MIRA INFORM REPORT

 

 

Report Date :

17.09.2014

 

IDENTIFICATION DETAILS

 

Name :

HI-TEX FOUNDED BY TEFRON LTD.

 

 

Registered Office :

P.O. Box 1364 &1365, Misgav Industrial Park, Mobile Post Misgav, Misgav 2017900

 

 

Country :

Israel

 

 

Date of Incorporation :

1996

 

 

Legal Form :

Private Limited Company

 

 

Line of Business :

Manufacturers, Marketers and Exporters of Seamless Intimate Apparel and Active-Wear Products

 

 

No of Employees :

922

 

 

RATING & COMMENTS

 

MIRA’s Rating :

B

 

RATING

STATUS

PROPOSED CREDIT LINE

26-40

B

Capability to overcome financial difficulties seems comparatively below average.

Small

 


 

Status :

Moderate

Payment Behaviour :

Slow

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 – June 01, 2014

 

Country Name

Previous Rating

(31.03.2014)

Current Rating

(01.06.2014)

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 & Address

 

HI-TEX FOUNDED BY TEFRON LTD.

Telephone  972 4 990 00 00; 990 08 05

Fax           972 4 990 08 69

P.O. Box 1364 &1365

Misgav Industrial Park

Mobile Post Misgav

MISGAV 2017900 Israel

 

 

HISTORY & LEGAL FORMATION

 

Originally established as a non-registered business in 1996.

Converted into a private limited company and registered as such as per file

No. 51-248981-6 on the 01.06.1997.

 

 

SHARE CAPITAL

 

Authorized share capital NIS 250,000,000.00, divided into -

250,000,000 ordinary shares of NIS 1.00 each,

of which 162,646,933 shares amounting to NIS 162,646,933.00 were issued.

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS

 

Subject is fully owned by TEFRON LTD., a public limited company whose shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE), controlled by:

1.    LITEF HOLDING INC, 23.52%,

2.    MIVTACH SHAMIR HOLDINGS LTD., 11.45%, publicly traded on TASE, controlled by Meir Shamir,

3.    INTIMES NOUVELLE SEMLESS INC., 8.95%, both latter companies are owned by the Liberman family, headed by Martin Liberman,

4.    RIMON INVESTMENT MASTER FUND L.P, 6.84%, controlled by Zvi Limon.

 

 

DIRECTORS

 

1.   Gil Shimon, General Manager of subject and of TEFRON,

2.   Eliezer Parnafes, CFO of TEFRON.

 

BUSINESS

 

Manufacturers, marketers and exporters of seamless intimate apparel and active-wear products, as part of TEFRON Group.

Note: As of 01.01.2014, Seamless Division of TEFRON's sole Division.

98% of Group's sales are for export, mainly to the USA.

 

Among clientele of the Seamless Division in TEFRON: VICTORIA'S SECRET (44.3% of Group sales in 2013), CALVIN KLIEN, MARKS & SPENCER, ADIDAS, HANES, BRANDS INDUSTRIES, T.J.MAX, WAL MART.

 

Operating from leased premises, 2 plants on total area of 30,000 sq. meters, in Misgav Industrial Park, Misgav. Also operating from offices at the TEFRON Group's headquarters (leased, 178 sq. meters), in 94 Em Hamoshavot Street, Petach Tikva.

Landlord of the premises in Misgav Industrial Zone, Misgav: RIT1.

 

Having 922 employees in TEFRON Group as of end of 2013, of which 376 employees in Israel.

 

 

MEANS

 

Due to accumulated losses mainly in the light of the global economic crisis TEFRON Group encountered financial difficulties. In December 2009 TEFRON's 3 bankers announced on shutting all new credit frameworks, after TEFRON failed to meet its financial covenants.

 

In January 2010 TEFRON reached an agreement with its bankers based on a new recovery plan sought by its management, in which the banks will increase the line of credit to US$ 30.8 million (of which US$ 1.8 million collateral of TEFRON’s shareholders). In March 2010 TEFRON Group, signed the agreement with its bankers, receiving a US$ 20 million loan, and further extension of credit by US$ 9 million. In consideration, the banks (BANK LEUMI LE'ISRAEL LTD., BANK HAPOALIM LTD. and ISRAEL DISCOUNT BANK LTD.) received options for circa 2.5% of TEFRON. Also in March 2010, TEFRON raised US$ 4 million by issuing rights via stock to its main shareholders.

 

In December 2010, after the entrance of INTIMES NOUVELLE Group as investors (in total TEFRON raised US$ 5.8 million), TEFRON reached a final agreement with its banks on its financial covenants.

 

Group has been ongoing an extensive re-organization and streamlining process.

 

In August 2012 TEFRON received a waiver from its 3 financing banks, regarding part of the covenants for TEFRON and some of its subsidiaries (including TEFRON) for 2013, and received further waivers in November 2012 (for 2013). In December 2013 TEFRON received further waivers, due to being close to the covenants limitations. As of 31.12.2013, TEFRON meets its covenants.

 

In March 2014 subject and banks altered subject's covenants, and as of 30.06.2014 TEFRON meets its covenants.

 

Group has been ongoing an extensive re-organization and streamlining process.

 

In Q2-2014 financial statements TEFRON's CPA added a note that TEFRON's management estimates that there is a possibility of over 50% that TEFRON will meet its financial covenants.

 

Subject is an “Approved Enterprises” and as such enjoys tax benefits and State incentives.

 In September 1997 The Israeli Investment Centre (IIC) approved an investment plan of US$ 20 million for subject's plant expansion.

 

Later IIC approved the investment of US$ 15 million in the expansion of the subject’s plant in Misgav. In June 2001 yet another expansion plan was approved for the Misgav plant by IIC, this time of US$ 33.5 million (US$ 6.5 million are grants).

 

Other financial data on subject not forthcoming.

 

Financial data is included in the consolidated B/S of parent company, TEFRON LTD, which shows:

                                                                                            US$ (thousands)

                                                                                    31.12.2013               30.06.2014

ASSETS

Current assets

     Cash and cash equivalents                                                   6,697                  1,680

     Short term investments                                                           420                    379

     Costumers                                                                         13,691                18,284

     Other debtors                                                                      2,711                  2,686

     Inventories                                                                         12,622                11,923

                                                                                             36,141                34,952

 

Non-current assets

     Property, plant and equipment (net)                                     27,984                27,220

     Intangible assets, net                                                              742                    620

     Other non-current assets                                                      5,709                  5,984

                                                                                             34,435                33,824

                                                                                             70,576                68,776

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

 

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities                                                                     24,246                23,978

Non-current liabilities                                                               18,576                17,951

Equity                                                                                    27,754                26,847

                                                                                             70,576                68,776

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

 

TEFRON LTD. current market value US$ 5.3 million.

 

There are 10 charges for unlimited amounts registered on the company's assets, in favor of the State of Israel, Bank Leumi Le'Israel Ltd., Israel Discount Bank Ltd., Bank Hapoalim Ltd. and companies (last charge placed November 2009).

 

REVENUES

 

Sales of TEFRON's Seamless Division:

2008 sales were US$ 86,265,000, making an operating loss of US$ 15,804,000. Subject ended 2008 with a net loss of US$ 16,641,000.

2009 sales were US$ 62,306,000, making an operating loss of US$ 13,197,000. Subject ended 2009 with a net loss of US$ 10,750,000.

2010 sales were US$ 52,850,000, making an operating loss of US$ 16,278,000.

Subject ended 2010 with a net loss of US$ 18,185,000.

2011 sales were US$ 94,895,000, making an operating loss of US$ 2,862,000.

Subject ended 2011 with a net loss of US$ 4,221,000.

2012 sales were US$ 96,583,000, making an operating profit of US$ 1,786,000.

Subject ended 2012 with a net loss of US$ 2,830,000.

2013 sales were US$ 81,536,000, making an operating loss of US$ 2,024,000.

Subject ended 2013 with a net loss of US$ 3,930,000.

 

Note: since TEFRON's sale of its Swim ware activities (see more in CHARACTER), Seamless Division became TEFRON's main activity (its Cut& Saw activities are insignificant and under 'Others' Segment, and is marginal)

 

 

                                                                                             TEFRON LTD.

                                                                           Consolidated Statement of Income

                                                                                           US$ (thousands)

                                                                                             Year ended 31.12

                                                                                    2011              2012              2013

Sales                                                                          118,418           98,963           82,912

 

Gross profit                                                                   18,122           17,031           14,826

 

Operating income (loss)                                                (3,472)             2,028           (2,053)

 

Income before taxes on income (loss)                            (4,608)                403           (3,801)

 

Net income (loss)                                                         (4,254)              (458)           (3,443)

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

 

TEFRON LTD. consolidated revenues for the first 6 months of 2014 were

US$ 46,633,000 (5.4% increase compared to the parallel period in 2013), making a gross profit of US$ 8,177,000, an operating loss of US$ 417,000, and a net loss of US$ 977,000.

 

 

OTHER COMPANIES

 

TEFRON LTD., parent company, heads TEFRON Group which, besides subject's activities also operates as manufacturers, exporters and marketers of seamless woman’s lingerie and under garments and active wear. Also fully owns:

MACRO CLOTHING LTD., non-active – see more in CHARACTER,

NEW NET INDUSTRIES LTD., non-active,

TEFRON HOLDINGS (98) LTD.

TEFRON UK LIMITED, U.K., non-active,

TEFRON US HOLDINGS INC.,

TEFRON USA INC. (formerly ALBA), U.S.A.,

EL-MASIRA TEXTILE COMPANY LTD., plant in Jordan.

 

 

BANKERS

 

Bank Hapoalim Ltd., Bnei Brak Branch (No. 655), Bnei Brak, account No. 70666.

Israel Discount Bank Ltd., Main Branch (No. 010), Tel Aviv, account No. 130915.

A check with the Central Banks' database did not reveal anything detrimental on subject’s a/m accounts.

 

Bank Leumi Le'Israel Ltd., Ayalon Business Branch (No. 693), Lod.

 

 

CHARACTER AND REPUTATION

 

Besides the financial aspect of TEFRON Group, nothing unfavorable learned on subject.

TEFRON was negatively affected by the consequences of the global economic crisis and harsh competition from Far Eastern markets. TEFRON Group encountered grave financial difficulties and was on a verge of going bankruptcy in December 2009. Since then TEFRON’s financial standing improved thanks to agreement with the banks (including re-scheduling debts) and fueling capital by the shareholders and the new investors (NOUVELLE), although situation is still fragile (as above MEANS). Following the steps taken over the past couple of years, the Group's situation improved, also due to the successful assimilation of NOUVELLE activities into Group, which increased Group's clientele base.

As a result, TEFRON Group has been on going through comprehensive re-organization and structural steps, in which it closed plants, made massive workforce cuts and other streamlining measures. TEFRON decreased its working force by 9% in 2011 (compared to 2010 – had 1,075).

 

As part of the Group's streamlining, it closed its offices in New York, and transferred its activities to the Canadian office and to Israel.

 

In November 2013 TEFRON completed the sale of all activities, assets, goodwill etc. of MACRO CLOTHING LTD. (designers, manufacturers, exporters and marketers of swimwear and beachwear), and its Chinese and Hong Kong subsidiaries (TEFRON MACRO HK LTD and DONG GUANG MACRO CLOTHING LIMITED) to GOTTEX SWIMWEAR for US$ 280,000.

 

Following this move, the Seamless Division became TEFRON's main activity (over 98% of 2013 activities)

 

Despite our efforts, we were unable to speak with subject's officials, as they were always unavailable. We left messages which so far remain unanswered.

 

TEFRON is the 3rd largest textile and apparel manufacturer in Israel.

Products are sold by international name-brand marketers.

 

In 1997 parent company, TEFRON LTD. published a prospectus offering shares to the public on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol TFR), raising a sum of US$ 103 million, indicating a value of US$ 233 million.

In December 2008 shares were deleted from trade after not meeting the NYSE listing criteria shares and were transferred to the Over The Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB), and in December 2011 they were delisted from trade (TEFRON's shares are still traded on the TASE).

 

MIVTACH SHAMIR HOLDINGS LTD. entered as investors in TEFRON in January 2006. It is the roof company to the MIVTACH SHAMIR Group, a well-known and large holding group controlled (36%) by Meir Shamir (other main investors are ASHTROM PROPERTIES – 9%, Leon Recanati – 8.5%). MIVTACH SHAMIR has holdings in the industry (mainly 21% in TNUVA, local largest food concern), hi-tech, venture capital, real estate and finance. It has current market value of US$ 373 million.

 

Another investor in subject is FIMI Fund, a leading local equity fund, which started investing in TEFRON in 2005, reaching 27% at top. In May 2006 FIMI realized 9% of its shares in TEFRON in consideration of some NIS 100 million and later exited from TEFRON.

 

In 1999 TEFRON acquired the U.S. textile manufacturer ALBA WALDENISIAN, in consideration of US$ 62 million.

 

In May 2006 TEFRON inaugurated a joint excellence and development center with NIKE in NIKE's headquarters in the U.S.A.

 

As part of TEFRON Group streamlining efforts, as of January 2009 subject assumed all Group’s intimate apparel and active-wear activities (while MACRO handles all the beach-wear activities). For that matter parent TEFRON transferred to subject all the relevant assets and apart from that date all dealings with clients and suppliers are with subject only.

 

In February 2009 TEFRON closed its dyeing plant in Netanya, Israel and transferred the work to subcontractors), united plants in Jordan, increasing efficiency in plants, and further lowering its workforce (and also pay reduction).

 

In June 2009 TEFRON announced that they are starting to sell their products in the local market for the first time, as part of its efforts to confront the global crisis. TEFRON will offer export surplus and market its own brand “tfr”. First franchise store was opened in Kfar Saba and further franchised stores are planned.

 

In January 2010 RIT1, TEFRON’s landlord in the headquarters building in Misgav, demanded for immediate payments of rental fees, including opening legal procedures. The sides entered negotiations and in March 2010 reached accord, where TEFRON will pay RIT1 NIS 3.4 million and evacuate the 7,700 sq. meters premises.

 

TEFRON acquired the goodwill and list of clients of NOUVELLE SEAMLESS as part of the share acquisition finalized on 31.12.2010.

 

In 2011 TEFRON started manufacturing (via subcontractors) seamless products in the Far East.

 

In January 2012, TEFRON announced it signed a cooperation agreement with CIFRA S.P.A. of Italy, among the world leasing seamless manufacturers, to develop, manufacture and marketers of seamless sport, undergarments and bathing suits. In April 2014 the cooperation agreement was terminated.

 

In April 2012 KAN 2000 TEXTILE INDUSTRIES filed a lawsuit against TEFRON claiming the defendant owes them NIS 1 million for dyeing services. In June 2014 matter ended in compromise in which TEFRON will pay NIS 463,000.

 

In September 2012 TEFRON signed an agreement with X-TECHNOLOGY SWISS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT (XTS), to supply XTS manufacturing services and be their representatives.

 

In December 2013 it was reported that TEFRON established a joint venture with BRANDIX LANKA od Sri Lanka for developing,  manuifactuiring and marketing of apparel for brands.

 

In June 2014 TEFRAN signed a strategic agreement with CLOVER GROUP INTERNATIONAL of Hong Kong which specilazed in seamless brassieres, to establish a joint company in Honk Kong.

 

Sales by local Textile, Clothing and Fashion Industries have been experiencing decrease in sales over the last years. Some 60% of the textile industry production is sold in the local market and the rest for export. Most exports are the North American market, and the industries suffered from the global economic crisis, mainly in the USA, as well as the slow-down in local market.

Sales for export by the Textiles, Wearing Apparel & Leather industries has been in a decreasing trend over the last years: export fell by 6.6%, 6.7% and 5.3% in the years 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively (from the previous year), reaching US$ 762 million in 2013. Export in the first 7 months of 2014 shows some recovery, with sales for export rising by 12% from the parallel period in 2013.

 

Besides the weakness of global markets, the local industry has been in state of crisis 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.

 

According to Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) data, investments in machinery & equipment from import for the manufacturing of Textiles in 2013 fell 43.8% (in quantity terms) from 2012 and summed up to NIS 36.9 million (after 2.7% increase in 2012).

 

 

SUMMARY

 

Although subject and Group are ongoing a streamlining and its finance improvement, dealings are still recommended on secured basis.

 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES

 

Currency

Unit

Indian Rupees

US Dollar

1

Rs.61.10

UK Pound

1

Rs.99.05

Euro

1

Rs.79.03

 

INFORMATION DETAILS

 

Analysis Done by :

DIV

 

 

Report Prepared by :

TPT

 

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.