"A rise of 10%-15% as of today, and altogether, a real annual yield of 15% to 20%" - is the assessment of Tachlit, Discount Bank's portfolio management company, regarding this year's stock market trading trend. An additional 15% yield is three times the predicted inflation rate for the coming year, far more than any other investment instrument is expected to yield, even including the dollar, the public's current favourite.
Tachlit accordingly recommends the following investments:
- Chemicals This sector has posted high-rate growth in recent years, and Tachlit regards it as having a high growth potential in 1998 too (although not, perhaps, as high as in 1997). "The sector is characterised by export-oriented companies, which the domestic market slowdown will affect only slightly. Moreover, Israel has a relative advantage over competitors in some of the markets in which it operates".
- Electronics and Technology This sector has a high risk/reward ratio. "The sector is characterised by export-oriented, mainly high-tech companies, operating in competitive markets and enjoying high growth rates. We would add a qualification as regards the risk in investing in this sector: some of the Israeli companies operating in the sector are traded on stock exchanges in the USA at prices reflecting the expectation of continued accelerated growth in profitability. If US stock exchanges post a downturn, this could adversely affect share prices in the sector".
- Commercial banks This sector is trading at lower p/e and capital ratios than other leading sectors. Tachlit assesses that some banks may continue to present good financial results, albeit possibly at a lower rate than in 1997, due to the recession.
- Investment and holding companies: Companies in this sector operate in a wide spread, over various industries, and Tachlit accordingly assesses that even if some holding company or some industry makes a poor showing, the damage to a holding company will be less, thanks to its wide spread over different companies and industries.
Chemicals
Agan Chemical Manufacturers
Agan manufactures plant protection chemicals and synthetic aroma substances. Together with parent company Makhteshim, Agan enjoys world leader status. Export-oriented, the company is posting an ongoing improvement in financial results.
Share quotation when recommended: 13550
1997 Yield: 76.8%
Market value to equity: 3.36
Makhteshim Chemical Works
Makhteshim's activity parallels that of Agan, its subsidiary. The two companies are shortly to be consolidated. Makhteshim is an export-oriented company, presenting an ongoing improvement in its financial results.
Share quotation when recommended: 3270
1997 Yield: 92.6%
Market value to equity: 3.27
Dead Sea Bromine
The company manufactures bromine compounds and flame retardants. Dead Sea Bromine is an export oriented world leader in its field. In the past two years it has posted high growth rates and a material improvement in its financial results. Corporate growth is expected to continue.
Share quotation when recommended: 3670
1997 Yield: 100.3%
Market value to equity: 3.27
Israel Chemicals
This export-oriented concern engages in the manufacture of fertilisers and chemicals. It has streamlined in recent years, investing in heightened output capacity. ICL is expected to continue to grow.
Share quotation when recommended: 467
1997 Yield: 75.7%
Market value to equity: 1.86
Teva Pharmaceutical
Industries
Export-oriented Teva manufactures generic drugs. In recent years, it has developed an ethical drug, namely Copaxone, and future revenues and profitability are expected to reflect this development. Financial results are expected to improve.
Share quotation when recommended: 16080
1997 Yield: 3.7%
Market value to equity: 4.43
Electronics and Technology
Clal Electronics
This export-oriented company is trading at below the aggregate value of its holdings. The outlook is for a continuing improvement in the financial results of subsidiaries ECI Telecom and Scitex.
Share quotation when recommended: 57800
1997 Yield: 72%
Market value to equity: 1.88
Elron Electronic
Industries
This is a holding company, specialising and highly experienced in investment in high-tech firms, mainly at their start-up stage. Elron invests in upgrading such firms, and floating them on the stock exchange.
Share quotation when recommended: 6870
1997 Yield: 59.1%
Market value to equity: 1.76
Tadiran Telecommunications
An export-oriented subsidiary of Koor, this company specialises in the design, development, manufacture and marketing of communications products, electronic systems etc., designated for the civilian and military markets both at home and abroad.
Streamlining measures adopted by the company are continuing and are expected to find expression in its financial reports.
Share quotation when recommended: 16370
1997 Yield: 39.4%
Market value to equity: 2.27
Orbotech
This export-oriented company, traded on the US stock exchange, engages in printed circuits, and is posting an ongoing improvement in its results.
Share quotation when recommended: $31.75
1997 Yield: 114.8%
Market value to equity: 3.28%
Nice Systems
This export-oriented company engages in the development, manufacture and marketing of communication products and systems. It is considered a leader in its field.
Share quotation when recommended: 17310
1997 Yield: 165.3%
Market value to equity: 3.49
Mofet Venture Capital Fund Management
Mofet invests in know-how - intensive companies, at least 10% of activity in the investee company focusing on research and development. Mofet invests in these companies early in their lifetime, expecting to harvest the fruits by upgrading and floating the companies. The fund has been successful in company issuance in recent years.
Share quotation when recommended: 224
1997 Yield: 48.2%
Market value to equity: 1.27
Formula Systems
Formula engages directly and through subsidiary companies in the development of computer software systems, and the provision of software services to major organisations. In recent years, the company has successfully floated subsidiaries on the US stock exchange, thereby upgrading and increasing its value. Formula is expected to continue with this policy.
Share quotation when recommended: 15190
1997 Yield: 251.9%
Market value to equity: 4.83
Gilat Satellite Networks
This export-oriented company designs, develops, manufactures, markets and supports satellite systems, hub equipment and related software programs.
Over the long term, the company has posted an ongoing improvement in its financial results, and this trend is expected to continue.
Share quotation when recommended: $37.5
1997 Yield: 13.7%
Market value to equity: 3.9
Commercial Banks
Bank Leumi
Bank Leumi is trading at low p/e and equity ratios
compared to prices of overseas banks.
The bank streamlined in recent years, improving profitability.
The sale of the bank's controlling core, expected to take place shortly, ought to generate greater interest, as did the sale of the controlling core in Bank Hapoalim.
Share quotation when recommended: 685
1997 Yield: 41.3%
Market value to equity: 1.10
Bank Hapoalim
Bank Hapoalim is trading at low p/e and equity ratios
compared to prices of overseas banks.
The outlook is for an improvement in operating efficiency, following the recent sale of control to private investors, through a reduced payroll, with some employees being put on personal contracts.
Share quotation when recommended: 1038
1997 Yield: 70.6%
Market value to equity: 1.31
Investment Firms
IDB Development
This is one of Israel's biggest investment firms. Through subsidiaries Discount Investments and PEC the company invests in industrial sectors including: electronics, chemicals, commerce, energy, communications, services, real estate and others.
Share quotation when recommended: 8340
1997 Yield: 46.1%
Market value to equity: 1.01
Clal Israel
One of Israel's biggest investment firms. The group operates in industry, real estate, commerce and services, insurance and the capital market.
The company's new management is implementing significant changes, including reorganisation of the company itself and its subsidiaries. These changes will, in their assessment, bring about improved concern results.
Share quotation when recommended: 108.6
1997 Yield: 26.1%
Market value to equity: 1.16
Koor
This holding company operates through subsidiaries in a diverse range of activities, principally electronics, construction materials, chemicals etc.
Control in the concern was recently acquired by the Claridge group, which is making changes in it, while emphasising electronics and high-tech.
Share quotation when recommended: 47400
1997 Yield: 41.4%
Market value to equity: 1.76
Nothing herein contained should be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell securities, and anyone acting in accordance herewith does so at his/her own risk.
Published by Israel's Business Arena April 19, 1998
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