 69,660  (2,894) 36,170 
Increase (Decrease) in trade payables 32,722  (46,692) 16,500 
Increase (Decrease) in other payables 570  (28,720) (38,857)



  120,644  125,727  (21,496)





The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

7



Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)


Adjusted to the Index of December 2002

Year ended December 31,
2002
2001
2000
NIS. (thousands)
(B)Acquisition of initially consolidated companies:        
 
Working capital (not including cash and cash 
  equivalents)  (3,428 ) (143,967 ) 3,584  
Fixed assets and intangible, net  (1,411 ) (412,227 ) (638 )
Long-term debt, net  15   64,156   (98 )
Investment in an affiliated company  2,866   -   -  
Goodwill created at acquisition  (524 ) (898 ) (2,596 )
Minority interests as of the acquisition date      57,990   (267 )



   (2,482 ) (434,946 ) (15 )



(C)Proceeds from the sale of an investment  
   in a previously consolidated company:  
 
   2002   2001   2000  



Working capital (not including cash and 
  cash equivalents)  (7,457 ) (1,399 ) 18,048  
Fixed and intangible assets  2,575   439   38,997  
Long-term (liabilities) receivables, net  (350 ) 119   (3,492 )
Investment in an affiliated company  -   -   (10,968 )
Goodwill  -   272   1,178  
Minority interests on date of sale  (334 ) 410   (776 )
Capital gain (loss) from the realization of 
  investment in a consolidated company  (21 ) 154   (1,749 )



Proceeds from sale of consolidated company  (5,587 ) (5 ) 41,238  
Less proceeds not yet received  -   -   (34,972 )



   (5,587 ) (5 ) 6,266  



(D)Non-cash items:  
 
   2002   2001   2000  



Conversion of customers debt into long-term loans  17,147   2,778   25,017  



Conversion of debentures to shares  -   -   3,765  



Fixed assets acquired with suppliers credit  363   1,343   -  



Other assets acquired with suppliers credit  3,848   9,223   -  



Minority interest in dividend declared by a 
 consolidated company  66   371   -  





The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

8



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 1 – General

A. Granite Hacarmel Investments Ltd.(“the Company”) (P.C.520037177) and its subsidiaries are engaged in the following activities:

  1. Purchasing locally and importing fuel products and liquified propane gas, marketing and distributing them among public fuel filling stations and to others.

  2. Production and marketing of paints, chemicals and other related products.

  3. Planning, construction and operating water enhancement and desalination plants and systems.

  4. Real estate investments and rentals.

  5. Participation in oil and gas exploration.

B. In 1999, the Company initiated a restructuring of companies within the group, with the intention of creating a suitable commercial framework for its consolidated companies which will distinguish between current and future areas of operations. The restructuring will allow for the possibility of the subsidiary companies raising capital from the public or enlisting a strategic investor for the separate operations of the specific assets of a given company.

  Within the framework of the restructuring of the Granite group and after appropriate discussions in the authorized forums within the Company and its subsidiary, Sonol Israel Ltd. ( “Sonol”), it was decided to divide the subsidiary, Sonol, into two corporations:

  1. Sonol Israel Ltd. (“Sonol”) — which will continue its commercial activities and marketing operations of products to its customers.

  2. Sonol Trading Ltd. (“Sonol Trading”) – which will engage in other activities, which do not include the marketing of fuel products, including developing new business in filling stations, new business ventures, providing infrastructure services and land development.

  Both of the above mentioned companies are wholly owned and controlled by the Company.

  As part of the division, Sonol will transfer to Sonol Trading assets and rights as determined by the division, including land and shareholdings. Concurrently, Sonol Trading will assume a portion of Sonol’s liabilities to be split from Sonol in proportion to the book value of the assets to be transferred to Sonol Trading under the division.

  Within the framework of the restructuring arrangement and after deliberations by the authorized forums of the Company and its subsidiaries, Sonol, Supergas Israel Gas Distribution Company Ltd. (“Supergas”) and Granite Hacarmel Holdings (1993) Ltd. (“Granite Holdings”), it was decided that Sonol will transfer, without consideration, its shares in Supergas (50%) to the Company and, in addition, certain real assets will be transferred without payment from Sonol and Supergas to Granite Holdings.

  The division and reorganization being made under the provisions of paragraphs 104B(1), 104C and 105 of the Israel Income Tax Code are subject to the approval of the income tax authorities, Sonol’s main creditors and the district court. As of the balance sheet date the reorganization has not yet been completed.

9



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 1 – General (continued)

  C. Definitions

  1. Consolidated companies –companies, including partnerships, whose financial statements are directly or directly consolidated with the financial statements of the Company.

  2. Affiliated companies — companies including partnerships, but not including consolidated companies, whose investment in by the Company, directly or indirectly, is included in the Company’s financial statements the basis of the equity method.

  3. Subsidiaries — companies in which the Company holds more than 50% of their shares.

  4. Related parties –as defined in Opinion No. 29 of the Israel Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

  5. Interested party –as defined in Section 1 of the Israel Securities Law.

  6. Controlling party –in accordance with the Securities Regulations (Presentation of Transactions between the Company and a Controlling Party in the Financial Statements) 1996.

NOTE 2 – Summary of significant accounting policies and practices

A. Principles of adjustment and consolidation in the financial statements

  1. Financial statements in adjusted values

  a. The Company and the other companies in the group prepared their financial statements on the basis of historical cost which was adjusted to the changes in the general purchasing power of the shekel.

  b. The adjusted values presented do not necessarily reflect realizable value or current economic value, but rather the cost, adjusted for the changes in the general purchasing power of the shekel.

  c. The term “cost” used in the adjusted statements means cost in adjusted shekels unless otherwise stated.

  d. The comparative figures (including the monetary items) are stated in shekels adjusted to the December 2002 Index.

10



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 2 – Summary of significant accounting policies and practices

A. Principles of adjustment and consolidation in the financial statements

  1. Financial statements in adjusted values (continued)

  e. The adjusted amounts are expressed in New Israel Shekels, the purchasing power of which reflects the price level of the month of December 2002, based on the consumer price index published by the Central Bureau of Statistics (“Index”), on January 15, 2003 (see note 2.G.).

  2. Balance sheet

  a. The non-monetary items were adjusted for the changes in the Index since their acquisition or creation and until the balance sheet date. The following items are the main items that were treated as non-monetary items: fixed assets and related accumulated depreciation, investments carried at cost, inventories, except for inventories of crude oil and refined products, (see note 2.C.2) deferred charges and the related accumulated amortization, and shareholders’ equity.

  b. The value of the investments in affiliated companies carried on the equity basis was computed on the basis of the adjusted statements of the affiliated companies.

  c. Deferred taxes, net were computed on the basis of the adjusted data.

  d. Monetary items are stated in the adjusted statements at their nominal value.

  3. Statement of income

  The items of the statement of income were adjusted in accordance with the changes in the Index as follows:

  a. Amounts relating to non-monetary items in the balance sheet (e.g. depreciation and amortization), or provisions included in the balance sheet (e.g. severance indemnities, vacation pay) were adjusted in accordance with the changes in the corresponding balance sheet items.

  b. Other amounts in the statement of income (e.g. sales, purchases, other current expenses), except for financing expenses, net, are stated at their adjusted amounts based on the index for the month of the related transactions.

  c. The net financing item reflects financing income and expenses in real terms, erosion of monetary items during the year, profit and loss arising from realization and valuation of marketable securities and profit and loss from financial instruments.

  d. The Company’s equity in the operating results of the affiliated companies and the minority interest in the results of consolidated subsidiaries were determined on the basis of the adjusted statements of the investee companies.

11



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 2 — Summary of significant accounting policies and practices (continued)

A. Principles of adjustment and consolidation in the financial statements (continued)

  e. Current taxes are comprised of payments on account during the year, in addition to amounts payable as of the balance sheet date (or net of refunds claimed). The payments on account were adjusted based on the prevailing Index on the date of each payment, while the amounts payable (or claimed as refund) are included without adjustment. Accordingly, the current taxes include the expenses arising from the erosion of the payments on account of taxes from the date of such payments to the balance sheet date. Deferred taxes – see note 2.J.

  4. Statement of shareholders’ equity

  Dividend declared and paid during the year has been adjusted on the basis of the Index at the time of payment. Dividend declared but not yet paid at the balance sheet date is included without adjustment.

  5. Principles of consolidation

  a. The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the consolidated financial statements of the Company and its wholly-owned and over 50% owned subsidiaries. A list of the main subsidiaries, whose financial statements are included in the consolidated financial statements and the percent ownership and control therein, are included in a separate schedule at the end of the financial statements. Regarding initially consolidated companies and those consolidated in the past, which are not included in the current year’s financial statements – see note 3.

  b. Intercompany balances and transactions of consolidated companies and unrealized gains on sales among companies in the group have been eliminated.

  c. Shares of the Company, acquired by a consolidated company, have been recorded using the “treasury stock” method.

  B. Investments in subsidiary and affiliated companies

  1. The investments in subsidiaries and affiliated companies are reflected in the financial statements on the equity basis, net of a provision for a decrease in value, if required. Other investments are stated at cost which, in the opinion of the Company’s management, does not exceed market value. Subsidiary companies own several other inactive and/or insignificant subsidiaries that are not consolidated and are carried at cost.

  The Company periodically reviews its investments to determine whether any of them have suffered a decline in value which is other than temporary. This review is made when there are indications, including such factors as share prices on the stock exchange, ongoing losses in the investee companies, the business sector in which it operates, the value of goodwill included in the investment and other factors, which indicate that the value of such investments may have been adversely affected. Writedowns of such investments to their adjusted values which, according to the Company’s management,

12



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 2 — Summary of significant accounting policies and practices (continued)

B. Investments in subsidiary and affiliated companies (continued)

  is based on a review of the relevant factors, their importance, and their not being of a temporary nature, is reflected in the statement of income in other expenses (income), net.

  2. a. The excess of cost of the Company’s investments in consolidated subsidiaries which is not related to identifiable assets and liabilities (“Goodwill”), is included in “Intangible assets and deferred charges, net” and is amortized by the straight-line method over a period of ten years.

  The excess net value of net assets acquired over cost of investments in affiliated companies, is first netted against identifiable assets of the acquired company, and the balance is netted against “Intangible assets and deferred charges, net” and is amortized by the straight line method over a period of ten years.

  b. The excess of cost of investments allocated was apportioned to assets and liabilities, to relevant items in the balance sheet.

  3. The investments of the Company in capital notes of affiliated companies are presented in the financial statements of the Company in accordance with the requirements of the Israel Securities Authority regulations (Transactions between the Company and its Interested Parties in Financial Statements) 1996.

  4. A list of affiliated companies is included in a schedule attached to the financial statements.

C. Valuation of inventories

  1. Inventories of crude oil and refined products

  The major part of the crude oil and refined product inventories consists of Security inventories. The Security inventories, stored in separate sealed tanks, are stated as Non-current inventories. The Security inventories are valued at cost in accordance with the exchange rate of the dollar (current rate) or, at the dollar exchange rate as determined by the Fuel Authority, when such rate is less than the current rate, on the balance of inventories against which there are no dollar liabilities. Regardless, the recovery of the value of the inventories is guaranteed by the State by determining its recovery value based on the dollar exchange rate at the time of the sale.

  Commercial inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost is determined by the first-in, first-out method.

  2. Other inventories

  a. The inventories of luboils, spare parts and others are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the moving average method.

13



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 2 — Summary of significant accounting policies and practices (continued)

C. Valuation of inventories (continued)

  b. Inventories of paints are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is mainly determined as follows:
Raw and Packaging materials – moving average method.
Finished products–based on standard production costs which include raw materials, packaging materials, salaries and related expenses and other production costs.
Work in progress – on the basis of raw materials and standard production costs. Purchased products – moving average method.

D. Fixed assets

  Fixed assets are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation or at cost together with the addition of excess of cost related to specific assets. Improvements are capitalized and included in the cost of the asset while maintenance and repair expenses are charged as incurred to the statement of income.

  Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method at annual rates considered to be sufficient for depreciating the assets over their estimated useful lives. The annual rates of depreciation are as follows:

%
Buildings (including temporary and rental buildings) 2-10
Machinery and equipment 5-33 (mainly 10-15)
Vehicles 15-20
Computers 20-33
Furniture and office equipment 6-20
Leasehold improvements depreciated over the lesser of
  estimated useful life or lease term


  The excess of cost related to specific assets is depreciated over the remaining useful life as determined at the time the excess of cost was related to those assets. Leasehold rights are amortized over the terms of their leases. Buildings on leased land are depreciated over the terms of their leases.

E. Intangible assets and deferred charges, net

  1. Intangible assets

  Intangible assets are stated at cost and were amortized in equal annual rates over their estimated useful lives:

  Goodwill - - see note 2.B.2
Oil and gas exploration rights – based on output
Distribution rights and others-over a period of 20 years or in accordance with the period stated in the agreement.
Delivery rights – over a period of 10 years or in accordance with the period stated in the agreement.
Others – based on the benefit period.

14



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 2 — Summary of significant accounting policies and practices (continued)

E. Intangible assets and deferred charges, net (continued)

  2. Deferred charges

  Expenses related to the issuance of debentures were amortized using the straight-line method over the period of the debentures. The debentures were included in the financial statements in accordance with their liability value.

  Deferred rents – over the rental term, at equal annual rates.

F. Debentures convertible into shares

  Convertible debentures were presented in accordance with the Opinion No.53 of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel on the basis of the probability of their conversion into shares. Debentures were reflected in the financial statements at their liability value.

G. Foreign currency and linkage basis

  Assets (other than securities) and liabilities in foreign currencies or linked thereto are stated at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet date. Assets (other than securities) and liabilities linked to the Index, are stated according to the linkage terms applying to each balance. The Index, the exchange rates and the rate of changes therein were as follows:

December 31
Changes in %
2002
2001
2000
2002
2001
2000
Index 115.12 108.1 106.6 6.5 1.4 0
Exchange rate of the
  U.S. dollar 4.737 4.416 4.041 7.3 9.3 (2.7)

H. Marketable securities

  Marketable securities held as a short term investments are carried at their market value on the balance sheet date. Marketable securities which are permanent investments are carried at cost, except when there is an other than temporary decline in their value. (See also note B.1. above). The changes in the value of the securities are reflected in the statement of income.

I. Provision for doubtful receivables

  The financial statements include provisions for doubtful receivables which, in the opinion of the Company’s management, adequately provide for the loss on receivables whose collection is doubtful. The amount of the provision includes specific provisions. In the past, in the paint and and chemical segment, the amount of the provision was calculated mainly at the rate of 8.5%. As a result of the change in 2002, the provision was reduced by NIS. 3,500 thousand and net income increased by NIS. 2,200 thousand.

15



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 2 — Summary of significant accounting policies and practices (continued)

J. Deferred taxes

  The companies in the group apportion taxes as a result of temporary differences between the values of assets and liabilities for book and tax purposes. The said apportionment is made on account of differences relating to assets whose usage or expense are recognized for tax purposes. The balance of deferred taxes is calculated according to the liability method at tax rates which will be in effect when the deferred taxes will be utilized, using tax rates that are known at the time of publication of the financial statements (36%).

  The main factors in respect of which deferred taxes have not been computed:

  a. Amounts of adjustment for the change in the purchasing power of the New Israel Shekel relating primarily to buildings and automobiles, in accordance with rules determined by the Institute of Certified Public Accounts in Israel. (“the Institute”).

  b. Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates, where it is the Company’s intention to hold these investments rather than to sell them.

  c. Tax benefit receivable on account of timing differences where realization of the benefit is uncertain.

K. Recognition of income

  1. Product sales – Income from the sale of products is recorded upon receipt of the products by the customer.

  2. Rental income – Rental income is recorded over the period of the rental agreement.

  3. Income from projects in progress — In accordance with Standard No. 4, income from projects in progress is recognized using the percentage of completion method (based on actual work completed as of the balance sheet date). The periodic reporting of income and expenses from building projects covers all the projects, including those which the company is unable to estimate their expected profit, but for which it is possible to determine the anticipated repayment of the costs already incurred. In such instances, the full amount of such costs, and income, to the extent of those costs, are reflected in the statement of income (“zero profit margin”).

  If there is an expected loss on a project, a provision is recorded for the full amount of the loss expected until the project’s completion.

16



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 2 — Summary of significant accounting policies and practices (continued)

L. Provision for linkage increments on customers’ deposits

  Supergas, a consolidated company, is obligated under a Government decree to pay customers terminating their gas purchasing agreement an amount equal to the latest approved deposit authorized by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, linked to the change in the Index from the date of the last approval to the date of payment. The computation of the liability is based on the actual liability as mentioned above. Supergas provides for the liability on a discounted present value basis.

M. Earnings per share

  The earnings per share are computed in accordance with Opinion No.55 of the Institute.

  In computing primary earnings per share, consideration is given to whether there is a reasonable chance of conversion or realization of convertible securities in accordance with the tests prescribed by the Opinion.

  The computation of diluted earnings per share takes into account convertible securities issued by the Company that were not included in the calculation of primary earnings per share, provided that their conversion or realization does not result in an increase in earnings per share (anti-dilutive effect).

N. Use of estimates

  The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Israel and the United States requires management to use estimates and valuations which affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure regarding contingent assets and liabilities, and also, the amounts of income and expenses recorded in the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

O. Presentation of transactions between the Company and a controlling party

  Transactions between the Company and a controlling party are presented in accordance with the Securities Regulations (Presentation of Transactions between the Company and a Controlling Party in the Financial Statements) – 1996.

P. Financial instruments

  Currency futures transaction which are not for hedging purposes are stated at their fair value. Changes in the fair value are recorded in the statement of income in the period incurred.

17



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 2 — Summary of significant accounting policies and practices (continued)

Q. Implementation of recently issued accounting standards

  1. In May 2001, the Israeli Accounting Standards Board published Accounting Standard No. 7 — Subsequent Events. The new standard determines when a company must make an adjustment in its financial statements for events occurring after the balance sheet date, and the disclosure required for a company with respect to the date on which the financial statements are approved for publication and regarding events occurring after the balance sheet date. This standard supersedes Sections 1, 2(1) and 3-7 of Opinion No. 11 of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel. This accounting standard applies to financial statements for periods ending on or after December 31, 2001.

  2. In July 2001, the Israeli Accounting Standards Board published Accounting Standard No.11 – Segment Reporting. The new standard applies to companies whose securities are registered or in the process of being registered for trading on any stock exchange, or where a full set of their financial statements is published to the public under any law. The standard requires the inclusion of data with respect to business segments and geographic segments, and also provides detailed guidance for identifying business and geographic segments. This accounting standard applies to financial statements for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2002. The Company has applied this standard in its financial statements as of December 31, 2001.

R. Effect of new accounting standards not yet implemented

  1. In July 2001, the Israel Accounting Standard Board (“The Board”) published the following two Standards:

  (a) Accounting Standard No. 12 — Discontinuance of Adjustment of Financial Statements. Pursuant to this standard, the adjustment of financial statements was to have been discontinued as of January 1, 2003. In December, 2002, the Israel Accounting Standards Board published Standard No. 17 which postponed the implementation of Standard No. 12 until January 1, 2004. Therefore, the adjustment of the financial statements will be discontinued as of January 1, 2004.

  The Company will continue preparing adjusted financial statements in accordance with Opinion 36 of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel until December 31, 2003. The adjusted amounts to be included the financial statements as of December 31, 2003 will constitute the starting point for the nominal financial statements as of January 1, 2004. Implementation of Standard No. 12 may have a significant effect on the Company’s financial statements. The extent of the effect will depend upon the rate of inflation, the composition of the assets and the Company’s sources of financing.

  (b) Accounting Standard No.13 —Effect of Changes in the Rates of Exchange of ForeignCurrency. This standard deals with translation of transactions in foreign currency and translation of financial statements of outside activities for the purpose of their inclusion in the financial statements of the reporting entity, and supersedes the provisions of Clarifications 8 and 9 to Opinion 36 which will be discontinued upon the entry into effect of Accounting Standard No. 12 described above.

18



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 2 — Summary of significant accounting policies and practices (continued)

R. Effect of New Accounting Standards not yet implemented (continued)

  2. In August 2002, The Board published accounting Standard No. 14 – Financial Reports for Interim Periods. The standard provides the minimum content of financial reports for interim periods, including the required disclosures in the notes, and also, details the accounting rules for recognition and measurement which are to be applied in interim financial statements. This accounting standard applies to financial statements for periods beginning on January 1, 2003.

  The restatement of comparative figures for interim periods prior to the effective date of the standard in not required. Nevertheless, if the financial statements include comparative figures for prior interim periods, which are not in accordance with the terms of this standard, the main differences between the guidelines in this standard and those reflected in the comparative figures should be included in the notes to the financial statements. In the Company’s opinion, the effect of the new Standard on its operating results, its financial condition and on its cash flow will be insignificant.

  3. In February 2003, the Israeli Accounting Standards Board published Accounting Standard No. 15 – Decline in the Value of Assets. The standard provides procedures which a company must apply in order to ensure that its assets in the consolidated balance sheet, are not presented at an amount which is in excess of their recoverable value, which is the higher of the net selling price or the present value of the estimated future cash flows expected to be derived from use and disposal of the asset. In addition, the standard provides rules for presentation and disclosure with respect to assets whose value has declined.

  The Standard applies to financial statements for periods beginning January 1, 2003. The standard provides that in most cases the transition will be effected by means of the “from here on” method, however a loss from decline in value of an assets, in the amount of the difference between the book value on the commencement date of the standard and the recoverable amount as at that date, shall be charged to the statement of operations in the category “cumulative effect as at beginning of the year of change in accounting method” if and only if, the said loss was not recognized in the past solely due to the fact that the net non-discounted future cash flows were greater than the books value. The Company is evaluating the new standard, whose provisions may have a significant effect on the financial statements. At this time, the Company is unable to determine the final outcome.

NOTE 3 — The consolidated financial statements

  A. Initially consolidated companies

  1. The financial statements of Texma Chemicals Ltd. were initially consolidated as of December 31, 2002, the date at which the Company acquired control. Prior to December 31, 2002, Texma Chemicals Ltd. was accounted for on the equity basis.

19



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 2 — Summary of significant accounting policies and practices (continued)

NOTE 3 — The consolidated financial statements (continued)

  A. Initially consolidated companies (continued)

  2. Following are the amounts included in the consolidated financial statements:

Balance sheet
At December 31, 2002
the acquisition date

Cash and cash equivalents 39 
Working capital (not including cash and
  cash equivalents) 3,428 
Fixed assets, net of accumulated
  depreciation 1,411 
Goodwill resulting from acquisition 524 
Long-term debt, net of current portion (15)
Investment in affiliated company (2,866)

  3. In 2001, the financial statements of Tambour Ltd. were initially consolidated.

B. Previously consolidated company not included in the current year’s consolidation:

  1. As of January 12, 2002 the consolidated financial statements do not include the financial statements of S.D.L. thechnologies (Sol) Ltd. which was sold.

  2. On July 1, 2002 a subsidiary company sold its share in Sonokal (1999) Limited Partnership.

  3. Following are amounts relating to the above previously consolidated companies:

As of the date
nolonger
consolidated

At December 31, 2001
and for the year then
ended

Balance sheet
(Nis. thousands)
(NIS.thousand)
Cash and cash equivalents 6,452  263 
Working capital (not including cash and
 cash equivalents) (7,457) (2,238)
ixed assets, net of accumulated
 depreciation 2,575  2,841 
Minority interest as of date no-longer
 consolidated (334) 58 
Long-term debt, net of current portion (350) (435)
 
Statements of Income
Sales 34,312  76,893 
Net profit (loss) 784  (91)
Net income consolidated companies 400  470 
Loss from the sale of a previously
consolidated company 21 

20



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 4 – Accounting with the Fuel Authority and government controlin the energy sector
– Sonol

  1. Amounts due to or from the Fuel Authority, the government agency responsible for supervising the fuel market in Israel, to the extent still provisional, are included each year in the accounts according to estimates prepared by Sonol based on past experience. Differences which subsequently arise as a result of change in estimates, are reflected in the results of the year in which such differences are determined.

  2. All costs and expenses related to the holding of Security inventories are fully recoverable from the government while the costs of holding Commercial inventories are on account of Sonol, with all the attending risks.

  3. The prices of 95 and 96 octane gasoline continue to be subject to government price controls.

NOTE 5 – Cash and cash equivalents

Consist of: December 31,
2002
2001
NIS thousands
In local currency   7,826   15,963  
In foreign currency*  25,821   20,345  


   33,647   36,308  



  Cash equivalents – bank deposits whose maturities, at the time of the deposit, did not exceed three months.

  *Mainly in U.S. Dollars

21



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 6 — Trade receivables and Other receivables and debit balances

  A. Trade receivables:

December 31,
2002
2001
NIS. (thousands)
Customers - open accounts   808,496   773,278  
Checks and notes receivable  161,773   103,745  
Credit cards companies  112,013   88,644  
Current portion of long-term 
  loans granted  23,534   20,368  
Less - provision for doubtful 
receivables  (44,548 ) (51,060 )


   1,061,268   934,975  


  B. Other receivables and debit balances:

December 31,
2002
2001
NIS.(thousands)
Fuel Authority   4,955   6,212  
Government institutions  1,135   1,777  
Income receivable  898   1,369  
Income tax receivable  12,318   17,939  
Employees  837   906  
Prepaid expenses  19,893   20,474  
Future tax benefits, net*  21,247   18,133  
Current portion of other long-term 
  receivables  39,088   -  
Others  18,529   22,643  


   118,900   89,453  


  C. Receivables on account of projects
in progress

December 31,
2002
2001
NIS. (thousands)
Income receivable   64,997   48,577  
Less payments on account of 
  projects in progress  47,600   28,765  


   17,397   19,812  


  D. Regarding credit risks see note 28.E.

  *see note 26

22



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 7 – Inventories

December 31,
2002
2001
NIS. (thousands)
 Consist of:      
 
 Crude oil and raw materials  42,830   60,444  
 Finished products  273,767   324,019  
 Materials and supplies  15,220   15,931  
 Work in process  5,931   5,644  
 Projects in progress(1)  -   -  


   337,748   406,038  
 Less non-current inventories(2)  120,055   134,403  


   217,693   271,635  


 
 (1) Projects in progress  52,135   37,281  
       Less the amount reflected in 
         the statement of income  52,135   37,281  


      -   -  


  (2) see note 2.C.

23



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 8 - Affiliated companies and others

December 31,
2002
2001
NIS. (thousands)
Investments in affiliated companies*:      
 
Balance as at December 31,1991  12,817   13,008  
 
Changes, beginning January 1, 1992: 
Cost of shares acquired**  151,361   150,140  
Accumulated losses, net  (28,143 ) (26,268 )
Amortization of investment  (17,400 ) -  
Other changes  1,000   358  


   119,635   137,238  
Other investments:  
 
 Long-term loans to affiliated companies 
   less accumulated losses (1)  7,336   7,492  
 Investment in capital note to affiliated 
   company (3)  6,232   -  
 Investments in shares at cost less other than 
   temporary impairment(2)  32,800   35,728  


   166,003   180,458  


  *List of main companies - see schedule 
     at end of consolidated financial statements 
**Includes unamortized goodwill  3,953   5,020  


Securities registered for trading on the  
Tel-Aviv stock exchange:  
 
Affiliated companies:  
Book value  85,033   101,360  


Market value  20,177   47,915  


Companies at cost:  
Book value  4,377   7,121  


 Market value  7,580   18,374  


24



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 8 — Affiliated companies and others (continued)

  (1) The loans were granted by the Company and consolidated companies to affiliated companies and partnerships. The amount of NIS. 10,375 thousand (2001 – NIS. 7,894 thousand) is index linked and bears interest at the rate of 10% p.a. The loans are repayable at a time to be determined by the parties.

  (2) The Company, through one of its subsidiaries, invested in two venture capital funds, Jerusalem Venture Partners (Israel) LP and Eucalyptus Ventures LP, both of whom invested in shares of Chromatis Networks Ltd. (“Chromatis”). Lucent Technologies Inc.(“Lucent”), an American company, acquired the remaining unowned balance of Chromatis’ shares, in exchange for Lucent shares. The closing took place on June 29, 2000. The gain on the transaction was recorded in the year 2001 in other income in the statement of income, upon receipt of the shares, based on the value of the shares on date received.

  (3) The capital note, issued by a limited partnership, has no maturity date, is not linked and is non-interest bearing.

  Changes in investments in affiliated companies and others:

NIS.(thousands)
Balance as at January 1, 2002   180,458  
 Changes during the year: 
Investment in shares  4,221  
Investment in loans  3,449  
Investment in capital note  6,232  
Sale of shares  (20)  
Initial consolidation of previously affiliated 
 Company (see note 3)  (2,866)  
Share of losses, net  (5,284)  
Dividend receivable and received in current year  (1,440)  
Amortization of companies carried at cost  (3,000)  
Amortization of investment  (17,400)  
Other changes  1,653  

Balance as at December 31,2002  166,003  

25



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 9 -Long-term loans and receivables

December 31,
2002
2001
NIS. (thousands)
a. Consist of:      
Loans to customers  147,829   112,836  
Loans to employees  182   152  


   148,011   112,988  
Less: current portion  23,534   20,368  


   124,477   92,620  


Other receivables (1)  44,984   37,891  
Less: current portion  39,088   -  


   5,896   37,891  


   130,373   130,511  


The years of maturity of the loans: 
First year - current portion  23,534   20,368  
Second year  27,291   15,325  
Third year  18,904   12,498  
Fourth year  17,967   12,077  
Fifth year  11,416   12,681  
Sixth year and thereafter and without 
 maturity date  48,899   40,039  


   148,011   112,988  



  (1) Includes mainly an amount of NIS. 39,088 thousand long term receivable in the Company from the sale of a previously consolidated company. (2001 – NIS. 36,812 thousand). In accordance with the sale agreement, the balance due is index linked, will be repaid no later than April 22, 2003, and is secured by bank guarantees. The loan balance has been discounted at the rate of 6%.

26



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 9 –Long-term loans and receivables (continued)

b. Breakdown of loans by level of borrowers’ balances:

December 31, 2002
December 31, 2001
Borrowers' balances
NIS thousands

Number of
Loans

Total
NIS(thousands)

Number of
Loans

Total
NIS(thousands)

Less than 100   74   3,152   95   2,445  
100 - 500  35   8,873   41   11,481  
500 - 1,000  11   9,354   10   8,702  
Above 1,000  38   126,632   30   90,360  




   158   148,011   176   112,988  






c. Linkage terms and interest rates for loans:

December 31, 2002
Interest rates: Unlinked
Linked to Index
Linked to foreign
currency

Total
0%
10%-20%
0%-4%
Over
4%-10%

0%-3%
Over
3%-5%

NIS. (thousands)
Loans to:                        
Customers  3,435  209  52,487   32,954  40,462  18,282   147,829  
Employees  -  -  182   -  -  -   182  







   3,435  209  52,669   32,954  40,462  18,282   148,011  






Less: 
Current portion                      23,534  

                                               124,477  



December 31, 2001
Interest rates: Unlinked
Linked to Index
Linked to foreign
currency

Total
0%
10%-20%
0%-4%
Over
4%-10%

0%-3%
Over
3%-5%

NIS. (thousands)
Loans to:                        
Customers  3,064  322  35,670   48,569  20,551  4,660   112,836  
Employees  -  -  152   -  -  -   152  







   3,064  322  35,822   48,569  20,551  4,660   112,988  






Less: 
Current portion                      20,368  

                                               92,620  

d. Regarding credit risks see note 28.E.

27



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 10 – Fixed assets

A. Consist of:

Land and
Buildings*

Machinery
and
Equipment

Furniture,
office equip-
ment and
computers

Vehicles
Total
NIS. (thousands)
Cost:            
Balance at beginning of year  1,215,548   1,390,191   148,738   83,346   2,837,823  
Additions**  44,945   41,229   22,172   8,673   117,019  
Disposals**  (2,174 ) (19,892 ) (1,492 ) (11,782 ) (35,340 )





Balance at end of year  1,258,319   1,411,528   169,418   80,237   2,919,502  





Accumulated depreciation: 
Balance at beginning of year  436,497   998,542   97,961   53,944   1,586,944  
Depreciation and amortization**  28,592   53,271   20,150   8,568   110,581  
Depreciation in respect 
  of disposals**  (914 ) (11,866 ) (290 ) (8,972 ) (22,042 )





Balance at end of year  464,175   1,039,947   117,821   53,540   1,675,483  





Depreciated balance as of 
December 31,2002  794,144   371,581   51,597   26,697   1,244,019  





Depreciated balance as of 
December 31,2001  779,051   391,649   50,777   29,402   1,250,879  





* Includes leasehold improvements.

**Includes companies initially consolidated and those no longer consolidated (see note 3).

B. Land and buildings include buildings on leasehold lands, the cost of which is NIS. 336,397 thousand, leased for various original periods of 49-98 years, ending in the years 2003-2072. Land and buildings costing of NIS. 286,220 thousand have not yet been registered in the name of the Company or the consolidated subsidiaries in the Land Registry Office. The main reason for the lack of registration is that the land settlement and sub-division process has not yet been completed.

  Land and buildings, include building and leasehold improvements on leased land in the original cost of NIS 27,218 thousand, and depreciated cost of NIS. 15,016 thousand, leased for various original periods from 4 to 25 years.

C. Commitments and contingent liabilities – see note 28.

28



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 11 – Intangible assets and deferred charges, net

Consist of: Balance to be amortized
as of December 31,
2002
2001
NIS. (thousands)
Intangible assets:      
Deferred rent  46,556   53,237 *
Goodwill in consolidated companies  17,348   7,424 *
Oil and gas exploration licenses(1)  4,788   9,891  
Delivery rights  32,708   22,269  
Distribution rights  21,786   15,727 *
Others  9,296   9,840 *
    
   
 
   132,482   118,388  
Deferred charges:  
Expenses incurred in the issuance of 
debentures by the Company  -   109  
    
   
 
   132,482   118,497  
Long-term deferred taxes, net 
 (see note 26)  17,690   13,825  
    
   
 
   150,172   132,322  
    
   
 
  (1) see also notes 25 and 31.A.

  *Reclassified

29



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 12 – Credit from banks and others

  Linkage terms and interest rates:

December 31, 2002
Interest rates:
 
Unlinked
6.3%-13.4%

Linked to
Index
5.0%-7.2%

Linked to
Foreign
Currency
2.5%-3.1%

Total
NIS. (thousands)
Overdrafts   13,185   -   -   13,185  
Short-term loans  788,037   -   206,768   994,805  
Current portion of long-term loans  -   137,449   872   138,321  




Total credit from banks  801,222   137,449   207,640   1,146,311  
Credit from others  -   1,160   -   1,160  




   801,222   138,609   207,640   1,147,471  






December 31, 2001
Interest rates:
 
Unlinked
4.2%-9.2%

Linked to
Index
4.0%-7.1%

Linked to
Foreign
Currency
2.3%-3.4%

Total
NIS. (thousands)
Overdrafts   1,890   -   -   1,890  
Short-term loans  1,051,459   -   178,716   1,230,175  
Current portion of long-term loans  53,305   35,646   869   89,820  




Total credit from banks  1,106,654   35,646   179,585   1,321,885  
Credit from others  -   1,117   -   1,117  




   1,106,654   36,763   179,585   1,323,002  




Note 13– Trade payables

  The liabilities include NIS. 37,139 thousand (2001 - NIS. 31,545 thousand) balances of related and interested parties.

  Linkage terms – see note 18

30



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 14 — Other payables

Consist of: December 31,
2002
2001
NIS. (thousands)
Liabilities to employees and other      
  Salary related liabilities  45,123   54,130  
Institutions  71,730   58,502  
Accrued expenses  35,008   41,099  
Income tax payable  10,412   5,177  
Deferred taxes  1,325   3,288  
Others  19,905   33,159  


   183,503   195,355  




NOTE 15 – Long-term liabilities

  A.(1) Long-term loans

Rate of
December 31,
December 31
Consist of interest
2002
2001
%
NIS. (thousands)
Index linked loans from banks   5.0-6.5   844,174   493,404  
Unlinked loans from banks  7.6  227,521   295,560  
Customers' deposit - Index linked  -  3,259   3,259  
Customers' deposit - linked to 
 foreign currency  -  90   85  
U.S. dollar loans from banks  3.6-4.6  4,448   5,320  
Other loans - Index linked  4.5  358   336  


      1,079,850   797,964  
Less: current portion     138,321   89,820  


      941,529   708,144  


31



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 15 – Long-term liabilities (continued)

  A.1. Long-term loans (continued)

  Yearly Installments:

December 31,
2002
2001
NIS. (thousands)
First year - current portion   138,321   89,820  


Second year  220,841   40,090  
Third year  244,806   91,603  
Fourth year  89,180   91,309  
Fifth year  55,230   89,568  
Sixth year and thereafter  327,765   391,894  
Without maturity date  3,707   3,680  
 

   941,529   708,144  


   1,079,850   797,964  




  Accrued interest is included in “Accounts payable” in current liabilities.

  A.2. The Company has fulfilled the conditions of agreements signed with banks regarding long-term loans to the Company and Sonol (Sonol’s loans are guaranteed by the Company).

  (1) Shareholders’ equity, together with customer deposits, will not be less than NIS 450 million. The amount is linked to the Index of July 1998.

  (2) The ratio of shareholders’ equity, including customer deposits divided by total assets, net of Security inventories, will exceed 20%. As of the balance sheet date, the ratio was 22.2%. The increase in world fuel prices will affect the value of the inventories and accounts receivable, thus causing a temporary reduction in the ratio.

  (3) The level of consolidated liabilities to banks and other financial institutions (net of liabilities on account of the Security inventories) will not exceed 10 times EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), at any time.

  (4) Not to create specific charge on the Company’s assets (with the exception of a specific existing collateral and with the exception of collateral to finance, acquire and develop those assets).

32



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 15 – Long-term liabilities (continued)

  B. Debentures convertible into shares of the Company

December 31,
2002
2001
NIS. (thousands)
Debentures (series 1) (*)   -   12,223  
Debentures (series 2) (**)  -  2,487  


   -  14,710  
Less - current portion  -  14,710  


   -  -  


  Yearly installments:

December 31, 2002
December 31,2001
Series 1
Series 2
Series 1
Series 2
NIS. (thousands)
First year - current portion   -   -   12,223   2,487  






  * Registered debentures (Series 1) NIS. 1.- par value each. Every NIS. 55.- par value of debentures are convertible into 10 ordinary shares NIS. 1.- par value each. The debentures bear interest at an annual rate of 0.1%. The principal, interest and the price for conversion into ordinary shares are linked to the representative rate of exchange of the U.S. dollar. The balance of the debentures was redeemed on November 30, 2002.

  ** Registered debentures (Series 2) NIS. 1.- par value each. Every NIS. 5.- par value of debentures are convertible into an ordinary shares NIS. 1.- par value each. The debentures bear interest at an annual rate of 2.5%. The principal, interest and the price for conversion into ordinary shares are linked to the representative rate of exchange of the U.S. dollar. The balance of the debentures was redeemed on November 30, 2002.

  In 2001 — accrued interest is included in “Accounts payable” in Current liabilities.

  See Note 28 regarding collateral.

  The above debentures were traded on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange.

33



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 16 – Customers’ deposits

  a. The deposits are calculated on the basis of their present value at an annual discount rate of 4%.

  b. Customers’ deposits include NIS. 37,605 thousand (2001 – NIS. 38,518 thousand) of linkage increments accrued on the deposits.

NOTE 17 – Liabilities for employee rights upon retirement, net

Consist of: December 31,
2002
2001
NIS. (thousands)
Provision for severance pay (a)*   18,741   17,982  
Less: deposits in approved funds**  5,780   5,580  


   12,961   12,402  
Provision for early retirement pension(b)*  14,067   17,845  
Provision for redemption of unutilized sick leave (c)  2,389   2,167  


   29,417   32,414  




  * Not including NIS. 9,068 thousand (2001 – NIS. 14,922 thousand) current portion of liabilities for employee rights upon retirement, net which is included in “Accounts payable”.

  ** The deposits can be withdrawn subject to law. Accrued income on the deposits is included in the statements of income.

  (a) The liabilities of the Company and its subsidiaries in respect of pension and severance indemnities are fully covered by provisions for severance indemnities, by deposits in approved funds and in managers’ insurance policies. The deposits in approved funds and in managers’ insurance plans are not included in the financial statements as they are not under the control of the Company.

  (b) The provision for pension benefits in case of early retirement of employees is computed at the discounted present value of the future liabilities of the Company for such retired employees. The Company’s liability for early retirement is generally up to the time when the employee reaches retirement age and is measured as a fixed percentage of the maximum amount due to the employee from the pension fund. The rate of capitalization for computing the provision is 6% per annum, (previous year 4%).

34



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 17 – Liabilities for employee rights upon retirement, net (continued)

  (c) In accordance with the labor agreements between subsidiaries and their employees, (men at age 65 and women at age 60-65) are entitled to receive a partial redemption of unutilized sick leave, subject to a ceiling of working days. A provision based on an actuarial calculation has been made in the financial statements for covering the aforesaid liability. The provision is partly based on an actuarial calculation and partly on past experience based inter-alia, on a net capitalization rate of 3%.

NOTE 18 – Linkage of monetary balances

December 31, 2002
December 31, 2001
Linked
to Index

Linked to
foreign
currency*

Unlinked
**

Linked to
Index

Linked to
foreign
currency*

Unlinked
**

NIS. (thousands)
NIS. (thousands)
Assets:              
  Cash and cash 
    equivalents  -   25,821   7,826   -   20,345   15,963  
  Trade receivables and 
    Receivables on 
    Account of projects 
     in progress  13,912   62,244   1,001,474   14,346   61,080   879,361  
  Accounts receivable  39,925   1,710   37,159   1,164   3,606   46,079  
  Investment in capital 
    notes and loans  7,336   -   6,232   7,492   -   -  
  Long-term loans  72,727   51,555   6,091   104,918   21,451   4,142  






   133,900   141,330   1,058,782   127,920   106,482   945,545  






Liabilities:  
  Credit from banks and 
    others(not including 
     Current portion)  1,160   206,769   801,222   1,117   178,717   1,053,349  
  Trade payables  -   78,212   124,050   -   72,909   98,101  
  Accounts payable  27,188   6,729   148,261   30,783   900   160,384  
  Long-term liabilities 
    and debentures 
    (including current 
    portion)  847,791   4,537   227,521   496,999   20,115   295,560  
  Customers' deposits  62,226   -   -   65,545   -   -  
  Capital notes  -   -   215   -   -   898  






   938,365   296,247   1,301,269   594,444   272,641   1,608,292  






*Primarily U.S. dollars

**Part of these unlinked balances are non-interest bearing.

Against the excess of foreign currency linked liabilities over assets in the amount of approximately NIS. 155,000 thousand (2001-approximately NIS. 166,200 thousand). Sonol holds fuel and refined products inventories amounting to approximately NIS. 185,400 thousand, (2001-approximately NIS. 257,400 thousand) which are mainly Security inventories valued according to the changes in the rate of exchange of the US dollar as explained in Note 2.C.1

35



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 19 – Capital

  a. Nominal values

Consist of: Authorized
December 31,

Issued and Paid *
December 31,

2002
2001
2002
2001
NIS (thousands)
NIS (thousands)
225,000,000 Ordinary shares of          
      NIS 1.- each  225,000   225,000   139,336   139,336  




  *139,335,657 ordinary shares.

  As of December 31, 2002 a consolidated company holds 1,565,540 ordinary shares of the Company. (December 31, 2001 – 626,912).

  b. Earnings per share

  1. The adjusted net income used in computing earnings per share is as follows:

Year ended December 31,
2002
2001
2000
NIS. (thousands)
Net income per statement of income     24,633    50,470    76,423  
Less loss resulting from conversion  
 of debentures (series 1 and 2)*    -   -    (44 )



Net income used in computing  
  primary earnings per share    24,633   50,470    76,379  

Add (deduct) theoretical income  
 deriving from:  
Conversion of debentures (series 1)*        -    (230 )
Conversion of debentures (series 2)*        -    22  


Net income used in computing  
  the diluted earnings per share        50,470    76,171  


36



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 19 – Capital (continued)

b. Earnings per share (continued)

  2. Weighted number of ordinary shares (NIS. 1 par value) used in the computation of earnings per share:

Year ended December 31,
2002
2001
2000
NIS. (thousands) par value
Share capital used in computing primary          
 Earnings per share  138,381  138,720   139,017  

Add - theoretical share capital 
 that may derive from: 
Conversion of debentures (series 1)*     -   2,176  
Conversion of debentures (series 2)*     -   530  
The share capital used in computing the 


 diluted earnings per share     138,720   141,723  




  3. For examining the probability of conversion or exercise of convertible securities, the present value was computed using a discount rate of 2.5% in 2001 and 6% in 2000, for securities linked to the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar.

  *The balance of convertible debentures was redeemed on November 30, 2002.

NOTE 20 – Net sales

Year ended December 31,
2002
2001
2000
NIS. (thousands)
Commercial activities   2,421,151   2,440,846 * 2,864,792 *
Manufacturing activities  512,976   291,493   97,773  
Other activities  15,730   10,607   10,783  



   2,949,857   2,742,946   2,973,348  





  *Reclassified

NOTE 21 - Cost of sales

A. Consists of: Year ended December 31,
2002
2001
2000
NIS. (thousands)
Petroleum products and other        
   1,984,310   1,944,205   2,283,672  
 Materials used** 
Labor and sub-contract work  43,911   26,083   7,104  
Production costs  129,400   106,678 * 99,389 *
Depreciation  18,159   9,959   4,591  
Batteries  -   -   3,092  



Total cost of sales  2,175,780   2,086,925   2,397,848  



Decrease (Increase) in inventories  69,660   (2,894 ) 36,170  



  * Reclassified

  ** Financing income (expenses) deriving from the erosion of dollar linked credit used as a source for financing purchases of oil inventories is included in cost of sales. (see also note 2.C.)

37



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 21 – Cost of sales (continued)

B. Per income categories Year ended December 31,
2002
2001
2000
NIS. (thousands
Commercial activities   1,853,980   1,912,599   2,351,046 *
Manufacturing activities  314,124   169,710   42,096  
Other activities  7,676   4,616   4,706  



   2,175,780   2,086,925   2,397,848  





  *Reclassified

NOTE 22 – Selling and marketing expenses

Consist of: Year ended December 31,
2002
2001
2000
NIS. (thousands)
Salaries   154,618   127,952   103,777  
Advertising and promotion  33,505   17,469   16,522  
Depreciation and amortization  82,644   79,753   78,268  
Maintenance of buildings, plants and 
  filling stations  29,095   28,868   28,849  
Rent and taxes  93,892   76,739   64,567  
Transport and vehicle maintenance  53,939   48,130   42,176  
Other expenses  42,353   29,026 * 24,443 *



   490,046   407,937   358,602  





  *Reclassified

NOTE 23 – General and administrative expenses

(1) Consist of: Year ended December 31,
2002
2001
2000
NIS. (thousands)
Salaries   58,646   46,199   43,825  
Depreciation and amortization  19,157   12,560   8,778  
Consulting, legal and audit  12,670   9,438   8,298  
Provision for doubtful accounts and 
 bad debts  3,081   11,287   8,787  
Other expenses  16,330   10,462   12,660  



   109,884   89,946   82,348  



38



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


Note 24 — Financing expenses, net

  Income (Expenses) are derived from:

Year ended December 31,
2002
2001
2000
NIS. (thousands)
Long-term debt   (45,658 ) (34,408 ) (7,072 )
Negotiable securities, net  (8,300 ) (208 ) 5,724  
Other receivables and payables  4,187   11,020   17,056  
Short term loans received  (11,599 ) (70,694 ) (100,253 )
Dollar linked convertible debentures  9   (1,858 )* 474  
Others, including erosion of other monetary 
 assets and liabilities, net  (25,415 ) 19,069 * 7,051 *



   (86,776 ) (77,079 ) (77,020 )





  *Reclassified

NOTE 25 –Other (expenses) income, net

  Consists of:

Year ended December 31,
2002
2001
2000
NIS. (thousands)
(Loss)gain on sale of investment in        
   affiliated companies  (21 ) 154   51,772 *
Rent  1,123   1,252   1,273  
Dividends and shares received  478   12,891   2,191  
Management fees  1,135   521   1,937  
Write-off of investments in an a affiliated 
  company carried at cost, and loan to 
  affiliated companies  (20,400 ) (5,963 ) (2,355 )
Write-off of oil and gas exploration 
  rights(a)  (9,282 ) -   -  
Others  2,678   1,159   1,912 *



   (24,289 ) 10,014   56,730  



  (a) see also note 31.A.

  *Reclassified

39



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 26 — Income tax expense

  a. The Company and most of its subsidiaries are taxed under the Income Tax Law (Inflationary Adjustments) — 1985, effective as of the tax year 1985, which introduced the measurement of results for income tax purposes in real terms. The various adjustments required by the above mentioned law are made in order to align taxation to a real income basis. Nevertheless, the adjustments of the nominal income according to the Income Tax Law are not always identical to the inflationary adjustments made in the financial statements in accordance with the opinion of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel. As a result, differences arise between the adjusted income in the statement of income and the adjusted income for income tax purposes. Regarding deferred taxes for these differences, see Note. 2.J.

  b. Deferred taxes

  The deferred taxes are regarding:

Depreciable
fixed assets

Deductions
and losses
carried for-
ward for tax
Purposes

Liabilities for
employee
rights upon
retirement

Others
Total
NIS. (thousands)
Balance as of January 1, 2001   (7,079 ) 578   12,540   11,745   17,784  
Changes in 2001:  
Current  (1,271 ) (209 ) (1,706 ) (7,942 ) (11,128 )
 Reduction on account of 
   a company no longer 
   consolidated  -   (272 ) (3 ) (90 ) (365 )
  Addition on account of 
   investment in a consolidated 
   company  (62,348 ) 204   14,354   4,697   (43,093 )





 Balance as of 
  December 31, 2001  (70,698 ) 301   25,185   8,410   (36,802 )
Changes in 2002:  
 Current  (446 ) 3,119   (7,463 ) 13,786   8,996  
Addition for investment in a 
  new consolidated company  -   471   37   64   572  





 Balance as of 
  December 31,2002  (71,144 ) 3,891   17,759   22,260   (27,234 )





40



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 26 — Income tax expense (continued)

  The deferred taxes are presented in the balance sheet as follows:

Year ended December 31,
2002
2001
NIS. (thousands)
In current assets   21,247   18,133  
In current liabilities  (1,325 ) (3,288 )
In intangible assets and deferred charges, net  17,690   13,825  
In long-term liabilities  (64,846 ) (65,472 )


   (27,234 ) (36,802 )




  c. The provision for taxes on income in the statements of income consists of:


Year ended December 31,
2002
2001
2000
NIS. (thousands)
Current taxes, including erosion        
   of advance tax payments  41,583   27,852   48,540  
Deferred taxes, net  (8,996 ) 11,128   (1,899 )



   32,587   38,980   46,641  
Taxes on account of prior years  (1,734 ) (167 ) (237 )



   30,853   38,813   46,404  



  d. Final tax assessments:

  The Company and Sonol reached a compromise agreement with the income tax authorities regarding tax assessments for the years 1998-1999 for the Company and for the years 1997-1999 for Sonol. As part of the assessment, the companies paid NIS. 9 million, including interest and linkage differences. The net effect of the compromise agreement which, in part, results from timing differences in the recognition of expenses, and for which the Company provided for in previous years, was included in this year’s third quarter financial statements. Supergas reached a compromise assessment with the income tax authorities regarding tax assessments for the year 1995-1999. The cost of the agreement, which is immaterial to the Company, was included in this year’s first quarter financial statements. Sprint Motors Ltd. received final tax assessments through the year 1998. All other companies in the group, have final tax assessments through the years 1997 —1998 pursuant to the terms of Paragraph 145 (a)(2) of the Israel Income Tax Ordinance (statute of limitations).

41



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


NOTE 26 — Income tax expense (continued)

  e. Reconciliation between the theoretical tax on the reported income and the tax on incomeincluded in the statements of income:

Year ended December 31,
2002
2001
2000
NIS. (thousands)
Statutory rate of tax   36 % 36 % 36 %



The theoretical tax at the applicable tax rate  22,710   32,786   41,133  
Erosion of advanced tax payments  216   63   21  
Differences in the definition of capital, 
 assets and expenses for tax purposes, 
 and others, net  9,661   6,131   5,487  
Provision in respect of prior years  (1,734 ) (167 ) (237 )



   30,853   38,813   46,404  



42



GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002

NOTE 27 – Segment reporting

 

Segment reporting by products and services:

  

 

 

The accounting principles applied in the Segment reporting are in accordance with those used for preparing the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2002

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Fuel and
Gas

 

 

Paints and
Chemicals

 

 

Others

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 


 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

NIS. (thousands)

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Profit and loss data:
Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External sales

 

 

2,436,459

 

 

403,271

 

 

110,127

 

 

2,949,857

 

 

Sales within segments

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 


 


 

 


 

 


 

 

Net Sales

 

 

2,436,459

 

 

403,271

 

 

110,127

 

 

2,949,857

 

 

 

 

 


 


 

 


 

 


 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment results

 

 

145,908

 

 

43,030

 

 

(537

)

 

188,401

 

 

Unallocated expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(14,254

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

174,147

 

 

Financing expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(90,988

)

 

Financing income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,212

 

 

Other expenses, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(24,289

)

 

Taxes on income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(30,853

)

 

Minority interests in consolidated
 Companies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,312

)

 

Equity income (loss) of affiliated
 companies, net

 

 

(324

)

 

764

 

 

(5,724

)

 

(5,284

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24,633

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Additional information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment assets

 

 

2,124,701

 

 

643,080

 

 

229,620

 

 

2,997,401

 

 

Investments on equity basis

 

 

9,155

 

 

12,756

 

 

97,724

 

 

119,635

 

 

Unallocated assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

160,089

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Total consolidated assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,277,125

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment liabilities

 

 

271,576

 

 

85,022

 

 

46,403

 

 

403,001

 

 

Unallocated liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,228,468

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Total consolidated liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,631,469

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital investments

 

 

101,291

 

 

16,487

 

 

32,527

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

 

90,397

 

 

22,579

 

 

7,426

 

 

 

 

43




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002

NOTE 27 – Segment reporting (continued)

     Segment reporting by products and services

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2001*

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Fuel and
Gas

 

 

Paints and
Chemicals

 

 

Others

 

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

NIS. (thousands)

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit and loss data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

External sales

 

 

2,493,313

 

 

191,017

 

 

58,616

 

 

2,742,946

 

 

Sales within segments

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

Net Sales

 

 

2,493,313

 

 

191,017

 

 

58,616

 

 

2,742,946

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment results

 

 

143,077

*

 

14,302

 

 

10,310

 

 

167,689

 

 

Unallocated expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9,551

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

158,138

 

 

Financing expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(80,146

)*

 

Financing income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,067

 

 

Other expenses, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,014

 

 

Taxes on income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(38,813

)

 

Minority interests in consolidated
 Companies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,795

)

 

Equity income (loss) of affiliated
 companies, net

 

 

(946

)

 

-

 

 

951

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50,470

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Additional information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment assets

 

 

2,069,850

*

 

639,037

 

 

194,580

*

 

2,903,467

   

 

Investments on equity basis

 

 

12,689

 

 

12,148

 

 

112,401

 

 

137,238

 

 

Unallocated assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

168,593

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Total consolidated assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,209,298

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment liabilities

 

 

244,758

 

 

101,154

 

 

33,512

 

 

379,424

 

 

Unallocated liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,197,126

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Total consolidated liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,576,550

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital investments

 

 

123,128

*

 

11,023

 

 

7,503

*

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

 

77,130

 

 

9,255

 

 

3,896

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

* Reclassified

 

 

**The results of Tambour and its consolidated subsidiaries have been included as of their acquisition date.

 


44




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002

NOTE 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities

A.

Floating and fixed charges

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,
2002
NIS.(thousands)

 

Collateralized by

 

 

 


 


 

Bank overdrafts

  

13,185

 

  

Floating charges on current assets of the main  subsidiaries.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term loans from
 Banks

 

994,805

 

 

Floating charges on the assets of the Company and its main subsidiaries

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued interest on short-
 term bank loans is included
 in Other payables

 

9,536

 

 

Floating charges on the assets of the Company and of the main subsidiaries

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term bank loans (a)

 

1,076,143

 

 

A charge on the shares of a subsidiary company and floating charges on the assets of the main subsidiaries and fixed charges on portions of the fixed assets of some of the Company’s main subsidiaries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(see note 15.A.2, 28.C.2.a and note (a) below)

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment grants

 

705

 

 

Floating charges on part of the fixed assets of consolidated companies

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Convertible debentures

 

-

 

 

The balance of convertible debentures was redeemed on November 30, 2002. A floating charge subordinated to other floating charges on all the assets of the Company has not yet been canceled.


 

(a)

At the end of the second quarter of 2001, the Company acquired 87% of Tambour’s shares for approximately NIS. 488 million and in the third quarter acquired the remaining shares through a public tender offer for an amount of approximately NIS. 73 million. As a result of the acquisition, Tambour’s shares were de-listed from the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange. The acquisition was financed by long-term index linked and unlinked bank loans. The acquired shares were collateralized to the bank. 50% (2001-80%) of the loans are non-recourse.

45




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002

NOTE 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (continued)

 

B.

Liabilities and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

Indemnification exemption and Insurance of directors and senior officers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In September 2002, a special general meeting of the Company approved the following resolutions:

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

a.

To indemnify eligible directors and senior officers of the Company and its subsidiaries, in the past, present and future, beginning as of January 1, 1995. This indemnificantion is limited to the events and to the amounts stated in the resolution.

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

b.

To exempt eligible directors and senior officers of the Company and its subsidiaries from all liabilities on account of their obligation to act judiciously in regard to the Company.

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

c.

To provide liability insurance for eligible directors and officers of the Company and its subsidiaries, in the past, present and future, beginning as of January 1, 1995. Pursuant the above, the Company insured its directors and senior officers in a total amount of $ 10 million.

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

2.

Pending litigation

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

a.

Claims (mostly legal claims) arising in the normal course of business have been lodged against consolidated and affiliated companies. In the opinion of the management, based on the opinions of their legal counsel, litigation costs which are both probable and estimable have been accrued.  In certain cases, it is not possible to determine the final outcome of such claims.

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

b.

As a result of arbitration proceedings between the Fuel Authority and the agents’ and station owners’ organization, to which Sonol was not a party, the arbitrator ruled that the Fuel Authority is to reimburse the station owners for the depreciation on their investments in stations. The arbitrator’s award was confirmed by the district court. The Fuel Authority, in turn, demanded that the oil marketing companies reimburse the station owners for the depreciation (to the extent payable) since it claims that the depreciation component was previously recognized by the Fuel Authority within the framework of the Price Structure. In the opinion of Sonol’s legal counsel, there is no basis for the fuel Authority’s demand. By virtue of the award, twenty five third party proceedings have been filed by the Government against Sonol regarding claims filed against the Government by station owners for the reimbursement of the investment in the construction of stations. The total of these proceedings amounts to NIS. 43 million. In a ruling dated October 4, 2002, the Jerusalem district court rejected all the claims made by the various station owners against Sonol in third party proceedings, for the reimbursement of their investments in stations. This ruling was appealed to the supreme court. In the opinion of the company’s legal counsel, the appeal’s prospects are not favorable.

 

46




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002

NOTE 28- Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (continued)

 

B.

Liabilities and contingencies (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

Pending litigation (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

c.

 In the years 1993-1995, three claims were lodged against a formerly affiliated company and against its shareholders, which included Sonol. The total amount of the claims is approximately NIS 65 million relating to the sale of fuel products pursuant to restrictive trade practices (as the plaintiffs allege) among the fuel companies. In the opinion of  Sonol’s and the formerly affiliated company’s legal counsels, the companies have a sound defense against the claims.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d.

 In 1999, a filling station operator, who received operating rights within the framework of an agreement between war invalids and the rehabilitation department of the Ministry of Defense, the Israel Land Authority and the fuel marketing companies, filed an action in the district court for a ruling declaring the cancellation of agreements between him and Sonol, claiming them to be illegal restrictive trade agreements in accordance with the Law for Restrictive Trade Practices.  The operator’s claim was rejected by the Court.  The operator filed an appeal with the Supreme Court contesting the facts of the case and the court’s conclusions. The appeal was referred to mediation which was unsuccessful. Therefore the appeal will be heard. In the opinion of Sonol’s legal counsel it is impossible to predict  the outcome of the appeal.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In two separate divergent rulings by district courts dealing with similar cases against another oil company, two divergent decisions were handed down. In one case the claimants claim was rejected, and in another case, the claimants claim was accepted. Appeals were filed against the two rulings with the Supreme Court who will hear both appeals.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another war invalid operating a different filling station has also submitted a claim to the court for a declarative judgement claiming  that agreements between him and Sonol are restrictive trade arrangements and, therefore, void.  In addition, the claimant  is asking for a  declaration that the operating agreement includes discriminatory provisions in a standard contract, and that Sonol  be ordered to pay him approximately NIS. 2.1 million as a result of inflated prices which he claims Sonol charged him over the years. The case is at the hearing stage. It can be assumed, the ruling regarding this claim, as far as it concerns that of a restrictive trade agreement, will be the same as the above claim. If the arguments for the nullification of the agreements, as a result of their being restrictive arrangements, will be rejected by the court, Sonol’s defenses against the station operators’ financial claims have a reasonable to good chance of succeeding.

47




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002

NOTE 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (continued)

 

B.

Liabilities and contingencies (continued)

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

Pending litigation (continued)

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

e.

In 2000, the operators of one of Sonol’s filling stations, against whom Sonol filed a claim in the district court in Tel-Aviv, instituted legal proceedings against Sonol. In one proceeding, they requested a declarative judgement stating that inasmuch as a filling station operated by them was to be “freed” under the terms of the arrangement reached between the fuel companies and the Controller of Restrictive Trade Practices, the contractual relationships between them and Sonol should be related to as having been terminated. It was also claimed that all agreements between the plaintiffs and Sonol be considered restrictive agreements and, thereby, cancelled. In another proceeding, the above operators are claiming an amount of  approximately NIS 16 million, alleging having paid exorbitant prices on account of the fuel products they purchased from Sonol, and maintaining that inasmuch as the contractual arrangements between them and Sonol have been terminated as claimed in the other proceeding, Sonol  had no right to charge such prices. In the opinion of Sonol’s legal counsel defense prospects are good, even though they are unable to determine the defense prospects regarding the claim of a restrictive agreement. See also sub-paragraph (d) above.  If this claim is accepted there is a risk that the financial claim against Sonol will also be accepted (even though, in such a case, the amount of the claim is exaggerated). Should the above claim regarding a restrictive agreement not be accepted, the prospects of the financial claim against Sonol will be weak.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

f.

In the year 2000, former operators of a filling station filed a monetary claim against Sonol in the amount of approximately NIS 4.5 million on account of alleged exorbitant prices paid for of fuel products purchased from Sonol, maintaining that the contractual arrangements between them and Sonol have been cancelled and/or terminated, being restrictive arrangements. At this time, Sonol’s legal counsel are of the opinion that Sonol’s defense claims, although difficult to assess, are not insignificant. The matter was referred to mediation which was unsuccessful and, therefore, the case will be heard before the court.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

g.

Sonol filed a claim against one of its agencies for approximately NIS 40 million in the Tel Aviv district court on account of an unpaid balance and damages caused to the Company, alleging that the agency violated the terms of the agency agreement by dealing with one of Sonol’s competitors. The agency, in turn, filed a counterclaim in the amount of approximately NIS 62 million, stating various causes, including a claim that the contractual agreement between it and Sonol is a restrictive agreement.

48




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002

NOTE 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (continued)

 

B.  Liabilities and contingencies (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

     2.

Pending litigation (continued)

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the opinion of Sonol’s management, based on opinion of the company’s legal counsel, the prospects of Sonol’s claim against the agency relating to amounts owed to Sonol are good and, regarding the amount claimed for compensation on account of the violation of the agency agreement, such amount is subject to deliberation by the court. Regarding the prospects of the agency’s counterclaim, Sonol’s legal counsel are unable, at this time, to estimate its prospects, insofar as it relates to the claim of a restrictive agreement.  Should the claim of a restrictive arrangement be rejected by the court, the prospects of the counterclaim will not be favorable.  At this time, the dispute has been referred to mediation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

h.

In 1999, an agency of Sonol, which also operates stations on Sonol’s behalf, filed a claim against Sonol asking for declarative and monetary relief.  The agency claims that the agreement in effect with Sonol, in regard to one of the stations is a restrictive trade arrangement, and is also a uniform contract with discriminatory provisions and is thus void.  In addition the agency is asking that the station be “freed” under the terms of  the arrangement with the Controller of Restrictive Trade Practices, and is, therefore, requesting declaratory relief from the court regarding the cancellation of rights granted Sonol to the land on which the station is located, including leasehold and other proprietary rights. The agency is also asking that Sonol be required to pay approximately NIS. 16 million on account of the inflated prices which Sonol is alleged to have charged over the years. It should be noted that Sonol filed a monetary counterclaim against the same agency in the amount of approximately NIS. 20 million on account of amounts due from the agency from the purchase of fuel products from Sonol. A date has been set for pre-trial deliberations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At this time, legal counsel is unable to assess the defense prospects in regard to the alleged restrictive agreement. See also note (d). Should the district court rule in favor of this claim, there is also a risk that the court will accept the monetary claim against Sonol (which, even in such case, the amount of claim is by all accounts exaggerated). If the agency’s claim of a restrictive agreement is not accepted by the court, the prospects of the monetary claim against Sonol, are weak.

 

 

 

 

 

 

i.

In May 1997 a filling station owner filed a claim against Sonol in the amount of approximately NIS. 7 million, claiming that the company owes him commission differentials on account of prior years. In addition, the station owner is asking the court to declare the contracts signed between him and Sonol as void, claiming, inter-alia, that they are a restrictive arrangement .At this time, legal counsel is unable to estimate the defense prospects regarding the claim of a restrictive trade agreement. If the claim regarding a restrictive agreement is not accepted, Sonol’s prospects for a favorable decision are reasonable.

49




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002


NOTE 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (continued)

 

B.  Liabilities and contingencies (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

     2.

Pending litigation (continued)

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two additional claims were submitted by two filling station operators in the amount of approximately NIS  4.3 million, for commission differentials they claim, are due them. These were submitted subsequent to Sonol’s demand that the station operators relinquish the operation of Sonol’s stations. In one claim, in the amount of NIS. 1.2, million, Sonol reached an agreement subsequent to the balance sheet date, whereby the parties would rescind their claims against one another.  In the opinion of Sonol’s legal counsel, the second claim’s prospects against Sonol are weak.

 

 

 

 

 

 

j.

In April 2001 Sonol filed legal claims four of its station operators for their eviction from all four stations and also for the recovery of a debt in the amount of NIS. 9.6 million. Regarding the eviction claim, the defendants claimed that Sonol entered into a new agreement with them which granted them the right to continue operating the stations for an additional period, and simultaneously, the station operators filed a counter claim for damages in the amount of NIS. 10 million. In November 2002, the Tel-Aviv magistrate’s court ruled in favor of Sonol for the defendants’ eviction, and the stations were returned to Sonol. The mutual financial claims have not yet been heard by the court. In the opinion of the Sonol’s management, based on its legal counsel, the prospects in regard to the claim against Sonol are weak, while, on the other hand, Sonol has a sound basis for its claim against the station operators.

 

 

 

 

 

 

k.

In December, 2001 filling station operators filed a claim in court against Sonol asking for declarative relief, by granting them rights in the station, preventing Sonol from terminating the agreement appointing them as the station operators and integrally connecting theirs and Sonol’s rights to the station. Furthermore, they asked the court to be recognized as protected tenants regarding the station. In addition, they asked the court to declare the agreements between them and Sonol to be a restrictive trade arrangement and to order Sonol to sell them fuel products at “free market” conditions and prices. The station operators are also claiming an amount of approximately NIS. 4.7 million, claiming that as a result of a restrictive trade arrangement, Sonol charged them prices in excess of those they would have paid under “free market” conditions, and, also, claiming that Sonol acted in a prejudiced way against them by charging them higher prices than those which Sonol sells to other operators and agents. Sonol submitted its defense and, also filed a counterclaim for the eviction of the station operators.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the opinion of the company’s legal counsel, Sonol has a sound defense albeit, at this time, they are unable to predict the defense prospects regarding the claim of a restrictive trade  arrangement.

50




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002


NOTE 28 – Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (continued)

 

B.  Liabilities and contingencies (continued)

         

 

 

 

 

     3.

Pending litigation (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If the claim to nulify the agreements on the grounds that they are a restrictive trade arrangement is not accepted, then according to the estimate of the company’s legal counsel, on the basis of the facts submitted to them stating, inter-alia, that the station and agency in question purchase fuel products at similar prices as those paid by other filling stations of the same type within the Sonol network of stations and other agencies, then Sonol’s defense prospects as they relate to the financial claim are reasonable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

l.

In February 2000 a motion was filed against Sonol, together with Paz Oil Company Ltd. and “Delek” the Israel Fuel Corporation Ltd. to allow a class action relating to the alleged collusion in the fixing of the price of gasoil to consumers.  This claim, after being updated and if allowed as a class action, will amount to approximately NIS. 249.6 million against all the companies, of which Sonol’s share is approximately to NIS. 58.6 million, Sonol denies the claim and, according to its legal counsel, chances are good that it will not be allowed as a class action.

 

 

 

 

 

 

m.

In May, 2001 a motion was filed in the Jerusalem district court against Sonol and its subsidiary company, Sprint Motors Ltd. (“Sprint”) and four additional companies by customers who purchased fuel products in filling stations, contending that the defendants charged an illegal “service charge” from their customers over a period of many years. The plaintiffs have asked the court to recognize their claim as a class action. The amount of the claim is NIS. 5.30 and, should the court allow a class action, it will total approximately NIS. 404 million. From the claim, it is not clear as to what is Sonol’s and Sprint’s share of this amount. In the opinion of the Company’s management and its legal counsel, the chances of the claim to be recognized as a class action are weak.

 

 

 

 

 

 

n.

In April 1999, a claim in the amount of approximately NIS 8 thousand was filed in the Tel-Aviv district court against Supergas and four other gas companies by several consumers claiming non performance of periodic inspection of gas systems used by the consumers, the sale of a product by deception causing damages, loss of comfort and damage to their safety, thus endangering the lives of consumers.  The claim was subsequently amended to NIS. 4.9 thousand.  The plaintiffs have asked that the court order the gas companies to make the periodic inspections, to pay damages in the amount mentioned above of approximately NIS 0.8 thousand per plaintiff, and/or issue a declarative order stating that the plaintiffs are entitled to a refund of the amount paid to the defendants from the time agreements were entered into and, also, other orders. Concurrently, the plaintiffs asked that the court consider the claim as a class action.

51




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002


NOTE 28 – Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (continued)

 

B.  Liabilities and contingencies (continued)

        

 

 

 

 

     2.

Pending litigation (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The court ruled only partially in favor of the class action, allowing the claim to be submitted as a class action for declaratory relief only, in accordance with the Consumer Protection Law, regarding the gas companies’ obligation to refund to their customers amounts actually paid for periodic inspections which did not take place, retroactive to the date of agreements entered into with each customer.  The court rejected the claim for financial and other remedies against the gas companies.  Supergas has requested permission from the Supreme Court to appeal the above ruling and, in the opinion of its legal counsel, has valid causes for appeal, both factually and legally. In the opinion of the Company’s management, Supergas has recorded an adequate provision in its books for any potential exposure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

o.

In June, 2001, a claim was filed in the Tel Aviv district court against Supergas, together with a request that the claim be recognized as a class action, in the amount of NIS. 133 million. In addition, Supergas was informed of two additional claims filed against two other gas companies and to which Supergas was included on a formal basis only. The plaintiffs claim to be Supergas’ customers of central gas and contend, inter-alia, that Supergas and other gas companies unlawfully charge their customers a periodic fixed  charge which was not agreed upon in contracts signed between them and Supergas.  Therefore, they contend that Supergas should refund the amounts paid and, in addition, should make an “appropriate” compensatory payment in a manner as to be determined by the court. In the opinion of Supergas’s legal counsel, based on the data presently available, Supergas’ prospects of success are greater than those of the plaintiffs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

p.

In August, 2001 Petroleum and Energy Infrastructures Ltd. and Oil Products Pipeline Ltd. (“plaintiffs”) filed a claim in the amount of NIS. 6.7 million against Sonol and two other fuel companies. According to the plaintiffs, who are engaged in the pumpover of fuel products through a network of pipelines, they also serve as a “clearing house” for the defendants whereby the defendants sell and buy through the plaintiffs the excess/shortage of amounts of fuel that have accumulated. The plaintiffs claim that Sonol and others unlawfully netted amounts from payments due to them, thus causing financial losses to the plaintiffs. The amount claimed from Sonol is approximately NIS. 1.3 million. Sonol has not yet submitted its defense. In the opinion of its legal counsel, inasmuch as the claim is at an early stage, it is difficult to assess its prospects. Nevertheless Sonol has good defense claims.

52




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002


NOTE 28 – Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (continued)

 

B.  Liabilities and contingencies (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

     2.

Pending litigation (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

q.

A group of greenhouse owners, claiming damage caused to them in the amount of approximately NIS. 9.6 million as a result of the use of defective light fuel oil produced by Oil Refineries Ltd. and sold to them by the oil marketing companies, has filed a claim against, Sonol, Oil Refineries Ltd., Paz Oil company Ltd., “Delek” the Israel  Fuel Corporation Ltd. and  Alon Israel Fuel Company Ltd. Sonol’s share of this claim amounts to approximately  NIS. 3.4 million. In the opinion of Sonol’s management, Sonol has a sound defense against this claim and, in addition, has insurance coverage included in a product liability policy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

r.

Pi-Gliloth Petroleum Terminals and Pipeline Ltd. filed a financial claim against Petroleum Products Pipeline Ltd. and the fuel marketing companies “Sonol” “Paz” “Delek” and “Dor” in the amount of approximately NIS. 8.1 million. The plaintiff claims that it was entitled by law to payment from the defendants on account of storage of fuel products in storage transfer tanks it owns in its Ashdod installation. The amount claimed from Sonol is approximately NIS. 1.2 million. The claim has been forwarded to arbitration. In the opinion of the Sonol’s legal counsel, its prospects for receiving a favorable ruling are good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

s.

Petroleum Infrastructures Ltd. filed a financial claim in a summary procedure in the amount of approximately NIS. 2.8 million against “Sonol”  “Paz”, and “Delek” on account of the netting of the said amount by the defendants from payments, under the pretext that gasoil stored by the plaintiff on their behalf was deleted, at some stage, from its records. The amount claimed from Sonol is NIS. 0.7 million. To date, no reply has been received. The prospects of  Sonol’s defense claims are good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

t.

Following the filing of a claim against Dan–Cooperative for Public Transportation Ltd (“Dan”) in the amount of NIS. 1.6 million for the return of equipment loaned to Dan by Sonol for the construction of an internal filling station, in accordance with an agreement signed between Dan, Sonol, Paz Oil Company Ltd., “Delek” the Israel Fuel Corporation Ltd. and Sonol. Dan, in June 2002, submitted a counterclaim in the magistrate’s court in Tel-Aviv in the amount of NIS. 10 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In its counterclaim, Dan contends that the agreement signed with the three  fuel companies is illegal and, being a restrictive arrangement entered into as a result of the companies taking advantage of their monopolistic power, is therefore, null and void. Dan maintains that during the period between 1980-1989 when it purchased fuel products from the fuel companies, it paid exorbitant prices in amounts totalling NIS. 15 million. However, due to the cost of the court fee, its counterclaim was submitted in an amount of NIS. 10 million. Sonol’s share of this claim amounts to approximately NIS. 2 million. The company has submitted its defense. In the opinion of Sonol’s legal counsel, the defense prospects are more favorable than these of the plantiffs.

53




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002


NOTE 28 – Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (continued)

 

B.  Liabilities and contingencies (continued)

         

 

 

 

 

     2.

Pending litigation (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

u.

Two investigations have been instituted by the Israel Police and the Ministry of Energy against Supergas regarding two instances  of deaths of customers from leaks of poisonous gas from gas heaters. In one instance, the prosecution decided to prosecute a Supergas technician and not to prosecute Supergas or any of its managers. In the second, no recommendation has yet been received from the police or from the prosecution.

 

 

 

 

 

 

v.

In August 2000, Bank Hapoalim filed a claim against Supergas for the payment of an amount of NIS. 3.6 million they claim is owed to the bank by Etzion Gas Products (1998) Ltd. (50% ownership). No date has yet been set for deliberations. Supergas filed for the total cancellation of this claim inasmuch as it did not provide any guarantees for amounts owed by Etzion Gas Products (1998) Ltd. Supergas’ request was denied and it has appealed the decision. In the opinion of the Company’s management and its legal counsel, Supergas’ defense prospects are good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

w.

In November, 2002, a claim for declaratory relief was filed against Mini Israel Limited Partnership, (“Mini Israel”) in which the Company holds a 35% interest, claiming that project built and managed by Mini Israel was illegally taken from a resource project written by two students working on their master’s degree in business administration. According to the claimants, the research project included a business plan and feasibility studies to be used in constructing a similar project and that use of the claimants’ research  project in building the project constitutes unjust enrichment, the theft of proprietary secrets, breach of trust and breach of contractual liability. As of the date of the financial statements, Mini Israel has not yet submitted its defense. In the opinion, of the Mini Israel’s management, based on the opinion of its legal counsel, the defense prospects are good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

x.

Concerning an additional claim against Sonol – see note 31(E).

54




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002



NOTE 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (continued)

 

 

C. 

The consolidated companies are committed as of  balance sheet date as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)     Commitments:

NIS. thousands

 

 

 


 

 

Acquisition of fixed assets

186,624

 

 

 

Suppliers of fuel, luboils and equipment

 

 

 

 

(delivery January-December 2003)

711,432

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Completion of projects

78,421

 

 

 

Rental leases and obligations regarding stations, facilities and

 

 

 

 

 buildings in accordance with signed agreements (*)

1,313,843

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease obligation for a computer and other equipment for

 

 

 

 

 a period of up to one year

1,065

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Automobile operating lease agreements (**)

8,566

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts payable on account of management services (see note 30b)

6,821

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(*)  Rental and leasing liabilities:

 

 

 

 

        2003

107,011

 

 

 

        2004

106,651

 

 

 

        2005

96,920

 

 

 

        2006

88,990

 

 

 

        2007

102,165

 

 

 

        2008 and thereafter

812,106

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

1,313,843

 

 

 

 



 

 

        (**)Liability in respect of automobile operating lease agreements:

 

 

 

 

        2003

3,741

 

 

 

        2004

3,170

 

 

 

        2005

1,655

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

8,566

 

 

 

 



 

 

(2)      Commitments for investments:

      

 

 

 

 

 

a.

In 1998, a consolidated company entered into a joint venture to construct a building project on jointly owned land. Construction which began in September 2000, will include a 23 story office building covering an area of approximately 23,000 square meters and underground parking facilities. In addition, the company signed an agreement whereby it agreed to pay the city of Tel Aviv an amount of NIS. 12.2 million, linked to the Index, for betterment taxes.  As of the balance sheet date, the balance of the liability payable amounted to NIS. 9.2 million. The partners in the joint venture, also entered into an agreement with a bank whereby the bank will provide construction financing throughout the construction period.  In return, the consolidated company collateralized its rights to the land and future payments from the project to the bank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

b.

Should the restructuring of the companies in the group be realized (see note 1), it is expected that the Company will incur costs, primarily professional fees, taxes on the transfer of assets between companies and other fees.  At this time, the extent of these costs is not known.

55




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002



NOTE 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (continued)

 

 

C.

(2)

Commitments for investments: (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

c.

In the year 2000, The Controller of Oil Interests in the Ministry of National Infrastructures (“Controller”) granted a license to Granite – Sonol Oil and Gas Drilling Limited Partnership for oil exploration on a tract of land of over 400,000 dunam located between Or Yehuda in the north, Kiryat Malachi in the south and Mishmar Ayalon in the east and known as License No. 302/ “Modiin”. Under the terms of the license, the Limited Partnership was obligated to carry out certain preliminary activities by October 1, 2001. A dispute has arisen between the Controller and the Partnership in regard to carrying out the preliminary activities. On January 9, 2002 the Controller issued a warning to the Company informing it of his intention to revoke its license, due to the non-fulfillment by the company of the agreed upon work plan, with a recommendation that the Company make all the necessary corrections within 60 days in order to prevent the revocation of the rights granted to the Limited Partnership under the terms of the license. The Company appealed the decision. Subsequently, on March 3, 2002, the Company received a notice in accordance with Paragraph 55(c) of Oil Law, stating that the license will not be revoked prior to a ruling by the Minister.

       

 

 

 

 

 

d.

On September 30, 2001 an agreement was signed between the Company and  Naspen Ltd. of the Baran group, whereby the parties to the agreement will invest in equal shares in Oganim Beyarok Ltd. which has been assigned to deal in the country and abroad with leasing land and masts for constructing antennas for communication equipment (TM-Tower Management). According to the terms of the agreement, the Company will invest up to approximately 5 million U.S. dollars. As of the balance sheet date, the Company invested NIS. 2.2 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

e.

A consolidated company constructed a water purification plant which it has agreed to operate for a period of 10 years beginning January 2000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

f.

Agreements have been signed by consolidated companies to pay royalties on account of knowhow they have acquired. The royalties, paid as a percentage of the sales of certain products, amounted to approximately NIS. 1 million over each of the past three years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

g.

On December 9, 2002 a consolidated company signed a licensing agreement with the German company, Henkel KGaG whereby Henkel granted the company an exclusive license to manufacture and sell various chemical products, glues and sealants  in Israel, Jordan and the Occupied territories.  In accordance with the agreement, the company is entitled to import the products or to manufacture them according to the knowhow and planning of Henkel.

56




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002



NOTE 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (continued)

 

 

C.

(2)

Commitments for investments: (continued)

        

 

 

 

 

 

h.

A consortium companies, of which the Company through a consolidated company is a member, was awarded a tender for the desalination of sea water. For this purpose, the consortium formed a company, Via Maris Desalination Ltd.(“Derech Hayam”), of which the Company holds 26.5%.On October 28, 2002 Derech Hayam signed an agreement with the State of Israel (“Rights agreement”) whereby it will plan, finance, construct, operate and maintain a sea water desalination plant having an annual capacity of 30 million cubic meters under the “BOO” (Build, Own and Operate) method (“Project”). The agreement is subject to the approval of the finance committee of the Knesset. Until such approval is guaranted each party is entitled to cancel the agreement within a period of a half year from the date the rights agreement was signed. The Rights agreement is for a period of 24 years and 11 months (“Rights period”), during which time, within a period of 2½ years, Derech Hayam is obligated to construct a desalination plant having a yearly capacity of 30 million cubic meters. In return for constructing and operating the plant, Derech Hayam will be entitled to receive a fixed amount for providing available desalination capacity and, also, a variable amount for quantities of sea water actually desalinated. The amount of water to be desalinated yearly will be determined jointly, in advance annually, by Derech Hayam and the Desalination Authority.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The shareholders and Derech Hayam have jointly and individually guaranteed to the State of Israel the fulfillment of the terms of the Rights agreement signed with Derech Hayam and other agreements signed among  themselves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The shareholders of Derech Hayam provided a performance guarantee to the State of Israel in amounts totaling NIS. 35 million of which the Company’s share is approximately NIS. 9.3 million. At the beginning of construction, the shareholders’ guarantees will be increased to a total of approximately NIS. 92.5 million of which the Company’s share will be NIS. 24.5 million. Each of the shareholders of Derech Hayam provided a guarantee for its share of a loan taken from a bank based on its proportionate share in the Company. The Company’s share of the guarantee amounted to approximately NIS. 500 thousand. As of the date of the financial statements, the Company provided guarantees on behalf of Derech Hayam totaling approximately NIS. 9.8 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derech Hayam and its shareholders also signed an agreement to form a partnership for the construction of the desalination plant. The shareholders will most likely be required to provide a performance bond to Derech Hayam for an amount equal to approximately 12.5% of the estimated NIS. 380-400 million construction cost based on their proportionate ownership share of the Company.  The Company’s share of this bond, if required, will amount to approximately NIS. 13 million. Derech Hayam intends to finance the construction of the plant through outside source and through capital provided by its shareholders for 12-15% of the requirements. The Company’s share of

57




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002



NOTE 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (continued)

 

 

C.

(2)

Commitments for investments: (continued)

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

this capital amounts to approximately NIS. 21 million. The consolidated company’s portion of the shareholders’ loans to Derech Hayam amounts to NIS. 778 thousand. The loans are index linked. As of the balance sheet date, the consolidated Company recorded an investment of NIS. 950 thousand which includes the shareholder’s loan and various capitalized costs.

 

 

 

 

 

i.

In October 2002, a group in which a consolidated company is a member won a tender published by Mekorot Water Company Ltd. for the planning, construction and initial operation of a water desalination plant in Ashod having an annual capacity of 45 million cubic meters. The total cost of the project, approximately NIS. 426 million, will be financed through a bank loan within the framework of a financing agreement which will be in effect throughout the construction period. The construction is expected to continue for approximately 1½  years and the plant is expected to be operational in the summer of 2004. The consolidated Company’s share in the project is 24%.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On October 31, 2002 a protest was filed in the Tel-Aviv district court by one of the tender participants against the decision to award the tender to the group and was rejected. The matter is pending in the supreme court, together with a temporary restraining order preventing any additional agreements and work on the project until a decision is handed down by the court.

 

 

 

 

 

 

j.

On November 4, 2002 a joint venture agreement was signed in equal parts between a consolidated Company and Hefer Ecologies Aguda Shitufit Agricultural Cooperative Ltd. to construct and operate a plant for treating agricultural and other residues in the Emek Hefer area. The agreement is for a period of 18 years and it’s estimated cost will be approximately NIS. 20 million. In accordance with the terms of the agreement, the consolidated company will provide capital and financing of up to NIS. 10 million to the partnership. As of the balance sheet date, another consolidated company has committed itself to providing guarantees amounting to approximately NIS. 6.5 million to a consortium of banks on behalf of a consolidated company. As of the balance sheet date, the consolidated company has recorded an investment of approximately NIS. 2.8 million.

58




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002



NOTE 28 - Collateral, commitments and contingent liabilities (continued)

 

 

D.

The consolidated companies have contingent liabilities as of the balance sheet date as follows:

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NIS.(thousands)

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

1.   Open letters of credit for purchase of equipment

 

2,043

 

 

 

 

2.   Bank guarantees in respect of customers

 

 

 

 

 

 

           and an affiliated company

 

42,932

 

 

 

 

3.   Performance guarantees to customers and others

 

32,405

 

 

 

 

4.   Guarantees to municipalities and tax authorities

 

11,871

 

 

 

 

5.   Guarantees to banks for credit and other liabilities of

 

 

 

 

 

 

           affiliated companies

 

2,031

 

 

 

 

6.   Other guarantees

 

3,408

 

 

 

 

7.   Guarantees given to a government agency on account of

 

 

 

 

 

 

           the liabilities of a consolidated company regarding its

 

Unlimited

 

 

 

 

           share in an oil and gas exploration agreement

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

8.   Guarantee on account of the liabilities of a consolidated

 

Unlimited

 

 

 

 

           company in regard to a tender

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.

Credit Risks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

The maximum credit risks of the Company regarding its financial assets do not exceed the book value of the financial assets less the existing collateral held by the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

The concentration of credit risks results from the consolidated company’s customers and long-term receivables (long-term loans granted) being of a similar character (independent fuel agencies).  The highest balance is that of an agent whose current balance (included in trade receivables) and whose long-term balance (included in long-term loans) total approximately NIS. 36.2 million. A portion of amounts due from customers are collateralized as is customary in the industry.  The financial statements include specific provisions for receivables, whose the collection in the opinion of the management, is questionable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.

Currency Future Transactions

 

 

 

Currency futures

 

 

Currency

 

 

Currency

 

 

Date of

 

 

Amount

 

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

Contracts

 

 

Receivable

 

 

Payable

 

 

expiration

 

 

receivable

 

 

Payable

 

 

Fair value

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NIS.thousands

 

 

NIS.thousands

 

 

NIS.thousands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Futures transaction

 

 

U.S.dollars

 

 

NIS.

 

 

(1)

 

 

3,647

 

 

3,522

 

 

125

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Euro

 

 

NIS.

 

 

(2)

 

 

10,995

 

 

10,435

 

 

560

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,642

 

 

13,957

 

 

685

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

February 3, 2003 to April 2, 2003

(2)

January 7, 2003  to February 27, 2003

59




 

GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002


NOTE 29 – Events in the fuel sector

    

 

In accordance with the Law for Arrangements in the State Economy (2001) and the regulations thereto, changes have been enacted regarding the holding of Emergency stocks of fuel products. The new regulations established two categories of Emergency stocks: Security inventories and Civilian inventories (see note 2.C.1). The Security inventories are stored in separate tanks at specified locations and are designated to be used in case of an emergency. The Security stocks are therefore included in the financial statements as Non-current inventories. The government will continue to finance and guarantee the value of inventories defined as Security inventories.

 

 

Regarding the Civilian inventories, fuel companies selling gasoil to the civilian market were required to hold gasoil stocks as determined by the Law for Arrangements in the State Economy (2001) and its regulations. These regulations were suspended following an interim order by the supreme court on August 26, 2002 canceling the requirement that the fuel companies hold Civilian inventories. As a result, in November and December 2002, Sonol sold its Civilian inventories. It continued holding Security inventories and Commercial inventories to meet its current needs. As a result of the above changes, the commercial inventories increased as did its exposure to fluctuations in the value of its inventories, due to fluctuations in the market prices of petroleum products.  Price fluctuations of petroleum products may materially affect the periodic operating results of the Company. The Company is exploring ways to minimize those effects. It is not possible to predict the effects of these changes on the Company’s  financial results.

 

NOTE 30 - Transactions and balances with interested and related parties

 

 

 

 

 

 

a.

Income and expenses from interested and related parties.

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

Consist of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

2002

 

 

2001

 

 

2000

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

NIS. (thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Interested

 

 

Related

 

 

Interested

 

 

Related

 

 

Interested

 

 

Related

 

 

 

 

 

 

parties

 

 

parties

 

 

Parties

 

 

Parties

 

 

parties

 

 

parties

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 

 

Financing income

 

 

-

 

 

943

 

 

-

 

 

862

 

 

-

 

 

1,128

 

 

 

Income from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   management

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   services

 

 

-

 

 

811

 

 

-

 

 

466

 

 

-

 

 

1,668

 

 

 

Purchases of fuel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   products

 

 

347,715

 

 

-

 

 

408,717

 

 

-

 

 

454,035

 

 

-

 

 

 

Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    purchased

 

 

443

 

 

-

 

 

701

 

 

-

 

 

849

 

 

-

 

60




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002


NOTE 30 - Transactions and balances with interested and related parties (continued)

    

 

 

 

 

 

a.

Income and expenses from interested and related parties (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

The decision as to the price at which purchases of fuel products are made from an interested party is determined by comparison to the price at the gate of the Oil Refineries Ltd. and the prices charged by other competing suppliers a that time.  The price paid by Sonol at any given time was lower than any other alternative available.  Credit terms were not less than those available from the Oil Refineries Ltd. or from any other supplier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

Other transactions with interested and related parties are conducted in the normal course of business and according to normal credit terms and do not exceed 10% of the Company’s transactions.  The Company has been granted an exemption in accordance with paragraph 64(3) D of the Securities Regulations (Preparation of Annual Financial Statements (correction) – 1995) from the requirement to disclose transactions with interested parties and affiliated companies made during the normal course of business of the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

Sonol purchases most of its fuel products from Oil Refineries Ltd. which is obligated to supply its products to the fuel marketing companies at the refinery gate price which is under government control.

 

 

 

 

 

 

b.

Benefits to interested parties

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number
Of
Persons

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 

 


 


 


 

 

 

 

NIS. (thousands)

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.   Interested party employed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         by the Company

 

 

1

 

 

 

3,699

 

 

 

3,232

 

 

 

3,391

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.   Directors

 

 

13

 

 

 

1,064

 

 

 

1,093

 

 

 

1,028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.   Management services*

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,132

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

The Company has a commitment to pay $ 40,000 per month to an interested party for management services for a period of 36 months commencing on January 1, 2003. The expenses for management services are contingent upon the approval of the General Meeting of the Company.

61




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002



NOTE 30 - Transactions and balances with interested and related parties (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

c.

Balances with interested and related parties


 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

NIS. (thousands)

 

 

 


 

 

 

Interested

 

Related

 

Interested

 

Related

 

 

 

Parties

 

Parties

 

Parties

 

Parties

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Current assets:

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Trade receivables

 

 

1,079

 

 

 

13,907

 

 

 

1,125

 

 

 

27,639

 

 

Other receivables

 

 

-

 

 

 

203

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

216

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

1,079

 

 

 

14,110

 

 

 

1,125

 

 

 

27,855

 

 

 

 




 




 




 




 

Loans and capital notes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 to subsidiary companies

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,740

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,079

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 

 

 




 

The highest balance with

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Interested parties during 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 the year

 

 

3,921

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,984

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade payables

 

 

33,475

 

 

 

3,664

 

 

 

24,298

 

 

 

7,247

 

 

Other payables

 

 

-

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

539

 

 

 

 




 




 




 




 

 

 

 

33,475

 

 

 

3,669

 

 

 

24,298

 

 

 

7,786

 

 

 

 




 




 




 




 

The highest balance with

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Interested parties during

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 the year

 

 

47,909

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

46,699

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitment to purchase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 products from an interested

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 party

 

 

108,951

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,055

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

NOTE 31 - Subsequent events

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.

On February 4, 2003 Granite-Sonol Oil and Gas Drilling Limited Partnership notified licence owners “Matan” and “Michal” in the Gal A and B exploration sites, that it will not participate in the drilling at “Tamar 1”. As a result, the Limited Partnership relinquished .its rights in the Gal A + B exploration sites. The Partnership’s investment in these exploration sites, was written off in the current year’s financial   statements. (See notes 11,25 ).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.

In anticipation of the expiration of the chief executive officer’s employment contract with the Company on June 30, 2003, a contract which provided for an automatic extension in the absence of notification otherwise, by the parties to the agreement, the chief executive officer notified the chairman of the board of the company that he will end his term on the above date. His announcement to the chairman of the board was  made for personal reasons. A new chief executive officer was appointed in his place.

62





GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002



NOTE 31 - Subsequent events (continued)

     

 

 

 

 

 

C.

On January 21, 2003 the Pi-Gliloth Petroleum Terminals and Pipelines Ltd. (“Pi-Gliloth”) fuel dispensing installation, situated north of Tel-Aviv, was closed. The Company holds approximately 13.21% of the shares of Pi-Gliloth. The remaining installations of Pi-Gliloth throughout the country continue to operate as usual.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On January 21, 2003 an agreement between Israel Lands Authority (“Lands Authority”) and Pi-Gliloth was approved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Following are the main terms of the agreement:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

The supplying of fuel products at the Pi-Gliloth installation will terminate upon the approval of the agreement by the Lands Authority, at which time, the agreement takes effect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2)

Pi-Gliloth will absorb all the costs related to the cessation of the dispensing of fuel products.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3)

The leasing agreement for the land at the Gliloth site by Pi-Gliloth will remain in effect. The Lands Authority will initiate a plan for redesignating the land at the site (“Authority plan”). Pi-Gliloth will be entitled to use the newly designated land, subject to the conditions provided for under Ruling No. 933 of the Lands Authority which requires the lessee, using the land for a purpose other than that previously designated, to pay a permit fee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4)

If as a result of a judiciary ruling the Lands Authority will be prevented from utilizing the newly designated land, or if the Authority plan is not approved by February 1, 2018, Pi-Gliloth will be entitled to a reimbursement of the costs related to vacating and relocating the installations to an alternate site. The reimbursement for the costs of vacating the site will be paid in full to Pi-Gliloth by the Lands Authority, no later than 15 years from the date of the agreement, and subject to the cancellation of the leasing agreement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5)

If required, the Land Authority will absorb the land reclaiming costs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6)

Pi-Gliloth will withdraw its alternate plan for redesignating the land (The  Safdie  plan) and will withdraw its objection to the plan presented by the Lands Authority.

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.

Following an offering by Nitzba Hevra Le-Hitnahalut (“Nitsba Hitnahalut”) to sell the shares of Nitsba Hinahalut held by its owners, the company, on February 2, 2003, submitted an offer to purchase the shares. On March 5, 2003, Nitsba Hitnahalut notified the Company, without providing any reason, that it is terminating the negotiations with the Company and is continuing negotiations with another party. The Company is considering actions to be taken.

63




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002



NOTE 31 - Subsequent events (continued)

 

 

 

E.

On February 16, 2003, a filling station operator filed a counterclaim against Sonol and another oil company for NIS. 2.9 million, claiming restrictive and discriminatory provisions in a standard contract.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The counterclaim was filed following a claim filed by Sonol for the eviction of the filling station operator due to non payment of his debts. The company has not yet submitted its defense and in unable, at this time, to estimate the counter claims prospects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.

The Board of Directors of the company decided to propose the declaration of a dividend in the amount of NIS. 80 million at General Meeting of the Company which will take place on April 3, 2003. Assuming the proposal will be approved, the determination date will be April 4, 2003, the ex-dividend date April 6, 2003 and the dividend will be paid on April 15, 2003.

 

 

 

 

NOTE 32 – Financial statements translated into U.S. dollars

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The financial records of the Company and its consolidated companies are maintained on a current basis in historical nominal New Israel Shekels and U.S. dollars.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The translated consolidated financial statements, stated in U.S. dollars, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for use in connection with the preparation of the financial statements of a U.S. shareholder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The functional currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar. The consolidated financial statements in U.S. dollars are prepared in accordance with translation principles identical to those prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 52 (“F.A.S.B. 52”), based on the historical nominal amounts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The financial statements of subsidiaries, whose functional currency is NIS., were translated into U.S. dollars according to the exchange rate in effect on the balance sheet date. Differences arising from the Company’s investment in its subsidiaries based on the U.S. dollars, and the Company’s share in the equity of these subsidiaries, translated to U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate, are included in “Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments” in shareholders’ equity. Exchange rate differences arising from loans taken in NIS. for the financing of investments in subsidiaries, have also been included in that component of shareholders’ equity.

 

 

 

 

64




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002


NOTE 32 – Financial statements translated into U.S. dollars (continued)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)


 

 

 

Translated to U.S. Dollars

 

 

 


 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 


 


 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Cash and cash equivalents

   

 

7,103

 

   

 

7,717

 

 

  Marketable securities

 

 

3,716

 

 

 

6,070

 

 

  Trade receivables, net

 

 

222,744

 

 

 

194,229

*

 

  Other receivables and current assets

 

 

26,973

 

 

 

23,769

*

 

  Receivables on account of projects

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     in progress

 

 

3,672

 

 

 

4,213

 

 

  Inventories

 

 

46,055

 

 

 

58,620

 

 

 

 




 




 

 

 

 

310,263

 

 

 

294,618

 

 

 

 




 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current inventories

 

 

25,344

 

 

 

28,578

 

 

 

 




 




 

Investments, long-term loans and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   receivables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Affiliated companies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   and others

 

 

32,804

 

 

 

40,377

 

 

 Long-term loans

 

 

27,521

 

 

 

27,750

 

 

 Deferred taxes, net

 

 

3,627

 

 

 

3,259

 

 

 

 




 




 

 

 

 

63,952

 

 

 

71,386

 

 

 

 




 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed assets net of accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Depreciation

 

 

246,240

 

 

 

253,309

 

 

 

 




 




 

Intangible assets and deferred

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  charges,  net

 

 

30,040

 

 

 

27,406

 

 

 

 




 




 

 

 

 

675,839

 

 

 

675,297

 

 

 

 




 




 

    *Reclassified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

65




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002


NOTE 32 – Financial statements translated into U.S. dollars (continued)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)


 

 

 

Translated to U.S. Dollars

 

 

 


 

 

 

December  31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 


 


 

Current liabilities

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Credit from banks and others

 

 

242,237

 

 

 

281,311

 

 

Current portion of convertible

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Debentures

 

 

-

 

 

 

3,047

 

 

Trade payables

 

 

42,532

 

 

 

36,390

 

 

Other payables

 

 

38,464

 

 

 

41,512

 

 

 

 




 




 

 

 

 

323,233

 

 

 

362,260

 

 

 

 




 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term loans

 

 

198,762

 

 

 

150,571

 

 

Customers’ deposits

 

 

13,136

 

 

 

13,936

 

 

Liabilities for employee rights upon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 retirement, net

 

 

6,210

 

 

 

6,892

 

 

Deferred taxes

 

 

14,614

 

 

 

16,161

 

 

Capital notes issued by a consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  company

 

 

45

 

 

 

191

 

 

 

 




 




 

 

 

 

232,767

 

 

 

187,751

 

 

 

 




 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest

 

 

1,740

 

 

 

2,938

 

 

 

 




 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity

 

 

118,099

 

 

 

122,348

 

 

 

 




 




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

675,839

 

 

 

675,297

 

 

 

 




 




 

66




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002

NOTE 32 – Financial statements translated into U.S. dollars (continued)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(In thousands except per share data)


 

 

Translated to U.S. Dollars

 

 

 


 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2002

 

2001

 

2000

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

 

 

902,737

 

 

906,300

*

 

980,292

*

Less: Government imposts

 

 

291,354

 

 

301,286

 

 

313,010

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

 

611,383

 

 

605,014

 

 

667,282

 

Cost of sales

 

 

450,659

 

 

461,856

*

 

537,696

*

 

 



 



 



 

Gross profit

 

 

160,724

 

 

143,158

 

 

129,586

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  administrative  expenses

 

 

103,722

 

 

88,816

*

 

79,941

*

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

20,432

 

 

18,653

 

 

19,115

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

124,154

 

 

107,469

 

 

99,056

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

 

36,570

 

 

35,689

 

 

30,530

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing expenses, net

 

 

(19,892

)

 

(9,074

)*

 

(20,883

)*

Other (expenses) income, net

 

 

(9,844

)

 

2,011

 

 

13,383

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

(29,736

)

 

(7,063

)

 

(7,500

)

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  and other items

 

 

6,834

 

 

28,626

 

 

23,030

 

Income tax expense

 

 

6,453

 

 

6,506

 

 

9,791

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before other items

 

 

381

 

 

22,120

 

 

13,239

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Losses) Income of affiliates, net

 

 

(995

)

 

2,687

 

 

2,375

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest in consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  subsidiaries, net

 

 

(545

)

 

(476

)

 

(605

)

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net  (loss) income

 

 

(1,159

)

 

24,331

 

 

15,009

 

 

 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per ordinary share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in U.S. dollars):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

 

(0.01

)

 

0.18

 

 

0.11

 

 

 



 



 



 

*Reclassified

67




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002

NOTE 32 – Financial statements translated into U.S. dollars (continued)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)

Translated to U.S. Dollars



 

 

Common
Stock

 

Capital
reserves

 

Company’s
Shares held
by a
consolidated
company

 

Retained
earnings

 

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income*

 

Cumulative
foreign
currency
translation
adjustment

 

Total

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as at January 1, 2000

 

 

59,599

 

 

64,328

 

 

(141

)

 

(13,436

)

 

585

 

 

-

 

 

110,935

 

Changes in 2000:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Net income for the year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,009

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

15,009

 

  Acquisition of the Company’s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    shares held by a consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    company

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(669

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(669

)

  Conversion of debentures to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    share

 

 

97

 

 

714

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

811

 

  Reclassification adjustment for

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    gains included in net income

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

280

 

 

 

 

 

280

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as at December 31, 2000

 

 

59,696

 

 

65,042

 

 

(810

)

 

1,573

 

 

865

 

 

-

 

 

126,366

 

Changes in 2001:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Net income for the year

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

24,331

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

24,331

 

  Divided paid

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(27,934

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(27,934

)

  Acquisition of the Company’s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    shares held by a consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    company

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(62

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(62

)

  Reclassification adjustment for

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    gains included in net income

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(353

)

 

-

 

 

(353

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as December 31, 2001

 

 

59,696

 

 

65,042

 

 

(872

)

 

(2,030

)

 

512

 

 

-

 

 

122,348

 

Changes in 2002:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Net loss for the year

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(1,159

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(1,159

)

  Acquisition of the Company’s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    shares held by a consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    company

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(1,234

)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(1,234

)

Unrealized losses on securities

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(1,198

)

 

-

 

 

(1,198

)

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  adjustment

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(235

)

 

(235

)

Reclassification adjustment for

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  gains included in net income

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(423

)

 

-

 

 

(423

)

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as December 31, 2002

 

 

59,696

 

 

65,042

 

 

(2,106

)

 

(3,189

)

 

(1,109

)

 

(235

)

 

118,099

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

*      Deriving from unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of tax effect.

68




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002


NOTE 32 – Financial statements translated Into U.S. dollars (continued)

 

The material differences between Israeli GAAP and U.S. GAAP as applicable to the financial statements are:

 

 

 

a)

Deferred taxes in respect of differences in measuring non-monetary items:

 

 

Deferred taxes in respect of differences in the measuring of non-monetary items (mainly fixed assets and inventories) for accounting purposes (U.S. dollar) and for tax purposes (Adjusted NIS).

 

 

 

 

 

In accordance with Israeli GAAP:

 

 

Companies record deferred taxes in respect of all such differences.

 

 

 

 

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP:

 

 

According to paragraph 9(f) of FAS No. 109, deferred taxes should not be provided in respect of such differences.

 

 

 

 

b)

Marketable securities

 

 

 

 

 

In accordance with Israeli GAAP:

 

 

Israeli GAAP divides marketable securities into two categories:

 

 

Marketable securities that constitute a “current investment” are stated at market value.

 

 

Marketable securities, that constitute a “permanent investment” are stated at cost (and in respect to debentures – include accumulated interest), except where their market value is lower, and the decline in value is not considered to be temporary.
Changes in value are charged to the statement of income. See also note 2F above.

 

 

 

 

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP:

 

 

 

 

 

FAS No. 115 divides marketable securities into three categories:

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Marketable securities that are acquired and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near future, are classified as “trading securities” and are reported at their fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are included in the statement of income.

             

 

 

 

 

 

(2)

Debt securities that the company intends hold to maturity are classified as “held-to-maturity” securities are reported at their amortized cost.

69




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002


NOTE 32 – Financial statements translated Into U.S. dollars (continued)

 

 

(3)

Marketable securities, not  classified as either “held-to-maturity” securities or “trading securities”, are classified as “available-for-sale” securities and are reported at their fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are included in a separate item within the shareholders equity, and reported as other comprehensive income.

 

 

 

 

 

c)

Amortization of goodwill

 

 

 

 

 

In accordance with Israeli GAAP:

             

 

 

 

 

Under Israeli GAAP goodwill is amortized over the estimated benefit period, but usually no longer than 10 years.

 

 

 

 

 

In accordance with U.S. GAAP:

 

 

 

 

 

Under US GAAP, commencing January 1, 2002, goodwill is no longer amortized but is reviewed annually (or more frequently if impairment indicators arise) for impairment.

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of assets of businesses acquired. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, as of January 1, 2002. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142. SFAS No. 142 also requires that intangible assets with estimable useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.

 

 

 

 

 

In connection with SFAS No. 142’s transitional goodwill impairment evaluation, the Statement required the Company to perform an assessment of whether there was an indication that goodwill is impaired as of the date of adoption. The implied fair value of this reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount and the Company was not required to recognize an impairment loss.

 

 

 

 

 

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 142, goodwill was amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected periods to be benefited, generally 10 years, and assessed for recoverability by determining whether the amortization of the goodwill balance over its remaining life could be recovered through undiscounted future operating cash flows of the acquired operation.

 

 

 

 

d)

Other disclosures

 

 

 

 

 

Government imposts – consist of excise taxes imposed on fuel products mainly gasoline and gasoil

70




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002

List of the main subsidiaries and affiliates

 

 

Holdings and
Control as of
December 31,2002
%

 

 


Consolidated Subsidiaries:

 

 

 

 

Sonol Israel Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Sprint Motors Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Sprint Motors Transport (1999) Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Milchen Sonol Agency Ltd.

 

 

66

.67

Sonol J-M Ltd.

 

 

70

 

Sonol Dan (1992) Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Sonol Darom Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Sonol Cnaan Ltd

 

 

51

 

Sonol Shani Agencies Ltd.

 

 

51

 

Sonor Ltd.

 

 

100

 

After Holdings Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Granita Holdings Ltd.

 

 

51

 

Granite-Sonol Oil and Gas Drilling-Limited Partnership

 

 

100

 

Tambour Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Tambour Ecology Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Tambourechev 1997 Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Safety Kleen (Israel) Ltd.

 

 

77

 

Tzach Serafon Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Serafon Trading 1997 Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Tambour Distribution Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Texma Chemicals Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Supergas Israel Gas Distribution Company Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Supergas Hanegev Ltd.

 

 

65

 

Supergas Rehovot (1989) Ltd.

 

 

100

 

M. Solomon & Co. Gas Agencies Ashkelon Ltd.

 

 

51

 

Supergas Hagalil Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Rav Gas Ltd.

 

 

55

 

Allied Oils and Chemicals Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Granite Hacarmel Holdings (1993) Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Granite Hacarmel Properties (1993) Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Granite Hacarmel Development Holdings Ltd

 

 

100

 

Granite Hacarmel Industries Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Granite Hacarmel Y.A. Holdings Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Granite Hacarmel NZV Holdings Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Granite Hacarmel Energy (1997) Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Granite Hacarmel Tourism Ltd.

 

 

100

 

Otzem Promotion and Investments (1991) Ltd.

 

 

100

 

71




GRANITE HACARMEL INVESTMENTS LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31,  2002


List of the main subsidiaries and  affiliates (cont.)

 

 

Holdings and
Control as of
December 31, 2002
%

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Affiliated Companies (accounted for by the equity
   method):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kleesson Holdings (1999)  Ltd.

 

 

50

 

International Ilios Cotachem S.A.

 

 

43

 

Derech Hayam Desalination – Joint Venture

 

 

24

 

Derech Hayam Ltd.

 

 

26

.5

Tambour – Hefer Ecolgy – Partnership

 

 

50

 

Yarok Az Ltd.

 

 

22

.9

Nitzba Holdings 1995 Ltd.

 

 

9

.82

Orpak Industries (1983)Ltd.

 

 

10

.1

Park Mini Israel – Limited Partnership

 

 

35

 

L.D.I.-Leasing Dynamics International Ltd.

 

 

25

.1

Green Anchors Ltd.

 

 

50

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

The above list does not include inactive and/or

 

 

 

 

immaterial affiliated companies and others

 

 

 

 

72



OPHIRTECH LTD.

(An Israeli Corporation)

2002 ANNUAL REPORT



OPHIRTECH LTD.

2002 ANNUAL REPORT




TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - IN ADJUSTED
    NEW ISRAELI SHEKELS (NIS):
    Balance sheets
    Statements of operations
    Statements of changes in shareholders' equity
    Statements of cash flows
    Notes to financial statements 7-26



  Kesselman & Kesselman
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)
Trade Tower, 25 Hamered Street
Tel Aviv 68125 Israel
P.O Box 452 Tel Aviv 61003
Telephone +972-3-7954555
Facsimile +972-3-7954556


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



To the shareholders of

OPHIRTECH LTD.

We have audited the balance sheets of Ophirtech Ltd. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and the statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years ended on those dates and for the period from March 29, 2000 (date of incorporation, see note 1a(1)) to December 31, 2000. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s Board of Directors and management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Israel and in the United States of America, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditors (Mode of Performance) Regulations, 1973. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by 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.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and the results of its operations, the changes in its shareholders’ equity and its cash flows for each of the years ended on those dates and for the period from March 29, 2000 to December 31, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel. Furthermore, in our opinion, the financial statements referred to above are prepared in accordance with the Israeli Securities (Preparation of Annual Financial Statements) Regulations, 1993.

As explained in note 1b, the financial statements referred to above are presented in values adjusted for 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 of America. The application of the latter would have affected the determination of nominal historical loss and shareholders’ equity to the extent summarized in note 11.

Tel-Aviv, Israel
     March 20, 2003
Kesselman & Kesselman
Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)

Kesselman & Kesselman is a member of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales.

2



OPHIRTECH LTD.

BALANCE SHEETS

IN ADJUSTED NEW ISRAELI SHEKELS

December 31
Note
2002
2001
In thousands
                                 A s s e t s                  
CURRENT ASSETS:   
    Cash and cash equivalents        6    1,053  
    Accountants receivable   9a    617    1,100  


           T o t a l current assets        623    2,153  


INVESTMENTS IN COMPANIES    2    36,602    74,893  


FIXED ASSETS:    3            
    Cost        114    398  
    L e s s - accumulated depreciation        34    70  


         80    328  


         37,305    77,374  


                     Liabilities and shareholders' equity    5b            
CURRENT LIABILITIES :   
    Short-term bank credit   9b    2,001    2,130  
    Short-term loan from a company which is an interested party   9c    8,507    5,019  
    Accounts payable and accruals   9d    702    655  


           T o t a l current liabilities        11,210    7,804  
LIABILITIES FOR EMPLOYEE RIGHTS UPON   
    RETIREMENT, net of amount funded    4         71  
COMMITMENT    5a            


           T o t a l liabilities        11,210    7,875  
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY    6    26,095    69,499  


         37,305    77,374  


_______________
Eldad Ben Moshe

_______________
Shlomo Shalev
)
)
)
)
)
  DIRECTORS

        Date of approval of the financial statements: March 20, 2003

        The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

3



OPHIRTECH LTD.

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

IN ADJUSTED NEW ISRAELI SHEKELS

Period from
March 29, 2000 (date
of incorporation, see
Year ended
December 31

note 1a(1)) to December 31,
Note
2002
2001
2000
WRITE-DOWN OF INVESTMENTS IN                      
    COMPANIES    2    42,795    47,719    2,700  
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE   
    EXPENSES    9g    325    1,054    231  
FINANCIAL EXPENSES (INCOME) - net         138    (340 )  (887 )
CAPITAL LOSS ON SALE OF FIXED   
    ASSETS         146            



LOSS FOR THE PERIOD         43,404    48,433    2,044  



        The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

4



OPHIRTECH LTD.

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITYIN

ADJUSTED NEW ISRAELI SHEKELS

Share
capital

Receipts on
account
of shares
to be allotted

Accumulated
deficit

Total
In thousands
PERIOD FROM MARCH 29, 2000 (DATE OF                        
    INCORPORATION, SEE NOTE 1a(1)) TO   
    DECEMBER 31, 2000:   
    Issuance of share capital    *            *  
    Receipts on account of shares to be allotted,  
       see note 6b        140,265        140,265  
    Difference between cost of acquisition of  
       investments in companies from a company  
       under common control and the carrying value of  
       those investments on the books of that  
       company, see note 1a(1)            (20,289 )  (20,289 )
    Loss            (2,044 )  (2,044 )




BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2000     *   140,265   (22,333 )  117,932  
CHANGES DURING 2001 - loss             (48,433 )  (48,433 )




BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2001     *   140,265   (70,766 )  69,499  
CHANGES DURING 2002 - loss             (43,404 )  (43,404 )




BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2002     *   140,265   (114,170 )  26,095  




* Represents an amount less than adjusted NIS 1,000.



The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

5



OPHIRTECH LTD.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

IN ADJUSTED NEW ISRAELI SHEKELS

Period from
March 29, 2000(date
of incorporation, see
Year ended
December 31

note 1a(1)) to
December 31,
2002
2001
2000
In thousands
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                
    Loss for the period    (43,404 )  (48,433 )  (2,044 )
    Adjustments required to reflect the cash flows from  
       operating activities*    43,522    47,189    1,979  



    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities    118    (1,244 )  (65 )



CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:   
    Purchase of fixed assets         (104 )  (294 )
    Investment in companies (2000 - including acquisition  
       from a company which is an interested party)    (4,504 )  (17,638 )  (133,834 )
    Proceeds from sale of fixed assets    46            
    Decrease (increase) in short-term loan to a company which  
       is an interested party         **12,888    (6,070 )



    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities    (4,458 )  (4,854 )  (140,198 )



CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:   
    Receipts on account of shares to be allotted              140,265  
    Increase in short term loan from a company which is an  
       interested party    3,422    **5,019       
    Short-term bank credit    (129 )  2,130       



    Net cash provided by financing activities    3,293    7,149    140,265  



INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH   
    EQUIVALENTS     (1,047 )  1,051    2  
BALANCE OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT   
    BEGINNING OF PERIOD     1,053    2       



BALANCE OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT   
    END OF PERIOD     6    1,053    2  



* Adjustments required to reflect cash flows from   
    operating activities:   
    Expenses not involving cash flows:  
       Depreciation    56    67    3  
       Write-down of investments in companies    42,795    47,719    2,700  
       Capital loss on sale of fixed assets    146            
       Liabilities for employee rights upon retirement - net    506    71       
       Erosion of (linkage differences on) a loan with a  
           company which is an interested party    66    (61 )  (886 )



     43,569    47,796    1,817  



    Changes in operating asset and liability items:  
       Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable    483    (1,087 )  (13 )
       Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accruals    (530 )  480    175  



     (47 )  (607 )  162  



     43,522    47,189    1,979  



**Reclassified.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

6



OPHIRTECH LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

  The significant accounting policies, applied on a consistent basis, are as follows:

  a. General:

  1) Ophirtech Ltd. (the “Company”), which is owned by Polar Investments Ltd. (42.5%), Ampal (Israel) Ltd. and Ampal Industries (Israel) Ltd. (42.5%) and Gmul Investment CompanyLtd. (15%), was incorporated on March 29, 2000. The Company invests in start-up companies in various stages of development, from newly established enterprises to companies that have reached advanced development stage.

  On March 30, 2000, the Company purchased investments in high-tech companies engaged in various fields of activity (communications, software, security, etc.) from Ophir Holdings Ltd. (“Ophir Holdings”), which at that time was a company under common control, for approximately adjusted NIS 77.5 million, an amount representing the fair value of the said investments. The difference between the proceeds and the carrying value of those investments on the books of Ophir Holdings was carried to the Company’s accumulated deficit, in accordance with the Israeli Securities (Presentation in Financial Reports of Acts between Body Corporate and its Controlling Member) Regulations, 1996.

On January 1, 2001, the employees of Ophir Holdings and one of its subsidiaries were transferred to the Company.Ophir Holdings and its subsidiary participated in the employees’ payroll costs, as well as the Company’s general and administrative expenses — see note 9g.

  2) Interested parties — as defined in the Israeli Securities (Preparation of Annual Financial Statements) Regulations, 1993.

  b. Adjusted financial statements:

  1) The financial statements have been prepared on the basis of historical cost adjusted for the changes in the general purchasing power of Israeli currency, in accordance with pronouncements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel (the “Israeli Institute”(. All figures in the financial statements are presented in adjusted new Israeli shekels (NIS) which have a uniform purchasing power (December 2002 adjusted NIS) — based upon the changes in the Israeli consumer price index (the “Israeli CPI”, see also h. below).

  The adjustment of the financial statements is based on the accounts of the Company, maintained in nominal NIS. Condensed nominal Israeli currency data, on the basis of which the adjusted financial statements were prepared, are presented in note 10.

  The components of the statements of operations were, for the most part, adjusted as follows: the components relating to transactions carried out during the period 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) 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 period.

7



OPHIRTECH LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 1 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):

  2) 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.

  3) In October 2001, the Israel Accounting Standards Board (the “IASB”) issued Accounting Standard No. 12, “Discontinuance of Adjusting Financial Statements for Inflation”, which provided for the discontinuance of adjusting financial statements for the effects of inflation, as of January 1, 2003. In December 2002, Accounting Standard No. 17 was issued that postponed the date from which Accounting Standard No. 12 is to be applied until January 1, 2004. The inflation-adjusted amounts as of December 31, 2003 will be the base for the nominal-historical financial reporting in the following periods.

  The implementation of this standard will mainly affect the financial expenses item.

  c. Investments in companies

  The investments in the shares of these companies are presented at cost.

  The Company reviews for impairment its investments in these companies from time to time. Impairment losses, not of a temporary nature, that are revealed by such revenues are included in the Company’s accounts, see note e.

  As to the investments transferred from Ophir Holdings, see a(1) above.

  d. Fixed assets:

  1) These assets are stated at cost.

  2) The assets are depreciated by the straight-line method, on basis of their estimated useful life.

  Annual rates of depreciation are as follows:

%
Vehicles      15  
Office furniture and equipment  
   (including computers and  
   peripheral equipment)    7- 33

8



OPHIRTECH LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 1 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):

  e. Impairment of assets

  In February 2003, Accounting Standard No. 15 of the IASB, “Impairment of Assets”, became effective. This standard which is based on International Accounting standard No. 36. requires a periodic review to evaluate the need for a provision for the impairment of the Company’s non-monetary assets — fixed assets and identifiable intangibles, including goodwill, as well as investments in associated companies.

  The Company has opted for early adoption of the standard and accordingly, commencing from December 31, 2002, the Company assess’ — at each balance sheet date —whether any events have occurred or changes in circumstances have taken place, which might indicate that there has been an impairment of one or more of the above assets. When such indicators of impairment are present, the Company evaluates whether the carrying value of the investment in the asset is recoverable from the cash flows anticipated from that asset, and, if necessary, records an impairment provision up to the amount needed to adjust carrying amount to the recoverable amount.

  The recoverable value of an asset is determined according to the higher of the net selling price of the asset or its value in use to the Company. The value in use is determined according to the present value of anticipated cash flows from the continued use of the asset, including those expected at the time of its future retirement and disposal.

  The review of an asset for impairment, is performed in relation to the recoverable value of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. A cash-generating unit includes goodwill allocated to that unit, and any impairment loss relating to that unit is initially allocated to the goodwill and then to the other assets.

  The impairment loss is carried directly to income. Where indicators are present that beneficial events have occurred or beneficial changes in circumstances have taken place, the impairment provision in respect of the asset (other than goodwill) may be cancelled or reduced in the future, so long as the recoverable value of the asset has increased, as a result of changes in the estimates previously employed in determining such value.

  During 2002, the company has written-down its investments in companies in the total amount of adjusted NIS 42,795,000.

  f. Cash equivalents

  The Company considers all highly liquid investments, which include short-term bank deposits (up to three months from date of deposit) that are not restricted as to withdrawal or use, to be cash equivalents.

9



OPHIRTECH LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 1 — SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued):

  g. Loss per NIS 1 of par value of shares

  The financial statements do not include data regardingloss per NIS 1 of par value of shares, since the data would not provide significant additional information to that otherwise provided by the financial statements.

  h. 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 balance sheet date (the index for November).

  i. Data regarding the exchange rate and the Israeli CPI:

Exchange
rate of one
U.S. dollar

Israeli
CPI*

At end of year:                
     2002   NIS 4.737   182.0 points  
     2001   NIS 4.416   170.9 points  
     2000   NIS 4.041   168.5 points  
At March 29,2000   NIS 4.008   166.5 points  
Increase during:  
    Year ended December 31,2002   7.3%   6.5%  
    Year ended December 31,2001   9.3%   1.4%  
    Period from March 29,2000  
       (date of incorporation)to  
       December 31,2000   0.8%   1.2%  

  * Based on the index for the month ending on each balance sheet date, on the basis of 1993 average = 100.

  j. Use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements

  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

10



OPHIRTECH LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 2 — INVESTMENTS IN COMPANIES:

  a. As stated in Note 1a(1), on March 30, 2000, the Company purchased investments in high-tech companies from Ophir Holdings.

  The fair value of the investments upon acquisition was adjusted NIS 77,487,000 and their book value as recorded in the accounts of Ophir Holdings was adjusted NIS 57,198,000.

  b. The rate of shareholding in the companies (fully diluted) and their book value at December 31, 2002 is as follows:

Percentage
of control

Percentage
of control
(fully
Diluted)

Book
value

StoreAge Networking Technologies Ltd.-"StoreAge"(a) 10.9 8.3  13,547 
Celvibe Ltd.-"Celvibe"(b) 13.1 11.2  1,899 
Trans4u Ltd-"Trans4u"(c) 10.2 9.1  -,- 
Electrochemical Light Switch Inc.-"Electro"(d) 15.0 15.0  -,- 
Indocs Online Ltd.-"Indocs"(e) 11.9 13.7  1,035 
Expand Networks Ltd.-"Expand"(f) 11.2 9.2  8,453 
Netformx Ltd.-"Netformx"(g) 5.5 3.6  2,367 
Interlink Computer Communications Ltd.-"Interlink"(h) 13.1 12.0  -,- 
Carmel Biosensors Ltd.-"Carmel"(i) 13.7 9.4  -,- 
Camelot Information Technologies Ltd.-"Camelot"(j) 13.1 11.8  -,- 
Pelican Security Ltd.-"Pelican"(k) 17.0 13.1  948 
Praxell Inc.-"Praxell"(l) 8.2 5.5  -,- 
Viola Networks Ltd.-"Viola"(m) 16.1 11.2  5,442 
Mainsoft Corporation-"Mainsoft"(n) 1.9 1.3  510 
Romidot Ltd.-"Romidot"(o) 10.6 7.8  -,- 
Iradius.Com,Inc.-"Iradius"(p) 9.5 8.6  -,- 
Elpas Electro-Optic Systems Ltd.-"Elpas"(q) 11.7 9.3  -,- 
Techimage Ltd.-"Techimage"(r) 2.6 2.2  -,- 
RealM Technologies Ltd.-"RealM"(s) 14.5 13.6  -,- 
Cipheractive Ltd.-"Cipheractive"(t) 6.6 6.6  -,- 
Cerel Ceramic Technologies Ltd.-"Cerel"(u) 14.2 16.8  2,401 
 
      36,602 
 

  (a) StoreAge is engaged in the development and marketing of a software solution and innovative data storage solutions for communications networks (Storage Area Network).

  In January 2001, StoreAge completed a financing round and raised approximately $ 11 million (bringing the total amount raised to $ 25 million) from various investors (including a strategic investor) based on a company value of $ 40 million before the money.

  StoreAge is partly held by a company which is an interested party.

11



OPHIRTECH LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 2 — INVESTMENTS IN COMPANIES (continued):

  (b) Celvibe develops solutions for digital video transmission for Internet broadband networks and mobile phone communications.

  In November 2002, Celvibe ceased its operations and it is currently undergoing a winding-up procedure.

  The investment in Celvibe as of December 31, 2002 is presented net of a provision for impairment of value of adjusted NIS 10.6 million. The balance of the investment reflects the consideration that the Company expects to receive upon the winding-up of Celvibe.

  (c) Trans4u Ltd. develops software for arranging land transport of goods in Europe over the Internet.

  As of December 31, 2002, the investment in Trans4u had been fully written-down.

  (d) Electro which is incorporated in the United States develops an electrochemical optic switching system.

  As of December 31, 2002, the investment in Electro had been fully written-down.

  (e) Indocs is engaged in the development of software for E-commerce technological applications in the printing field, via the Internet and web uses.

  In March and August 2001, Indocs raised bridging loans of $ 450,000 and $ 174,000, respectively, from its shareholders. The loans are convertible into Indocs’ shares. The Company’s share in these loans was approximately $ 208,000 (approximately adjusted NIS 932,000).

  In May 2002, Indocs raised approximately $ 115,000 from its shareholders, in consideration for the allotment of approximately 6.4% of its share capital. In addition, Indocs converted all of the bridging loans that it had received from its shareholders, aggregating approximately $ 1.1 million, into shares constituting approximately 60.5% of its share capital (fully diluted).

  The Company invested $ 35,000 (adjusted NIS 175,000) in this round, this in addition to the bridging loans of approximately $ 331,000 that it had granted in previous years.

  In October 2002, the Company invested approximately adjusted NIS 75,000 in a loan which is convertible into shares of Indocs.

  The investment in Indocs as of December 31, 2002 is presented net of a provision of adjusted NIS 6.4 million for impairment of value.

  (f) Expand is engaged in the development of technology designed to accelerate communications over diverse network infrastructures (including E1, T1 and frame relay lines) and improve broadband efficiency.

  As to the commitment of the Company to invest in Expand, see note 5a.

12



OPHIRTECH LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 2 — INVESTMENTS IN COMPANIES (continued):

  (g) Netformx is engaged in development, marketing and support of software designed for planning, operation and maintenance of computer networks.

  In April 2001, Netformx raised bridging loans of $ 4.8 million from its shareholders. The Company’s share in these loans was approximately $ 250,000 (adjusted NIS 1,116,000).

  In January 2003, Netformx raised $ 750,000. The Company did not participate in this round.

  The investment in Netformx as of December 31, 2002 is presented net of a provision of adjusted NIS 8.8 million for impairment of value.

  Netformx is partly held by companies which are interested parties.

  (h) Interlink is engaged in the development of an integration software facilitating interface between operating systems in an E-commerce environment on the Internet.

  As of December 31, 2002, the investment in Interlink had been fully written-down.

  (i) Carmel develops products to measure the concentration of glucose in blood without using the mechanical instruments currently available.

  As of December 31, 2002, the investment in Carmel had been fully written-down.

  (j) Camelot is engaged in development of security software designed to automatically control access to computer networks within enterprises and real-time detection and response to security breaches by unauthorized users.

  In February 2002, a temporary receiver was appointed for Camelot.

  As of December 31, 2002, the investment in Camelot had been fully written-down.

  (k) Pelican is engaged in the development of solutions to the problem of safeguarding information on the Internet against viruses and hackers.

  In February 2003, Pelican sold the know-how that it had developed and owned. The investment in Pelican as of December 31, 2002 is presented net of a provision of adjusted NIS 8.1 million for impairment of value. The balance of the investments reflects the consideration that the Company expects to receive from the sale of the know-how.

  (l) Praxell is engaged in the development of a prepaid secured charge card for E-commerce transactions.

  Pursuant to an agreement signed in July 2001, Praxell raised $ 2.5 million at a company value of $ 13.5 million before the money.

  In August 2002, the Company invested adjusted NIS 235,000 in Praxell. As of December 31, 2002, the investment in Praxell had been fully written-down.

13



OPHIRTECH LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 2 — INVESTMENTS IN COMPANIES (continued):

  (m) Viola is engaged in the development of a software system to allow quick and uninterrupted identifications of problems and technical difficulties on various communications networks.

  In December 2001, Viola raised approximately $ 5.1 million in bridging loans, which are convertible into shares, at a company value of $ 9 million before the money. The Company’s share in these bridging loans was $ 1 million (adjusted NIS 4,501,000).

  In January 2002, Viola converted the bridging loans that it had raised in December 2001 into shares constituting approximately 36.2% of its share capital (fully diluted).

  The investment in Viola as of December 31, 2002 is presented net of a provision of adjusted NIS 8.2 million for impairment of value.

  (n) Mainsoft is engaged in the development of software and tools for software developers.

  (o) Romidot is engaged in development, production and marketing of precision measurement systems for the non-ferrous metal and plastic industries.

  As of December 31, 2002, the investment in Romidot had been fully written-down.

  (p) Iradius is developing a family and community service website on the Internet.

  As of December 31, 2002, the investment in Iradius had been fully written-down.

  (q) Elpas is engaged in the development, production and marketing of products and solutions for asset and personnel tracking in hospitals and other buildings using infrared technology.

  In February 2002, the Company granted Elpas a bridging loan of $ 130,000 (approximately adjusted NIS 639,000).

  The bridging loan entitles the Company to a discount of 25%, with an additional discount of 1.5% per month, up to a ceiling of 40% discount on the price per share under the next financing round. If until October 15, 2003 a financing round of at least $ 2.5 million does not take place, the bridging loan would be converted into shares at a price per share of $ 1.85.

  In February 2002, Elpas raised bridging loans of $ 511,000 from its shareholders. In addition, a bank has agreed to postpone, subject to certain conditions, the repayment of loans in the amount of approximately $ 1.1 million that it had granted Elpas, until September 30, 2003.

  As of December 31, 2002, the investment in Elpas had been fully written-down.

  (r) Techimage is engaged in the development of algorithm-based software for computerized animation for use in Internet advertising.

  As of December 31, 2002, the investment in Techimage had been fully written-down.

14



OPHIRTECH LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 2 — INVESTMENTS IN COMPANIES (continued):

  (s) RealM is engaged in development of video broadcasting equipment allowing interaction between the “viewers” and the “master of ceremonies” using the Internet infrastructure.

  In May 2001, the Tel-Aviv-Jaffa District Court appointed a temporary receiver for RealM.

  As of December 31, 2002, the investment in RealM had been fully written-down.

  (t) Cipheractive is engaged in the development of algorithms and software for video encryption and recovery of data and for speeding up of data.

  in the first quarter of 2002, following the issuance of rights and the raising of $ 100,000 from the shareholders of Cipheractive, the Company’s holding in Cipheractive decreased to 6.6% (fully diluted).

  As of December 31, 2002, the investment in Cipheractive had been fully written-down.

  (u) Cerel develops ceramic layering technologies for the passive electronic components market.

  In February 2002, the Company invested $ 700,000 (adjusted NIS 3,401,000) in Cerel.

  Cerel has completed a financing round of approximately $ 1.5 million in February 2002, based on a company value of $ 6.5 million after the money. As part of the investment, the Company acquired 47,405 preferred shares of NIS 0.1 par value each, at a price per share of $ 14.77, as well as warrants for the purchase of Cerel shares at an exercise price of $ 1 million, based on a company value of $ 10.7 million before the money. The warrants are exercisable until September 30, 2003.

  The investment in Cerel as of December 31, 2002 is presented net of a provision of adjusted NIS 1.0 million for impairment of value.

15



OPHIRTECH LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 3 — FIXED ASSETS:

  Composition of assets, grouped by major classifications, and changes therein in 2002, are as follows:

Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Depreciated
Balance at Retirements Balance Balance at Additions Retirements Balance balance
beginning during at end beginning during during at end December 31
of year
the year
of year
of year
the year
the year
of year
2002
2001

Adjusted NIS in thousands


Adjusted NIS in thousands

Adjusted NIS
in thousands

Vehicles 162  48  114 25  23  14  34 80 137 
Office furniture and equipment 100  100    11      94 
Computers and peripheral equipment 136  136    39  28  67      97 









  398  284  114 70  56  92  34 80 328 









NOTE 4 — EMPLOYEE RIGHTS UPON RETIREMENT:

  a. Israeli labor laws and agreements requires the Company to pay severance pay to employees dismissed or retiring from their employ in certain other circumstances.

  The Company’s severance pay liability to its employees is covered mainly by regular deposits with recognized pension and severance pay funds in the employees’ names and/or by purchase of insurance policies. The amounts funded as above are not reflected in the balance sheets since they are not under the control and management of the Company.

  b. The amount of liability for severance pay presented in the balance sheets reflects that part of the liability not covered by the funds and/or insurance policies mentioned in a. above, in accordance with labor agreements in force,/and based on salary components which, in management’s opinion, create entitlement to severance pay.

  c. In 2002, all the Company’s employees were dismissed. The balance of the liability for employee rights upon retirement of adjusted NIS 577,000 was carried to current liabilities and represents the Company’s liability towards its managing director, who terminated his office in the beginning of 2003.

16



OPHIRTECH LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 5 COMMITMENT AND RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED WITH REGARD TO
LIABILITIES:

  a. Commitment

  During 2002, the Company has undertaken to invest $ 450,000 in Expand, see note 2b.

  b. Restrictions imposed in respect of liabilities

  In February 2001, the Company and its shareholders gave a commitment to certain banks that the Company would not make any repayments or settlements to its shareholders on account of shareholders’ loans and/or sums received on account of shares up to an amount of approximately adjusted NIS 100 million. Also, the grant of credit by these banks in excess of $ 5 million is conditional on the Company increasing its shareholders’ equity — at the time the credit is granted — by at least double the amount of the aforementioned credit. The maximum amount of the credit to be granted is limited to $ 15 million.

NOTE 6 — SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

  a. Share capital

  The share capital as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 is composed of ordinary shares of NIS 1 par value, as follows: authorized — 10,000 shares; issued and paid — 1,000 shares.

  b. Receipts on account of shares to be allotted

  On November 1, 2000, the Company received a payment on account of shares in the amount of adjusted NIS 140,265,000 from its shareholders. The shares have not yet been allotted.

NOTE 7 — TAXES ON INCOME:

  a. Measurement of results for tax purposes under the Income Tax (Inflationary Adjustments) Law, 1985 (the “Inflationary Adjustments Law”)

  Under this law, results for tax purposes are measured in real terms, having regard to the changes in the Israeli CPI. The Company is taxed under this law.

  b. Losses for tax purposes, carried forward to future years

  Carryforward losses aggregate approximately adjusted NIS 1 million at December 31, 2002. Under the Inflationary Adjustments Law such carryforward tax losses are linked to the Israeli CPI. No deferred tax asset has been included in respect of such losses. In addition, no deferred tax asset has been included in respect of the write-down in investments in companies.

  c. Tax assessments

  The Company has not been assessed for tax purposes since incorporation (March 29, 2000).

17



OPHIRTECH LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 8 — INTERESTED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES:

  a. Transactions:

Period from
March 29, 2000(date
of incorporation, see
Year ended
December 31

note 1a(1)) to
December 31,
2002
2001
2000
Adjusted NIS in thousands
Income (expenses):                
   Participation in expenses from companies  
    which are interested parties, see note 1a    3,392    3,415    2  



   Payroll and related expenses of an interested  
    party employed by the Company    (1,654 )  (1,348 )     


 
   Financial income (expenses) in respect of short-  
    term loan with a company which is an  
    Interested party    (567 )  (27 )  806  



  b. Balances receivables (payables):

December 31
2002
2001
Short-term loan from a company which is an            
    interested party    (8,507 )  (5,019 )


Interested party - current account:    589    1,070  


 Balance at balance sheet date - the highest  
   balance during the year    1,070    1,070  


NOTE 9 — SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STAEMENT INFORMATION:

  Balance sheets:

  a. Accounts receivable:

December 31
2002
2001
Adjusted NIS in thousands
Institutions      26    30  
Interested party - current accounts    589    1,070  
Others    2       


     617    1,100  


  b. Short-term bank credit

  bank credit is unlinked and bears annual interest rate of 10.5%.

  c. Short-term loan from a company which is an interested party

  The loan is linked to the Israeli CPI and bears no interest.

18



OPHIRTECH LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 9 — SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STAEMENT INFORMATION (continued):

  Subsequent to December 31, 2002, the interested party demanded the repayment of the loan. The principal shareholders of the Company agreed to grant the Company a new loan designated for the repayment of the abovementioned loan.

  d. Accounts payable and accruals:

December 31
2002
2001
Adjusted NIS in thousands
Employees      25    72  
Institutions    72    118  
Provision for vacation pay         398  
Accrued expenses    23    30  
Liability for employee rights upon  
   retirement, net of amount funded,  
   see note 4c    577       
Other    5    37  


     702    655  


  e. Concentrations of credit risks

  The Company’s cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2002 and 2001 were deposited with Israeli banks. The Company is of the opinion that the credit risk in respect of these balances is remote.

  f. Fair value of financial instruments

  The fair value of the financial instruments included in working capital of the Company is usually identical or close to their carrying value.

  Data regarding the of fair value of investments in companies is omitted because it is not practicable to determine such fair value with sufficient reliability.

  Statements of operations

  g. General and administrative expenses:

Period from
March 29, 2000
(date of
incorporation, see
Year ended
December 31

note 1a(1)) to
December 31,
2002
2001
2000
Adjusted NIS in thousands
Payroll and related expenses      2,831    3,312      
Office rent and maintenance    567    669    134  
Other    319    488    99  



     3,717    4,469    233  
Less - participation in expenses by interested parties    (3,392 )  (3,415 )  (2 )



     325    1,054    231  



19



OPHIRTECH LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 10 — NOMINAL DATA:

  a. Balance sheet data:

Nominal NIS in thousands
December 31
2002
2001
                          A s s e t s            
 Current assets:  
     Cash and cash equivalents    6    989  
     Accounts receivable    617    1,033  


      623    2,022  
 Investments in companies    33,689    66,693  
 Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation    74    304  


      34,386    69,019  


              Liabilities and shareholders' equity   
 Current liabilities:  
     Short-term bank credit    2,001    2,000  
     Short-term loan from a company which is an  
        interested party    8,507    4,713  
     Accounts payable and accruals    702    615  


     11,210    7,328  
     Liability for employee rights upon retirement,  
        net of amount funded         67  


              T o t a l liabilities    11,210    7,395  
 Shareholders' equity    23,176    61,624  


      34,386    69,019  


  b. Operating results data:

Nominal NIS in thousands
Period from
March 29, 2000
(date of
incorporation, see
Year ended
December 31

note 1a(1)) to
December 31,
2002
2001
2000
Write-down of investments in companies      37,352    44,266    2,500  
General and administrative expenses    301    976    215  
Financial expenses (income) - net    664    (294 )  74  
Capital loss on sale of fixed assets    131            



Loss for the period - nominal    38,448    44,948    2,789  



20



OPHIRTECH LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 10- NOMINAL DATA (continued):

  c. Changes in shareholders’ equity:

Nominal NIS in thousands
Share
capital

Receipts on
account of
shares to
be allotted

Accumulated
deficit

Total
Period from March 29, 2000 (date of                        
    incorporation, see note 1a(1)) to  
    December 31, 2000:  
    Issuance of share capital    *            *  
    Receipts on account of shares to be allotted        130,000        130,000  
    Difference between cost of acquisition  
       of investments in companies from  
       a company under common control and  
       the carrying value of those investments  
       on the books of that company            (20,639 )  (20,639 )
    Loss            (2,789 )  (2,789 )




Balance at December 31, 2000    *   130,000   (23,428 )  106,572  
Changes during 2001 - loss            (44,948 )  (44,948 )




Balance at December 31, 2001    *   130,000   (68,376 )  61,624  
Changes during 2002 - loss            (38,448 )  (38,448 )




Balance at December 31, 2002    *   130,000   (106,824 )  23,176  




* Represents an amount less than nominal NIS 1,000.

21



OPHIRTECH LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 11 — SPECIAL CONDENSED 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) The translation into dollars should be made in accordance with the principles set forth is Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“FAS”) No. 52 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the United States (“FASB”) for economies that are not considered to be 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) 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 U.S. dollars in accordance with the principles set forth in FAS 52.

22



OPHIRTECH LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 11 — SPECIAL CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued):

  b. Following are the special statements:

  1) Balance sheets as of December 31, 2002 and 2001:

Translation into
U.S. dollars,
New Israeli shekels
see a(4) above
December 31
December 31
2002
2001
2002
2001
In thousands
In thousands
                      A s s e t s                    
 Current assets:  
     Cash and cash equivalents    6    989    1    224  
     Accounts receivable    617    1,033    130    234  




            T o t a l current assets    623    2,022    131    458  




 Investments in companies    34,489    67,493    7,281    15,294  
 Fixed assets, net of accumulated  
     Depreciation    74    304    16    69  




     35,186    69,819    7,428    15,821  




          Liabilities and shareholders' equity   
 Current liabilities:  
     Short-term bank credit    2,001    2,000    422    453  
     Short-term loan from a company which is  
        an interested party    8,507    4,713    1,796    1,067  
     Accounts payable and accruals    702    615    148    139  




            T o t a l current liabilities    11,210    7,328    2,366    1,659  
     Liability for employee rights upon  
        retirement, net of amount funded         67         15  




            T o t a l liabilities    11,210    7,395    2,366    1,674  
 Shareholders' equity    23,976    62,424    5,062    14,147  




      35,186    69,819    7,428    15,821  




23



OPHIRTECH LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 11 — SPECIAL CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued):

  2) Statements of operation the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 and for the period from March 29, 2000 (date of incorporation) to December 31, 2000:

New Israeli shekels
Translation into U.S.dollars,
see a(4) above

Year ended
December 31

Period from
March 29, 2000
(date of
incorporation,
see note 1a(1))
to December 31,
 
Year ended
December 31

Period from
March 29, 2000
(date of
incorporation,
see note 1a(1))
to December 31,
 
2002
2001
2000
2002
2001
2000
In thousands
In thousands
Write-down of investments in companies      37,352    44,266    2,500    7,841    10,024    619  
General and administrative expenses    301    976    215    63    231    52  
Financial expenses (income) - net    664    (294 )  74    140    (70 )  20  
Capital loss on sale of fixed assets    131              27            






Loss for the period    38,448    44,948    2,789    8,071    10,185    691  






24



OPHIRTECH LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 11 — SPECIAL CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued):

  3) Statements of changes in shareholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 and for the period from March 29, 2000 (date of incorporation) to December 31, 2000:

New Israeli shekels
Share
capital

Receipts on
account
of shares
to be allotted

Accumulated
deficit

Total
Period from March 29, 2000 (date of                        
    Incorporation, see note 1a(1)) to  
    December 31, 2000:  
    Issuance of share capital    *            *  
    Receipts on account of shares to be allotted        130,000        130,000  
    Difference between cost of acquisition  
       of investments in companies from  
       a company under common control and  
       the carrying value of those investments  
       on the books of that company            (19,839 )  (19,839 )
    Loss            (2,789 )  (2,789 )




Balance at December 31, 2000    *   130,000   (22,628 )  107,372  
Changes during 2001 - loss            (44,948 )  (44,948 )




Balance at December 31, 2001    *   130,000   (67,576 )  62,424  
Changes during 2002 - loss            (38,448 )  (38,448 )




Balance at December 31, 2002    *   130,000   (106,024 )  23,976  




* Represents an amount less than NIS 1,000.

25



OPHIRTECH LTD.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

NOTE 11 — SPECIAL CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued):

Translation into U.S. dollars, see a(4) above
Share
capital

Receipts on
account
of shares
to be allotted

Accumulated
deficit

Translation
differences

Total
In thousands
Period from March 29, 2000 (date of                  
    Incorporation, see note 1a(1)) to 
    December 31, 2000: 
    Issuance of share capital  *            *
    Receipts on account of shares to be 
       Allotted     31,553         31,553  

    Difference between cost of acquisition 
       of investments in companies from 
       a company under common control 
       and the carrying value of those 
       investments on the books of that 
       Company        (4,916)     (4,916 )


    Loss        (691)     (691 )
    Other comprehensive income - 
       translation differences           637   637  



    T o t a l comprehensive loss        (691) 637   (54 )





Balance at December 31, 2000  *  31,553  (5,607) 637   26,583  



Changes during 2001: 
    Loss        (10,185)     (10,185 )
    Other comprehensive loss - 
       translation differences           (2,251 ) (2,251 )




    T o t a l comprehensive loss  *     (10,185) (2,251 ) (12,436 )





Balance at December 31, 2001  *  31,553  (15,792) (1,614 ) 14,147  
Changes during 2002: 
    Loss        (8,071)     (8,071 )
    Other comprehensive loss - 
       translation differences           (1,014 ) (1,014 )




    T o t a l comprehensive loss        (8,071) (1,014 ) (9,085 )





Balance at December 31, 2002  *  31,553  (23,863) (2,628 ) 5,062  





* Represents an amount less than $ 1,000.

26



TRINET VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2001

 



TRINET VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2001





CONTENTS

Page
Auditors' Report 1-2
Balance Sheets
Statements of Operations
Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Deficiency
Statements of Cash Flows 6-7
Notes to the Financial Statements 8-18

 



AUDITORS’ REPORT
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF
TRINET VENTURE CAPITALLTD.

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Trinet Venture Capital Ltd. (“the Company”) as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, 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, 2001. 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.

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, 2001 and 2000, and the results of operations, changes in shareholders’ deficiency and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2001, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Israel.

As described in Note 2, the aforementioned financial statements have been prepared on the basis of historical cost, adjusted to reflect changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency in accordance with pronouncements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.

1



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 11. Such financial information includes investments valued at $14,768 thousand as of December 31, 2000 (99% of the total assets). 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.

Brightman Almagor & Co.Certified
Public Accountants

Tel Aviv, March 11, 2002.

2



TRINET VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.
BALANCE SHEETS
Adjusted to NIS of December 2001
(NIS in thousands)

December 31,
Note
2 0 0 1
2 0 0 0
     ASSETS                  
 
Current assets   
 
Cash and cash equivalents        3    5  
Related parties        26,376    476  
Other current assets        5    5  


         26,384    486  


Investments   
Affiliates   3    -    13,758  
Other companies   4    -    2,279  


         -    16,037  


         26,384    16,523  


     LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'   
        DEFICIENCY   
 
Current liabilities    5    19,883    45  


Capital notes    6    20,582    20,872  


Shareholders' deficiency   
Share capital   7    2    2  
Capital reserves        6,771    6,612  
Accumulated deficit        (20,854 )  (11,008 )


         (14,081 )  (4,394 )


         26,384    16,523  





March 11, 2002
Date of approval
_____________
Director
_____________
Director

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

3



TRINET VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Adjusted to NIS of December 2001
(NIS in thousands)

Year ended December 31,
Note
2 0 0 1
2 0 0 0
1 9 9 9
Revenues                      
 
Gains from realization of investments   3,4    17,051    -    183  
Gains on changes in ownership  
    interests in affiliates   3    1,889    24,238    -  



    Total revenues        18,940    24,238    183  



Expenses   
 
General and administrative   8    111    90    106  
Financing, net        -    -    11  



    Total expenses        111    90    117  



    Income before equity in operating results of   
      subsidiaries and affiliates         18,829    24,148    66  
 
Equity in operating results of  
    subsidiaries and affiliates        (8,672 )  (14,302 )  3,962  
Write-down for decline in value of long-term  
    Investments        (173 )  -    -  



    Net income         9,984    9,846    4,028  



The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

4



TRINET VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIENCY
Adjusted to NIS of December 2001
(NIS in thousands)

Share
capital

Capital
reserves

Accumulated
deficit

Total
Balance at January 1, 1999      2    6,473    (24,882 )  (18,407 )
Effect of changes in the CPI  
    on unlinked capital notes    -    279    -    279  
Net income for the year    -    -    4,028    4,028  




Balance at December 31, 1999     2    6,752    (20,854 )  (14,100 )
Translation adjustments    -    (140 )  -    (140 )
Net income for the year    -    -    9,846    9,846  




Balance at December 31, 2000     2    6,612    (11,008 )  (4,394 )
Effect of changes in the CPI  
    on unlinked capital notes    -    290    -    290  
Translation adjustments    -    (131 )  -    (131 )
Net income for the year    -    -    9,984    9,984  
Dividend    -    -    (19,830 )  (19,830 )




Balance at December 31, 2001     2    6,771    (20,854 )  (14,081 )




The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

5



TRINET VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Adjusted to NIS of December 2001
(NIS in thousands)

Year ended December 31,
2 0 0 1
2 0 0 0
1 9 9 9
Cash flows from operating activities                
 
Net income    9,984    9,846    4,028  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash  
    used in operating activities (Appendix A)    (9,986 )  (9,563 )  (4,736 )



Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     (2 )  283    (708 )



 
Cash flows from investments activities   
Proceeds from realization of investment in other company    -    -    714  
Investments in affiliates    -    (281 )  -  



Net cash provided by (used in) investment activities     -    (281 )  714  



 
Cash flows from financing activities   
Short-term bank credit, net    -    -    (3 )



Net cash used in financing activities     -    -    (3 )



Net change in cash and cash equivalents    (2 )  2    3  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year    5    3    -  



Cash and cash equivalents at end of year    3    5    3  



The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

6



TRINET VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Adjusted to NIS of December 2001
(NIS in thousands)

Year ended December 31,
2 0 0 1
2 0 0 0
1 9 9 9
Appendix A                
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash   
   used in operating activities:   
 
Items not involving cash flows:  
Gains from realization of investments    (17,051 )  -    (183 )
Gains on changes in ownership interests of affiliates    (1,889 )  (24,238 )  -  
Equity in operating results of affiliates    8,672    14,302    (3,962 )
Write-down for decline in value of long-term investments    173    -    -  



     (10,095 )  (9,936 )  (4,145 )



Changes in assets and liabilities:  
Decrease (increase) in receivables from related parties    100    357    (579 )
Decrease in other current assets    -    1    3  
Increase (decrease) in current liabilities    9    15    (15 )



     109    373    (591 )



     (9,986 )  (9,563 )  (4,736 )



Appendix B   
Activities non involving cash flows:   
 
Dividend    19,830
           
Proceeds from realization of investments    26,000
           

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

7



TRINET VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2001

Note 1General

  A. The Company was incorporated and registered on February 1, 1994 and commenced operations shortly thereafter. The Company was established for the purpose of investing in high-tech companies and projects that are in the manufacturing development stage or the production and marketing stage of developed products and to generate profits from the activities and holdings in such companies.

  B. Definitions

(1) The Company —Trinet Venture Capital Ltd.
(2) Affiliate —A company in which the Company has significant influence and the investment in which is presented according to the equity method of accounting (“equity basis”).
(3) Other company — A company, the investment in which is presented at cost.
(4) Shareholders — Koonras Technologies Ltd., owner of 50% of the Company’s shares from September 2000.
— Ampal Industries (Israel) Ltd., owner of 50% of the Company's shares.

8



(5) Related party — As defined in Opinion No. 29 of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
(6) NIS — New Israeli shekel
(7) Dollar — U.S. dollar.

9



TRINET VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2001

Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

  A. Financial statements in adjusted values

  (1) General

  In accordance with certain pronouncements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel, the Company prepares its financial statements on the basis of cost, adjusted for changes in the purchasing power of the NIS. Condensed financial data in nominal NIS, on the basis of which the adjusted financial statements have been prepared, is presented in Note 10.

  (2) Principles of adjustment

  (a) Balance sheets

  Non-monetary items (i.e. investments and shareholders’ equity) have been adjusted for changes in the Israeli Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) from the month of the transaction to the last month of the reporting period.

  Investments in affiliates reported on the equity basis have been presented based upon the adjusted financial statements of such companies.

  The adjusted values of non-monetary assets do not necessarily represent the market or economic values of such assets, but rather their cost adjusted for changes in the purchasing power of the NIS.
Monetary items (items whose amounts reflect current or realizable values) have been presented in the adjusted balance sheet at their nominal amounts as of the balance sheet date.

  (b) Statements of operations

  Items in the statements of operations (other than financing) representing transactions during the reporting period have been adjusted on the basis of changes in the CPI from the month of the transaction to the CPI for the last month of the reporting period.

  Amounts related to non-monetary items and to various balance sheet accruals have been adjusted based on the related balance sheet amounts.

  The Company’s equity in the results of subsidiaries and affiliates has been determined based on the adjusted financial statements of such companies.

  Financing income or expenses are derived from the other items in the financial statements, and include, inter alia, amounts required to reconcile certain other components in the statements of operations for the element of inflation that is included therein.

  (c) The comparative figures in the financial statements have been adjusted to NIS of December 2001.

10



TRINET VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2001

Note 2Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (contd.)

  B. Investments in affiliates

  The Company’s investments in affiliates are presented on the equity basis. In this regard, investments are presented at original cost plus/minus the Company’s equity in the operating results of the affiliates or other changes in shareholders’ equity which have occurred since acquisition.

  The Company does not record its portion of losses in affiliates to the extent that the Company has not guaranteed the affiliates liabilities.

  Gains deriving to the Company from the issuance of shares of an investee company to a third company, which is a “Start Up” company, have been recorded as deferred income and are amortized to the statement of operations in accordance with Opinion No. 68 of the Institute of Certified Public Accountant in Israel.

  Differences arising between the Company’s investments in affiliates (which have been adjusted based on changes in the CPI) and the Company’s equity in the net assets of certain affiliates (based on the financial statements in dollars) are charged or credited to capital reserves.

  C. Investments in other companies

  Investments in long-term marketable securities are presented in accordance with Opinion No. 44 of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel, on the cost basis, net of an allowance for decline in value.

  Investments in other companies, which are not publicly traded, are presented at cost less allowances for decline in value as per management estimate.

  D. Transactions between the Company and Controlling Parties

  The erosion of unlinked, non-interest-bearing capital notes issued by the Company to a shareholder and a related party are reflected in the Company’s capital reserves.

  E. Deferred income taxes

  Deferred income taxes are computed for timing differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities as reported in the financial statements and their amounts for income tax purposes. The deferred taxes are computed at tax rates that are expected to apply when the deferred taxes are realized.

  The Company has not recorded deferred taxes for accumulated losses for tax purposes due to the uncertainty of their realization.

  F. Use of estimates in preparation of financial statements

  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

11



TRINET VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2001
(NIS in thousands)

Note 2Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (contd.)

  G. Linkage basis

  (1) Balances, which are linked to the CPI, are presented on the basis of the relevant CPI (according to the term of the transaction).

  (2) Data in respect of the CPI and the U.S. dollar (“dollar”):

Year ended
CPI
as of
December

Percentage
increase
during year

Exchange rate
of dollar as of
December 31

Percentage
increase
(decrease)
during year

    % NIS %
 
2001 108.1 1.4 4.416 9.3
2000 106.6 4.041 (2.7)
1999 106.6 1.3 4.153 (0.2)

Note 3Investments in Affiliates

December 31,
2 0 0 1
2 0 0 0
A.    Composition:            
 
   (1)  Cost (including payments on account of    -    12,745  
      shares)  
         Company’s share in cumulative net  
      changes from  
         acquisition date    -    2,902  


     -    15,647  
      Deferred income (See Note 3B(2))    -    (1,889 )


      Presented as investments in affiliates    -    13,758  


  (2) NetFormx Ltd.    -    -  
       Smart Link Ltd.    -    13,758  


     -    13,758  


  B. Additional details

  (1) In December 2001 the Company sold all of its investments in affiliates and other companies to its shareholders in exchange for NIS 26 million, which not yet been paid and presented in balance sheet as of December 31, 2001 within “Related parties”.

  (2) NetFormx Ltd. (“NetFormx”) — (formerly Imagenet Ltd.
NetFormx develops, markets and supports computer-aided network engineering and software products for network design simulation and optimization. During 1996, the Company invested in the shares of NetFormx the amount of $1.5 million.

12



TRINET VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2001
(NIS in thousands)

Note 3Investments in Affiliates (contd.)

  B. Additional details(contd.)

  (2) NetFormx Ltd. (“NetFormx”) — (formerly Imagenet Ltd.)(contd.)

  In March 2000, Netformx issued additional shares to a group of investors, for net proceeds of NIS 75.5 million. As a result, the Company’s holding in Netformx was reduced to 16.8%. In accordance with Opinion No.68 of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel regarding third party issuances, the gain of NIS 9,823 was recorded as deferred income, of which NIS 7,934 was credited to income in 2000 against the Company’s share in the losses of Netformx and the remainder of NIS 1,889 was credited to income in 2001.

  See Note 3B(1) above in respect of realization of investment in Netformx by the Company.

  (3) Smart Link Ltd. (“Smart”)

  Smart is engaged in the development and marketing of efficient software communication. As of December 31, 1996 the Company held 43.7% of Smart.

  In March 2000, Smart issued additional shares to a group of investors, for net proceeds of NIS 57 million. As a result, the Company’s holding in Smart was reduced to 28.73%. The gain of NIS 15,227 was credited to income. During the period after March 2000 up to date of realization of investment in Smart (see Note 3B(1) above), the Company’s holding in Smart was reduced to 28.41% due to exercise of options by third parties.

Note 4 Investments in Other Companies

December 31,
2 0 0 1
2 0 0 0
A.  Composition:               
      Peptor Ltd.   -    2,106  
      Simplayer.com Ltd. (formerly Logal Ltd.)   -
    173
 
     -
    2,279
 
  B. Additional details

  See Note 3B(1) above in respect of realization of investments by the Company.

  Peptor Ltd. (“Peptor”)

  Peptor is engaged in the research and development of peptides for pharmeceutical medications. The original investment as of the balance sheet date amounted to $705 thousand representing 0.98% of Peptor’s shares.

  Simplayer.com Ltd. (formerly Logal Ltd.)( “Simplayer”)

  In October 1999, the Company sold all of its investment in Simplayer in exchange for NIS 694. As a result of the sale the Company recorded a gain of approximately NIS 183.

  In March 2000, the Company exercised its option to buy back 84,894 shares of Simplayer for $ 42 thousand.

13



TRINET VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2001
(NIS in thousands)


Note 5 Current Liabilities

December 31,
2 0 0 1
2 0 0 0
Composition:            
Dividend to pay    19,830    -  
Accrued expenses    53    45  


     19,883    45  


Note 6 Capital Notes

  The capital notes, which were issued to a related party and a shareholder, are unlinked and non-interest-bearing.

Note 7 Share Capital

December 31,
2 0 0 1 and 2 0 0 0
Authorized
Issued and
paid-up

Number of shares:            
Ordinary shares NIS 1 par value    25,000
   1,000
 

Note 8 General and Administrative Expenses

Year ended December 31,
2 0 0 1
2 0 0 0
1 9 9 9
Composition:                
 Professional services    111    90    90  
 Other    -    -    16  



     111    90    106  



14



TRINET VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2001
(NIS in thousands)

Note 9 Income Taxes

  A. The Company is subject to the provisions of the Income Tax (Inflationary Adjustments) Law — 1985.

  B. The Company has received final tax assessments for the years up to and including tax year 1997.

Note 10 Condensed Financial Information in Nominal NIS

  A.        Condensed balance sheets:

December 31,
2 0 0 1
2 0 0 0
Assets            
Current assets    26,384    479  
Investments    -    13,567  
    Affiliates    -    1,364  


    Other companies    -    14,931  


     26,384    15,410  


Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficiency   
Current liabilities    19,883    44  
Capital notes    20,582    20,582  
Shareholders' deficiency    (14,081 )  (5,216 )


     26,384    15,410  


15



TRINET VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSAS
OF DECEMBER 31, 2001
(NIS in thousands)

Note 10 Condensed Financial Information in Nominal NIS (contd.)

  B. Condensed statements of operations:

Year ended December 31,
2 0 0 1
2 0 0 0
1 9 9 9

Revenues                
Gains from realization of investments    18,494    -    190  
Gains on changes in ownership  
  interests in affiliates    1,863    23,718    -  
Financing, net    6    -    -  



     20,363    23,718    190  
Expenses   
General and administrative    110    88    102  
Financing, net    -    1    9  



     110    89    111  
Income before equity in operating results   
of subsidiaries and affiliates   
      20,253    23,629    79  
Equity in operating results of  
subsidiaries and affiliates    (8,646 )  (14,105 )  3,528  
  Write-down for decline in value of long-  
term investments    (169 )  -    -  



Net income     11,438    9,524    3,607  



  C. Statement of changes in shareholders’ deficiency:

Share
capital

Capital
reserves

Accumulated
deficit

Total
Balance at January 1, 1999      1    49    (18,821 )  (18,771 )
Net income for the year    -    -    3,607    3,607  




Balance at December 31, 1999     1    49    (15,214 )  (15,164 )
Translation adjustments    -    424    -    424  
Net income for the year    -    -    9,524    9,524  




Balance at December 31, 2000     1    473    (5,690 )  (5,216 )
Translation adjustments    -    (473 )  -    (473 )
Net income for the year    -    -    11,438    11,438  
Dividend    -    -    (19,830 )  (19,830 )




Balance at December 31, 2001     1    -    (14,082 )  (14,081 )




16



TRINET VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2001

Note 11 Condensed Financial Data in Dollars and in Accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) in the United States

  A. Basis of presentation

  (1) The Company’s functional currency is the NIS. Pursuant to the request of a shareholder, the financial information of the Company in nominal historical NIS, as presented in Note 11, has been remeasured into U.S. dollars in accordance with the principles of Statement No. 52 of the Financial Accounting Standards Board of the United States, “Foreign Currency Translation”.

  (2) The Company’s objective is to achieve long-term capital appreciation from its portfolio of venture capital investments in new and developing companies and other special investment situations. In accordance with the U.S. GAAP, such portfolio investments should be reflected at fair value, defined as the quoted market price for securities for which market quotations are readily available, or as an estimate of fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors and management.

  In accordance with the above policy, the following condensed financial information reflects investments in publicly traded securities at market value and investments in privately held portfolio securities at cost until significant developments affecting the portfolio company provide a basis for a change in valuation. In this regard, the fair value of private securities is adjusted to reflect meaningful third-party transactions in the private market or to reflect significant progress or deterioration in the development of the portfolio of the Company’s business, such that cost is no longer reflective of fair value. Unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of investments is reflected in earnings.

  (3) Deferred income taxes in the condensed financial information below have been recorded on the unrealized appreciation of investments, net of deferred tax benefits in respect of tax loss carryforwards.

17



TRINET VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2001

Note 11 Condensed Financial Data in Dollars and in Accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) in the United States (contd.)

  B. Condensed balance sheets (dollars in thousands):

December 31,
2 0 0 1
2 0 0 0
Assets            
Current assets    5,975    119  
Investments    -    14,768  


     5,975    14,887  


Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity (Deficiency)   
Current liabilities  
    Deferred income taxes    -    3,153  
    Other current liabilities    4,502    11  


     4,502    3,164  
 
Capital notes    4,661    5,093  
Shareholders' equity (deficiency)    (3,188 )  6,630  


     5,975    14,887  


  C. Condensed statements of operations (dollars in thousands):

Year ended December 31,
2 0 0 1
2 0 0 0
1 9 9 9
  Revenues                
 Gain from realization in other company    -    -    44  
 Gain from increase in investments' value    -    10,693    -  
 Financing, net    2    -    9  



     2    10,693    53  



  Expenses   
 Depreciation of portfolio investments (1)    7,585    4,251    -  
 Loss from changes in ownership interests  
 in affiliate    70    -    -  
 General and administrative    25    22    24  



     7,680    4,273    24  



 Income (loss) before tax benefit   
(income taxes)     (7,678 )  6,420    29  
 Tax benefit (income taxes)    2,886    (2,395 )  -  



 Net income (loss)     (4,792 )  4,025    29  
 Other comprehensive income (loss)(2)    (536 )  (25 )  4  



 Comprehensive income (loss)     (5,328 )  4,000    33  



18



TRINET VENTURE CAPITAL LTD.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSAS
OF DECEMBER 31, 2000

Note 11 Condensed Financial Data in Dollars and in Accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) in the United States (contd.)

  C. Condensed statements of operations (dollars in thousands) (contd.)

  (1) Due to various developments relating to the operations of certain portfolio companies, the Company determined that the fair value of such companies was less than the value reflected in the Company’s books.

  (2) In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 (“SFAS 130”) foreign currency translation adjustments have been presented as a component of comprehensive income. The capital reserves include other comprehensive income reflecting this foreign currency translation of 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. No other provision of SFAS 130 affects the financial statement presentation of the Company.

  D. Statement of changes in shareholders’ equity (deficiency) (dollars in thousands):

Share
capital

Retained earnings
Capital
reserves

Total
Balance at January 1, 1999      1    3,381    (785 )  2,597  
Net income    -    29    -    29  
Other comprehensive income -  
  Translation adjustments    -    -    4    4  




Balance at December 31, 1999     1    3,410    (781 )  2,630  
Net income    -    4,025    -    4,025  
Other comprehensive loss -  
  Translation adjustments    -    -    (25 )  (25 )




Balance at December 31, 2000     1    7,435    (806 )  6,630  
Net loss    -    (4,792 )  -    (4,792 )
Other comprehensive income -  
  Translation adjustments    -    -    (536 )  (536 )
Dividend    -    (4,490 )  -    (4,490 )




Balance at December 31, 2001     1    (1,847 )  (1,342 )  (3,188 )




19



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, 2002 and 2001, and the related statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ deficiency and cash flows - of the Company and on a consolidated basis - for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002, and have issued our unqualified report thereon dated February 19, 2003. 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 mentioned in our abovementioned auditor’s report, we did not audit the 2000 financial statements of a partnership, whose revenues included in consolidation constitute approximately 28% of total consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2000. The financial statements of the partnership for that year were audited by other auditors whose reports have been furnished to us and our abovementioned opinion, insofar as it related to the amounts included in respect of the aforementioned partnership, was based solely on the reports of the other auditors.

As described in Note 2B, the accompanying Company and consolidated financial data in U.S. dollars as of the abovementioned dates and for the abovementioned years then ended were prepared on the basis of financial data in nominal NIS (the basis on which the Company and consolidated adjusted NIS financial statements were also prepared), translated into US dollars in accordance with the principles described in Note 2B.

In our opinion, the accompanying financial data in US dollars was translated in accordance with the principles described in Note 2B.

This report is intended solely for the information and use of the Boards of Directors and management of the Company and Ampal-American Israel Corp., and should not be used for any other purpose.

Brightman Almagor & Co.
Certified Public Accountants

Tel Aviv, February 19, 2003




INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF
BAY HEART LTD. AND SUBSIDIARY

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Bay Heart Ltd. (“the Company”) as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, 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, 2002. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the 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 referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position - of the Company and on a consolidated basis - at December 31, 2002 and 2001, 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 years in the period ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel.

Accounting principles generally accepted in Israel differ in certain respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  With respect to these financial statements, the difference in the application of the latter is described in Note 20.

As described in Note 2A, the above mentioned financial statements have been prepared in adjusted values based on the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency in accordance with pronouncements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.

The condensed consolidated financial information in U.S. dollars presented in Note 19 to the financial statements, prepared at the request of an investor, represents a translation of the Company’s financial statements in nominal values, as stated in Note 19A. In our opinion, such translation into U.S. dollars was appropriately performed on the basis stated in Note 19A.

As described in Note 1C to the financial statements regarding the Company’s business condition, the Company has a working capital deficit of NIS 90 million as of December 31, 2002. The steps undertaken by management for meeting the Company’s commitments and guarantees are also described in that note.

Brightman Almagor & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
Member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Israel, February 27, 2003.




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

To the Shareholders of

CARMEL CONTAINER SYSTEMS LTD.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Carmel Container Systems Ltd. (“the Company”) and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, 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, 2002. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We did not audit the financial statements of certain subsidiaries, whose assets included in the consolidation constitute approximately 20% and 10% of total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively, and whose revenues included in the consolidation constitute approximately 30%, 29% and 9% of total consolidated revenues for each of the three years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively. The financial statements of those companies were audited by other auditors whose reports have been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to amounts included for those companies is based on the reports of the other auditors.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States and in Israel, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditors’ Regulations (Auditor’s Mode of Performance), 1973. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the reports of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, based on our audits and the reports of other auditors, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2002, and the consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel, which differ in certain respects from those followed in the United States (see Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements).

As explained in Note 2, the consolidated financial statements referred to above have been prepared on the basis of historical cost adjusted to reflect the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency, in accordance with pronouncements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.

Tel-Aviv, Israel

KOST FORER & GABBAY

March 4, 2003

A Member of Ernst & Young Global





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, 2002 and 2001 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, 2002.  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 audit.

We did not audit the financial statements of certain consolidated subsidiaries whose assets included in the consolidation represent 61% and 74% of the total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 respectively, and whose revenues included in the consolidation represent 61%, 61% and 54% of the total consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, 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.

Moreover, the data included in the financial statements relating to the equity value of the investment and to the Company’s equity in the operating results of an affiliated company, are based on financial statements which were audited by other auditors.

We conducted our audit 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, we conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States and Israel.  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 and the reports of other audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, based on our audit 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 its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Israel.  As applicable to the Company’s financial statements, generally accepted accounting principles, in the United States and Israel are substantially identical in all material respects.

 

Fahn, Kanne & Co.

 

Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)

Tel-Aviv, Israel, March 19, 2003




To: PricewaterhouseCoopers - Tel Aviv
Date: March 5 2003

Report of Independent Public Accountants
Country Club Kfar Saba Ltd.

We have audited the balance sheets of Country Club Kfar Saba Ltd. as of December 31, 2002, the related statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Israel and in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentations. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

The above statements have been prepared on the basis of historical cost as adjusted for the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israel currency in accordance with opinions issued by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.

Condensed statements in historical values which formed the basis of the adjusted statements appear in Note 16 to the financial statements. These amounts have been translated into U.S. dollars using the method described in Note 2F.

In our opinion, based on our audit, the above-mentioned financial statements present fairly the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2002, the results of its operations, the changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel, consistently applied. As applicable to the Company’s financial statements, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and in Israel are substantially identical in all material respects. Also, in our opinion, the financial statements based on nominal data (Note 16) present fairly, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2002, and the results of its operations, the changes in shareholder’ equity, and its cash flows for the year then ended, on the basis of the historical cost convention.

Luboshitz Kasierer
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 31,2000 and 1999, and the related statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows of the Company for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,2000. 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, 2000 and 1999, and the results of operations, change in shareholders’ equity and cash flows of the Company for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000, 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, 2000 and 1999, 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, 2000, 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.




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.

 

 

 

Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)

 

 

Ramat Gan, March 12, 2001

 





Brightman Almagor
1 Azrieli Center
Tel Aviv 67021
P.O.B. 16593, Tel Aviv 61164

Israel

Tel: +972 (3) 608 5555
Fax: +972 (3) 609 4022
info@deloitte.co.il
www.deloitte.co.il

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, 2000 and 1999, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and changes in shareholders’ equity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2000, translated into U.S dollars. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements, based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. 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 statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A statement of cash flows for the period has not been included in the financial statements.

In our opinion, the financial statement referred to above, present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries, as at December 31, 2000 and 1999, the results of their operations and the changes in their shareholders’ equity, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Also, in our opinion, the translated amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in U.S Dollars have been computed on the basis set forth in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

Brightman, Almagor & Co.
Certified Public Accountants

Tel Aviv, February 21, 2001




To:     PricewaterhouseCoopers - Tel Aviv
Date:  February 27, 2003

Report of Independent Public Accountants
Hod Hasharon Sport Center Ltd.

We have audited the balance sheets of Hod Hasharon Sport Center Ltd. as of December 31, 2002, the related statements of income and company’s equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.  We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Israel and in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentations. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

The above statements have been prepared on the basis of historical cost as adjusted for the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israel currency in accordance with opinions issued by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.

Condensed statements in historical values which formed the basis of the adjusted statements appear in Note 7 to the financial statements.  These amounts have been translated into U.S. dollars using the method described in Note 2D.

In our opinion, based on our audit, the above-mentioned financial statements present fairly the financial position of the company as of December 31, 2002, the results of its operations, the changes in company’s equity and cash flows the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel, consistently applied. As applicable to the Company’s financial statements, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and in Israel are substantially identical in all material respects. Also, in our opinion, the financial statements based on nominal data (Note 7) present fairly, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, the financial position of the company as of December 31, 2002, and the results of its operations, the changes in company’s equity, and its cash flows for the year then ended, on the basis of the historical cost convention.

 

Luboshitz Kasierer

 

 

Certified Public Accountants





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, 2000, and the related statements of income and changes in shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period then ended, December 31, 2000 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, 2000 and 1999, and the results of operations, change in shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

- 1 -




Report of Independent Public Accountants
To The Shareholders
of
Hod Hasharon Sport Center Ltd.

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 7.

The condensed financial information in U.S. dollars presented in Note 7 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.

 

 

 

Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)

 

Ramat Gan, February 22, 2001



To:     PricewaterhouseCoopers - Tel Aviv
Date:  February 27, 2003



Report of Independent Public Accountants
Hod Hasharon Sport Center (1992) Limited Partnership

We have audited the balance sheets of Hod Hasharon Sport Center (1992) Limited Partnership as of December 31, 2002, the related statements of income changes in partners’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership’s management.

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.  We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Israel and in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentations.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

The above statements have been prepared on the basis of historical cost as adjusted for the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israel currency in accordance with opinions issued by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.

Condensed statements in historical values which formed the basis of the adjusted statements appear in Note 16 to the financial statements.  These amounts have been translated into U.S. dollars using the method described in Note 2E.

In our opinion, based on our audit, the above-mentioned financial statements present fairly the financial position of the partnership as of December 31, 2002, the results of its operations, the changes in partners’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel, consistently applied.  As applicable to the partnership’s financial statements, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and in Israel are substantially identical in all material respects. Also, in our opinion, the financial statements based on nominal data (Note 16) present fairly, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, the financial position of the partnership as of December 31, 2002, and the results of its operations, the changes in partners’ equity, and its cash flows for the year then ended, on the basis of the historical cost convention.

 

Luboshitz Kasierer

 

 

Certified Public Accountants





AUDITORS’ REPORT 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, 2000 and 1999, and the related statements of income, partners’ capital and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000, 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, 2000 and 1999, and the results of operations, change in Partners Capital and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

- 1 -




Report of Independent Public Accountants
of
Hod Hasharon Sport Center (1992) Limited Partnership

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.

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.

 

 

 

Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)

 

 

Ramat Gan, February 22, 2001

 





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, 2001 and the related statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2001. 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 a subsidiary, whose revenues included in consolidation constitute approximately 8% of total consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2000.  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, 2001, is adjusted NIS 160,595,000, and the Company’s share in excess of profits over losses of which is a net amount of adjusted NIS 819,000 in 2001, and the Company’s share in excess of losses over profits of which is a net amount of adjusted NIS 297,000 in 2000. The financial statements of the above subsidiary 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 on the reports of the other independent auditors.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Israel and in the United States, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditors (Mode of Performance) Regulations, 1973. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by 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 reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, based upon our audits and the reports of the other independent auditors, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position - of the Company and consolidated - as of December 31, 2001 and the results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows - of the Company and consolidated - for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel. Furthermore, in our opinion, the financial statements referred to above are prepared in accordance with the Israeli Securities (Preparation of Annual Financial Statements) Regulations, 1993.




As explained in note 1b, the financial statements referred to above are presented in values adjusted for 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 17.

The special condensed consolidated financial statements which are presented in note 17 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 Standards 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

 

          March 10, 2002

Certified Public Accountants (Isr.)

 





Brightman Almagor
1 Azrieli Center
Tel Aviv 67021
P.O.B. 16593, Tel Aviv 61164
Israel

Tel: +972 (3) 608 5555
Fax: +972 (3) 609 4022
info@deloitte.co.il
www.deloitte.co.il

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF

RENAISSANCE INVESTMENT CO.LTD

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Renaissance Investments Co.Ltd., (an Israeli corporation), (hereinafter – “the Company”) and its subsidiaries as at December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and changes in shareholders’ equity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2000, translated into U.S dollars. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements, based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. 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 statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A statement of cash flows for the period has not been included in the financial statements.

In our opinion, the financial statement referred to above, present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries, as at December 31, 2000 and 1999, the results of their operations and the changes in their shareholders’ equity, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Also, in our opinion, the translated amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in U.S Dollars have been computed on the basis set forth in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

Brightman, Almagor & Co.
Certified Public Accountants

Tel Aviv, February 21, 2001




 

Kost Forer &          
Gabbay
3 Aminadav St.
Tel-Aviv 67067,
Israel

Phone:
Fax    :

 972-3-6232525
 972 -3 -5622555

 

Messrs. Ampal Ltd.

 

Re:

Financial statements of Shmay-Bar Real Estate (1993) Ltd.
(“the Company”) translated into U.S. dollars

 

 

 


 

               As you know, the Company publishes in Israel financial statements in NIS adjusted to the changes in the Consumer Price Index, in accordance with Statements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel. These primary annual financial statements of the Company for the years 2002 and 2001, which were audited by us, and on which we expressed our opinion on February 16, 2003, have been provided to you.

               We have audited the accompanying translated U.S. dollar balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related translated U.S. dollar statements of income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

               We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Israel and the United States, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditors Regulations (Mode of Performance) (Israel), 1973. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, either originating within the financial statements themselves, or due to any misleading statement included therein. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

               The aforementioned translated U.S. dollar financial statements have been prepared on the basis of nominal NIS historical cost. Disclosure of the effect of the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency in the financial statements as stated in the Opinions of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel, has not been included in the above mentioned statements.

               Full financial statement disclosures and statements of cash flows that are as required according to generally accepted accounting principles have not been presented and as such, the translated U.S. dollar financial statements mentioned above are to be read in conjunction with the primary annual audited financial statements of the Company, as of December 31, 2002 and their accompanying Notes.

               In our opinion, except for the effects of the matters discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the translated U.S. dollar financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the translated U.S. dollar financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related translated U.S. dollar results of its operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Israel. As applicable to the Company’s financial statements, accounting principles generally excepted in the United Sates and in Israel are substantially identical in all material respects.

               Also, in our opinion, the translation of the aforementioned nominal figures into U.S. dollars was made in accordance with the principles set forth in SFAS 52, see Note 2.

               The aforementioned financial statements are designated solely for you as shareholders of the Company, are not to be published or delivered to others.

Tel-Aviv, Israel

KOST FORER & GABBAY

February 16, 2003

A Member of Ernst & Young International





 

Kost Forer &          
Gabbay
3 Aminadav St.
Tel-Aviv 67067,
Israel

Phone:
Fax    :

 972-3-6232525
 972 -3 -5622555

 

Messrs. Ampal Ltd.

 

Re:

Financial statements of Shmay-Bar (I.A) 1993 Ltd.
(“the Company”) translated into U.S. dollars

 

 

 


 

               As you know, the Company publishes in Israel financial statements in NIS adjusted to the changes in the Consumer Price Index, in accordance with Statements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel. These primary annual financial statements of the Company for the years 2002 and 2001, which were audited by us, and on which we expressed our opinion on February 16, 2003, have been provided to you.

               We have audited the accompanying translated U.S. dollar balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related translated U.S. dollar statements of income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

               We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Israel and the United States, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditors Regulations (Mode of Performance) (Israel), 1973. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, either originating within the financial statements themselves, or due to any misleading statement included therein. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

               The aforementioned translated U.S. dollar financial statements have been prepared on the basis of nominal NIS historical cost. Disclosure of the effect of the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency in the financial statements as stated in the Opinions of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel, has not been included in the above mentioned statements.

               Full financial statement disclosures and statements of cash flows that are as required according to generally accepted accounting principles have not been presented and as such, the translated U.S. dollar financial statements mentioned above are to be read in conjunction with the primary annual audited financial statements of the Company, as of December 31, 2002 and their accompanying Notes.

               In our opinion, except for the effects of the matters discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the translated U.S. dollar financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the translated U.S. dollar financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related translated U.S. dollar results of its operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Israel. As applicable to the Company’s financial statements, accounting principles generally excepted in the United Sates and in Israel are substantially identical in all material respects.

               Also, in our opinion, the translation of the aforementioned nominal figures into U.S. dollars was made in accordance with the principles set forth in SFAS 52, see Note 2.

               The aforementioned financial statements are designated solely for you as shareholders of the Company, are not to be published or delivered to others.

Tel-Aviv, Israel

KOST FORER & GABBAY

February 16, 2003

A Member of Ernst & Young International





 

Kost Forer &          
Gabbay
3 Aminadav St.
Tel-Aviv 67067,
Israel

Phone:
Fax    :

 972-3-6232525
 972 -3 -5622555

 

Messrs. Ampal Ltd.

 

Re:

Financial statements of Shmay-Bar (T.H) 1993 Ltd.
(“the Company”) translated into U.S. dollars

 

 

 


 

               As you know, the Company publishes in Israel financial statements in NIS adjusted to the changes in the Consumer Price Index, in accordance with Statements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel. These primary annual financial statements of the Company for the years 2002 and 2001, which were audited by us, and on which we expressed our opinion on February 16, 2003, have been provided to you.

               We have audited the accompanying translated U.S. dollar balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related translated U.S. dollar statements of income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

               We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Israel and the United States, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditors Regulations (Mode of Performance) (Israel), 1973. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, either originating within the financial statements themselves, or due to any misleading statement included therein. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

               The aforementioned translated U.S. dollar financial statements have been prepared on the basis of nominal NIS historical cost. Disclosure of the effect of the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency in the financial statements as stated in the Opinions of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel, has not been included in the above mentioned statements.

               Full financial statement disclosures and statements of cash flows that are as required according to generally accepted accounting principles have not been presented and as such, the translated U.S. dollar financial statements mentioned above are to be read in conjunction with the primary annual audited financial statements of the Company, as of December 31, 2002 and their accompanying Notes.

               In our opinion, except for the effects of the matters discussed in the preceding paragraphs, the translated U.S. dollar financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the translated U.S. dollar financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related translated U.S. dollar results of its operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Israel. As applicable to the Company’s financial statements, accounting principles generally excepted in the United Sates and in Israel are substantially identical in all material respects.

               Also, in our opinion, the translation of the aforementioned nominal figures into U.S. dollars was made in accordance with the principles set forth in SFAS 52, see Note 2.

               The aforementioned financial statements are designated solely for you as shareholders of the Company, are not to be published or delivered to others.

Tel-Aviv, Israel

KOST FORER & GABBAY

February 16, 2003

A Member of Ernst & Young International




TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF
TRINET INVESTMENTS IN HIGH-TECH LTD.

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Trinet Investments in High-Tech Ltd. (“the Company”) as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related statements of operations and changes in shareholders’ deficiency for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s Board of Directors and management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Israel, including those prescribed under the Auditors’ Regulations (Auditor’s Mode of Performance) - 1973, which, for purposes of these financial statements, are substantially identical to generally accepted auditing standards in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the Board of Directors and management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

During 2002 the company ceased its operations.

In our opinion, the aforementioned financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the results of its operations and changes in shareholders’ deficiency for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2002, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Israel.

As described in Note 2, the aforementioned financial statements have been prepared on the basis of historical cost, adjusted to reflect changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency in accordance with pronouncements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.

The financial information presented in U.S. dollars and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States is based on nominal historical amounts in Israeli currency and is presented in Note 8 to the financial statements.

Brightman Almagor & Co.
Certified Public Accountants

Tel Aviv, March 13, 2003




SIGNATURES

             Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 27 th day of March, 2003.

 

AMPAL-AMERICAN ISRAEL CORPORATION

 

 

By:

/s/JACK BIGIO

   

 

 

Jack Bigio, 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 27, 2003.

Signatures

 

Title

 

Date


 


 


/s/ YOSEF A. MAIMAN                                     

 

Chairman of the Board of

 

March 27, 2003

Yosef A. Maiman

 

Directors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ JACK BIGIO                                                   

 

President & CEO - Director

 

March 27, 2003

Jack Bigio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ LEO MALAMUD                                           

 

Director

 

March 27, 2003

Leo Malamud

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ DR. JOSEPH YERUSHALMI                       

 

Director

 

March 27, 2003

Dr. Joseph Yerushalmi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ YEHUDA KARNI                                          

 

Director

 

March 27, 2003

Yehuda Karni

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ EITAN HABER                                              

 

Director

 

March 27, 2003

Eitan Haber

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ MICHAEL ARNON                                       

 

Director

 

March 27, 2003

Michael Arnon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ IRIT ELUZ                                                      

 

CFO, Vice President –

 

March 27, 2003

Irit Eluz

 

Finance  and Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ ALLA KANTER                                                 

 

Vice President –

 

March 27, 2003

Alla Kanter

 

Accounting and Controller
 (Principal Accounting
Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ GIORA BAR – NIR                                        

 

Controller

 

March 27, 2003

Giora Bar-Nir

 

 

 

 

100




I, Jack Bigio, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Ampal-American Israel Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

                a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

                b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

                c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

                a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

                b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: March 27, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Jack Bigio

 

 

President and CEO

 

101




I, Irit Eluz, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Ampal-American Israel Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

                a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

                b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

                c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

                a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

                b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: March 27, 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Irit Eluz

 

 

CFO, Vice President – Finance and Treasurer

 

102