With effect from 2003, the Company reviews whether any events have occurred or changes in circumstances have taken place, which might indicate that there has been an impairment of its investment in associated companies. In 2001, the Company recorded a provision for the impairment of its investment in an associated company. The investment in this associated company is presented at the lower of the investment amount, under the equity method (before making the impairment provision), and its recoverable amount, in accordance with clarification No. 1 of Accounting Standard No. 15, as long as the recoverable value, on which the impairment provision was based, remains unchanged, the company will record its share in the associated company’s losses (up to the amount of the impairment provision) by reducing the aforesaid provision, without having effect on the company’s results. In addition it was determined that the loss caused by the impairment will be reclassified as share in profits of associates companies
Since issuing FIN 46, the FASB has proposed various amendments to the Interpretation and has deferred its effective dates. Most recently, in December 2003, the FASB issued a revised version of FIN 46 (FIN 46-R), which also provides for a partial deferral of FIN 46. This partial deferral established the effective dates for public entities to apply FIN 46 and FIN 46-R based on the nature of the variable interest entity and the date upon which the public company became involved with the variable interest entity. In general, the deferral provides that (i) for variable interest entities created before February 1, 2003, a public entity must apply FIN 46-R at the end of the first interim or annual period ending after March 15, 2004, and may be required to apply FIN 46 at the end of the first interim or annual period ending after December 15, 2003, if the variable interest entity is a special purpose entity, and (ii) for variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, a public company must apply FIN 46 at the end of the first interim or annual period ending after December 15, 2003, as previously required, and then apply FIN 46-R at the end of the first interim or annual reporting period ending after March 15, 2004.
The Company has currently no variable interests in any VIE. Accordingly, the Company believes that the adoption of FIN 46 and FIN 46-R will not have a material impact on its financial position, the results of its operations and and/or its cash flows.
SAFE HARBOR
This statement contains forward-looking statements as defined by federal securities laws which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, expectations, intentions, projections, developments, future events, performance or products, underlying assumptions, and other statements which are other than statements of historical facts. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘will,’’ ‘‘should,’’ ‘‘expects,’’ ‘‘intends,’’ ‘‘plans,’’ ‘‘anticipates,’’ “contemplates,” ‘‘believes,’’ ‘‘estimates,’’ ‘‘predicts,’’ ‘‘projects,’’ ‘‘potential,’’ ‘‘continue,’’ and other similar terminology or the negative of these terms. From time to time, we may publish or otherwise make available forward-looking statements of this nature. All such forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, and whether made by us or on our behalf, are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements described on this statement, including those set forth below, and any other cautionary statements which may accompany the forward-looking statements. In addition, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events, circumstances, or new information after the date of the information or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, and we disclaim any such obligation.
Forward-looking statements are only predictions that relate to future events or our future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause actual results, outcomes, levels of activity, performance, developments, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, outcomes, levels of activity, performance, developments, or achievements expressed, anticipated, or implied by these forward-looking statements. As a result, we cannot guarantee future results, outcomes, levels of activity, performance, developments, or achievements, and there can be no assurance that our expectations, intentions, anticipations, beliefs, or projections will result or be achieved or accomplished.
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ITEM 6. DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Baran’s directors and executive officers and their ages and positions are as follows:
Name Age Principal Position
Meir Dor | 57 | Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO |
Menachem Gal | 56 | Senior Executive Officer and Director |
Abiel Raviv | 59 | Senior Executive Officer and Director |
Israel Gotman | 57 | Executive Officer and Director |
Isaac Friedman | 54 | Executive Officer and Director |
Israel Scop | 53 | Executive Officer and Director |
Liora Ofer | 50 | Director |
Arieh Shaked | 54 | Outside Director |
Tami Gottlib | 47 | Outside Director& Chair of the Audit Committee |
Sasson Shilo | 49 | VP & Chief Financial Officer and Secretary |
Giora Gutman | 52 | Industry Division President and Director |
The business experience, principal occupation and employment, as well as the periods of service, of each of the board members and executive officers of Baran are set forth below:
Meir Dor has served as a director and CEO of Baran since 1991 and has served as the chairman of the board of directors of Baran since 1992. Mr. Dor is also a director of the following Baran subsidiaries: Baran Advanced Technologies (1986) Ltd., Baran Technical Products Management and Marketing Ltd., H.A.J.I Ltd., Mobipower Ltd., A.R.- A.D.Y.R. Constructions Ltd., Meissner-Baran Ltd., Industrial Centers E.O.D. Ltd., Lead Control Ltd., Tefen Industrial Engineering Management and Systems Analysis Ltd. and its subsidiaries, InTime Ltd., B&W Projects Inc, Baran Raviv Thailand Ltd. and Baran Telecom Inc. Mr. Dor received his B.Sc in Management and Industrial Engineering from the University of Tel-Aviv, Israel in 1978.
Menachem Gal has served as a director of Baran since 1991, and has served as co-managing director and head of business development of Baran since the second half of 2001. Mr. Gal also serves as a director of the following Baran subsidiaries: Baran Inbar Projects (1987) Ltd., Baran Energies International Ltd., Notev - Management & Operation Ltd., Baran Engineering and Projects (1983) Ltd., Baran Project Construction Ltd., Meissner-Baran Ltd., Baran Alrig Ltd,. H.A.J.I Ltd., Green Anchors Ltd., Baran Raviv Thailand Ltd. and Nes-Pan Ltd.
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Abiel Raviv has served as a Senior Officer of Baran since 1993 and served as a director of Baran since 1997, Mr. Raviv has also served as co-managing director since 1994. Mr. Raviv served as a co-managing director of Baran Raviv Startup and Entrepreneur Ltd. until 1997. Until 1999, Mr. Raviv served as the head of Baran’s telecommunications division. Mr. Raviv serves as a director of the following Baran subsidiaries: Baran Raviv Telecom Ltd., B&W Projects Inc., Baran Raviv Thailand Ltd., Baran Telecom Inc. Mr. Raviv received his B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Technion, Israel Institute of Technology in 1970 and a M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (Turbomechanics) from Union College, Schenectady, New York, in 1974.
Israel Gotman has served as a director and an Officer of Baran since 1991. Between the years 1990 and 2001, Mr. Gotman served as chief executive officer of several of Baran’s subsidiaries. Mr. Gotman currently serves as a director of Baran Industries (91) Ltd. Mr. Gotman holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Moscow (1972).
Isaac Friedman has served as a director of Baran since 1991, until 2004 Mr. Friedman served as the head of the Civil Engineering Division of Baran. Between the years 1990 and 1999, Mr. Friedman served as vice president of Baran Project Construction Ltd., where he currently serves as chief executive officer. Mr. Friedman serves as a director in the following Baran subsidiaries: Baran Project Construction Ltd., A.R.- A.D.Y.R. Constructions Ltd. and Baran Infrastructure & Construction Ltd. Mr. Friedman graduated as a Practical Construction Engineer from the Technical College of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel in 1975, and received his B.Sc. in Business Management from Champlain College, Illinois, in 2000.
Israel Scop has served as a director of Baran since 1991. Until 1998, Mr. Scop served as vice president in Baran-Project Construction Ltd. Between 1998 and 2000, Mr. Scop acted as chief engineer of Baran’s engineering companies. As of 2000, he is responsible for community relations and special engineering projects for Baran. Mr. Scop holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the Technion, Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel (1972).
Liora Ofer has served as a director of Baran since 1999. During the past five years Ms. Ofer has served in different roles in the Ofer Brothers group of companies, including Israel Chemicals Ltd. and its subsidiaries, and has served as the managing director of Almog Eilat Shore Ltd. Ms. Ofer also serves as a director of a number of Israeli companies: United Mizrahi Bank Ltd., Ofer Development and Investments Ltd., Malisron Ltd., Almog Eilat Shore Ltd., Neot Almog Shore (1990) Ltd., Almog Hotel Management Ltd., Almog Shore Haifa (1996) Ltd., Neve Almog Shore Ltd., Laguna Hotel Ltd., Oro Investments Ltd., Oro Foreign Investments (1999) Ltd., Halidor Entrepreneurs Ltd., and Ofer Brothers Assets (1957) Ltd. Ms. Offer is a member of the Audit Committee.
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Arieh Shaked has served as an outside director of Baran since 2000. During the past five years Mr. Shaked has served as chairman of the board of directors of a number of Israeli companies: Enosh Security and Maintenance Ltd., Enosh Building Maintenance Ltd., Enosh Human Resources Services and Security Eilat Ltd. Mr. Shaked is also a director of Arami Shaked 2000 Ltd. and Nehushtan Investments Ltd. Mr. Shaked holds a BA in Political Sciences, Business Management from Bar-Ilan University, Tel-Aviv, Israel (1982) and an MA in Social Sciences and Mathematics from the University of Haifa, Israel (1989). Mr. Shaked is a member of the Audit Committee.
Tami Gottlieb joined Baran as an outside director in July, 2002. Ms. Gottlieb is currently joint owner and CEO of a private consulting and investment banking company - Harvest Capital Markets Ltd. and serves as a director in a number of Israeli companies: Emilia Development (M.O.F.) Ltd., RoboGroup Ltd., Maalot - The Israeli Rating Company Ltd., T.R.A. Tel Aviv Radio Ltd., “Dan” Transportation Company Ltd., Incredimail Ltd., Hassin Esh Ltd., PolySack Ltd. and Credit Information Association (CIA) Ltd. Between 1997 and 2001, Ms. Gottlieb served as CEO and director of Investec General Management and Underwriting Ltd. prior to 1997 Ms. Gottlieb served as CEO both at Oscar Gruss (Israel) Ltd. and before that at Maalot - The Israeli Rating Company Ltd.. Ms. Gottlieb holds a BA in International Relations from The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel (1978) and an MA in Economics from Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana, USA (1980). Ms. Gottlieb is a member of the Audit Committee and serves as the board’s financial expert.
Sasson Shilo joined Baran in 1992 and serves as Baran’s vice president of finance and as secretary of Baran. Mr. Shilo serves as a director in the following Baran subsidiaries: Baran Technical Products Management and Marketing Ltd., , Enco Systems Projects (1997) Ltd., A. Etzion Consultants & Engineers Ltd., Baran Alrig Ltd, Tefen Industrial Engineering Management and Systems Analysis Ltd., Mobipower Ltd, BMEC Ltd., B&W Projects Inc. and Industrial Centers E.O.D. Ltd. Mr. Shilo holds a BA in Economics from the Ben Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel from 1984 and an MBA in Business Management from the Ben Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel (1989).
Giora Gutman has served as a director of Baran since 2003 and in various positions since joining the company in 1994. Mr. Gutman became Head of the Industry Division and CEO of Baran Engineering & Projects (1983) Ltd. in 2001. Mr. Gutman serves as a director in the following Baran subsidiaries: Baran Engineering and Projects (1983) Ltd,. Lead Control Ltd., Baran Industries (91) Ltd., Notev - Management & Operation Ltd., Intime Ltd., Carmel Desalination Ltd., Tefen Industrial Engineering Management and Systems Analysis Ltd. and Baran Inbar Projects (1987) Ltd. Mr. Gutman holds a B.Sc in Mechanical Engineering from Ben Gurion University.
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Compensation
During 2003 Baran paid to all its directors and senior management as a group an aggregate amount of NIS 4.2 million ($1million) in salaries, fees and bonuses. Other than the payment to non-employee directors of NIS 173,000 (approximately $40,000) for their participation in board meetings, no directors received cash compensation for serving in such positions in the year ended December 2003.
Five highest compensated persons in Baran
Position | Compensation |
Industry Division President and Director | NIS 1, 240,000 ($283,000) |
Former President, Chief Operation Officer and Director | NIS 875,003 ($200,000) |
Senior Executive Officer and Director | NIS 375,000 ($86,000) |
Senior Executive Officer and Director | NIS 375,000 ($86,000) |
Executive Officer and Director | NIS 375,000 ($86,000) |
Board Practices
Baran’s Articles of Association provide that Baran’s board shall consist of no less than three and no more than 13 directors. Each director who is not an outside director is elected at an annual general meeting or a special meeting of Baran’s shareholders by a vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power represented and voting at that meeting. Outside directors are elected and may be removed only in accordance with the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law (described below). Baran’s Board currently consists of 13 directors, two of whom are outside directors. Each director who is not an outside director will hold office until the next annual general meeting of Baran’s shareholders, unless terminated earlier by a simple majority vote of the shareholders at a general meeting, or if he or she becomes insane, is declared bankrupt, or resigns, or upon his or her death.
A simple majority of Baran’s shareholders voting at a general meeting may remove any of Baran’s directors, other than outside directors, from office and may elect replacement directors or fill any vacancy in the board, other than vacancies created by an outside director. Each of Baran’s co-managing directors are considered to be executive officers, serve at the discretion of the board and hold office until his or her successor is elected or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. The other executive officers are appointed by management, and terms of their employment are subject to the approval of the board of directors. There are no family relationships among any of Baran’s directors or executive officers.
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Under the Israeli Companies Law, companies incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel whose shares are listed on an exchange, including the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq National Market, are required to appoint two outside directors. Arieh Shaked and Tami Gottlib were appointed as Baran’s outside directors under the Israeli Companies Law. The Israeli Companies Law provides that a person may not be appointed as an outside director if the person, or the person’s relative, partner, employer or any entity under the person’s control has or had during the two years preceding the date of appointment any affiliation with the company or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the company. Outside directors may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law as described below.
The term affiliation includes:
| • | an employment relationship; |
| | |
| • | a business or professional relationship maintained on a regular basis; |
| | |
| • | control; and |
| | |
| • | service as an office holder, excluding service as a director for a period of not more than three months during which the company first offered its shares to the public. The term “office holder’’ is defined as a director, general manager, chief business manager, deputy general manager, vice general manager, executive vice president, vice president, other manager directly subordinate to the general manager or any other person assuming the responsibilities of any of the foregoing positions, without regard to such person’s title. |
No person can serve as an outside director if the person’s position or other business creates, or may create a conflict of interest with the person’s responsibilities as an outside director or may otherwise interfere with the person’s ability to serve as an outside director. If at the time an outside director is appointed all current members of the board of directors are of the same gender, then that outside director must be of the other gender.
Until the lapse of two years from termination of office, a company may not engage an outside director to serve as an office holder and cannot employ or receive services from that person, either directly or indirectly, including through a corporation controlled by that person.
Outside directors are elected by a majority vote at a shareholders’ meeting, provided that either:
| • | the majority of shares voted at the meeting, including at least one-third of the shares of non-controlling shareholders voted at the meeting, vote in favor of the election of the outside director; or |
| | |
| • | the total number of shares voted against the election of the outside director does not exceed one percent of the aggregate voting rights in the company. |
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The initial term of an outside director is three years. The outside director may be reelected to one additional term of three years by a majority vote at a shareholders meeting, subject to the conditions described above for election of outside directors. Outside directors may only be removed by the same percentage of shareholders as is required for their election, or by a court, and even then only if the outside directors cease to meet the statutory requirements for their appointment or if they violate their duty of loyalty to the company. If an outside directorship becomes vacant, a company’s board of directors is required under Israeli Companies Law to call a shareholders’ meeting immediately to appoint a new outside director.
Each committee of a company’s board of directors is required to include at least one outside director and the audit committee is required to include both outside directors. An outside director is entitled to compensation as provided in regulations adopted under Israeli Companies Law and is otherwise prohibited from receiving any other compensation, directly or indirectly, in connection with services provided as an outside director.
Employees
As of December 31, 2003, Baran and its subsidiaries had employed approximately 1,454 employees, approximately 1,189 of whom were based in Israel, 106 in United States, 30 in United Kingdom, 104 in Germany, 18 in Thailand and 7 in Africa. The breakdown of Baran’s employees by division is as follows:
Year ended December 31 | | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Baran management | | 39 | | 42 | | 34 | |
Communication division | | 380 | | 645 | | 416 | |
Civil Engineering division | | 125 | | 134 | | 124 | |
Industrial division | | 490 | | 466 | | 440 | |
Technology and Services division | | 390 | | 388 | | 440 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Total | | 1,424 | | 1,675 | | 1,454 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Share Ownership
| • | On November 3, 2003 Baran’s board of directors resolved to approve an Employees Option Plan to Baran’s Israeli Employees. Five (5) employees of Baran and its subsidiaries participate in the Option Plan and will receive, up to 82,000 options. The options are non-tradable registered bonds, and will be granted for no consideration. Each option grants the employee the right to purchase one Baran’s ordinary share par value 1.00 NIS each, against payment of the exercise price. The Shares will be registered for trade in the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange. |
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| | Each one of the employees, covered by the plan, is domiciled in Israel and is not a “controlling shareholder” and/or “interested shareholder” and/or director and/or CEO in the Baran, and will not become “controlling shareholder” and/or “interested shareholder” in Baran Group, following the grant of the options, based on the assumption that he/she will exercise all the options to be granted to him/her. On December 22, 2003, 74,000 options were granted under the plan. |
| | The options granted are equally divided into two classes, series 1 options and series 2 options. The exercise price for exercising the option and converting it into a share shall be as follows: The exercise price of series 1 options, shall be the price of the share in the Tel- Aviv Stock Exchange at the end of the trading date on the date of granting. The exercise price of series 2 options, shall be the price of the Share in the Tel- Aviv Stock Exchange at the end of the trading date on the date of granting plus $5; according to the representative rate known on the morning of the worker’s submission of his/her notice to exercise options. |
| | The exercise period of each option shall be twelve months from the end of the barring period. |
| | |
| | The options shall be barred for a period of not less than twelve months (12) from the end of the tax year during which the options have been granted and deposited with the trustee. Half of the options are barred for a period of two years from their date of grant and the other half is barred for a period of three year from the date of their grant. |
| | |
| | The option holders shall receive a bonus in NIS equal to $2 per option, in the event the options cannot be excised due to the fact the exercise price will be equal or lower than the share trading price. Please see Note 12 for more details. |
| | |
| • | On December 1, 2003, Baran granted 74,000 out of 116,000 options included in the 2003 Employees and Consultant Stock Option Plan, to its US domiciled employees, which was filed on November 11, 2003. As a result of Baran’s decision on June 25, 2004 to delist its shares from the Nasdaq National Market, Baran requested removal from registration of the Shares registered for the purpose of the Stock Option Plan, to its US domiciled employees. Accordingly, on June 25, 2004 Baran filed a Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement to deregister the 116,000 Ordinary Shares issued for the Stock Option Plan, to its US domiciled employees. Baran US domiciled employees shall continue to enjoy the above Stock Option Plan and Baran intends to amend the Plan in accordance with the delisting decision. |
| | |
| | Under the Plan, any employee of Baran or of an affiliate of Baran who is domiciled in the United States and certain consultants will be eligible to receive Stock Options awards, provided, the individual is not (i) an owner of Ordinary Shares representing more than five (5%) of the equity rights in the Company, (ii) a director of the Company, or (iii) a “Baal Inyan” (interested party) as that term is defined in Section 1 of the Israeli Securities Act. |
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| | A Stock Option granted under the Plan represents the right to purchase the number of Ordinary Shares of Baran, par value NIS 1.00 per share, set forth in the Option Agreement evidencing the Option. When a Stock Option is granted the recipient becomes the owner of the Stock Option, subject to such vesting and forfeiture provisions as may be set forth in the Option Agreement. Only upon exercise of the Stock Option, subject to the terms of the Stock Option Agreement, does the recipient become the owner of the Ordinary Shares subject to the Stock Option. The Plan provides for the grant of Incentive Stock Options, which meet the criteria set forth in the Internal Revenue Code and non-qualified stock options which do not meet the criteria of the Internal Revenue Code. The tax consequences to a participant vary depending upon whether his or her option is an Incentive Stock Option or a non-qualified stock option. |
| | |
| | The purchase price per share covered by each option is $7.02, which equaled the average price of a Baran’s shares on the Nasdaq National Market at the end of each of the fourteen (14) consecutive trading days, such period ending on the trading day immediately prior to the date of the grant of the options. The options granted are exercisable for a one-year period commencing on the second anniversary of the granting date and ending on the third anniversary of the granting date. The period from the date of the granting of the options to the second anniversary of the date of the granting of the options is referred to as the “Barring Period”. The options may not be exercised after the third anniversary of the granting date. |
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Major Shareholders
The following table sets forth information as of June 28, 2004 concerning the beneficial ownership of the Baran ordinary shares by each shareholder known by Baran to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares, current members of the board of directors of Baran, certain Baran executive officers, and all directors and current executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, the business address for each of the following persons is Baran House,8 Omarim St. Industrial Park, Omer 84965,Israel, as well as 5 Menachem Begin Ave., Beit Dagan 50200, Israel.
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Name of Beneficial Owner | | Number of Shares Beneficially Owned | | Percentage Beneficially Owned | |
| | | | | |
Meir Dor (2) | | 1,351,914 | | | | 16.14 | % | |
Bank Leumi LeIsrael B.M. Funds (1) | | 1,134,681 | | | | 13.55 | % | |
Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd | | 701,436 | | | | 8.37 | % | |
Bank Hapoalim | | 421,695 | | | | 5.03 | % | |
Israel Gotman (2) | | 201,923 | | | | 2.41 | % | |
Israel Scop (2) | | 185,719 | | | | 2.22 | % | |
Abiel Raviv (2) | | 183,100 | | | | 2.19 | % | |
Menahem Gal (2) | | 129,252 | | | | 1.54 | % | |
Isaac Friedman (2) | | 88,615 | | | | 1.06 | % | |
Sasson Shilo | | 11,000 | | | | 0.13 | % | |
Giora Gutman | | 35,000 | | | | 0.42 | % | |
Liora Ofer | | 0 | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |
Arieh Shaked | | 0 | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |
Tami Gottlib | | 0 | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | |
All current officers and directors as a group (11 persons) | | 2,186,523 | | | | 26.1 | % | |
(1)Bank Leumi LeIsrael B.M. controls the voting shares of various investment and other funds that own the Baran ordinary shares. These numbers of shares are based on reports provided to Baran by the Bank.
(2) Meir Dor, Menachem Gal, Isaac Friedman, Israel Gotman, Abiel Raviv and Israel Scop are directors of Baran and have entered into a voting agreement pursuant to which they have agreed to vote their shares to elect directors of Baran.
Related Party Transactions
On January 31, 2000 Baran entered into an agreement with a shareholder of A.L.D. Advanced Logistics Development Ltd. (“A.L.D.”), whereby the parties granted each other several rights with respect to the disposition of their shares, determined the dividend distribution policy in the company and agree to coordinate their voting with respect to the election of directors as well as other matters to be voted on at Advanced Logistics’ general meeting of shareholders. All such agreements are no longer valid as a result of the sale of Baran holdings in A.L.D on May 31, 2004.
In addition, Baran has oral agreements with all its wholly owned subsidiaries, pursuant to which Baran receives management fees from the subsidiaries in amounts ranging from 4% to 5% of each subsidiary’s annual revenues. Baran has a written agreement with Tefen, pursuant to which Baran receives consulting fees from Tefen in an amount equal to the cost of the yearly compensation of a co-managing director in Tefen (NIS 1,038,000, $237,000 in 2003). Baran has a written agreement with A.L.D., pursuant to which Baran receives consulting fees from A.L.D in an amount equal to the cost of the yearly compensation of the president of A.L.D (NIS 324,000, $73,990 in 2003). The above agreement was automatically terminated as a result of the sale of Baran holdings in A.L.D on May 31, 2004
On October 18, 1999, Mr. Raviv transferred all his rights in connection with the appointment of directors of Baran to Meir Dor. During the year 2001, Mr. Gal and Mr. Friedman transferred all their rights in connection with the appointment of directors of Baran to Meir Dor, the above transfer shall remain valid until its cancellation.
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On July 7, 1998, Baran and Baran Industries (1991) Ltd. entered into an agreement with several shareholders of Tefen Industrial Engineering Management and Systems Analysis Ltd. under which the parties granted each other several rights with respect to their disposition and purchase of shares in Tefen, and agree to coordinate their voting with respect to the election of directors as well as other matters to be voted on at Tefen’s general meetings.
In an agreement dated March 27, 1992 Meir Dor, Menachem Gal, Isaac Friedman, Israel Gotman, Jonathan Inbar and Israel Scop, agreed to coordinate their vote with respect to the election of directors to the board of Baran as well as other matters to be voted on at Baran’s general meetings of shareholders and granted each other several rights with respect to the disposition of their shares. The parties signed subsequent agreements with Abiel Raviv, dated October 21, 1997 and October 7, 1998 joining Mr. Raviv to the agreement, and modifying the manner in which directors shall be elected to the Baran board. An addendum dated December 10, 2000 specified certain conditions for the effectiveness of these agreements. An explanation regarding controlling shareholders transactions and board of directors election under Israeli law may be found in Item 10.
Legal Proceedings
During 2003 the number of legal claims in which Baran is a party increased materially. This increase is a direct result of the recession in Israel and economic slow down, as well as the high profile nature of Baran’s projects, which leads to an automatic joinder of Baran as a party. Until now the legal treatment resulted in remarkable achievements. A number of legal claims held in Israel, the alleged sum of which reached millions of New Israeli Shekels, were eventually settled for less than $20,000. More details on Baran’s legal affairs appear in Note 11 of the financial statements.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Our consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference to pages F-1 through F-108.
ITEM 9. OFFERS AND LISTING
Market and Share Price History
Baran ordinary shares have been traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the symbol “BRAN’’ since March 26, 1992.
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The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices, in NIS, of Baran ordinary shares as quoted on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange for the periods indicated:
| | High | | Low | |
2002 | | | | | |
1st quarter | | 97.53 | | 77.34 | |
2nd quarter | | 79.49 | | 43.30 | |
3rd quarter | | 50.10 | | 26.86 | |
4th quarter | | 28.55 | | 23.62 | |
| | | | | |
2003 | | | | | |
1st quarter | | 35 | | 26.37 | |
2nd quarter | | 39.24 | | 33.1 | |
3rd quarter | | 38.5 | | 24.98 | |
4th quarter | | 33.62 | | 25.14 | |
The annual high and low market prices for Baran ordinary shares (in NIS) for the five most recent full fiscal years:
| | High | | Low | |
2003 | | 39.24 | | 24.98 | |
2002 | | 97.53 | | 23.62 | |
2001 | | 119.75 | | 60.95 | |
2000 | | 161.65 | | 93.84 | |
1999 | | 104.56 | | 26.48 | |
The high and low market prices for Baran ordinary shares (in NIS) for the most recent six months:
| | High | | Low | |
June 20, 2004 | | 28.12 | | 26.69 | |
May 30, 2004 | | 33.06 | | 26.11 | |
April 31, 2004 | | 37.03 | | 33.63 | |
March 31, 2004 | | 37.87 | | 29.29 | |
February 2004 | | 32.76 | | 29.6 | |
January 2004 | | 36.31 | | 31.75 | |
On November 15, 2002, Baran’s shares commenced trading on the Nasdaq National Market, under the symbol “BRAN” the following table sets forth, for the periods indicated and available, the high and low reported sales prices of the ordinary shares on the Nasdaq National Market:
The annual high and low market prices for Baran ordinary shares (in $) for the two most recent full fiscal years:
| | High | | Low | |
2003 | | 8.87 | | 5.41 | |
2002 | | 8.48 | | 5.32 | |
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| | High | | Low | |
2003 | | | | | |
1st quarter | | 7.9 | | 5.41 | |
2nd quarter | | 8.87 | | 6.99 | |
3rd quarter | | 8.76 | | 5.82 | |
4th quarter | | 7.6 | | 5.63 | |
The high and low market prices for Baran ordinary shares (in $) for the most recent six months:
| | High | | Low | |
June 14, 2004 | | 6.01 | | 5.88 | |
May 30, 2004 | | 7.34 | | 5.75 | |
April 31, 2004 | | 8.31 | | 7.43 | |
March 31, 2004 | | 8.1 | | 6.43 | |
February 2004 | | 7.58 | | 6.51 | |
January 2004 | | 8.4 | | 7.3 | |
Baran’s resolution to delist its shares from the NASDAQ National Market
On June 25, 2004, Baran announced that Baran’s board of directors resolved to concentrate the trading of its securities on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange (hereunder, “TASE”) and to voluntarily delist its shares from listing in the Nasdaq. In addition to delisting Baran’s shares from Nasdaq, Baran currently intends, under applicable SEC rules, to thereby cease filing annual and other reports with the SEC once the delisting is effective by filing a Form 15. As part of the delisting process, the board further resolved to file a post-effective amendment to Baran’s registration statement on Form S-8, which was filed with the SEC late last year in connection with Baran’s employee option incentive program for United States employees, in order to deregister the unsold shares registered by that registration statement.
The deregistration process shall commence no later than July 10th, 2004. The board resolved to authorize Baran’s management to set the filing of Form 15 timing and to take all measures and acts required for the implementation of the deregistration process.
Baran’s plan to deregister its ordinary shares was made after careful consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of continuing its share registration in the United States and the rising costs and demands on management time arising in connection with SEC and NASDAQ compliance requirements. After considering the limited number of Baran’s US holders of record and the low trade volume of Baran’s shares on NASDAQ, as well as the growing internationalization of stock markets. And in light of the related high costs and continuous increase in the onerous duties set upon Baran and its officers, resulting of being a NASDAQ traded entity, the board resolved that the listing is no longer justified. Baran is eligible to deregister because it has fewer than 300 shareholders of record world-wide. Baran’s shares shall continue to trade in the TASE and Baran shall continue to make public reports in accordance with the Israeli Securities and Exchange Committee rules and regulations.
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The board believes that currently, burdens associated with being a “reporting company” under the 1934 Act, including those arising under the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 outweigh the advantages of being a dual-traded company. The board farther believes that since the registration of Baran’s shares for trade in the NASDAQ, Baran’s chances to raise funds through the NASDAQ in the near future have reduced and at present this possibility seems improbable. It is the board’s opinion that the deregistration resolution is for the benefit of Baran and all its shareholders, including its US holders of record, who will be able to continue their trade in Baran’s shares through the TASE, where Baran enjoys a substantially higher trade volume.
Whether at some later point Baran will re-establish itself as dual-traded is an open question and will be taken up at an appropriate time. For the foreseeable future, the board believes that the best course is to deregister Baran shares from trade in the NASDAQ and to remain listed in the TASE.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Articles of Association
Under Israeli law, the founders of a company must present to the Israeli Registrar of Companies the company’s Articles of Association. Upon receipt of a certificate of registration from the Registrar of Companies, the company is considered duly incorporated. Following incorporation, an Israeli company must notify the Registrar of Companies of, among other things, all issuance of shares, amendments to the Articles of Association and the name and addresses of its shareholders of record and directors. A company must also submit to the Registrar of Companies the annual reports and, as Baran is a publicly traded company, the audited financial statements that it submits to its shareholders, which all become a matter of public record. Baran’s Israeli incorporation number is 52- 003725-0.
Audit Committee
Under Israeli Companies Law, the board of directors of any company whose shares are listed on any exchange must appoint an audit committee comprised of at least three directors including all of the outside directors, but excluding the:
| • | chairman of the board of directors; |
| • | general manager; |
| • | chief executive officer (or managing director); |
| • | controlling shareholder; and |
| • | any director employed by the company or who provides services to the company on a regular basis. |
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Baran’s board has appointed Tami Gottlib, Liora Ofer and Arieh Shaked as members of its audit committee. Under Israeli Companies Law, the role of the audit committee is to identify irregularities in the business management of the company, in consultation with the internal auditor and the company’s independent accountants, and suggest an appropriate course of action.
Approval of Transactions with Office Holders and Controlling Shareholders
The approval of the audit committee is required to effect specified actions and transactions with office holders and controlling shareholders. The term controlling shareholder, includes a shareholder that holds 50% or more of the voting rights in a public company; if the company has no shareholder that owns more than 50% of its voting rights, then the term also includes any shareholder that holds 25% or more of the voting rights of the company. An audit committee may not approve an action or a transaction with a controlling shareholder or with an office holder unless at the time of approval the two outside directors are serving as members of the audit committee and at least one of them was present at the meeting at which the approval was granted.
Internal Auditor
Under the Israeli Companies Law, the board of directors must appoint an internal auditor nominated by the audit committee. The role of the internal auditor is to examine whether a company’s actions comply with the law and orderly business procedure. Under the Israeli Companies Law, the internal auditor may be an employee of the company but may not be an interested party or an office holder, an affiliate, or a relative of an interested party or an office holder, nor may the internal auditor be the company’s independent accountant or its representative. An interested party is defined in the Israeli Companies Law as a 5% or greater shareholder, any person or entity who has the right to designate one director or more or the chief executive officer (or managing director) of the company or any person who serves as a director or as a chief executive officer (or managing director).
Approval of Specified Related Party Transactions under Israeli Law
The Israeli Companies Law imposes a duty of care and a duty of loyalty on all office holders of a company, including directors and executive officers. The duty of care requires an office holder to act with the degree of care with which a reasonable office holder in the same position would have acted under the same circumstances. The duty of care includes a duty to use reasonable means to obtain:
| • | information on the appropriateness of a given action brought for his or her approval or performed by virtue of his or her position; and |
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| • | all other important information pertaining to these actions. |
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The duty of loyalty of an office holder includes a duty to:
| • | refrain from any conflict of interest between the performance of his or her duties to the company and his or her personal affairs; |
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| • | refrain from any activity that is competitive with the company; |
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| • | refrain from exploiting any business opportunity of the company to receive a personal gain for himself or herself or others; and |
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| • | disclose to the company any information or documents relating to a company’s affairs that the office holder received as a result of his or her position as an office holder. |
The Israeli Companies Law requires that an office holder promptly disclose any personal interest that he or she may have and all related material information known to him or her relating to any existing or proposed transaction by the company, and in any event not later than the first meeting of the board of directors at which such transaction is considered. If the transaction is an extraordinary transaction, the office holder must also disclose any personal interest held by:
| • | the office holder’s spouse, siblings, parents, grandparents, descendants, spouse’s descendants and the spouses of any of these people; or |
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| • | any corporation in which the office holder is a 5% or greater shareholder, director or general manager or in which he or she has the right to appoint at least one director or the general manager. |
Under the Israeli Companies Law, an extraordinary transaction is a transaction:
| • | other than in the ordinary course of business; |
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| • | that is not on market terms; or |
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| • | that is likely to have a material impact on the company’s profitability, assets or liabilities. |
Under the Israeli Companies Law, once an office holder complies with the above disclosure requirement, the board of directors may approve a transaction between the company and an office holder, or a third party in which an office holder has a personal interest, however, a transaction that is adverse to the company’s interest may not be approved. If the transaction is an extraordinary transaction, both the audit committee and the board of directors must approve the transaction. Under specific circumstances, shareholder approval may also be required. A director who has a personal interest in a transaction, other than a transaction which is not an extraordinary transaction, and which is considered at a meeting of the board of directors or the audit committee, may not be present at this meeting or vote on this matter unless a majority of the directors or members of the audit committee have a personal interest in the matter. If a majority of the directors have a personal interest in the matter, the transaction also requires the approval of the shareholders of the company.
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Under the Israeli Companies Law, all arrangements as to compensation of office holders who are not directors require approval by the board of directors, and any undertaking to indemnify or insure an office holder who is not a director requires both board and audit committee approval. In general, arrangements regarding the compensation, indemnification and insurance of directors require audit committee and shareholders approval in addition to board approval.
Under the Israeli Companies Law, the disclosure requirements, which apply to an office holder, also apply to a controlling shareholder of a public company. Extraordinary transactions with a controlling shareholder or in which a controlling shareholder has a personal interest, and the terms of compensation of a controlling shareholder who is an office holder, require the approval of the audit committee, the board of directors and a majority of the shareholders of the company. In addition, the shareholders’ approval must fulfill one of the following requirements:
| • | at least one-third of the shareholders who have no personal interest in the transaction and are present and voting, in person, by proxy or by written ballot, at the meeting must vote in favor of approving the transaction; or |
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| • | the shareholders who have no personal interest in the transaction who vote against the transaction may not represent more than 1% of the voting rights in the company. |
Under Israeli Companies Law, a shareholder has a duty to refrain from abusing his or her power in the company and to act in good faith and in an acceptable manner in exercising its rights and performing its obligations to the company and the other shareholders, including, among other things, voting at general meetings of shareholders on the following matters:
| • | an amendment to the articles of association; |
| • | an increase in the company’s authorized share capital; |
| • | a merger; and |
| • | approval of related party transactions that require shareholder approval. |
In addition, any controlling shareholder, any shareholder who knows that his or her vote can determine the outcome of a shareholder vote and any shareholder who, under the company’s articles of association, can appoint or prevent the appointment of an office holder, is required to act with fairness towards the company. The Israeli Companies Law does not describe the substance of this duty and there is no binding case law that addresses this subject directly. The above also applies to any voting agreement among shareholders of the company.
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Exculpation, Insurance and Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Under Israeli Companies Law, an Israeli company may not exculpate an office holder from liability for a breach of the duty of loyalty of the office holder. However, the company may approve an act which otherwise will be treated as a breach of the duty of loyalty of an office holder provided that the office holder is acting in good faith, the act or its approval does not harm the company, and the office holder discloses the nature of his or her personal interest in the act and all material facts and documents a reasonable time before discussion of the approval. An Israeli company may exculpate an office holder in advance from liability to the company, in whole or in part, for a breach of duty of care but only if a provision authorizing such exculpation is inserted in its Articles of Association. Baran’s current Articles of Association do not include such a provision. An Israeli company may indemnify an office holder in respect of certain liabilities either in advance of an event or following an event provided that a provision authorizing such indemnification is inserted in its Articles of Association, and provided that the indemnification undertaking is limited to foreseeable liabilities and was in reasonable amounts as determined by the board of directors. Baran’s Articles of Association contain such a provision, and limit it further by stating that the aggregate indemnification amount will not exceed 25% of Baran’s net equity, as stated in its most recent financial reports before the actual indemnification. Baran may indemnify an office holder against the following liabilities incurred for acts performed as an office holder:
| • | a financial liability imposed on him or her in favor of another person pursuant to a judgment, settlement or arbitrator’s award approved by court; and |
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| • | reasonable litigation expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by the office holder or imposed by a court in proceedings instituted against him or her by the company, on its behalf or by a third party, or in connection with criminal proceedings in which the office holder was acquitted or as a result of a conviction for a crime that does not require proof of criminal intent. |
An Israeli company may insure an office holder against the following liabilities incurred for acts performed as an office holder:
| • | a breach of duty of loyalty to the company, to the extent that the office holder acted in good faith and had a reasonable basis to believe that the act would not prejudice the company; |
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| • | a breach of duty of care to the company or to a third party; and |
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| • | a financial liability imposed on the office holder in favor of a third party. |
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An Israeli company may not indemnify or insure an office holder against any of the following:
| • | a breach of duty of loyalty, except to the extent that the office holder acted in good faith and had a reasonable basis to believe that the act would not prejudice the company; |
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| • | a breach of duty of care committed intentionally or recklessly; |
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| • | an act or omission committed with intent to derive illegal personal benefit; or |
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| • | a fine levied against the office holder. |
Under the Israeli Companies Law, exculpation, indemnification and insurance of office holders must be approved by the audit committee and the board of directors of a company, and, in respect of its directors, by the shareholders. Baran’s directors and office holders are currently covered by a directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy, which has an aggregate claims limit of $15 million, no claims for directors and officers’ liability insurance have been filed under this policy.
Baran has entered into agreements with each of its office holders undertaking to indemnify them to the fullest extent permitted by its Articles of Association. The procuring of insurance is subject to Baran’s discretion depending on its availability, effectiveness and cost. In the view of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, however, indemnification of directors and officers for liabilities arising under the Securities Act is against public policy and therefore unenforceable.
Baran’s board may declare a dividend to be paid to the holders of ordinary shares in proportion to the shares of the company that they hold. Dividends may only be paid out of profits and other surplus funds, as defined in the Israeli Companies Law, as of the end of the most recent fiscal year or as accrued over a period of the most recent two years, whichever is higher, provided that there is no reasonable concern that a payment of a dividend will prevent Baran from satisfying existing and foreseeable obligations as they become due.
In the case of a share dividend or bonus shares, holders of each class of shares can receive shares of the same class that confer upon the holder the right to receive the share dividend or shares of another class whether the class was preexisting or was created for the purpose of issuing the share dividend or bonus shares, or a combination of such classes of shares.
The Board of Directors may, before offering any dividend whatsoever, set aside certain amounts from the Company’s profits as it sees fit, as a reserve to be kept for certain purposes, and the Board can invest the sums that have been so set aside in such investments as it sees fit, and it may from time to time deal with these investments and change them and use all or some of them for the Company’s benefit, and the Board may use the reserve or any part of it in the Company’s business, without being required to hold it separately from the Company’s other assets. Subject to all of the special or limited rights attached to any of the shares, a cash dividend will be distributed to shareholders proportionately to the paid-in capital on the par value of the shares held by them, without regard for the premium paid for the shares.
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The Board of Directors may from time to time determine the manner of the payment of the dividends or the distribution of stock dividends and the arrangements relating to this with respect to the shareholders. Without limiting the generality of the above, the Board of Directors may pay any dividends or funds for shares by sending a check by mail to the shareholder’s address as it is recorded in the shareholders’ register. The shareholder will bear the risk with regard to any such mailing of a check.
On those occasions when the Board of Directors provides for the payment of dividends, or the distribution of shares or debentures out of the Company’s capital, or the granting of a right to subscribe for shares that have not yet been issued and which are offered to shareholders against the delivery of an appropriate coupon which is attached to the shareholders’ share certificates, such payment, distribution or granting of a right to subscribe against an appropriate coupon to the holder of the said coupon will constitute a discharge of the Company’s debt with respect to such activity to any person claiming a right to such payment, distribution, or granting of a right to subscribe, whichever is relevant.
The Board of Directors may defer the payment of a dividend, benefit, or right that was to be paid for shares regarding which the Company has a lien, and to use the consideration received upon the forfeiture of such for the purpose of paying the debts for which the Company has the lien.
The transfer of a share will not give the transferee the right to receive a dividend or any other distribution which is declared after the date of the transfer of the share and before the transfer of the share is recorded, except that in the event that the transfer of the share requires the approval of the Board of Directors, the date of such approval will for this purpose take the place of the date on which the transfer is recorded. If payment of a dividend is not demanded within a period of 7 years from the date on which its distribution applies, the party entitled to it will be viewed as having waived it and the payment will be restored to the Company’s ownership.
The Board of Directors may deduct from any dividend, grant or other monies that are to be paid in connection with shares that are held by a shareholder, whether such shareholder is the sole owner or owns it jointly with another shareholder, any amounts of money owed by the shareholder which he alone is required to pay to the Company or which he is required to pay to the Company together with any other person, such as payments to be made in response to demands for payment, and such-like. In the event that there are joint holders of a single share, either one of them can give a valid receipt for any dividend that is paid on that share, or for any other funds or privileges given in relation to that share.
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Baran’s ordinary shares do not have cumulative voting rights for the election of directors. As a result, the holders of Baran’s ordinary shares that represent more than 50 percent of the voting power present or represented at a shareholders meeting have the power to elect or remove any or all of Baran’s directors, subject to special approval requirements for outside directors described above.
In the event of Baran’s liquidation, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors, Baran’s assets will be distributed to the holders of ordinary shares in proportion to the nominal value of their respective shares. This right may be affected by the grant of preferential dividend or distribution rights to the holders of a class of shares with preferential rights that may be authorized in the future.
Baran is required to convene an annual meeting of its shareholders once every calendar year within a period of not more than 15 months following the preceding annual general meeting. Baran’s board is required to convene a special meeting of its shareholders at the request of two directors or one quarter of the members of its board or at the request of one or more holders of 5% or more of its share capital and 1% of its voting power or the holder or holders of 5% or more of its voting power. Shareholder meetings require prior notice of at least 21 days, or under certain circumstances, 14 days. The chairman of Baran’s board or any director appointed the chairman or the secretary of Baran presides over its shareholder meetings.
Under the Israeli Companies Law, Baran is not required to send out proxy statements to its shareholders in connection with an annual or special meeting. Baran must provide notice of any shareholders’ meeting, which notice shall include the agenda for the meeting. The Israeli Companies Law permits a company to allow its shareholders, if so permitted by its Articles of Association, to vote by written proxy, by appointing a representative with a power of attorney to vote at the shareholders’ meeting on behalf of the shareholders.
Baran has adopted a provision in its Articles of Association permitting voting by proxy. When Baran solicits the votes of its shareholders in the United States, it sends proxy cards to them. The Israeli Companies Law also permits shareholders to vote by written ballot by signing a voting instrument attached to the proxy statement; however, this provision of the law is not yet in force, and will only take effect once the Minister of Justice issues regulations providing the procedure for such vote. Holders of Baran ordinary shares have one vote for each ordinary share held on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders at a shareholder meeting. Shareholders may vote at shareholder meetings either in person or by proxy. Israeli law does not provide for public companies such as Baran to have shareholder resolutions adopted by means of a written consent in lieu of a shareholder meeting. Shareholder voting rights may be affected by the grant of any special voting rights to the holders of a class of shares with preferential rights that may be authorized in the future. The Israeli Companies Law provides that a shareholder, in exercising his or her rights and performing his or her obligations toward the company and its other shareholders, must act in good faith and in an acceptable manner, and avoid abusing his or her powers. This is required, when, for example, voting at shareholder meetings on matters such as changes to the Articles of Association, increasing the company’s registered capital, mergers and approval of related party transactions. A shareholder must also avoid oppression of other shareholders. In addition, any controlling shareholder, any shareholder who knows that his or her vote can determine the outcome of a shareholder vote and any shareholder who, under the company’s Articles of Association, can appoint or prevent the appointment of an office holder, is required to act with fairness towards the company. The Israeli Companies Law does not describe the substance of this duty and there is no binding case law that addresses this subject directly. Any voting agreement is also subject to observance of these duties.
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An ordinary resolution requires approval by the holders of a simple majority of the voting rights represented at the meeting, in person, by proxy or by written ballot (if permitted), and voting on the resolution. Under the Israeli Companies Law, a resolution for the winding up of the company or for changing its Articles of Association requires approval by holders of 75% of the voting rights represented at the meeting, in person, by proxy or by written ballot (if permitted) and voting on the resolution. Unless otherwise provided in the Articles of Association or the Israeli Companies Law, all other resolutions of Baran shareholders require a simple majority.
The quorum required for a shareholder meeting consists of at least two shareholders present, in person or by proxy, who hold or represent between them at least 25% of Baran’s issued share capital. If a quorum is not present within 30 minutes from the time scheduled for the meeting, the meeting will be cancelled.
All of Baran’s issued and outstanding ordinary shares are duly authorized, validly issued and fully paid. Baran’s ordinary shares are not redeemable and have no preemptive rights.
The ownership or voting of ordinary shares by non-residents of Israel is not restricted in any way by Baran’s Articles of Association, or the laws of the State of Israel, except that citizens of countries which are, or have been, in a state of war with Israel may not be recognized as owners of ordinary shares.
Issuance of shares to a person holding 5% or more of the company’s shares or that will become 5% shareholder, requires the approval of the general meeting, in addition to the board of directors’ approval. Other issuance of shares to interested parties is subject to several restrictions.
The approval of a merger will be given in a resolution of the general meeting adopted by an ordinary majority.
Through a resolution adopted by a regular majority, Baran may:
| • | Enlarge its share capital in an amount to be decided, through the creation of new shares at a par value, with terms and rights as shall be decided. Such a decision can be taken whether or not all the existing shares have been issued or a resolution has been made to issue them, or whether they have not all been issued or a resolution has not been made to issue all of them. |
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| • | Issue shares whether they are included in its original capital or are the result of an increase in the share capital, giving them either preferential or subordinate rights, or issue shares from the capital that has not yet been issued that will be redemption shares and redeem them, or issue shares and give them special limited rights or limitations in connection with the distribution of dividends, voting rights, repayment of capital, or in connection with other matters as may be determined in the resolution. |
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| • | Issue redemption shares and to redeem them, to the extent permitted by law. |
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| • | Unless the terms of the issuance of such shares provide otherwise, to convert, cancel, exchange, expand, add or change in any other manner the rights, preferences, advantages, limitations and provisions connected to or that are not at such time connected to any of the classes of shares. |
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| • | Cancel authorized share capital that has not yet been issued, to the extent permitted by law. |
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| • | Combine and re-divide its share capital into shares with larger par values than the existing par values. |
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| • | Re-divide all or some of its share capital through a redistribution of the existing shares into shares of smaller par value than that of the existing shares, in accordance with the provisions of the law. |
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| • | Reduce its share capital, in the same manner and under the same conditions, and subject to having obtained the approvals as required by law. |
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| • | The special rights granted to holders of shares or of a class of shares that have been issued, including shares that have been issued with senior rights or other special rights, will not be considered to have been changed by the creation or issuance of additional shares of the same rank, unless otherwise provided in the terms of the issuance of those shares. |
Any change, conversion, cancellation, expansion, addition or other change in the rights, preferences, advantages, limitations or provisions connected with a specific class of shares that has been issued to shareholders of Baran shall be subject to the consent of the holders of the outstanding shares of that class, such consent to be given in writing by the owners of all outstanding shares of that class, or by a resolution adopted by an ordinary majority at the meeting of shareholders of that class – i.e., a class shareholder meeting.
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The Board of Directors may, in its discretion, resolve any difficulty that may arise in order to carry out any such resolution. Without limiting the said authority of the Board of Directors, in the event that as a result of a combination of shares, there are shareholders, the combination of whose shares leaves them with fractional shares, the Board of Directors may:
| • | Sell the total of all the fractional shares, and appoint a trustee for this purpose in whose name the certificates will be issued for the shares made up of the fractions, which will be sold and the consideration for which will be distributed to the entitled shareholders, after deducting fees and expenses; or |
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| • | Allot to each of the shareholders regarding whom the combination has left with fractional shares, shares of the same class as were held before the combination, paid in full, in an amount, which after being combined with the fractional share will come to a single full combined share. Such allotment will be considered to have taken effect immediately before the combination; |
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| • | Determine that the shareholders will not be entitled to receive a combined share for any fraction of a combined share that results from a combination of half or less than the number of shares the combination of which creates one single combined share. Such shareholders will be entitled to receive one combined share only for every fraction of a combined share that results from the combination of shares that number more than half of the number of shares the combination of which creates one single combined share. |
In the event the board action taken requires the issuance of additional shares, then the payment shall be done in the manner in which dividend shares may be paid up. Such combinations and divisions will not be considered to be a change in the rights of the shares that are the subject of the combination and division.
In any event of a combination of shares into shares with a larger par value, the Board of Directors may establish arrangements for the purpose of overcoming any difficulty that may arise in connection with the combination, and the board is permitted to determine which shares are to be combined into a particular share or into another. In the event of combination of shares that are not owned by the same owners, the Board may establish arrangements for the sale of the combined share, the manner of its sale and the manner of distribution of the net consideration received, and to appoint a person who shall carry out the transfer, and every action taken by such person shall be valid and may not be challenged.
Subject to the provisions of the Articles of Association, the Board of Directors may issue shares and other securities which are convertible or which may be realized as shares, up to the limit of the Company’s authorized share capital. It may, within the scope of the authority thus granted to it, and in return for cash or other form of consideration, issue shares (or otherwise deal with them), and with those reservations and conditions, whether regarding the premium paid, the par value or the deduction, and at those times that it sees fit, and to grant to any person the right to demand the issuance of shares during a particular period, and for such consideration as the Board of Directors may determine.
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In the event that Baran’s shares are offered for sale, there is no obligation to make a similar offer to all or to some of the holders of the Company’s shares. Upon the issuance of shares, the Board of Directors may establish various conditions for the shareholders, with regard to consideration, the amounts the payment of which is demanded and/or the time of the payment of such shares.
Material Contracts
As part of a compromise agreement, a consortium, which is composed of Baran (50%) and Ionics Inc. (50%), was announced by Mekorot The Water Company (the Israeli National Water Company), as the exclusive winner of a tender to the construction of a water desalination facility in Ashdod, Israel. The project will be erected on a “Turn Key” basis and its construction estimated cost is approximately $95 million.
On July 4, 2003 BMD was awarded the exclusive right to negotiate the performance of a bid for the construction and operation in Romania of a 13 KM, four lanes and four bridges highway. The construction of the project shall be accomplished within two years and BMD will be granted with the right to operate the highway for 10 years. The estimated cost of the project is approximately 25 million Euro and the expected income is approximately 46 million Euro, during 10 years.
On October 23, 2003, Nes Pan Ltd., which is held (50%) by Baran, has entered, as a partner, into a real estate project in Toronto Canada. The Project includes the construction of about 470 dwelling units in an area next to Lake Ontario in Toronto, Canada. The value of the Project is approximately 95 million Canadian Dollars. Nes Pan’s Ltd. share in the Project shall be 45% (consequently Baran’s share is 22.5%) and 50% in the control of the Project; 45% of the Project are held by another Israeli Company and the rest 10% are held by an American financial investor.
The construction of the Project and its progression is conditioned upon the scope of early sales of the dwelling unites, and expected to commence on the beginning of 2004 and last approximately two years.
On May 31st, 2004 the Company’s board of directors resolved to approve the sale of Baran holdings in A.L.D Advanced Logistics Developments Ltd. (“A.L.D”), amounting to 50.5% of A.L.D’s issued capital, to Dr. Zigmond Bluvband, for consideration in the sum of $1.65 million. Baran resolution to sell its holdings in A.L.D resulted from the fact that A.L.D’s activity is external to Baran’s core business scope. The above sale is in consistence with Baran’s policy as of mid 2003, to focus Baran’s activity on its core business, i.e. engineering, technology and construction solutions global services and following reduce in none engineering activities
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Exchange Controls
Under Israeli law, non-residents of Israel who purchase ordinary shares with certain non-Israeli currencies (including US dollars) may freely repatriate in such non-Israeli currencies all amounts received in Israeli currency in respect of the ordinary shares, whether as a dividend, as a liquidating distribution, or as proceeds from any sale in Israel of the ordinary shares, provided in each case that any applicable Israeli income tax is paid or withheld on such amounts. The conversion into the non-Israeli currency must be made at the rate of exchange prevailing at the time of conversion. Under Israeli law and our company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association both residents and non-residents of Israel may freely hold, vote and trade ordinary shares.
Israeli Taxation
The following discussion is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of all tax consequences relating to the receipt, ownership or disposition of Baran’s ordinary shares and does not address any non-income tax or any non-Israeli tax consequences of the merger. On July 24, 2002, the Law for Amendment of the Income Tax Ordinance (Amendment No. 132), 2002 (the “Amendment’’) was enacted by the Israeli authorities. This Amendment became effective as of January 1, 2003.
Taxation of Baran Shareholders Capital Gains on Sales of Baran Ordinary Shares
Israeli law imposes a capital gains tax on the sale of capital assets. The law distinguishes between real gain and inflationary surplus. The inflationary surplus is a portion of the total capital gain that is equivalent to the increase of the relevant asset’s purchase price, which is attributable to the increase in the Israeli consumer price index between the date of purchase and the date of sale. Foreign residents, as described below, who purchased an asset in non-Israeli currency, may request that the inflationary surplus will be computed on the basis of the devaluation of the NIS against such foreign currency. The real gain is the excess of the total capital gain over the inflationary surplus. The inflationary surplus accumulated from and after December 31, 1993, is exempt from any capital gains tax in Israel while the real gain is added to ordinary income, which is currently taxed at ordinary rates of up to 50% for individuals and 36% for corporations. Currently, sales of ordinary shares of Israeli public companies whose shares are quoted on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (such as Baran) are generally exempt from Israeli capital gain tax. Dealers in securities in Israel or any other seller whose income from selling shares is classified as current income and not as capital gain under the Income Tax Law (Inflationary Adjustment), 1985, are taxed at regular tax rates applicable to business income.
A foreign resident is a person who is not an Israeli resident. An Israeli resident is: an entity registered in Israel whose principal activity is in Israel, an entity that is registered as a foreign company, if it elects to be treated as an Israeli resident. This election is irrevocable for the three tax years after the election, unless the entity obtains a special permit. Under the Amendment, as of the effective date, any corporation that incorporated in Israel, an entity over which control and the management of its business are exercised in Israel, an individual residing in Israel, except for temporary absences, which do not contradict the individual’s claim of residence in Israel, would be considered an Israeli resident.
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Pursuant to the Amendment, the above-described exemption on capital gains on sales by Israeli residents of listed securities, which were accrued since the effective date will be terminated. Under the Amendment, the general rate of capital gains will be reduced to 25% and the rate of capital gains on sales of publicly traded securities will be 15%. Shareholders whose income from selling Baran’s shares is classified as business profits (in contrast to capital gain) would be taxed at ordinary income tax rates (up to 50% for individuals and 36% for corporations).
Under the Amendment, the exemption on capital gain of foreign residents from selling publicly traded securities on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange will continue to apply, and therefore the Amendment will not affect any tax exemptions applicable to foreign residents prior to the effective date.
Israeli Taxation of Non-Israeli Holders of Shares
Israeli law provides that non-Israeli residents are subject to capital gains tax on the gains from the sale of a capital asset (including securities) in Israel or an asset located outside Israel that is a right, direct or indirect, to an asset in Israel unless an exemption is provided under any provision of a double-taxation treaty with Israel. Under the double-taxation treaty between Israel and the U.S. (the “Treaty’’), Israeli capital gains tax will not apply to the sale, exchange or disposition of ordinary shares by a person who qualifies as a resident of the United States within the meaning of the Treaty, and who is entitled to claim the benefits available to the person by the Treaty.
This exemption will not apply, among other cases, if the gain is attributable to a permanent establishment of such person in Israel, or if the U.S. resident holds, directly or indirectly, shares representing 10% or more of Baran’s voting power during any part of the 12-month period preceding the sale, exchange or disposition, subject to certain conditions. In this case, the sale, exchange or disposition would be subject to Israeli tax, to the extent applicable. However, the U.S. resident generally would be permitted to claim a credit for the taxes against the U.S. federal income tax imposed on the sale, exchange or disposition, subject to the limitations in U.S. laws applicable to foreign tax credits. The Treaty does not apply to U.S. state or local taxes. Sales of Baran ordinary shares by non-Israeli holders, whether on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange or on the Nasdaq National Market, would be exempt from Israeli capital gains tax under the Amendment as long as the shares are listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. Non-residents of Israel are subject to tax on income accrued or derived from sources in Israel or received in Israel. These sources of income include passive income such as dividends, royalties and interest, as well as non-passive income, such as income received for services rendered in Israel. Baran is required to withhold income tax at the rate of 25% (or 15% for dividends distributed from certain income generated by an entity, such as two of Baran’s subsidiaries, that enjoys approved enterprise status under certain Israeli tax incentive law) unless a different rate or an exemption is provided in a tax treaty between Israel and the shareholder’s country of residence. Under the Treaty, the maximum rate on dividends paid to a U.S. resident is 25%. In addition, under the Treaty, if the income out of which the dividend is being paid is not attributable to an approved enterprise and the non-resident is a U.S. corporation that holds 10% of Baran’s voting power for a certain minimum period, the rate is generally 12.5%. Under an amendment to the Inflationary Adjustments Law, non-Israeli corporations may be subject to Israeli taxes on the sale of shares in an Israeli company, which shares are traded on certain stock markets, including the Nasdaq National Market, subject to the provisions of any applicable double taxation treaty.
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Documents on Display
We are required to file reports and other information with the SEC under the Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder applicable to foreign private issuers. Reports and other information filed by us with the SEC may be inspected and copied at the SEC’s public reference facilities described below. Although as a foreign private issuer we are not required to file periodic information as frequently or as promptly as United States companies, we generally do publicly announce our quarterly and year-end results promptly and file periodic information with the SEC under cover of Form 6-K. As a foreign private issuer, we are also exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements and our officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and other provisions in Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
You may review a copy of our filings with the SEC, including any exhibits and schedules, at the SEC’s public reference facilities in Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the regional offices of the SEC located at the Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. You may also obtain copies of such materials from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. In addition, such information concerning our company can be inspected and copied at the offices of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., 9513 Key West Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850 and at the offices of the Israel Securities Authority at 22 Kanfei Nesharim St., Jerusalem, Israel.
You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information that we file with the SEC at the SEC facilities listed above. These SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services. We also make available on our own Web site (www.barangroup.com) all our quarterly and year-end financial statements as well as other information.
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Any statement in this annual report about any of our contracts or other documents is not necessarily complete. If the contract or document is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, the contract or document is deemed to modify the description contained in this annual report. We urge you to review the exhibits themselves for a complete description of the contract or document.
ITEM 11. QUANTATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market risk is the risk of loss related to changes in market prices, including interest rates and foreign exchange rates of financial instruments that may adversely impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The currency of the primary economic environment in which we conduct our operation is the New Israeli Shekel. During fiscal 2003, Baran derived approximately 74% of its revenues from projects performed in Israel (functional currency NIS), approximately 14% from the sale of products in the United States (functional currency US$), approximately 10% from projects performed in Europe (functional currency Euro), and approximately 2% from projects performed all over (such as Thailand and South Africa). Most of the expenses and revenues are incurred in NIS, US$ and Euro. Thus, our primary market risk exposures relate to interest rate movements and borrowing and to exchange rate movements on foreign currency in Israel. Baran takes various measures to compensate for the effects of both fluctuations in exchange rates and interest rates as detailed.
Foreign Exchange Risk and Interest Rates
Baran invests available cash in low risk instruments, such as government bonds issued by the Israeli government. Baran manages its exposure to financial risks closely, and evaluates the status of these risks twice a month. As a significant portion of Baran’s revenues and costs are derived or incurred in Israel, Europe, United States and the Far East, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Israeli currency, the dollar and the Euro may have a significant effect on the results of operations of Baran.
Baran has not entered into any hedging transactions with respect to exchange rates related to its current projects, because the related income and expenses for the majority of those projects are in Israeli currency.
With respect to large scaled and long term projects, in Israel, in which the consideration to be received by Baran is linked to the US dollar, Baran tries to correlate the bases of income and expenses in order to prevent exposure to fluctuations in the exchange rates. In these projects, receipts and advances are usually linked to the currency in which most of the related expenditures will be incurred.
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Baran’s non-Israeli-based companies typically carry out their activities in the local currency, so that the revenues from those activities are not exposed to fluctuations in exchange rates. Conversion of those companies’ results of operations into Israeli currency for the purpose of inclusion in the consolidated financial statements is made in accordance with the principles detailed in note 1 to Baran’s financial statements.
Companies that conduct transactions that are linked to foreign currency, or transactions directly with suppliers outside of Israel, generally link the payment under those transactions to the currency in which the transactions are performed. Any gaps in the linkage are attributed by Baran to financing expenses.
Due to the continuous increase in Baran’s activity in projects outside of Israel or with foreign customers, a large part of the group’s activity is not carried out in Israeli currency, but rather in local currency (usually US dollars or Euros). Conversion of the results of operations of Baran’s foreign subsidiaries into Israeli currency for the purpose of inclusion in the consolidated financial statements is made in accordance with principles detailed in note 1 to Baran’s financial statements.
Baran invests part of its available funds in debentures repaid on timetables that are generally similar to the timetables for discharge of most of its current and long-term obligations. The interest rate earned from these debentures typically is not lower than the interest rate charged from Baran in connection with the discharge of such obligations. Baran’s long and short term investments, usually, bear higher return than the interest charged for its long term loans.
Baran and its consolidated subsidiaries have long term loans in three main currencies: NIS, Euro and US$, as set forth in the table below. Each loan is taken in the currency which reflects the geographical area in which Baran and its subsidiaries operate. For example, loan taken, in order to finance activities in Western Europe were taken in Euro. By operating in accordance to this strategy (taking loans in the same currency as the currency used in the activities at the geographical region), Baran tries to minimize its long term exposure.
The table below sets forth the interest rates for long term loans and long term bank loans, including current maturities:
| | Weighted average interest rates as of December 31, | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | 2003 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | % | | Adjusted NIS | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | | i n t h o u s a n d s | |
| | | |
| |
In dollars or linked thereto | | *3 | | | 808 | | 133 | |
In Euros or linked thereto | | 6.21 | | | 6,302 | | 6,885 | |
Linked to the Israeli CPI | | 3.94 | | | 166,414 | | 141,150 | |
Unlinked | | 6.85 | | | 16,099 | | 16,383 | |
| | | | |
| |
| |
| | | | | 189,623 | | 164,551 | |
| | | | |
| |
| |
* interest is based on libor + 1%
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In the short term, due to frequent fluctuations in the exchange rates of the NIS against the US$ or Euro, it is very difficult to avoid exposure. The use of NIS loans, as set forth in the table above, result, in the short term, in financing exposure and financing gaps, such as:
| • | a loan, which was taken in NIS was converted to US$ and used for Baran Telecom day to day operations. |
| | |
| • | a loan taken in NIS was converted to Euro and US$, and used for investment in Europe and Canada. |
| | |
| • | evaluation or devaluation in exchange rates of the Euro or US$ or both against the NIS, will result in exposure, which will be reflected in the net financing item, as a direct and complete function, to the date of the balance, by the changes of the exchange rate multiplied by the amount of the loan. |
Classified by currency, linkage terms and interest rates, the short-term credit (excluding current maturities of long-term loans) is as follows:
| | Weighted interest rates at December 31, | | | |
| | | | |
| | | December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | 2003 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | % | | Adjusted NIS | |
| | | |
| |
| | | | in thousands | |
| | | |
| |
| | | | | | | |
In, or linked to, foreign currencies | | 2.59–3.43 | | 58,232 | | 66,558 | |
Linked to the Israeli CPI | | 6.18 | | 6,480 | | 2,047 | |
Unlinked | | 6-7 | | 8,539 | | 41,423 | |
| | | |
| |
| |
| | | | 73,251 | | 110,028 | |
| | | |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | | |
In the regular course of business, Baran is exposed to a variety of market risks, which usually do not deviate from normal market risks in a corporation’s activity. Baran is not dependent on a single supplier or customer, due to the variety of activities, geographical spread, and the fields in which it is engaged. Nevertheless, every year there is a number of customers (changing from year to year) for whom Baran carries out especially large projects. However this tendency is changing and Baran dependency on few substantial customers decreased from 71% of its turnover in 2001 to 10% of its turnover in 2003. Baran, as a service provider, is highly dependent on the business of its customers. Fluctuation of demand for the products or services provided by its customers has a significant influence on the scope of services acquired by those customers from Baran.
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This dependency also affects the current cash flow of Baran, and in difficult market conditions, as well as problematic credit terms and improper payment morality, may result in negative cash flow from Baran’s current activity.
The exposure to the depreciation of the real estate and in Baran’s holdings value and the economic downturn and recession both in the Israeli and in the global markets resulted in a general depreciation of real estate, as well as depreciation of Baran’s holdings and their value. Baran and its subsidiaries own real estate and also have investments and holdings, which their value might be lower due to the general depreciation, as explained above. Whenever the need arises Baran performs a valuation of its holdings and real estate in the acceptable manners (cash flow, external valuations, valuation of publicly traded companies). Notwithstanding, the value of investments, holdings and real estate will be monitored and valuated at various reporting intervals, in order to present the real value of those items, such as the re-evaluation of Baran Telecom’s goodwill, which resulted in a write down of $8.3 million.
The exposure to market risks is handled on a current basis and is frequently discussed on meetings of Baran’s managing directors, and is reported to the Board at least twice every quarter. Baran’s internal auditor carries out from time to time, and according to guidelines of the Board (through its audit committee), inspections pertaining to Baran’s market risks, relating to both financial and current trading factors.
Baran’s and more than half of its subsidiaries, most used currency is the Israeli currency. Accordingly, Baran attempts to protect itself against any exposure arising from the difference between assets and liabilities in each currency other than the Israeli currency. Baran strives to limit its exposure to exchange rate fluctuations by attempting to maintain similar levels of assets and liabilities in any given currency, to the extent possible, and does not enter into derivative transactions to hedge its exchange rate risk. However, this method of “natural’’ hedging is not always achievable.
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The table below sets forth the monetary assets and liabilities of Baran during 2003:
| | D e c e m b e r 3 1, 2 0 0 3 | |
| |
| |
| | Linkage to Euro | | Linkage to U.S dollar | | CPI linked | | Unlinked | | Others | | Total | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| |
| |
Adjusted NIS : | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current assets | | 72,925 | | 74,535 | | 60,083 | | 181,090 | | 3,432 | | 392,065 | |
Long term loan and long-term receivables | | | | 134 | | 502 | | 13,686 | | | | 14,322 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | 72,925 | | 74,669 | | 60,585 | | 194,776 | | 3,432 | | 406,387 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Curent liabilities | | 78,530 | | 55,608 | | 2,325 | | 140,157 | | 6,550 | | 283,170 | |
Long term bank loans (including current maturities) | | 7,016 | | | | 140,474 | | 11,911 | | | | 159,401 | |
Other long term liabilities | | | | | | | | 5,150 | | | | 5,150 | |
Capital notes issued to minority shareholders of a subsidiary | | | | | | 22,388 | | | | | | 22,388 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 85,546 | | 55,608 | | 165,187 | | 157,218 | | 6,550 | | 470,109 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
It is clear from the table above that Baran’s current assets and current liabilities in each of the most used currencies, hence $US and Euro, are correlated; so that sharp foreign exchange fluctuations will not materially expose Baran. By correlating between each currency and assets and liabilities, the Company aims to obtain a natural hedging process to minimize the risks related to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
In the recent years, inflation fluctuation in Israel was very unpredictable. In 2003 the inflation rate in Israel was (1.9)% as compared to 6.5% inflation rate in 2002. This situation directly influences Baran, and creates difficulties in hedging and planning inflationary risks. Therefore at any given time Baran holds both CPI linked and non-CPI linked assets and liabilities.
Deduction of current NIS CPI linked liabilities from NIS CPI linked assets results in an exposure in the sum of NIS104.6 million, on the other hand, deduction of current NIS non-CPI linked liabilities from NIS non-CPI linked assets results in a surplus in the sum of NIS 37.5 million.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
Not Applicable
PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
None.
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ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF RECORDS
None.
ITEM 15. CONTROL AND PROCEDURES
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the United States Exchange Act Baran carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of March 15th, 2004, being the date of Baran’s most recently completed fiscal year. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with participation of Baran’s Chief Executive Officer, Meir Dor, and Chief Financial Officer, Sasson Shilo and concluded that Baran’s disclosure control and procedures are effective in timely alerting management to material information relating to Baran required to be included in its periodic filings with the SEC.
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Baran’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and regulations. Disclosure control and procedure include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Baran’s reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including Baran’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There were no changes in Baran’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2003 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Baran’s internal control over financial reporting.
The term “internal control over financial reporting” is defined as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions and effected by the registrant’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
| (1) | pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transaction and disposition of the assets of Baran; |
| (2) | provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of Baran are being made only in accordance with authorization of management and directors of the registrant; |
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| (3) | provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the registrant’s assets that could have material effect on the financial statements. |
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
The Board of Directors has determined that Ms. Tami Gottlib is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 16A of Form 20-F. Ms. Tami Gottlib and each of the other members of the Audit Committee is an “independent director” as defined in the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder.
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
Baran adopted a Code of ethics in order to codify those standards that Baran believes are reasonably designed to deter wrong-doing and to promote, among other things, adherence to honest and ethical conduct, full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure, compliance with applicable governmental laws, and accountability for adherence to the Code of Ethics. Baran undertakes to provide a copy of the Code of Ethics to any person without charge upon request.
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Kesselman & Kesselman (PricewaterhouseCoppers Israel) has served as Baran’s independent public accountant for each of the fiscal years in the three years period ended December 31, 2003, for which audited financial statements appear in the annual report on Form 20-F. The auditor is elected annually at the Annual General Meeting.
The following table presents the aggregate fees for professional services and other services rendered by that PricewaterhouseCoppers Israel to Baran in 2002 and 2003.
| | 2003 | | 2002 | |
| |
| |
| |
Audit Fees(1) | | $ | 156,923 | | $ | 167,308 | |
Tax Fees(2) | | $ | 13,077 | | $ | 7,692 | |
All Other Fees(3) | | $ | 19,916 | | $ | 40,000 | |
Total | | $ | 189,916 | | $ | 215,000 | |
(1) Audit fees consist of fees billed for the consolidated balance sheet of Baran Group Ltd. and related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flow. They also include fees billed for other audit services, which are those services that only the external auditor reasonably can provide, and include the provision of comfort letters and consents, attestation service relating to audit. Additionally, the fee includes assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of Baran’s financial statements or that are traditionally performed by the external auditor and include consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards.
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(2) Tax fees include fees billed for tax compliance services, including tax consultations, tax advice related to mergers and acquisitions.
(3) All other fees include fees billed for due diligences relate to planned acquisitions, financial model and consulting services related to reorganization of Baran.
Audit Committee Pre-approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee of Baran’s Board of Directors is responsible, among other things, for the oversight of the external auditor. The Audit Committee has adopted a policy regarding the pre-approval of audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent auditors.
The substance of the Audit Committee charter is as follows:
| • | The Audit Committee is a committee of the Board of Directors. |
| | |
| • | The Committee assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibility to the shareholders and others by reviewing (1) the Company’s financial statements and the financial reporting process, (2) the systems of internal accounting and financial controls, (3) the internal audit function, (4) the annual independent audit of the Company’s financial statements, and (5) business irregularities and compliance with laws and regulations. |
| | |
| • | It is the responsibility of the Committee to maintain free and open communication between the Committee, the independent public accountant, the internal auditor and management of the Company. |
To fulfill its responsibilities, the Committee shall:
Internal Accounting and Financial Controls:
| • | Review with management, the internal auditor and the independent public accountant, the adequacy of internal accounting and financial controls. This review shall include inquiry about significant risks and exposures, and assessment of the effectiveness of management plans to minimize such risks. |
| | |
| • | Evaluate whether management is effectively communicating and ensure employee understanding of the importance ofeffective internal accounting and financial controlprocedures. |
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| • | Determine whether internal accounting and financial control improvement recommendations made by the internal auditor and the independent public accountant have been appropriately implemented in a timely manner by management. |
| | |
| | Financial Reporting: |
| | |
| • | Review and discuss with management and the independent public accountant the accounting policies which may be viewed as critical to the Company, and review and discuss significant accounting and reporting issues, including financial reporting proposals and understand their impact on the Company’s financial statements. |
| | |
| • | Review the Company’s annual financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis with management, the internal auditor, and the independent public accountant and determine whether the financial statements (a) are complete and consistent with the information known to Committee members, and (b) reflect appropriate accounting principles. |
| | |
| • | Discuss with the independent public accountant, matters relating to the conduct of the audit as required by professional auditing standards. |
| | |
| • | Review with the Company’s general counsel legal matters that could have a significant impact on the financial statements. |
| | |
| • | Review with management and the independent public accountant financial statements, including the results of the independent public accountant’s review of the financial statements, several times during the year. |
| | |
| | Business Irregularities and Legal Compliance: |
| | |
| • | Identify irregularities in the management of the Company’s affairs through interviews and in consultation with the Company’s management, the internal auditor and the independent public accountant. In the event that the Committee identifies any irregularities, it will suggest to the Board of Directors remedial courses of action. The Committee shall be fully entitled to rely on such interviews and consultations, including reports by such parties and shall be under no obligation to conduct any independent investigation or verification. |
| | |
| | Independent Public Accountant: |
| | |
| • | Review, in advance of the commencement of the audit, the proposed audit scope and fees to be paid to the independent public accountant pursuant to the decision of the Board or the general meeting. |
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| • | Review the experience and qualifications of the senior members of the independent public accountant’s team and the quality control procedures of the independent public accountant. |
| | |
| • | Recommend to the Board, which shall recommend to the general meeting of the Company’s shareholders, the appointment of the independent public accountant. |
| | |
| • | Receive periodic written statements from the independent public accountant delineating all relationships between the independent public accountant and the Company, discuss with the independent public accountant any disclosed relationships or services that may impact the objectivity and independence of the independent public accountant, and recommend any appropriate actions to be taken. |
| | |
| • | Approve, in advance, any Board resolution regarding the engagement of the independent public accountant to provide non-audit services and the fee for such services. |
| | |
| • | Ensure that the lead audit partner and review partner on the Company’s account at the independent public accountant are changed not less frequently than once every five fiscal years. |
| | |
| | Internal Audit: |
| | |
| • | Review the Company’s internal audit function including the independence and authority of its reporting obligations, its effectiveness, proposed control review plans and resources for the coming year, and the coordination of such plans with the independent public accountant. |
| | |
| • | Review and concur in the appointment, replacement, reassignment or dismissal of the internal auditor. |
| | |
| | Other Responsibilities: |
| | |
| • | Review and update this Charter annually, and receive approval of changes from the Board. |
| | |
| • | Provide the independent public accountant, internal auditor and management with appropriate opportunities to meet privately with the Committee. |
| | |
| • | Review and approve related party transactions with office holders and controlling shareholders as required by applicable law or as referred by the Board. |
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| • | Conduct or authorize investigations into any matters within the Committee’s scope of responsibilities. The Committee shall be empowered to retain independent counsel and other professionals to assist in the conduct of any investigations or to advise the Committee on other matters, the fees of which shall be paid by the Company. |
| | |
| • | Prepare a letter for inclusion in the Company’s annual report that describes the Committee’s composition and responsibilities, and how they are discharged. |
In meeting its responsibilities, the Committee’s policies and procedures shall be flexible so that it may react to changing circumstances or conditions.
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
Not Applicable
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
During 2003 neither Baran nor its affiliates have purchased Baran’s shares.
The following table sets forth the shares held by Baran and its subsidiary as of December 31, 2003:
| | 2003 | |
| |
| |
Baran Group Ltd. | | 179,736 | |
Baran Industries (91) Ltd. | | 43,209 | |
Baran projects Construction Ltd. | | 3,925 | |
Baran Technology Products Management and Marketing Ltd. | | 129,473 | |
PART III
ITEM 17. Not Applicable
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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![](https://capedge.com/proxy/20-F/0001178913-04-000844/baran.gif)
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In adjusted New Israeli Shekels (NIS). Year ended December 31, 2003 - with
convenience translation into U.S. dollars (note 1b(4)).
F-2
![](https://capedge.com/proxy/20-F/0001178913-04-000844/pwc.jpg)
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| Kesselman & Kesselman Certified Public Accountants (Isr) 6 Yaski Street Be’er Sheva 84222 Israel Telephone +972-8-6277020 Facsimile +972-8-6276351
|
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the shareholders of
BARAN GROUP LTD.
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Baran Group Ltd. (hereafter -the Company) as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 and the related consolidated statements of income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s Board of Directors and management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We did not audit the financial statements of certain subsidiaries and proportionately consolidated companies and joint ventures, whose assets included in consolidation constitute approximately 1% and 3.5% of total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively, and whose revenues included in consolidation constitute approximately 24.8%, 4.1% and 8.1% of total consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. We did not audit the financial statements of associated companies, the Company’s investment in which, as reflected in the balance sheets as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, is adjusted NIS 26,818,000 and adjusted NIS 24,181,000,respectively, and the Company’s share in the profits (losses) of which aggregates adjusted NIS 127,000, adjusted NIS 1,040,000 and adjusted NIS (617,000), in the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. The financial statements of the above subsidiaries, proportionately consolidated companies, proportionately consolidated joint ventures 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 accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (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 on our audits and the reports of the other independent auditors referred to above, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 and the consolidated results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel.
F-3
Accounting principles generally accepted in Israel vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and as allowed by Item 18 to Form 20-F. The application of the latter would have affected the determination of consolidated net income (loss) for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003 and the determination of consolidated shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2002 and 2003 to the extent summarized in note 20 to the consolidated financial statements.
As explained in note 1b, the consolidated 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.
As discussed in note 1e to the consolidated financial statements, effective July 1, 2003, the Company changed its method of accounting for investment in associated companies to conform with clarification No. 1 of Israel Accounting Standard No. 15, “Impairment of Assets”.
Beer Sheva, Israel | Kesselman & Kesselman |
May 21, 2004 | Certified Public Accountants (Isr.) |
F-4
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| | December 31 | |
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| | 2002 | | 2003 | | 2003 | |
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| | Adjusted new Israeli shekels (note 1b) | | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars (note 1b(4)) | |
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| | In thousands | |
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A s s e t s(note 19) | | | | | | | | | | |
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CURRENT ASSETS(note 14): | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents (note 1p) | | | 90,273 | | | 64,282 | | | 14,680 | |
Short-term investments (note 15a) | | | 86,228 | | | 63,818 | | | 14,574 | |
Restricted cash (note 19) | | | 1,394 | | | 1,314 | | | 300 | |
Accounts receivable (note 15b): | | | | | | | | | | |
Trade and income receivable | | | 257,060 | | | 231,720 | | | 52,916 | |
Other | | | 46,594 | | | 49,162 | | | 11,227 | |
Inventories (note 15c) | | | 9,185 | | | 16,476 | | | 3,763 | |
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T o t a l current assets | | | 490,734 | | | 426,772 | | | 97,460 | |
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INVESTMENTS, LOANS AND LONG-TERM RECEIVABLES: | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments in associated companies (note 3) | | | 26,818 | | | 24,181 | | | 5,521 | |
Other investments, loans and a long-term receivable (note 4) | | | 27,862 | | | 12,627 | | | 2,884 | |
Deferred income taxes (note 13b) | | | 1,559 | | | 1,723 | | | 393 | |
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| | | 56,239 | | | 38,531 | | | 8,798 | |
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LAND AND BUILDINGS FOR LEASE, net of accumulated deprecation and amortization (note 5) | | | 61,718 | | | 62,391 | | | 14,248 | |
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FIXED ASSETS,net of accumulated deprecation and amortization (note 6) | | | 72,192 | | | 65,786 | | | 15,023 | |
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GOODWILL, net of accumulated amortization (note 7) | | | 97,258 | | | 51,210 | | | 11,694 | |
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OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net of accumulated amortization (note 7) | | | 6,002 | | | 2,627 | | | 600 | |
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| | | 784,143 | | | 647,317 | | | 147,823 | |
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Date of approval of the financial statements May 21, 2004.
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|
Meir Dor | | Sasson Shilo |
Chairman of the Board | | Secretary and CFO |
Of Directors and CEO | | |
F-5
| | December 31 | |
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| | 2002 | | 2003 | | 2003 | |
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| | Adjusted new Israeli shekels (note 1b) | | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars (note 1b(4)) | |
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| | In thousands | |
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Liabilities and shareholders’ equity(note 19) | | | | | | | | | | |
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CURRENT LIABILITIES(note 14): | | | | | | | | | | |
Short-term bank credit and bank loans (note 15d) | | | 99,143 | | | 134,718 | | | 30,765 | |
Accounts payable and accruals (note 15e): | | | | | | | | | | |
Trade | | | 97,136 | | | 67,684 | | | 15,456 | |
Other | | | 155,677 | | | 112,859 | | | 25,773 | |
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T o t a l current liabilities | | | 351,956 | | | 315,261 | | | 71,994 | |
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LONG-TERM LIABILITIES(note 14): | | | | | | | | | | |
Liability for employee rights upon retirement, net of amount funded (note 10) | | | 5,732 | | | 5,092 | | | 1,163 | |
Bank loans, net of current maturities (notes 8 and 19) | | | 163,731 | | | 139,861 | | | 31,939 | |
Capital notes issued to minority shareholders in a subsidiary, net (note 9) | | | 10,948 | | | 10,722 | | | 2,449 | |
Deferred income taxes (note 13b) | | | 50 | | | 22 | | | 5 | |
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T o t a l long-term liabilities | | | 180,461 | | | 155,697 | | | 35,556 | |
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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES(note 11) | | | | | | | | | | |
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T o t a l liabilities | | | 532,417 | | | 470,958 | | | 107,550 | |
MINORITY INTERESTS | | | 8,957 | | | 10,483 | | | 2,394 | |
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SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (note 12): | | | | | | | | | | |
Share capital - ordinary shares of adjusted NIS 1 par value (authorized: December 31, 2002 and 2003 - 20,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: December 31, 2002 and 2003 - 8,375,884 shares) | | | 14,951 | | | 14,951 | | | 3,414 | |
Capital surplus | | | 70,835 | | | 70,835 | | | 16,176 | |
Differences from translation of foreign currency financial statements of subsidiaries and a proportionately consolidated company | | | (141 | ) | | 236 | | | 54 | |
Retained earnings | | | 162,773 | | | 85,503 | | | 19,525 | |
Cost of Company shares held by the Company and its subsidiaries (December 31, 2002 and 2003 - 232,416 shares and 356,344 shares, respectively) | | | (5,649 | ) | | (5,649 | ) | | (1,290 | ) |
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T o t a l shareholders’ equity | | | 242,769 | | | 165,876 | | | 37,879 | |
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T o t a l liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | | 784,143 | | | 647,317 | | | 147,823 | |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F-6
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
| | Year ended December 31 | |
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| | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | | 2003 | |
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| | Adjusted new Israeli shekels (note 1b) | | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars (note 1b(4)) | |
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| | In thousands (except per share data) | |
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REVENUES(note 18): | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Construction projects and services | | | 911,549 | | | 708,516 | | | 487,519 | | | 111,100 | |
Sale of products | | | 90,830 | | | 167,909 | | | 197,555 | | | 45,114 | |
Lease of buildings | | | 6,284 | | | 7,471 | | | 7,401 | | | 1,921 | |
Management fees from proportionately consolidated companies, proportionately consolidated joint ventures and associated companies | | | 2,303 | | | 6,524 | | | 2,973 | | | 679 | |
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T o t a l revenues | | | 1,010,966 | | | 890,420 | | | 695,448 | | | 158,814 | |
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COST OF REVENUES(note 15f): | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Construction projects and services | | | 741,532 | | | 594,668 | | | 434,779 | | | 99,287 | |
Sale of products | | | 89,440 | | | 156,941 | | | 186,790 | | | 42,655 | |
Lease of buildings | | | 1,560 | | | 2,537 | | | 2,598 | | | 594 | |
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T o t a l cost of revenues | | | 832,532 | | | 754,146 | | | 624,167 | | | 142,536 | |
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GROSS PROFIT | | | 178,434 | | | 136,274 | | | 71,281 | | | 16,278 | |
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES | | | 3,663 | | | 6,001 | | | 1,291 | | | 295 | |
SELLING, MARKETING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES, net: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Selling and marketing, net (note 15g) | | | 9,484 | | | 23,171 | | | 20,445 | | | 4,669 | |
General and administrative (note 15h) | | | 59,062 | | | 52,486 | | | 73,245 | | | 16,727 | |
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OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) | | | 106,225 | | | 54,616 | | | (23,700 | ) | | (5,413 | ) |
FINANCIAL INCOME (EXPENSES),net (note 15i) | | | 7,816 | | | (17,125 | ) | | (10,046 | ) | | (2,295 | ) |
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES),net: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Goodwill impairment | | | | | | | | | (36,304 | ) | | (8,290 | ) |
Other (note 15j) | | | 412 | | | 1,036 | | | 733 | | | 167 | |
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INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES ON INCOME | | | 114,453 | | | 38,527 | | | (69,317 | ) | | (15,831 | ) |
TAXES ON INCOME(note 13) | | | 44,496 | | | 16,953 | | | 9,826 | | | 2,244 | |
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INCOME (LOSS) AFTER TAXES ON INCOME | | | 69,957 | | | 21,574 | | | (79,143 | ) | | (18,075 | ) |
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SHARE IN PROFITS (LOSSES) OF ASSOCIATED COMPANIES,net (note 15k) | | | (3,174 | ) | | 1,040 | | | (617 | ) | | (141 | ) |
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MINORITY INTERESTS IN LOSSES OF SUBSIDIARIES, net | | | 574 | | | 2,142 | | | 2,490 | | | 569 | |
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NET INCOME (LOSS) | | | 67,357 | | | 24,756 | | | (77,270 | ) | | (17,647 | ) |
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EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE -basic and diluted | | | 8.91 | | | 3.19 | | | (9.64 | ) | | (2.20 | ) |
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WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING–basic and diluted-in thousands (note 1q) | | | 7,565 | | | 7,759 | | | 8,018 | | | 8,018 | |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F-7
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
| | Share capital | | Capital surplus | | Differences from translation of foreign currency financial statements of subsidiaries | | Retained earnings | | Cost of Company shares held by the Company and its subsidiaries | | Total | |
|
Number of shares | | Amount |
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| | | | | In thousands | |
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Adjusted new Israeli shekels (note 1b): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2001 | | | 7,736,468 | | | 14,312 | | | 54,056 | | | | | | 115,815 | | | (3,902 | ) | | 180,281 | |
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CHANGES DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 67,357 | | | | | | 67,357 | |
Issuance of restricted shares | | | 185,250 | | | 195 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 195 | |
Differences from translation of foreign currency financial statements of subsidiaries | | | | | | | | | | | | (57 | ) | | | | | | | | (57 | ) |
Dividends (adjusted NIS 4.2 per share) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (32,061 | ) | | | | | (32,061 | ) |
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BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2001 | | | 7,921,718 | | | 14,507 | | | 54,056 | | | (57 | ) | | 151,111 | | | (3,902 | ) | | 215,715 | |
CHANGES DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 24,756 | | | | | | 24,756 | |
Issuance of shares within framework of acquisition of subsidiary (see note 2b) | | | 454,166 | | | 444 | | | 16,779 | | | | | | | | | | | | 17,223 | |
Differences from translation of foreign currency financial statements of subsidiaries | | | | | | | | | | | | (84 | ) | | | | | | | | (84 | ) |
Dividends (adjusted NIS 1.7 per share) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (13,094 | ) | | | | | (13,094 | ) |
Cost of acquisition of Company shares by a subsidiary (67,526 shares) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (1,747 | ) | | (1,747 | ) |
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BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2002 | | | 8,375,884 | | | 14,951 | | | 70,835 | | | (141 | ) | | 162,773 | | | (5,649 | ) | | 242,769 | |
CHANGES DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (77,270 | ) | | | | | (77,270 | ) |
Differences from translation of a foreign currency financial statements of subsidiaries and a proportionately consolidated company | | | | | | | | | | | | 377 | | | | | | | | | 377 | |
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BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2003 | | | 8,375,884 | | | 14,951 | | | 70,835 | | | 236 | | | 85,503 | | | (5,649 | ) | | 165,876 | |
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Convenience translation into U.S. dollars (note 1b(4)): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 2003 | | | 8,375,884 | | | 3,414 | | | 16,176 | | | (32 | ) | | 37,172 | | | (1,290 | ) | | 55,440 | |
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CHANGES DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (17,647 | ) | | | | | (17,647 | ) |
Differences from translation of foreign currency financial statements of subsidiaries | | | | | | | | | | | | 86 | | | | | | | | | 86 | |
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BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2003 | | | 8,375,884 | | | 3,414 | | | 16,176 | | | 54 | | | 19,525 | | | (1,290 | ) | | 37,879 | |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F-8
(Continued) - 1
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| | Year ended December 31 | |
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| | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | | 2003 | |
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| | Adjusted new Israeli shekels (note 1b) | | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars (note 1b(4)) | |
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| | I n t h o u s a n d s | |
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CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | | 67,357 | | | 24,756 | | | (77,270 | ) | | (17,647 | ) |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income and expenses not involving cash flows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Minority interests in losses of subsidiaries, net | | | (574 | ) | | (2,142 | ) | | (2,490 | ) | | (569 | ) |
Share in profits (losses) of associated companies, net of a dividend received therefrom | | | 313 | | | 925 | | | 2,110 | | | 483 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 10,899 | | | 18,666 | | | 27,823 | | | 6,354 | |
Goodwill impairment | | | | | | | | | 36,304 | | | 8,290 | |
Deferred income taxes, net | | | 2,595 | | | 1,448 | | | 758 | | | 172 | |
Capital loss (gain): | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
On sale of fixed assets | | | (78 | ) | | (1,626 | ) | | (560 | ) | | (128 | ) |
On disposal of shares of associated company | | | | | | | | | (507 | ) | | (116 | ) |
On sale of investment designated for sale | | | | | | | | | (649 | ) | | (148 | ) |
In respect of a provision for anticipated loss due to a possible conversion of convertible securities issued by an associated company | | | (53 | ) | | (120 | ) | | 116 | | | 26 | |
Impairment of fixed assets | | | | | | | | | 177 | | | 40 | |
In respect of impairment in value of investment in an associated company | | | 4,359 | | | | | | | | | | |
In respect of impairment in value of other investments | | | | | | | | | 1,075 | | | 246 | |
Increase (decrease) in liability for employee rights upon retirement, net | | | 1,159 | | | (194 | ) | | (591 | ) | | (134 | ) |
Exchange and linkage differences on principal of long-term loans | | | 814 | | | 2,744 | | | 366 | | | 84 | |
Exchange differences on long-term bank deposit and erosion of long-term loans granted, net | | | (623 | ) | | (86 | ) | | 709 | | | 162 | |
Decrease (increase) in value of short-term marketable securities, net | | | (134 | ) | | 1,780 | | | (5,618 | ) | | (1,283 | ) |
Income received in non-marketable options | | | | | | | | | (1,260 | ) | | (288 | ) |
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| | | 18,677 | | | 21,395 | | | 57,763 | | | 13,191 | |
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F-9
(Continued) – 2
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| | Year ended December 31 | |
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| | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | | 2003 | |
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| | Adjusted new Israeli shekels (note 1b) | | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars (note 1b(4)) | |
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| | I n t h o u s a n d s | |
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Brought forward | | | 18,677 | | | 21,395 | | | 57,763 | | | 13,191 | |
Changes in operating asset and liability items: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trade receivables and income receivable | | | (29,619 | ) | | 58,161 | | | 34,979 | | | 7,988 | |
Other | | | 14,149 | | | 3,042 | | | (7,894 | ) | | (1,803 | ) |
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accruals: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Trade | | | 97,288 | | | (174,989 | ) | | (31,074 | ) | | (7,096 | ) |
Other | | | (13,759 | ) | | (104,797 | ) | | (51,544 | ) | | (11,768 | ) |
Increase (decrease) in customer advances, net of inventory in respect of work in progress | | | (8,137 | ) | | (16,937 | ) | | 4,723 | | | 1,079 | |
Decrease (increase) in inventories | | | 6,689 | | | 8,095 | | | (7,150 | ) | | (1,633 | ) |
Decrease in long-term receivables | | | | | | 29,715 | | | 14,158 | | | 3,233 | |
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| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | 66,611 | | | (197,710 | ) | | (43,802 | ) | | (10,000 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | 85,288 | | | (176,315 | ) | | 13,961 | | | 3,191 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | | 152,645 | | | (151,559 | ) | | (63,309 | ) | | (14,456 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Purchase of fixed assets and buildings for lease | | | (21,675 | ) | | (20,712 | ) | | (10,733 | ) | | (2,451 | ) |
Acquisition of subsidiaries consolidated for the first time (a) | | | (11,033 | ) | | (10,367 | ) | | 361 | | | 82 | |
Investment in associated companies | | | (984 | ) | | (792 | ) | | | | | | |
Sale of investment designated for sale | | | | | | | | | 4,916 | | | 1,122 | |
Other investments acquired | | | (255 | ) | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from sale of investment in an associated company | | | | | | | | | 918 | | | 210 | |
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets | | | 4,609 | | | 4,364 | | | 4,342 | | | 992 | |
Decrease (increase) in short-term deposits, net | | | 5,918 | | | 878 | | | (4,338 | ) | | (991 | ) |
Increase in restricted cash | | | | | | (1,394 | ) | | | | | | |
Grant of long-term loans | | | | | | (545 | ) | | (240 | ) | | (55 | ) |
Increase in long-term deposits | | | (10,913 | ) | | | | | (697 | ) | | (159 | ) |
Sale (purchase) of short-term marketable securities - net | | | (388 | ) | | (83,835 | ) | | 33,637 | | | 7,681 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | | | (34,721 | ) | | (112,403 | ) | | 28,166 | | | 6,431 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
F-10
(Continued) - 3
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| | Year ended December 31 | |
| |
| |
| | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted new Israeli shekels (note 1b) | | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars (note 1b(4)) | |
| |
| |
| |
| | I n t h o u s a n d s | |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Brought forward | | | 117,924 | | | (263,962 | ) | | (35,143 | ) | | (8,025 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Issuance of restricted shares | | | 195 | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term bank loans received | | | 25,566 | | | 151,977 | | | 1,454 | | | 332 | |
Repayment of long-term bank loans | | | (27,009 | ) | | (7,935 | ) | | (26,802 | ) | | (6,121 | ) |
Dividend paid | | | (32,061 | ) | | (13,094 | ) | | | | | | |
Dividend paid to minority shareholders in a subsidiary | | | | | | | | | (221 | ) | | (50 | ) |
Cost of acquisition of Company shares held by a subsidiary | | | | | | (1,747 | ) | | | | | | |
Capital note issued to minority in a subsidiary | | | | | | | | | 2,433 | | | 556 | |
Short-term bank credit – net | | | 28,342 | | | 705 | | | 6,087 | | | 1,390 | |
Short-term bank loans – net | | | 7,465 | | | 5,642 | | | 27,364 | | | 6,249 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | | 2,498 | | | 135,548 | | | 10,315 | | | 2,356 | |
TRANSLATION DIFFERENCES ON CASH BALANCES OF SUBSIDIARIES OPERATING INDEPENDENTLY | | | (10 | ) | | 98 | | | (1,163 | ) | | (266 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | | | 120,412 | | | (128,316 | ) | | (25,991 | ) | | (5,935 | ) |
BALANCE OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR | | | 98,177 | | | 218,589 | | | 90,273 | | | 20,615 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
BALANCE OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR | | | 218,589 | | | 90,273 | | | 64,282 | | | 14,680 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
F-11
(Concluded) - 4
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| | Year ended December 31 | |
| |
| |
| | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted new Israeli shekels (note 1b) | | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars (note 1b(4)) | |
| |
| |
| |
| | I n t h o u s a n d s | |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supplementary disclosure of cash flow information -cash paid during the year for: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest | | | 6,474 | | | 6,670 | | | 11,533 | | | 2,634 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Income tax - net of tax refund | | | 36,008 | | | 13,217 | | | 10,305 | | | 2,353 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
(a) Acquisition of subsidiaries consolidated for the first time (in 2001 companies previously consolidated by the proportionate consolidation method which were fully consolidated),see also note 2a, b and c: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets and liabilities of the subsidiaries upon acquisition: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Working capital (excluding cash and cash equivalents) | | | (5,762 | ) | | 74,009 | | | 405 | | | 93 | |
Investment in subsidiary of the acquired company that is designated for sale | | | | | | (4,467 | ) | | | | | | |
Fixed and other assets - net | | | (13,539 | ) | | (3,473 | ) | | (67 | ) | | (16 | ) |
Customer contracts and customer list | | | (2,533 | ) | | (3,607 | ) | | | | | | |
Long-term receivables | | | | | | (481 | ) | | | | | | |
Long-term liabilities | | | 11,087 | | | 2,104 | | | 23 | | | 5 | |
Minority interests in the subsidiaries upon acquisition | | | 5,534 | | | | | | | | | | |
Goodwill arising on acquisition | | | (5,820 | ) | | (92,169 | ) | | | | | | |
Other investment | | | | | | 494 | | | | | | | |
Issuance of share capital | | | | | | 17,223 | | | | | | | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | (11,033 | ) | | (10,367 | ) | | 361 | | | 82 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Supplementary information on investing and financing activities not involving cash flows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term suppliers’ credit received during the year for the purchase of machinery and equipment | | | | | | | | | 225 | | | 51 | |
| | | | | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
F-12
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All NIS amounts are presented in adjusted new Israeli shekels at
December 31, 2003 purchasing power, unless otherwise stated)
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
| a. | General: |
| | |
| | 1) | Operations |
| | | |
| | | Baran Group Ltd. (hereafter - the Company) and its investee companies (hereafter, collectively - the Group) operate in 4 divisions, each of which operates independently, according to the instructions of the Group’s management. In 2002, the Company and its investee companies operated in 6 divisions. The transition to 4 divisions took place in 2003, due to a reorganization of the Company. The Company receives management fees from proportionately consolidated companies and proportionately consolidated joint ventures. |
| | | |
| | | The Group operates through the following 4 operating divisions (see also note 18): |
| | | |
| | | a) | The communications division - specializing in planning, management and construction of communications infrastructure. |
| | | | |
| | | b) | The construction division - specializing in managing, coordinating, supervising and building projects in the field of construction, civil infrastructure, as well as industrial buildings. |
| | | | |
| | | c) | The industry division -specializing in management, engineering planning and performance of projects in processing industries, which include, among others, chemicals, biotechnology, petrochemicals, energy, food, semi-conductors, etc. The semi-conductor activities are presented as a separated segment for “segment reporting” purposes. |
| | | | |
| | | d) | The technologies and services division - engaged in the development, manufacturing and marketing of unique technology-based products, building for lease and in the marketing and recycling of food products for animals. The division consists of several companies, each specializing and operating in its own field - industrial engineering and management, research and development of patents, real estate management, etc. The activities of building for lease and marketing and recycling of food products for animals and consulting were separated into three additional segments, for “segment reporting” purposes. |
| | | | |
| | | As to principal customers see notes 11a(1) and 18c. |
F-13
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES(continued):
| | 2) | Definitions: |
| | | |
| | | Subsidiary - | A company controlled by the Company, the financial statements of which have been consolidated with the financial statements of the Company, which is not a proportionately consolidated Company. |
| | | | |
| | | Proportionately consolidated company or joint venture | A jointly controlled company or venture, none of the parties in which holds exclusive control, the financial statements of which are consolidated with those of the Company by the proportionate consolidation method. |
| | | | |
| | | Associated company - | A company in which the Company has significant influence (which is not a subsidiary or a proportionately consolidated Company), the Company’s investment in which is presented by the equity method. |
| | | | |
| | | Investee company - | A subsidiary, proportionately consolidated company or joint venture or an associated company. |
| | | | |
| | | Related parties - | As defined in Opinion 29 of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel. |
| | | | |
| | | Goodwill - | The difference between the cost of the investment in the investee company and the Company’s share in the fair value of its underlying assets net of the fair value of its underlying liabilities, at time of acquisition, net of the applicable taxes. |
| | | | |
| | | The Group - | The Company and its subsidiaries, proportionately consolidated companies and ventures and associated companies. |
| | | |
| | 3) | For a list of subsidiaries, proportionately consolidated companies, proportionately consolidated joint ventures and associated companies, see appendix I. |
| | | |
| | 4) | Use of estimates in the 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 disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting years. Actual results could differ from those estimates. |
| | | | | |
F-14
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES(continued):
| | 5) | Accounting principles |
| | | |
| | | The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Israeli GAAP. As applicable to these financial statements, Israeli GAAP vary in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP, as described in note 20. |
| | | |
| 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 the Israeli currency, in accordance with pronouncements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel (hereafter - the Israeli Institute). All figures in the financial statements are presented in adjusted new Israeli shekels (“NIS”) which have a uniform purchasing power as of December 31, 2003 (“adjusted NIS”) - based upon the changes in the Israeli consumer price index (hereafter - the Israeli CPI),see also note 14b. As to the discontinuance of adjusting financial statements for the effects of inflation, with effect from January 1, 2004, see t. below. |
| | | |
| | | The adjustment of the financial statements is based on the accounts of the Company, its Israeli subsidiaries and proportionately consolidated companies and joint ventures, which are maintained in nominal NIS. |
| | | |
| | | As to investee companies whose financial statements are drawn up in foreign currency, see (3) below. |
| | | |
| | | The components of the statements of income (loss) were, for the most part, adjusted as follows: the components relating to transactions carried out during the reported years -revenues, purchases, labor costs, etc. were adjusted on the basis of the Israeli CPI for the month in which the transaction was carried out, while those relating to non-monetary balance sheet items (mainly changes in inventories, work in progress, customer advances, depreciation and amortization) were adjusted on the same basis used in adjusting the related balance sheet item. The financing component represents primarily financial income and expenses in real terms, the erosion of balances of monetary items during the reported years and changes in the value of short-term marketable securities during the reported years. |
| | | |
| | 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 for the changes in the general purchasing power of Israeli currency. In these financial statements, the term “cost”‘ signifies cost in adjusted NIS. |
F-15
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES(continued):
| | 3) | Investee companies whose financial statements are drawn up in foreign currency. |
| | | |
| | | For purposes of consolidation, the amounts (in foreign currency terms) included in the financial statements of the above companies were treated as follows: |
| | | |
| | | Subsidiaries and Proportionately consolidated companies operating independently |
| | | |
| | | Balance sheet items at the end of the year and the results of operations for the year were translated at the exchange rate of the relevant foreign currency as compared to Israeli currency at the end of the year. Balance sheet items at the beginning of the year and changes in shareholders’ equity items during the year were translated at the relevant exchange rate at the beginning of the year or at the date of each change, respectively, and then adjusted on the basis of the changes in the Israeli CPI through the end of the year. |
| | | |
| | | Differences resulting from the above treatment are carried as a separate item under adjusted shareholders’ equity (“differences from translation of foreign currency financial statements of subsidiaries and a proportionately consolidated company”). |
| | | |
| | | Investee companies, the activities of which are an integral part of the activities of the Company |
| | | |
| | | The financial statements of such companies were remeasured in terms of adjusted NIS. The remeasurement was effected by way of translation of the amounts (in terms of foreign currency) on the basis of historical exchange rates in relation to Israeli currency; the resulting nominal NIS amounts were then adjusted on the basis of the changes in the Israeli CPI by the same method used in the adjustment of the financial statements of the Israeli companies in the Group. |
| | | |
| | | Differences resulting from the above treatment are included in the adjusted statements of income (loss) under financial income or expenses. |
| | | |
| | 4) | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars (“dollars” or “$”) |
| | | |
| | | The adjusted NIS figures at December 31, 2003 and for the year then ended have been translated into dollars using the representative exchange rate of the dollar at December 31, 2003 ($1 = NIS 4.379). The translation was made solely for convenience. The translated dollar figures should not be construed as a representation that the Israeli currency amounts actually represent, or could be converted into, dollars. |
| | | |
| c. | Principles of consolidation: |
| | | |
| | 1) | The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and of its subsidiaries. In addition to the fully consolidated companies as above, the consolidated financial statements include, by the proportionate consolidation method, jointly controlled companies and joint ventures. The companies included in consolidation are listed in appendix I. |
F-16
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES(continued):
| | 2) | Goodwill is amortized in equal annual installments at the rate of 10% per annum, commencing in the date of acquisition (see also note 7). |
| | | |
| | 3) | Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Profits from intercompany sales, not yet realized outside the Group, have also been eliminated. |
| | | |
| | 4) | Capital notes issued to the minority shareholders in one of the subsidiaries are presented in the consolidated balance sheets net of the minority’s share in its capital deficiency (see also note 9). |
| | | |
| d. | Inventories |
| | |
| | Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined as follows: |
| | |
| | Raw materials and supplies - on “first-in, first-out” basis. |
| | |
| | Products in process and finished products - on basis of production costs: |
| | |
| | | Raw material and supplies component- on “first-in, first-out” basis. |
| | | |
| | | Labor and overhead component- on average basis. |
| | | |
| e. | Investments in associated companies: |
| | | |
| | 1) | The investments in these companies are accounted for by the equity method, net of impairment in value, see also note 3(c). Profits from sales not yet realized outside the Group have been eliminated. |
| | | |
| | 2) | The excess of cost of the investment in associated companies over the Company’s share in their net assets at date of acquisition (“excess of cost of investment”) represents goodwill, which is amortized in equal annual installments at the rate of 10% per annum, commencing in the year of acquisition (see also note 3). |
| | | |
| | 3) | As of January 1, 2003, the Company reviews whether any events have occurred or changes in circumstances have taken place, which might indicate that there has been an impairment of its investment in associated companies in accordance with Accounting Standard No. 15 of the Israel Accounting Standards Board (hereafter - the IASB) - “Impairment of Assets” - see also j. below. |
| | | |
| | | In addition, in accordance with Clarification No. 1 to Accounting Standard No. 15, published by the IASB in September 2003, investments in associated companies are to be presented at the lower of the investment amount under the equity method (before making an impairment provision) and its recoverable amount, and so long as the recoverable value, on which the impairment provision was based, remains unchanged, the Company will record its share in the associated company’s losses - up to the amount of the impairment provision - by reducing the aforesaid provision without having an effect on the Company’s results. |
F-17
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES(continued):
| | | The Company has adopted the provisions of the clarification with effect from July 1, 2003. Prior to the publication of the clarification, during the period through June 30, 2003, the Company charged its share in associated companies’ losses directly to income, without reducing the impairment provision that was created in 2001 - see also note 3c. |
| | | |
| | 4) | In accordance with Clarification No. 1 of Israeli Accounting Standard No. 15, the loss from impairment of the investment in an associated company, and the subsequent adjustment to the value of the impairment provision, are presented in the statements of income (loss) among “share in profits (losses) of associated companies”. Prior years’ amounts have been reclassified to conform with such presentation. See note 3d. |
| | | |
| f. | Marketable securities and other investments: |
| | | |
| | 1) | Short-term marketable securities are stated at market value or -for mutual fund participation certificates- at redemption value. The changes in value of the above securities are carried to financial income or expense. |
| | | |
| | 2) | Investments in non-marketable securities are stated at cost. The Group evaluates its investments in these securities from time to time and, as necessary, includes in its accounts a write-down for decrease in value which is not of a temporary nature. |
| | | |
| g. | Land and buildings for lease: |
| | | |
| | 1) | These assets are stated at cost. |
| | | |
| | 2) | Borrowing costs in respect of bank loans used to finance the construction - incurred until construction is completed- are charged to cost of such assets. |
| | | |
| | 3) | The buildings are depreciated by the straight-line method, on basis of their estimated useful life. Annual depreciation rates are 4%-6%. |
| | | |
| h. | Fixed assets: |
| | | |
| | 1) | These assets are stated at cost. Fixed assets of subsidiaries, which existed at the date of acquisition of the subsidiary by the Company, are included at their fair value as of that date. |
| | | |
| | 2) | Borrowing costs in respect of credit used to finance the construction of the buildings - incurred until their construction is completed - are charged to the cost of such assets. |
F-18
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES(continued):
| | 3) | The assets are depreciated by the straight-line method, on the basis of their estimated useful life. Annual depreciation rates are as follows: |
| | | |
| | | | % | |
| | | |
| |
| | | Buildings | 4-6 | |
| | | Machinery and equipment | 7-15 | |
| | | | (mainly 15) | |
| | | Vehicles | 15 | |
| | | Office furniture and equipment | 6-15 | |
| | | Computers and peripheral equipment | 20-33 | |
| | | | (mainly 33) | |
| | | Communication sites | 6.67-10 | |
| | | Leasehold improvements are amortized by the straight-line method over the lease period, which is shorter than the estimated useful life of the improvements. |
| | | |
| i. | Goodwill and other intangible assets |
| | |
| | Customer contracts are amortized over the contract period, commencing from the date on which they are first utilized (mainly 1-3 years) and customer lists are amortized over 3 years commencing from the date on which they are first utilized. As to the amortization of goodwill, see c(2), and e. above. |
| | |
| j. | Impairment of assets |
| | |
| | In February 2003, Israeli Accounting Standard No. 15 - “Impairment of Assets”, became effective. This standard 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. |
| | |
| | Accordingly, commencing 2003, the Company assesses at each balance sheet date whether any events have occurred or changes in circumstances have taken place, which might indicate that there has been an impairment of one or more of the above assets. When such indicators of impairment are present, the Company evaluates whether the carrying value of the assets in the Company’s accounts can be recovered from the cash flows anticipated from that asset, and, if necessary, records an impairment provision up to the amount needed to adjust the carrying amount to the recoverable amount. |
| | |
| | The recoverable value of an asset is determined according to the higher of the net selling price of the asset or its value in use to the Company. The value in use is determined according to the present value of anticipated cash flows from the continued use of the asset, including those expected at the time of its future retirement and disposal. |
| | |
| | When it is not possible to assess whether an impairment provision is required for a particular asset on its own, the need for such a provision is assessed in relation to the recoverable value of the cash-generating unit to which that 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. |
F-19
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES(continued):
| | 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. |
| | |
| | Through December 31, 2002, the Company applied the provisions for assessing and recording impairment of long-lived assets prescribed by the U.S. standard FAS 121. |
| | |
| | The adoption of Israeli Accounting Standard No. 15 on January 1, 2003 had no effect on the Company’s financial statements. |
| | |
| | In 2003, the Company recorded an impairment in respect of goodwill and fixed assets, see note 2a(2)(a) and 2a(2)(b). |
| | |
| k. | Deferred income taxes: |
| | |
| | 1) | Deferred taxes are computed in respect of temporary differences between the amounts presented in the adjusted financial statements and those taken into account for tax purposes. As to the main factors in respect of which deferred taxes have been included -see note 13b. |
| | | |
| | | Deferred tax balances are computed at the tax rate expected to be in effect at time of release to income from the deferred tax accounts. The amount of deferred taxes presented in the statements of income reflects changes in the above balances during the year. |
| | | |
| | 2) | Taxes, which would apply in the event of disposal of investments in investee companies, have not been taken into account in computing the deferred taxes, as it is the Company’s policy to hold these investments, not to realize them. The Group may incur additional tax liability in the event of certain intercompany dividend distribution; no account was taken of the additional tax, since it is the Group’s policy not to cause distribution of dividends, which would involve additional tax liability to the Group in the foreseeable future. |
| | | |
| | 3) | Income from “approved enterprise” status: |
| | | | |
| | | a) | As stated in note 13a(1)(a)(i), one of the Company’s subsidiaries has been granted tax exemption on income from an “approved enterprise”. Upon distribution of dividends from the subsidiary’s tax-exempt income, the amount distributed will be subject to tax at the rate that would have been applicable had the subsidiary not been exempted from payment thereof. In addition, such dividend received by the Group may be liable to tax. The Group intends to permanently reinvest the amount of tax-exempt income, and does not intend to cause dividend distribution from such income. The period of benefits in respect of the above subsidiary has not yet commenced and is not expected to, due to its accumulated tax losses. Therefore, no deferred income taxes have been provided in respect of such tax-exempt income. |
F-20
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES(continued):
| | | b) | As stated in notes 13a(1)(a)(i) and 13a(1)(a)(ii), another subsidiary in the Group has been granted “approved enterprise” status and is subject to a reduced tax rate during the period of benefits. |
| | | | |
| | | | Upon distribution of dividends by this subsidiary to the Company, the Company will be subject to tax, unless such dividends are distributed onwards to the Company’s shareholders. In light of the Group’s policy not to cause distribution of dividends, which would result in additional tax liabilities, any dividends received from this subsidiary will be distributed to the Company’s shareholders. The Company plans to distribute to its shareholders any dividends received. Accordingly, no account has been taken of the additional tax in respect of said dividends. |
| | | | |
| L. | Revenue recognition: |
| | | | |
| | 1) | Sale of products |
| | | |
| | | Revenue from the sale of products (consisting of electric switches and recycling of food products for animals), net of discounts, is recognized when there is compelling evidence of arrangement, delivery has occurred, the sale price is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. |
| | | |
| | 2) | Construction projects: |
| | | | |
| | | a) | The Group recognizes revenue from such projects by the “percentage of completion” method, provided that the following conditions are met: collection of the revenues is expected, revenues and costs can be estimated reasonably, and there is a likelihood that the project will be completed and that contractual obligations to customers will be met. Pending compliance with all of the above conditions, revenue is recognized to the extent of costs actually incurred, whose reimbursement is anticipated (“zero profit method”). |
| | | | |
| | | | In addition to the above-mentioned revenue recognition conditions, profits from contract work on buildings are recognized by the percentage of completion method, if the stage of completion has reached at least 25%; prior to this stage – by the “zero profit method”. |
| | | | |
| | | | The Group measures progress toward completion based on the output measure of value added for its turnkey projects. |
| | | | |
| | | | The Group determines the relative value added of each component to the total project value added, based on the ratio of costs of the component to total expected costs, at the commencement of the project. Such ratio of relative value of each component remains unchanged during the project. Relevant component output measures are used to determine progress toward completion of each component. The project percentage of completion (weighting the appropriate components) are applied to the total estimated project revenues and project costs to determine the amount of revenue and costs recognized, on a cumulative basis. |
| | | | |
| | | | Changes in estimates for revenues, costs and profits are recognized in the period in which they are determinable using the cumulative catch up method of accounting. |
F-21
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES(continued):
| | | b) | Full provision is made for any anticipated losses on projects. |
| | | | |
| | 3) | Provision for warranty costs |
| | | |
| | | The provision for warranty costs is determined for specific projects in respect of which there are warranty obligations. The calculation of anticipated warranty costs is made based on the work required and the remaining warranty period. |
| | | |
| | 4) | Revenue from lease of buildings is recognized over the lease period. |
| | | | |
| m. | Company shares held by the Company and its subsidiaries |
| | |
| | These shares are presented as a reduction of shareholders’ equity, at their cost, under the item “Cost of Company shares held by the Company and its subsidiaries”. |
| | |
| n. | Allowance for doubtful accounts |
| | |
| | The allowance is determined for specific debts doubtful of collection. |
| | |
| o. | Derivative instruments |
| | |
| | The Group enters into future contracts in order to protect itself from changes in prices of certain commodities. These future contracts are treated for accounting purposes as non-hedging instruments. The commodity derivative instruments are presented at their fair value and changes in their fair value are carried to “financial income (expenses)–net” on a current basis. |
| | |
| | In 2002, the Group also entered into foreign exchange forward contracts in order to effectively hedge the cash flows resulting from firm commitments for inventory purchases in non-NIS currencies. Gains and losses from such contracts were deferred and recognized in income when the hedged item affected earnings. |
| | |
| p. | Cash equivalents |
| | |
| | The Group considers all highly liquid investments, which include short-term bank deposits (up to three months from date of deposit) that are not restricted as to withdrawal or use, to be cash equivalents. |
| | |
| q. | Earnings (loss) per share |
| | |
| | Earnings (loss) per share - which is computed in accordance with Opinion 55 of the Israeli Institute - has been determined on the basis of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year, including restricted shares, net of the weighted average number of shares and restricted shares, held by the Company and its subsidiaries. |
| | |
| | In the 2001and 2002 financial statements, the basic and diluted earnings per share are not presented separately, since the difference is immaterial (less than 5%). In 2003, 74,000 options are not included in the diluted loss per share since their effect is anti-dilutive. |
F-22
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES(continued):
| r. | Research and development expenses |
| | |
| | Research and development expenses are charged to income as incurred. Participation from government departments for development of approved projects is recognized as a reduction of expenses as the related cost is incurred. |
| | |
| | In 2001, 2002 and 2003, no participations were received. |
| | |
| s. | Advertising expenses |
| | |
| | These costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 amounted to adjusted NIS 2,647,000, adjusted NIS 4,249,000 and adjusted NIS 3,466,000, respectively. |
| | |
| t. | Recently issued accounting pronouncements in Israel |
| | |
| | In October 2001, the IASB issued Israeli 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, Israeli Accounting Standard No. 17 was issued that postponed the date from which Israeli Accounting Standard No. 12 is to be applied until January 1, 2004. The inflation-adjusted amounts as of December 31, 2003, as presented in these financial statements, will be the basis for the nominal-historical financial reporting in the following periods. |
| | |
| | The implementation of Israeli Accounting Standard No. 12 will mainly affect the financial income (expenses). |
| | |
| | Upon implementation of Israeli Accounting Standard No. 12, Clarifications No. 8 and 9 to Opinion 36 of the Israeli Institute will be canceled and will be replaced with effect from January 1, 2004 by Israeli Accounting Standard No. 13 – “Effect of Change in Foreign Currency Exchange Rates”, which was issued at the same time as Israeli Accounting Standard No. 12. Most of the provisions of Israeli Accounting Standard No. 13 correspond to the provisions, which appeared in the above-mentioned clarifications. Nevertheless, the following matters will affect the translation of the financial statements of overseas operations: |
| | |
| | Goodwill resulting from the acquisition of such operations will be treated – commencing from the date that this standard comes into effect – as an asset of the investee company and will be translated into NIS as stipulated by the standard (formerly, goodwill was treated as an asset of the holding company). |
| | |
| | Operating results from overseas operations will be translated into NIS at the exchange rates existing on the dates of the transactions (or at the average exchange rates for the period, where these approximate the actual exchange rates), and not at the year-end exchange rate. |
| | |
| u. | Reclassifications |
| | |
| | Certain prior years’ amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. See also e above. |
F-23
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 2 - | SUBSIDIARIES AND PROPORTIONATELY CONSOLIDATED COMPANIES AND JOINT VENTURES: |
| | |
| a. | Acquisitions: |
| | |
| | 1) | Acquisition in 2003: |
| | | |
| | | On January 1, 2003, Baran acquired 50.01% of InTime Software Systems Ltd. (hereafter – “InTime”), without consideration. InTime specializes in providing solutions, which improve customer profitability and operating performance through expert systems, image analysis systems and controls systems. The services offered by InTime are complementary to the services currently rendered by Baran’s industrial division. InTime’s operating results are included in the consolidated financial statements commencing from January 1, 2003, and are attributed to the technologies and services division. |
| | | |
| | | The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition: |
| | | January 1, 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| | | | |
Current assets | | | | 1,011 | | |
Fixed assets | | | | 67 | | |
| | | |
| | |
T o t a l assets | | | | 1,078 | | |
| | | |
| | |
| | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | | 1,055 | | |
Long-term liabilities | | | | 23 | | |
| | | |
| | |
T o t a l liabilities | | | | 1,078 | | |
| | | |
| | |
| | | | -,- | | |
| | | |
| | |
F-24
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 2 - | SUBSIDIARIES AND PROPORTIONATELY CONSOLIDATED COMPANIES AND JOINT VENTURES(continued): |
| | | |
| | | Following are data pertaining to the above-mentioned subsidiary, which was included, for the first time, in the consolidated financial statements for 2003: |
| | | | December 31, 2003 | |
| | | |
| |
| | | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | | |
| |
| Balance sheet: | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | | | 165 | | |
| Other current assets: | | | | | | |
| Trade and income receivable | | | | 514 | | |
| Other receivables | | | | 74 | | |
| Deferred taxes | | | | 17 | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Fixed assets, less accumulated depreciation and amortization | | | | 51 | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Current liabilities: | | | | | | |
| Trade payables | | | | (458 | ) | |
| Other payables | | | | (194 | ) | |
| | | | | | | |
| Long-term liabilities: | | | | | | |
| Liability for employee rights upon retirement | | | | (48 | ) | |
| Minority interests | | | | (5 | ) | |
| | | | |
| | |
| | | | | 116 | | |
| | | | |
| | |
| | | | Period from date of acquisition to December 31, 2003 | |
| | | |
| |
| | | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | | |
| |
| | | | | | | |
| Statement of loss: | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Revenues | | | | 1,744 | | |
| | | | |
| | |
| Cost of revenues | | | | 1,337 | | |
| | | | |
| | |
| Net income | | | | 8 | | |
| | | | |
| | |
F-25
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 2 - | SUBSIDIARIES AND PROPORTIONATELY CONSOLIDATED COMPANIES AND JOINT VENTURES(continued): |
| | | |
| | 2) | Acquisitions in 2002: |
| | | | |
| | | a) | On November 14, 2002, the acquisition of O2wireless solutions (hereafter - “o2”) was closed. o2 was a U.S. public company engaged in the provision of solutions and external services for wireless communication networks and infrastructure. o2 was acquired in order to broaden the Group’s range of activities, in the belief that o2 would be able to provide communication solutions in the areas of communication and other infrastructure engineering, which would complement the market in which the Group operates. In view of the nature of its operations, o2 was included as part of the Group’s communications division. As agreed, the Company has issued, to o2’s shareholders, 454,166 shares of NIS 1 par value for all of o2’s outstanding shares. Each share of o2 common stock received 0.014919 of the Company’s ordinary shares. The amount of shares issued represents 5.73% of the Company’s issued and paid-in share capital prior to the issuance (7,921,718 shares) and 5.42% of the issued and paid-in share capital following the issuance (8,375,884). The acquisition was carried out by means of merging o2 with Baran Telcom Inc. (hereafter - “BTI”), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The total acquisition cost, in the amount of adjusted NIS 27.286 million, included the value of the shares issued in the amount of adjusted NIS 17.224 million and acquisition costs, in the amount of adjusted NIS 10.062 million. The value of the shares issued was determined on the basis of the average market price of the Company’s shares that was calculated according to their closing prices during the period from August 27, 2002 to September 2, 2002, which included the two trading days before, and the two trading days following, the public announcement of the merger. |
| | | | |
| | | | Excess of cost of the acquisition price over the fair value of tangible assets, net, that were acquired was attributed to customer list and goodwill in the amounts of adjusted NIS 3,607,000 and adjusted NIS 89,496,302 respectively. |
| | | | |
| | | | Due to the continuing decline in BTI’s sales and recurring losses, the Company performed an impairment test and, in December 2003, the Company recorded an impairment provision in respect of goodwill, in accordance with Israeli Accounting Standard No. 15, in the amount of adjusted NIS 33,949,000. |
| | | | |
| | | | The recoverable amount was determined on the basis of the value in use to the company. A discount rate of 4% (before tax) was used in calculating the present value of anticipated cash flows. The Company used a third party valuation to determine such goodwill impairment. |
| | | | |
| | | | Goodwill is amortized over 10 years from acquisition date and the balance thereof at December 31, 2003, net of impairment provision, amounts to adjusted NIS 45.103 million. The amortization of goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. The purchase price attributed to the customer list is amortized over 3 years and the balance thereof at December 31, 2003 amounts to adjusted NIS 2.087 million. |
F-26
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 2 - | SUBSIDIARIES AND PROPORTIONATELY CONSOLIDATED COMPANIES AND JOINT VENTURES(continued) : |
| | | | |
| | | | The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition: |
| | October 31, 2002 | |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| |
| |
| | | |
Current assets | | | 49,008 | | |
Investment in subsidiary of o2 designated for sale* | | | 4,467 | | |
Long-term receivables | | | 481 | | |
Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization | | | 3,177 | | |
Goodwill | | | 89,496 | | |
Customer list | | | 3,607 | | |
| | |
| | |
T o t a l assets | | | 150,236 | | |
| | |
| | |
| | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | 114,654 | | |
Provision for reorganization** | | | 6,191 | | |
| | |
| | |
| | | 120,845 | | |
Long-term liabilities | | | 2,104 | | |
| | |
| | |
T o t a l liabilities | | | 122,949 | | |
| | |
| | |
Net assets acquired | | | 27,287 | | |
| | |
| | |
| | | | * | On January 31, 2003, BTI signed an agreement for the sale of its investment in a subsidiary, in accordance with the decision taken by the Board of Directors on June 4, 2002. Accordingly, the temporarily controlled subsidiary has not been consolidated upon acquisition. The investment in that subsidiary was presented at its fair value, net of realization costs. The investment was sold in February 2003. |
| | | | | |
| | | | ** | During 2001, a reorganization program was implemented by o2 including a reduction in the size of its workforce, closure of branches and the amalgamation of headquarters. As of the date of acquisition, the provision consisted mainly of adjusted NIS 3,740,000 for closure of branches and adjusted NIS 1,845,000 for workforce reduction. During 2003, the provision was fully paid and no balance remained as of December 31, 2003. |
| | | | | |
| | | | On February 27, 2003, the Company in general meeting approved the issuance of 116,000 non-marketable Company options to o2 employees (see note 12e), who were taken on as staff of a U.S. subsidiary, wholly owned by BTI. 74,000 options were granted in 2003. |
F-27
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 2 - | SUBSIDIARIES AND PROPORTIONATELY CONSOLIDATED COMPANIES AND JOINT VENTURES(continued): |
| | | | |
| | | | The options were issued for no consideration and each option is exercisable into one Company ordinary share of NIS 1 par value at an exercise price calculated as the average of the closing price of the Company’s shares on each of the fourteen days preceding the issuance of the options. |
| | | | |
| | | b) | On October 30, 2002, a subsidiary acquired 90% of the share capital of Mobipower New B.V. (hereafter – Mobipower New), thereby increasing its holding therein to 100%. Mobipower New is the marketing arm of Mobipower in the Netherlands and its acquisition will enable the Company to develop its trade connection on the Dutch market. Mobipower New is to be included as part of the Group’s technology and services division. The total cost of the acquisition amounted to adjusted NIS 2,673,000. The excess cost of acquisition over the fair value of the assets acquired in the amount of adjusted NIS 2,355,000 has been attributed to goodwill, which is amortized over a 10-year period. |
| | | | |
| | | | In 2003 Mobipower reduced its level of activities and is considering discontinuing its operations. Due to Mobipower’s losses, the Company wrote off the balance of the goodwill, in the amount of adjusted NIS 2,355,000, in December 2003. |
| | | | |
| | | | The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition: |
| | | October 31, 2002 | |
| | |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS, in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| | | | |
| Current assets | | | 2,244 | | |
| Fixed assets | | | 296 | | |
| Goodwill | | | 2,673 | | |
| | | |
| | |
| T o t a l assets | | | 5,213 | | |
| | | |
| | |
| | | | | | |
| Current liabilities | | | 1,181 | | |
| Long-term liabilities | | | (562,837 | ) | |
| | | |
| | |
| T o t a l liabilities | | | 2,540 | | |
| | | |
| | |
| Net assets acquired | | | 2,673 | | |
| | | |
| | |
F-28
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 2 - | SUBSIDIARIES AND PROPORTIONATELY CONSOLIDATED COMPANIES AND JOINT VENTURES(continued): |
| | | |
| | 3) | Acquisitions in 2001: |
| | | |
| | | a) | On October 1, 2001, the Company acquired 50.1% of the shares conferring ownership and control in LEAD Control Ltd. (hereafter: “LEAD”), an Israeli company engaged in development of products and in providing computerized control solutions, in consideration of a cash amount of approximately adjusted NIS 1,076,723. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method. The amounts attributed to the acquired assets and liabilities are computed on the basis of the fair value of the assets and liabilities on the date of acquisition. The excess of fair value of acquired net assets over cost of acquisition was allocated as a reduction of fixed assets. The consolidated statement of income for 2001 includes the results of operations of LEAD for the period from the date of acquisition to December 31, 2001. |
| | | | |
| | | | b) On September 30, 2001, the Company acquired 55% of the shares conferring ownership and control in Westmontage Kabel und Netzwerk GmbH (hereafter “Westmontage”), a German company (which is engaged in a project for the deployment of Mobilcom Multimedia GmbH’s UMTS network in Germany), in consideration for a cash amount of adjusted NIS 12,254,234. In addition, under the acquisition agreement, the Company undertook to pay the selling shareholder in the German company an additional consideration of approximately € 508,000 (approximately adjusted NIS 2,478,327), on condition that the German company met certain profit goals in 2001, as determined in the acquisition agreement. Westmontage failed to meet said profit goals and the Company’s undertaking is thus cancelled. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method. The amounts attributed to the acquired assets and liabilities are computed on the basis of the fair value of the assets and liabilities on the date of acquisition. The consolidated statement of income for 2001 includes the results of operations of Westmontage for the period from the date of acquisition to December 31, 2001. |
| | | | |
| | | | The excess of cost of acquisition over the fair value of net tangible assets on acquisition date amounted to adjusted NIS 8,357,000, which has been allocated as adjusted NIS 5,117,000 to goodwill (which is amortized over 10 years) and adjusted NIS 3,240,000 to customer contracts and customer lists (which are amortized over 3 years). The goodwill is attributed to the communications sector. |
| | | | |
| | | | In September 2002, the Company paid the selling shareholder € 527,000 (adjusted NIS 2.571 million) as part of the agreed acquisition price. This amount has been added to goodwill and is amortized in equal installments over 10 years, commencing from the date of acquisition. |
| | | | |
| | | | At December 31, 2003, the balance of goodwill amounts to adjusted NIS 3,900,000. The amortization of goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. The balance at December 31, 2003 of the customer list and customer contracts is adjusted NIS 540,000 and zero, respectively – see also note 7. |
F-29
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 2 - | SUBSIDIARIES AND PROPORTIONATELY CONSOLIDATED COMPANIES AND JOINT VENTURES(continued): |
| | | | |
| b. | Establishment of subsidiaries and proportionately consolidated investee: |
| | | | |
| | 1) | In 2003: |
| | | | |
| | | a) | In October 2003, the Group established a wholly owned subsidiary in South Africa in the cellular infrastructures field – Baran Raviv Telecom Africa. The Company is currently in negotiation with potential customers. |
| | | | |
| | | b) | At the beginning of 2003, Baran and two partners established Yesodot Barniv Ltd. (hereafter – “Yesodot Barniv”), which specializes in the communications field and acts as a performing contractor. Baran holds 80% of Yesodot Barniv. |
| | | | |
| | 2) | In 2002 |
| | | |
| | | On March 22, 2002, a subsidiary established Baran Raviv Telecom (Thailand) Limited in Thailand, which it wholly owns. |
| | | | |
| c. | Financial statements of proportionately consolidated companies and joint ventures: |
| | | | |
| | 1) | In the last quarter of 2003, Nes Pan Ltd., which is held 50% by Baran, established a limited liability company in Hungary – Mal Nes Real Estate Development Ltd (hereafter – “Mal Nes”). Mal Nes is engaged in the development of residential projects in Budapest. Nes Pan holds 45% of Mal Nes. The investment in Mal Nes is presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements by the proportionate consolidation method. |
| | | |
| | 2) | On August 19, 2002, it was announced that a consortium of companies, which included IONICS INC., Dor Chemicals Ltd. and the Company, had been awarded the tender issued by the State of Israel for the construction of a desalination plant. On October 28, 2002, an agreement was signed between the State of Israel and Carmel Desalination Ltd. (hereafter – “Carmel”), a company established and owned equally by the companies in the above consortium. The agreement, worth some $100 million, is for the construction of a seawater desalination plant and for energy generation. The desalination facility is to be constructed on the site of Dor Chemicals Ltd.’s plant in the Haifa Bay area. Implementation of the agreement is subject to various suspending conditions being fulfilled, as specified in the agreement. As of balance sheet date, the suspending conditions had not yet been fulfilled. |
F-30
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 2 - | SUBSIDIARIES AND PROPORTIONATELY CONSOLIDATED COMPANIES AND JOINT VENTURES(continued): |
| | | |
| | | During the period from the time of being awarded the tender through December 31, 2003, Carmel’s operations have been financed by shareholders’ loans. The Company’s share in such loans amounts to adjusted NIS 790,000. The investment gives the Company a 33% holding in Carmel, which is presented in the Group’s consolidated financial statements by the proportionate consolidation method. However, on April 1st, 2004, Carmel received a letter from the Israeli Water Desalination Governmental Authority (hereunder, “the WDA”) in which the WDA notifies Carmel Desalination Ltd. of the termination of the Desalination Facility BOO Agreement. In the letter, the WDA claims that the termination is due to Carmel Desalination Ltd.’s breach of obligations contained in the Agreement, including Carmal’s failure to execute financing agreements. The WDA further announced that it intends to collect the Performance Bond issued to it by Carmel Desalination Ltd. The Bond on the sum of NIS 35 million ($7.78 million) (Baran’s share of the Performance Bond is NIS 11.67 million ($2.59 million)) was forfeited on May 2nd, 2004. Carmel rejects all the allegations made against it and intends to use all applicable legal measures against WDA. Carmel and the WDA have already entered in arbitration process in the matter. Baran’s legal counsels are of the opinion that Carmel has good legal arguments against WDA. The estimated costs of the project to date, which were recorded in the financial statements, are NIS 5 million. See also note 11. |
| | | | |
| | 3) | On June 22, 2001, the Group acquired 50% of the share capital of Nejeva Holding B.V. (hereafter -Nejeva) in consideration of € 11,000 (adjusted NIS 55,377). |
| | | |
| | | On December 14, 2001, Baran Raviv B.V. sold to Baran Group B.V. all the shares of Nejeva for € 3,596 (adjusted NIS 15,000). Nejeva is inactive. |
| | | |
| | 4) | On April 5, 2001, the Company entered into a joint venture with two other parties for the purpose of providing construction services to a U.S. military base in Israel. The joint venture commenced operations in July 2001. |
| | | |
| | 5) | In respect of proportionately consolidated companies, the Company has agreements with the other shareholders regarding the joint control. Accordingly, such companies are accounted for by the proportionate consolidation method, in accordance with the provisions of Opinion 57 of the Israeli Institute, as explained in note 1a and c. The list of jointly controlled, proportionately consolidated companies is included in the Appendix. |
| | | |
| | 6) | As of December 31, 2002 and 2003, the Company and a third party each hold 50% of the shares conferring voting rights in Meissner Baran Ltd. (hereafter – “Meissner-Baran”), a proportionately consolidated company. Meissner Baran’s shares, conferring a right to dividends, are held by the Company, the other party and by a company that is controlled by the CEO of Meissner-Baran, to the extent of 46.5%, 46.5%and 7%, respectively, as of December 31, 2002 and 2003. |
| | | |
| | | As to a contingent liability filed against Meissner-Baran, see note 11b(1((b) |
F-31
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 2 - | SUBSIDIARIES AND PROPORTIONATELY CONSOLIDATED COMPANIES AND JOINT VENTURES(continued): |
| | | | |
| | 7) | Following are data pertaining to the proportionately consolidated companies and joint ventures based upon the Company’s percentage of holding therein, as presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. As explained in d. below, commencing October 1, 2001, the financial statements of Industrial Centers E.O.D. Ltd. (hereafter-“E.O.D.”) are fully consolidated. In 2001, the operating results data of E.O.D. for the period from January 1, 2001 to September 30, 2001 were included by the proportionate consolidation method. |
| | | | |
| | | a) | Balance sheet data: |
| | December 31 | |
| |
| |
| | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | 54,818 | | | 60,305 | |
Deferred taxes | | | 153 | | | 155 | |
Land and building for lease, less accumulated depreciation and amortization | | | 61,718 | | | 62,391 | |
| | | | | | | |
Fixed assets, less accumulated �� depreciation and amortization | | | 16,283 | | | 17,596 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | 132,972 | | | 140,447 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | 58,965 | | | 76,578 | |
Long-term liabilities | | | 32,301 | | | 28,090 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | 91,266 | | | 104,668 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | b) | Operating results data: |
| | Year ended December 31 | |
| |
| |
| | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| |
| |
Revenues | | | 345,575 | | | 127,973 | | | 83,814 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Gross profit | | | 50,303 | | | 22,514 | | | 6,221 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Operating income (loss) | | | 35,375 | | | 13,083 | | | (1,506 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net income (loss) | | | 24,732 | | | 8,697 | | | (6,616 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
F-32
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 2 - | SUBSIDIARIES AND PROPORTIONATELY CONSOLIDATED COMPANIES AND JOINT VENTURES(continued): |
| | | | |
| | | c) | Cash flow data: |
| | Year ended December 31 | |
| |
| |
| | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | | 126,751 | | | (75,903 | ) | | (19,796 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | | | 3,320 | | | (10,581 | ) | | (10,424 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | | | (12,921 | ) | | (6,304 | ) | | 14,794 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| d. | Companies previously consolidated by the proportionate consolidation method, which were fully consolidated in 2001 |
| | |
| | In 2001, the financial statements of E.O.D., which were included by the proportionate consolidation method until September 30, 2001, were fully consolidated for the first time. |
| | |
| | The Company owns 50% of the voting common stock of E.O.D and another party owns the other 50%. Pursuant to a change in the Articles of Association on October 1, 2001, which was agreed between all shareholders, the Company is entitled to stipulate 3 out of the 5 directors of EOD. From the time of the change in the Articles of Association, the Company has included EOD in consolidation, since it effectively controls E.O.D through its majority Board representation. Such Articles of Association cannot be changed without a majority vote of the common shares, which effectively allows the Company to block any such changes - given its ownership of 50% of the voting common shares. Additionally, declaration and payment of dividends are not required to have shareholder approval; such decisions are made by the Board of Directors. The only decisions that are subject to shareholder voting are: (i) appointment of the auditors; (ii) increase in the authorized share capital; (iii) changes in the Articles of Association; (iv) merger; and (v) approval of transactions with related parties, following approval by the Board of Directors. |
F-33
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 3 - | INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES: |
| | | | |
| a. | Composed as follows: |
| | | December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares: | | | | | | | |
| Cost | | | 21,093 | | | 20,679 | |
| Share in undistributed profits (net of losses) accumulated since acquisition | | | 10,084 | | | 7,326 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | 31,177 | | | 28,005 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Impairment in value of investment in an associated company (see c below) | | | (4,359 | ) | | (3,824 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| T o t a l investment | | | 26,818 | | | 24,181 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| b. | The changes in the investments during 2003 are as follows: |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| | | | |
| Balance at beginning of year | | | 26,818 | | |
| Changes during the year: | | | | | |
| Share in undistributed losses, net | | | (1,066 | ) | |
| Change in impairment | | | 449 | | |
| Dividends received from associated companies | | | (1,493 | ) | |
| Sale of investments | | | (411 | ) | |
| Reduction in percentage of shareholding in associated Company | | | (116 | ) | |
| | | |
| | |
| Balance at end of year | | | 24,181 | | |
| | | |
| | |
F-34
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 3 - | INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES(continued): |
| | | | |
| c. | Associated companies whose shares are traded on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange (hereafter - the Stock Exchange): |
| | | | |
| | 1) | The quoted value of the Company’s investment in Tefen Industrial Engineering and System Analysis Ltd. (hereafter – “Tefen”)- an associated company, whose shares are traded on the Stock Exchange - is adjusted NIS 18,566,000 and adjusted NIS 26,706,000, as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively. The percentage of the Company’s holding in Tefen, as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, is 31.294%. |
| | | |
| | | The balance of the investment in Tefen as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 is adjusted NIS 18,117,000 and adjusted NIS 18,724,000, respectively. The excess cost of investment in this associated company represents goodwill. The original amount of goodwill is adjusted NIS 6,074,000, while the amortized balance, as of December 31, 2003, is adjusted NIS 1,819,000. |
| | | |
| | 2) | The quoted value of the Company’s investment in A.L.D., whose shares are traded on the Stock Exchange, as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, is adjusted NIS 6,030,000 and adjusted NIS 8,922,000, respectively. The percentage of holding in A.L.D on December 31, 2002 and 2003, being 55.32% and 50.5%, respectively. However, the Company continues to account for this investment using the equity method of accounting, due to its inability to control the operations of A.L.D. |
| | | |
| | | The balance of the investment in A.L.D. as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 is adjusted NIS 7,653,000 and adjusted NIS 5,457,000, respectively. |
| | | |
| | | During 2003, the Company sold 520,000 shares from its investment in A.L.D. The capital gain on the disposal of these shares was adjusted NIS 507,000. |
| | | |
| | | During 2001, there was a decline in the quoted value of A.L.D. The Company examined the decline in value and concluded that it is not of a temporary nature. Accordingly, an impairment provision of adjusted NIS 4,359,000 was provided in respect of the investment in A.L.D., see also a above. |
| | | |
| | | In 2003, the Company recorded its share in the losses of A.L.D. in the amount of adjusted NIS 2,173,000. Commencing July 1, 2003, in accordance with Clarification No. 1 of Israeli Accounting Standard No. 15 (see note 1e(4)), the Company reduced the impairment provision in respect of this investment by adjusted NIS 499,000 - in respect of losses from the above date through the end of the year. |
| | | |
| | 3) | As to dividends received from associated companies, see note 15k. |
F-35
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 4 - | OTHER INVESTMENTS, LOANS AND A LONG-TERM RECEIVABLE: |
| | | December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| | | | | | | | |
| Investment in shares of a private company held to the extent of 5% | | | 1,100 | | | 28 | |
| Long-term bank deposits (1) | | | 12,130 | | | 11,873 | |
| Non-current trade receivables (2) (see note 11a(1)) | | | 14,158 | | | | |
| Long-term loan (3) | | | 474 | | | 726 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | 27,862 | | | 12,627 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| (1) | The deposits are linked to the exchange rate of the dollar, do not bear interest and are regularly rolled-over. |
| (2) | The receivables are linked to the CPI, do not bear interest and the balance thereof is to be settled by December 2004. In 2003 the amount of NIS 14,158,000 is included in the line “open accounts and checks receivable” under “accounts receivable”. |
| | |
| (3) | The loan is linked to the Israeli CPI, bears interest at 4% per annum and has no fixed repayment date. |
NOTE 5 - LAND AND BUILDINGS FOR LEASE:
| | December 31 | |
| |
| |
| | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | |
Land | | | 24,683 | | | 24,983 | |
Buildings | | | 44,412 | | | 46,610 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | 69,095 | | | 71,593 | |
| | | | | | | |
L e s s – accumulated depreciation and amortization | | | (7,377 | ) | | (9,202 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | 61,718 | | | 62,391 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | Depreciation and amortization in respect of buildings totaled adjusted NIS 1,550,000, adjusted NIS 1,738,000 and adjusted NIS 1,825,000 for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. |
| | |
| b. | The depreciated balance includes financial costs capitalized, as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, amounting to adjusted NIS 758,000 and adjusted NIS 653,000, respectively. |
| | |
| c. | As to pledges registered, see note 19. |
| | |
| d. | Land is leased under a capital lease for 49 years from the Israel Lands Administration. |
F-36
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 5 - LAND AND BUILDINGS FOR LEASE(continued):
| e. | The land and buildings are leased under long-term, non-cancelable without penalty, operating leases to various tenants. The rental payments from the tenants are based on the square footage leased, linked to the CPI. |
| | |
| | Minimum annual base rental payments under these leases are as follows: |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| | | | |
| Year ending December 31: | | | |
| 2004 | | | 14,635 | | |
| 2005 | | | 13,465 | | |
| 2006 | | | 7,624 | | |
| 2007 | | | 3,608 | | |
| 2008 | | | 1,198 | | |
| 2009 and thereafter | | | 1,478 | | |
| | | |
| | |
| Total | | | 42,008 | | |
| | | |
| | |
NOTE 6 - FIXED ASSETS:
| a. | 1) Composition of assets and accumulated depreciation and amortization, grouped by major classifications, are as follows: |
| | December 31 | |
| |
| |
| | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | |
Land and buildings, see b. below | | | 52,610 | | | 53,930 | |
Machinery and equipment | | | 25,939 | | | 28,578 | |
Vehicles | | | 20,934 | | | 18,289 | |
Office furniture and equipment | | | 21,122 | | | 21,276 | |
Leasehold improvements | | | 6,036 | | | 6,149 | |
Computers and peripheral equipment | | | 20,087 | | | 20,557 | |
Communication sites | | | 356 | | | 1,562 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | 147,084 | | | 150,341 | |
L e s s – accumulated depreciation and amortization | | | (74,892 | ) | | (84,555 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | 72,192 | | | 65,786 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
F-37
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 6 - FIXED ASSETS (continued):
| | | Depreciation and amortization in respect of fixed assets totalled adjusted NIS 8,076,000, adjusted NIS 13,056,000 and adjusted NIS 12,431,000 for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. |
| | | |
| | 2) | Depreciated balance includes capitalized borrowing costs amounting to adjusted NIS 330,000 and adjusted NIS 284,000 as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively. |
| | | |
| b. | Real estate rights in Israel: |
| | | | |
| | 1) | In 1997, Baran industries entered into a 49-year capital lease agreement with the Israel Lands Administration (hereafter -“the Administration”) for the lease of a plot of about 6,400 sqm. in the Omer industrial zone. A building, which is used by the Group (hereafter- “Baran House”), was built on said plot. |
| | | |
| | | In addition, the Company has entered into a capitalized development agreement, which is to be approved by the Administration, for a plot of about 5,080 sqm. in the Omer industrial zone. The development agreement was for 3 years, commencing March 26, 1997, and was extended until April 1, 2002. The Company has not yet received a response to its application for a further extension. As the Company has met the terms stipulated in the agreement (including achieving certain milestones that had to be reached by predetermined dates), the Administration will sign a lease agreement for an additional 49 years. As of the date of the approval of the financial statements, no new agreement had been signed. |
| | | |
| | | The costs in respect of said plots are composed as follows: |
| | December 31 | |
| |
| |
| | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | |
Cost of land, including capitalized lease fees | | | 1,296 | | | 1,296 | |
Consent fees | | | 7 | | | 7 | |
Construction costs | | | 22,109 | | | 22,109 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | 23,412 | | | 23,412 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
F-38
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 6 - FIXED ASSETS (continued):
| | 2) | A proportionately consolidated company has constructed a 52,000 sqm. commercial center in Beer Sheba, of which about 34,500 sqm. are leased from the Administration and about 17,500 sqm. are owned by the above-mentioned company, but have not yet been registered in its name with the Land Registration Authority due to the parcelization not having been completed. The proportionately consolidated company has carried out an interim procedure, under which it leases the land for a period of 999 years. Said company has agreed that the Administration submit a written undertaking to a bank, under which the Administration undertakes not to approve the transfer of the rights in the above-mentioned land without the consent of the bank and that the lease rights would not be registered in the name of the proportionately consolidated company, unless, at the same time, a first-ranking mortgage is registered in favor of the bank. |
| | | |
| | 3) | On December 23, 1999, a proportionately consolidated company acquired half the rights to land at Beit Dagan, having an area of some 6 acres, from a third party. The rights to the land include development rights in accordance with an agreement signed with the Administration. |
| | | |
| | | Through December 31, 2001, NIS 21,612,000 had been paid for the acquisition of the rights. On the date of acquisition, a subsidiary signed an agreement with a third party for the establishment of a joint venture, which was to construct office buildings and commercial space on this land. |
| | | |
| | | In June 2000, the proportionately consolidated company and the subsidiary signed an agreement, whereby the subsidiary was to manage, plan and carry out the construction project at Beit Dagan, on behalf of the proportionately consolidated company. The offices that have been constructed to date are partly used by the Company for its own purposes and partly for lease. See also note 11a(8). |
| | | |
| c. | As to pledges registered on the properties, see note 19. |
F-39
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 7 - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET OF ACCUMULATED AMORTIZATION:
| | | Original amount | | Accumulated amortization | | Unamortized balance | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | December 31 | | December 31 | | December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | 2002 | | 2003 | | 2002 | | 2003 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS | | Adjusted NIS | | Adjusted NIS | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | I n t h o u s a n d s | |
| | |
| |
| Customer contracts** | | | 2,438 | | | 2,766 | | | 812 | | 2,766 | | | 1,626 | | | | |
| Customer lists | | | 5,054 | | | 5,036 | | | 678 | | 2,409 | | | 4,376 | | | 2,627 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | 7,492 | | | 7,802 | | | 1,490 | | 5,175 | | | 6,002 | | | 2,627 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| Goodwill in subsidiaries | | | 99,853 | | | 99,853 | | | 2,595 | | *48,643 | | | 97,258 | | | 51,210 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| * | Including impairment of goodwill of adjusted NIS 36,304,000. See also note 2. |
| | |
| ** | During 2003, the related contract with the customer was completed and the balance of the intangible asset was fully amortized. |
| Amortization expenses of goodwill for 2001, 2002 and 2003 are adjusted NIS 143,000, adjusted NIS 2,386,000 and adjusted NIS 9,744,000, respectively. |
| |
| Amortization expenses for other intangible assets for 2001, 2002 and 2003 are adjusted NIS 163,000, adjusted NIS 1,490,000 and adjusted NIS 3,823,000, respectively. |
F-40
NOTE 8 - LONG-TERM BANK LOANS (net of current maturities):
| a. | The currency, linkage and interest terms of the loans are as follows: |
| | | Weighted average interest rates as of December 31, 2003 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | December 31 | |
| | | |
| |
| | | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | % | | Adjusted NIS i n t h o u s a n d s | |
| | |
| |
| |
| In dollars or linked thereto | | | *3 | | | | 808 | | | 133 | |
| In euros or linked thereto | | | 6.21 | | | | 6,302 | | | 6,885 | |
| Linked to the Israeli CPI | | | 3.94 | | | | 166,414 | | | 141,150 | |
| Unlinked | | | 6.85 | | | | 16,099 | | | 16,383 | |
| | | | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | | | 189,623 | | | 164,551 | |
| L e s s - current maturities | | | | | | | 25,892 | | | 24,690 | |
| | | | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | | | 163,731 | | | 139,861 | |
| | | | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
* Interest is based on Libor + 1%.
F-41
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 8 - LONG-TERM BANK LOANS (net of current maturities) (continued):
| b. | The loans (net of current maturities) are repayable in the following years after balance sheet date: |
| | | Year ended December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| Second year | | | 25,553 | | | 72,867 | |
| Third year | | | 72,179 | | | 26,594 | |
| Fourth year | | | 41,894 | | | 20,144 | |
| Fifth year | | | 20,488 | | | 1,335 | |
| Sixth year and thereafter (until 2034) | | | 3,617 | | | 18,921 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | 163,731 | | | 139,861 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| c. | As to liens registered to secure the loans, see note 19. |
| | |
| d. | The terms of the loans does not impose additional restrictions. |
NOTE 9 - CAPITAL NOTES ISSUED TO MINORITY SHAREHOLDERS OF A SUBSIDIARY, NET:
| This item represents capital notes issued by a subsidiary - Mobipower Ltd. (formerly - T.P.S.) (hereafter – “Mobipower”) to its minority shareholders, after deduction of the minority’s share in the subsidiary’s capital deficiency, as follows: |
| | | December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS i n t h o u s a n d s | |
| | |
| |
| Capital notes issued and accrued interest | | | 19,069 | | | 22,388 | |
| Minority’s share in Mobipower’s capital deficiency | | | (8,121 | ) | | (11,666 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | 10,948 | | | 10,722 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| Mobipower is mainly financed by funds from all of its shareholders, through capital notes. These capital notes are linked to the Israeli CPI and bear 4% annual interest. Pursuant to the terms of the capital notes, any repayment of amounts related to the capital note arrangements, including linkage differences and interest, requires a majority shareholder vote and is required to be repaid pro rata to the existing shareholders’ common stock interests at the time of repayment. Accordingly, repayment of the capital notes and any interest is at the sole discretion of Baran, the majority owner. |
F-42
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 10 - EMPLOYEE RIGHTS UPON RETIREMENT:
| The Israeli Group companies |
| |
| Israeli law generally requires payment of severance pay and/or pensions upon dismissal of an employee or upon termination of employment in certain other circumstances. The following principal plans relate to employee rights upon retirement, as applicable to Israeli Group companies : |
| | |
| a. | Managerial insurance policies for employees in managerial positions |
| | |
| | These policies provide coverage for severance pay and pension liabilities of managerial personnel. The policies are the Israeli Group companies’ assets and under labor agreements, subject to certain limitations, they may be transferred to the ownership of the beneficiary employees. |
| | |
| b. | Pension and severance pay liabilities not covered as above are fully provided for in these consolidated financial statements. The Company, at its discretion, deposits monies with severance pay funds, which are earmarked as cover for these liabilities. |
| | |
| | Employees dismissed from service before attaining retirement age, are entitled to severance pay, computed on the basis of the number of years of service and the most recent monthly salary. In the event that the amounts accumulated in the managerial insurance policies and severance pay funds are insufficient to cover severance pay computed as above, the Israeli Group companies are obligated to supplement the deficiency. The Israeli Group companies recognize the above obligation on an undiscounted basis, as if it was payable at each balance sheet date. |
| | |
| c. | Some of the Israeli employees in the Group are employed under individual employment agreements, which stipulate that the salary of such employees includes the severance pay component. The Company has applied to the Minister of Labor for approvals under Section 28 of the Severance Pay Law, 1963 and has obtained such approvals with respect to most of the above-mentioned employees. The Company does not expect any difficulties in obtaining the remaining approvals. Therefore, the Company does not include the amount of the severance pay liability in respect of said employees in the balance sheets. |
| | |
| d. | The balance sheet liability for severance pay and the amount funded with severance pay funds and insurance policies, are composed as follows: |
| | | December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| Liability for severance pay | | | 27,135 | | | 27,863 | |
| L e s s - amount funded | | | (21,403 | ) | | (22,771 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | 5,732 | | | 5,092 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
The companies may only make withdrawals from the severance pay funds and insurance policies for the purpose of paying severance pay.
F-43
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 10 - EMPLOYEE RIGHTS UPON RETIREMENT (continued):
| e. | The severance pay expenses for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, were adjusted NIS 3,987,000, adjusted NIS 3,084,000 and adjusted NIS 4,808,000, respectively. |
| | |
| f. | Income (expenses) from severance pay funds for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, were adjusted NIS 271,000, adjusted NIS (983,000) and adjusted NIS 1,804,000, respectively. |
| | |
| g. | The Company expects to contribute, in 2004, adjusted NIS 3,664,000 to the insurance companies and to the provident fund in respect of its severance pay obligation. |
|
NOTE 11 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES: |
| | |
| a. | Commitments: |
| | | |
| | 1) | In 2001, a long-term agreement between a subsidiary, Baran Raviv and DBS satellite services (1998) Ltd. (hereafter - “YES”) was canceled. YES requested the subsidiary to agree to changes in the terms of the agreement, but the two parties were unable to reach agreement regarding the new terms and YES ceased making the payments it had committed to under the original agreement. Following litigation proceedings, it was decided in February 2002 that the agreement between the parties would be terminated and that YES would be obliged to pay a total of adjusted NIS 57,991,000, in installments through December 2004. This amount covers the full amount of YES’ debt in the accounts of the subsidiary. The payments are linked to the Israeli CPI and bear no interest. |
| | | |
| | | As of December 31, 2003, approximately adjusted NIS 43,832,000 had been received from YES. |
| | | |
| | 2) | The Group has entered into various lease agreements, relating to buildings and vehicles, of different duration, valid through 2012. The aggregate commitment under these leases amounts to adjusted NIS 29,300,000, of which NIS 5,169,000 are linked to the exchange rate of the dollar, while NIS 24,131,000 are linked to the Israeli CPI. |
| | | |
| | | The projected rental payments for the coming years, at rates in effect at December 31, 2003, are as follows: |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| 2004 | | | 9,364 | | |
| 2005 | | | 5,653 | | |
| 2006 | | | 2,632 | | |
| 2007 | | | 2,216 | | |
| 2008 and thereafter | | | 9,435 | | |
| | | |
| | |
| | | | 29,300 | | |
| | | |
| | |
F-44
| | | | Rental expenses totaled adjusted NIS 5,743,000, adjusted NIS 7,993,000 and adjusted NIS 13,849,000 in 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. |
F-45
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 11 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (continued):
| | 3) | Meissner-Baran (a proportionately consolidated company) has entered into an open-ended agreement for the provision of supervisory and contracting consulting services with another company, which owns shares in Meissner-Baran (hereafter –“the supervising company”). This agreement succeeds a prior agreement that terminated in July 2000. |
| | | |
| | | Pursuant to the agreement, a representative of the supervising company was appointed to be CEO of Meissner-Baran, although the agreement stipulates that no employer-employee relationship is to be deemed to exist between Meissner-Baran and the CEO. |
| | | |
| | | The following payments are also prescribed by the agreement: |
| | | | |
| | | a) | A monthly payment of $ 35,000 for project supervision, consulting and management services, similar to the payment in the previous agreement. |
| | | | |
| | | b) | The supervising company is entitled to receive an annual bonus at a rate that was increased by 2.5% in the amended agreement of the adjusted pre-tax profits of Meissner-Baran, in exchange for the supervising company waiving its rights to the sale of its interest in the shares of Meissner-Baran’s other partners. |
| | | | |
| | | c) | A payment for management fees to the subsidiary, Baran Industries, at the rate of 33.33% of the aggregate of the sums paid to the supervising company. |
| | | |
| | 4) | In 1977, within the framework of the acquisition of a production line, machinery, patents, trade marks, know-how and technology relating to the production of the interrupters keyboards, and piaso-electric products, the Company assumed all the seller’s obligations and rights with regard to the Chief Scientist’s grants in connection with the above products. At the end of 1999, all the aforesaid obligations and rights were transferred to Baran Technologies. The royalties are payable on sales, up to 100% of the grants received (dollar-linked). The maximum amount of royalties that might have to be paid by Baran Technologies, in settlement of this, amounts to adjusted NIS 156,000 as of December 31, 2003. |
| | | |
| | | In case of failure of a project that was partly financed by royalty-bearing Government participations, the subsidiary is not obliged to pay any such royalties to the Israeli Government. |
| | | |
| | | Royalty expenses totaled adjusted NIS 187,399, adjusted NIS 303,174 and adjusted NIS 268,157 in 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. |
| | | |
| | 5) | Within the framework of the acquisition of 50% of the shares of Nes-Pan, a subsidiary undertook to grant loans to fund Nes-Pan’s operations, under the same terms and conditions as the other shareholders of Nes-Pan. In January 2000, the aforesaid loans were converted into unlinked, non-interest bearing capital notes. |
F-46
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 11 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (continued):
| | 6) | Within the framework of the acquisition of 50% of the shares of A.R – A.D.I.R. Construction Ltd. (hereafter – “A.R - A.D.I.R”.), the Company undertook to provide funds to A.R -A.D.I.R., jointly with the other shareholders, as required from time to time. The acquisition agreement also provided that the other shareholders (who own the remaining 50% of the shares of A.R - A.D.I.R.) would be entitled to bonuses and that the annual profits, net of the above-mentioned bonuses, would be distributed equally between the Company and the other shareholders, as management fees. |
| | | |
| | 7) | Royalty commitments |
| | | |
| | | A subsidiary - Baran Technologies - is committed to pay royalties to the Government of Israel on proceeds from the sale of products in the development of which the Government participated by way of grants. At the time the participations were received, successful development of the related projects was not assured. Under the terms of the aforesaid participation, royalties of 3% are payable to the Government on the sale of products in the development of which the Government participated, up to 100% of the amount of the grants received by the subsidiary (dollar linked). |
| | | |
| | | The maximum amount of royalties that might have to be paid by Baran Technologies, in settlement of this, amounts to adjusted NIS 3,274,000 ($747,715) as of December 31, 2003. |
| | | |
| | 8) | In December 1999, a proportionately consolidated company signed an agreement with a third party, pursuant to which it is intended that the proportionately consolidated company is to construct an office building of 24,000 sqm. for a pre-determined consideration. As of December 31, 2003, approximately 10,400 sqm. have been constructed, of which 5,840 sqm. are leased to the Company, subsidiaries and proportionately consolidated companies. |
| | | |
| | | In June 2000, the proportionately consolidated company signed an agreement with a subsidiary, whereby the subsidiary is to manage, plan and carry out this construction project. The project will be charged at cost plus 12%. |
| | | |
| | 9) | In October 1999, Baran Technologies entered into a 6-year agreement with a German company. This agreement grants the German company certain rights for the distribution of piaso-electric buttons and keys. Pursuant to this agreement, during the first year of the agreement, the German company will act as sole distributor and marketer of the above products in all German-speaking European countries (hereafter – “the territory”), and Baran Technologies hasgiven an undertaking not to directly carry out any selling activities in the territory. |
F-47
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 11 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (continued):
| | 10) | On August 20, 2000, Meissner-Baran, together with the Company and another company that is one of Meissner-Baran’s related parties, signed a contract with Tower Semiconductor Ltd. The contract, which is valid for two years, is for the planning and construction of a new semiconductor plant, for consideration of $ 102 million (adjusted NIS 442 million) (the Company’s share). The contract is on a fast-track turnkey basis and has three stages that will be performed based on the client’s decision: Stage 1 - planning and receiving building permits. Stage 2 - planning and construction of the new factory. Stage 3 - completing the project for the factory. |
| | | |
| | | As of December 31, 2002, Stages 1 and 2 had been completed. As for Stage 3, amounting to $ 16.6 million (the Company’s share), Meissner-Baran has completed 26% of stage 3. |
| | | |
| | | On March 12, 2003, Meissner-Baran and Tower Semiconductor Ltd. signed an addendum to the contract for carrying out a Stage 2 project in Tower’s FAB-2 factory in Migdal Ha’Emek (hereafter - “Stage 2 Project”), which is effective as from its signing. |
| | | |
| | | On February 19, 2003, the agreement with Tower was amended, stipulating, among other things, that Stage 3 would be executed in five subsequent sub-phases, which would go into effect based on the decisions of Tower. The proceeds of all five sub-phases total $ 16.6 million (the Company’s share). As of December 31, 2003, Meissner-Baran is in the process of executing the second sub-phase. |
| | | |
| | 11) | A joint venture of the Company is engaged in a long-term project for the construction of a military base with an area of some 395 acres, at a cost of $ 42 million. If the joint venture fails to meet the predetermined schedules, it will be required to compensate the customer at the rate of $ 7,000 (the Company’s share) per day of delay. |
|
Due to severe and extensive damage discovered in October 2003 in part of the materials used to construct the project, the USACE rejected this material. Accordingly, the joint venture recorded an accrual for additional costs of the project of approximately NIS 298,000 (the Company’s share).
|
| | 12) | In connection with the project and based on the provisions of the agreement between the joint venture of the Company and the USACE (hereafter – “the Agreement”), the joint venture furnished an insurance company with a letter of guaranty for the performance of the project in the amount of $ 6,204,000. The letter of guaranty shall be in force until the project is finally accepted by the USACE. |
| | |
| | 13) | On August 19, 2002, it was announced that a consortium of companies, which included IONICS INC., Dor Chemicals Ltd. and the Company, had been awarded the tender issued by the State of Israel for the construction of a desalination plant – see also note 2c(2). The execution of the transfer of the rights in the tender is subject to approval from the State of Israel. In April 2004 the State Of Israel claims that the termination is due to Carmel Desalination Ltd.’s breach of obligations contained in the Agreement, including CDL’s failure to execute financing agreements. The Bond was forfeited on May 2nd, 2004. Baran’s legal counsels are of the opinion that CDL has good legal arguments against WDA. The estimated costs of the project to date, which were recorded in the financial statements, are NIS 5 million. |
F-48
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 11 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (continued):
| | 14) | A consortium composed, in equal parts, of Baran Engineering and Projects and Mekorot - The Water Company Ltd. (the Israeli national water company), was exclusively awarded the tender for the construction of a water desalination facility in Ashdod, Israel. The project will be erected on a turnkey basis and its construction cost is approximately $ 95 million (the Company’s share). The construction of the project shall be completed within approximately two years. Because of difficulties and various problems as a result of structural changes in Mekorot , the project is suspended for the time being. |
| | | |
| | 15) | Baran Engineering and Projects is performing an engineering design and permitting issuance process of the natural gas transportation system project in Israel, which was initiated in 2003 and will continue during 2004. The overall scope of the project is approximately $ 3.5 million. The above company has completed 28% of this project. |
| | |
| b. | Contingent liabilities: |
| | |
| | As of December 31, 2003, the Group and its investee companies are parties to the legal claims detailed below: |
| | | |
| | 1) | In 2001, a claim for NIS 5,440,000 was filed against Baran Raviv by way of a summary procedure. The claimant alleges that Baran Raviv has a debt in respect of equipment supplied by the claimant. Baran Raviv has filed an application for leave to defend, in which it rejects the claimant’s claims. In addition, on January 1, 2003, Baran Raviv submitted its summations in connection with the application for leave to defend. Deliberations have not yet been scheduled. |
| | | |
| | 2) | On May 2, 2002, a claim was filed with the Tel-Aviv District Court against a proportionately consolidated company - Meissner-Baran - in which the Company has a 46.5% equity interest. The claim is for Meissner-Baran and 4 other parties to pay a customer approximately NIS 4 million in respect of a damage allegedly caused during the installation of an appliance on April 22, 1999. At this stage, Meissner-Baran has filed a statement of defense. Meissner-Baran has an insurance coverage ceiling of approximately $ 0.5 million (adjusted NIS 2,036,000) in respect of all claims for any particular year. Based on the opinion of its legal counsel, Meissner-Baran’s management estimates that the likelihood of it being required to pay an amount in excess of the insurance coverage of $ 0.5 million is remote. Therefore, no provision has been included in the financial statements in respect of this claim. |
| | | |
| | 3) | On December 19, 2002, another claim was filed against Meissner-Baran, for Meissner-Baran to pay a supplier NIS 2.4 million in respect of an alleged debt of Meissner-Baran to the supplier in connection with work performed by the supplier for the Company. In addition, on said date, the supplier requested the Court, ex parte, to issue a provisional attachment order against the properties of Meissner-Baran, up to an amount of NIS 4.5 million. The Court has granted the supplier’s request and issued an order as above. On December 25, 2002, Meissner-Baran applied to the Court to replace the attachment with a bank guarantee. On December 29, 2002, the Court granted this request and canceled the provisional attachment order, in exchange for a bank guarantee in the amount of NIS 2 million. On June 30, 2003, a letter of defense and a counter-claim in the amount of NIS 292,000 were filed on behalf of Meissner-Baran. |
F-49
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 11 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (continued):
| | | Based on the facts presented by Meissner–Baran, Meissner–Baran’s legal counsel estimates that it is probable that a loss will be incurred with respect to such matters. Therefore, no provision has been included in the financial statements in respect of this claim. |
| | | |
| | 4) | On July 12, 2002, a claim was filed against a subsidiary in the United States for an amount of $ 3 million (adjusted NIS 13 million) in respect of a debt to the sellers in connection with an agreement for the acquisition of a subsidiary. The Company has included a provision in its accounts in respect of this claim, which, based on the advice of legal counsel, is the amount of the probable and reasonably estimatable loss with regard to this claim. |
| | | |
| | 5) | On August 6, 2002, another claim was filed against a subsidiary in the United States, for an amount of $ 3.3 million (adjusted NIS 14 million) in respect of a debt to the sellers in connection with an agreement for the acquisition of a subsidiary. The Company has included a provision in its accounts in respect of this claim, which, based on the advice of legal counsel, is the amount of the probable and reasonably estimatable loss with regard to this claim. |
| | | |
| | 6) | Investee companies are, in the ordinary course of their business, parties in additional legal claims in an aggregate amount of NIS 6,000,000, as well as in 10 claims for personal injury filed with the Magistrates Court, in an aggregate amount of adjusted NIS 14.5 million. |
| | | |
| | 7) | In August 2003, a subcontractor filed a claim against a joint venture of the Company and others in an aggregate amount of NIS 4 million. In October 2003, the joint venture filed a motion to suspend the claim, and filed a counter-claim against the subcontractor. In September 2003, another subcontractor filed a claim against a joint venture of the Company and others in an aggregate amount of NIS 3.5 million. In February 2004, the joint venture filed statements of defense together with a counter-claim in the amount of NIS 4.6 million. Based on the opinion of the joint venture’s legal advisor for these matters, the joint venture has recorded an accrual in the amount of NIS 10 million for the probable and reasonably estimatable loss with regard to this claim. |
| |
| Based on the advice of legal counsel, the Company has included an amount of NIS 12,464,000 in respect of the probable and reasonably estimatable amount related to the above claims, which include the Company’s pro rata share of losses in respect of these claims in relation to its equity investees . Baran believes that it is not likely that the losses, which it will incur in relating to the claims disclosed in Note 11, will materially exceed the amounts disclosed in Note 11 as the amount of the probable losses provided for. The reduction in the provision is, mainly, due to the elapsing of a substantial period of time and in view of the prosecution’s failure to meet the timetable stipulated by the Court in one claim against a subsidiary in the U.S and based on the estimates of its legal counsel as to the reduced chances of the claim. |
F-50
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 12 - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
| a. | Share capital |
| | |
| | The Company’s shares are traded on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange. On December 31, 2003 the shares were quoted at the price of adjusted NIS 32.55 per share (December 31, 2002 - adjusted NIS 27.40). As from November 14, 2002, the shares are listed on the Nasdaq. On December 31, 2003, the shares were quoted at the price of $ 7.41 per share (December 31, 2002 - $ 5.7). |
| | |
| | The Company has 8,375,884 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2002 and 2003. The shares include 474,300 and 219,935 restricted shares as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively, which are held by employees and non-employees, and 55,808 and 179,736 restricted shares as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively, which are held by the Company. |
| | |
| b. | Shares of the Company held by the Company and its subsidiaries |
| | |
| | As of December 31, 2002 and 2003, the subsidiaries Baran Projects Construction Ltd. (“Baran Construction”) and Baran Industries (91) Ltd. (“Baran Industries”) held 176,608 Company shares, which represented approximately 2.11% of the Company’s shares at the aforesaid dates. The cost of these shares as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 is adjusted NIS 5,649,000. |
| | |
| | As of December 31, 2002 and 2003, the number of restricted shares held by the Company (as stated above) represented approximately 0.66% and 2.15% of the Company’s shares, respectively. |
| | |
| | In determining the amount of retained earnings available for distribution as a dividend, the Companies Law stipulates that the cost of a company’s shares acquired by a subsidiary have to be deducted from the amount of retained earnings. |
| | |
| c. | Restricted shares granted to employees and non-employees: |
| | |
| | The Group has granted restricted shares to its employees and non-employees, at their par value (1 NIS per share), as follows: |
| | | Number of ordinary shares of NIS 1 par value | | Vesting period* | | Fair value at grant date (NIS per share) | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| Grant date | | Employees | | Non- employees (a) | | | | | | | |
|
| |
| |
| | | | | | | |
| April 6, 2000 | | | 182,000 | (c) | | | | | | Over 5 years | | | 104.3 | | |
| December 28, 2000 | | | 179,000 | (b) | | 4,000 | | | Over 5 years | | | 129 | | |
| August 7, 2001 | | | 50,000 | (d) | | | | | | Over 7 years | | | 90.3 | | |
| November 25, 2001 | | | 130,250 | (b) | | 5,000 | | | Over 5 years | | | 83 | | |
| December 31, 2002 | | | 39,800 | (e) | | | | | | Over 5 years | | | 27.93 | | |
| May 29, 2003 | | | 3,000 | (f) | | | | | | 1 year | | | 39 | | |
| * | The period over which the optionee must be employed by, or provide services to, the Company, at the end of which the restriction on the shares is lifted and the shares become ordinary shares of the Company. |
F-51
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 12 - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued):
| | (a) | Mainly represents Group staff, that are not considered to be employees for accounting purposes, since they are not considered employees of the Group for tax purposes. |
| | | |
| | (b) | The shares will vest in four equal batches. The first batch will vest after two years, while the second, third and fourth batches will vest after three, four andfive years, respectively, from the grant date. |
| | | |
| | | During 2003, 71,428 forfeited shares were returned to the Company. |
| | | |
| | (c) | The shares will vest in four batches. The first batch of 70,000 shares will vest in April 2002, while the second, third and fourth batches of 40,250, 39,000 and 32,750 shares, will vest after three, four andfive years, respectively, from the grant date. |
| | | |
| | | During 2003, 22,500 forfeited shares were returned to the Company. |
| | | |
| | (d) | Granted to the Company’s CEO |
| | | |
| | | On January 1, 2003, the employment of the Company’s CEO terminated. As a result, 25,000 forfeited shares were returned to the Company and the other 12,500 shares have been accelerated and fully vested. |
| | | |
| | (e) | 39,000 shares will vest in four equal batches. The first batch will vest after two years, while the second, third and fourth batches will vest after three, four and five years, respectively, from the grant date. The remaining 800 shares will vest after two years. |
| | | |
| | (f) | All 3,000 shares will vest in one batch. |
| | |
| | As December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, the number of unvested restricted shares held by Group employees and non-employees is 567,631, 515,469 and 441,055 shares, respectively. |
| | |
| | In addition, at the same dates, the weighted number of forfeited shares held by the Company is, 95,608, 95,608, and 180,986 shares, respectively. |
| | |
| | The restricted shares, held by the employees and non-employees, have the same voting rights and the right to receive dividends, as the Company’s ordinary shares. |
| | |
| d. | The granting of shares in accordance with the stock option plan for Israeli employees is subject to the terms stipulated by Section 102 of the Income Tax Ordinance. Inter alia, these terms provide that the Company will be allowed to claim as an expense for tax purposes the amounts credited to the employees as a benefit in respect of shares or options granted under the plan, as follows: |
| | |
| | Through December 31, 2003, the amount that the Company will be allowed to claim as an expense for tax purposes will be the amount of the benefit chargeable to tax in the hands of the employee. |
F-52
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 12 - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued):
| | From January 1, 2003 the amount that the Company will be allowed to claim as an expense for tax purposes will be the amount of the benefit chargeable to tax as work income in the hands of the employee, while that part of the benefit that is chargeable to capital gains tax in the hands of the employee will not be allowable - all being subject to the restrictions specified in Section 102 of the Income Tax Ordinance. The aforementioned expense will be recognized in the tax year that the benefit is credited to the employee. |
| | |
| e. | Employee stock option plan |
| | |
| | On February 27, 2003, the Company in general meeting approved an option plan for employees of a subsidiary in the USA, under which senior employees in the USA are to be granted options to purchase up to 116,000 ordinary shares of the Company, without consideration. Any option not exercised by the end of the exercise period will expire. |
| | |
| | On December 1, 2003, options to purchase 74,000 ordinary shares were granted under this plan, at an exercise price of NIS 30.64. The vesting period of the options granted is 2 years from the date of grant and the rights of the ordinary shares obtained upon exercise of the options will be identical to those of the other ordinary shares of the Company. The exercise period of the options granted is 3 years from the date of grant. |
| | |
| | On November 3, 2003, the Company’s Board of Directors approved employee stock option plans (hereafter – the plans), whereunder up to 82,000 options are to be granted to senior employees of the Company, without consideration. Under the plans, each option can be exercised to purchase one ordinary share of NIS 1 par value of the Company. Immediately upon allotment, the ordinary shares purchased, upon exercise of the options, will have the same rights as other Company ordinary shares. |
| | |
| | On December 22, 2003, 37,500 options were granted under plan 1, at an exercise price of NIS 29.79. |
| | |
| | On December 22, 2003, 37,500 options were granted under plan 2, at an exercise price of NIS 29.79, plus $ 5. |
| | |
| | The vesting period of the options granted under the plans is 2-3 years from the date of grant and the rights of the ordinary shares obtained upon exercise of the options will be identical to those of the other ordinary shares of the Company. The exercise period of the options granted is 3-4 years from the date of grant. |
| | |
| | In addition, the Company has undertaken to make a cash payment to the employees – in an amount of $ 2 per option - in the event that the share price does not reach a certain level during the exercise period and only upon expiration of the options (i.e. if the options are not exercised). |
| | |
| | As of December 31, 2003, the options were out-of-the money and the Company, accordingly, recorded a provision for the cash payment under the aforesaid undertaking, pro rata to the expired portion the lock-up period. The provision at balance sheet date, amounting to adjusted NIS 2,000 is included in the line “employees” under “accounts payable and accruals – other” |
F-53
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 12 - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued):
| | The options granted to the Israeli employees are subject to the terms stipulated by Section 102 of the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance. Inter alia, these terms provide that the Company will be allowed to claim, as an expense for tax purposes, the amounts credited to the employees as a benefit in respect of shares or options granted under the plans. |
| | A summary of the status of the company’s plans as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001and changes during the years ended of those dates, is presented below : |
| | | Year ended December 31, 2 0 0 3 | |
| | |
| |
| | | Number | | Weighted average exercise price | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | | | | NIS | |
| | | | |
| |
| Options outstanding at beginning of year | | | -,- | | | -,- | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Changes during the year - options granted | | | 149,000 | | | 34.88 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| Options outstanding at end of year | | | 149,000 | | | 34.88 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year | | | | | | 10.496 | |
| | | | | |
|
| |
| | | 2 0 0 3 | |
| | |
| |
| | | Number | | Exercise price | | Weighted average fair value | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | | | | NIS | |
| | | | | |
| |
| Options granted during the year at the following exercise prices: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Below market value | | | 74,000 | | | 30.639 | | | | 11.684 | | |
| | |
|
| | |
| | | |
| | |
| At market value | | | 37,500 | | | 29.79 | | | | 11.982 | | |
| | |
|
| | |
| | | |
| | |
| Above market value | | | 37,500 | | | 51.685 | | | | 7.167 | | |
| | |
|
| | |
| | | |
| | |
| | The fair value of options granted during 2003 was adjusted NIS 1,582,712. The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black & Scholes option–pricing model, with the following weighted average assumptions: |
| | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| | | | |
Expected volatility | | | 57.25 | % |
Risk free interest rate | | | 2.2 | % |
Expected life in years | | | 2.5 | |
F-54
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 12 - SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (continued):
| | The following table presents summarized information relating to the options outstanding at December 31, 2003: |
Options outstanding |
|
Exercise prices | | Number outstanding at December 31, 2003 | | Weighted average remaining contractual life | |
| |
| |
| |
NIS | | | | Years | |
| | | |
| |
29.79 | | | 37,500 | | | 3 | | |
51.685 | | | 37,500 | | | 3 | | |
30.639 | | | 74,000 | | | 2.5 | | |
| | |
| | | | | |
29.79-30.639 | | | 149,000 | | | 2.7 | | |
| | With respect to options granted to Israeli employees, the amount that the Company will be allowed to claim, as an expense for tax purposes, will be the amount of the benefit chargeable to tax as work income in the hands of the employee, while that part of the benefit that is chargeable to capital gains tax in the hands of the employee shall not be allowable. All are subject to the restrictions specified in Section 102 of the Income Tax Ordinance. |
| | |
| | The aforementioned expense will be recognized in the tax year that the benefit is credited to the employee. |
| | |
| f. | Retained earnings |
| | |
| | As prescribed by the Companies Law, in determining the amounts available for dividend distribution, the amount of Company shares purchased by subsidiaries or acquired by the Company are deducted from the balance of retained earnings presented under the Company’s shareholders’ equity. |
| | |
| | In the event of the Company declaring cash dividends, such dividends will be paid in Israeli currency. Under current Israeli regulations, any cash dividend in Israeli currency, paid in respect of ordinary shares purchased by non-residents of Israel with non-Israeli currency, may be freely repatriated in such non-Israeli currency, at the rate of exchange prevailing at the time of conversion. |
F-55
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 13 - TAXES ON INCOME:
| a. | The Company and its investee companies: |
| | |
| | 1) | Tax benefits under the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959 (hereafter - the law). |
| | | |
| | | Under the law, by virtue of the “approved enterprise” status granted to some of their plants, two of the Company’s subsidiaries are entitled to various tax benefits. The main tax benefits available to the abovementioned subsidiaries are: |
| | | | |
| | | a) | Tax exemption and reduced tax rates |
| | | | |
| | | | During the period of benefits - 7 years or 10 years commencing the first year in which the subsidiary earns taxable income from the approved enterprises (provided the maximum period to which it is restricted by law has not elapsed) - the following reduced tax rates or tax exemptions apply to the subsidiaries’ income from their approved enterprises: |
| | | | |
| | | (i) | One of the subsidiaries is exempt from tax on the income from the approved enterprise in respect of which the subsidiary has elected the “alternative benefits” track; the length of the exemption period is ten years, and will expire in 2006. The benefit period in respect of this enterprise has not yet commenced. See also note 1k(3)(a). |
| | | | |
| | | | In the event of distribution of cash dividends out of income, which was tax exempt as above, the subsidiary would have to pay tax at the rate of 25% in respect of the amount distributed. |
| | | | |
| | | (ii) | The other subsidiary will be liable to corporate tax at the rate of 25%, instead of the regular tax rate, for a period of seven years. See also note 1k(3)(b). |
| | | |
| | b) | Accelerated depreciation |
| | | |
| | | The subsidiary is entitled to claim accelerated depreciation for five tax years commencing in the first year of operation of each asset, in respect of buildings, machinery and equipment used by the approved enterprise. |
| | | |
| | c) | Conditions for entitlement to benefits |
| | | |
| | | The entitlement to the above benefits is conditional upon the subsidiary’s fulfilling the conditions stipulated by the law, regulations published thereunder and the instruments of approval for the specific investments in approved enterprises. In the event of failure to comply with these conditions, the benefits may be cancelled and the subsidiary may be required to refund the amount of the benefits, in whole or in part, with the addition of linkage differences (to the Israeli CPI) and interest. |
F-56
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 13 - TAXES ON INCOME (continued):
| | 2) | Measurement of results for tax purposes under the Income Tax (Inflationary Adjustments) Law, 1985 (hereafter - the inflationary adjustments law) |
| | | |
| | | Under the inflationary adjustments law, results for tax purposes are measured in real terms, having regard to the changes in the Israeli CPI. The Company, its Israeli subsidiaries and its Israeli proportionately consolidated companies are taxed under this law. |
| | | |
| | 3) | Tax rates applicable to income not derived from “approved enterprises” |
| | | |
| | | Such income, of the Company and its Israeli subsidiaries and proportionately consolidated companies not eligible for approved enterprise benefits mentioned in 1a above, is taxed at the regular rate of 36%. |
| | | |
| | | Foreign subsidiaries are taxed on the basis of the tax laws in their country of residence. |
| | | |
| | 4) | Reform of the Israeli tax system |
| | | |
| | | In 2003, the provisions of the Amendment to the Income Tax Ordinance (No. 132), 2002 (hereafter – the tax reform law) came into effect. The tax reform law comprehensively reforms certain parts of the Israeli tax system. Certain provisions of the tax reform law and anticipated supplementary provisions will only be applied from later dates. |
| | | |
| | | The Company expects that, as a result of the implementation of the tax reform law, it will have a gradual reduction in its tax liability due to the fact that a significant portion of its income is liable to capital gains tax. In accordance with the provisions of the tax reform law, as from January 1, 2003, capital gains will be taxed at a reduced rate of 25%, instead of the regular rate of 36% at which they were taxed until the aforementioned date; with regard to the sale of assets acquired prior to January 1, 2003, the reduced tax rate will be applicable only for the gain allocated to capital gains earned after the implementation of the tax reform law, which will be calculated, as prescribed by that law. Furthermore, the tax reform law stipulates that carryforward capital losses may be utilized against capital gains, without any time restriction (the time limitation for the utilization has been removed in respect of capital losses which arose in the tax year 1996 and thereafter). The tax reform law also includes an arrangement to allow the set off of capital losses from the sale of overseas assets against capital gains in Israel. |
| | | |
| | 5) | Carryforward tax losses and balance of deduction for inflation: |
| | | December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| Losses and balance of deduction for inflation* | | | 59,569 | | | 99,639 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
F-57
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 13 - TAXES ON INCOME(continued):
| | | * | Includes balance of carryforward losses of overseas subsidiaries - denoted in foreign currency - that amounts to adjusted NIS 62,665,000 as of December 31, 2003 (December 31, 2002 - NIS 33,751,000). Under the Israeli inflationary adjustments law, most of the carryforward tax losses are linked to the Israeli CPI and can be utilized with no expiration date. |
| | | | |
| | 6) | Carryforward realized losses on sales of marketable securities at December 31, 2003 aggregate adjusted NIS 1,444,000; December 31, 2002 - adjusted NIS 323,473 (these amounts are excluded from the carryforward tax loss balance disclosed in the table in (5) above). The realized losses are deductible from future realized gains from marketable securities, if any. Full valuation allowance has been included in respect of such losses, as it is not probable that they will be utilized in the foreseeable future. |
| | | |
| | | As of December 31, 2002 and 2003, carryforward capital tax losses totaled adjusted NIS 1,481,141, and NIS 1,640,000, respectively. These losses may only be utilized against capital gains. The Company provide a full valuation allowance with respect to carryforward tax losses. Under the inflationary adjustments law, tax losses, capital losses and the deduction for inflation carried forward to future years are linked to the Israeli CPI. |
| | |
| b. | Deferred income taxes: |
| | | | |
| | 1) | The composition of the deferred taxes is as follows: |
| | | December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| | | | |
| Depreciable fixed assets | | | (50 | ) | | (22 | ) |
| Severance pay | | | 1,559 | | | 1,723 | |
| Vacation and recreation pay | | | 2,177 | | | 1,474 | |
| In respect of differences between reporting on accrual basis and cash basis (see f. below) | | | (3,597 | ) | | (3,317 | ) |
| In respect of carryforward tax losses and deduction for inflation | | | 21,445 | | | 37,863 | |
| Other net | | | 159 | | | (453 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | 21,693 | | | 37,268 | |
| L e s s - valuation allowance | | | (16,497 | ) | | (32,803 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | 5,196 | | | 4,465 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
F-58
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 13 - TAXES ON INCOME (continued):
| | 2) | Deferred taxes are presented in the balance sheets as follows: |
| | | Consolidated | |
| | |
| |
| | | December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| | | | |
| Among current assets | | | 7,284 | | | 6,081 | |
| Among investments loans and long-term receivables | | | 1,559 | | | 1,723 | |
| Among current liabilities | | | (3,597 | ) | | (3,317 | ) |
| Among long-term liabilities | | | (50 | ) | | (22 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| B a l a n c e - asset, net * | | | 5,196 | | | 4,465 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | * | Regarding companies in Israel, realization of this deferred tax balance is conditional upon earning, in the coming years, taxable income in an appropriate amount. |
| | | The deferred taxes are computed mainly at the tax rate of 36%. |
| | | |
| | | Foreign subsidiaries are subject to the tax laws in their countries of residence. |
| | | | |
| c. | Income (losses) before taxes on income is composed as follows: |
| | | Consolidated | |
| | |
| |
| | | Year ended December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| | | | |
| The Company, subsidiaries and proportionately consolidated companies in Israel | | | 109,557 | | | 31,730 | | | (9,601 | ) |
| Subsidiaries and proportionately consolidated companies outside Israel | | | 537 | | | 6,797 | | | (59,716 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | 110,094 | | | 38,527 | | | (69,317 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
F-59
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 13 - TAXES ON INCOME (continued):
| d. | Taxes on income included in the statements of income: |
| | | | |
| | 1) | As follows: |
| | | Consolidated | |
| | |
| |
| | | Year ended December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| | | | |
| Current: | | | | | | | | | | |
| In Israel | | | 41,604 | | | 13,531 | | | 7,778 | |
| Other | | | 468 | | | 2,713 | | | 1,292 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | 42,072 | | | 16,244 | | | 9,070 | |
| Deferred, see 13b above: | | | | | | | | | | |
| In Israel | | | 2,186 | | | 390 | | | 756 | |
| Other | | | 409 | | | 1,058 | | | | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | 2,595 | | | 1,448 | | | 756 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | 44,667 | | | 17,692 | | | 9,826 | |
| For previous years - current | | | (171 | ) | | (739 | ) | | | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | 44,496 | | | 16,953 | | | 9,826 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | Current taxes have been computed at the tax rates of 36% and 25% (mainly 36%) for the tax years 2001 -2003. |
| | | | |
| | | Foreign subsidiaries are subject to the tax laws in their countries of residence. |
F-60
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 13 - TAXES ON INCOME (continued):
| | 2) | Following is a reconciliation of the theoretical tax expense, assuming all income is taxed at the regular tax rates applicable to companies in Israel (see a(3) above), and the actual tax expense: |
| | | Year ended December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Income (loss) before taxes on income, as reported in the statements of income (loss) | | | 114,453 | | | 38,527 | | | (69,317 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| Theoretical tax expense (benefit) | | | 41,203 | | | 13,869 | | | (24,954 | ) |
| L e s s - tax benefits arising from approved enterprise status | | | 128 | | | 882 | | | (241 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | 41,075 | | | 12,987 | | | (25,195 | ) |
| Decrease in taxes resulting from different tax rates applicable to foreign subsidiaries | | | (46 | ) | | 182 | | | 865 | |
| Increase in valuation allowance | | | 4,597 | | | 5,565 | | | 16,306 | |
| Erosion of tax payments | | | | | | 234 | | | 49 | |
| Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from permanent differences – the tax effect: | | | | | | | | | | |
| Disallowable deductions: | | | | | | | | | | |
| Goodwill impairment | | | | | | | | | 13,069 | |
| Goodwill amortization | | | 33 | | | 859 | | | 4,760 | |
| Other | | | 1,245 | | | 1,583 | | | 673 | |
| Income taxed at special rates | | | | | | (1,703 | ) | | | |
| Decrease in taxes resulting from shares issued to employees and non-employees | | | (2,303 | ) | | (1,988 | ) | | (1,268 | ) |
| Taxes in respect of previous years | | | (171 | ) | | (739 | ) | | | |
| Other | | | 66 | | | 47 | | | 567 | |
| Decrease in taxes in respect of tax losses incurred in the reported year for which deferred taxes were not created | | | | | | (74 | ) | | | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| Taxes on income as reported in the statement of income (loss) | | | 44,496 | | | 16,953 | | | 9,826 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
F-61
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 13 - TAXES ON INCOME (continued):
| e. | Tax assessments |
| | |
| | Some of the Group companies have received final assessments through the tax year 2001. The Company and some of its subsidiaries have received final assessments through the tax year 1997. Some of the Group companies have not received final tax assessments since their incorporation, although the tax assessments filed through the tax year 1997 are considered to be final. |
| | |
| f. | Basis of recognizing income for tax purposes |
| | |
| | The Company and its Israeli subsidiaries report for tax purposes on the accruals basis, with the exception of the engineering companies, Baran Engineering and Baran Infrastructure, which report on the cash basis. |
|
NOTE 14 - LINKAGE TERMS OF MONETARY BALANCES: |
| | |
| a. | As follows: |
| | D e c e m b e r 3 1, 2 0 0 3 | |
| |
| |
| | Linkage to euro | | Linkage to U.S dollar | | CPI linked | | Unlinked | | Others | | Total | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| |
| |
Adjusted NIS : | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | 72,925 | | | 74,535 | | | 60,083 | | | 181,090 | | | 3,432 | | | 392,065 | |
Long-term loan and long-term receivables | | | | | | 134 | | | 502 | | | 13,686 | | | | | | 14,322 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | 72,925 | | | 74,669 | | | 60,585 | | | 194,776 | | | 3,432 | | | 406,387 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | 78,530 | | | 55,608 | | | 2,325 | | | 140,157 | | | 6,550 | | | 283,170 | |
Long term bank loans (including current maturities) | | | 7,016 | | | | | | 140,474 | | | 11,911 | | | | | | 159,401 | |
Other long-term liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | 5,150 | | | | | | 5,150 | |
Capital notes issued to minority shareholders of a subsidiary | | | | | | | | | 22,388 | | | | | | | | | 22,388 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | 85,546 | | | 55,608 | | | 165,187 | | | 157,218 | | | 6,550 | | | 470,109 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
F-62
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 14 - LINKAGE TERMS OF MONETARY BALANCES(continued):
| b. | Data regarding the Israeli CPI and exchange rate of the U.S. dollar and the euro: |
| | | Exchange rate of one dollar | | Exchange rate of one euro | | Israeli CPI* | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | | |
| As of December 31: | | | | | | | |
| 2003 | | NIS 4.379 | | NIS 5.5331 | | Points 99.4 | |
| 2002 | | NIS 4.737 | | NIS 4.9696 | | Points 101.3 | |
| 2001 | | NIS 4.416 | | NIS 3.9075 | | Points 95.1 | |
| 2000 | | NIS 4.041 | | NIS 3.7628 | | Points 93.8 | |
| Increase (decrease) during: | | | | | | | |
| 2003 | | (7.6 | )% | | 11.3 | % | | (1.9 | )% | |
| 2002 | | 7.3 | % | | 27.2 | % | | 6.5 | % | |
| 2001 | | 9.3 | % | | 3.8 | % | | 1.4 | % | |
| * | Based on the index for the month ending on each balance sheet date, on the basis of 2002 average = 100. |
NOTE 15 - SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION:
| | | | December 31 | |
| | | |
| |
| | | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | | |
| |
| |
| | | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | | |
| |
| a. | Short-term investments: | | | | | | | |
| | Marketable securities: | | | | | | | |
| | Bonds: | | | | | | | |
| | Government bonds | | | 49,239 | | | 49,414 | |
| | Corporate bonds | | | 5,458 | | | 4,937 | |
| | Mutual fund participation certificates | | | 4,263 | | | 1,253 | |
| | Shares | | | 269 | | | 294 | |
| | Short-term bank deposits* | | | 123 | | | 6,660 | |
| | Deposit in an investment company | | | 26,876 | | | | |
| | Non-marketable options | | | | | | 1,260 | |
| | | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | 86,228 | | | 63,818 | |
| | | |
|
| |
|
| |
| * | The deposits, which are for periods of up to one year, are unlinked and bear interest at an average rate of 1% per annum. |
F-63
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 15 - SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (continued):
| | | | | December 31 | |
| | | | |
| |
| | | | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | | | |
| |
| |
| | | | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | | | |
| |
| b. | Accounts receivable: | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | 1) | Trade and income receivable: | | | | | | | |
| | | Open accounts and checks receivable | | | 178,953 | | | 142,479 | |
| | | L e s s - allowance for doubtful accounts | | | (7,628 | ) | | (4,558 | ) |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | 171,325 | | | 137,921 | |
| | | Income receivable, net of customer advances | | | 85,735 | | | 93,799 | |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | 257,060 | | | 231,720 | |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | 2) | Other: | | | | | | | |
| | | Employees | | | 2,327 | | | 1,872 | |
| | | Government institutions | | | 6,728 | | | 3,593 | |
| | | Proportionately consolidated companies* | | | 4,187 | | | 12,187 | |
| | | Related parties* | | | 43 | | | | |
| | | Prepaid expenses | | | 5,262 | | | 5,241 | |
| | | Deferred income taxes, see note 13b | | | 7,284 | | | 6,081 | |
| | | Income taxes refundable | | | 5,918 | | | 6,501 | |
| | | Advances to suppliers | | | 1,544 | | | 806 | |
| | | Derivative instruments | | | 2,439 | | | 1,720 | |
| | | Investment designated for sale | | | 4,267 | | | | |
| | | Sundry | | | 6,597 | | | 11,161 | |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | 46,594 | | | 49,162 | |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
| * | The balances due from proportionately consolidated companies are linked to the Israeli CPI and bear interest at the rate of 4% per annum. The balances due from related parties are unlinked and bear no interest. |
F-64
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 15 - SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (continued):
| | | | | December 31 | |
| | | | |
| |
| | | | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | | | |
| |
| |
| | | | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | | | |
| |
| c. | Inventories: | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | Raw materials and supplies | | | 5,749 | | | 9,757 | |
| | Products in process | | | 464 | | | 788 | |
| | Finished products | | | 2,972 | | | 5,931 | |
| | | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | 9,185 | | | 16,476 | |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| d. | Short-term bank credit and bank loans: | | | | | | | |
| | 1) | Composed as follows: | | | | | | | |
| | | Short-term bank credit* | | | 17,422 | | | 23,509 | |
| | | Short-term bank loans | | | 55,829 | | | 86,519 | |
| | | Current maturities of long-term bank loans, see note 8 | | | 25,892 | | | 24,690 | |
| | | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | 99,143 | | | 134,718 | |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | Unutilized credit facilities | | | 542,826 | | | 431,755 | |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
| * | The Company has provided guarantees to a certain subsidiary and joint venture in the amount of adjusted NIS 7,776,000. |
| | 2) | Classified by currency, linkage terms and interest rates, the short-term bank credit and bank loans (excluding current maturities of long-term loans) are as follows: |
| | | Weighted interest rates at December 31, 2003 | | | |
| | | | December 31 | |
| | | |
| |
| | | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | % | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| In, or linked to, foreign currencies | | 2.59-3.43 | | | 58,232 | | | 66,558 | |
| Linked to the Israeli CPI | | 6.18 | | | 6,480 | | | 2,047 | |
| Unlinked | | 6-7 | | | 8,539 | | | 41,423 | |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | 73,251 | | | 110,028 | |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
F-65
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 15 - SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (continued):
| | | | | December 31 | |
| | | | |
| |
| | | | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | | | |
| |
| |
| | | | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | | | |
| |
| e. | Accounts payable and accruals - other: | | | | | | | |
| | Government institutions | | | 25,550 | | | 10,090 | |
| | Provision for vacation pay | | | 6,791 | | | 5,094 | |
| | Accrued expenses | | | 81,022 | | | 55,045 | |
| | Employees | | | 6,856 | | | 6,768 | |
| | Income taxes payable | | | 5,715 | | | 6,064 | |
| | Related parties | | | 5,199 | | | 3,312 | |
| | Warranty provision** | | | 10,758 | | | 3,526 | |
| | Customer advances* | | | 2,572 | | | 7,306 | |
| | Deferred income taxes, see note 13b | | | 3,597 | | | 3,317 | |
| | Income received in advance | | | 480 | | | 37 | |
| | Sundry | | | 7,137 | | | 12,300 | |
| | | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | 155,677 | | | 112,859 | |
| | | |
|
| |
|
| |
| * | Customer advances as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 are presented net of work in progress amounting to adjusted NIS 16,314,000 and adjusted NIS 7,361,000, respectively. |
| | |
| ** | Movements in the warranty provision during the year: |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| | | | | |
| Balance at January 1, 2002 | | | 21,182 | |
| Payments made under the warranty | | | (3,362 | ) |
| Provisions created | | | 1,804 | |
| Change in accrual in respect of pre-existing warranties | | | (8,866 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
| Balance at December 31, 2002 | | | 10,758 | |
| Payments made under the warranty | | | (414 | ) |
| Provisions created | | | 1,266 | |
| Change in accrual in respect of pre-existing warranties | | | (8,084 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
| Balance at December 31, 2003 | | | 3,526 | |
| | |
|
| |
F-66
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 15 - SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (continued):
| Statements of income (loss): |
| | | | | Year ended December 31 | |
| | | | |
| |
| | | | | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | | | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | | | |
| |
| f. | Cost of revenues: | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 1) | Construction projects and services: | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Materials consumed | | | 124,323 | | | 57,812 | | | 41,588 | |
| | | Salaries | | | 155,709 | | | 154,238 | | | 128,949 | |
| | | Subcontractors | | | 387,074 | | | 299,607 | | | 210,317 | |
| | | Manufacturing and operating costs | | | 73,246 | | | 75,535 | | | 50,578 | |
| | | Depreciation and amortization | | | 5,876 | | | 10,355 | | | 6,565 | |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | 746,228 | | | 597,547 | | | 437,997 | |
| | | Decrease (increase) in finished products inventory | | | (4,696 | ) | | (2,879 | ) | | (3,218 | ) |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | 741,532 | | | 594,668 | | | 434,779 | |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | 2) | Sale of products: | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Materials consumed | | | 87,293 | | | 138,512 | | | 181,762 | |
| | | Salaries | | | 2,844 | | | 3,809 | | | 4,676 | |
| | | Subcontractors | | | 2,042 | | | | | | | |
| | | Manufacturing and operating costs | | | 397 | | | 3,165 | | | 3,843 | |
| | | Depreciation and amortization | | | 277 | | | 481 | | | 441 | |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | 92,853 | | | 145,967 | | | 190,722 | |
| | | Decrease (increase) in products in process inventory | | | (2,867 | ) | | 9,218 | | | (41 | ) |
| | | Decrease (increase) in finished products inventory | | | (546 | ) | | 1,756 | | | (3,891 | ) |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | (3,413 | ) | | 10,974 | | | (3,932 | ) |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | 89,440 | | | 156,941 | | | 186,790 | |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | 3) | Lease of buildings: | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Salaries | | | | | | 630 | | | | |
| | | Subcontractors | | | | | | | | | 28 | |
| | | Manufacturing and operating costs | | | 10 | | | | | | 540 | |
| | | Depreciation and amortization | | | 1,550 | | | 1,907 | | | 2,030 | |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | 1,560 | | | 2,537 | | | 2,598 | |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
F-67
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 15 - SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (continued):
| | | | | Year ended December 31 | |
| | | | |
| |
| | | | | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | | | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | | | |
| |
| g. | Selling and marketing expenses, net: | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Payroll and related expenses | | | 2,703 | | | 8,902 | | | 5,106 | |
| | | Advertising and sales promotion expenses | | | 2,647 | | | 4,249 | | | 3,466 | |
| | | Depreciation and amortization | | | 197 | | | 266 | | | 420 | |
| | | Other | | | 4,720 | | | 9,943 | | | 11,577 | |
| | | L e s s - government participations in marketing expenses | | | (783 | ) | | (189 | ) | | (124 | ) |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | 9,484 | | | 23,171 | | | 20,445 | |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| h. | General and administrative expenses: | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Payroll and related expenses | | | 21,354 | | | 18,281 | | | 26,711 | |
| | | Vehicle expenses | | | 1,514 | | | 1,781 | | | 2,508 | |
| | | Rentals and office maintenance | | | 8,710 | | | 4,865 | | | 5,196 | |
| | | Office supplies, postage and telephone | | | 6,119 | | | 8,913 | | | 7,573 | |
| | | Professional fees | | | 2,632 | | | 4,029 | | | 3,697 | |
| | | Traveling | | | 1,236 | | | 1,608 | | | 3,137 | |
| | | Allowance for doubtful accounts and bad debts | | | (12 | ) | | (44 | ) | | 828 | |
| | | Depreciation and amortization | | | 3,122 | | | 5,657 | | | 18,367 | |
| | | Other | | | 14,387 | | | 7,396 | | | 5,228 | |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | 59,062 | | | 52,486 | | | 73,245 | |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| i. | Financial income (expenses), net: | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | In respect of marketable securities | | | 632 | | | 552 | | | 5,618 | |
| | | In respect of deposits and loans granted | | | 14,864 | | | 5,139 | | | 404 | |
| | | In respect of short-term bank credit and bank loans | | | (5,353 | ) | | (11,479 | ) | | (5,728 | ) |
| | | In respect of long-term loans | | | (3,270 | ) | | (11,819 | ) | | (8,625 | ) |
| | | Other - primarily erosion of monetary items, net | | | 538 | | | 1,432 | | | (1,715 | ) |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | 7,411 | | | (16,175 | ) | | (10,046 | ) |
| | | Borrowing costs capitalized to (reversed from) cost of land and buildings for lease | | | 405 | | | (950 | ) | | | |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | 7,816 | | | (17,125 | ) | | (10,046 | ) |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
F-68
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 15 - SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION(continued):
| | | | Year ended December 31 | |
| | | |
| |
| | | | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | | |
| |
| j. | Other income (expenses), net: | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Capital gain on sale of fixed assets | | | 78 | | | 1,626 | | | 560 | |
| | | Capital gain on disposal of shares of associated company | | | | | | | | | 507 | |
| | | Capital loss on reduction in percentage of shareholding in associated company | | | | | | | | | (116 | ) |
| | | Capital loss in respect of impairment in value of other investments | | | | | | | | | (1,075 | ) |
| | | Capital gain on payable being forgiven | | | | | | | | | 385 | |
| | | Impairment of fixed asset | | | | | | (590 | ) | | (177 | ) |
| | | Capital gain on sale of investment designated for sale | | | | | | | | | 649 | |
| | | Other | | | 334 | | | | | | | |
| | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | 412 | | | 1,036 | | | 733 | |
| | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| k. | Company’s share in profits (losses) of associated companies, net: | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Share in profits (losses) for the year, net | | | (2,801 | ) | | 1,495 | | | (161 | ) |
| | | Amortization of goodwill | | | (373 | ) | | (455 | ) | | (456 | ) |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | (3,174 | ) | | 1,040 | | | (617 | ) |
| | | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | Dividend received | | | 1,445 | | | 1,845 | | | 1,493 | |
| | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
NOTE 16 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT:
| a. | General |
| |
| | The Company invests available cash in low risk instruments. The Company has not entered into any hedging transactions with respect to exchange rates related to its current projects, because the related income and expenses for the majority of those projects are in Israeli currency. |
| | |
| | Foreign Subsidiaries typically carry out their activities in the local functional currency, so that the revenues from those activities are not exposed to fluctuations in exchange rates. |
| | |
| b. | Concentration of credit risks |
| | |
| | Most of the Group’s cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2002 and 2003 were deposited with Israeli, US and German banks. The Company is of the opinion that the credit risk in respect of these balances is remote. |
| | |
| | Some of the Group’s income is from major customers (see also note 18c). |
| | |
| | The Group performs ongoing evaluations of its customers and does not generally require collateral. The accounts include a provision for doubtful accounts. |
F-69
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 16 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT(continued):
| c. | Derivatives |
| | |
| | As stated in note 1n, the Group enters into foreign exchange forward contracts in order to protect the Group from the risk that the cash flows resulting from purchases of inventories will be affected by changes in the exchange rate. The term of all these contracts is less than one year. As of December 31, 2002 and 2003 the Group has no such forward contracts outstanding. |
| | |
| | As described in note 1o, the Group enters into future contracts in order to protect itself from changes in prices of certain commodities. These future contracts are accounted for as non-hedging instruments. As of December 31, 2002 and 2003, the Group had future contracts for certain commodities in the amount of adjusted NIS 2,439,000 and adjusted 1,720,000, respectively. |
| | |
| d. | Fair value of financial instruments |
| | |
| | The financial instruments of the Group consist mainly of non-derivative assets and liabilities (including working capital and long-term loans). |
| | |
| | Due to their nature, the fair value of the financial instruments included in working capital is usually close or identical to their carrying value. The fair value of the long-term bank loans also approximates the carrying value, since they bear interest at rates close to the prevailing market rates. |
| | |
| | The fair value of long-term trade receivables (including current maturities) amounts to adjusted NIS 13,817,000 using a capitalization rate of 4% (see note 11a(1)). |
| | |
| | The Company does not disclose the fair value of capital notes issued to minority shareholders in a subsidiary, since it is not practicable to determine their fair value with sufficient reliability. |
F-70
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 17 - TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES WITH RELATED PARTIES:
| a. | Benefits to related parties: |
| | | Year ended December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| | | | |
| Wages and salaries paid to related parties employed by the Company (6 recipients in 2001, 7 recipients in 2002 and 8 recipients in 2003) | | | 2,858 | | | 2,139 | | | 2,434 | |
| Directors’ fees paid to directors who are not employed by the Company (4 recipients in 2001 and 2002 and 3 recipients in 2003) | | | 160 | | | 136 | | | 173 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | 3,018 | | | 2,275 | | | 2,607 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| Bonuses (6 recipients in 2001, 1 recipient in 2002 and 2 recipients in 2003), see note 11a(9) | | | 6,389 | | | 491 | | | 819 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Number of shares | |
| | |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Restricted shares granted to an interested party, see note 12c | | | 49,057 | | | | | | | |
| | |
|
| | | | | | | |
| b. | Balances with related parties: |
| | | December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| | | | |
| Among current assets, under other accounts receivable: | | | | | | | |
| | Balance at balance sheet date | | | 43 | | | | |
| | | |
|
| | | | |
| | Highest balance during the year | | | 112 | | | | |
| | |
|
| | | | |
| Among current liabilities, under accounts payable and accruals | | | 5,199 | | | 3,312 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| c. | Transactions with associated companies: |
| | |
| | 1) | Management fees for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 were adjusted NIS 1,171,000, adjusted NIS 1,091,000 and adjusted NIS 1,166,000, respectively. |
| | | |
| | 2) | Rent payments for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 were adjusted NIS 373,000 and adjusted NIS 467,000, respectively. |
| | | |
| d. | Transactions with related parties |
| | |
| | Rent payments for the year ended December 31, 2003 were adjusted NIS 263,000. |
F-71
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 18 - BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS (continued):
| a. | Business segments: |
| | |
| | 1) | General |
| | | |
| | | The Group operates in the following divisions: communications, technologies and services, construction and industry. These divisions are the basis on which the Group reports its primary business segment information, commencing from 2000. |
| | | |
| | | In addition, in 2002, the Group’s technologies division was segregated into three business segments: technologies, buildings for lease, and marketing and recycling of food products, as disclosed below. |
| | | |
| | | During 2002, the Group changed its internal organization by transferring a proportionately consolidated company (Nes-Pan) from the consulting segment to the buildings for lease segment and a wholly owned subsidiary (Baran Industries (91) Ltd.) from the construction segment to the industry segment. The 2001 segment data was restated to reflect the above changes. |
| | | |
| | 2) | Segment results |
| | | |
| | | The operating results by segments include all the costs and expenses relating directly to each segment as well as shared expenses, which are allocated to the segments on a reasonable basis. |
| | | |
| | 3) | Segment assets and liabilities |
| | | |
| | | Segment assets include all operating assets used by a segment and consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, inventories, fixed assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, net of allowances and provisions. While most of these assets can be directly attributed to individual segments, the carrying value of certain assets, which are used jointly by two or more segments, is allocated to the segments on a reasonable basis. |
| | | |
| | | Segment liabilities include all operating liabilities and consist principally of trade payables and wages currently payable and accrued liabilities (including severance pay). |
| | | |
| | 4) | Inter-segment transfers |
| | | |
| | | Segment revenue, segment expenses and segment results include transfers between business segments. Such transfers are accounted for at competitive market prices charged to unaffiliated customers for similar goods. Those transfers are eliminated in consolidation. |
| | | |
| | 5) | Investments in associated companies presented by the equity method |
| | | |
| | | Investments in associated companies, Tefen and A.L.D., which are engaged in providing consulting services in the fields of management, operation, industrial engineering, computerization and IT development in Israel and worldwide, are accounted for by the equity method. Although the investments in these companies and the share in their profits are not considered part of the segments’ assets and revenues, they are included separately in the “consulting segment”. |
F-72
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 18 - BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS(continued):
| | 6) | Business segment information for 2003 (adjusted NIS in thousands): |
| | Communications | | Construction | | Industry | | Semi- conductors | | Consulting | | Marketing and recycling of food products | | Technologies | | Buildings for lease | | Eliminations | | Total consolidated | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) statement data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unaffiliated customers | | | 238,374 | | | 53,899 | | | 120,532 | | | 12,545 | | | 61,428 | | | 180,652 | | | 20,617 | | | 7,401 | | | | | | 695,448 | |
Intersegment | | | 23 | | | 82 | | | 2,312 | | | | | | 12,208 | | | | | | 271 | | | 788 | | | (15,684 | ) | | | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
T o t a l revenues | | | 238,397 | | | 53,981 | | | 122,844 | | | 12,545 | | | 73,636 | | | 180,652 | | | 20,888 | | | 8,189 | | | (15,684 | ) | | 695,448 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Segment results | | | (1,771 | ) | | 4,174 | | | (7,403 | ) | | 235 | | | (21,968 | ) | | 3,072 | | | (5,040 | ) | | 4,837 | | | | | | (23,864 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Unallocated general expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (888 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
Operating loss | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (24,752 | ) |
Financial expenses – net | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (10,046 | ) |
Other expenses - net | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (34,519 | ) |
Taxes on income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (9,826 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
Loss after taxes on income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (79,143 | ) |
Share in losses of associated companies, net | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (617 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (617 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Minority interests in losses of subsidiaries | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,490 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
Net loss | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (77,270 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
Other data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment assets | | | 228,431 | | | 30,959 | | | 63,717 | | | 19,204 | | | 115,468 | | | 44,580 | | | 15,682 | | | 84,759 | | | (250 | ) | | 602,550 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Investment in associated companies - presented by the equity method | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 24,181 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 24,181 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets not allocated between the segments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 20,586 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
T o t a l consolidated assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 647,317 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
Segment liabilities | | | 74,437 | | | 41,479 | | | 26,440 | | | 29,770 | | | 25,150 | | | 6,915 | | | 5,953 | | | 2,137 | | | | | | 212,281 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | | |
|
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Liabilities not allocated between the segments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 258,677 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
T o t a l consolidated liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 470,958 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
Capital expenditure | | | 3,815 | | | 1,081 | | | 1,637 | | | 500 | | | 515 | | | 143 | | | 5,390 | | | 5,574 | | | | | | | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 19,425 | | | 600 | | | 2,404 | | | 313 | | | 1,633 | | | 277 | | | 1,141 | | | 2,030 | | | | | | | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | | | | | |
Impairment | | | 36,304 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-73
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 18 - BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS(continued):
| | 7) | Business segment information for 2002 (adjusted NIS in thousands): |
| | Communications | | Construction | | Industry | | Semi- conductors | | Consulting | | Marketing and recycling of food products | | Technologies | | Buildings for lease | | Eliminations | | Total consolidated | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income statement data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unaffiliated customers | | | 341,991 | | | 46,488 | | | 151,038 | | | 114,206 | | | 57,420 | | | 152,657 | | | 20,130 | | | 6,490 | | | | | | 890,420 | |
Intersegment | | | 420 | | | 2,068 | | | 15,765 | | | | | | 22,012 | | | | | | 588 | | | | | | (40,853 | ) | | | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
T o t a l revenues | | | 342,411 | | | 48,556 | | | 166,803 | | | 114,206 | | | 79,432 | | | 152,657 | | | 20,718 | | | 6,490 | | | (40,853 | ) | | 890,420 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Segment results | | | 27,040 | | | 4,688 | | | 6,998 | | | 9,930 | | | 10,624 | | | 2,085 | | | (8,302 | ) | | 3,463 | | | (157 | ) | | 56,369 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Unallocated general expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,753 | |
Operating income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 54,616 | |
Financial expenses – net | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (17,125 | ) |
Other income – net | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,036 | |
Taxes on income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (16,953 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
Income after taxes on income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 21,574 | |
Share in profits of associated companies | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,040 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,040 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Minority interests in losses of subsidiaries | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,142 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
Net income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 24,756 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
Other data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment assets | | | 290,902 | | | 28,602 | | | 32,000 | | | 47,783 | | | 80,259 | | | 30,208 | | | 33,108 | | | 59,591 | | | (233 | ) | | 602,220 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Investment in associated companies - presented by the equity method | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 26,818 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 26,818 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Assets not allocated between the segments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 155,105 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
T o t a l consolidated assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 784,143 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
Segment liabilities | | | 147,388 | | | 15,606 | | | 16,048 | | | 37,696 | | | 25,044 | | | 7,547 | | | 8,369 | | | 502 | | | | | | 258,200 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | | |
|
| |
Liabilities not allocated between the segments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 274,217 | |
T o t a l consolidated liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 532,417 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
Capital expenditures | | | 99,950 | | | 292 | | | 803 | | | 104 | | | 2,922 | | | 388 | | | 15,054 | | | 1,117 | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 10,340 | | | 684 | | | 1,672 | | | 903 | | | 1,818 | | | 342 | | | 735 | | | 1,652 | | | | | | | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | | | | | |
F-74
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 18 - BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS(continued):
| | 8) | Business segment information for 2001 (adjusted NIS in thousands): |
| | Communications | | Construction | | Industry | | Semi- conductors | | Consulting | | Marketing and recycling of food products | | Technologies | | Buildings for lease | | Eliminations | | Total consolidated | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income statement data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Unaffiliated customers | | | 427,355 | | | 29,676 | | | 162,985 | | | 283,236 | | | 4,339 | | | 86,552 | | | 10,537 | | | 6,286 | | | | | | 1,010,966 | |
Intersegment | | | 65 | | | 3,423 | | | 12,563 | | | | | | 23,799 | | | | | | | | | | | | (39,850 | ) | | | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
T o t a l revenues | | | 427,420 | | | 33,099 | | | 175,548 | | | 283,236 | | | 28,138 | | | 86,552 | | | 10,537 | | | 6,286 | | | (39,850 | ) | | 1,010,966 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Segment results | | | 65,351 | | | 1,814 | | | 10,368 | | | 29,850 | | | 6,611 | | | 2,762 | | | (7,634 | ) | | 3,207 | | | (130 | ) | | 112,199 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Unallocated general expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (1,615 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
Operating income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 110,584 | |
Financial income - net | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 7,816 | |
Other expenses - net | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (3,947 | ) |
Taxes on income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (44,496 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
Income after taxes on income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 69,957 | |
Share in profits of associated companies | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (3,174 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (3,174 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Minority interests in losses of subsidiaries | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 574 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
Net income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 67,357 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
Other data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Segment assets | | | 248,792 | | | 26,995 | | | 56,166 | | | 154,641 | | | 17,931 | | | 39,434 | | | 27,945 | | | 56,996 | | | (390 | ) | | 628,510 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Investments in associated companies - presented by the equity method | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 26,841 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 26,841 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
Assets not allocated between the segments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 95,956 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
T o t a l consolidated assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 751,307 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
Segment liabilities | | | 180,157 | | | 23,665 | | | 30,221 | | | 140,000 | | | 45,121 | | | 7,789 | | | 6,211 | | | 294 | | | | | | 433,458 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | | |
|
| |
Liabilities not allocated between the segments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 95,145 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
T o t a l consolidated liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 528,603 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
Capital expenditure | | | 98,844 | | | 1,631 | | | 1,899 | | | 3,973 | | | 2,235 | | | 7 | | | 544 | | | 2,219 | | | | | | | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 3,980 | | | 936 | | | 1,620 | | | 481 | | | 245 | | | 218 | | | 451 | | | 1,626 | | | | | | | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
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|
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|
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|
| |
|
| |
|
| | | | | | | |
F-75
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 18 - BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS(continued):
| b. | Geographical segments: |
| | | |
| | 1) | Revenues by geographical area: |
| | | |
| | | Following are data regarding the Group’s consolidated revenues by geographical area based on the location of customers: |
| | | Year ended December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| | | | |
| Israel | | | 921,109 | | | 633,660 | | | 450,245 | |
| Europe | | | 85,568 | | | 179,707 | | | 67,063 | |
| U.S.A | | | 4,289 | | | 40,041 | | | 97,496 | |
| Other | | | | | | 37,012 | | | 80,644 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | 1,010,966 | | | 890,420 | | | 695,448 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | 2) | Assets and additions to fixed assets and intangible assets by geographical area |
| | | |
| | | Following are data reflecting the carrying value of segment assets and additions to fixed assets and intangible assets by geographical area in which the assets are located: |
| | | Carrying value of segment assets | |
| | |
| |
| | | December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| | | | |
| Israel | | | 545,522 | | | 356,782 | | | 379,496 | |
| Europe | | | 77,377 | | | 85,252 | | | 59,009 | |
| U.S.A. | | | 5,394 | | | 145,140 | | | 39,928 | |
| Other | | | | | | 14,821 | | | 4,677 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | 628,293 | | | 601,995 | | | 483,110 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | Additions to fixed assets and intangible assets | |
| | |
| |
| | | Year ended December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Israel | | | 19,531 | | | 118,857 | | | 15,555 | |
| U.S.A. | | | 89,530 | | | | | | | |
| Other | | | 2,291 | | | 1,773 | | | 3,100 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | 111,352 | | | 120,630 | | | 18,655 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
F-76
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 18 - BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS(continued):
| c. | Major customers |
| | |
| | Revenues from major customers that represent 10% or more of the Group’s revenues: |
| | Year ended December 31 | |
| |
| |
| | 2001 | | 2002 | |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS in thousands | | % of turnover | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | | % of turnover | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | | | |
Sales to major customers that represent more than 10% of the Group’s turnover: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Customer A* - communications segment | | | 274,636 | | | | 27.16 | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | |
|
| | | | | | | | |
Customer B - semi-conductors segment | | | 200,952 | | | | 19.88 | | | 111,880 | | | | 12.56 | |
| | |
| | |
|
| | |
| | |
|
| |
| | | * | With respect to the termination of the agreement in 2002, with Customer A – YES, see note 11a(1). |
NOTE 19- LIABILITIES AND GUARANTEES SECURED BY PLEDGES:
| a. | Specific pledges are registered on the vehicles of the Company and of some of the investee companies in favor of the leasing company, in accordance with the lease agreement. These vehicles are not registered in the names of the companies. |
| | |
| b. | All securities and deposits, of whatever type, that are and that shall be placed with certain banks and any other placement in respect of and in relation to the securities and deposits of the Company and the investee companies, are pledged, under specific pledges, in favor of banks. The total amount of deposits and securities as of December 31, 2003 is adjusted NIS 65,132,000. |
| | |
| c. | Contractual rights in respect of real estate in Omer, on which Baran House is located, were pledged in favor of a certain bank as security for a loan. As of balance sheet date, the loan had been fully repaid, and the bank lifted the related pledge on March 10, 2004. |
| | |
| d. | A first-ranking fixed charge and a floating charge in favor of banks are registered on the notes of E.O.D. that have been placed with the banks and on all the notes that shall be placed with the banks from time to time. |
| | |
| e. | To secure its liabilities to banks, A.L.D. registered a specific charge on contractual rights relating to real estate and a building, a floating charge on all its production facilities, property, rights and other assets, share capital, goodwill, monies and notes, securities and insurance rights, a fixed charge on a bank account and a fixed charge on all the equipment, materials and property relating to a certain construction project. |
F-77
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 19 - LIABILITIES AND GUARANTEES SECURED BY PLEDGES (continued):
| f. | To secure its liabilities to banks, Nes-Pan registered a fixed charge on all its rights in real estate. The balance as of balance sheet date of a liability of Nes-Pan to a bank, which is secured by a pledge, is adjusted NIS 53,422,000. In addition, Nes-Pan registered a specific charge on certain amounts receivable, in order to secure its liability to a certain bank. |
| | |
| g. | To secure its liability to a certain banks, E.O.D. registered a fixed charge on its outstanding share capital and its goodwill, and a floating charge on its production facilities and its remaining assets. In addition, in order to secure its liabilities to the same banks, E.O.D. registered a specific charge on its engineering equipment and on the current and future insurance rights in respect thereof. |
| | |
| h. | A.A.B. Joint Venture “Nachshonim Project” pledged all its assets in favor of a bank, in order to secure its credit facilities. |
| | |
| i. | The balance of the pledged bank guarantees of the Company and of certain subsidiaries is adjusted NIS 83,232,000 as of December 31, 2003. |
| | |
| | A US subsidiary has registered a pledge on a deposit in the amount of NIS 1,094,750 in favor of a letter of credit received from US bank. |
| | |
| j. | The Company guarantees the loans to its employees granted by the bank. The maximum amount of such guarantees is NIS 330,000 and the balance as of December 31, 2003 is NIS 283,500. |
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES |
| The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with Israeli GAAP. As applicable to these financial statements, Israeli GAAP vary in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP and as allowed by Item 18 to Form 20-F, as described below: |
| |
| a. | In accordance with Israeli GAAP, the Company comprehensively includes the effect of the changes in the general purchasing power of Israeli currency in these financial statements, as described in note 1b. The adjustments to reflect the changes in the general purchasing power of Israeli currency have not been reversed in the reconciliation of Israeli GAAP to U.S. GAAP. See also note 1s regarding a new Israeli pronouncement that requires the discontinuance of adjustments for inflation as from January 1, 2004. |
F-78
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES(continued): |
| b. | The Company’s reconciliation of net income and shareholders’ equity between Israeli GAAP and U.S. GAAP, pursuant to the reconciliation requirements of Item 18 to Form 20-F, are as follows: |
| | Year ended December 31 | |
| |
| |
| | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS | | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars | |
| |
| |
| |
| | In thousands (except per share data) | |
| |
| |
1) | Net income (loss): | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| As reported in these financial statements, under Israeli GAAP | | | 67,357 | | | 24,756 | | | (77,270 | ) | | (17,647 | ) |
| Effect of the treatment of the following items under U.S. GAAP: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Restricted shares granted to Group’s employees (see j(1) below) | | | (11,188 | ) | | (8,716 | ) | | (6,829 | ) | | (1,559 | ) |
| Options granted to Group’s employees (see j(2) below) | | | | | | | | | (2 | ) | | | |
| Restricted shares and options granted to non- employees (see j(3) below) | | | (2,940 | ) | | (34 | ) | | (52 | ) | | (12 | ) |
| Goodwill amortization (see k below) | | | 143 | | | 2,386 | | | 9,744 | | | 2,225 | |
| Goodwill impairment (see k below) | | | | | | | | | (5,408 | ) | | (1,235 | ) |
| Derivative instruments and embedded derivatives (see l below) | | | 220 | | | (220 | ) | | | | | | |
| Capital notes issued by a subsidiary (see m below) | | | 395 | | | 400 | | | 435 | | | 99 | |
| Inclusion of a proportionately consolidated company’s data of a subsidiary (see n below) | | | (1,709 | ) | | 1,091 | | | 519 | | | 119 | |
| Litigation settlement with YES (see p below) | | | (2,598 | ) | | 1,432 | | | 872 | | | 199 | |
| Translation of subsidiaries financial statements (see o below) | | | (204 | ) | | (78 | ) | | (53 | ) | | (12 | ) |
| Potential dilution in the Company’s share holding in associated companies as a result of convertible securities issued by them (see q below) | | | (53 | ) | | (122 | ) | | 116 | | | 26 | |
| Share in losses of an associated company (see v below) | | | (266 | ) | | | | | | | | | |
| Tax effect on the above U.S. GAAP adjustments | | | 5,033 | | | 2,407 | | | 2,166 | | | 495 | |
| Income taxes with respect to: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Investments in associated and proportionately consolidated companies (see r(1) below) | | | 355 | | | 423 | | | (106 | ) | | (24 | ) |
| Benefit related to employee and non-employee stock based awards (see r(2) below) | | | (2,303 | ) | | (1,988 | ) | | (1,268 | ) | | (290 | ) |
| Guarantees (see w below) | | | | | | | | | (3 | ) | | (1 | ) |
| Company’s share in Israeli - U.S. GAAP differences relating to associated companies (see s below) | | | (532 | ) | | (384 | ) | | 287 | | | 66 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| Net income (loss) under U.S. GAAP - carried forward | | | 51,710 | | | 21,352 | | | (76,852 | ) | | (17,551 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
* Adjusted retroactively (see v below).
F-79
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES(continued): |
| | Year ended December 31 | |
| |
| |
| | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS | | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars | |
| |
| |
| |
| | In thousands (except per share data) | |
| |
| |
| | | |
Net income (loss) under U.S. GAAP - brought forward | | | 51,710 | | | 21,352 | | | (76,852 | ) | | (17,551 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income (loss): | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Differences from translation of foreign currency financial statements of subsidiaries and proportionately consolidated company | | | 848 | | | 1,267 | | | (4,062 | ) | | (928 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| Comprehensive income (loss) under U.S. GAAP | | | 52,558 | | | 22,619 | | | (80,914 | ) | | (18, 479 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| Earnings (loss) per share - under U.S. GAAP: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | | | 7.39 | | | 2.94 | | | (9.97 | ) | | (2.27 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| Diluted | | | 6.83 | | | 2.75 | | | (9.97 | ) | | (2.27 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Number of shares (in thousands) | |
| |
| |
| | | |
| Weighted average number of shares issued and outstanding - net of Company shares held by subsidiaries used in computation of basic earnings per share | | | 6,997 | | | 7,244 | | | 7,704 | | | 7,704 | |
| Add: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Restricted shares, net | | | 568 | | | 515 | | | | | | | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| Weighted average number of shares used in computation of diluted earnings per share | | | 7,565 | | | 7,759 | | | 7,704 | | | 7,704 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-80
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES(continued): |
| | December 31 | |
| |
| |
| | 2002 | | 2003 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS | | Convenience translation into U.S. dollars | |
| |
| |
| |
| | In thousands | |
| |
| |
2) | Shareholders’ equity: | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As reported in these financial statements, under Israeli GAAP | | | 242,769 | | | 165,876 | | | 37,879 | |
| | Effect of the treatment of the following items under U.S. GAAP: | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Goodwill amortization (see k below) | | | 2,529 | | | 12,274 | | | 2,803 | |
| | | Goodwill impairment (see k below) | | | | | | (5,408 | ) | | (1,235 | ) |
| | | Goodwill amount with respect to a subsidiary (see v below) | | | (494 | ) | | (494 | ) | | (113 | ) |
| | | Issuance of shares and capital notes by a subsidiary (see m below) | | | 10,425 | | | 16,397 | | | 3,744 | |
| | | Inclusion of a proportionately, consolidated company’s data (see n below) | | | (65 | ) | | (17 | ) | | (4 | ) |
| | | Litigation settlement with YES (see p below) | | | (1,167 | ) | | (295 | ) | | (67 | ) |
| | | Goodwill translation of consolidated companies (see o below) | | | 1,466 | | | (2,556 | ) | | (584 | ) |
| | | Potential dilution in the Company’s shareholding in associated company as a result of convertible securities issued by them (see q below) | | | | | | 116 | | | 26 | |
| | | Tax effect on the above U.S. GAAP adjustments | | | (2,955 | ) | | (3,265 | ) | | (745 | ) |
| | | Income tax with respect to investments in associated and proportionately consolidated companies (see r(1) below) | | | (1,850 | ) | | (1,957 | ) | | (447 | ) |
| | | Tax effect related to employee and non-employee stock-based awards (see r(2) below) | | | 14,238 | | | 14,606 | | | 3,336 | |
| | | Guarantees (see w below) | | | | | | (3 | ) | | (1 | ) |
| | | Company’s share in Israeli - U.S. GAAP differences relating to associated companies (see s below) | | | (1,801 | ) | | (1,514 | ) | | (346 | ) |
| | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | Shareholders’ equity under U.S. GAAP | | | 263,095 | | | 193,760 | | | 44,332 | |
| | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
F-81
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES(continued): |
| c. | Proportionate consolidation |
| | |
| | Under Israeli GAAP, joint ventures and jointly controlled companies are accounted for using the proportionate consolidation method. Under U.S. GAAP, investments in joint ventures and in jointly controlled companies are accounted for by the equity method. Proportionate consolidation, however, is permitted by the reconciliation requirements of item 18 to Form 20-F, provided that the joint ventures or the jointly controlled companies are operating entities, the significant financial and operating policies of which are, by contractual agreement, jointly controlled by all parties having an equity interest in these entities, and provided that summarized financial data are given. These data are presented in note 2c. |
| | |
| d. | Earnings (loss) per share (EPS) |
| | |
| | Israeli GAAP relating to computation of EPS are described in note 1q. |
| | |
| | As applicable to the Company, the main difference between Israeli GAAP and U.S. GAAP methods of EPS computation is that the Company’s restricted non-vested contingent returnable shares are taken into account in the computation of basic EPS in Israel, whereas in the United States, in computing basic EPS, only the weighted average number of the Company’s unrestricted shares actually outstanding in the reported year is taken into account, and restricted shares are included in the computation of diluted EPS. Another difference is that, under U.S. GAAP, separate presentation of basic and diluted EPS is required as long as they are not identical, while, under Israeli GAAP, such separate presentation is only required if the difference between basic and diluted EPS is in excess of 5%. In addition, shares to be issued upon exercise of employee stock option are calculated under Israeli GAAP based on the full number of outstanding options and imputed interest on the assumed proceeds from exercise, rather than the treasury stock method under U.S. GAAP. Under Israeli GAAP, such options were not included in the computation of EPS, for 2003, since the likelihood of their exercise is not probable and their effect on diluted EPS is anti dilutive. In 2003, under U.S. GAAP, 441,000 restricted shares and 6 options were not included in computing the diluted loss per share since their effect is anti dilutive. |
| | |
| e. | Reporting comprehensive income |
| | |
| | U.S. GAAP requires reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general purpose financial statements. The purpose of reporting comprehensive income is to report a measure of all changes in equity of an enterprise during a period from transactions and other events from non-owner sources (i.e. all changes in equity except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners). With respect to the Company, in addition to net income, other comprehensive income (loss) represents the differences from translation of foreign currency financial statements of subsidiaries and a proportionately consolidated company (see also l, n and o below). Israeli GAAP do not contain such a requirement. |
F-82
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES(continued): |
| f. | Segment reporting |
| | |
| | Under Israeli GAAP, as noted in note 18, the Company reports segment information based on its “business segments”. Business segment is defined as a distinguishable component of an enterprise that is engaged in providing an individual product or service or group of related products and services and that is subject to risks and returns that are different from those of other business segments. Accordingly, and as presented in the Company’s Israeli GAAP financial statements, the Company’s business segments, are based on eight business activities which are composed of its four operating divisions, plus the separation of its industry division into two business segments: industry and semi-conductors, and the separation of the technology and services division into four business segments: technologies, consulting, marketing and recycling of food products and buildings for lease. |
| | |
| | According to U.S. GAAP, under FAS 131, segment reporting is based on “Operating Segments”. An operating segment is defined as a component of an enterprise that engages in business activities, from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, has its operating results regularly reviewed by the enterprise’s chief operating decision maker, and for which discrete financial information is available. This concept, the “management approach”, corresponds with the Company’s internal reporting. Accordingly, under FAS 131, as of 2003, the Company’s operating segments are based only on its four operating divisions (hence, industry and semi-conductors are considered as one operating segment, and technologies, consulting, marketing and recycling of food products and buildings for lease are also considered as a single operating segment). |
| | |
| g. | Income statement presentation |
| | |
| | Under Israeli GAAP, the Company included capital gains on sale of fixed assets and – in 2003 – impairment of goodwill and fixed assets, under “other income (expenses) - net”, in the consolidated income statements. Also the Company included income (expenses) from severance pay funds net of severance pay expanses. Under U.S. GAAP, Capital gains and impairment charges are included under “operating income (loss)” while income (expenses) from severance pay funds are included under “financial income (expenses)”. |
| | Consequently, the operating income (loss) under U.S. GAAP would be as follows: |
| | | Year ended December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Operating income (loss), as reported under Israeli GAAP | | | 106,225 | | | 54,616 | | | (23,700 | ) |
| Effect of (income) expenses from severance pay funds | | | (271 | ) | | 983 | | | (1,804 | ) |
| Effect of reclassification of capital gains under U.S. GAAP | | | 78 | | | 1,626 | | | 560 | |
| Effect of reclassification of impairment of fixed assets under U.S. GAAP | | | | | | | | | 177 | |
| Effect of reclassification of impairment of goodwill under U.S. GAAP (see also k below) | | | | | | | | | (41,712 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| Operating income (loss) under U.S. GAAP | | | 106,032 | | | 57,225 | | | (66,833 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
F-83
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES(continued): |
| h. | Statements of cash flows: |
| | | |
| | 1) | Under Israeli GAAP, cash flows relating to investments in, and proceeds from the sale of, marketable securities designated as trading securities are classified as investing activities in the statements of cash flows, while under U.S. GAAP, these items should be classified as operating activities. Consequently, the operating activities and investing activities under U.S. GAAP would be as follows: |
| | Year ended December 31 | |
| |
| |
| | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | | 152,257 | | | (235,394 | ) | | (24,756 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (34,333 | ) | | (28,568 | ) | | (10,387 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | 2) | The Company presents its cash flow information, under Israeli GAAP, exclusive of the effects of inflation. The information to be included under U.S. GAAP, with respect to the effect of inflation on cash and cash equivalents, for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 is presented below: |
| | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| |
| |
| | | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | | 193,282 | | | (117,589 | ) | | (55,915 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | | | (34,720 | ) | | (112,403 | ) | | 23,250 | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | | 2,498 | | | 135,548 | | | 10,315 | |
Effect of inflation on cash and cash equivalents | | | (40,639 | ) | | (33,970 | ) | | 323 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | 120,421 | | | (128,414 | ) | | (22,027 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Translation differences on cash balances of subsidiaries operating independently | | | (10 | ) | | 98 | | | (3,964 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | | 120,411 | | | (128,316 | ) | | (25,991 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Balance of cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | | | 98,177 | | | 218,589 | | | 90,273 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Balance of cash and cash equivalents at end of year | | | 218,588 | | | 90,273 | | | 64,282 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
F-84
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES(continued): |
| i. | Liability for employee rights upon retirement, net of amount funded |
| | |
| | Under Israeli GAAP, amounts funded with severance pay funds and managerial insurance policies are deducted from the related severance pay liability. In addition, under Israeli GAAP, the income from such funds is offset against severance pay expenses. |
| | |
| | Under U.S. GAAP, the amounts funded as above should be presented as a long-term investment included among the Company’s assets. Also, under U.S. GAAP, income from severance pay funds and severance pay expenses are presented at their gross amounts (see also note 10d-g). |
| | |
| j. | Restricted shares and options granted to employees and restricted shares granted to non-employees of the Group: |
| | |
| | 1) | Restricted shares granted to the Group employees |
| | | |
| | | Under Israeli GAAP, the Company has not recognized any compensation charge for its employee restricted share awards. |
| | | |
| | | Under U.S. GAAP, as permitted by FAS 123 - “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, as amended by FAS 148, the Company accounts for the awards using the accounting treatment prescribed by Accounting Principle Board Opinion No. 25-”Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25), i.e. using the intrinsic-value-based method of accounting. The value of the restricted shares was determined based on the market price of the Company’s shares on the date of grant, and was recorded as unearned compensation, which is being amortized ratably over the vesting periods of the applicable restricted shares. |
| | | |
| | | In addition, under Israeli GAAP, dividends paid with respect to such restricted shares are credited to retained earnings (i.e. identical to the treatment of dividends with respect to ordinary shares), while under U.S. GAAP, such dividends are charged to income as part of the compensation expenses relating to the awards. |
| | | |
| | | Compensation expenses relating to such awards granted to employees for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 were approximately adjusted NIS 11,188,000, adjusted NIS 8,716,000 and adjusted NIS 6,829,000, respectively. Since the Company’s awards are in the form of restricted shares, compensation expenses calculated under the intrinsic value method also reflect the compensation expenses using the fair value method. Accordingly, no pro forma information, as prescribed by FAS 123, has been provided with respect to such restricted shares. |
F-85
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES(continued): |
| | 2) | Options granted to employees |
| | | |
| | | Under Israeli GAAP, the Company does not recognize any compensation charge for stock options granted to employees, other than cash amounts expected to be paid, under certain plans, upon expiration of the options (see also note 12e). |
| | | |
| | | Under U.S. GAAP, the Company accounts for employee stock-based compensation in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 - “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25) and related interpretations. Charge for stock compensation represents the amortization of deferred compensation charges, which are based on the aggregate differences between the respective exercise price of stock options and purchase price of stock. Stock compensation is amortized over the vesting period of the underlying options. For option plans, including fixed cash amounts to be paid only upon expiration of the options, minimum total compensation costs are equal to those cash amounts. |
| | | |
| | | Under a “fixed plan”, compensation cost is measured at the grant date and is fixed and not subsequently adjusted. Under a “variable plan”, the measurement date occurs after the grant date and compensation cost is estimated and recorded each period from date of grant to the measurement date, based on the difference between the option price and the fair market value of the stock at the end of each period. |
| | | |
| | | FAS No. 123 - “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, established a fair value based method of accounting for employee stock options or similar equity instruments, and encourages adoption of such method for stock compensation plans. However, it also allows companies to continue to account for those plans using the accounting treatment prescribed by APB 25. The Company has elected to continue accounting for employee stock option plans according to APB 25, and accordingly discloses pro forma data assuming the Company had accounted for employee stock option grants using the fair value based method, as defined in FAS No. 123. |
F-86
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES(continued): |
| | | The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earning per share assuming the group had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FAS 123 to its stock-based employee compensation: |
| | Year ended December 31, 2003 | |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS in thousands, except for per share data | |
| |
| |
| | | |
Net loss, as reported | | | (76,852 | ) |
A d d - stock based employee compensation expense, included in reported net loss | | | 2 | |
L e s s – stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value method for all awards | | | (30 | ) |
| |
|
| |
Pro forma net loss | | | (76,880 | ) |
| |
|
| |
Earnings per share: | | | | |
Basic and diluted – as reported | | | (9.97 | ) |
| |
|
| |
Basic and diluted – pro forma | | | (9.97 | ) |
| |
|
| |
| | 3) | Restricted shares granted to non-employees |
| | | |
| | | Under Israeli GAAP, the Company has not recognized any compensation charge for restricted shares granted to non-employees. |
| | | |
| | | Under U.S. GAAP, the Company is required to measure compensation expense with respect to such awards granted to non-employees based on the fair value model, according to the provisions of FAS 123 and EITF 96-18 (“Accounting for Equity Instruments that are Issued to Other than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services”). |
| | | |
| | | In addition, under Israeli GAAP, dividends paid with respect to such restricted shares are credited to retained earnings (i.e. identical to the treatment of dividends with respect to ordinary shares), while under U.S. GAAP, such dividends are charged to income as part of the compensation expenses relating to the awards. |
| | | |
| | | Compensation expenses relating to such awards granted to non-employees were adjusted NIS 2,940,000 (including NIS 2,892,000 relating to related parties), adjusted NIS 34,000, and adjusted NIS 52,000 for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. |
F-87
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES(continued): |
| k. | Accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets |
| | | |
| | 1) | Under Israeli GAAP, goodwill is amortized in equal annual installments over a period of 10 years. Other intangible assets are amortized over a predetermined period based on their expected useful life. |
| | | |
| | | For U.S. GAAP purposes, the Company has adopted FAS 141 (“Business Combinations”) and FAS 142 (“Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”) for business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001; for business combinations initiated prior to that date, the Company has applied FAS 141 and FAS 142 to the goodwill and other intangible assets relating thereto, as of January 1, 2002. |
| | | |
| | | One of the most significant changes made by FAS 142, as applicable to the Company, is that goodwill (resulting from the acquisition of subsidiaries and associated companies) is no longer to be amortized and is to be tested for impairment at least annually. |
| | | |
| | | Prior to January 1, 2002 (except with respect to business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001), goodwill was amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 10 years. |
| | | |
| | | The Company has selected December 31 of each year as the date on which it perform its annual goodwill impairment test. |
| | | |
| | | As described in note 2a(2), the Company has recognized a goodwill impairment charge with respect to BTI and Mobipower B.V., which represent separate reporting units. Under Israeli GAAP, goodwill impairment amounts to adjusted NIS 36,304,000, while under U.S. GAAP, goodwill impairment amounts to adjusted NIS 41,712,000. |
F-88
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES(continued): |
| | 2) | The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2003, are as follows: |
| | Communications segment | | Technology segment | | Total | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| |
| |
| | | |
Balance as of January 1, 2002 | | | 5,172 | | | | | | | 5,172 | |
Additional amount paid, carried to goodwill (see notes 2a(2)(a), 2a(2)(b) and 2a(3)(b)) | | | 92,066 | | | | 2,178 | | | 94,244 | |
Differences from translation of foreign currency financial statements of subsidiaries (see also o below) | | | 1,466 | | | | | | | 1,466 | |
| | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
Balance as of December 31, 2002 | | | 98,704 | | | | 2,178 | | | 100,882 | |
Impairment losses | | | (39,534 | ) | | | (2,178 | ) | | (41,712 | ) |
Differences from translation of foreign currency financial statements of subsidiaries (see also o below) | | | (4,021 | ) | | | | | | (4,021 | ) |
| | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
Balance as of December 31, 2003 | | | 55,149 | | | | -,- | | | 55,149 | |
| | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| | 3) | The following table illustrates the Company’s adjusted results, under U.S. GAAP, adjusted to eliminate the effect of goodwill amortization expense, including goodwill with respect to an associated company accounted for by the equity method: |
| | Year ended December 31 | |
| |
| |
| | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| |
| |
| | | |
Net income (loss) - under U.S. GAAP | | | 51,710 | | | 21,352 | | | (76,852 | ) |
Add back: | | | | | | | | | | |
Goodwill amortization | | | 66 | | | | | | | |
Goodwill amortization included in share of profits of associated company | | | 373 | | | | | | | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net income (loss) under U.S. GAAP - as adjusted | | | 52,149 | | | 21,352 | | | (76,852 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
F-89
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES(continued): |
| | | Year ended December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS | |
| | |
| |
| | | | |
| Earnings (loss) per share - under U.S. GAAP: | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic - as reported | | | 7.39 | | | 2.94 | | | (9.97 | ) |
| Add back: | | | | | | | | | | |
| Goodwill amortization | | | 0.01 | | | | | | | |
| Goodwill amortization included in share of profits of associated company | | | 0.05 | | | | | | | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| Basic - adjusted | | | 7.45 | | | 2.94 | | | (9.97 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| Diluted - as reported | | | 6.84 | | | 2.75 | | | (9.97 | ) |
| Add back: | | | | | | | | | | |
| Goodwill amortization | | | 0.01 | | | | | | | |
| Goodwill amortization included in share of profits of associated company | | | 0.05 | | | | | | | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| Diluted - adjusted | | | 6.9 | | | 2.75 | | | (9.97 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | 4) | Estimated amortization expenses of other intangible assets (see also note 7), for the years following December 31, 2003, are as follows: |
| | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| |
| |
Year ended December 31: | | | | | |
2004 | | | 1,679 | | |
2005 | | | 948 | | |
| L. | Derivative instruments and embedded derivatives |
| | |
| | Under U.S. GAAP, the Group applied FAS 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended by FAS 137, FAS 138 and FAS 149. Under the provisions of FAS 133, the Group’s derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting. |
| | |
| | In addition, under U.S. GAAP, certain contracts contain embedded derivatives instruments. Such embedded derivatives are separated under U.S. GAAP from the host contracts and accounted for as derivative instruments pursuant to FAS 133 (as amended by FAS 137, FAS 138 and FAS 149). Israeli GAAP does not contain such separation and measurement requirements. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company does not have any embedded derivatives outstanding. |
F-90
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES(continued): |
| m. | Issuance of shares and capital notes by a development stage subsidiary (Mobipower - formerly TPS) |
| | |
| | Mobipower is mainly financed by funds from all of its shareholders, through capital notes. These capital notes are linked to the Israeli CPI and bear 4% annual interest. No repayment date exists with respect to such notes. Under the terms of the agreement for the capital notes any repayment of amounts related to the capital note arrangements, including adjustments for CPI and interest, requires a majority shareholder vote and is required to be paid pro rata to the existing shareholders’ common stock interests at the time of repayment. Accordingly, repayment of the capital notes and any interest thereon, is at the sole discretion of Baran, the majority shareholder. |
| | |
| | Under Israeli GAAP, total proceeds from such issuance were allocated to the shares issued based on the par value, while the balance was allocated to the capital notes. Interest expense was recorded with respect to such notes. Under U.S. GAAP, in light of the capital notes terms and conditions, as described above, the total proceeds from the issuance of shares and capital notes are reflected as minority interests in the Group’s consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, the interest expenses and credits to the minority interest recorded under Israeli GAAP must be reversed for U.S. GAAP purposes. |
| | |
| | In addition, under Israeli GAAP, the issuance of capital notes in 2003 does not result in any gain recognition, since such notes classified as liabilities. Under U.S. GAAP, since the capital notes are classified as equity in the subsidiary level, and since subsidiary is in development stage, the issuance of the capital directly to resulted in gain, credited directly to capital surplus in the Group’s consolidated financial statements. |
| | |
| | Based on the above, hereunder is a table that summarizes the effects of Mobipower’s capital notes on the Company’s consolidated financial statements under Israeli GAAP and U.S. GAAP: |
| | | Year ended December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| | | | |
| Income (loss) statement data: | | | | | | | | | | |
| As reported under Israeli GAAP: | | | | | | | | | | |
| Financial income (expenses), net | | | 7,816 | | | (17,125 | ) | | (10,046 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| Minority interests in losses of subsidiaries, net | | | 574 | | | 2,142 | | | 2,490 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| Under U.S. GAAP: | | | | | | | | | | |
| Financial income (expenses), net | | | 8,520 | | | (16,392 | ) | | (9,161 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| Minority interests in losses of subsidiaries, net | | | 264 | | | 1,809 | | | 2,040 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| Difference between Israeli and U.S. GAAP: | | | | | | | | | | |
| Increase in financial income, net from reversal of interest expense | | | 705 | | | 733 | | | 885 | |
| Reduction in minority interest in losses of subsidiaries, net | | | (310 | ) | | (333 | ) | | (450 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| Adjustment “m” reflected in U.S. GAAP reconciliation | | | 395 | | | 400 | | | 435 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
F-91
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES(continued): |
| | Year ended December 31 | |
| |
| |
| | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| |
| |
| | | |
Balance sheet data: | | | | | | | |
As reported under Israeli GAAP: | | | | | | | |
Capital notes issued to minority shareholders of a subsidiary | | | 19,069 | | | 22,388 | |
Minority’s share in Mobipower’s capital deficiency | | | (8,121 | ) | | (11,666 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Capital notes issued to minority shareholders of a subsidiary, net | | | 10,948 | | | 10,722 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Shareholders’ equity: | | | | | | | |
Capital surplus | | | 70,835 | | | 70,835 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Retained earnings | | | 162,773 | | | 85,503 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Under U.S. GAAP: | | | | | | | |
Capital notes issued to minority shareholders of a subsidiary | | | - | | | - | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Minority’s share in Mobipower’s equity capital deficiency | | | 528 | | | 142 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Shareholders’ equity: | | | | | | | |
Capital surplus | | | 77,256 | | | 82,786 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Retained earnings | | | 163,403 | | | 86,576 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Difference between Israeli and U.S. GAAP in shareholders’ equity: | | | | | | | |
Adjustment “m” reflected in U.S. GAAP adjustments | | | 10,425 | | | 16,397 | |
Included in tax effect of U.S. GAAP adjustments | | | (3,373 | ) | | (3,373 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | | 7,052 | | | 13,024 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
F-92
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES(continued): |
| n. | Inclusion of data for a proportionately consolidated company (Meissner-Baran) |
| | |
| | Under Israeli GAAP, the financial data of Meissner-Baran, included by the proportionate consolidation method in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, is based on Meissner-Baran’s financial statements prepared in adjusted NIS, under the provisions of Opinion 36 of the Israeli Institute. |
| | |
| | Under U.S. GAAP, according to the provisions of FAS 52, the functional currency of Meissner-Baran is the U.S. dollar. Accordingly, the financial data of Meissner-Baran included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, for U.S. GAAP purposes, are remeasured from local currency (NIS) into its functional currency (U.S. dollar) using historical exchange rates. |
| | |
| | Following are data pertaining to Meissner-Baran, based upon the Company’s holding percentage, as presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the respective remeasured data under U.S. GAAP: |
| | December 31 | |
| |
| |
| | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| |
| |
| | | |
Balance sheet data: | | | | | | | |
As reported under Israeli GAAP: | | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | 46,925 | | | 18,626 | |
Fixed assets, net | | | 970 | | | 775 | |
Deferred income taxes | | | 139 | | | 134 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
T o t a l assets | | | 48,034 | | | 19,535 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Current liabilities | | | 37,295 | | | 9,489 | |
Long-term liabilities | | | 388 | | | 372 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
T o t a l liabilities | | | 37,683 | | | 9,861 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Under U.S. GAAP: | | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | 46,925 | | | 18,625 | |
Fixed assets, net | | | 906 | | | 759 | |
Deferred income taxes | | | 897 | | | 134 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
T o t a l assets | | | 48,728 | | | 19,518 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Current liabilities | | | 37,295 | | | 9,489 | |
Long-term liabilities | | | 1,145 | | | 372 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
T o t a l liabilities | | | 38,440 | | | 9,861 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Shareholders’ equity: | | | | | | | |
Israeli GAAP | | | 10,352 | | | 9,674 | |
U.S. GAAP | | | 10,287 | | | 9,657 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Adjustment (“n”) | | | (65 | ) | | (17 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
F-93
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES(continued): |
| | Year ended December 31 | |
| |
| |
| | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| |
| |
Statement of income data: | | | | | | | | | | |
As reported under Israeli GAAP: | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenues | | | 283,130 | | | 114,163 | | | 12,545 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Gross profit | | | 39,044 | | | 14,749 | | | 3,194 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Income (loss) before taxes on income | | | 36,344 | | | 11,296 | | | (595 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net income (loss) | | | 23,041 | | | 9,372 | | | (680 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Under U.S. GAAP: | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenues | | | 274,690 | | | 117,489 | | | 12,377 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Gross profit | | | 40,382 | | | 16,982 | | | 3,085 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Income (loss) before taxes on income | | | 34,649 | | | 12,350 | | | (109 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net income (loss) | | | 21,332 | | | 10,463 | | | (161 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Difference between Israeli and | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. GAAP | | | (1,709 | ) | | 1,091 | | | 519 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Adjustment “n” reflected in | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. GAAP reconciliation | | | (1,709 | ) | | 1,091 | | | 519 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| o. | Translation of subsidiaries’ financial statements |
| | |
| | Under Israeli GAAP, balance sheet and income statement items of investee companies, whose functional currency is other than NIS, are translated by using the exchange rate at balance sheet date (see also note 1t). Under U.S. GAAP, balance sheet items are translated using the exchange rate at balance sheet date, while income statement items are translated using the exchange rate at the dates on which these elements are recognized or the weighted average exchange rate for the period. |
| | |
| | Goodwill allocated to investee companies, whose functional currency is other than NIS, is translated, under Israeli GAAP, by using the exchange rate at acquisition date, while under U.S. GAAP, goodwill is translated using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date. |
F-94
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES(continued): |
| p. | Litigation settlement with D.B.S. Satellite Services (1988) Ltd. (“YES”) (see also note 11a(1)) |
| | |
| | As the result of a court settlement in February 2002, it was agreed between the Company and YES that YES would be required to pay the Company an amount of adjusted NIS 57,991,000, in installments through 2004, which was equal to the original amount of YES’ accounts receivable, as recorded by the Company in the normal course of business, and which was previously due immediately. The installments are to be repaid in 2002, 2003 and 2004, with the addition of linkage differences. |
| | |
| | Under Israeli GAAP, the above long-term accounts receivable are recorded at their original amount (on an undiscounted basis). |
| | |
| | Under U.S. GAAP, in light of the above litigation settlement, the Company adjusted its December 31, 2002 and 2003 accounts receivable, recorded in the normal course of business, to their estimated fair value in accordance with APB 21, using a discount rate of 4%, resulting in recognition of a discount of NIS 2,598,000 on the original accounts receivable and an expense in the same amount. The Company recognizes this discount in income over the repayment period (through December 31, 2004). The resulting income recorded during the years 2002 and 2003 were adjusted NIS 1,432,000 and NIS 872,000, respectively. |
| | |
| q. | Potential dilution in the Company’s shareholding in associated companies as a result of convertible securities issued by them |
| | |
| | According to Israeli GAAP, under the provisions of Opinion 48 of the Israeli Institute, an investor company is required to create a provision for losses, which it may incur from the dilution of its holding in associated companies, when the likelihood of the exercise of the exercisable securities is probable. Under U.S. GAAP, such loss is recognized on the exercise date. |
| | |
| r. | Income taxes: |
| | | |
| | 1) | Taxes with respect to investments in associated and proportionately consolidated companies |
| | | |
| | | As noted in note 1k(2), according to Israeli GAAP, taxes that would apply in the event of disposal of investments in the above-mentioned companies have not been provided for, as it is the Company’s policy to hold these investments, not to realize them. Under U.S. GAAP, there is no such exemption for equity investees and proportionately consolidated companies, and the Company needs to provide for deferred taxes with respect to the differences between the amounts of the investments in these companies presented in the financial statements and those taken into account for tax purposes. |
F-95
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES(continued): |
| | 2) | Tax benefit related to employee and non-employee stock-based awards. |
| | | |
| | | Under Israeli GAAP, the tax benefit resulting from the employee and non-employee sale of restricted stock is recognized in the statement of income as a reduction of income tax expense. Under U.S. GAAP, the Company recognizes deferred tax assets and the related tax benefit for the recorded compensation cost that ordinarily results in a future tax deduction. Any additional benefit actually realized is credited directly to capital surplus. |
| | | |
| | | As of December 31, 2002 and 2003, deferred tax assets recorded in the amount of adjusted NIS 14,238,000 and adjusted NIS 14,606,000, respectively, exist with respect to this U.S. GAAP difference. |
| | | |
| s. | Company’s share in Israeli - U.S. GAAP differences relating to associated companies |
| | |
| | Following is a reconciliation of the Company’s share in the profits (loss) of its associated companies, as reported under Israeli GAAP, to its share in such profits (loss), under U.S. GAAP: |
| | Year ended December 31 | |
| |
| |
| | 2001 | | 2002 | | 2003 | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| |
| |
| | | |
Share in profits (loss) of associated companies, net, as reported under | | | | | | | | | | |
Israeli GAAP | | | (1) 1,185 | | | 1,040 | | | (617 | ) |
Effect of the treatment of the following items under U.S. GAAP: | | | | | | | | | | |
Cancellation of reduction in impairment provision | | | | | | | | | (2) (499 | ) |
Employee stock-based awards | | | (390 | ) | | (576 | ) | | (351 | ) |
Issuance of shares by a development stage subsidiary | | | (87 | ) | | (98 | ) | | | |
Goodwill amortization | | | | | | 128 | | | 1,047 | |
Tax effect in respect of Israeli - | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. GAAP differences | | | 120 | | | 103 | | | 71 | |
Other | | | (176 | ) | | 60 | | | 19 | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Share in profits (losses) of associated companies, net, under U.S. GAAP | | | 652 | | | 657 | | | (330 | ) |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| | 1) | Before impairment provision with respect to investment in associated company, which was reclassified, under Israeli GAAP, as part of share in profits (loss) of associated company. |
| | | |
| | 2) | Under Israeli GAAP, in accordance with Clarification No. 1 of the IASB No. 15 (see also note 1e(4) and (3d), the Company reduced the impairment provision in respect of this investment in an associated company by adjusted NIS 499,000 – in respect of the losses for the period from July 1, 2003 through the end of the year. Under U.S GAAP. Such provision cannot be reversed. |
F-96
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES(continued): |
| t. | Recognition of profits on building contractual work |
| | |
| | Under Israeli GAAP, profits from contractual work involving the construction of buildings is recognized by the percentage of completion method, if the state of completion has reached at least 25% and certain other conditions are met. |
| | |
| | Under U.S. GAAP, a completion rate of 25% is not required in order to commence recognition of such profits, although it is necessary to have the ability to make reliable estimates regarding the stage of completion revenues and costs. |
| | |
| | No quantifiable U.S. GAAP difference exists as of, and for the years ended on, December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 in relation to this potential U.S. GAAP difference. |
| | |
| u. | Investment in subsidiary of an acquired company designated for sale |
| | |
| | As stated in note 2a(2)(a), as of the acquisition date of BTI - November 14, 2002 - a subsidiary of BTI was designated as held for sale. |
| | |
| | Under Israeli GAAP, consolidation of a temporarily controlled subsidiary is prohibited. Therefore, the consolidated financial statements do not include the assets and liabilities or the results of operations of the acquired subsidiary held for sale. Rather, this subsidiary is presented in the balance sheet at its fair value, less cost to sale, in a one line item “investment in subsidiary designated for sale”, among accounts receivable. |
| | |
| | Under U.S. GAAP, in accordance with the provisions of FAS 144 (“Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”) a newly acquired subsidiary to be disposed of by sale, shall be recorded based on its fair value, less cost to sale, at the acquisition date (as under Israeli GAAP); nevertheless, under U.S. GAAP, such subsidiary needs to be consolidated in the consolidated financial statements. The assets and liabilities of the subsidiary to be disposed of shall be presented separately in the asset and liability sections, respectively, in the consolidated balance sheet. Following are the major classes of assets and liabilities of the said subsidiary, classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2002: |
| | Adjusted NIS | |
| |
| |
| | in thousands | |
| |
| |
Current assets | | | 12,108 | | |
| | |
| | |
| | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | 7,841 | | |
| | |
| | |
| | | | | |
Net amount as presented in the balance sheet under Israeli GAAP | | | 4,267 | | |
| | |
| | |
F-97
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES(continued): |
| v. | Change from the cost method of accounting to the consolidation method |
| | |
| | In November 2000, the Company invested adjusted NIS 494,000 in the share capital of Mobipower B.V., representing 10 % of Mobipower B.V.’s outstanding shares. Through to October 31, 2002, the Company accounted for this investment under the cost method. Commencing from October 2002, as a result of the acquisition of a further 90% of the share capital of Mobipower B.V., in consideration of adjusted NIS 2,178,000 in cash and adjusted NIS 494,000 in loans, the Company changed its method of accounting for this investment from the cost method to the consolidation method. |
| | |
| | Under U.S. GAAP, a change from the cost method to the consolidation method requires adjustment of the financial statement retroactively in order to apply the equity method to the prior cost basis investment (i.e. the 10% share investment), while under Israeli GAAP, such adjustment is not accepted. |
| | |
| | Without the additional acquisition, but after retroactive application of the equity method, the balance as of December 31, 2002 of the 10% investment in Mobipower B.V. stands at zero. Under Israeli GAAP, the balance of the investment, representing its cost basis, amounts to adjusted NIS 494,000. In addition, under U.S. GAAP, the balance of the goodwill at December 31, 2002 with respect to Mobipower is adjusted NIS 2,178,000, while under Israeli GAAP, it amounts to adjusted NIS 2,629,000. As to impairment of the goodwill in 2003, see k above. |
| | |
| | The U.S. GAAP consolidated financial statements for the year 2001 have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the adoption of the equity method. |
| | |
| | The effect of such adjustments on the consolidated statement of income (loss) for 2001, under U.S. GAAP, is as follows: |
| | | As previously reported | | Effect of restatement | | As reported in these financial statements | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS in thousands | |
| | |
| |
| | | | |
| Share in gains of associated companies | | | 652 | | | | (266 | ) | | | 386 | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| Net income | | | 51,976 | | | | (266 | ) | | | 51,710 | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| EPS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | | | 7.44 | | | | (0.04 | ) | | | 7.39 | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| Diluted | | | 6.88 | | | | (0.04 | ) | | | 6.83 | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
F-98
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES (continued): |
| w. | Guarantees |
| | |
| | The Company has granted guarantees to a bank in favor of its employees loans (see also note 19k). As of December 31, 2003 the total amount guaranteed was NIS 283,500. |
| | |
| | Under U.S. GAAP in accordance with FIN 45, the Company recognized the guarantees based of their fair value of such guarantees as of December 31, 2003 is NIS 2,970. There is no such requirement under Israeli GAAP. |
| | |
| x. | Pro forma financial information |
| | |
| | The following unaudited pro forma data summarizes the results of operations for the period indicated as if the o2 and Mobipower New B.V acquisitions had been completed as of the beginning of the periods presented. The unaudited pro forma data gives effect to actual operating results prior to the November 14, 2002 and October 30, 2002 acquisitions, respectively, adjusted to include the pro forma effect of adjustments, including amortization of intangibles, deferred stock compensation costs, and the tax effects of the pro forma adjustments. These pro forma amounts do not purport to be indicative of the results that would have actually been obtained if the acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of the periods presented or that may be obtained in the future: |
| | | Year ended December 31 | |
| | |
| |
| | | 2001 | | 2002 | |
| | |
| |
| |
| | | Adjusted NIS (in thousands, except per share data) | |
| | |
| |
| | | (Unaudited) | |
| | |
| |
| Revenues | | | 1,520,064 | | | 1,093,136 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| Net loss for the year: | | | | | | | |
| Net loss from continuing operations | | | (24,812 | ) | | (138,232 | ) |
| Net loss from discontinuing operations | | | (1,727 | ) | | (14,757 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| Net loss for the year | | | (26,539 | ) | | (152,989 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| Loss per share : | | | | | | | |
| Continuing operations – basic and diluted | | | (3.33 | ) | | (18.09 | ) |
| Discontinuing operations – basic and diluted | | | (0.24 | ) | | (1.93 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| Loss per share – basic and diluted | | | (3.57 | ) | | (20.02 | ) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
| Weighted average numbers of shares issued and outstanding-net of Company’s shares held by subsidiaries used in computation of basic earning per share | | | 7,452 | | | 7,640 | |
| | |
|
| |
|
| |
F-99
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
NOTE 20 - | RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES IN ISRAEL AND IN THE UNITED STATES (continued): |
| y. | Recently issued accounting pronouncement in the United States of America: |
| | |
| | 1) | FAS 132 |
| | | |
| | | In December 2003, the FASB issued FAS 132 (revised 2003) - “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88 and 106, and a revision of FASB Statement No. 132 (FAS 132 (revised 2003)). This statement revises employers’ disclosures about pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. It does not change the measurement or recognition of those plans. The new rules require additional disclosures about the assets, obligations, cash flows, and net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. |
| | | |
| | | Part of the new disclosures provisions are effective for the 2003 calendar year-end financial statements, and accordingly have been applied by the Company in these consolidated financial statements. The rest of the provisions of this Statement, which have a later effective date, are currently being evaluated by the Company. |
| | | |
| | 2) | FIN 46 |
| | | |
| | | In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 - “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46). Under FIN 46, 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. FIN 46 explains how to identify Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) 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. |
| | | |
| | | Since issuing FIN 46, the FASB has proposed various amendments to the Interpretation and has deferred its effective dates. Most recently, in December 2003, the FASB issued a revised version of FIN 46 (FIN 46-R), which also provides for a partial deferral of FIN 46. This partial deferral established the effective dates for public entities to apply FIN 46 and FIN 46-R based on the nature of the variable interest entity and the date upon which the public company became involved with the variable interest entity. In general, the deferral provides that (i) for variable interest entities created before February 1, 2003, a public entity must apply FIN 46-R at the end of the first interim or annual period ending after March 15, 2004, and may be required to apply FIN 46 at the end of the first interim or annual period ending after December 15, 2003, if the variable interest entity is a special purpose entity, and (ii) for variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, a public company must apply FIN 46 at the end of the first interim or annual period ending after December 15, 2003, as previously required, and then apply FIN 46-R at the end of the first interim or annual reporting period ending after March 15, 2004. |
| | | |
| | | The Company has currently no variable interests in any VIE. Accordingly, the Company believes that the adoption of FIN 46 and FIN 46-R will not have a material impact on its financial position, the results of its operations and and/or its cash flows. |
F-100
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
APPENDIX I
DETAILS OF SUBSIDIARIES, PROPORTIONATELY CONSOLIDATED COMPANIES,
PROPORTIONATELY CONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATED COMPANIES
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2003:
Name of company | | Percentage shareholding |
| |
|
Subsidiaries: | | |
Baran Projects Construction Ltd. (hereafter - Baran Construction) | | 100 | |
Baran Inbar Projects (1987) Ltd. (hereafter - Inbar Projects) – 99% owned directly and 1% owned through Baran Construction | | 100 | |
Baran Advanced Technologies (1986) Ltd. (hereafter - Baran Technologies) | | 100 | |
Baran Technology Products Management and Marketing Ltd. (hereafter - Baran Management) Management) | | 100 | |
Baran Industries (91) Ltd. (hereafter - Baran Industries) | | 100 | |
Baran International Energies Ltd. (hereafter - Baran Energies) | | 100 | |
Baran – Raviv Telecom Ltd. (hereafter - Baran Raviv) – 50% owned directly and 50% owned through Baran Construction | | 100 | |
Yesodot Barniv Ltd. (since 2003) – through Baran Raviv Telecom | | 80 | |
Baran Infrastructure and Construction Ltd. (hereafter - Baran Infrastructure) | | 100 | |
Baran Engineering and Projects (1983) Ltd. (hereafter - Baran Engineering) (formerly – Baran Petrochemical Engineering Ltd.) | | 100 | |
Enco Systems Projects (1997) Ltd. (hereafter - Enco) - through Baran Industries | | 100 | |
A. Etzion Consultants and Engineers Ltd. (hereafter - A. Etzion) - through Enco | | 100 | |
Mobipower Ltd. (former TPS) | | 63.64 | |
InTime Software Systems Ltd. - through Baran Engineering (since 2003) | | 50 | |
Mobipower B.V. - through Mobipower Ltd. | | 100 | |
B & W Projects Inc. (hereafter - B&W) | | 100 | |
Barantec Inc. (hereafter - Barantec) - through Baran Technologies | | 100 | |
Notev Management and Operation Ltd. (hereafter - Notev) | | 100 | |
H.A.J.I. Ltd. (hereafter - H.A.J.I.) - through Baran Energies | | 100 | |
Industrial Centers E.O.D. Ltd. (hereafter - E.O.D.) - through Baran Energies | | 50 | (1) |
Baran Group B.V. (hereafter - Group B.V.) - through Baran Group | | 100 | |
Baran Raviv (Netherlands) International B.V. (hereafter – Baran Raviv B.V.) - through Baran Raviv | | 100 | |
Baran Raviv GmbH - through Baran Raviv B.V. | | 100 | |
LEAD Control Ltd. | | 50.1 | |
Baran Raviv Telecom Africa - through Baran Raviv | | 100 | |
Westmontage GmbH (hereafter - Westmontage) – through Group B.V. | | 54.9 | |
Baran Raviv Telecom (Thailand) Limited - through Baran Raviv | | 100 | |
Baran Telecom Inc. | | 100 | |
Proportionately Consolidated Companies: | | | |
Nejeva Holding B.V. - through Group B.V. | | 50 | |
Nes-Pan Ltd. (hereafter - Nes-Pan) - through Baran Management | | 50 | |
A.R. - A.D.I.R. Constructions Ltd. (hereafter - A.R. - A.D.I.R.) | | 50 | |
Meissner - Baran Ltd. (hereafter – Meissner - Baran) - through Baran Industries | | 46. 5 | (2) |
Baran Mer International Telecommunications, Technology, Industry and Trade Ltd. (hereafter - Baran Mer) - through Baran Raviv | | 50 | |
Green Anchors Ltd. - through Nas Pan | | 25 | |
Carmel Desalination Limited | | 33 | |
Mal Nes KFT - through Nes Pan | | 22.5 | |
Proportionately Consolidated Joint Ventures: | | | |
A.A.B. Joint Venture “Nachshonim Project” (hereafter - Nachshonim) | | 33.33 | |
Joint Venture Dagan Areas (hereafter - Dagan Areas) | | 25 | |
Associated Companies: | | | |
Tefen Industrial Engineering and System Analysis Ltd. (hereafter - Tefen) - through Baran Industries | | 31.29 | |
A.L.D. - Advanced Logistics Developments Ltd. (hereafter - A.L.D.) | | 50.5 | (3) |
(1) | Percentage of control – 60%. |
(2) | Percentage of control – 50%. |
(3) | Percentage of control – 33.3% |
F-101
BARAN GROUP LTD.
(An Israeli Corporation)
APPENDIX II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
| | Three years ended December 31, 2003 | |
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Column A | | Column B | | Column C | | Column D | | Column E | | Column F | | Column G | |
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| |
| |
| | Balance at beginning of year | | Additions in respect of differences from translation of foreign currency financial statements | | Additions in respect of companies consolidated for the first time | | Additions charged to cost and expense | | Deductions from reserves | | Balance at end of period | |
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Description | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Allowance for doubtful accounts: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted NIS (in thousands): | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended December 31, 2001 | | 304 | | | | 2,374 | | | | | | 2,558 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | | | |
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Year ended December 31, 2002 | | 2,558 | | | | 7,188 | | | | (2,144 | ) | 7,632 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| |
| |
Year ended December 31, 2003 | | 7,632 | | (553 | ) | | | 284 | | (2,805 | ) | 4,558 | |
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| |
| | | |
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| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted NIS (in thousands): | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended December 31, 2001 | | (5,336 | ) | | | | | (5,671 | ) | | | (11,007 | ) |
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| | | | | |
| | | |
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Year ended December 31, 2002 | | (11,007 | ) | | | | | (5,490 | ) | | | (16,497 | ) |
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| | | | | |
| | | |
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Year ended December 31, 2003 | | (16,497 | ) | | | | | (23,850 | ) | | | (40,347 | ) |
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| | | | | |
| | | |
| |
Warranty provision | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted NIS (in thousands): | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year ended December 31, 2001 | | 21,643 | | | | | | | | 461 | | 21,182 | |
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| | | | | | | |
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Year ended December 31, 2002 | | 21,182 | | | | (258 | ) | 1,806 | | (11,968 | ) | 10,762 | |
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| | | |
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Year ended December 31, 2003 | | 10,762 | | | | | | (7,236 | ) | | | 3,526 | |
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F-102
| |
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LION, ORLITZKY & CO. | MOORE STEPHANS |
AUDITORS’ REPORT
To the Shareholders of
Tefen – Industrial Engineering And System Analysis Ltd.
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Tefen – Industrial Engineering And System Analysis Ltd. (hereafter – the Company) as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the company’s Board of Directors and management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We did not audit the financial statements of Tefen USA Ltd. as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, which were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. We audited the adjustments to convert such statements to generally accepted accounting principles in Israel for purposes of inclusion in the consolidated financial statements. These financial statements reflect total assets of 44% and 48% of the related consolidated totals as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and total revenues of 58%, 64% and 49% of the related consolidated totals for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, respectively. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose report thereon has been furnished to us, and our opinion expressed herein, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Tefen USA. Ltd. under accounting principles in the United States, is based solely on the report of the other auditors. Additionally, we did not audit the financial statements of Tefen Ltd. as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, which were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United Kingdom. We audited the adjustments to convert such statements to generally accepted accounting principles in Israel for purposes of inclusion in the consolidated financial statements. These financial statements reflect total assets of 16% and 13% of the related consolidated totals as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and total revenues of 18%, 16% and 16% of the related consolidated totals for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, respectively. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose report thereon has been furnished to us, and our opinion expressed herein, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Tefen Ltd. under accounting principles in the United Kingdom, is based solely on the report of the other auditors.
We conducted our audits with auditing standards generally accepted in Israel and in the United State of America including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditors (Mode of Performance) Regulation, 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 statements presentation. We believe that our audits, and the reports of the other auditors, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based upon our audits and on the reports of the above-mentioned other auditors referred to above, the financial statements referred to above, present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the consolidated results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in (“GAAP”) Israel.
Accounting principles generally accepted in Israel vary in certain respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States as allowed by item 18 to Form 20-F. The application of the latter would have affected the determination of consolidated income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, and the determination of shareholder’s equity as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 to the extent summarized in our letter dated March 22, 2004 in respect thereof.
As explained in note 2, the consolidated financial statements referred to above are presented in values adjusted for the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency, in accordance with pronouncements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
Ramat-Gan, Israel,
March 22, 2004.
| | Sincerely yours,
LION, ORLITZKY & CO. Certified Public Accountants (Isr.) |
F-103
MOORE STEPHENS
Independent auditors’ Report to the Board of Directors
and Shareholders of Tefen Limited
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Tefen Limited as of December 31st, 2003 and 2002 and the related statements of operations and changes in shareholder’s equity for the years ended December 31st, 2003 and 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. Those Standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial 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 Tefen limited as of December 31st, 2003 and 2002, and the results of its operations for the years ended December 31st, 2003, and 2002 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United Kingdom.
St. Paul’s House, | MOORE STEPHENS |
London, EC4P 4BN | |
| Chartered Accountants |
| Registered Auditor |
21st May 2004
F-104
MOORE STEPHENS
Independent auditors’ Report to the Board of Directors
and Shareholders of Tefen Limited
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Tefen Limited as of December 31st, 2002 and 2001 and the profit and loss accounts, cash flow statements and movements in shareholder’s funds for the years ended December 31st, 2002 and 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 conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those Standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial 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 Tefen limited as of December 31st, 2002 and 2001, and the results of its operations for the years ended December 31st, 2002, and 2001 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United Kingdom.
St. Paul’s House, | MOORE STEPHENS |
London, EC4P 4BN | |
| Chartered Accountants |
| Registered Auditor |
27th April 2004
F-105
Atkinson & Co., Ltd.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Board of Directors
Tefen USA, Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Tefen USA, Ltd. (a New Mexico Corporation) as of December 31, 2001, and the related statements of operations and retained earnings and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in 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 audit and the report of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audit, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Tefen USA, Ltd. as of December 31, 2001, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
| Atkinson & Co., Ltd. |
| |
Albuquerque, New Mexico February 21, 2002 | |
F-106
Atkinson & Co., Ltd.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Board of Directors
Tefen USA, Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Tefen USA, Ltd. (a New Mexico Corporation) as of December 31, 2002, and the related statements of operations and retained earnings and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our report dated February 12, 2003 we expressed an opinion that the 2002 financial statements fairly presented the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows in conformity with accounting principals generally accepted in the United States of America, except for effects of including a proportional share of the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of its investee Tefen IT, LLC. As described in note A, the Company has changed its method of accounting for this investment and restated its 2002 financial statements to conform with accounting principals generally accepted in the United States of America. Accordingly, our present opinion on the 2002 financial statements, as presented herein, is different from that expressed in our previous report.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Tefen USA, Ltd. as of December 31, 2002, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
| Atkinson & Co., Ltd. |
| |
Albuquerque, New Mexico February 11, 2004 | |
F-107
Atkinson & Co., Ltd.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Board of Directors
Tefen USA, Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Tefen USA, Ltd. (a New Mexico Corporation) as of December 31, 2003, and the related statements of operations and retained earnings and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Tefen USA, Ltd. as of December 31, 2003, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Atkinson & Co., Ltd.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
February 11, 2004
F-108
BAKER TILLY
OREN HOROWITZ
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the shareholders of A.L.D Advanced Logistics Developments Ltd..
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of A.L.D Advanced Logistics Developments Ltd. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholder’s equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s Board of Directors and management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We did not audit the financial statements of the subsidiary – Qualitest Ltd., whose assets included in consolidation constitute approximately 16% and 8% of the total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and whose revenues included in consolidation constitute approximately 40%, 20% and 18% of the total consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. The financial statements of this subsidiary were audited by another independent auditors, whose reports have been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to amounts included for that company, is based on the report of this independent auditors.
Further more, we did not audit the financial statements of the subsidiary – Sohar Inc., as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and for the three years ended December 31, 2003 which were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. We audited the adjustments to convert such statements to generally accepted accounting principles in Israel for purposes of inclusion in the consolidated financial statements. These financial statements reflect total assets of 19% and 12% of the related consolidated totals as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and total revenues of 29%, 27% and 13% of the related consolidated totals for the three years ended December 31, 2003, respectively. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose report thereon has been furnished to us, and our opinion expressed herein, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Sohar Inc. under accounting principles in the United States, is based solely on the report of the other 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 annual financial statements presentation. We believe that our audit and the reports of other independent auditors provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based upon our audits and the reports of the other independent auditors referred to above, the aforementioned financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the consolidated results of its operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in Israel.
Accounting principles generally accepted in Israel vary in certain respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and as allowed by item 18 to the Form 20-F. The application of the latter would have affected the determination of consolidated income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, and the determination of shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 to the extent summarized in note 20 to the consolidated financial statements.
As explained in note 2a, the consolidated financial statements referred to above are presented in values adjusted for the changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency, in accordance with pronouncements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
s / Oren Horowitz C.P.A (Isr)
March 23, 2004
F-109
Goodrich, Goodyear & Hinds
An Accountancy Corporation
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
The Board of Directors
SoHar, Inc.
Culver City, California
We have audited the accompanying balance sheer of SoHar, Inc., as of December 31, 2003, and the related statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
Except as discussed in the following paragraph, we conducted our audit 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
As discussed in Note 8 to the financial statements, certain minority shareholders have asserted that $55,000 in liabilities in excess of actual obligations to related companies was recognized in the financial statements of the Company. The Company disagrees with their interpretation. We were unable to obtain sufficient audit evidence to determine if the recorded liability was in excess of the actual obligations to the related companies. If the $55,000 liability was not recognized, the Company’s income, net of taxes, would increase approximately $31,000.
In our opinion, except for the effect of such adjustments, if any, as might have been determined to be necessary had we been able to satisfy ourselves about the items discussed in the prior paragraph, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of SoHar, Inc., as of December 31, 2003, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Long Beach, California
February 19, 2004.
F-110
Goodrich, Goodyear & Hinds
An Accountancy Corporation
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
The Board of Directors
SoHar, Inc.
West Covina, California
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of SoHar, Inc., as of December 31, 2002, and the related statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of SoHar, Inc., as of December 31, 2002, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
s / Goodrich, Goodyear & Hinds
Long Beach, California
March 15, 2003
F-111
Windes & McClaughky
Accountancy Corporation
Certified Public Accountants & Consultants
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
To the Board of Directors of
SoHar, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of SoHar, Inc., as of December 31, 2001, and the related statements of income and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of SoHar, Inc., as of December 31, 2001, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Long Beach, California |
February 19, 2002 |
F-112
![LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/20-F/0001178913-04-000844/pwc.jpg)
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| Kesselman & Kesselman Certified Public Accountants (Isr) 6 Yaski Street Be’er Sheva 84222 Israel Telephone +972-8-6277020 Facsimile +972-8-6276351 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the shareholders of
QUALITEST LTD.
We have audited the balance sheets of Qualitest Ltd. (hereafter -the Company) as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 and the related statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003. Thesefinancial 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 accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (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. The 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 on our audits, thefinancial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and 2003 and the results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel.
Accounting principles generally accepted in Israel vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and as allowed by Item 18 to Form 20-F. The application of the latter would have affected the determination of net income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003 and the determination of shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2002 and 2003 to the extent summarized in note 20 to the financial statements.
As explained in note 2, 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.
Beer Sheva, Israel | Kesselman & Kesselman |
June 24, 2004 | Certified Public Accountants (Isr.) |
F-113
![DELOITTE LOGO](https://capedge.com/proxy/20-F/0001178913-04-000844/deloitte.jpg)
| 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.com
|
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT |
To the Management Committee and Joint Venturers |
A.A.B. JOINT VENTURE - ABB SUSA / A. ARENSON / BARAN GROUP: | |
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of A.A.B. JOINT VENTURE - ABB SUSA / A. ARENSON / BARAN GROUP (the “Joint Venture”) as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related statements of operations and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2003 and for the period from inception (April 5, 2001) to December 31, 2001. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Joint Venture’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, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditors Regulations (Mode of performance), 1973, as well as 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 Joint Venture as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of operations and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2003 and for the period from inception (April 5, 2001) to December 31, 2001, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Israel. Accounting principles generally accepted in Israel vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The application of the latter would not have materially affected the determination of the Joint Venturers’ capital as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 or net income for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2003 and for the period from inception (April 5, 2001) to December 31, 2001.
As explained in Note 2A, these financial statements are presented in values adjusted for changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency, in accordance with pronouncements of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel.
Brightman Almagor & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
A member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Tel Aviv, Israel
March 7, 2004
Audit • Tax • Consulting • Financial Advisory • | A member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu |
F-114
Brightman Almgor | Deloitte & Touche |
Independent Auditor’s Report
To The Shareholders of
Meissner-Baran Ltd.
We have the accompanying balance sheets of Meissner-Baran Ltd. (“the Company”) as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and the related 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 Board of Directors and management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, and in Israel, including those prescribed by the Israeli Auditors’ regulations (Mode of Performance), 1973. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statements presentation, we believe that our audits provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 and results of its operations, its changes in shareholders’ equity and its cash flows 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 vary 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 the results of operations of each three years in the period ended December 31, 2002 and determination os shareholders’ equity and financial position as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, to the extent summarized in Note 18.
As explained in Note 2b, the aforementioned financial statements are presents in values adjusted for changes in the general purchasing power of the Israeli currency, in accordance with Opinions of the Institute of certified Public Accountants in Israel.
s/Brightman Almagor & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
A member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Tel-Aviv, Israel
March 13, 2003
F-115
ITEM 19. EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. | | Description |
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1.1 | | Articles of Association of Baran (translation). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s F-4 filed with the Commission on October 24, 2002). (*) |
1.2.1 | | Memorandum of Association of Baran, as amended (translation). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrant’s F-4 filed with the Commission on October 24, 2002). (*) |
3.1 | | Summary of Agreement among Ephraim Goldstein, Aharon Lichtenstein, and Eli Peleg, Baran and Baran Industries (91) Ltd., dated July 7, 1998. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrant’s F-4 filed with the Commission on October 24, 2002). (*) |
3.2 | | Summary of Agreement among Dr. Zigmund Bloveband and Baran, dated January 31, 2000. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Registrant’s F-4 filed with the Commission on October 24, 2002). (*) |
4.1 | | Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 5, 2002, among Baran Group Ltd., Baran Acquisition Sub, Inc., and o2wireless Solutions, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Registrant’s F-4 filed with the Commission on October 24, 2002). (*) |
4.2 | | Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated August 28, 2002 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1.1 of the Registrant’s F-4 filed with the Commission on October 24, 2002). (*) |
4.3 | | Second Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated September 17, 2002 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1.2 of the Registrant’s F-4 filed with the Commission on October 24, 2002). (*) |
4.4 | | Management Consulting Agreement, dated as of June 5, 2002, among Baran and o2wireless. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s F-4 filed with the Commission on October 24, 2002). (*) |
4.5 | | Documentation of Loan from Bank Hapoalim Ltd. to Baran (translation). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Registrant’s F-4 filed with the Commission on October 24, 2002). (*) |
4.6 | | Documentation of Loan from Bank Leumi to Nes-Pan Ltd., dated October 14, 2001 (translation). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Registrant’s F-4 filed with the Commission on October 24, 2002). (*) |
4.7 | | Documentation of Loan from Bank Leumi to Baran, dated February 10, 2002 (translation). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Registrant’s F-4 filed with the Commission on October 24, 2002). (*) |
4.8 | | Rental Agreement between Nes-Pan Ltd. and Clal-Investments in Real Estate Ltd. (translation). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Registrant’s F-4 filed with the Commission on October 24, 2002). (*) |
4.9 | | Agreement dated February 21, 2002 between D.B.S. Satellite Services (1998) Ltd. and Baran Raviv Telecom Ltd. (translation). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Registrant’s F-4 filed with the Commission on October 24, 2002). (*) |
4.10 | | Agreement dated March 7, 2000 among T.P.S. Teleparking Systems Ltd., Baran, and Dor Chemicals Ltd. (translation). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Registrant’s F-4 filed with the Commission on October 24, 2002). (*) |
96
4.11 | | Agreement dated May 30, 2000 among T.P.S. Teleparking Systems Ltd., Baran, S.M.D. Progressive Technologies Ltd., Alron TPS LLC, and Israel Investment LLC (translation). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Registrant’s F-4 filed with the Commission on October 24, 2002). (*) |
4.12 | | Warrant to Purchase Stock of o2wireless Solutions, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the Registrant’s F-4 filed with the Commission on October 24, 2002). (*) |
8.1 | | List of Baran subsidiaries. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 of the Registrant’s F-4 filed with the Commission on October 24, 2002). (*) |
10.1 | | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
10.2 | | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
(*) Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Form F-4 filed with the Commission on October 24, 2002
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
| BARAN GROUP, LTD. |
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| By: | /s/ Meir Dor |
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| | Meir Dor Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer |
Date: June 28, 2004
97
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Meir Dor, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Baran Group Ltd.(“the Company”): |
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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; |
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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 Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report; |
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4. The Company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) for the Company and have: |
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| (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, 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; |
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| (b) [omitted in accordance with the guidance of SEC Release No. 333-8238]; |
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| (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this annual report based on such evaluation; and |
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| (d) Disclosed in this annual report any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
98
5. The Company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
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(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information and |
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(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: June 28, 2004
| /s/ Meir Dor |
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| Meir Dor Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer |
99
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Sasson Shilo, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Baran Group Ltd. (“the Company”): |
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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; |
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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 Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report; |
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4. The Company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) for the Company and have: |
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| (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, 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; |
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| (b) [omitted in accordance with the guidance of SEC Release No. 333-8238]; |
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| (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this annual report based on such evaluation; and |
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| (d) Disclosed in this annual report any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
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100
5. The Company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
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(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information and |
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(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: June 28, 2004
| /s/ Sasson Shilo |
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| Sasson Shilo Vice President of Finance, Secretary |
101