MIRA INFORM REPORT

 

 

Report Date :

02.10.2013

 

IDENTIFICATION DETAILS

 

Name :

CASTRO MODEL LTD.

 

 

Registered Office :

31 Ort Israel Street, Industrial Zone, Bat Yam 5959042    

 

 

Country :

Israel

 

 

Financials (as on) :

30.06.2013

 

 

Year of Establishments:

1947

 

 

Legal Form :

Public Limited Liability Company

 

 

Line of Business :

Designers, importers, manufacturers (via subcontractors in Israel and abroad), exporters and marketers of women and men wearing apparel, footwear and fashion accessories (belts, handbags, wallets)

 

 

No. of Employees :

Having 1,140 employees serving CASTRO MODEL Group (had 1,618 employees in the end of 2011).

 

 

RATING & COMMENTS

 

MIRA’s Rating :

A

 

RATING

STATUS

PROPOSED CREDIT LINE

56-70

A

Financial & operational base are regarded healthy. General unfavourable factors will not cause fatal effect. Satisfactory capability for payment of interest and principal sums

Fairly Large

 

Status :

Good

Payment Behaviour :

No Complaints 

Litigation :

Clear

 

 

NOTES :

Any query related to this report can be made on e-mail: infodept@mirainform.com while quoting report number, name and date.

 

ECGC Country Risk Classification List – March 31st, 2013

 

Country Name

Previous Rating

(31.12.2012)

Current Rating

(31.03.2013)

Israel

A2

A2

 

Risk Category

ECGC Classification

 

Insignificant

 

A1

Low

 

A2

Moderate

 

B1

High

 

B2

Very High

 

C1

Restricted

 

C2

Off-credit

 

D

 

israEl ECONOMIC OVERVIEW

 

Israel has a technologically advanced market economy. Its major imports include crude oil, grains, raw materials, and military equipment. Cut diamonds, high-technology equipment, and pharmaceuticals are among the leading exports. Israel usually posts sizable trade deficits, which are covered by tourism and other service exports, as well as significant foreign investment inflows. The global financial crisis of 2008-09 spurred a brief recession in Israel, but the country entered the crisis with solid fundamentals - following years of prudent fiscal policy and a resilient banking sector. The economy has recovered better than most advanced, comparably sized economies. In 2010, Israel formally acceded to the OECD. Israel's economy also has weathered the Arab Spring because strong trade ties outside the Middle East have insulated the economy from spillover effects. Natural gasfields discovered off Israel's coast during the past two years have brightened Israel''s energy security outlook. The Leviathan field was one of the world''s largest offshore natural gas finds this past decade, and production from the Tama field is expected to meet all of Israel''s natural gas demand beginning mid-2013. In mid-2011, public protests arose around income inequality and rising housing and commodity prices. The government formed committees to address some of the grievances but has maintained that it will not engage in deficit spending to satisfy populist demands.

 

Source : CIA

Company name & address

 

CASTRO MODEL LTD.

Telephone             972 3 555 45 55

Fax                       972 3 555 45 54

31 Ort Israel Street

Industrial Zone

BAT YAM              5959042            ISRAEL

 

 

HISTORY & LEGAL FORMATION

 

Originally established as a non-registered firm in 1947.

 

Converted into a private limited company and registered as such as per file No. 51-065215-9 on the 26.06.1973.

Converted into a public limited liability company and registered as such as per file No. 52-003764-9 on the 30.06.1992. Subject published a prospectus offering shares to the public and since 1992 traded on the Tal Aviv Stock Exchange.

 

Following a re-organization in the CASTRO MODEL Group, as of 01.01.2007 all of CASTRO MEN (1997) LTD.'s assets and activities were transferred to CASTRO MARKETING 1985 LTD., a fully owned subsidiary of subject.

CASTRO MEN (1997) LTD. was liquidated ("Liquidated Due to Merger").

 

On the 08.11.2012 wholly-owned subsidiary CASTRO MARKETING (1985) LTD. (now "Liquidated Due to Merger"), was fully merged into subject.

 

 

SHARE CAPITAL

 

Authorized share capital NIS 10,000,000.00, divided into -

                   10,000,000 ordinary shares of NIS 1.00 each,

of which 5,787,000 shares amounting to NIS 5,787,000.00 were issued.

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS

 

1.    A.L. CASTRO HOLDINGS LTD., 37%, owned by Aharon and Ms. Lina Castro,

2.    ROTER HOLDINGS LTD., 36.3%, owned by Gabriel and Ms. Esther Rotter,

3.    HAREL INSURANCE, 9.9%, MIGDAL, 5.1%, both institutional investors,

4.    Shares are also traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE).

 

 


DIRECTORS

 

1.    Amir Tamari, Chairman,

2.    Gabriel (Gabi) Rotter, Joint General Manager,

3.    Mrs. Esther (Eti) Rotter, Joint General Manager, daughter of the Castro couple and wife of Gabi,

4.    Ms. Moran Meiri,

6.    Eliyahu Joseph,

7.    Amir Caduri Hayek,

8.    Ms Yael Elad.

 

 

BUSINESS

 

Designers, importers, manufacturers (via subcontractors in Israel and abroad), exporters and marketers of women and men wearing apparel, footwear and fashion accessories (belts, handbags, wallets).

 

Also, operating 179 retail fashion stores (26 woman, 27 men, 8 surplus stores, 2 accessory stores and 58 men and woman stores – counted as 2 stores each).

In August 2013 subject launched its children's apparel line (store within store format) with 22 branches.

 

During 2011 Group ceased operating abroad (Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Switzerland, Romania and Thailand), and all activities are in Israel.

Group also ceased operating the "Diva" fashion accessories chain in end of 2012.

 

Among local suppliers: JAMTEX MODE, ADI LIN FASHION ACCESSORIES, I.M. ALKALAI TRADE & MARKETING, ENDER TEX, ARIGEI MOFET, LYSIS, BRACHA JOSEPH ROSENBERG, (all from Israel), and DCK CONCESSIONS (of the UK) etc.

 

Operating from owned headquarters premises, on an area of 2,565 sq. meters, of which 4,745 sq. meters built (serving the Group), in 31 Ort Israel Street, Industrial Zone, Bat Yam, (subject also holds the rights to property in 33 Ort Israel on an area of 2,445 sq. meters), and from a logistics center in Zrifin (rented, 7,580 sq. meters).

Also operating from retail stores all over the country, located mainly in shopping malls (subject owns several properties which serve as subject's stores), as well as surpluses stores (including a main one in 35 Ban Zvi Street, Tel Aviv – the address you provided).

 

Having 1,140 employees serving CASTRO MODEL Group (had 1,618 employees in the end of 2011).

 

 

MEANS

 

Consolidated B/S shows:

                                                                                                    NIS (thousands)

                                                                                         31.12.2012              30.06.2013

ASSETS

Current assets

       Cash and cash equivalents                                                   59,721                    22,689

       Other financial assets                                                         108,192                  110,025

       Customers                                                                           86,820                    64,480

       Other debtors                                                                      12,748                    16,445

       Other assets                                                                          1,735                     7,561

       Inventory                                                                           142,886                  123,471

                                                                                                412,102                  344,671

 

Non-current assets

       Investments                                                                         13,418                    10,826

       Fixed assets, net                                                               106,472                  112,316

       Other assets                                                                        25,943                    24,933

                                                                                                145,833                  148,075

                                                                                                557,935                  492,746

                                                                                             =======               =======

 

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities                                                                        171,406                  134,385

Non-current liabilities                                                                   71,514                    40,745

Equity                                                                                      315,015                  317,616

                                                                                                557,935                  492,746

                                                                                             =======               =======

 

Current market value US$ 188 million.

 

There are 3 charges for unlimited amounts registered on the company's assets (financial assets and fixed assets), in favor of Bank Leumi Le’Israel Ltd. and Bank Hapoalim Ltd. (charges placed 1998, 1997 and 1993).

 

 

SALES

                                                                    Consolidated Statement of Income

                                                                                    NIS (thousands)

                                                                                    Year ended 31.12

                                                                        2010                   2011                   2012

Sales                                                              597,364              649,452              705,858

 

Gross profit                                                    363,925              394,430              426,913

 

Operating income                                              68,136                76,912                74,477

 

Pre-tax income                                                  65,342                69,452                72,518

 

Net income                                                            642                48,003                58,254

                                                                    =======            =======            =======

 

Note: 2010 low net income is due to loss of ceased activities (international activities) of NIS 48.9 million.


 

Consolidate sales for the first 6 months of 2013 were NIS 366,153,000 (8.6% increase compared to the parallel period in 2012), making a gross profit of
NIS 222,102,000, an operating profit of NIS 37,471,000, and a net profit of
NIS 27,051,000.

 

 

OTHER COMPANIES

 

CASTRO SINGAPORE PTE LTD., 100%, Singapore, non-active, holds 100% of CASTRO ASIA (MACAO COMMERCIAL OFFSHORE) LTD.

DIVA FASHION ACCESSORIES ISRAEL LTD., 50%, ceased activities in the end of 2012.

 

 

BANKERS

 

Bank Leumi Le’Israel Ltd., Tel Aviv Central Branch (No. 800), Tel Aviv.

Bank Hapoalim Ltd., Business Central Branch (No. 600), Tel Aviv.

 

 

CHARACTER AND REPUTATION

 

Currently, 2 pending motions submitted to the court for their approval as class action lawsuits. The first in April 2013 for the sum of NIS 213.5 million regarding refunds using subject's gift cards, and the 2nd, from July 2013 for NIS 149.5 million regarding violation of employment rules.

It should be noted that the procedure for such claims to be approved are usually long and mostly eventually turned down or end in compromise.

Also there is a legal case (which was submitted as a class action lawsuit) currently in arbitration.

 

Nothing unfavorable learned apart from that.

 

Subject is one of the leading fashion chains in Israel (design and retail), the most recognized fashion brand.

Subject was also, since 2003, one of the pioneers in the fashion retail business expansion abroad. Yet following losses in the international field, subject ceased operating abroad, closing down all international activity in 2011, and liquidating its companies (currently in the process of liquidating CASTRO UK LTD.).

 

In mid 2005, subject, jointly with British partner DCK, launched its new sub-chain for fashionable jewelries and accessories called "Diva", offering some 20,000 items. Subject invested several millions in the venture, however, following losses in this segment, subject gradually decreased its "Diva" stores, and in the Q4 2012 closed the last store and ceased the "Diva" activity.

 

In August 2007, subject launched a campaign for a new jeans line, called "Dark Jeans", with investment of NIS 2 million.

 

In November 2007, subject invested NIS 4 million in its winter campaign.

The advertising agency handling subject is REUVENI FRIDAN.

 

In April 2008 it was reported that subject opened a flag store in Jerusalem, investing NIS 1.2 million.

 

In March 2009 it was reported that subject invested NIS 8 million it upgrading its flag store in Tel Aviv, on an area of 1,050 sq. meters, in the Dizengoff Mall.

 

In August 2009 subject purchased 2 store premises on a total area of 311 sq. meters in Gan Hair Mall, Tel Aviv (a very prestigious location), paying NIS 7.2 million.

 

In January 2013 subject launched an online store.

 

In August 2013 subject launched its children's clothing line (including accessories), with an investment of NIS 18 million, opening 22 stores (store in store format). Subject is intending to open further 10 stores till the end of 2013, and convert its 2 accessory stores to children's clothing stores (selling accessories in the stores).

 

According to reports from the end of 2012, total sales of the local fashion market are NIS 11 billion per annum. 40% of sales are in the large fashion chains, 34% in other smaller chains, and the rest in private shops.

According to the fashion market survey, which monitors sales by the local fashion chains, 2012 marked almost a freeze in sales, with mere 0.7% increase from 2011. The data reveals that in 2012 41 fashion chains (out of 72 chains with total of over 1,600 shops) noted decrease in sales of aparel and footwear.

 

Based on surveys, around 50% and more is women's fashion. Moreover, 40% of fashion stores in Israel belong to fashion chains, the rest being private shops.

 

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), import of Clothing and Footwear in 2012 rose by 5.1% (in $ terms, marked 13.3% in NIS currency terms), summing up to US$ 1,759 million. That data shows on the continuing growing trend from the last couple of years – by 19% and by 13.4% in 2011 and 2010, respectively, in comparison to the previous year. Most import comes from China. Main other countries of origin for textile goods are France, Italy, Hong Kong and Turkey, Spain and the U.S.A.

 

The local fashion market has been significantly influenced by the entrance of new international fashion players to the already highly competitive local market (GAP, H&M in 2009/2010, Forever 21 in 2011).

Sources in the local fashion branch noted that in the last period the branch re-entered slow-down and stagnation, resulting in drop in sales. There have been also few collapses of veteran and big players in some niches, such as children's apparel. The  is explained by several factors, including the present slow-down in local economy, and the fierce competition where the entrance of the strong international chains are dragging prices down but do not bring to expansion of the fashion market.

 

Sales by local Textile, Clothing and Fashion Industries have been experiencing decrease in sales over the last years. The output by the local Textile and Clothing industries in 2009 fell down by 13% from 2008. Some 60% of the textile industry production is sold in the local market and the rest for export. Most exports were the North American markets (some 50%), and the industries suffered from the global economic crisis, mainly in the USA, as well as the slow-down in local market. In 2010 sales for export of the Textile, Clothing & Leather industries improved just slightly, with 3.5% increase from 2009, however also due to global markets weakness in 2011 and 2012 fell again by 6.6% and 6.7%, respectively, reaching US$ 808 million in 2012.

 

The local industry has been in state of crisis during last decade in face of amounting import from foreign competitors with cheaper production costs, forcing streamlining process, plants closure, and mostly resulting in the shift of textile manufacturing to low labor cost countries. There are around 14,000 employed in the textile sector in some 130 plants. In order to deal with the situation, the local textile industry diverted mainly to advanced technologies production, niches and design aspects.

 

From the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) National Accounts for 2012, it turns that expenditure by local households on private consumption grew by 2.7% from 2011, after rising by 3.8% in 2011. Expenditure on clothing, footwear and personal effects rose by 7.2% (after 2.4% rise in 2011).

Per-capita expenditure increased by 0.9% (1.9% rise in 2011).

Per capita expenditure for private consumption on non-durable goods rose in 2012 by 1.4% per-capita (1.3% rise in 2011). This rise reflects increases by 1.3% in expenditure on food, beverage and tobacco and 4.5% expenditure on clothing, footwear and personal effects.

 

 

SUMMARY

 

Good for trade engagements.


 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES

 

Currency

Unit

Indian Rupees

US Dollar

1

Rs.62.36

UK Pound

1

Rs.101.20

Euro

1

Rs.84.54

 

INFORMATION DETAILS

 

Report Prepared by :

MNL

 

RATING EXPLANATIONS

 

RATING

STATUS

 

 

PROPOSED CREDIT LINE

>86

Aaa

Possesses an extremely sound financial base with the strongest capability for timely payment of interest and principal sums

 

Unlimited

71-85

Aa

Possesses adequate working capital. No caution needed for credit transaction. It has above average (strong) capability for payment of interest and principal sums

 

Large

56-70

A

Financial & operational base are regarded healthy. General unfavourable factors will not cause fatal effect. Satisfactory capability for payment of interest and principal sums

 

Fairly Large

41-55

Ba

Overall operation is considered normal. Capable to meet normal commitments.

 

Satisfactory

26-40

B

Capability to overcome financial difficulties seems comparatively below average.

 

Small

11-25

Ca

Adverse factors are apparent. Repayment of interest and principal sums in default or expected to be in default upon maturity

 

Limited with full security

<10

C

Absolute credit risk exists. Caution needed to be exercised

 

 

Credit not recommended

--

NB

New Business

 

--

 

This score serves as a reference to assess SC’s credit risk and to set the amount of credit to be extended. It is calculated from a composite of weighted scores obtained from each of the major sections of this report. The assessed factors and their relative weights (as indicated through %) are as follows:

 

Financial condition (40%)            Ownership background (20%)                  Payment record (10%)

Credit history (10%)                   Market trend (10%)                                Operational size (10%)

 

PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL : This information is provided to you at your request, you having employed MIPL for such purpose. You will use the information as aid only in determining the propriety of giving credit and generally as an aid to your business and for no other purpose. You will hold the information in strict confidence, and shall not reveal it or make it known to the subject persons, firms or corporations or to any other. MIPL does not warrant the correctness of the information as you hold it free of any liability whatsoever. You will be liable to and indemnify MIPL for any loss, damage or expense, occasioned by your breach or non observance of any one, or more of these conditions

This report is issued at your request without any risk and responsibility on the part of MIRA INFORM PRIVATE LIMITED (MIPL) or its officials.