PART I
ITEM 1.
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IDENTITY OF
DIRECTORS
, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
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Not applicable.
ITEM 2.
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OFFER STATISTICS AND EXP
ECT
ED TIMETABLE
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Not applicable.
A.
Selected Financial Data
We have derived the following selected financial data from our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP.
The following selected data is derived from our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report:
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statement of income data for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015; and
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o
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balance sheet data as of December 31, 2014 and 2015.
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The following selected data is derived from our audited financial statements that are not included in this annual report:
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statement of income data for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012; and
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o
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balance sheet data as of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
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You should read the selected financial data together with Item 5 of this annual report entitled “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our financial statements and notes thereto and the other financial information appearing elsewhere in this annual report.
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Year Ended December 31,*
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2011
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2012
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2013
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2014
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2015
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(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
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Statement of Operations Data:
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Revenues
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$
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2,050
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$
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1,646
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$
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0
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$
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34
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$
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506
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Cost of revenues:
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Costs and expenses
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669
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542
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15
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21
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202
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Royalties to the Government of Israel
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48
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53
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-
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2
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15
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Total cost of revenues
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717
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595
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15
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23
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217
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Gross profit
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1,333
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1,051
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(15
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)
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11
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289
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Operating expenses:
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Sales and marketing
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-
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305
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-
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3
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84
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General and administrative
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638
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427
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308
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272
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175
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Other expenses
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-
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17
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-
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-
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-
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Total operating expenses
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638
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749
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308
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275
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259
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Operating profit (loss)
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695
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302
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(323
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(264
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)
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30
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Financial income (expenses), net:
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52
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36
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18
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-
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12
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Net profit (loss) from continuing operation
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$
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747
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$
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338
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$
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(305
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$
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(264
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$
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42
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Per share data:
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Basic and diluted earnings (loss)
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$
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0.28
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$
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0.13
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$
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(0.11
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)
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$
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(0.10
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$
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0.02
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Shares used in computing loss per ordinary share:
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Basic and diluted
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2,690,857
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2,690,857
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2,690,857
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2,690,857
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2,690,857
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As of December 31,
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2011
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2012
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2013
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2014
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2015
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(U.S. dollars in thousands)
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Balance Sheet Data:
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Cash and cash equivalents
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$
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5,321
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$
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5,378
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$
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4,801
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$
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4,537
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$
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4,573
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Short-term investments
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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4,807
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5,207
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4,636
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4,373
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4,415
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Total assets
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5,691
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5,523
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4,921
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4,739
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4,584
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Shareholders’ equity
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4,874
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5,212
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4,637
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4,373
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4,415
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B.
Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not Applicable.
C.
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not Applicable.
You should carefully consider the following risks before deciding to purchase, hold or sell our stock. Set forth
below are the most significant risks, as identified by our management, but we may also face risks in the future that are not presently foreseen. Our business, operating results or financial condition could be materially and adversely affected by these and other risks. You should also refer to the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this annual report, before making any investment decision regarding our company.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
We currently do not engage in any business.
We sold our WLAN business to Lantiq in February 2010.
Since then, we conducted only limited business activities related to our DSL business, which, since March 2015, we no longer conduct. Our plan of operation since then was to consider strategic alternatives, including a possible business combination, other strategic transaction with a domestic or foreign, private or public operating entity or a "going private" transaction, including with any of our affiliates, and voluntary liquidation. In particular, starting March 2014, our board of directors has instructed our management, with assistance of our legal advisors, to explore a plan to liquidate Metalink, including the scope of the cash distribution expected to be available to the shareholders and the legal steps required to implement such liquidation. As an Israeli company, liquidation of the Company would require the approval of the board of directors and of the shareholders at a special majority of at least 75% of all ordinary shares voted on the matter. As such, there is no assurance if the liquidation will occur, its timing or the amount of proceeds that will be actually distributed to the shareholders.
See also below under "We have several principal shareholders"
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We may not be successful in executing our plan of operations.
Since February 2010, we have not been able to identify and consummate a suitable business opportunity in accordance with our plan of operations and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in identifying and evaluating suitable business opportunities or to otherwise execute our plan of operations. While our plan of operation is to consider strategic transactions and opportunities, we have not determined to pursue any particular opportunities at this time. Accordingly, we may enter into a business combination with a business entity having no significant operating history or other negative characteristics such as having a limited or no potential for immediate earnings, or otherwise pursue a strategic transaction that will not necessarily provide us or our shareholders with significant financial benefits in the short or long term. In the event that we will complete a business combination with an operating company, the success of our operations is likely to be dependent upon the management of the target company and numerous other factors beyond our control. There is no assurance that we will be able to negotiate a business combination on terms favorable to us, or at all, or that we will otherwise be successful in executing our plan of operations. In addition, if we do consummate a major strategic transaction, such as a business combination, our shareholders may suffer a dilution of value of shares and we may need to raise additional financing because a business combination normally will involve the issuance of a significant number of additional Metalink shares and may require us to raise funds through a public or private financing.
See also above under "We currently do not engage in any business" and below under "We have several principal shareholders".
We have a history of operating losses.
We incurred significant operating losses since our inception. Although we generated a profit from continuing operations of approximately $0.04 million, $0.3 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2012 and 2011, respectively, we incurred a loss from continuing operations of approximately $0.3 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. Even if we are able to regain and sustain profitability, we cannot assure that future net income will offset our accumulated deficit, which, as of December 31, 2015, was approximately $144.6 million. This is likely to have an adverse impact on the value of our stock.
We are not likely to generate any more revenues from our DSL business.
In early 2008, we issued an “end-of-life” notice to our customers, according to which we discontinued the production of the majority of our DSL components. In March 2015, we completed the delivery of certain of our DSL products to a customer and received approximately $450,000, which we recognized in the first quarter of 2015. This order marks the last order that we will receive for our DSL products.
Products sold by us may infringe on the intellectual property rights of others.
Third parties may assert against us infringement claims or claims that WLAN and DSL products sold by us in the past, including products sold under our prior DSL activities, have violated a patent or infringed a copyright, trademark or other proprietary right belonging to them. In such event, we may also be exposed to an indemnity claim by Lantiq in accordance with the asset purchase agreement between us and Lantiq.
We have received from time to time in the past, and may receive in the future, written notices and offers from research institutions, intellectual property holding firms and others claiming to have patent rights in certain technology and inviting us to license this technology and related patent rights for use in our products and methods or otherwise claiming that our products infringe on the intellectual property rights of others.
It would be time consuming for us to defend any such claims, with or without merit, and any such claims could result in among others, costly litigation; divert management’s attention and resources; and require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements and/or indemnify third parties. In particular, we have certain indemnification obligations to customers with respect to infringement of third-party patents and intellectual property rights by our products and underlying technology. We cannot assure you that our potential obligations to indemnify such third parties will not harm us, our business or our financial condition and results of operations. The results of any litigation are inherently uncertain and any infringement claim or litigation against us, whether with or without merit, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources.
Risks Relating to Our Ordinary Shares
We have several principal shareholders.
As of April 1, 2016, our principal shareholders, Messrs. Tzvi Shukhman, Uzi Rozenberg and Daniel Magen, beneficially owned ordinary shares representing 25.68%, 17.75% and 24.90%, respectively, of our outstanding shares. A recent tender offer launched by Top Alpha Capital s.m. Ltd., or Top Alpha, an Israeli company wholly owned by Mr. Magen, to purchase 550,000 of our outstanding ordinary shares, representing 20.44% of our outstanding shares, was not completed successfully. To our knowledge, these shareholders are not parties to a voting agreement and do otherwise act in concert. Consequently, if we were to pursue any strategic alternative, including liquidation, that would require the approval of our shareholders, there is no assurance that we will be able to secure the requisite shareholder approval.
The limited market for our shares may reduce their liquidity and make our stock price more volatile. You may have difficulty selling your shares.
Our ordinary shares are currently quoted on the over-the-counter market in the OTCQB market, which is operated by OTC Markets, Inc. OTCQB is a market tier of OTC Markets for companies registered with and reporting to the SEC. Securities traded on the OTCQB typically have low trading volumes and reduced liquidity. Market fluctuations and volatility, as well as general economic, market and political conditions, could reduce our share price. As a result, there may be only a limited public market for our ordinary shares, and it may be more difficult to dispose of or to obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of our ordinary shares. In addition, unlike the NASDAQ Stock Market and the various international stock exchanges, there are no corporate governance requirements imposed on OTCQB-listed companies.
Our ordinary shares may become subject to the “penny stock” rules of the SEC, which would make transactions in our ordinary shares cumbersome and may reduce the value of our shares
.
Rule 3a51-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, establishes the definition of a "penny stock," for the purposes relevant to us, as any equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share or with an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. While we believe that our ordinary shares are currently exempt from the definition of penny stock, there is no assurance that they will continue to be exempt from such definition. If our ordinary shares become subject to the “penny stock” rules of the SEC, it will make transactions in our ordinary shares cumbersome and may reduce the value of our shares. This is because for any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, Rule 15g-9 of the Exchange Act generally requires:
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that a broker or dealer approve a person's account for transactions in penny stocks; and
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the broker or dealer receive from the investor a written agreement to the transaction, setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock to be purchased.
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In order to approve a person's account for transactions in penny stocks, the broker or dealer must:
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obtain financial information and investment experience objectives of the person; and
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make a reasonable determination that the transactions in penny stocks are suitable for that person and the person has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters to be capable of evaluating the risks of transactions in penny stocks.
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The broker or dealer must also deliver, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, a disclosure schedule prescribed by the SEC relating to the penny stock market, which, generally:
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sets forth the basis on which the broker or dealer made the suitability determination; and
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requires that the broker or dealer receive a signed, written statement from the investor prior to the transaction.
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Disclosure also has to be made by the broker or dealer about the risks of investing in penny stocks in both public offerings and in secondary trading and about the commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and the rights and remedies available to an investor in cases of fraud in penny stock transactions. Finally, monthly statements have to be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks.
Generally, brokers may be less willing to execute transactions in securities subject to the "penny stock" rules. This may make it more difficult for investors to dispose of our ordinary shares and cause a decline in our market value if we were to become subject to the said "penny stock" rules.
Our directors and executive officers own a substantial percentage of our ordinary shares. In addition, substantial future sales of our ordinary shares may depress our share price.
As of April 1, 2016, Messrs. Tzvi Shukhman and Uzi Rozenberg, who are directors of the Company, beneficially owned an aggregate of 1,068,565 ordinary shares representing 43.43% of our outstanding shares. Mr. Rozenberg is also the Chairman of our Board of Directors. As a result, if these shareholders vote together, they could have a significant influence on the election of our directors and on other decisions by our shareholders on matters submitted to shareholder vote, including mergers
(see also under "We have several principal shareholders" above)
. This concentration of ownership of our ordinary shares could delay or prevent proxy contests, mergers, tender offers, open-market purchase programs or other purchases of our ordinary shares that might otherwise give our shareholders the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price for our ordinary shares. This concentration of ownership may also adversely affect our share price.
In addition, if these shareholders sell substantial amounts of our ordinary shares, or if the perception exists that they may sell a substantial number of our ordinary shares, the market price of our ordinary shares may fall.
If we are characterized as a passive foreign investment company, our U.S. shareholders may suffer adverse tax consequences.
As more fully described in Item 10 – “Additional Information - Taxation” under the caption “
Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations
,” we may be classified as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes in 2015. If, for any taxable year, our passive income, or our assets that produce passive income, exceed specified levels, we may be characterized as a PFIC for that year and possibly also for later years. We satisfied the corporate level test to be a PFIC during some of the years 2002 – 2015. Our ordinary shares will be considered shares of a PFIC in the case of any United States person that owned those shares in 2002 or 2003 and that person has not made any of certain elections that could permit the PFIC classification of our shares to terminate in a taxable year in which we did not satisfy the test to be a PFIC. If we are characterized as a PFIC, our U.S. shareholders may suffer adverse tax consequences. These consequences may include having gains realized on the sale of our ordinary shares treated as ordinary income, rather than capital gains, and having the highest possible tax rates in prior years, together with significant interest charges, apply to substantial portions of those gains and to certain distributions, if any, that we make, whether or not we have any earnings and profits. U.S. shareholders should consult their own U.S. tax advisers with respect to the U.S. tax consequences of investing in our ordinary shares.
If we fail to maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and stock price.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 imposes certain duties on us. Our efforts to comply with the management assessment requirements of Section 404 thereof have resulted in a devotion of management time and attention to compliance activities, and we expect these efforts to require the continued commitment of significant resources. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting. We may also identify material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting. In addition, our internal control over financial reporting has not been, and is not required to be, audited by our independent registered public accounting firm. In the future, if we are unable to assert that our internal controls are effective, our investors could lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which in turn could cause our stock price to decline. Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could also result in investigation and/or sanctions by regulatory authorities, and could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results, investor confidence in our reported financial information, and the market price of our ordinary shares.
Risks Relating to Our Location in Israel
Conditions in the Middle East may adversely affect our business and limit our ability to persue our strategic alternatives.
We are incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel, and our principal offices are located in Israel. Accordingly, security, political and economic conditions in the Middle East in general, and in Israel in particular, affect our business.
Over the past several decades, a number of armed conflicts have taken place between Israel and some of its Arab neighbors, and the continued state of hostility, varying in degree and intensity, has led to security and economic problems for Israel. Since late 2000, there has also been a high level of violence between Israel and the Palestinians including during the summer of 2014, when Israel was engaged in armed conflicts with Hamas, a militia group and political party operating in the Gaza Strip. This violence has strained Israel’s relationship with its Arab citizens, Arab countries and, to some extent, with other countries around the world. Since the end of 2010 several countries in the region, including Egypt and Syria, have been experiencing increased political instability, which led to changes in government in some of these countries, the effects of which are currently difficult to assess.
In addition, Israel faces threats from more distant neighbors, such as Iran (which is believed to be an ally of Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon) and the militant group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. This situation may potentially escalate in the future and may also lead to deterioration of the political and trade relationships that exist between the State of Israel and these countries. In addition, this instability may affect the global economy and marketplace. Any armed conflicts or political instability in the region, including acts of terrorism or any other hostilities involving or threatening Israel, might deter potential targets from effecting a business combination with an Israeli company.
Provisions of Israeli law may delay, prevent or complicate merger or acquisition activity, which could depress the market price of our shares.
Provisions of Israeli corporate, securities and tax law may have the effect of delaying, preventing or making an acquisition of our company more difficult. For example, under the Companies Law, upon the request of a creditor of either party to a proposed merger, the court may delay or prevent the merger if it concludes that there exists a reasonable concern that as a result of the merger the surviving company will be unable to satisfy the obligations of any of the parties to the merger. This and other provisions of Israeli law could cause our ordinary shares to trade at prices below the price for which third parties might be willing to pay to gain control of us, since third parties who are otherwise willing to pay a premium over prevailing market prices to gain control of us may be unable or unwilling to do so because of these provisions of Israeli law.
It may be difficult to enforce a U.S. judgment against us, our officers and directors or to assert U.S. securities laws claims in Israel.
We are incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel. Service of process upon us, and our directors and officers, all of whom reside outside the United States, may be difficult to obtain within the United States. Furthermore, because the majority of our assets and investments, and all of our directors and officers are located outside the United States, any judgment obtained in the United States against us or any of them may be difficult to collect within the United States.
We have been informed by our legal counsel in Israel that it may also be difficult to assert U.S. securities law claims in original actions instituted in Israel. Israeli courts may refuse to hear a claim based on an alleged violation of U.S. securities laws because Israel reasoning that the most appropriate forum to bring such a claim. In addition, even if an Israeli court agrees to hear a claim, it may determine that Israeli law and not U.S. law is applicable to the claim. If U.S. law is found to be applicable, the content of applicable U.S. law must be proved as a fact, which can be a time-consuming and costly process. Certain matters of procedure will also be governed by Israeli law. There is little binding case law in Israel addressing these matters.
Subject to specified time limitations and legal procedures, under the rules of private international law currently prevailing in Israel, Israeli courts may enforce a U.S. judgment in a civil matter, including a judgment based upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws, as well as a monetary or compensatory judgment in a non-civil matter, provided that the following key conditions are met:
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subject to limited exceptions, the judgment is final and non-appealable;
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the judgment was given by a court competent under the laws of the state of the court and is otherwise enforceable in the state in which it was given;
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the judgment was rendered by a court competent under the rules of private international law applicable in Israel;
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the laws of the state in which the judgment was given provide for the enforcement of judgments of Israeli courts;
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adequate service of process has been effected and the defendant has had a reasonable opportunity to present his arguments and evidence;
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the judgment and its enforcement are not contrary to the law, public policy, security or sovereignty of the State of Israel;
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the judgment was not obtained by fraud and does not conflict with any other valid judgment in the same matter between the same parties; and
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an action between the same parties in the same matter was not pending in any Israeli court at the time the lawsuit was instituted in the U.S. court.
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Since we received government grants for research and development expenditures, we are subject to ongoing restrictions and conditions.
We have received royalty-bearing grants from the Government of Israel through the Office of the Chief Scientist of the Israeli Ministry of Economy, or the Chief Scientist, for research and development programs that meet specified criteria pursuant to the Law for the Encouragement of Research, Development and Technological Innovation, 1984 (formerly known as the Law for Encouragement of Research and Development in the Industry, 1984), and the regulations promulgated thereunder, or the R&D Law. The terms of the Chief Scientist grants limit our ability to manufacture products or transfer technologies outside of Israel if such products or technologies were developed using know-how developed with or based upon Chief Scientist grants. Any non-Israeli who becomes a holder of 5% or more of our share capital is generally required to notify the Chief Scientist and to undertake to observe the law governing the grant programs of the Chief Scientist, the principal restrictions of which are the transferability limits described above in this paragraph.
In addition, a recent amendment to the R&D Law mandates the formation of a new governmental authority to replace the Chief Scientist by July 28, 2018. This authority may establish new guidelines regarding the R&D Law, which may affect our existing and/or future Chief Scientist programs and incentives we may be eligible for. We cannot predict what changes, if any, the new authority may make.
Also, as more fully described in Item 8-A-"Legal Proceedings," in August 2011, we received a demand from the Chief Scientist to pay it royalties in the amount of approximately NIS 940,000 (equal to approximately $241,000), excluding interest and linkeage to CPI. While we believe the claim has no merits, there is no assurance that we will necessarily prevail in our efforts to oppose this demand, which may harm our results of operations.
ITEM 4. INF
ORM
ATION ON THE COMPANY
A.
History and Development of the Company
Corporate History and Details
Metalink was incorporated in September 1992 as a corporation under the laws of the State of Israel. Our principal executive offices are located at Hamasger 32, Tel Aviv, Israel. Our telephone number is 972-77-7706770.
From our inception through the third quarter of 1994, our operating activities related primarily to establishing a research and development organization, developing prototype chip designs which meet industry standards and developing strategic OEM partnerships with leading telecommunications equipment manufacturers. We shipped our first chipset in the fourth quarter of 1994. From that time until February 2010, we focused on developing additional products and applications, shaping new industry standards and building our worldwide indirect sales and distribution channels. In February 2010, we sold our wireless local area network (WLAN) business to Lantiq. Our plan of operation is to consider strategic alternatives, including a possible business combination, other strategic transaction with a domestic or foreign, private or public operating entity or a "going private" transaction, including with any of our affiliates, and voluntary liquidation.
Recent Major Developments
Below is a summary of the major developments in Metalink since January 1, 2015:
In March 2015, we completed delivery one of an order for our DSL products, which marks the last order that we will receive for our DSL products, which were the subject of an "end of life" notice we issued already in early 2008. In light of this and as part of our ongoing efforts to reduce expenses, Mr. Tzvi Shukhman, our former CEO, stepped down from his position effective March 31, 2015. As of that date, Mr. Shay Evron, our CFO, also serves as our Acting CEO.
On January 13, 2016, Top Alpha, an Israeli company wholly owned by Mr. Magen and the holder of approximately 24.9% of our ordinary shares, launched a tender offer to purchase 550,000 of our outstanding ordinary shares, representing 20.44% of our outstanding shares, at the price of $1.30 per share. Among other conditions, the tender offer was conditioned on ordinary shares representing at least 5.0% of our outstanding shares being validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the completion of the tender offer. On March 3, 2016, Top Alpha issued a press release in which it announced that the tender offer was not completed successfully
.
Principal Capital Expenditure and Divestitures
Capital expenditures were $0 for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
During 2013, 2014 and 2015, we did not make any significant divestitures.
B. Business Overview
Overview
We sold our WLAN business to Lantiq in February 2010. Our plan of operation is to consider strategic alternatives, including a possible business combination or other strategic transaction with a domestic or foreign, private or public operating entity or a "going private" transaction, including with any of our affiliates, and voluntary liquidation.
We previously marketed and sold DSL chipsets used by manufacturers of telecommunications equipment. In March 2015, we completed the delivery of our DSL products to a customer. In exchange therefor we received a payment of approximately $450,000, which we recognized in the first quarter of 2015. This order marks the last order that we will receive for our DSL products, which were the subject of an "end of life" notice that we issued in early 2008.
Products and Technology
DSL.
A typical DSL chip set consists of an analog front-end (AFE) device and a digital device. In some cases the digital device may contain additional functionality such as a network processor, higher layers processing, etc.
In early 2008, we issued “end of life” notices to our DSL customers regarding most of our DSL products and we are not currently engaged in development of any DSL chipsets.
Customers
Our target customers for the DSL products was primarily telecommunications equipment manufacturers, incorporate our chipsets into the products that they sell to telecommunications service providers. Our DSL chipsets were incorporated into various systems.
Our customers marketed their products to public and private telecommunications service providers. These service providers include incumbent local exchange carriers or ILECs, CLECs and Internet service providers.
The following is a summary of revenues by geographic area based on the location of the customers.
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Revenues:
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Taiwan
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-
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$
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34
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$
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506
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|
Other foreign countries
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-
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-
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-
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$
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-
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$
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-
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$
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506
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|
Sales and Marketing
All of the products we sold during the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were sold to one customer. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we did not sell any of our products.
Research and Development
Since the sale of the WLAN business to Lantiq in February 2010, we are not engaged in any research and development activites.
The Government of Israel, through the Chief Scientist, encourages research and development projects. Since 1995, we received grants from the Chief Scientist for the development of our products, including DSL products. In addition, we were engaged in a research project, under the sixth framework program of the European Commission, under which we were entitled to grants based on certain approved expenditures of a research and development plan. See Item 5.A under “Government Grants” and Item 5.C under "Grants from the Office of Chief Scientist."
Manufacturing
We have never owned or operated a semiconductor fabrication facility. As a fabless provider of chipsets, we subcontract our entire semiconductor manufacturing to third party contractors. Our chipsets are delivered to us fully assembled and tested based on our proprietary designs.
We subcontract our semiconductor wafer manufacturing, packaging and testing to semiconductor manufacturing companies in Taiwan. The selection of these manufacturers was based on the breadth of available technology, quality, manufacturing capacity and support for design tools used by us.
Proprietary Rights
We rely on patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, confidentiality agreements and other contractual arrangements with our employees, strategic partners and others to protect our technology. We do not currently own any registered trademarks or registered copyrights.
In addition, other parties may assert rights as inventors of the underlying technologies, which could limit our ability to fully exploit the rights conferred by any patent that we receive. Our competitors may be able to design around any patent that we receive and other parties may obtain patents that we would need to license or circumvent in order to exploit our patents.
One of our existing U.S. patents expired in 2015. Our other two U.S. patents will expire in 2018.
Competition
The DSL chipset market is intensely competitive. We expect competition to intensify as current competitors expand their product offerings and new competitors enter the market.
We believe our principal competitors in the DSL market include Ikanos, Lantiq and Mindspeed. As described above, at the beginning of 2008, we provided our customers an “end-of-life” announcement with respect to most of our DSL components.
Many of our competitors have greater name recognition, their own manufacturing capabilities, significantly greater financial and technical resources, and the sales, marketing and distribution strengths that are normally associated with large multinational companies. These competitors may also have preexisting relationships with our customers or potential customers. These competitors may compete effectively with us because, in addition to the above-listed factors, they may introduce new technologies more rapidly or effectively address customer requirements or devote greater resources to the promotion and sale of their products than we do.
As time passes in the DSL market, we expect that the existing need for our chipsets will be minimal, if any. Since we do not manufacture our own products, we may be unable to negotiate volume discounts with our foundries in order to reduce the costs of manufacturing our chipsets in response to declining average per unit selling prices.
Government Regulations
Environmental Directives
. A directive issued by the European Union on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment, or “RoHS,” came into effect in July 2006. The RoHS directive lists a number of substances including, among others, lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium, which must either be removed or reduced to within maximum permitted concentrations in any products containing electrical or electronic components that are sold within the European Union. Our products meet the requirements of the RoHS directive and we are making efforts in order to maintain compliance, without otherwise adversely affecting the quality and functionalities of our products.
We, like other manufacturers, are dependent on our suppliers for certain components and sub-system modules to comply with these requirements and on their ability to monitor such compliance.
A further European Union directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, or “WEEE,” approved by the European Union in 2003, promotes waste recovery with a view to reducing the quantity of waste for disposal and saving natural resources, in particular by reuse, recycling and recovery of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The WEEE directive covers all electrical and electronic equipment used by consumers and electronic equipment intended for professional use. The directive generally requires that all new electrical and electronic equipment put on the market in European Union be appropriately labeled regarding waste disposal and contains other obligations regarding the collection and recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. We support the WEEE and conform to the industry standard practices wherever practical.
An additional European Code of Conduct on Energy Consumption of Broadband Equipment Conduct, or the Code of Conduct, set out the basic principles to be followed by all parties involved in broadband equipment, operating in the European Community, in respect of energy efficient equipment. The Code of Conduct requires customer-premises equipment, or CPE and home appliances to meet certain maximum power cunsmpution targets. Though this requirement applies to the actual device manfucatured by our customers, nevertheless it influences the requirements from our products which are integrated into such devices.
The countries of the European Union, as a single end market for our products, accounted for approximately 100% of our revenues in each of 2015 and 2014 (through its subsidiary in Taiwan) In 2013, we did not generate any revenues. If our products fail to comply with WEEE or RoHS directives, the Code of Conduct or any other directive or similar regulation issued from time to time by the European Union or in other countries in which we operate, we could be subject to penalties and other sanctions that could have a material adverse affect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Israeli Office of the Chief Scientist
. See Item 5.C under "Grants from the Office of Chief Scientist."
C. Organizational Structure
We currently have no active subsidiaries.
D. Property, Plants and Equipment
In February 2012, our offices relocated to Tel-Aviv, Israel, as part of our engagement with an affiliate of Fahn Kanne-Grant Thornton Israel to provide CFO and other financial and accounting services to the Company.
We believe that the aforesaid office space is suitable and adequate for our operations as currently conducted and as currently foreseen. In the event any additional or substitute offices and/or facilities will become required, we believe that we could obtain such offices and facilities at commercially reasonable rates.
ITEM 4A. UN
RESO
LVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINA
NCI
AL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 and related notes for the year then ended included elsewhere in this annual report. Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Overview
General
We sold our WLAN business to Lantiq in February 2010.
Since then, we conducted only limited business activities related to our DSL business. Our plan of operation is to consider strategic alternatives, including a possible business combination, other strategic transaction with a domestic or foreign, private or public operating entity or a "going private" transaction, including with any of our affiliates, and voluntary liquidation.
Revenues in 2015 were $506,000, compared to revenues of $34,000 in 2014. The increase was due to a single purchase order we received during 2014, which we believe will be the last purchase order we receive for our DSL products.
Operating profit for 2015 was $30,000, compared to an operating loss of $264,000 in 2014. This increase was mainly due to the increase in revenues and decline of our operating expenses.
As of December 31, 2015 we had $4.6 million in cash and cash equivalents. As of the date of this annual report, we anticipate that we will be able to meet our cash requirements in the next 12 months without obtaining additional capital from external sources.
2016 Outlook
Revenues.
In March 2015, we completed the delivery of certain of our DSL products to a customer. In exchange therefor we received approximately $450,000, which we recognized in the first quarter of 2015. This order marked the last order that we will receive for DSL products, which were the subject of an "end of life" notice that we issued in early 2008. As a result, we do not expect to generate any revenues in 2016 and beyond.
Plan of Operations
. Our plan of operation is to consider strategic alternatives, including a possible business combination or other strategic transaction with a domestic or foreign, private or public operating entity or a "going private" transaction, including with any of our affiliates, and voluntary liquidation. There is no assurance that any of these alternatives will be pursued or, if one is pursued, what the timing thereof would be or the terms on which it would occur.
Critical Accounting Policies
Management's discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A change in those accounting rules can have a significant effect on our reported results and may affect our reporting of transactions completed before a change is announced. Changes to those rules or the questioning of current practices may adversely affect our reported financial results or the way we conduct our business. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods presented. These estimates include assessing the collectability of accounts receivable, and the use and recoverability of inventory. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The markets for our products are characterized by intense competition, rapid technological development and frequent new product introductions, all of which could impact the future realizability of our assets.
We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements:
Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized upon the shipment of products to the customer provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title has been transferred, the price is fixed, collection of resulting receivables is probable and there are no remaining significant obligations. We generally provide a warranty period for up to 12 months at no extra charge. No warranty provision has been recorded for any of the reported periods, since based on our past experience such amounts have been insignificant.
Our revenue recognition policy is important because our revenue is a key component of our operations. In addition, our revenue recognition determines the timing of certain expenses, such as royalties and sales commissions. Our revenue recognition policy requires that we make a judgment as to whether collectability is reasonably assured. Our judgment is made for each customer on a case-by-case basis, and, among other factors, we take into consideration the individual customer's payment history and its financial strength. In some cases, we secure payments by a letter of credit or other instrument.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined on a moving average basis. We regularly review inventory values and quantities on hand and write down our inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. In making the determination, we consider future sales of related products and the quantity of inventory at the balance sheet date, assessed against each inventory items past usage rates and future expected usage rates. Changes in factors such as technology, customer demand, competing products and other matters could affect the level of our obsolete and excess inventory in the future.
A. Operating Results
General
The following discussion of our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, including the following table, which presents selected financial information data in dollars and as a percentage of total revenues, is based upon our statements of operations contained in our financial statements for those periods, and the related notes, included in this annual report.
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Revenues
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0
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%
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100
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%
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100
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%
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Cost of revenues:
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Costs and expenses
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-
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61
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40
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Royalties to the Government of Israel
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-
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6
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3
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Total Cost of revenues
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-
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67
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43
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Gross profit
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-
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33
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57
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Operating expenses:
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Sales and marketing
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-
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9
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17
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General and administrative
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-
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800
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35
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Other expenses
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-
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-
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-
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Total operating expenses
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-
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809
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52
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Operating profit (loss)
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-
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(776
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)
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6
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Financial income, net
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-
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-
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2
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|
Net profit (loss)
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0
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%
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(776
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)%
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8
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%
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Revenues
. Our revenues are generated in U.S. dollars, and the majority of our costs and expenses are incurred in U.S. dollars. Consequently, we use the dollar as our functional currency. For additional details regarding the manner in which we recognize revenues, see the discussion under the caption “
Critical Accounting Policies - Revenue Recognition
” above.
Cost of Revenues.
Our cost of revenues consists primarily of materials and components used in the manufacture and assembly of our chips, fees for subcontractors who manufacture, assemble and test our chipsets, and other overhead expenses and royalties paid to the Government of Israel.
Operating Expenses.
Operating expenses consist of sales and marketing expenses as well as general and administrative expenses (primarily salaries and other personnel related expenses for executive, accounting and administrative personnel, professional fees, and other general corporate expenses).
Derivatives.
Derivative expenses derived from our CEO's consulting agreement effective as of January 1, 2012, related to the Company’s equity-based compensation awards for each of the years ended December 2015, 2014 and 2013 were not material.
Financial Income, Net.
In 2015 and 2013, financial income, net was primarily attributable to interest income and balance annulments. In 2014, we had no financial income or expense.
Taxes.
Israeli companies are generally subject to corporate tax at the rate of 25% for the 2013 tax year, and 26.5% for each of the years 2014 and 2015. For 2016 and thereafter the corporate tax rate is currently set at 25%.
Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2014
Revenues
. There were revenues of $0.51 million in 2015, compared with revenues of $0.03 million in 2014. This increase was due to the timing of recognition of a single order of our products received that was commenced at the end of 2014 and was completed in 2015. The relatively small portion of the order completed in 2014 was recognized in 2014 compared to the large portion of the order completed in 2015 and that was recognized in 2015.
Cost of Revenues
. Cost of revenues was $0.217 million in 2015, an increase of $0.194 million compared with cost of revenues of $0.023 million in 2014. This increase was attributable to the increase in revenues. Cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues in 2015 was 43%.
Operating Expenses
. Operating expenses were $0.259 million in 2015, a decrease of $0.016 million compared with $0.275 million in 2014. This decrease was due to the reduction of our operations, which resulted in a reduction of our operating costs.
Derivatives.
Derivative expenses related to the Company’s equity-based compensation awards for each of the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $0.
Financial Income, net.
Financial income, net was $0.012 million in 2015, compared with no financial income in 2014. This increase was primarily due to reduced interest income and other immaterial costs, which reduced the net income in 2014 to $0.
Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2013
Revenues
. There were revenues of $0.034 million in 2014, compared with no revenues in 2013. This increase was due to a single order of our products in 2014 compared to no sales of our products in 2013.
Cost of Revenues
. Cost of revenues was $0.023 million in 2014, an increase of $0.008 million compared with cost of revenues of $0.015 million in 2013. This increase was attributable to the increase in revenues. Cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues in 2014 was 67%.
Operating Expenses
. Operating expenses were $0.275 million in 2014, a decrease of $0.033 million compared with $0.308 million in 2013. This decrease was due to the reduction of our operations, which resulted in a reduction of our operating costs.
Derivatives.
Derivative expenses related to the Company’s equity-based compensation awards for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $0 and for the year ended December 31, 2013 were not material.
Financial Income, net.
Financial income, net was $0 in 2014, compared with financial income, net of $0.018 million in 2013. This decrease was primarily due to reduced interest income and other immaterial costs, which reduced the net income to $0.
Impact of Inflation and Foreign Currency Fluctuations
The dollar cost of our operations is influenced by the extent to which any increase in the rate of inflation in Israel is (or is not) offset, or is offset on a lagging basis, by the devaluation of the NIS in relation to the dollar. Inflation in Israel has a negative effect on our profitability as we receive payment in dollars or dollar-linked NIS for substantially all of our sales while we incur a portion of our expenses, principally salaries and related personnel expenses, in NIS, unless such inflation is offset by a devaluation of the NIS.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, (1) devaluation or appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the most significant currencies for our business, i.e., the NIS and the Euro; and (2) inflation as reflected in changes in the Israeli consumer price index.
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2011
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2012
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2013
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2014
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2015
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|
New Israeli Shekel (NIS)
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7.4
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%
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|
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(2.3
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)%
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(7.6
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)%
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|
|
10.7
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%
|
|
|
0.3
|
%
|
Euro
|
|
|
3.3
|
%
|
|
|
(1.7
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)%
|
|
|
(4.3
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)%
|
|
|
12.0
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%
|
|
|
10.2
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%
|
Israeli Consumer Price Index
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|
0.6
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%
|
|
|
1.6
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%
|
|
|
1.8
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%
|
|
|
(0.2
|
)%
|
|
|
(1.0
|
)%
|
A revaluation of the NIS in relation to the dollar, as was the case in 2012 and 2013, has the effect of increasing the dollar amount of any of our expenses or liabilities which are payable in NIS (unless such expenses or payables are linked to the dollar). Such revaluation also has the effect of increasing the dollar value of any asset, which consists of NIS or receivables payable in NIS (unless such receivables are linked to the dollar). Conversely, any decrease in the value of the NIS in relation to the dollar, as was the case in 2011 and 2014-2015, has the effect of decreasing the dollar value of any unlinked NIS assets and the dollar amounts of any unlinked NIS liabilities and expenses.
In 2010-2014, foreign currency fluctuations and the rate of inflation in Israel did not have a material impact on our financial results. However, we cannot predict any future trends in the rate of inflation/deflation in Israel or the rate of devaluation/revaluation of the NIS against the dollar. We cannot assure you that we will not be adversely affected in the future if inflation in Israel exceeds the devaluation of the NIS against the dollar or if the timing of such devaluation lags behind increases in inflation in Israel or if the NIS will be appreciated against the dollar.
The effects of foreign currency re-measurements are reported in our financial statements in current operations.
Corporate Tax Rate
Israeli companies are generally subject to corporate tax at the rate of 26.5% for the years 2014 and 2015. For 2016 and thereafter, the corporate tax rate is currently set at 25%. In 1994, our facility was granted "approved enterprise" status under the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments, 1959, and consequently we are eligible, subject to compliance with certain requirements, for certain tax benefits beginning when such facility first generates taxable income, but not later than the 2008 tax year. In December 2000, our facility received an approval for extension of the "approved enterprise" status period as a result of the additional capital investment in the Company resulting from the initial and the secondary public offerings conducted in December 1999 and March 2000. Such additional capital investment was a condition of the extension of the "approved enterprise" status period. Consequently we were eligible, subject to compliance with certain requirements, for certain tax benefits beginning when such facility first generates taxable income, but no later than the 2014 tax year. The period of tax benefits with respect to our approved enterprise has not commenced, because we have yet to realize taxable income in Israel. As a result of the foregoing and of our accumulated tax loss carry-forwards (which totaled approximately $186 million at December 31, 2014), our profit in the year 2015 and based on the current tax system in Israel, we do not anticipate being subject to income tax in Israel for the 2015 tax year.
Israeli Government Grants
We conducted a substantial part of our research and development operations in Israel. Some of our research and development efforts have been financed through internal resources and grants per project from the Chief Scientist. The Chief Scientist provided us grants for research and development efforts of approximately $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 (20% of total research and development expenses), $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 (86% of total research and development expenses) and none for the year ended December 31, 2011 and thereafter.
Since the grant program has the impact of lowering our research and development expenditures and improving our operating margins, reduction in the Company’s participation in the program or in the benefits that the Company receives under the program could affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Currently, we are obligated to pay royalties to the Chief Scientist at the rate of 3% to 4.5%. Due to our manufacturing outside of Israel, our aggregate payment amount with respect to grants received in 2009 and 2010 is 100% of the dollar-linked value of such grants. In 2003, we were required by the Chief Scientist to perform at least 50% of our manufacturing in Israel. See “Item 5(C)- Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.- Grants from the Office of the Chief Scientist”.
The refund of the grants is contingent on future sales (or related services) and we have no obligation to refund these grants if sales are not generated.
We paid or accrued to the Chief Scientist $0 for 2013, $2,000 for 2014 and $16,000 for 2015. See also Item 8A – "Legal Proceedings" regarding a pending claim of the Chief Scientist.
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically, we have financed our operations primarily through funds generated by our public offerings in 1999 and 2000 as well as research and development and marketing grants, primarily from the Government of Israel. From 2008 until 2010, we also financed our operations through private equity investments and, on a limited basis, through short-term loans.
Working Capital and Cash Flows
We had cash and cash equivalents of $4.6 million, $4.5 million and $4.8 million as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of each of those dates we did not have any short-term or long-term investments or outstanding borrowings.
Our total proceeds from grants received from the Chief Scientist (DSL and WLAN), net of royalties paid, was approximately $28 million as of each of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. We are required to pay royalties to the Government of Israel on proceeds from the sale of our products and related services that incorporate know-how developed with grants from the Chief Scientist, up to the amount of 100-150% of the grants received plus interest at LIBOR rate (in dollar terms). See also Item 8A – "Legal Proceedings" regarding a pending claim of the Chief Scientist.
No capital expenditures were made in our continuing operation for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $36,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015. Net cash used in operating activities was $264,000 and $307,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
There was no cash provided by or used in investing activities for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Since 2010, we no longer hold government treasury securities and we do not conduct interest rate or currency hedging activities.
There was no cash used in financing activities for each of the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $270,000 due to a dividend distribution.
Outlook
In the past several years, we continued to perform cost reduction activities in order to improve our financial condition. As part of our ongoing efforts to reduce expenses, Mr. Tzvi Shukhman, our former CEO, stepped down from his position effective March 31, 2015.
In light of the aforesaid, as well as other factors, such as our current cash position, we anticipate that our existing capital resources will be adequate to satisfy our working capital and capital expenditure requirements until at least April 2017.
C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.
Grants from the Office of Chief Scientist
The Government of Israel encourages research and development projects through the Chief Scientist, pursuant to the R&D Law. Grants received under such programs are generally repaid through a mandatory royalty based on revenues from products (and ancillary services) incorporating know-how developed, in whole or in part, with the grants. This government support is condition upon our ability to comply with certain applicable requirements and conditions specified in the Chief Scientist’s programs and with the provisions of the R&D Law.
Generally, grants from the Chief Scientist constitute up to 50% of qualifying research and development expenditures for particular approved projects. Under the terms of these Chief Scientist projects, a royalty of 3% to 5% is due on revenues from sales of products and related services that incorporate know-how developed, in whole or in part, within the framework of projects funded by the Chief Scientist. Royalty obligations are usually 100% of the dollar-linked amount of the grant, plus interest. The royalty rates applicable to our programs range from 3% to 4.5%. Due to our manufacturing outside of Israel, our aggregate payment amount with respect to grants received in 2001 and 2002 was 120% of the dollar-linked value of such grants. With respect to grants received in 2003-2010, our aggregate payment amount was 100% of the dollar-linked value of such grants.
The R&D Law generally requires that the product developed under a program be manufactured in Israel. However, upon a notification to the Chief Scientist up to 10% of the manufacturing volume may be performed outside of Israel; furthermore, upon the approval of the Chief Scientist, a greater portion of the manufacturing volume may be performed outside of Israel, provided that the grant recipient pays royalties at an increased rate, which may be substantial, and the aggregate repayment amount is increased up to 300% of the grant, depending on the portion of the total manufacturing volume that is performed outside of Israel. The R&D Law further permits the Chief Scientist, among other things, to approve the transfer of manufacturing rights outside Israel in exchange for an import of different manufacturing into Israel as a substitute, in lieu of the increased royalties. The R&D Law also allows for the approval of grants in cases in which the applicant declares that part of the manufacturing will be performed outside of Israel or by non-Israeli residents and the research committee is convinced that doing so is essential for the execution of the program.
The R&D Law also provides that know-how developed under an approved research and development program may not be transferred to third parties in Israel without the approval of the Research Committee. Such approval is not required for the sale or export of any products resulting from such research or development. The R&D Law further provides that the know-how developed under an approved research and development program may not be transferred to any third parties outside Israel, except in certain circumstances and subject to the Chief Scientist’s prior approval. The Chief Scientist may approve the transfer of Chief Scientist-funded know-how outside Israel, generally in the following cases:
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the grant recipient pays to the Chief Scientist a portion of the sale price paid in consideration for such Chief Scientist-funded know-how (according to certain formulas, which may result in repayment of up to 600% of the grant amounts plus interest);
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the grant recipient receives know-how from a third party in exchange for its Chief Scientist-funded know-how; or
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such transfer of Chief Scientist-funded know-how arises in connection with certain types of cooperation in research and development activities.
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The R&D Law imposes reporting requirements with respect to certain changes in the ownership of a grant recipient. The law requires the grant recipient and its controlling shareholders and foreign interested parties to notify the Chief Scientist of any change in control of the recipient or a change in the holdings of the means of control of the recipient that results in a non-Israeli becoming an interested party directly in the recipient and requires the new interested party to undertake to the Chief Scientist to comply with the R&D Law. In addition, the rules of the Chief Scientist may require additional information or representations in respect of certain of such events. For this purpose, “Control” is defined as the ability to direct the activities of a company other than any ability arising solely from serving as an officer or director of the company. A person is presumed to have control if such person holds 50% or more of the means of control of a company. “Means of Control” refers to voting rights or the right to appoint directors or the chief executive officer. An “interested party” of a company includes a holder of 5% or more of its outstanding share capital or voting rights, its chief executive officer and directors, someone who has the right to appoint its chief executive officer or at least one director, and a company with respect to which any of the foregoing interested parties owns 25% or more of the outstanding share capital or voting rights or has the right to appoint 25% or more of the directors. Accordingly, any non-Israeli who acquires 5% or more of our ordinary shares will be required to notify the Chief Scientist that it has become an interested party and to sign an undertaking to comply with the R&D Law.
A major amendment to the R&D Law entered into force on January 1, 2016. This amendment may create uncertainty in respect of the terms of our existing and/or future Chief Scientist programs and incentives we may be eligible for as it empowers a new authority established under the R&D Law to issue new guidelines in connection therewith (pursuant to this amendment, the new authority is to be established by July 28, 2018 and the said guidelines are to be adopted within a year thereafter).
See also Item 8A – "Legal Proceedings" regarding a pending claim of the Office of the Chief Scientist.
D. Trend Information
See Item 5A – "Operating Results – Overview – 2016 Outlook."
E. Off-balance sheet arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as such term is defined under Item 5E of the instructions to Form 20-F, that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors. In addition, we have no special purpose financing or partnership entities that are likely to create material contingent obligations.
F. Tabular disclosure of Contractual Obligations.
There are no contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2015.
ITEM 6. DIR
ECT
ORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A.
Directors and Senior Management
The following table lists our current directors and executive officers:
Name
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Age
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Position
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Uzi Rozenberg
|
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56
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Chairman of the Board of Directors
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Tzvi Shukhman
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55
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Director
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Efi Shenhar
*
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60
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Director
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Orly Etzion
*
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54
|
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External Director
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Yehuda Haiman
*
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59
|
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External Director
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Shay Evron
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44
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Chief Financial Officer, Acting Chief Executive Officer
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* Member of the Audit Committee.
Uzi Rozenberg
, a co-founder of our company, has served as a director from our inception in 1992 until 1997 and from August 1999 to the present, and as Chairman of our Board of Directors since December 2007. Mr. Rozenberg is also the founder and Chairman of USR Electronics Systems (1987) Ltd. since February 1987. Mr. Rozenberg served as a director of Orbot Ltd. from 1992 to 1996 and as a director of Gibor Sport Ltd. from 1993 to 1997. Mr. Rozenberg and Mr. Shenhar are brothers.
Tzvi Shukhman,
a co-founder of our company has served as a director from our inception in 1992. He also served as our Chief Executive Officer from our inception in 1992 until March 2015, and served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors from our inception until December 2007. Prior to May 1999, Mr. Shukhman also served as our President. From March 1989 until March 1993, Mr. Shukhman served as an independent consultant for RAD Data Communications and ECI Telecom. Prior thereto, Mr. Shukhman served in the Israel Defense Forces where he founded a group involved in digital signal processing applications. Mr. Shukhman has a B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology.
Efi Shenhar
has served as a director since 1995. Mr. Shenhar is the Corporate Chief Executive Officer & President of USR Group. Mr. Shenhar currently serves as a member of the board of directors of USR Electronic Systems (1987) Ltd. From 1987 until 2003, Mr. Shenhar has served as a Vice President of USR Electronics Systems (1987) Ltd., an electronic manufacturing services company. Mr. Shenhar has a B.A. degree in accounting and economics from Tel Aviv University and an M.B.A. degree from Herriot Watt University. Mr. Shenhar is a certified public accountant. Mr. Shenhar and Mr. Rozenberg are brothers.
Orly Etzion
has served as an external director since December 2009. Ms. Etzion is the CFO of Coriolis Wind Inc. From February 2005 until March 2009, Ms. Etzion served as the CFO of Precede Technologies Ltd. From May 2004 until January 2005, Ms. Etzion served as the CFO of The People's Voice, Ltd. From October 2002 until April 2004, Ms. Etzion served as the Manager of finance at Millimetrix Broadband Networks Ltd. and from March 1998 until February 2002 Ms. Etzion served as the controller of Chromatis networks Ltd. Ms. Etzion holds a BA degree in Economics from the Tel Aviv University, an LLB degree from The Academic Center Of Law & Science, an M.B.A. degree, specializing in Finance, from The Colman College and she is an Israeli Attorney.
Yehuda Haiman
has served as an external director since January 2012. Mr. Haiman serves as a Managing Director at The Metal, Electrical & Infrastructure Industries Association since 2003. Mr. Haiman also serves as a Deputy Director General of Marketing & Business Development at the Manufacturers Association of Israel since 2009. Mr. Haiman served as the Head of Department of Industrial and Business Economics of the Manufacturers Association of Israel from 1999 until 2003 and as a Managing Director of Orpark from 1994 until 1999. Mr. Haiman holds an LLM degree from the Bar-Ilan University, an MBA degree from the Tel Aviv University and a BA degree in Economy from the Tel Aviv University.
Shay Evron
was appointed as our co-Chief Financial Officer in June 2011, as part of the Company's engagement with an affiliate of Fahn Kanne-Grant Thornton Israel to provide CFO and other financial and accounting services to the Company. Effective July 2011, Mr. Evron has served as our sole CFO, and effective March 2015 Mr. Evron has served as our Acting Chief Executive Officer.
Other than Mr. Rozenberg and Mr. Shenhar, who are brothers, there are no family relations between the directors and executive officers named above.
B. Compensation
General
The aggregate remuneration we paid for the year ended December 31, 2015 to our directors and executive officers (six persons during 2015), was approximately $133,000 in salaries, fees, commissions and bonuses (excluding our CFO, who is hired through an external CPA firm that provides services to Metalink). There were no amounts set aside or accrued to provide for pension, retirement or similar benefits.
Members of our board of directors (other than external directors) who are not executive officers do not receive compensation for their service on the board of directors or any committee of the board of directors. External directors receive fixed compensation for their service on the board of directors or any committee of the board of directors of NIS 42,600 (equivalent to approximately $10,920) on an annual basis, and in addition, receive compensation for their participation in any board of directors or committee meetings of NIS 2,200 per meeting attended (equivalent to approximately $565). No directors have arrangements to receive benefits upon termination of employment.
See Item 6.C "Board Practices – Management and Director Service Contracts" for information regarding our consulting contracts with Mr. Tzvi Shukhman, our director and former CEO.
Compensation of Executive Officers
We only had two executive officers during 2015, both of whom were engaged through a consultancy arrangement (with them directly or with the firm they work with). The table below reflects the compensation granted to them during or with respect to the year ended December 31, 2015. We refer to these individuals for whom disclosure is provided herein as our “Covered Executives.”
All amounts reported in the table are in terms of cost to us, as recognized in our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Name and Principal Position
(1)
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Consultancy Fees ($)
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Bonus ($)
(2)
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Total ($)
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Tzvi Shukhman, Former CEO and Director
(3)
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21,000
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84,000
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105,000
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Shay Evron, CFO and Acting CEO
(4)
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41,481
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N/A
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41,481
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____________________
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(1)
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Neither of our Covered Executives is engaged on a full-time (100%) basis.
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(2)
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Represents annual bonuses granted to the Covered Executives based on formulas set forth in their respective arrangements.
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(3)
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For additional details, see the Consultancy Agreement by and between Mr. Shukhman and the Company, a copy of which was filed as Exhibit 4.17 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on April 30, 2012. Effective as of March 31, 2015, Mr. Shukhman resigned from his position as CEO.
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(4)
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Paid to Fahn Kanne Consulting Ltd. a subsidiary of Fahn Kanne & Co., the Israeli member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd. (Grant Thornton International), as part of CFO, bookkeeping and administration services, provided to us. Effective as of March 31, 2015, Mr. Evron serves as our Acting CEO.
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C. Board Practices
Introduction
We are incorporated in Israel and therefore are subject to various corporate governance practices under the Israeli Companies Law, relating to such matters as external directors, the audit committee, the internal auditor and approvals of interested party transactions. These matters are in addition to the ongoing conditions and other relevant provisions of U.S. securities laws.
Board of Directors
According to the Companies Law and our articles of association, the oversight of the management of our business is vested in our board of directors. The board of directors may exercise all powers and may take all actions that are not specifically granted to our shareholders. As part of its powers, our board of directors may cause us to borrow or secure payment of any sum or sums of money for our purposes, at times and upon terms and conditions as it thinks fit, including the grant of security interests in all or any part of our property.
According to our articles of association, our board of directors may consist of between four (4) and nine (9) directors. Our board of directors currently consists of five (5) directors.
Under the Companies Law, our board of directors must determine the minimum number of directors having financial and accounting expertise, as defined in the regulations, that our board of directors should have. In determining the number of directors required to have such expertise, the board of directors must consider, among other things, the type and size of the company and the scope and complexity of its operations. Our board of directors has determined that we require at least one director with the requisite financial and accounting expertise and that Ms. Etzion has such expertise.
Our directors are elected at annual meetings of shareholders by a vote of the holders of a majority of the ordinary shares voting thereon. Directors generally hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders. Our annual meeting of shareholders is required to be held at least once during every calendar year and not more than fifteen months after the last preceding meeting. The board of directors generally may temporarily fill vacancies in the board.
A resolution proposed at any meeting of the board of directors is deemed adopted if approved by a majority of the directors present and voting on the matter.
External Directors
Qualifications of External Directors
Under the Israeli Companies Law, companies incorporated under the laws of Israel whose shares are listed for trading on a stock exchange or have been offered to the public in or outside of Israel, such as Metalink, are required to appoint at least two external directors. The Companies Law provides that a person may not be appointed as an external director if the person or the person’s relative, partner, employer or any entity under the person’s control has, as of the date of the person’s appointment to serve as an external director, or had, during the two years preceding that date, any affiliation with:
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any entity controlling the company;
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any entity controlled by the company or by its controlling entity; or
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in a company that does not have a controlling shareholder, affiliation with the chairman, the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer or a 5% shareholder of the company.
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The term affiliation includes:
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an employment relationship;
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a business or professional relationship;
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service as an office holder.
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The Companies Law defines the term “office holder” of a company to include a director, the chief executive officer and any officer of the company who reports directly to the chief executive officer.
No person can serve as an external director if the person’s position or other business creates, or may create, a conflict of interest with the person’s responsibilities as an external director or may otherwise interfere with the person’s ability to serve as an external director.
Until two years from termination of office, a company and its controlling shareholder generally not give any direct or indirect benefit to the former external director or his relative.
In addition, pursuant to the Companies Law, (1) an external director must have either “accounting and financial expertise” or “professional qualifications” (as such terms are defined in regulations promulgated under the Companies Law) and (2) at least one of the external directors must have “accounting and financial expertise.” Our external directors are Orly Etzion, who was re-elected to a three-year term in December 2015, and Yehuda Haiman, who was re-elected to a three-year term in December 2014. We have determined that Ms. Etzion has the requisite “accounting and financial expertise” and that Mr. Haiman has the requisite “professional qualifications”.
Election of External Directors
External directors are elected at meetings of shareholders by a vote of the holders of a majority of the ordinary shares voting thereon, provided that either:
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at least a majority of the shares of non-controlling shareholders voted at the meeting vote in favor of the external director’s election; or
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the total number of shares of non-controlling shareholders that voted against the election of the external director does not exceed 2% of the aggregate voting rights in the company.
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The initial term of an external director is three years and may be extended for up to two additional three-year terms.
Reelection of an external director may be effected through one of the following mechanisms: (1) the board of directors proposed the reelection of the nominee and the election was approved by the shareholders by the majority required to appoint external directors for their initial term as described above; or (2) a shareholder holding 1% or more of the voting rights or the external director proposed the reelection of the nominee, and the reelection is approved by a majority of the votes cast by the shareholders of the company, excluding the votes of controlling shareholders and those who have a personal interest in the matter as a result of their relations with the controlling shareholders; provided that the aggregate votes cast in favor of the reelection by such non-excluded shareholders constitute more than 2% of the voting rights in the company.
External directors may be removed from office only by the same percentage of shareholders as is required for their election, or by a court, only if the external directors cease to meet the statutory qualifications for their appointment or if they violate their duty of loyalty to the company.
Each committee of a company’s board of directors that exercises a power of the board of directors is required to include at least one external director, except for the audit committee and compensation committee, each of which is required to include all the external directors.
Independent Directors
While we are no longer subject to the NASDAQ Listing Rules, which require that a majority of our board of directors qualify as independent directors within the meaning of such rules, our board of directors has determined that all of our directors, except for Mr. Shukhman, our former Chief Executive Officer, would qualify as “independent directors” within the meaning of the NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(a)(2).
Committees
Subject to the provisions of the Companies Law, our board of directors may delegate its powers to committees consisting of board members. Our board has formed an audit committee and a compensation committee.
Audit Committee
Under the Companies Law, our board of directors is required to appoint an audit committee, which must be comprised of at least three directors, include all of the external directors, a majority of its members must satisfy the independence standards under the Companies Law, and the chairman is required to be an external director.
The duties of the audit committee under the Companies Law include, among others, examining flaws in the business management of the company and suggesting remedial measures to the board, assessing the company's internal audit system and the performance of its internal auditor, and as more fully described below, approval of certain interested party transactions. An interested party is defined in the Companies Law to include 5% or greater shareholder, any person or entity who has the right to designate one director or more or the general manager of the company or any person who serves as a director or as a general manager.
Our Audit Committee adopted a written charter specifying the committee's duties and responsibilities, which include, among other
:
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Overseeing financial and operational matters involving accounting, corporate finance, internal and independent auditing, internal control over financial reporting, compliance and business ethics; and
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Authority to oversee the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and recommend to our shareholders to appoint or remove them.
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Our Audit Committee consists of Efi Shenhar, Orly Etzion and Yehuda Haiman. Our board of directors has determined that Ms. Etzion qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of the SEC rules.
Our Audit Committee meets at least once a year, with additional special meetings scheduled when required.
Compensation Committee
Under the Companies Law, our board of directors is required to appoint a compensation committee, which must be comprised of at least three directors, include all of the external directors, whose other members must satisfy certain independence standards under the Companies Law, and the chairman of which is required to be an external director. Under the Companies Law, the role of the compensation committee is to recommend to the board of directors, for ultimate shareholder approval by a special majority, a policy governing the compensation of office holders based on specified criteria; to review, from time to time, modifications to the compensation policy and examine its implementation; to approve the actual compensation terms of office holders prior to approval thereof by the board of directors; and to resolve whether to exempt the compensation terms of a candidate for chief executive officer from shareholder approval. Our compensation committee consists of the same members as the Audit Committee.
Internal Auditor
Under the Companies Law, our board of directors is also required to appoint an internal auditor proposed by the audit committee. The role of the internal auditor is to examine, among other things, whether our activities comply with the law and orderly business procedure. At present we have no serving internal auditor.
Approval of Specified Related Party Transactions Under Israeli Law
Fiduciary Duties of Office Holders
The 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 level of care with which a reasonable office holder in the same position would have acted under the circumstances. The duty of care includes a duty to use reasonable means to obtain:
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information on the appropriateness of a given action brought for his/her approval or performed by him/her by virtue of his/her position; and
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all other important information pertaining to the previous actions.
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The duty of loyalty of an office holder includes a duty to:
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refrain from any conflict of interest between the performance of his duties in the company and his personal affairs;
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refrain from any activity that is competetive with the company;
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refrain from exploiting any business opportunity of the company to receive a personal gain for himself or others; and
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disclose to the company any information or documents relating to a company’s affairs which the office holder has received due to his position as an office holder.
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Each person listed in the table under “Directors and Senior Management” above is an office holder. Under the Companies Law, all arrangements as to compensation of directors and officers in public companies such as ours, generally require the approvals of the compensation committee, the board of directors and, in the case of the Chief Executive Officer and the directors, the shareholders as well, in that order.
Disclosure of Personal Interests of an Office Holder
.
The Companies Law requires that an office holder of a company promptly disclose any personal interest that he may have and all related material information known to him in connection with any existing or proposed transaction by the company. A personal interest of an office holder includes an interest of a company in which the office holder is, directly or indirectly, a 5% or greater shareholder, director or general manager or in which he has the right to appoint at least one director or the general manager. In the case of an “extraordinary transaction”, the office holder’s duty to disclose applies also to a personal interest of the office holder’s relative.
Under the Companies law, an extraordinary transaction is a transaction:
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other than in the ordinary course of business;
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other than on market terms; or
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that is likely to have a material impact on the company’s profitability, assets or liabilities.
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Under the Companies Law, once an office holder complies with the above disclosure requirement the board of directors may approve a transaction between the company and such office holder or a third party in which such office holder has a personal interest, unless the articles of association provide otherwise. Nevertheless, a transaction that is adverse to the company’s interest cannot 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. Generally, when a transaction is considered by the audit committee and board of directors, the interested director may not be present or vote, unless a majority of the members of the board of directors or the audit committee, as the case may be, has a personal interest in the matter. If a majority of members of the board of directors have a personal interest therein, shareholder approval is generally also required.
Approval of Office Holder Compensation
Under the Companies Law, every Israeli public company was required to adopt a compensation policy, recommended by the compensation committee, and approved by the board of directors and the shareholders, in that order, no later than January 2014. The shareholder approval requires a majority of the votes cast by shareholders, provided that either (i) the shares voted in favor of the resolution include at least a majority of the shares voted by shareholders who are not controlling shareholders and do not have a "personal interest" in such matter or (ii) the total number of shares voted against such matter by said group of disinterested shareholders does not exceed two percent of the voting rights in the company. In general, all office holders’ terms of compensation – including fixed remuneration, bonuses, equity compensation, retirement or termination payments, indemnification, liability insurance and the grant of an exemption from liability – must comply with the company's compensation policy. To date, we have not sought shareholder approval for any compensation policy primarily because we believe that we are exempt from such requirement.
In addition, the compensation terms of directors, the chief executive officer, and any employee or service provider who is considered a controlling shareholder must be approved separately by the compensation committee, the board of directors and the shareholders of the company (by the same majority noted above), in that order. The compensation terms of other officers require the approval of the compensation committee and the board of directors. Shareholder approval is not required for director compensation payable in cash up to the maximum amount set forth in the regulations governing the compensation of external directors. The compensation terms of other officers who report directly to the chief executive officer require the approval of the compensation committee and the board of directors.
Exculpation, Insurance and Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Exculpation of Office Holders
Under the Companies Law, an Israeli company may not exempt an office holder from liability with respect to a breach of his duty of loyalty, but may exempt in advance an office holder from his liability to the company, in whole or in part, with respect to a breach of his duty of care (except in connection with distributions), provided that the articles of association of the company allow it to do so. Our articles of association allow us to exempt our office holders to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Office Holder Insurance
Our articles of association provide that, we may, to the maximum extent permitted by the Companies Law, insure the liability of officers. Without derogating from the foregoing, we may enter into a contract for the insurance of the liability of any of our office holders with respect to an act performed in the capacity of an office holder for:
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a breach of his duty of care to us or to another person;
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a breach of his duty of loyalty to us, provided that the office holder acted in good faith and had reasonable cause to assume that his act would not prejudice our interests;
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a financial liability imposed upon him in favor of another person;
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expenses he or she incurs as a result of administrative proceedings that may be instituted against him or her under Israeli securities laws, if applicable, and payments made to injured persons under specific circumstances thereunder; and
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any other matter in respect of which it is permitted or will be permitted under applicable law to insure the liability of an office holder.
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Indemnification of Office Holders
We may, to the maximum extent permitted by the Companies Law, indemnify the liability of office holders. Without derogating from the foregoing, we may indemnify an office holder for acts or omissions committed in his or her capacity as an office holder of the Company for:
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a financial liability imposed on him in favor of another person by any judgement, including a settlement or an arbitrator’s award approved by a court. Such indemnification may be approved (i) after the liability has been incurred, or (ii) in advance, provided that our undertaking to indemnify is limited to events that our board of directors believes are foreseeable in light of our actual operations at the time of providing the undertaking and to a sum or criterion that our board of directors determines to be reasonable under the circumstances;
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reasonable litigation expenses, including attorneys’ fees, expended by the office holder as a result of an investigation or proceeding instituted against him by a competent authority, provided that such investigation or proceeding concluded without the filing of an indictment against him and either (i) concluded without the imposition of any financial liability in lieu of criminal proceedings, or (ii) concluded with the imposition of a financial liability in lieu of criminal proceedings but relates to a criminal offense that does not require proof of criminal intent or in connection with a financial sanction;
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reasonable litigation expenses, including attorneys’ fees, expended by the office holder or charged to him or her by a court, resulting from the following: proceedings we institute against him or her or instituted on our behalf or by another person; a criminal indictment from which he or she was acquitted; or a criminal indictment in which he or she was convicted for a criminal offense that does not require proof of intent;
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expenses he or she incurs as a result of administrative proceedings that may be instituted against him or her under Israeli securities laws, if applicable, and payments made to injured persons under specific circumstances thereunder; and
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any other matter in respect of which it is permitted or will be permitted under applicable law to indemnify an office holder.
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Limitations on Insurance and Indemnification
The Companies Law provides that a company may not exculpate or indemnify an office holder nor enter into an insurance contract which would provide coverage for any monetary liability incurred as a result of any of the following:
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a breach by the office holder of his duty of loyalty unless, with respect to insurance coverage or indemnification, 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 by the office holder of his duty of care if the breach was done intentionally or recklessly, unless the breach was done negligently;
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any act or omission done with the intent to derive an illegal personal benefit; or
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any fine levied against the office holder.
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In addition, under the Companies Law, indemnification of, and procurement of insurance coverage for, our office holders must be approved by our audit committee and our board of directors and, in specified circumstances, by our shareholders.
We have obtained director’s and officer’s liability insurance with coverage $3,000,000 in aggragate. In addition, we entered into indemnification and exculpation agreements with our directors and executive officers in accordance with our articles of association.
Management
and Director Service Contracts
We receive chief executive officer and chief financial officer services from an affiliate of Fahn Kanne-Grant Thornton Israel as part of our engagement with Fahn Kanne-Grant Thornton Israel to provide us with these and other financial and accounting services.
At our annual general meeting of shareholders held on January 16, 2012, our shareholders approved a termination agreement and a consulting agreement with Mr. Shukhman, whereby his employment with us was terminated but he continued to serve as our CEO as an independent contractor by way of the consulting agreement until his resignation effective March 31, 2015, as part of our cost-reduction activities.
See also Item 6.B. "Compensation - Compensation of Executive Officers" above.
Except as set forth above, there are no arrangements or understandings between us and any of our current directors for benefits upon termination of service.
D.
Employees
In 2011, we had one part-time employee and, as of January 2012, we do not have any employees. Rather, all of our personnel are composed of the Acting Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, who is engaged through a consulting arrangement. The overall reduction in our workforce to 0 employees starting from 2012 was due primarily to the Lantiq Transaction and the hiring of each of our then - Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer through a consultancy arrangement.
E. Share Ownership
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the ownership of our ordinary shares by our directors and officers as of April 1, 2016. The percentage of outstanding ordinary shares is based on 2,690,857 ordinary shares outstanding as of April 1, 2016 (excluding 89,850 treasury shares).
|
|
Number of Ordinary Shares Beneficially Owned
(1)
|
|
|
Percentage of
Outstanding Ordinary Shares
(2)
|
|
Tzvi Shukhman
(3)
|
|
|
691,030
|
|
|
|
25.68
|
%
|
Uzi Rozenberg
|
|
|
477,535
|
|
|
|
17.75
|
%
|
Orly Etzion
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Efi Shenhar
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Yehuda Haiman
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Shay Evron
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Directors and Officers as a group
(consisting of 6 persons)
|
|
|
1,168,525
|
|
|
|
43.43
|
%
|
________________________
|
(1)
|
Except as otherwise noted and pursuant to applicable community property laws, each person named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to all ordinary shares listed as owned by such person. Shares beneficially owned include shares that may be acquired pursuant to options that are exercisable within 60 days of April 1, 2016.
|
|
(2)
|
Ordinary shares deemed beneficially owned by virtue of the right of any person or group to acquire such shares within 60 days of April 1, 2016, are treated as outstanding only for the purposes of determining the percent owned by such person or group.
|
|
(3)
|
Includes options exercisable into 100,000 ordinary shares as of April 1, 2016, pursuant to the consulting agreement entered into between Mr. Shukhman and us. See Item 6.C "Board Practices – Management and Director Services."
|
Share Option Plans
We have two option plans, our Share Option Plan (2003), for our advisors and independent contractors, which is currently in use and one other plan. The expiration dates of the options granted under the plans range from 4 to 25 years from the date of grant. Our plans are administered currently by our board of directors. All of our employees and directors are eligible to participate in our plans. Members of advisory board, if any and our independent contractors are eligible to receive options under our Share Option Plan (2003).
In 2012, a total of 112,500 options were granted to Mr. Tzvi Shukhman and Mr. Hudi Zak. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, we did not grant any options to purchase ordinary shares. As of April 1, 2016, options to purchase 112,500 ordinary shares, at exercise price per share of $1.50, are outstanding, all of which are fully vested and expire on December 31, 2021.
For information regarding options granted to our former CEO, Mr. Shukhman, in January 2012, within the framework of his consulting agreement, see Item 6.C "Board Practices – Management and Director Services". Other than the options granted to our former CEO and to our former Director, Mr. Zack, we do not have any outstanding options.
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHO
LDER
S AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as of April 1, 2016 by each person or entity known to own beneficially more than 5% of our outstanding ordinary shares based on information provided to us by the holders or disclosed in public filings with the SEC.
Name
|
|
Number of Ordinary Shares Beneficially Owned
(1)
|
|
|
Percentage of
Outstanding Ordinary Shares
(2)
|
|
Tzvi Shukhman
(3)
|
|
|
691,030
|
|
|
|
25.68
|
%
|
Daniel Magen
(4)
|
|
|
670,000
|
|
|
|
24.90
|
%
|
Uzi Rozenberg
(5)
|
|
|
477,535
|
|
|
|
17.75
|
%
|
______________
|
(1)
|
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Ordinary shares relating to options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the date of this table are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of the person holding such securities but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person. Except as indicated by pursuant to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table above have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by them.
|
|
(2)
|
The percentage of outstanding ordinary shares is based on 2,690,857 ordinary shares outstanding as of April 1, 2016 (excluding 89,850 treasury shares).
|
|
(3)
|
Includes options exercisable into 100,000 ordinary shares as of April 1, 2016, pursuant to the consulting agreement entered into between Mr. Shukhman and us. See Item 6.C "Board Practices – Management and Director Services."
|
|
(4)
|
The record holder of the 670,000 shares is Top Alpha, an Israeli company wholly owned by Mr. Magen. Based on a Schedule 1TO filed by Top Alpha with the SEC on January 13, 2016.
|
|
(5)
|
The record holder of 100,000 shares out of the 477,535 is U.S.R. Electronic Systems (1987) Ltd., an Israeli company wholly owned by Mr. Rozenberg and his wife, Shoshana Rozenberg.
|
Our major shareholders do not have voting rights different from the voting rights of our other shareholders
.
In May 2013, Daniel Magen, through his ownership of Top Alpha, purchased 271,600 of our ordinary shares, which constituted approximately 7.13% of our outstanding shares at that time. Since that time Mr. Magen, through his ownership of Top Alpha, has purchased an additional 398,400 of our ordinary shares, and now beneficially owns 670,000 of our ordinary shares, which constitutes approximately 24.9% of our outstanding shares.
For a discussion of the tender offer that was commenced by Top Alpha in 2016, see Item 4.A. “History and Development of the Company - Recent Major Developments”.
Record Holders
As of April 6, 2016, we had 32 shareholders of record. As of November 24, 2015 we had 899 beneficial holders of our shares.
B.
Related Party Transactions
For information regarding our consulting agreement with Tzvi Shukhman, our director and former CEO, see Item 6.C "Board Practices – Management and Director Services."
C.
Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
A.
Statements and Other Financial Information
Financial Statements
See Item 18– “Financial Statements” below.
Legal Proceedings
In August 2011, we received a demand from the Chief Scientist to pay it royalties in the amount of approximately NIS 940,000 (approximately $242,000), excluding interest and linkeage to CPI, due to the consideration we received from the Lantiq Transaction. We objected to the demand and asked the Chief Scientist to withdraw it. In February 2012, the Chief Scientist rejected our request and informed us that it intends to pursue full payment of such royalties. Since that time, to our knowledge, the Chief Scientist has not instituted legal proceedings against us in regards to such amount. While we believe the claim has no merits, there is no assurance that we will necessarily prevail.
Except as stated above, we are currently not, and have not been in the recent past, a party to any legal proceedings which may have or have had in the recent past significant effects on our financial position or profitability.
Dividend Policy
On January 28, 2013, our Board of Directors authorized a special one-time dividend of $0.10 per ordinary share, or approximately $270,000 in the aggregate, payable to shareholders of record as of March 15, 2013. The distribution of the dividend to shareholders, which occured on April 15, 2013, was subject to applicable withholding taxes. Our Board of Directors has not adopted any dividend policy at this time, and any future dividend policy will be determined by our board of directors and will be based upon conditions then existing, including our results of operations, financial condition, current and anticipated cash needs, contractual restrictions and other conditions.
According to the Companies Law, a company may distribute dividends only out of its “profits,” as such term is defined in the Companies Law, as of the end of the most recent fiscal year or as accrued over a period of two years, whichever is higher. Our board of directors is authorized to declare dividends, provided that there is no reasonable concern that payment of the dividend will prevent us from satisfying our existing and foreseeable obligations as they become due. Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends may be paid with the approval of a court, provided that there is no reasonable concern that payment of the dividend will prevent us from satisfying our existing and foreseeable obligations as they become due. Profits, for purposes of the Companies Law, means the greater of retained earnings or earnings accumulated during the preceding two years, after deduction of previous distributions that were not already deducted from the surpluses, as evidenced by financial statements prepared no more than six months prior to the date of distribution.
B. Significant Changes
Except as otherwise disclosed in this annual report, no significant change has occurred since December 31, 2015.
ITEM 9
.
T
HE
OFFER AND LISTING
A.
Offer and Listing Details
The following table sets forth the high and low closing prices for our ordinary shares on the NASDAQ Capital Market (through April 20, 2011), and, starting April 21, 2011, on the OTC Markets, for the periods indicated:
FIVE MOST RECENT YEARS
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2011
|
|
$
|
1.08
|
|
|
$
|
0.40
|
|
2012
|
|
$
|
1.08
|
|
|
$
|
0.51
|
|
2013
|
|
$
|
1.21
|
|
|
$
|
0.70
|
|
2014
|
|
$
|
1.35
|
|
|
$
|
0.90
|
|
2015
|
|
$
|
1.05
|
|
|
$
|
0.70
|
|
QUARTERLY HIGH AND LOW SALE PRICES FOR TWO MOST RECENT YEARS AND ANY SUBSEQUENT PERIOD
First Quarter 2014
|
|
$
|
1.34
|
|
|
$
|
0.81
|
|
Second Quarter 2014
|
|
$
|
1.35
|
|
|
$
|
0.70
|
|
Third Quarter 2014
|
|
$
|
1.19
|
|
|
$
|
0.84
|
|
Fourth Quarter 2013
|
|
$
|
1.10
|
|
|
$
|
0.99
|
|
First Quarter 2015
|
|
$
|
1.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.70
|
|
Second Quarter 2015
|
|
$
|
1.05
|
|
|
$
|
0.79
|
|
Third Quarter 2015
|
|
$
|
1.01
|
|
|
$
|
0.95
|
|
Fourth Quarter 2015
|
|
$
|
1.01
|
|
|
$
|
0.80
|
|
First Quarter 2016
|
|
$
|
1.25
|
|
|
$
|
1.00
|
|
October 2015
|
|
$
|
1.01
|
|
|
$
|
0.86
|
|
November 2015
|
|
$
|
1.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.80
|
|
December 2015
|
|
$
|
1.00
|
|
|
$
|
0.80
|
|
January 2016
|
|
$
|
1.22
|
|
|
$
|
1.00
|
|
February 2016
|
|
$
|
1.25
|
|
|
$
|
1.15
|
|
March 2016
|
|
$
|
1.25
|
|
|
$
|
1.05
|
|
On April 15, 2016, the last reported sale price of our ordinary shares on the OTCQB was $1.02 per share.
Not applicable.
Our ordinary shares began trading on the NASDAQ Global Market on December 2, 1999 under the symbol “MTLK”. In March 2009, our ordinary shares were transferred to the NASDAQ Capital Market.
As of December 3, 2000, our ordinary shares began trading also on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, or TASE, under the symbol “MTLK.” We voluntarily delisted our ordinary shares from trade on the TASE, effective June 14, 2010.
On April 21, 2011, our ordinary shares were delisted from The NASDAQ Capital Market and are quoted on the OTC Markets under the symbol "MTLK".
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
F.
Expenses of the Issue.
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INF
ORMATI
ON
Not applicable.
B.
Memorandum and Articles of Association
Set out below is a description of certain provisions of our Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, and of the Israeli Companies Law related to such provisions, unless otherwise specified. This description is only a summary and does not purport to be complete and is qualified by reference to the full text of the Memorandum and Articles, which are incorporated by reference as exhibits to this Annual Report, and to Israeli law.
Objects and Purposes
We were first registered under Israeli law on September 7, 1992 as a private company, and on December 14, 1999 became a public company. Our registration number with the Israeli registrar of companies is 52-004448-8. Our objects and purposes include a wide variety of business purposes as set forth in Section 2 of our Memorandum of Association, which was filed with the Israeli registrar of companies.
The Powers of the Directors
Under the provisions of the Israeli Companies Law and our articles of association, a director generally cannot participate in a meeting nor vote on a proposal, arrangement or contract in which he or she is personally interested. In addition, our directors generally cannot vote compensation to themselves or any members of their body without the approval of our audit committee and our shareholders at a general meeting. See Item 6(C). “Directors, Senior Management and Employees – Board Practices – Approval of Specified Related Party Transactions Under Israeli Law.”
The authority of our directors to enter into borrowing arrangements on our behalf is not limited, except in the same manner as any other transaction by us.
Under our articles of association, retirement of directors from office is not subject to any age limitation and our directors are not required to own shares in our company in order to qualify to serve as directors.
Rights Attached to our Shares
Our authorized share capital consists of 5,000,000 ordinary shares of a nominal value of NIS 1.0 each.
The key rights attached to our ordinary shares are as follows:
Dividend Rights
. Our articles of association provide that our board of directors may from time to time, declare such dividend as may appear to be justified. Under the Companies Law, the declaration of a dividend does not require the approval of the shareholders of the company, unless the company’s articles of association require otherwise. Subject to the rights of the holders of shares with preferential or other special rights that may be authorized in the future, holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends according to their rights and interest in our profits. Any dividend unclaimed after a period of seven years from the date of its declaration, shall be forfeited and reverted to us, provided, however, that our board may, at its discretion, cause us to pay any such dividend or any part thereof, to a person who would have been entitled thereto, had the same not reverted to us.
Voting Rights
. Holders of ordinary shares have one vote for each ordinary share held on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. These 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 ordinary shares do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. As a result, holders of ordinary shares that represent more than 50% of the voting power present at the meeting have the power to elect all the directors, other than external directors.
Rights to Share in the Company’s Profits
. Our board has the power to cause any moneys, investments, or other assets forming part of the undivided profits of the company, standing to the credit of a reserve fund for the redemption of capital, to be capitalized and distributed among such shareholders as would be entitled to receive the same if distributed by way of dividend.
Liquidation Rights
. In the event of our liquidation, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors, our assets will be distributed to the holders of ordinary shares in proportion to their respective holdings. This liquidation right may be affected by the grant of preferential dividends or distribution rights to the holders of a class of shares with preferential rights that may be authorized in the future.
Redemption Provisions
. We may, subject to applicable law, issue redeemable shares and redeem the same, and our board may redeem, in the case of redeemable preference shares, and subject to applicable law, such shares or fractional shares sufficient to preclude or remove fractional share holdings.
Preemptive, First Refusal and Co-Sale Rights
. All outstanding ordinary shares, are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and do not have preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or co-sale rights.
Transfer of Shares
. Fully paid ordinary shares are issued in registered form and may be transferred pursuant to our articles of association, unless such transfer is restricted or prohibited by another instrument and subject to applicable securities laws.
Modification of Rights
Unless otherwise provided by our articles of association, rights attached to any class may be modified or abrogated by a resolution adopted in a general meeting approved by a simple majority of the voting power represented at the meeting in person or by proxy and voting thereon, subject to the sanction of a resolution passed by majority of the holders of a majority of the shares of such class present and voting as a separate general meeting of the holders of such class.
Shareholders’ Meetings and Resolutions
Our annual general meetings are held once in every calendar year at such time (within a period of not more than fifteen months after the last preceding annual general meeting) and at such place determined by our board. All general meetings other than annual general meetings are called extraordinary general meetings. Our board may, whenever it thinks fit, convene an extraordinary general meeting at such time and place as it determines, and shall be obligated to do so upon a requisition in writing in accordance with the Companies Law.
The quorum required for an ordinary meeting of shareholders consists of at least two shareholders present in person or by proxy, who hold or represent between them at least 33.3% of the outstanding voting shares, unless otherwise required by applicable rules. A meeting adjourned for lack of a quorum generally is adjourned to the same day in the following week at the same time and place or any time and place as the chairman of the board may designate. At such reconvened meeting the required quorum consists of any two members present in person or by proxy.
Under the Companies Law, shareholder meetings generally require prior notice of not less than 21 days or, with respect to certain matters, such as election of directors and affiliated party transactions, not less than 35 days.
Under our articles of association, as amended, all resolutions of our shareholders require a simple majority of the shares present, in person or by proxy, and voting on the matter, unless otherwise required by the Companies Law.
Limitation on Owning Securities
The ownership of our ordinary shares by non-residents of Israel is not restricted in any way by our memorandum of association and articles of association or the laws of the State of Israel, except for citizens of countries which are in a state of war with Israel, who may not be recognized as owners of our ordinary shares.
Duties of Shareholders
Disclosure by Controlling Shareholders
. Under the Companies Law, the disclosure requirements that apply to an office holder also apply to a controlling shareholder of a public company. A controlling shareholder is a shareholder who has the ability to direct the activities of a company, including a shareholder that owns 25% or more of the voting rights if no other shareholder owns more than 50% of the voting rights, but excluding a shareholder whose power derives solely from his or her position on the board of directors or any other position with the company.
Extraordinary transactions with a controlling shareholder or in which a controlling shareholder has a personal interest, generally require the approval of the audit committee, the board of directors and the shareholders, in that order. The shareholder approval must include at least a majority of the shares of non-interested shareholders voted on the matter. However, the transaction can be approved by shareholders without this special majority approval if the total shares of non-interested shareholders that voted against the transaction do not represent more than 2% of the voting rights in the company.
In addition, any such extraordinary transaction whose term is longer than three years may require further shareholder approval every three years, unless, where permissible under the Israeli Companies Law, the audit committee approves that a longer term is reasonable under the circumstances.
General Duties of Shareholders.
In addition, under the Companies Law, each shareholder has a duty to act in good faith toward the company and other shareholders and to refrain from abusing his or her power in the company, such as in shareholder votes. In addition, specified shareholders have a duty of fairness toward the company. These shareholders include any controlling shareholder, any shareholder who knows that it possesses the power to determine the outcome of a shareholder vote and any shareholder who, pursuant to the provisions of the articles of association, has the power to appoint or prevent the appointment of an office holder or any other power with respect to the company.
Change of Control
There are no specific provisions of our Memorandum or Articles of Association that would have an effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us or that would operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring involving us. However, certain provisions of the Companies Law may have such effect.
The Companies Law includes provisions that allow a merger transaction and requires that each company that is a party to the merger have the transaction approved by its board of directors and a vote of the majority of its shares. For purposes of the shareholder vote of each party, unless a court rules otherwise, the merger will not be deemed approved if shares, representing a majority of the voting power present at the shareholders meeting and which are not held by the other party to the merger (or by any person who holds 25% or more of the voting power or the right to appoint 25% or more of the directors of the other party), vote against the merger. Upon the request of a creditor of either party to the proposed merger, the court may delay or prevent the merger if it concludes that there exists a reasonable concern that as a result of the merger the surviving company will be unable to satisfy the obligations of any of the parties to the merger. In addition, a merger may not be completed unless at least (i) 50 days have passed from the time that the requisite proposals for approval of the merger have been filed with the Israeli Registrar of Companies by each merging company and (ii) 30 days have passed since the merger was approved by the shareholders of each merging company.
The Companies Law also provides that an acquisition of shares in a public company must be made by means of a "special tender offer" if as a result of the acquisition the purchaser would become a 25% or greater shareholder of the company and there is no existing 25% or greater shareholder of the company. An acquisition of shares in a public company must be made by means of a tender offer if as a result of the acquisition the purchaser would become a 45% or greater shareholder of the company, unless there is already a 45% or greater shareholder of the company. These requirements do not apply if, in general, the acquisition (1) was made in a private placement that received shareholder approval, (2) was from a 25% or greater shareholder of the company which resulted in the acquirer becoming a 25% or greater shareholder of the company, or (3) was from a 45% or greater shareholder of the company which resulted in the acquirer becoming a 45% or greater shareholder of the company. The tender offer must be extended to all shareholders, but the offeror is not required to purchase more than 5% of the company's outstanding shares, regardless of how many shares are tendered by shareholders.
If, as a result of an acquisition of shares, the acquirer will hold more than 90% of a company's outstanding shares, the acquisition must be made by means of a "full tender offer" for all of the outstanding shares. In general, if less than 5% of the outstanding shares are not tendered in the tender offer and more than half of the offerees who have no personal interest in the offer tendered their shares, all the shares that the acquirer offered to purchase will be transferred to it. Shareholders may request appraisal rights in connection with a full tender offer for a period of six months following the consummation of the tender offer, but the acquirer is entitled to stipulate that tendering shareholders will forfeit such appraisal rights.
Finally, Israeli tax law treats some acquisitions, such as stock-for-stock acquisitions exchanges between an Israeli company and another company less favorably than does U.S. tax law. For example, Israeli tax law may, under certain circumstances, subject a shareholder who exchanges his ordinary shares for shares in another corporation, to taxation prior to the sale of the shares received in such stock-for-stock swap.
C.
Material Contracts
None
There are currently no Israeli currency control restrictions on payments of dividends or other distributions with respect to our ordinary shares or the proceeds from the sale of our shares, except for the obligation of Israeli residents to file reports with the Bank of Israel regarding some transactions. However, legislation remains in effect under which currency controls can be imposed by administrative action at any time.
The ownership or voting of our ordinary shares by non-residents of Israel, except with respect to citizens of countries which are in a state of war with Israel, is not restricted in any way by our articles of association or by the laws of the State of Israel.
The following is a brief summary of the current tax structure applicable to companies in Israel, with special reference to its effect on us and certain Israeli Government programs benefiting us. The following also contains a discussion of material Israeli and United States tax consequences to purchasers of our ordinary shares. To the extent that the discussion is based on new tax legislation which has not been subject to judicial or administrative interpretation, there can be no assurance that the views expressed in the discussion will be accepted by the tax authorities in question of the courts. The discussion is not intended, and should not be construed, as legal or professional tax advice.
Holders of our ordinary shares are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors as to the United States, Israeli or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of ordinary shares.
Israeli Tax
General Corporate Tax Structure
For a discussion of the current corporate tax stucture applicable to companies in Israel - see Item 5A “Operating Results – Corporate Tax Rate” above.
Tax Benefits and Grants for Research and Development
Israeli tax law allows, under certain conditions, a tax deduction in the year incurred for expenditures, including depreciation on capital expenditures, in scientific research and development projects, if the expenditures are approved by the relevant Israeli government ministry, determined by field of research, and the research and development is for the promotion of the enterprise and is carried out by, or on behalf of, the company seeking such deduction. However, the amount of such deductible expenses shall be reduced by the sum of any funds received through government grants for the finance of such scientific research and development projects. Expenditures not so approved or funded, are deductible over a three-year period.
Tax Benefits Under the Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 1969
According to the Law for the Encouragement of Industry (Taxes), 1969, or the “Industry Encouragement Law”, an “Industrial Company” is a company resident in Israel, at least 90% of the income of which, in any tax year, determined in Israeli currency (exclusive of income from certain government loans, capital gains, interest and dividends), is derived from an “Industrial Enterprise” owned by it. An “Industrial Enterprise” is defined as an enterprise whose major activity in a given tax year is industrial production activity. We believe that we currently can be qualified as an “Industrial Company” within the definition of the Industry Encouragement Law.
Under the Industry Encouragement Law, if we qualify as an “Industrial Company” we are entitled to the following preferred corporate tax benefits, among others:
|
·
|
deduction of the cost of purchased know-how and patents over an eight-year period for tax purposes;
|
|
·
|
the right to elect under certain conditions to file a consolidated tax return with additional related Israeli Industrial Companies;
|
|
·
|
accelerated depreciation rates on equipment and buildings; and
|
|
·
|
deduction over a three-year period of expenses involved with the issuance and listing of shares on a stock exchange.
|
Eligibility for the benefits under the Industry Encouragement Law is not subject to receipt of prior approval from any governmental authority. No assurance can be given that we will continue to qualify as an “Industrial Company” or that the benefits described above will be available in the future.
Israeli Transfer Pricing Regulations
On November 29, 2006, Income Tax Regulations (Determination of Market Terms), 2006, promulgated under Section 85A of the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance (New Version), 1961 (the “Tax Ordinance”), came into force (the “TP Regs”). Section 85A of the Tax Ordinance and the TP Regs generally require that all cross-border transactions carried out between related parties will be conducted on an arm’s length principle basis and will be taxed accordingly.
Capital Gains Tax
Israeli law generally imposes a capital gains tax on the sale of any capital assets by residents of Israel, as defined for Israeli tax purposes, and on the sale of assets in Israel, including our ordinary shares, by non-residents of Israel, unless a specific exemption is available or unless a tax treaty between Israel and the shareholder’s country of residence provides otherwise. The law distinguishes between the real gain and inflationary surplus. Real gain is the difference between the total capital gain and the inflationary surplus. The inflationary surplus is computed on the basis of the difference between the Israeli consumer price index or, in certain circumstances, a foreign currency exchange rate, on the date of sale and the date of purchase.
Provisions of Israeli tax law may treat a sale of securities listed on a stock exchange differently than the sale of other securities. In the past the ITA has indicated that it does not recognize the OTC Bulletin Board or the Pink Sheets as a “stock exchange” for purposes of the Tax Ordinance. However, the ITA has indicated that it will view securities quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board or the Pink Sheets as listed on a “stock exchange” where such securities were previously delisted from a “stock exchange” (such as the Nasdaq Capital Market), such as our ordinary shares.
As of January 1, 2012, the tax rate generally applicable to capital gains derived from the sale of shares, whether listed on a stock market or not, is 25% for Israeli individuals, unless such shareholder claims a deduction for financing expenses in connection with such shares, in which case the gain will generally be taxed at a rate of 30%. Additionally, if such shareholder is considered a “Significant Shareholder” at anytime during the 12-month period preceding such sale, i.e. such shareholder holds directly or indirectly, including with others, at least 10% of any means of control in the company, the tax rate shall be 30%. However, the foregoing tax rates will not apply to: (i) dealers in securities; and (ii) shareholders who acquired their shares prior to an initial public offering (that may be subject to a different tax arrangement). Israeli Companies are subject to the Corporate Tax rate on capital gains derived from the sale of listed shares.
The tax basis of our shares acquired prior to January 1, 2003 will generally be determined in accordance with the average closing share price in the three trading days preceding January 1, 2003. However, a request may be made to the tax authorities to consider the actual adjusted cost of the shares as the tax basis if it is higher than such average price.
As of January 1, 2013, shareholders that are individuals who have taxable income that exceeds NIS 810,720 in a tax year (linked to the CPI each year) will be subject to an additional tax, referred to as High Income Tax, at the rate of 2% on their taxable income for such tax year that is in excess of such threshold. For this purpose taxable income will include taxable capital gains from the sale of our shares and taxable income from dividend distributions.
Non-Israeli residents are exempt from Israeli capital gains tax on any gains derived from the sale of shares publicly traded on a recognized stock market outside of Israel, provided that such capital gains are not derived from a permanent establishment in Israel and that such shareholders did not acquire their shares prior to the issuer’s initial public offering. However, non-Israeli corporations will not be entitled to such exemption if Israeli residents (i) have a controlling interest of more than 25% in such non-Israeli corporation, or (ii) are the beneficiaries of or are entitled to 25% or more of the revenues or profits of such non-Israeli corporation, whether directly or indirectly.
In some instances where our shareholders may be liable to Israeli tax on the sale of their ordinary shares, the payment of the consideration may be subject to the withholding of Israeli tax at the source.
Application of the U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty to Capital Gains Tax
Pursuant to the Convention between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Israel with Respect to Taxes on Income, as amended (the “the U.S.- Israel Tax Treaty”), the sale, exchange or disposition of our ordinary shares by a person who qualifies as a resident of the United States and is entitled to claim the benefits afforded to a resident, or a Treaty U.S. Resident, will not be subject to Israeli capital gains tax unless (i) that Treaty U.S. Resident held, directly or indirectly, shares representing 10% or more of our voting power during any part of the 12-month period preceding the sale, exchange or disposition; or (ii) the capital gains from such sale can be allocated to a permanent establishment in Israel. A sale, exchange or disposition of our ordinary shares by a Treaty U.S. Resident who held, directly or indirectly, shares representing 10% or more of our voting power at any time during the 12-month period preceding the sale, exchange or disposition will be subject to Israeli capital gains tax, to the extent applicable. However, under the U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty, this Treaty U.S. Resident would be permitted to claim credit for these taxes if required to be paid against U.S. income tax imposed with respect to such sale, exchange or disposition, subject to the limitations set in U.S. laws applicable to foreign tax credits. The U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty does not relate to state or local taxes.
Taxation of Non-Residents on Receipt of Dividends
On distributions of dividends other than bonus shares, or stock dividends, income tax is withheld at the source. Non-residents of Israel are subject to Israeli income tax on the receipt of dividends paid on our ordinary shares, at the rate of 25%, or 30% for a shareholder that is considered a Significant Shareholder at any time during the 12-month period preceding such distribution, unless the dividends are paid from income derived from an Approved, Benefited or Preferred Enterprise during the applicable benefit period, or a different rate is provided in a treaty between Israel and the shareholder’s country of residence. Under the U.S.-Israel Tax Treaty, the maximum tax on dividends paid to a holder of our ordinary shares who is a Treaty U.S. Resident will be 25%. However, dividends paid from income derived during any period for which the Israeli company is not entitled to the reduced tax rate applicable to an Approved or Benefited Enterprise under the Investments Law, the maximum tax will be 12.5% if the holder is a U.S. company holding shares representing at least 10% of the issued voting power during the part of the taxable year preceding the date of payment of dividends and during the whole of the prior taxable year, and provided that not more than 25% of the Israeli company’s gross income consists of interest or dividends. Dividends paid to such U.S. company from income derived during any period for which the Israeli company is entitled to the reduced tax rate applicable to an Approved, Benefited or Preferred Enterprise will be subject to a 15% tax rate.
For information with respect to the applicability of High Income Tax on distribution of dividends, see - "Capital Gains Tax" above.
United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
General
Subject to the limitations described below, the following discussion describes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) that is a beneficial owner of our ordinary shares and that holds them as capital assets. For purposes of this summary, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of our ordinary shares who or that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
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a citizen or individual resident of the United States;
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a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes) created or organized in the United States or under the law of the United States or of any State or the District of Columbia;
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an estate the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or
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a trust if (1) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust, and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (2) the trust was in existence on August 20, 1996 and properly elected to continue to be treated as a United States person.
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This summary is not a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to each individual investor's decision to purchase, sell or hold ordinary shares. We recommend that owners of our ordinary shares consult their own tax advisers with respect to the U.S. federal, state and local tax consequences, as well as non-U.S. tax consequences, of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares applicable to their particular tax situations.
This discussion is based on current provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), current and proposed U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, and administrative and judicial decisions, as of the date hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to any particular holder based on that holder's individual circumstances. In particular, this discussion does not address the potential application of the alternative minimum tax or the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders that are subject to special treatment, including:
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broker-dealers, including dealers in securities or currencies;
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taxpayers that have elected mark-to-market accounting;
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tax-exempt organizations;
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financial institutions or “financial services entities”;
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taxpayers who hold the ordinary shares as part of a straddle, "hedge", constructive sale, "conversion transaction" or other risk reduction transaction;
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holders owning directly, indirectly or by attribution shares having at least ten percent of the total voting power of all our shares;
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taxpayers whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar; and
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taxpayers who acquire our ordinary shares as compensation.
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This discussion does not address any aspect of U.S. federal gift or estate tax or state or local tax laws. Additionally, the discussion does not consider the tax treatment of partnerships or other entities treated as pass-throughs for U.S. federal income tax purposes or persons who hold our ordinary shares through a partnership or other pass-through entity.
Material aspects of U.S. federal income tax relevant to a Non-U.S. Holder are also discussed below. In general, a Non-U.S. Holder is a beneficial owner of our ordinary shares who or that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes: (i) a nonresident alien individual, (ii) a corporation (or an entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the law of a country other than the United States or a political subdivision thereof or, (iii) an estate or trust that is not a U.S. Holder. Each prospective investor is advised to consult that person’s own tax adviser with respect to the specific tax consequences to that person of purchasing, holding or disposing of our ordinary shares.
Taxation of Dividends Paid on Ordinary Shares
In the event of dividend distribution, and subject to the discussion of the passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, rules below, a U.S. Holder will be required to include in gross income as a dividend the amount of any distribution paid on our ordinary shares, including any Israeli taxes withheld from the amount paid, on the date the distribution is received to the extent the distribution is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Distributions in excess of those earnings and profits will be applied against and will reduce the U.S. Holder's basis in the ordinary shares and, to the extent in excess of that basis, will be treated as a gain from the sale or exchange of the ordinary shares. The legislation until the end of 2010 provided that dividend income generally would be taxed to noncorporate taxpayers at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided certain holding period and other requirements (including a requirement that we are not a PFIC in the year of the dividend or in the preceding year) are satisfied. Dividends received after 2010 will be taxable as ordinary income.
Distributions out of current or accumulated earnings and profits paid in foreign currency to a U.S. Holder will be includible in the income of the U.S. Holder in a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate on the date the distribution is received. A U.S. Holder that receives a foreign currency distribution and converts the foreign currency into U.S. dollars subsequent to receipt will have foreign exchange gain or loss based on any appreciation or depreciation in the value of the foreign currency against the U.S. dollar, which will generally be U.S. source ordinary income or loss.
U.S. Holders will have the option of claiming the amount of any Israeli income taxes withheld at source either as a deduction from gross income or as a dollar-for-dollar credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability. Individuals who do not claim itemized deductions, but instead utilize the standard deduction, may not claim a deduction for the amount of any Israeli income taxes withheld, but those individuals may still claim a credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability. The amount of foreign income taxes that may be claimed as a credit in any year is subject to complex limitations and restrictions, which must be determined on an individual basis by each shareholder. The total amount of allowable foreign tax credits in any year cannot exceed the pre-credit U.S. tax liability for the year attributable to foreign source taxable income.
A U.S. Holder will be denied a foreign tax credit with respect to Israeli income tax withheld from dividends received on the ordinary shares:
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if the U.S. Holder has not held the ordinary shares for at least 16 days of the 31-day period beginning on the date which is 15 days before the ex-dividend date; or
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to the extent the U.S. Holder is under an obligation to make related payments on substantially similar or related property.
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Any days during which a U.S. Holder has substantially diminished his or its risk of loss on the ordinary shares are not counted toward meeting the 16-day holding period required by the statute. In addition, distributions of current or accumulated earnings and profits generally will be foreign source passive income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes and will not qualify for the dividends received deduction otherwise available to corporations.
Taxation of the Disposition of Ordinary Shares
Subject to the discussion of the PFIC rules below, upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of our ordinary shares, a U.S. Holder will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between that U.S. Holder's basis in the ordinary shares, which is usually the U.S. dollar cost of those shares, and the amount realized on the disposition. A disposition of the ordinary shares will be considered to occur on the “trade date”, regardless of the U.S. Holder’s method of accounting. A U.S. Holder that uses the cash method of accounting calculates the U.S. dollar value of the proceeds received on the sale as of the date that the sale settles. However, a U.S. Holder that uses an accrual method of accounting is required to calculate the value of the proceeds of the sale as of the “trade date” and may therefore realize foreign currency gain or loss, unless that U.S. Holder has elected to use the settlement date to determine its proceeds of sale for purposes of calculating that foreign currency gain or loss. Capital gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of the ordinary shares held more than one year is long-term capital gain. Long-term capital gains of noncorporate taxpayers are eligible for reduced rates of taxation.
Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder on a sale, exchange or other disposition of our ordinary shares generally is treated under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code as U.S. source income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes, and thus a U.S. Holder ordinarily would not be entitled to claim a foreign tax credit for taxes paid to Israel with respect to gains. However, under the U.S.- Israel Tax Treaty, gains derived from the sale, exchange or other disposition of our ordinary shares generally are considered to be from Israeli sources if the sale, exchange or other disposition occurs in Israel, and a U.S. Holder who is entitled to claim the benefits of that treaty is permitted to claim a foreign tax credit for taxes paid to Israel with respect to the sale, exchange or disposition, subject to the limitations on foreign tax credits under U.S. federal income tax law. The U.S. Israel Tax Treaty does not relate to state or local taxes. (See Israeli Tax - Application of the U.S.- Israel Tax Treaty to Capital Gains Tax).
The deductibility of a capital loss recognized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the ordinary shares is subject to limitations. In addition, a U.S. Holder that receives foreign currency upon disposition of the ordinary shares and converts the foreign currency into U.S. dollars subsequent to receipt will have foreign exchange gain or loss based on any appreciation or depreciation in the value of the foreign currency against the U.S. dollar, which will generally be U.S. source ordinary income or loss.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations
If we are characterized as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, adverse tax consequences can arise for our shareholders. Generally a foreign corporation is treated as a PFIC if either (i) 75 percent or more of its gross income in a taxable year, including the pro-rata share of the gross income of any company, U.S. or foreign, in which that corporation is considered to own 25 percent or more by value of the shares, is passive income, or (ii) 50 percent or more of its assets in a taxable year, averaged over the year and ordinarily determined based on quarter-end fair market values and including the pro-rata share of the assets of any company in which that corporation is considered to own 25 percent or more by value of the shares, produce, or, are held for the production of, passive income. In general, passive income for this purpose means, with certain designated exceptions, dividends, interest, rents, royalties (other than certain rents and royalties derived in the active conduct of trade or business), annuities, net gains from dispositions of certain assets, net foreign currency gains, income equivalent to interest, income from notional principal contracts and payments in lieu of dividends.
We believe that we satisfied the test to be a PFIC in 2001, 2002 and 2003 but not in 2004 – 2015 Although we will endeavor to avoid characterization as a PFIC in the future, we may not be able to do so. Although the Code contains an exception to PFIC classification for certain corporations that change their business, that exception is not available to a corporation that was, as we were, a PFIC in any prior taxable year.
The determination of whether a foreign corporation is a PFIC is a factual determination made annually and is therefore subject to change. However, once stock in a foreign corporation is stock in a PFIC in the hands of a particular shareholder that is a United States person, it remains stock in a PFIC in the hands of that shareholder, even if in later taxable years the foreign corporation ceases to satisfy the test to be a PFIC, unless the shareholder makes any of certain elections. As described below, those elections include a “qualified electing fund”, or QEF, election and a mark-to-market election.
A U.S. Holder who is subject to the PFIC rules and who does not make a QEF election or a mark to-market election will be subject to the following rules:
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gain recognized by the U.S. Holder upon the disposition of, as well as income recognized upon receiving certain dividends on, the ordinary shares will be taxable as ordinary income;
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the U.S. Holder will be required to allocate that dividend income and/or disposition gain ratably over the shareholder’s entire holding period for the ordinary shares;
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the amount allocated to each year other than the year of the dividend payment or disposition will be subject to tax at the highest applicable tax rate, and an interest charge will be imposed with respect to the resulting tax liability;
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the U.S. Holder will be subject to information reporting requirements each year and will be required to report distributions received on, and gain recognized on dispositions of, our shares; and
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any U.S. Holder who acquired our ordinary shares upon the death of a shareholder will not receive a step-up in the tax basis of those shares to fair market value but instead, the U.S. Holder beneficiary will have a tax basis equal to the decedent’s basis, if lower.
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In the case of a U.S. Holder that made, or, as described below, is treated as having made, a QEF election for the first taxable year the U.S. Holder owns our ordinary shares and we are a PFIC (that taxable year hereafter being referred to as the “First PFIC Year”), the following U.S. federal income tax consequences will arise:
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the U.S. Holder will be required for each taxable year in which we are a PFIC to include in income a pro-rata share of our (i) net ordinary earnings as ordinary income (which income is not eligible for any 15 percent maximum tax rate applicable to certain dividends) and (ii) net capital gain as long-term capital gain, subject to a separate election to defer payment of taxes, which deferral is subject to an interest charge.
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the U.S. Holder will not be required under these rules to include any amount in income for any taxable year during which we do not have net ordinary earnings or capital gains; and
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the U.S. Holder will not be required under these rules to include any amount in income for any taxable year for which we are not a PFIC.
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The QEF election is made on a shareholder-by-shareholder basis and can be revoked only with the consent of the IRS. A QEF election applies to all shares of the PFIC held or subsequently acquired by an electing U.S holder. A shareholder makes a QEF election by attaching a completed IRS Form 8621, including the PFIC annual information statement, to a timely filed U.S. federal income tax return and by filing that form with the IRS Service Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Continuation of a QEF election requires ongoing annual filing of the PFIC annual information statement that we provide. Even if a QEF election is not made, a shareholder in a PFIC who is a United States person must satisfy information reporting requirements to the IRS every year. During January 2002, 2003 and 2004, we sent to our shareholders the required information to report income and gain under a QEF election – a “PFIC Annual Information Statement” for the years 2001, 2002, and 2003 respectively.
We did not have net ordinary earnings or net capital gain for our 2001-2003 taxable years. Therefore, any U.S. Holder who made a timely QEF election for those periods was not required to include any amount in income in those years as a result of that election.
Alternatively, provided our ordinary shares qualify as marketable stock, a U.S. Holder can elect to mark our ordinary shares to market annually, recognizing as ordinary income or loss each year that we are a PFIC and the U.S. Holder either holds or disposes of the shares, an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in our ordinary shares and their fair market value or amount realized. Losses would be allowed only to the extent of net mark-to-market gain included in income by the U.S. Holder for prior taxable years pursuant to the mark-to-market election. As with the QEF election, a U.S. Holder who makes a mark-to-market election with respect to our shares would not be subject to deemed ratable allocations of distributions or gain, the interest charge, or the denial of basis step-up at death described above (except for the first year that the election applies, if that is not the first PFIC Year). We believe that our shares should be treated as marketable stock for purposes of this mark-to-market election. Subject to our shares not being or ceasing to be marketable, a mark-to-market election is irrevocable without the consent of the IRS.
As noted above, once stock in a foreign corporation is stock in a PFIC in the hands of a particular U.S. shareholder, it remains stock in a PFIC in the hands of that shareholder, even if in later taxable years the foreign corporation ceases to satisfy the test to be a PFIC, unless the shareholder makes a QEF election for the First PFIC Year makes or the mark-to-market election.
If a U.S. shareholder makes a QEF election for the First PFIC Year, and if in any later year the foreign corporation does not satisfy the test to be a PFIC, the PFIC rules do not apply to the stock of the foreign corporation owned by that shareholder in that year. However, if the foreign corporation subsequently becomes a PFIC in a later taxable year, the QEF rules once again will apply to that stock. A U.S. shareholder who or that did not make a QEF election in the First PFIC Year may make a QEF election in a later taxable year, and if the U.S. shareholder also makes another election, sometimes called a “purging” election, pursuant to which the U.S. shareholder may be required to pay additional tax and interest, the U.S. shareholder will be treated as having made a QEF election in the First PFIC Year.
If a U.S. shareholder makes the mark-to-market election for the stock in a PFIC, the stock will cease to be stock in a PFIC in any later year the foreign corporation does not satisfy the test to be a PFIC. However, if the foreign corporation subsequently becomes a PFIC in a later taxable year, the mark-to-market rules once again will apply to that stock. If a United States person makes a mark-to-market election after the First PFIC Year, his or its mark-to-market gain, if any, will be subject to the PFIC rules that apply when there is no special election, described above, but those rules will not thereafter apply in subsequent taxable years.
We believe that we satisfied the test to be a PFIC in 2001, 2002 and 2003 but not in 2004-2015. In that event, based on the rules described above, in the hands of any U.S. Holder that owned our ordinary shares in 2001, 2002 or 2003 and that has made, or is treated as having made, a QEF election for the First PFIC Year or that has made a mark-to-market election, our ordinary shares will not be shares in a PFIC in any year after 2003 in which we do not satisfy the test to be a PFIC. In addition, any U.S. Holder that acquired our ordinary shares in 2004, (or in a later year, if any, in which we were or are not a PFIC) will not be subject to the PFIC rules, unless in a subsequent year we again satisfy the test to be a PFIC. However, any U.S. Holder that owned our ordinary shares in 2001, 2002 or 2003 (or any later year we are a PFIC) and did not and does not make a QEF election effective for the First PFIC Year and has not made and does not make a mark-to-market election will remain subject to the PFIC rules that apply when no special election is in effect.
The U.S federal income tax rules relating to PFIC are complex. U.S. Holders of our shares are strongly urged to consult their tax advisers about the PFIC rules, including the availability, advisability and timing of, and procedure for, making a QEF or mark-to-market election with respect to their holding of our ordinary shares, including warrants or rights to acquire our ordinary shares.
Tax Consequences for Non-U.S. Holders of Ordinary Shares
Except as described in "U.S. Information Reporting and Backup Withholding" below, a Non-U.S. Holder who is a beneficial owner of our ordinary shares will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on the payment of dividends on, or the proceeds from the disposition of, the ordinary shares, unless:
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that item is effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of trade or business in the United States and, in the case of a resident of a country which has a treaty with the United States, that item is attributable to a permanent establishment or, in the case of an individual, a fixed place of business, in the United States;
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the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who holds the ordinary shares as capital assets and is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition and does not qualify for an exemption; or
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the Non-U.S. Holder is subject to tax pursuant to the provisions of U.S. tax law applicable to U.S. expatriates.
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U.S. Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
U.S. Holders generally are subject to information reporting requirements with respect to dividends paid in the United States on our ordinary shares. In addition, U.S. Holders are subject to U.S. backup withholding at a rate of 28 percent on dividends paid in the United States on the ordinary shares unless the U.S. Holder provides an IRS Form W-9 or otherwise establishes an exemption. U.S. Holders are subject to information reporting and backup withholding at a rate of 28 percent on proceeds paid from the sale, exchange, redemption or other disposition of the ordinary shares unless the U.S. Holder provides an IRS Form W-9 or otherwise establishes an exemption.
Non-U.S. Holders generally are not subject to information reporting or backup withholding with respect to dividends paid on, or proceeds from the sale, exchange, redemption or other disposition of, the ordinary shares, provided that the Non-U.S. Holders provide a taxpayer identification number, certify to their foreign status or otherwise establish an exemption.
The amount of any backup withholding will be allowed as a credit against the U.S. Holder’s or Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the holder to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
F.
Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
G.
Statements by Experts.
Not applicable.
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act applicable to foreign private issuers and fulfill our obligations with respect to such requirements by filing reports with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file with the SEC without charge at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of such material may be obtained on the SEC Internet site (http://www.sec.gov) or by mail from the Public Reference Branch of the SEC at such address, at prescribed rates. Please call the SEC at l-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room.
As a foreign private issuer, we are 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 “short-swing” profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as United States companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we solicit proxies and furnish proxy statements for all meetings of shareholders, a copy of which proxy statement is furnished promptly thereafter with the SEC under the cover of a Current Report on Form 6-K.
ITEM 11.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALI
TA
TIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign Currency Risk
All of our sales are made in US dollars. In addition, a substantial portion of our costs is incurred in dollars. Since the dollar is the primary currency of the economic environment in which we operate, the dollar is our functional currency, and accordingly, monetary accounts maintained in currencies other than the dollar (principally cash and cash equivalents, short-term deposits and liabilities) are remeasured using the foreign exchange rate at the balance sheet date. Operational accounts and non-monetary balance sheet accounts are measured and recorded at the rate in effect at the date of the transaction. The effect of foreign currency remeasurement is reported in current operations.
Since 2008, we have not engaged in any hedging or other transactions intended to manage risks relating to foreign currency exchange rate or interest rate fluctuations.
For additional qualitative disclosure, see Item 5 – “Impact of Inflation and Foreign Currency Fluctuations“.
Interest Rate Risk
Historically, our exposure to market risk with respect to changes in interest rates related primarily to our short- and long-term investments and borrowings. At present we do not have any short- and long-term investments and borrowings.
ITEM 12
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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
Not applicable.