MIRA INFORM REPORT

 

 

Report Date :

22.11.2014

 

IDENTIFICATION DETAILS

 

Name :

RAFAEL ADVANCED DEFENSE SYSTEMS LTD.

 

 

Formerly Known As :

RAFAEL - ARMAMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY LTD.

 

 

Registered Office :

P.O. Box 2250 Haifa 3102102   

 

 

Country :

Israel

 

 

Financials (as on) :

31.12.2013

 

 

Date of Incorporation :

01.01.1995

 

 

Legal Form :

Private Limited Company

 

 

Line of Business :

Developers, designers, manufacturers, marketers and exporters of wide range of high-tech defense systems for air, land, sea and space applications

 

 

No. of Employees

7169

 

 

RATING & COMMENTS

 

MIRA’s Rating :

Ba

 

RATING

STATUS

PROPOSED CREDIT LINE

41-55

Ba

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

Satisfactory

 

Status :

Satisfactory

 

 

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 31, 2014

 

Country Name

Previous Rating

(31.12.2013)

Current Rating

(31.03.2014)

Israel

A2

A2

 

Risk Category

ECGC Classification

Insignificant

 

A1

Low Risk

 

A2

Moderate Low Risk

 

B1

Moderate Risk

 

B2

Moderate High Risk

 

C1

High Risk

 

C2

Very High Risk

 

D

 

 


 

ISRAEL ECONOMIC OVERVIEW

 

Israel has a technologically advanced market economy. Cut diamonds, high-technology equipment, and pharmaceuticals are among the leading exports. Its major imports include crude oil, grains, raw materials, and military equipment. Israel usually posts sizable trade deficits, which are covered by tourism and other service exports, as well as significant foreign investment inflows. Between 2004 and 2011, growth averaged nearly 5% per year, led by exports. 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. 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. The economy has recovered better than most advanced, comparably sized economies, but slowing demand domestically and internationally, and a strong shekel, have reduced forecasts for the next decade to the 3% level. Natural gas fields discovered off Israel's coast since 2009 have brightened Israel's energy security outlook. The Tamar and Leviathan fields were some of the world's largest offshore natural gas finds this past decade. The massive Leviathan field is not due to come online until 2018, but production from Tamar provided a one percentage point boost to Israel's GDP in 2013 and is expected to contribute 0.5% growth in 2014. In mid-2011, public protests arose around income inequality and rising housing and commodity prices. Israel's income inequality and poverty rates are among the highest of OECD countries and there is a broad perception among the public that a small number of "tycoons" have a cartel-like grip over the major parts of the economy. 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. In May 2013 the Israeli government, in a politically difficult process, passed an austerity budget to reign in the deficit and restore confidence in the government's fiscal position. Over the long term, Israel faces structural issues, including low labor participation rates for its fastest growing social segments - the ultra-orthodox and Arab-Israeli communities. Also, Israel's progressive, globally competitive, knowledge-based technology sector employs only 9% of the workforce, with the rest employed in manufacturing and services - sectors which face downward wage pressures from global competition

 

Source : CIA


Company name and address

 

RAFAEL ADVANCED DEFENSE SYSTEMS LTD.

Telephone         972 4 879 44 44; 4 879 47 14

Fax                   972 4 879 46 81; 4 879 46 53/ 7

Email:               intl-mkt@rafael.co.il

 

P.O. Box 2250

HAIFA   3102102 ISRAEL

 

 

HISTORY & LEGAL FORMATION

 

A government-owned private limited company, registered as per file  No. 52-004218-5 on the 01.01.1995. Until December 2001 RAFAEL, originally established in 1948, operated as a department of the Ministry of Defense, Government of Israel.

 

Since the 01.01.2002 subject turned into a state-owned government company, taking over all activities of the RAFAEL Authority (see CHARACTER for more).

Originally registered under the name RAFAEL - ARMAMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY LTD., which changed to the present name on the 24.09.2007.

 

 

SHARE CAPITAL

 

Authorized share capital of NIS 1,000,000,000.00, divided into:-

10,000,000 ordinary shares of NIS 100.00 each, of which 5,798,311 shares amounting to NIS 579,831,100.00 were issued.

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS

 

Subject is fully owned by the State of Israel, through the Ministry of Defense (Minister in charge Moshe Ya'alon).

 

 

DIRECTORS

 

1.         Itzhak Gat, Chairman (Brig. General, Ret.),

2.         Ms. Regina Unger,

3.         Ra'anan Elran,

4.         Ehud Gindes,

5.         Ms. Zvia Gross,

6.         Zach Fishbain,

7.         Ms. Sara Friesch.

 

Note: Ilan Biran ceased to serve as subject's Chaimen in June 2013.

 

 

GENERAL MANAGER

 

Yedidia Ya'ari (Major General, Ret.)

 

 

BUSINESS

 

Developers, designers, manufacturers, marketers and exporters of wide range of high-tech defense systems for air, land, sea and space applications.

Marketing is carried out through foreign branches, Israel’s embassies (special delegates), etc.

In 2013, 55.8% of sales were for export.

 

Activities are divided into the following divisions:

1. Missiles and Cyber Warfare Division, handling air/air missiles, air/surface missiles, air defense and electro optical systems (flagship system is "Kipat Barzel" (Iron Dome) missile and rocket interceptor system), development of IP secured infrastructure, etc., as well as intelligence and electronic warfare systems, communications systems, cellular communications, simulators, information technologies, electro-magnetic, law enforcement products line (i.e. police mobile computing, computerized traffic law enforcement systems, etc.).

2. Armament and Defense Division, handling armor products (reactive armor), passive armor, ceramic armor), ballistics and explosives, pulsed power and high power electro-magnetic, etc., as well as ground and sea weapon systems.

3. Propulsion and Technology Division, handling propulsion systems, pyrotechnic devices, warheads, fusing devices, expendable naval decoys, as well as urban weapon systems.

Also, directly and via subsidiaries, handling:

Combat vehicle upgrades and navel systems

Navigating and attack system for fighter planes

Remote Control Weapon Stations (RCWS)

Micro-satellites (jointly with the ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES).

 

Amongst local suppliers: SANMINA-SCI SYSTEMS TEL AVIV, EL-FAR ELECTRONICS, P.L.R. SYSTEMS, G.M. CASES, NICE SYSTEMS, NEW TECHNOLOGY R.K., B.T.I QUALITY METAL CENTER, GUMI TEL AVIV, VERED EROSIA, WIETEC, DGS LASER SAFETY, ELI HAJAJ, BQR RELIABILITY ENGINEERING, B.G. TECHNICAL SUPPORT, NEPCON MANUFACTURING TECH., GLOBUS TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT, ELMO MOTION CONTROL, POLYURETHANE, ARAN RESEARCH, ELI SEVI GENERATORS, A. HUBER & SONS, SEGEN TECHNOLOGIES, AHARON YOSEF - PACKAGING INDS., K.B.I. LAHAT TECHNOLOGIES, LEWENSTEIN WOLFSON AGENCIES, R.C.M., GIGALINX, HAIM YUDASHKIN, etc.

 

Main client is Ministry of Defense (IDF) (40.6% of sales in 2013).

Among other clients are defense forces worldwide, including US Army & Navy, The Polish Defense Ministry/ WZM, Dutch Air-Force.

Subject maintains strong cooperation with RAYTHEON COMPANY of the U.S.A.

 

Operating from corporate headquarters premises and plants in the David Center (“Machon David”), Kiryat Bialik (near Haifa), from the Missile Division facility in Leshem Industrial Park, Misgav (in the Upper Galilee) and the Shadma Plant in the Negev. Also operating from a marketing office in Givatayim.

Also operate from branches in Washington and New York, U.S.A., Seoul (Korea), Rio De Janeiro (Brazil), Canberra (Australia), New Delhi (India), London (UK) and Madrid (Spain).

 

Having 7,169 employees in RAFAEL Group (had 6,889 employees in 2012).

 

 

MEANS

 

Consolidated B/S shows:

NIS (thousands)

31.12.2012        31.12.2013

ASSETS

Current assets

            Cash & cash equivalents            1,794,601          1,788,155

            Short term investments              1,299,624          711,787

            Customers                                1,241,600          1,290,660

            Other debtors and income         1,212,830          1.240.448

            Inventories                                   857,617             807,056

                                                            6,406,272          5,838,106

 

Investments & long term debentures       816,811 941,150

Fixed assets, net                                   1,466,277          1,524,781

Other non-current assets                           189,337             222,695

                                                            8,878,697          8,526,732

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

 

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities                                    4,393,419          4,524,883

Long term liabilities                               1,765,301          1,480,363

Equity                                                   2,719,977          2,521,486

                                                            8,878,697          8,526,732

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

 

Consolidated backlog orders as of 31.12.2013 were NIS 15.15 billion, 64% of which for export.

 

During 2005 subject raised NIS 350 million in a private bonds issue for institutional bodies.

In March 2012 subject raised NIS 500 million in a private bonds issue (rated AAA) for institutional bodies.

 

In 2013, NIS 528 million was invested in R&D (NIS 491 in 2012, NIS 499.5 in 2011). 2014 R&D budget NIS 597 million.

 

In June 2012 subject transferred the Ministry of Finance NIS 316 in dividends for its 2010 profits. During 2013 subject transferred the Ministry of Finance NIS 430 in dividends.

 

There are 18 charges for unlimited amounts registered on the company’s assets, in favor of local banks and a foreign bank (last charge placed April 2013).

 

REVENUES

 

Consolidated Statement of Income

NIS (thousands)

Year ended 31.12

2011                 2012                 2013

Revenues

            Local Ministry of Defense          2,544,757          3,009,506          3,098,398

            Other local clients                      306,927 214,013 249,651

            Overseas                                  4,228,494          3,620,087          4,041,840

                                                            7,080,178          6,843,606          7,389,889

 

Gross profit                                          1,532,350          1,559,560          1,479,620

 

Operating profit                                     437,860 390,440 320,116

 

Profit before taxes on income                461,468 553,601 443,981

 

Net profit                                              396,636 569,035 365,651

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

 

 

OTHER COMPANIES

 

Among subsidiaries (main ones):

SEMI-CONDUCTOR DEVICES - AN ELBIT SYSTEMS - RAFAEL PARTNERSHIP (SCD), 50%, developers, manufacturers, exporters and marketers of infrared detectors for thermal imaging equipment and laser diodes.

R.F.D.L. LTD., 100%, holding company.

OPGAL LTD., 49.99%, developers, manufacturers of electro-optic systems,

RAFAEL USA INC. (RUSA), 100%, USA, a holding and marketing company,

GAL-EL (MMIC), 50%, co-owned by subject and ELTA.

R.D.C. RAFAEL DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD., 49.9% (a joint venture with ELRON ELECTRONIC), an incubator, business development and a holding company, for civilian commercializing of developments by subject, for hi-tech companies in a wide range of disciplines - from medical devices to telecommunications and semiconductors, and many others. Holds shares in several companies.

ERCAS B.V., 100%, the Netherlands, fully owns DYNAMIT NOBEL DEFENCE (DND), of Germany manufacturers of weapon systems, and PAP of Spain.

R-JET, 10%,

BECKER TURBO SYSTEMS ENGINEERING 2005 LTD., 50%, development of tiny jet engines.

SMART SYSTEMS PTE LTD., 50%,

RAFAEL FAR EAST PTE LTD. (RFE), 100%, a holding company.

VISIONMAP, 50%, a stratup in the digital photography field.

MPREST SYSTEMS (2003) LTD., 50%, developers of control and radar software.

SHAFIR PRODUCTION SYSTEMS LTD., 49%, manufacturers, exporters and marketers of custom-made automatic computerized machinery and robots.

ACCUBEAT LTD., 50%, Developers, manufacturers, marketers and exporters of very high precision oscillators and clocks, based on the rubidium atom.

CONTROP PRECISION TECHNOLOGIES LTD., 50%, developers, manufacturers, marketers and exporters of electro-optics and control systems.

RAFALATINO, South American marketing arm, holds 40% in Brazilian company.

 

 

BANKERS

 

Bank Hapoalim Ltd., Kikar Paris Branch (No. 736), Haifa, account No. 222202 (and other accounts as well).

Israel Discount Bank Ltd., Main Branch (No. 070), Haifa, account No. 40045.

Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd., Haifa Business Branch (No. 070), Haifa, account
No. 147538.

A check with the Central Banks’ database did not reveal any negative information regarding subject’s a/m accounts.

 

Also known to all local banks.

 

 

CHARACTER AND REPUTATION

 

Nothing unfavorable learned.

 

Subject is veteran and one of the world's leading companies in design, development, production and delivery of a wide range of high-tech defense systems. Its know-how is embedded in almost all Israel Defense Forces (IDF) systems in operation today. It has been developing break-through military technologies and systems, such as "Kipat Barzel" which was developed (jointly with local company ELTA) in less than 3 years and became operational during 2011, designed for protecting population from short-range rockets. Current conflict with the Gaza Strip has shown a ~90% success for "Kipat Barzel", unprecedented in any parameter.

In the prestigious American “Defense News” magazine 100 leading defense industry corporations in the world published in July 2013 it was ranked 52nd.

 

Subject is ongoing a structural re-organization. According to a report from July 2013, subject is establishing a new Ground Division which will assume all ground (and some naval) weapon systems, an R&D Division, and An Aerial And Intelligence Administration.

 

Subject is certified for AS9100, ISO14001, ISO 18001, ISO900: 2008 and others.

 

In June 2006, it was reported that subject will supply the Czech Army with advanced combat stations for US$ 120 million (6 years deal). The deal was won jointly with an Austrian firm (a subsidiary of GENERAL DYNAMICS), which is the main contractor. In May 2008 it was reported that the deal has been frozen due to disagreements between GD and the Czech Government. Subject reportedly delayed payments to some subcontractors. Later it was reported that the deal will probably come through eventually. 

 

In July 2006, it was reported that subject will supply the US Army in Iraq with amour vehicles protection systems for US$ 55 million.

Subject supplied the British Air Force navigation systems in value of US$ 103 million, according to reports from August 2006.

 

In July 2007 Israeli MoD signed a contract with subject for supply of 100 anti-rockets monitoring defense systems, in a project volume of NIS 300 million.

 

In February 2007, it was reported that subject, jointly with PVE of the USA, will provide the US Marines with amour vehicles in a deal value of US$ 37 million.

In June 2007, there were several reports on new deals, including winning a tender of US$ 425 million anti-tanks supply for Spanish combat helicopters.

 

Another report was concerning major significant deals with the Indian Ministry of Defense in total value of US$ 4 billion, for air defense systems by subject and other Israeli military systems manufacturers. In that aspect, there were reports on corruption accusations involving subject, which came from Indian MoD officials, but proved false. In September 2008 it was reported that the Indian Defense Cabinet approved the deals. In this framework subject was awarded a US$ 270 million contract for missiles systems, followed by a giant missiles deal of US$ 1 billion, reported in August 2009. Israeli ELTA ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS, a subsidiary of ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES LTD (IAI), will be subject’s sub-contractor. In parallel, subject is IAI sub-contractor for IAI’s US$ 1.5 billion deal in another missiles deal for India.

 

In December 2007, it was reported that subject will upgrade attack and navigation systems "Lightning" systems) in the German Air-Force aircraft "EuroFighter", in a deal value of US$ 25 million, similar to a previous order.

This deal also continuing a wave of recent deals: selling naval arms systems to the U.S. Navy (US$ 36 million deal jointly with BAE, subject's part is US$ 25 million), and other deals to the American Army, including a U.S. ARMY tender won in September 2007, for distant doors blasting systems in value of US$ 52 million. This system won the US Army Development Award.

 

A business dispute erupted between ELRON and subject regarding their joint venture R.D.C. and the rights for using its technology in the civilian markets. In December 2007, the parties reached an agreement settling the dispute and amending their initial agreement. Pursuant to the Addendum, RDC’s rights to commercialize certain technologies of subject will continue without time restrictions.

 

In February 2008 it was reported that subject will supply Singaporean Air Force weapon system for several hundred million US$.

 

In August 2008 it was reported that subject will supply armament to the US Army for US$ 16 million.

 

In April 2009 it was reported that subject won an US Army tender in volume of US$ 20 million to provide defensive for armored personnel carriers. Subject is a sub-contractor for GENERAL DYNAMICS in the project, where the two already cooperate in similar project in volume of US$ 120 million for armored vehicles protection in Afghanistan and Iraq.

 

Reportedly, during 2009 subject sold anti tanks missiles to several European countries in total value of US$ 400 million.

 

In November 2010 subject acquired 49% SHAFIR PRODUCTION SYSTEMS, for NIS 28 million.

 

In January 2011, a Ministerial Committee decided to merge ISRAEL MILITARY INDUSTRIES LTD. (also fully owned by the State) into subject. However, merger attempt ceased in may 2011.

 

During 2011, subject acquires 50% of ACCUBEAT. (April, price not forthcoming) and CONTROP PRECISION TECHNOLOGIES (July, for a reported sum of NIS 150 million – NIS 175 million). Also subject's subsidiary ERCAS B.V. acquired PAP of Spain, for NIS 9.2 million.

 

In September 2011 it was reported that subject will supply missiles to South Korea in volume of US$ 43 million.

 

In April 2012 it was reported that subject is acquiring 40% of Brazilian company GESPI (via RAFALATINO established during 2012), providing system maintenance services, paying NIS 72 million. Subject has an option to acquire further 40% for the same price.

 

In the end of 2013 subject increased its holdings in VISIONMAP to 50% (from 24%), according to VISIONMAP value of NIS 150 million.

 

Israel is considered one of the largest exporters of military and defense equipment in the world. Asia is the largest geographical market for Israeli export, while the U.S.A. is the largest country market for the military and defense industries' export.

 

Export level fell significantly in 2011 due to the unfavorable global economic circumstances, however climbed back by 20% in 2012 to US$ 7.4 billion.

 

Sales by the 4 largest local defense industries (subject, ELBIT, IAI, and IMI) comprise some 85% of overall sales.

 

 

SUMMARY

 

Good for trade engagements and for all credits.

 

Note: Since February 2013 Israel Post has started using a new area code method of 7 digits (the old method of 5 digits is no longer valid).

 


 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES

 

Currency

Unit

Indian Rupees

US Dollar

1

Rs.61.85

UK Pound

1

Rs.97.01

Euro

1

Rs.77.62

 

INFORMATION DETAILS

 

Analysis Done by :

DIV

 

 

Report Prepared by :

NIT

 

               

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%)

 

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